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Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Ahmad Sarfaraz, Kouroush Jenab and Andrew Bowker

The purpose of this paper is to examine the need for a statistical approach in the development of personnel aspiring for a technical manager/technical team leader position in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the need for a statistical approach in the development of personnel aspiring for a technical manager/technical team leader position in order to increase corporate profitability. It outlines the details of management training for managerial positions by chronicling the research of thirty academic studies in management strategy as well as real world experiences, which provides a statistical viewpoint for the development of a technical manager/technical team leader as a significant contributor to profitability within the corporate landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

This study begins by validating the strategic management model (Process 1), which states that managerial influences in the organization are important to consider and greatly affect the profitability of a corporation. Statistical methodologies are introduced as tools for the analysis in the development of the technical management/technical team leader position. Using interval-based analytical hierarchy process (i-AHP), the beginning of the process to develop a manager starts with Process 2 at their initial position, developing an employee using personnel management techniques and statistically measuring motivation and commitment. After the employee has demonstrated their abilities and gained knowledge of the people and processes, another assessment is conducted to enter the employee into a development position; Process 3. Process 3 considers the key metrics which will be necessary to allow the employee to develop corporate advantages. Process 4 shows the critical concepts (Process 1 and Process 2) that managers must consider when taking a technical manager/technical team leader role, including personnel development, knowledge management, and project management.

Findings

Corporate profitability is profoundly dependent on the development of employees throughout their careers. The profitability achieved within a corporation landscape can be evaluated and improved through the proposed processes. These processes not only can improve the ability for a newly appointed technical manager/technical team leader to overcome obstacles and navigate difficult situations but also increase the chances for: developing employees to increase corporate profitability, increase corporate profitability themselves, and to develop as a future manager who will be significantly increasing corporate profitability.

Originality/value

This study proposed the statistical processes to develop a technical manager/technical team leader candidate by creating a link between the initiation of the employee’s career, their future job positioning, team working skills, leadership attributes, development of technical management/technical team leading skills, and later management skills to increase corporate profitability.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2021

Ayman Bahjat Abdallah, Rasha Zuhair Alkhaldi and Majed M. Aljuaid

The purpose of the current study is to address a debatable issue in the extant literature regarding lean management (LM), innovation and operational performance (OP) relationships…

1126

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to address a debatable issue in the extant literature regarding lean management (LM), innovation and operational performance (OP) relationships in the manufacturing SMEs. It conceptualizes LM in terms of social and technical aspects and investigates their effects on process innovation, management innovation and OP. The mediating roles of process and management innovations on social/technical-OP relationships are also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes survey data gathered from 268 manufacturing SMEs belonging to different industry types in Jordan. Validity and reliability tests of the first and second order constructs were performed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Both social and technical LM were found to positively affect OP. Social LM positively affected both process and management innovations. However, the effect of technical LM on both types of innovation was not significant. In addition, process and management innovations positively mediated social LM-OP relationship. Nonetheless, neither type of innovation showed mediating effects on technical LM-OP relationship.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to highlight the proposed relationships, in general, and in the context of SMEs in a developing country context, in particular. It offers important implications for the managers of SMEs to benefit from LM implementation and avoid its failure, enhance innovation efforts by focusing on social LM practices and subsequently achieve higher levels of OP.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 September 2021

Yannis Steffen Oetken, Christian Hofstadler and Felix Meckmann

The individual levels involved in real estate management are thoroughly discussed in the literature. This paper provides a structured meta-analysis of the different theoretical…

Abstract

Purpose

The individual levels involved in real estate management are thoroughly discussed in the literature. This paper provides a structured meta-analysis of the different theoretical approaches in German-speaking countries. It also investigates the integration of transaction management and technical due diligence into the concepts of organisation theory. In this process, the interfaces are analysed and optimised models are developed for transferring the technical due diligence findings to the operational level.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with transaction management experts were conducted based on a narrative literature review. These interviews shed light on how the components of transaction management and due diligence are integrated into the transaction process, with a particular focus on technical due diligence. They also provide insights into how the related results are taken into account in relation to the transaction, and how they are transferred into the operational phase.

Findings

It becomes apparent that the role of transaction management is not clearly defined and delimited in the structural model of the real estate industry. Technical due diligence findings are usually transferred to the operation of the property via several, manual interfaces with corresponding losses of knowledge. The related models derived and developed for the purpose of operational optimisation define the role of transaction management against a technical background and identify the interfaces to be considered.

Practical implications

The significance of transaction management for subsequent operations is discussed and elaborated on. More specifically, transferring safety-relevant, high-priority findings from the technical due diligence exercise plays a crucial role for the modelling stage. On the implementation level, the derived models serve as a basis for customising the internal organisational structure.

Originality/value

In Germany, there has hardly been any research into the involvement of technical experts in the real estate transaction process to date. This paper provides initial approaches to optimising organisational structures and sustainably integrating technical due diligence findings into real estate operations.

Article
Publication date: 28 April 2020

Abdulmalik Sa'eed, Nuru Gambo, Ibrahim Ibrahim Inuwa and Innocent Musonda

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of financial management practices of small-scale building contractors on the technical performance of the contractors in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of financial management practices of small-scale building contractors on the technical performance of the contractors in the northern part of Nigeria with international best practices. Previous studies argued that the technical performance of small-scale building contractors in developing countries is poor because of insufficient cash to acquire strategic resources at the outset of a project. This continues to pose a challenge to the sustainable development of the construction industry, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. There is, therefore, a need to identify, assess and compare the effects of financial practices of the contractors with technical performance best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The technical performance of each contractor was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. This is used to obtain the mean technical performance levels of the contractors. A questionnaire survey was administered to the professionals in the industry who were selected by using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The contractors’ performance was compared using ANOVA with post hoc, and the effects of contractors’ financial management practices were determined using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that the contractors in Nigeria were average technical performers and there were large effects of financial management practices on the technical performance of contractors in building projects.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to small-scale building contractors in northeast Nigeria. One of the implications of this study is that it provides the criteria for an evaluation of small-scale building contractors’ technical performance in Nigeria and other developing countries that faced similar problems.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are that it establishes the current level of contractors' technical performance and serves as an awareness of contractors' current financial practices.

Social implications

This study created bases for self-evaluation of contractors’ technical performance and competition among small-scale contractors in Nigeria for the enhancement of productivity particularly in rural areas for national development.

Originality/value

This study emanated from the government reports and past studies in the area of performance management based on the persistence of poor technical performance of small-scale contractors in the construction industry.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2012

Suhazimah Dzazali and Ali Hussein Zolait

The purpose of this paper is to examine the basis factors involved in the information security management systems of Malaysian public service (MPS) organizations. Therefore, it…

1706

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the basis factors involved in the information security management systems of Malaysian public service (MPS) organizations. Therefore, it proposes an empirical analysis which was conducted to identify the antecedents of the information security maturity (ISM) of an organization; and to clarify the relationship between ISM and the social and technical factors identified.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative approach, convenience sampling and the required data collected from 970 key players' managers in information security, in a total of 722 government agencies, through a self‐administrated survey. Research adopted the Wallace et al. process to develop and validate the study's instrument.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights and reveals a number of underlying dimensions of social factors and one technical factor. The risk management was found to be the formal coping mechanism adopted in the MPS organizations and is the leading factor towards ISM. The social factors have the most influence on MPS organizations' ISM. Findings demonstrate that two independent variables, risk management and individual perception, discriminate between those organizations that have high and low ISM.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack generalization; therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further in a different context.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of a powerful instrument in explaining the ISM. Moreover, it helps internal stakeholders of an organization to formulate a more appropriate policy or give a more effective focus on issues that are really relevant to MPS information security management.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the identified need to explore determinants of information security maturity.

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2023

Hazem Abdulla, Catherine McCauley-Smith and Sina Moradi

Project managers' competencies contribute toward project success in a considerable manner. The significance of technical competencies' (TCs) contribution toward success in Oil and…

Abstract

Purpose

Project managers' competencies contribute toward project success in a considerable manner. The significance of technical competencies' (TCs) contribution toward success in Oil and Gas (O&G) projects is even higher due to the complexity and the technology-intensive nature of these projects. However, technical competencies have often been overlooked in favor of behavioral competencies or simply identified and listed in terms of their significance. Thus, there is currently very limited research-based knowledge concerning the contribution mechanisms of technical competencies toward project execution success. Hence, the aim of this study is to explore the contribution mechanisms of TCs toward success in O&G projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was employed as the research strategy through which data was collected from project professionals in O&G projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain using semi-structured interviews. Transcripts of the interviews were then analyzed through thematic analysis method with the aid of NVIVO 12.

Findings

The findings reveal six mechanisms through which technical competencies of project managers contribute toward execution success in O&G projects. TCs not only act as a launch pad toward project success, but also help in optimizing engineering designs throughout the project life cycle.

Originality/value

Instead of simply identifying and listing TCs, the obtained results enhance our current understanding of their contribution mechanisms toward project success in O&G projects.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 16 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2021

DC Sirimewan, Aparna Samaraweera, NHC Manjula, Raufdeen Rameezdeen, MNN Rodrigo and EMAC Ekanayake

Irrigation System Management (ISM) poses many issues in terms of social and technical aspects. These can be further elaborated as the issues toward the efficiency of…

Abstract

Purpose

Irrigation System Management (ISM) poses many issues in terms of social and technical aspects. These can be further elaborated as the issues toward the efficiency of infrastructure, equity of water sharing, environmental integrity and economic acceptability. Water losses and the structural changes of the system caused many issues putting the irrigation system into distress. Hence, this urges the need for sustainable ISM to improve social and technical attributes in ISM. This paper aims to apply the Socio-Technical Systems (STSs) theory for sustainable ISM.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative expert opinion survey method was selected as the research strategy to approach the research aim. Sixteen industry professionals in the ISM sector were selected through the purposive sampling method to conduct semi-structured interviews to collect data in the Sri Lankan context. Code-based content analysis through a directed approach was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Four main categories of strategies were emerged from the research findings as “engineering strategies”, “operational strategies”, “management strategies” and “regulatory strategies” through STS approach for sustainable ISM. The STS framework was developed by combining engineering and operational strategies into the technical subsystem and the management and regulatory strategies into the social subsystem to approach the aim of achieving contemporary system management in irrigation in a sustainable manner.

Originality/value

The research revealed the links between the strategies emerged from various disciplines to minimise the issues in ISM from the perspectives of technical and social subsystems. The study contributes to knowledge by providing a framework for sustainable ISM by applying the socio-technical systems theory by integrating the concepts of sustainability.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2007

Johan Hendrik van Mossel and Ad Straub

This paper aims to provide a systematic connection between the special institutional environment of the Dutch social housing sector, public tasks for the social housing sector…

1285

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a systematic connection between the special institutional environment of the Dutch social housing sector, public tasks for the social housing sector, the organisational goals of housing associations, and their procurement strategy for technical management services.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on expert interviews, expert meetings and a literature review, a conceptual model is created that helps focusing the procurement of technical management services.

Findings

For social enterprises such as housing associations, just as all for‐profit enterprises, the determination of strategic organisational directions is essential for success. The literature review revealed few possible strategic focal points for housing associations: financial performances and social performances. The procurement of technical management can contribute shaping these performances. Making the right choices in the supplier selection, based on the strategic focal direction of housing associations, enables housing associations to improve organisational effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The research is directed towards the organisational goals of housing associations, while the procurement strategy of housing associations should also be based on the characteristics of the different items that are procured. Further detailed research is needed to decide on appropriate procurement strategies for different products and services purchased by housing associations.

Practical implications

Procurement strategy and in particular supplier selection and specification choices can be adapted to the specific situation of social enterprises, such as housing associations, and be connected to the strategic directions of the individual organisation.

Originality/value

This paper aims at narrowing this knowledge gap, for academics, purchasers and housing associations' general managers.

Details

Property Management, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 April 2001

Daniela Gabric and Kathleen L. McFadden

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a significant difference between employers and students on their perceptions of the importance of skills and traits…

876

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a significant difference between employers and students on their perceptions of the importance of skills and traits critical for securing entry‐level employment in operations management. Another major concern in this study is whether employers value general skills more than technical abilities. To address our research questions, a two‐page questionnaire was developed. We found significant differences in mean scores between employers and students in their perceptions of the importance of general skills, technical skills, and personality characteristics. In addition, our findings indicate that employers value general skills significantly higher than technical skills. The results of this study provide a foundation for operations management programs in curricula reengineering and ultimately provide the business community with more qualified applicants.

Details

American Journal of Business, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1935-5181

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1993

Jon Clark

Draws on findings from recent survey and case study evidence toidentify key aspects of the relation between technical change and humanresource management. Begins by examining the…

Abstract

Draws on findings from recent survey and case study evidence to identify key aspects of the relation between technical change and human resource management. Begins by examining the primary role played by general and line managers in managing advanced technical change. Also highlights the persistent and widespread support for technical change among both manual and non‐manual workers. Analyses three examples where human resource specialists have played a proactive role in the introduction of technical change, identifying the main characteristics of these cases. Concludes by drawing some practical implications of advanced technical change for the management of human resources in work organizations.

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