Appraising clever people: lessons from introducing performance reviews for academics in a UK University

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hedda Bird
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Review ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Performance Reviews ◽  
Practical Challenge ◽  
Set Up

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to build understanding of how to engage a highly educated workforce with the benefits of performance management through sharing the lessons learned from introducing performance reviews (appraisals) into an academic environment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study of a four-year programme in a UK higher education establishment. The author was closely involved in the last two years of the programme, and completed a detailed evaluation of the programme for the client. Findings – Performance management creates significant value within a highly educated workforce through bringing together individual capability and expertise to focus on delivering the strategy. Obstacles to success such as routine complaints of “time-wasting” and “pointlessness” can be overcome by wide and deep engagement with employees throughout the design and development of the approach. Research limitations/implications – This is a single case study; however, the author has worked on many similar programmes with highly educated work forces with very similar results. Practical implications – The vast majority of staff positively want a high-quality performance review; the practical challenge is to channel this desire into shared ownership and responsibility for the success of performance review in practice. Originality/value – Literature abounds with analysis of what is wrong with performance review, this paper is a rarer piece in that it develops our understanding of how to set up performance management and review for success.

Funding sources and performance management systems: an empirical study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manzurul Alam ◽  
Megan Paull ◽  
Anne Peachey ◽  
David Holloway ◽  
John Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Management Systems ◽  
Funding Sources

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how performance management systems in nonprofit organizations are influenced by their funding sources. It explains how resources motivate organizations to diversify their strategies with attended performance management systems. Design/methodology/approach It adopts a qualitative case study approach involving semi-structured interviews with key informants in a nonprofit organization to understand the evolving nature of performance management systems associated with different funding sources. Findings The findings suggest that the case study organization changed its revenue base along with its performance management systems to satisfy the reporting and accountability requirements of different funding sources. Despite external funding sources detailing different restrictions and requirements, the overall performance management system was able to manage these different expectations. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a single case study, and its findings need to be interpreted with care, as there are differences between nonprofit organizations because they differ in their environments, services and funding. Originality/value This paper contributes to extant knowledge on how organizational performance management is influenced by funding sources, providing insights at the operational and governance levels.

Application of Lean Six Sigma in conservative dentistry: an action research at an Indian dental college

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Noronha ◽  
Shreeranga Bhat ◽  
E.V. Gijo ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Suma Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conservative Dentistry ◽  
Tools And Techniques

PurposeThe article evaluates the obstacles, lessons learned and managerial implications of deploying Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a dental college hospital in India.Design/methodology/approachThe work adopts the action research (AR) methodology to establish a case study, which is carried out using the LSS define–measure–analyze–improve–control (DAMIC) approach in a dental college. It uses LSS tools to enhance the productivity and performance of the Conservative Dentistry Department of a dental college and to unravel the obstacles and success factors in applying it to the education and healthcare sector together.FindingsThe root cause for high turn-around time (TAT) is ascertained using LSS tools and techniques. The effective deployment of the solutions to the root causes of variation assists the dental college to reduce the TAT of the Conservative Dentistry process from an average of 63.9 min–36.5 min (i.e. 42.9% improvement), and the process Standard Deviation (SD) was reduced from 2.63 to 2 min. This, in turn, raises the sigma level from 0.48 to 3.23, a noteworthy successful story for this dental college.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the results and recommendations of this research are focused on a single case study, it is to be noted that the case study is carried out with new users of LSS tools and techniques, especially with the assistance of interns. This indicates the applicability of LSS in dental colleges; thus, the adopted modality can be further refined to fit India's education and hospital sector together.Originality/valueThis article explains the implementation of LSS from an aspiring user viewpoint to assist dental colleges and policymakers in improving competitiveness. In addition, the medical education sector can introduce an LSS course in the existing programme to leverage the potential of this methodology to bring synergy and collaborative research between data-based thinking and the medical field based on the findings of this study. The most important contribution of this article is the illustration of the design of experiments (DOE) in the dental college process.

Digital technologies and the balance between control and empowerment in performance management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirik Bådsvik Hamre Korsen ◽  
Marte Daae-Qvale Holmemo ◽  
Jonas A. Ingvaldsen
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Command And Control ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Control

Purpose This paper aims to explore how manufacturing organisations’ performance measurement and management (PMM) systems are evolving when digital technologies (DTs) are deployed. It focusses on the operational level, asking whether DTs are used to promote command-and-control or empowerment-oriented performance management. Design/methodology/approach The findings are based on a single case study from a department of a Norwegian electrochemical plant. The department recently implemented a performance measurement system (PMS) supported by DTs to capture, analyse and visualise close-to-real-time performance data on individuals and teams. The authors analysed both the management practices associated with the new PMS and how those related to other PMM-subsystems in the organisation. Findings When seen in isolation, the new PMS was used to promote empowerment and operators reported a significant increase in perceived psychological empowerment. However, other parts of the organisation’s PMM system remained control-oriented, so that the overall balance between control and empowerment remained stable. Practical implications New PMSs might be added to support local needs and create arenas for empowerment without disturbing the overall balance in the PMM system. Originality/value Building on the insights from the case study, the authors propose that DTs may be deployed to promote both command-and-control and empowerment within different PMM subsystems in the same organisation. Hence, the deployment of DTs is likely to have contradictory effects, which are best understood through a “system of systems” perspective on PMMs.

Implementing the open-source Koha-ILS at the Deutsche Schule Charlotte

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin D. House
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to present the successful implementation of the Koha-integrated library system (ILS) for libraries that seek an open-source alternative. This study is best suited for small libraries with limited collections and limited funding. The selection process between Koha and Evergreen is described, as is cataloging, patron setup and library workflow changes. Finally, lessons learned are presented. Design/methodology/approach This is a case study which describes the events as they occurred between 2013 and 2014. Findings The Koha-ILS appears to be the open-source system with the most online support, easiest to install and manage. Although the experience of libraries may vary, the Deutsche Schule Charlotte library took the pragmatic approach. Koha was chosen because it could be successfully installed, had an intuitive and web-based interface and could be easily explained to volunteers. Research limitations/implications This is a single case study at a very small library. Practical implications This study broadly demonstrates the requirements for implementing the Koha-ILS and how it can be accomplished even with library volunteers. Social implications The Koha-ILS can be a good alternative, despite limitations, for small libraries who need a robust ILS system with few bells and whistles. Originality/value This study presents a finite view of the implementation and use of the Koha-ILS. The physical setting, availability of capable volunteers and administration’s willingness to experiment with a system may not be reproducible in other locales.

The boundaries of a performance management system between learning and control

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Canonico ◽  
Ernesto De Nito ◽  
Vincenza Esposito ◽  
Marcello Martinez ◽  
Lorenzo Mercurio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Management System ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Individual Performance ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Performance Management System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Control ◽  
A Performance

Purpose – This paper aims to consider how and to what extent it is possible to interpret a performance management system (PMS) as a typical control mechanism or in a more innovative way as a learning tool. PMSs are typically used for planning and coordination purposes. However, they may also be used as an opportunity to foster learning inside the organization. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analysis was carried out during January-May 2014. A single case study was developed, in the first phase, through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with three top managers, to investigate the purpose and rationale of the design of the PMS. The investigation then continued with non-participant observation. Findings – The picture shows the dominance of “command and control” thinking, based on a cybernetic control system connected to targets and linking the achievement of these targets to individual performance. Practical implications – This paper helps to contextualize reflections on PMSs and potential learning outcomes in knowledge organizations, with specific reference to the airport industry. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the extant debate on the relationship between PMSs and learning. Traditionally, the literature has focused only on particular aspects of PMSs. Other authors, relying on a contingent approach, have instead put forward the need of a more comprehensive and integrated frameworks encompassing organic conception of PMSs, as well as of the interdependencies among their components. In the case study under scrutiny in this paper, adaptive or single-loop learning is taking place, in which adaptive changes occur but do not lead to any major changes.

Supporting start-up business model design through system dynamics modelling

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Cosenz
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Modelling ◽  
Start Up ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how system dynamics (SD) modelling can provide a methodological support to business model (BM) design with the intent to better communicate business strategy and manage performance. Design/methodology/approach After a literature review of the field and an analysis of the strengths and limitations of conventional BM frameworks, the paper illustrates and discusses an approach that combines such a framework with SD modelling. A single-case study design was selected to explore the implications and limitations of using this combined approach to business modelling. Findings The methodological support provided by SD to BM design may effectively improve business strategy communication and performance management through both the adoption of a systemic and flexible perspective able to identify and analyse the main cause-and-effect relationships between the key-elements of the business strategy, and the use of a simulation technique that contributes in understanding how a firm operates, and its prospective performance over time. Originality/value Growing interest for BMs appears in the recent strategic management literature with research highlighting strengths and shortcomings. However, few attempts have been produced to overcome such limitations, while the adoption of SD is relatively new in supporting BM design.

scholarly journals The use of management control and performance measurement systems in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 2169-2191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biljana Pešalj ◽  
Andrey Pavlov ◽  
Pietro Micheli
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to respond to recent calls for understanding how multiple management control (MC) and performance measurement (PM) systems are used simultaneously for managing performance, particularly in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach Data are collected during an in-depth case study of MC and PM and management practices in a Dutch SME using multiple data sources and elicitation methods, including interviews and participant observations. Findings This study identifies managerial practices that enable the interplay of the four control systems – beliefs, boundaries, diagnostic and interactive – helping the organization manage organizational tensions in relation to short- and long-term focus, predictable goal achievement and search for new opportunities, internal and external focus, and control and creativity. Research limitations/implications This paper advances the research on integrating multiple aspects of performance management, particularly technical and social. This research is based on a single case study; future qualitative and quantitative studies could explore the interplay between the four control systems in other settings and explore the relationship between control systems and leadership style. Practical implications Managing performance requires active and continuous use of all four control systems. This is particularly salient in SMEs where less formal controls play a key role and where balance needs to be ensured despite the lack of managerial processes and capabilities. Originality/value The findings advance PM and management theory and practice in the context of SMEs.

Learning from interorganizational projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rehab Iftikhar ◽  
Tuomas Ahola ◽  
Aurangzeab Butt
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Interorganizational Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Interorganizational Projects

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to consolidate the existing research on interorganizational projects and to explore how organizations learn by closely examining multilevel learning, that is, organizational and interorganizational learning.Design/methodology/approachThis article adopts a single case study approach, examining the Islamabad–Rawalpindi Metro project in Pakistan, with data consisting of interview results and archival data. An inductive approach is used for data analysis.FindingsAn empirically grounded learning model was developed based on an interorganizational project following eight lessons: capacity building, personality traits of leadership, working procedures, impeccable planning and implementation, involvement of stakeholders, design compatibility, investigation of underground services, conditions and maintenance of databases, and conceive rational timelines. These lessons learned were classified into three categories: (1) organizational capacity, (2) organizational embeddedness and (3) collective awareness.Originality/valueThis paper develops a novel learning model that can deepen our understanding of the practices and processes involved in multilevel learning. This study contributes to and extends the literature on organizational and interorganizational learning by studying an interorganizational setting.

scholarly journals Understanding change recipients’ responses to organizational change in Chinese hospitals

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Gurd ◽  
Tian Gao
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Strategic Change ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to build a new model of organisational change in Chinese hospitals drawing in all the key factors which explain the change process. At a time of significant change in Chinese hospitals, understanding change recipients’ responses is critical. For this study, a model of their responses to change has been constructed from previous models and compared with a case study of dramatic change in a Chinese hospital. A new model has been produced which may be generalizable to other Chinese hospitals. Design/methodology/approach Two existing models of organizational change were merged, and the new model was tested using data collected from a research site at a single Chinese hospital where the change program included the balanced scorecard performance management system, a new pay-related performance system and significant strategic change. Findings A final revised model was created which built in the external context, including the professional culture and national culture which have complex impacts on individuals during a change process, in both beneficial and harmful ways. Research limitations/implications Multi-informants for data collection and longitudinal design in future research would be required for the further understanding of the relationships between the variables of this study. A single case study is not sufficient; broader testing is required. Practical implications The factors that impact on the individuals during change should be understood better by Chinese hospital managers. Originality/value This is a new model which adds to the existing literature. Although it is built primarily around hospitals, it may have relevance to other contexts in China.

scholarly journals Merger and post-merger integration at Oxford University Hospitals: mixed-methods evaluation and lessons learned

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward John Maile ◽  
Mahima Mitra ◽  
Pavel Ovseiko ◽  
Sue Dopson
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Hospital mergers are common in the United Kingdom and internationally. However, mergers rarely achieve their intended benefits and are often damaging. This study builds on existing literature by presenting a case study evaluating a merger of two hospitals in Oxford, United Kingdom with three distinct characteristics: merger between two university hospitals, merger between a generalist and specialist hospital and merger between two hospitals of differing size. In doing so, the study draws practical lessons for other healthcare organisations.Design/methodology/approach Mixed-methods single-case evaluation. Qualitative data from 19 individual interviews and three focus groups were analysed thematically, using constant comparison to synthesise and interpret findings. Qualitative data were triangulated with quantitative clinical and financial data. To maximise research value, the study was co-created with practitioners.Findings The merger was a relative success with mixed improvement in clinical performance and strong improvement in financial and organisational performance. The merged organisation received an improved inspection rating, became debt-free and achieved Foundation Trust status. The study draws six lessons relating to the contingencies that can make mergers a success: (1) Develop a strong clinical rationale, (2) Communicate the change strategy widely and early, (3) Increase engagement and collaboration at all levels, (4) Be transparent and realistic about the costs and benefits, (5) Be sensitive to the feelings of the other organisation and (6) Integrate different organizational cultures effectively.Originality/value This case study provides empirical evidence on the outcome of merger in a university hospital setting. Despite the relatively positive outcome, there is no strong evidence that the benefits could not have been achieved without merger. Given that mergers remain prevalent worldwide, the practical lessons might be useful for other healthcare organisations considering merger.

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