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1 – 10 of over 1000
Book part
Publication date: 2 September 2024

Nikola Ćurčić, Aleksandar Grubor and Vuk Miletić

Human resources (HR) are undoubtedly one of the most important factors of any organization. That is why making decisions on the HR policy is becoming a very sensitive issue, both…

Abstract

Human resources (HR) are undoubtedly one of the most important factors of any organization. That is why making decisions on the HR policy is becoming a very sensitive issue, both when hiring adequate candidates for the job and during the process work, i.e., during training and development of employees who work in the organization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of HR and decisions on the HR policy as the premise for generating the organization’s expected business excellence. The starting assumption of this chapter is that appropriate decisions on the HR policy are predictors of engaging adequate employees and managing their potentials on the right way. The research is directed toward identifying differences in decisions on the personnel policy in organizations from Serbia that have different decision-makers and different management styles, which are directly related to their business success. Apart from the decision-maker, a significant role in profiling an organization’s personnel should also be done by the Human Resource Department, who take part in recruiting, selecting for education, building, and motivating personnel. In order to confirm the starting assumption, the comparative analysis method, the synthesis method, and the multiple comparison and statistical test methods are used.

Details

Emerging Patterns and Behaviors in a Green Resilient Economy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-781-4

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 September 2024

Jakob B Sørensen

In general, this Clause deals with the requirements pertaining to the recruitment and employment of Contractor’s Personnel. ‘Staff and Labour’ are not defined terms but this…

Abstract

In general, this Clause deals with the requirements pertaining to the recruitment and employment of Contractor’s Personnel. ‘Staff and Labour’ are not defined terms but this Clause deals primarily with Contractor’s Personnel, i.e. also the employees of Subcontractors and ‘any other personnel assisting the Contractor in the execution of the Works’, see Sub-Clause 1.1.16. However, some of the Sub-Clauses in Clause 6 [Staff and Labour] do not make it clear whether they relate solely to the Contractor’s ‘staff and labour’ or to Contractor’s Personnel in general, but this could be clarified in the Special Provisions

Details

FIDIC Yellow Book: A Companion to the 2017 Plant and Design-Build Contract, Revised Edition
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-164-7

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

Michael Joseph Hosken and Sharon L. O'Sullivan

The a priori identification and development of army personnel competencies are necessary to enable effective and efficient responses to rapidly changing climate conditions…

Abstract

Purpose

The a priori identification and development of army personnel competencies are necessary to enable effective and efficient responses to rapidly changing climate conditions. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the performance requirements of a military flood responder and the competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) required to perform it.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an abductive approach, the authors conducted both secondary and primary research to generate a validated framework of performance criteria and competencies for army personnel responding to floods. This literature review integrated both the peer-reviewed academic literature and public sector grey literature. Using the critical incident technique, the authors then conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who had previously been tasked with flood response operations. Participants were asked about the tasks required while conducting flood response operations. Interview transcripts were then content analysed to identify themes regarding those tasks, and the competencies needed to perform those tasks were then extracted and contrasted with the literature review findings. Inter-rater reliability for the analysis was established via iterative discussion between the two co-authors.

Findings

The primary data reinforced and expanded the list of performance expectations that the authors deductively identified from the integrated literature review, adding granularity to each. It also identified competencies (including both hard and soft skills) and highlighted previously neglected contextual antecedents of military flood response effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

though knowledge saturation was achieved from the 15 interviews conducted, further research with larger samples could more deeply ground the evidence discovered in this study. Nevertheless, the competencies identified in this paper could serve as a starting guide to staffing and/or training interventions targeted at improving these competencies for personnel responding to flood scenarios.

Practical implications

The theoretical findings also have immediate practical relevance to training for flood response operations. In particular, the subtle challenges in competency crossover from military operations to flood response operations may facilitate not only more efficient, targeted training (that could improve the effectiveness of army personnel involved in humanitarian roles), but could be applied to the selection of army personnel as well. This study may also help provincial/municipal operators and emergency planners by better communicating the strengths and limitations of army personnel in addressing civilian military cooperation for humanitarian operations. Thus, the findings of this research study represent an important first step in prompting attention to the strategic human resource planning studies required to make all responders more efficient and effective in their respective division of labour within the humanitarian domain.

Social implications

Peering a little beyond these research findings, human-induced climate change is expected to continue increasing the frequency of such events (IPCC, 2021), and a timely, national force is likely to be increasingly required for Canadians impacted by major disasters stemming from natural hazards when local resources become overwhelmed. Yet, there is some concern from the CAF that increasing responsiveness to disaster operations will affect their military readiness (Leuprecht and Kasurak, 2020). One can indeed envision a paradox whereby the CAF is both a “force of last resort” while increasingly becoming a “first choice for domestic disaster and emergency assistance”. The practical implications from this research also suggest that military personnel, while fully capable of successfully conducting flood response operations, may become overburdened and less able to adopt yet greater capacity and training for other additional humanitarian work. Nevertheless, the competencies highlighted by participants can help inform the next flood response operation in Canada.

Originality/value

Most literature in the field of emergency response focuses on cooperation between civilian and military resources and other strategic-level themes. The findings address critical granularity missing at the operational and tactical levels of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief research. The authors also draw implications beyond the military context, including for local/regional governmental players (operators and emergency planners) as well as for volunteers in flood response roles.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

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Article
Publication date: 22 November 2023

Salameh A. Mjlae

The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of cloud computing adoption (CCA) as a proxy for information technology (IT) flexibility (ITF) and IT effectiveness (ITE…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of cloud computing adoption (CCA) as a proxy for information technology (IT) flexibility (ITF) and IT effectiveness (ITE) among Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework with five hypotheses has been developed based on the results of previous studies. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling has been used for data analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that elements of ITF in two domains, IT technical resource (connectivity, modularityand compatibility) and IT human resource (IT personnel skills) specific to CCA, were significantly correlated with ITE.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have crucial implications: they contribute to the research community, administrators and cloud computing providers (CSPs) concerning the framework-improved procedure for CCA. The proposed model can enhance the awareness of service providers about why some SMEs accept cloud computing services, whereas actually the same ones having the same type of business do not. In addition, the above providers should enhance their interaction with the SMEs that contributed to the cloud computing knowledge to make a well-organized setting for the CCA, specifically, SMEs need that adopt an on-premise private cloud architecture. Moreover, necessary to determine the challenges in deploying solutions from the perspective of CSPs. The sample has been limited to Jordan respondents.

Practical implications

The research studies about the usage of cloud computing have shown its effects on SMEs today. Also, the different impacts of cloud computing on other sectors are at the center of attention. SMEs could get significant advantages by carefully considering and managing CCA from the ITF and ITE perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to develop a framework for CCA based on the standpoint of ITF in two domains, IT technical resources (connectivity, modularity and compatibility) and IT human resources (IT personnel skills) and effectiveness.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 52 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 September 2024

Shuhua Sun

The primary objective of this chapter is to synthesize and organize prevailing theoretical perspectives on metacognition into a framework that can enhance understanding of…

Abstract

The primary objective of this chapter is to synthesize and organize prevailing theoretical perspectives on metacognition into a framework that can enhance understanding of metacognitive phenomena, with the aim of stimulating future research in the field of organizational behavior and human resources management (OBHRM). The author starts with a review of the history of metacognition research, distinguishing it from related theoretical constructs such as cognition, executive function, and self-regulation. Following this, the author outlines five constituent elements of metacognition – metacognitive knowledge, metacognitive experiences, metacognitive monitoring, a dynamic mental model, and metacognitive control – with discussions on their interrelationships and respective functions. Two approaches to metacognition, a process approach and an individual-difference approach, are then presented, summarizing key questions and findings from each. Finally, three broad directions for future research in OBHRM are proposed: examining metacognitive processes, considering mechanisms beyond learning to explain the effects of metacognition, and exploring both domain-specific and general metacognitive knowledge and skills. The implications of these research directions for personnel and human resources management practices are discussed.

Details

Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-889-2

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 September 2024

Jakob B Sørensen

Clause 1 [General Provisions] contains the provisions that in many contracts are bundled together under the ‘miscellaneous’ or ‘other provisions’ heading and includes a list of…

Abstract

Clause 1 [General Provisions] contains the provisions that in many contracts are bundled together under the ‘miscellaneous’ or ‘other provisions’ heading and includes a list of definitions, some interpretation principles, rules on communication between the Parties, documents forming the Contract, assignment, confidentiality etc. But Clause 1 also contains other provisions, like the Employer's right to use documentation and other deliverables provided by the Contractor (in other contracts usually referred to as a license to use), and a substantive Sub-Clause on limitation of liability.

Details

FIDIC Yellow Book: A Companion to the 2017 Plant and Design-Build Contract, Revised Edition
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-164-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Hendrik Winzer, Tor Kristian Stevik, Kaspar Akilles Lilja, Therese Seljevold and Joachim Scholderer

Tactical capacity planning is crucial when hospitals must cope with substantial changes in patient requirements, as recently experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. However…

Abstract

Purpose

Tactical capacity planning is crucial when hospitals must cope with substantial changes in patient requirements, as recently experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there is only little understanding of the nature of capacity limitations in a hospital, which is essential for effective tactical capacity planning.

Design/methodology/approach

We report a detailed analysis of capacity limitations at a Norwegian tertiary public hospital and conducted 22 in-depth interviews. The informants participated in capacity planning and decision-making during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data are clustered into categories of capacity limitations and a correspondence analysis provides additional insights.

Findings

Personnel and information were the most mentioned types of capacity limitations, and middle management and organizational functions providing specialized treatment felt most exposed to capacity limitations. Further analysis reveals that capacity limitations are dynamic and vary across hierarchical levels and organizational functions.

Research limitations/implications

Future research on tactical capacity planning should take interdisciplinary patient pathways better into account as capacity limitations are dynamic and systematically different for organizational functions and hierarchical levels.

Practical implications

We argue that our study possesses common characteristics of tertiary public hospitals, including professional silos and fragmentation of responsibilities along patient pathways. Therefore, we recommend operations managers in hospitals to focus more on intra-organizational information flows to increase the agility of their organization.

Originality/value

Our detailed capacity limitation analysis at a tertiary public hospital in Norway during the Covid-19 pandemic provides novel insights into the nature of capacity limitations, which may enhance tactical capacity planning.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Dohyeong Kim, Jaehun Yang, Doyeop Lee, Dongmin Lee, Farzad Rahimian and Chansik Park

Computer vision (CV) offers a promising approach to transforming the conventional in-person inspection practices prevalent within the construction industry. However, the reliance…

Abstract

Purpose

Computer vision (CV) offers a promising approach to transforming the conventional in-person inspection practices prevalent within the construction industry. However, the reliance on centralized systems in current CV-based inspections introduces a vulnerability to potential data manipulation. Unreliable inspection records make it challenging for safety managers to make timely decisions to ensure safety compliance. To address this issue, this paper proposes a blockchain (BC) and CV-based framework to enhance safety inspections at construction sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a BC-enhanced CV approach. By leveraging CV and BC, safety conditions are automatically identified from site images and can be reliably recorded as safety inspection data through the BC network. Additionally, by using this data, smart contracts coordinate inspection tasks, assign responsibilities and verify safety performance, managing the entire safety inspection process remotely.

Findings

A case study confirms the framework’s applicability and efficacy in facilitating remote and reliable safety inspections. The proposed framework is envisaged to greatly improve current safety inspection practices and, in doing so, contribute to reduced accidents and injuries in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study provides novel and practical guidance for integrating CV and BC in construction safety inspection. It fulfills an identified need to study how to leverage CV-based inspection results for remotely managing the safety inspection process using BC. This work not only takes a significant step towards data-driven decision-making in the safety inspection process, but also paves the way for future studies aiming to develop tamper-proof data management systems for industrial inspections and audits.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Melanie M. Lazarus and Joseph P. Nalepka

The results of the COVID-19 pandemic rendered the traditional work environment model obsolete for the United States Air Force, resulting in the need to create a new hybrid work…

Abstract

Purpose

The results of the COVID-19 pandemic rendered the traditional work environment model obsolete for the United States Air Force, resulting in the need to create a new hybrid work model that fits unique employee needs in a complex organization. This practitioner article discusses how the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) built the Mission-Focused Agile Work Environment (MFAWE) using a combination of human and mission-focused strategies to ensure a more flexible work environment without compromising excellence or its employees' well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an action research approach, data was collected by 77 diverse stakeholders in six working groups. Five perspectives were examined – employee, operations, infrastructure, leadership and mission – using a combination of literature and policy reviews, interviews, surveys and personal experiences to deliver recommendations to leadership for implementation.

Findings

The MFAWE addressed hybrid work transition requirements, including employee guidance, permanent workspace guidelines and facilities. Lessons learned from implementation included the need for a change management and communication strategy. An employee playbook was found to be an effective modality for information sharing but not for policy enforcement. Employee preference for permanent space regardless of time on site due to sanitation and mental health concerns was also discovered.

Originality/value

This article showcases how a large, complex organization built a new hybrid work model using employee-inclusive practices, filling a gap in the literature. This project also uncovered complex interdependencies when transitioning to a hybrid work model, including employee preferences.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Tiina Pesonen, Juhani Sulander, Hanna Tiirinki, Pekka Räsänen, Merja Sahlström, Ilmo Keskimäki and Timo Sinervo

Integrated care is the leading approach to developing health and social care services in Finland. After the national health and social care reform, the importance of assessing…

Abstract

Purpose

Integrated care is the leading approach to developing health and social care services in Finland. After the national health and social care reform, the importance of assessing integration has been emphasized. The aim of this study was to pilot the SCIROCCO tool, which assesses integration maturity, in Finland. The SCIROCCO tool was translated and adapted to the Finnish health and social care context. The feasibility and utility of this tool for assessing the maturity for integration across health and social care in Finland were evaluated using empirical pilot data collected among employees of selected well-being service counties. The study also provided baseline information on the maturity of integration after the national health and social care reform.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees (n = 111) of different personnel groups in health and social care services in four well-being service counties assessed the maturity of integration using a web-based survey. A pilot study design was used.

Findings

The SCIROCCO tool was found to be useful for assessing the maturity of integration in health and social care within the well-being service counties. However, the tool requires further development to be fully adapted to the Finnish health and social care system and to assess integration across sectors. The results emphasize the need to understand the perspectives of different personnel groups on integration and to consider them in the development work.

Originality/value

This was the first study conducted in Finland that provided valuable insights into the assessment of integration across the health and social care sectors. This study establishes the foundation for future research and development in the field of integration assessment.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

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