Beyond human capital: student preparation for graduate life

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-163
Author(s):  
Kelly Benati ◽  
Juan Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Preparation ◽  
As Stress ◽  
Capital Development ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis research moves beyond a focus on employability skills and explores student perceptions of preparedness for graduate life in a more holistic manner.Design/methodology/approachFinal-year business students were asked to outline their concerns regarding graduate life and the personal and professional challenges anticipated in their careers. The results are presented in the context of graduate capitals, which is a broader view than the more traditional skills-based approach.FindingsThe results indicate students do not feel underprepared for the workplace in terms of human capital, social capital, cultural capital and identity capital. However, many students feel inadequately prepared in terms of psychological capital and their ability to deal with the expected challenges of the workplace such as stress, long hours and the demands of a professional environment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends our knowledge of student preparation for the workplace and suggests research opportunities to better understand psychological capital development in graduates.Practical implicationsGreater confidence and a perception of preparedness may be increased for graduates if opportunities for psychological capital development and increased promotion of its importance are enhanced.Social implicationsThe results encourage a more holistic approach to employability in graduates and have relevance for all stakeholders concerned with graduate outcomes and workplace transition.Originality/valueThe paper presents work-readiness in the context of graduate capitals, which is broader than the traditional skills-based approach. It also focuses on student perceptions of their level of preparation for the workplace. This has enabled results which highlight psychological capital development as a key area in which students feel underprepared.

A systematic review of human capital and employee well-being: putting human capital back on the track

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Shamirul Islam ◽  
Muslim Amin
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Journal ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Theories ◽  
Capital Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The review aims to demonstrate a broader perspective of human capital and employee well-being concept. Moreover, the study attempts to analyse theoretical notions underlying human capital and well-being relationship and thus to guide the integration of two distinct concepts. Design/methodology/approach This review followed the systematic literature search protocols from the Academic Journal Guide 2018 generated by the Chartered Association of Business Schools. Sixty-nine quantitative research papers were selected for the review. Findings Human capital is not only about individual competence but includes acquisition, utilization and development of competence in a broader sense. Employee well-being has been discussed from subjective and objective viewpoints and categorized into happiness, health and financial aspects. The review results suggest that various organizational theories, workplace learning and learning organization perspectives underlie human capital and well-being relationship. The review guides that the high involvement working model encapsulates well-being as part of human capital development. Research limitations/implications This review discusses practical implications for human resource management practitioners. Originality/value This review is a unique attempt to assess the human capital and well-being literature systematically.

Getting more than money through online crowdfunding

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Macht ◽  
Geoffrey Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Financial Capital ◽  
Message Board ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Message Boards ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Many businesses invest significant resources to develop human, social and psychological capital, yet Crowdfunding (CF) activities have the potential to build all of these non-financial forms of capital at the same time as raising finance. The purpose of this paper is to explore the non-financial forms of capital that entrepreneurs and businesses using online CF activities can gain from their backers without having to ask for it. Design/methodology/approach The study used thematic, qualitative analysis to explore the comments and queries that crowdfunders posted on the publicly visible message board of individual CF projects on Kickstarter, one of the world’s leading crowdfunding platforms (CFPs). Findings Fund-seekers can gain more than money from crowdfunders: they can enhance their own human capital (e.g. knowledge of the viability of the project), social capital (e.g. the development of a bonding relationship) and psychological capital (e.g. self-efficacy and resilience) by effectively interpreting unsolicited comments and questions. Research limitations/implications This study is based on typed comments on CFP message boards, which limits insights into underlying reasons and motivations. However, the qualitative analysis of message board comments demonstrates how this type of data can be utilised to explore crucial aspects of CF that have to date been neglected. Practical implications Comments from many crowdfunders can provide useful information to fund-seeking entrepreneurs and businesses, although some of it may require interpretation. Originality/value The opportunity for fund-seekers to gain non-financial capital from crowdfunders, without having to ask for it, has not previously been explicitly considered in the field.

Hotel chain development pipelines in Africa: implications for human capital development

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Ward
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hotel Chains ◽  
Development Pipeline ◽  
Capital Development ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hotel Chain ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose Hotel development in Africa is at an all-time high, as entrepreneurs and institutional investors recognise and understand the opportunities, and as the international brands identify the gaps in their system coverage. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the chains’ future development pipelines and the requirement for human capital in those hotels. Design/methodology/approach Information was obtained from the international and regional (African) hotel chains that are signing deals to manage and brand new hotels in Africa, including location, number of rooms, brand and expected opening date. From this, a calculation was made regarding the number of jobs that will be created at different levels. Findings The findings show the number of hotels in the chains’ development pipeline in Nigeria and the human capital requirement in those hotels. Practical implications Governments, investors, operators and educators can benefit from the findings presented and develop relevant policies that will impact positively on human capital in Africa. Originality/value This paper outlines the impact of hotel growth on human capital needs in Africa.

Cash waqf model for micro enterprises’ human capital development

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Asmy Mohd Thas Thaker ◽  
Md Fouad Amin ◽  
Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker ◽  
Ahmad Khaliq ◽  
Anwar Allah Pitchay
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Human Capital Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
Capital Development ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Viable Model ◽  
Micro Enterprises

Purpose The present paper aims to propose a viable alternative model for human capital development (HCD), termed as the integrated cash waqf micro enterprises investment (ICWME-I) model, which is expected to contribute to the development of micro enterprises in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper for the development of the ICWME-I model. It is purely qualitative in nature, using content analysis. It comprehensively reviews the literature related to HCD issues faced by micro enterprises and existing studies related to cash waqf (Islamic endowment) to construct the ICWME-I model. Findings The proposed ICWME-I model is specially designed for HCD of micro enterprises. It is an appropriate initiative to upgrade micro enterprises through HCD programmes by ensuring proper utilization of cash waqf funds to build modern training centres at subsidized costs with state-of-the-art facilities. The training centres would subsidize the participation fees of micro enterprises and provide them with facilities to undertake education and training programmes, as well as other kinds of activities for upgrading, improving and enhancing human capital capacity and skills of micro enterprises. The potential challenges of the ICWME-I model are also highlighted in this study. Research limitations/implications This paper attempts to construct the ICWME-I model based on an extensive review of literature related to micro enterprises, cash waqf and HCD. Among its major limitations is the fact that the ICWME-I model is not empirically validated and tested in this research. This can be carried out in future studies. Practical implications The present study could have an enormous impact on micro entrepreneurs via HCD programmes. The most important impact would be on government budgets, as this ICWME-I model is expected to generate its own funds from cash waqf for micro enterprises’ HCD. Originality/value This paper brings forward an original and viable model to develop human capital for micro enterprises development. This model involves the building of training centres using cash waqf raised from donors.

Collaborative spaces: at the intersection of design and management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Bachnik ◽  
Isa Moll ◽  
Jordi Montaña
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Design Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Joint Project ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Collaborative Spaces ◽  
Common Understanding ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Because of the differing perceptions held by each position or professional subculture, forming a collaborative and productive workplace with design and management teams can be challenging. In light of these anticipated obstacles to success in the workplace, this paper aims to ascertain the prospects for common undertakings within a business. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on an analysis of a survey conducted among design and business students who had the opportunity to work together on a joint project and present their recommendations for an actual market-based organization. Findings Despite differences between the groups, there is a common understanding of organizational goals and willingness to undertake a joint effort to achieve them. This is accomplished through leveraging one another’s professional expertise, building trust through finishing the business projects and discovering tangible end results. Any evident differences between the groups seem to complement one another, thus creating common ground for effective collaboration. Research limitations/implications This is a study of a limited number of students enrolled in two universities in Spain. To ensure generalizability, research extended to more higher education institutions is needed. Practical implications The authors strongly believe that students are the future of business. As a result, understanding how they perceive any tension, integration or responsibilities of design and management helps with curriculum development two-fold: first, student perceptions help address any issues that can increase or hinder chances for efficient collaboration; second, student perceptions address the larger issue of design–management integration in business. Originality/value The authors studied a unique environment for collaboration beyond traditional organizational divisions and allowed study behaviors of students representing two professional backgrounds.

Human resource development in Mauritius: context, challenges and opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 210-214
Author(s):  
Thomas N. Garavan ◽  
Harris Neeliah ◽  
Raj Auckloo ◽  
Raj Ragaven
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Resource Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Contextual Fit ◽  
Capital Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore human resource development (HRD) in Mauritius and the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations in different sectors in adopting HRD practices. Findings This special issue presents four papers that explore dimensions of HRD in public sector, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tourism organisations. It also reports on human capital development in the Mauritian economy generally. Research limitations/implications There is a paucity of knowledge and understanding on HRD in Mauritian organisations. There is significant scope to further explore the effectiveness of national policies and interventions in enhancing HRD and human capital capability. Practical implications The four papers highlight the important role of organisational champions and of the selection and implantation of HRD practices that are good contextual fit and which can contribute to organisation performance.

Intellectual capital in family firms: human capital identification and measurement

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Claver-Cortés ◽  
Patrocinio Carmen Zaragoza-Sáez ◽  
Hipólito Molina-Manchón ◽  
Mercedes Úbeda-García
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Based on the literature devoted to family firms and the intellectual capital-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is not only to identify the most important human capital intangibles owned by family firms but also to show a number of indicators that can help measure them. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case-study-based research approach was adopted taking as reference: 25 family firms belonging to different sectors; previous works existing in the literature; and the intellectus model. Findings – The present study identifies ten intangibles associated with the human capital of family firms and shows 60 indicators that can be used to measure them. It additionally provides empirical evidence and gives examples of these intangibles through the analysis of 25 international family firms. Research limitations/implications – The difficulty in collecting all the human capital intangibles of family firms; the problems associated with the creation of accurate indicators; and those specific to the research methodology adopted. Practical implications – Identifying the human capital intangibles of family firms and their indicators can help managers become aware of their importance, and this will consequently help them improve their management. This could be an interesting starting point to value these intangibles in the balance sheet as well as to draw comparisons between family and non-family organisations. Originality/value – The framework provided by family firms sheds light on several intangibles specific to these firms – precisely for their condition as “family” firms. Those intangibles – human capital intangibles being especially highlighted in this study – provide the basis for the achievement of competitive advantages.

Four ways mind–body infused coaching approaches sharpen executives’ performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 282-289
Author(s):  
Alison Horstmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Personality Types ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Body Practices ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to describe mind–body infused coaching and to explain four distinct effects it can have on organizational executives and employees. Design/methodology/approach A review of theory and research on mind–body practices, emotional intelligence and work performance was conducted. A case study from the author’s experience also is included. Findings Mind–body infused coaching activates employees’ awareness, ignites a strengths-based approach, improves inner workings of the brain, boosts emotional intelligence and promotes curiosity. Practical implications HR professionals and managers are encouraged to obtain training in evidence-based mind–body principles to improve and sustain outcomes when coaching organizational executives and employees. Originality/value Conventional coaching approaches tend to be highly reductionistic by focusing solely on employees’ personality types, soft skills or achievement of specific goals. This paper discusses a holistic approach to coaching the whole person and outlines four specific benefits that could be anticipated as a result.

HC and financial performance with two HRM strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nopadol Rompho
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Lead Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategy Choice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between levels of human capital and financial performance of firms that use two distinct human resource management (HRM) strategies. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 128 HRM managers was conducted to assess differences in human capital between firms using different HRM strategies. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between firms’ human capital and financial performance. Findings The results show that companies employing a make-organic strategy have a higher level of human capital than companies employing a buy-bureaucratic strategy. There was no relationship between the level of human capital and long term financial performance of firms with both make-organic and buy-bureaucratic strategies. Research limitations/implications This research contributes toward understanding the effect of HRM strategy and facilitates an optimal strategy choice depending on the organization. However, this study did not consider the lead time between changes in human capital and the effect on financial performance. Practical implications The research encourages firm managers to understand the value of human capital, preparing them for changes in the future. Originality/value This study is among the first to investigate the relationship between human capital and financial performance considering different HRM strategies.

The impact of FDI on human capital development in SACU countries

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Winfried Henok ◽  
Teresia Kaulihowa
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Secondary Level ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Human Capital Development ◽  
Member States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Capital Development ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how FDI trickle down to human capital development in SACU member states.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal research design and feasible general least squares was used over the periods 1990 and 2018.FindingsThere is supporting evidence that FDI enhances human capital when primary school enrolment rate is used. However, the reverse holds for the secondary level of education. It can be argued that although FDI exhibits a positive effect on primary education, optimal spillovers to human capital development has not been realized. An indication that certain level of human capital may be required to ensure the optimal benefit of FDI or the types of current FDI does not enhance FDI-led-human capital hypothesis.Practical implicationsThe negative effect of FDI toward secondary level of education could be an indication of a weak absorptive capacity. SACU's current dominance of FDI activities toward extractive industries could limit potential benefit of FDI due to capacity constraints. Practical policy implications indicate that SACU member states need to ensure that it attracts FDI toward smart investment that enhances human capital development.Social implicationsThere is need to a gear FDI firms toward corporate social responsibilities that will stimulate secondary education.Originality/valueThe novelty of this paper is twofold. First, it focuses on SACU countries where majority of the people are trapped with poverty and inequality issues. Second, SACU member states have used greenfield FDI as a policy instrument to enhance human capital. However, human capital link remains weak. This creates a need to search for smart FDIs that are committed toward community transformation through human capital development.

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