Research and development projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 913-934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiwat Ram ◽  
Ding Ronggui
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Behaviour ◽  
Behavioural Factors ◽  
Competencies Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Leadership behaviour of R&D project managers (RDPMs) is a matter of ongoing interest, as they require a number of traits in order to potentially influence the delivery of projects. However, little empirical evidence exists on factors explaining the traits of RDPMs, making it difficult for industry managers to develop tailored strategies and criteria for selecting people with right skills and behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap in knowledge. Design/methodology/approach The authors test 45 traits with data from a survey of 208 RDPMs, using exploratory factor analysis to establish factors of RDPMs’ traits and the associated measurement items. Findings The study finds that selected 45 traits can be consolidated in a set of higher order variables/factors that RDPMs need to have including creativity, reasoning and learning; risks and failure acceptance; analytical and originality attributes; realistic and objective approach among others. Research limitations/implications The study shows that traits have strong inter-relationship represented by empirically robust underlying factors. Practical implications Practically, the results will help industry mangers in implementing tailored strategies in consolidated areas (as identified through factors) and be more effective in skills and competencies development of research and development staff and potentially save costs on human inventory management. Originality/value The study empirically established new managerial and leadership behavioural factors.

Empirical comparison of traditional plan-based and agile methodologies

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Ahimbisibwe ◽  
Urs Daellenbach ◽  
Robert Y. Cavana
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Time Budget ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agile Methodologies ◽  
Project Objectives ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Aligning the project management methodology (PMM) to a particular project is considered to be essential for project success. Many outsourced software projects fail to deliver on time, budget or do not give value to the client due to inappropriate choice of a PMM. Despite the increasing range of available choices, project managers frequently fail to seriously consider their alternatives. They tend to narrowly tailor project categorization systems and categorization criterion is often not logically linked with project objectives. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a contingency fit model comparing the differences between critical success factors (CSFs) for outsourced software development projects in the current context of traditional plan-based and agile methodologies. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model and 54 hypotheses were developed from a literature review. An online Qualtrics survey was used to collect data to test the proposed model. The survey was administered to a large sample of senior software project managers and practitioners who were involved in international outsourced software development projects across the globe with 984 valid responses. Findings Results indicate that various CSFs differ significantly across agile and traditional plan-based methodologies, and in different ways for various project success measures. Research limitations/implications This study is cross-sectional in nature and data for all variables were obtained from the same sources, meaning that common method bias remains a potential threat. Further refinement of the instrument using different sources of data for variables and future replication using longitudinal approach is highly recommended. Practical implications Practical implications of these results suggest project managers should tailor PMMs according to various organizational, team, customer and project factors to reduce project failure rates. Originality/value Unlike previous studies this paper develops and empirically validates a contingency fit model comparing the differences between CSFs for outsourced software development projects in the context of PMMs.

Competitive advantage through networking

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-9
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Difficult Question ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose of this paper Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings How do you start innovating? This is actually a very difficult question to answer because, despite the fact most forms have departments or people dedicated to innovation, engaging in research and seeking to develop new and existing products, all these activities are ongoing. It is hard to think of what a research and development (R&D) department looks like at 9am on Day One. Maybe there are lots of brand new marker pens in their boxes and colored sticky notes piled neatly on people’s desks, or it could be an empty lab with clear benches and as-yet-unused equipment. It sounds an exciting place, but also quite a lonely place. Practical implications Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. What is original/value of paper? The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Improving key competencies of project managers

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Key Competencies ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Core Self ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Efficiency of project managers demands competence in many areas. Through appropriate development in different dimensions of core self-evaluation and cultural intelligence, companies can strengthen these manager competencies and enhance overall performance. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Introduction of a new metric “Project Health Index” (PHI) to successfully manage IT projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 385-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayaraman Rajagopalan ◽  
Praveen Kumar Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Resource Utilisation ◽  
Health Index ◽  
It Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Preventive Actions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a new comprehensive metric to successfully plan and execute IT projects. The development will be based on a study of all the variables that go into making a successful IT project. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire, containing qualitative and quantitative response questions, to gather data from practicing project managers is designed and used in an IT company. Cronbach’s alpha is used to analyze the data and multiple regression is used to find the equation relating project success to project management success. Findings A comprehensive variable called Project Health Index (PHI) has been identified. Using this variable, one can predict whether a project is likely to succeed or not. This comprehensive, composite variable is calculated by using 17 other project-related metrics identified from the responses to the questionnaire. Research limitations/implications The PHI has been calculated for the company studied. However, more studies need to be performed before it can be established that the PHI can also be used in other companies and projects. What has been established and validated is that PHI can be used in the studied company and that the methodology to calculate PHI is valid. Practical implications The PHI can be used as a predictive variable, i.e. one that can be used to take corrective and preventive actions to make a project successful. The PHI can also be used to allocate resources, prioritize the allocation and improve project management during the course of project execution. Social implications By implementing projects efficiently, resource utilisation increases and leads to waste avoidance. Improved sustainability is the end result. Originality/value The work is original. The contents and the conclusions drawn, as well as the use of the PHI will enable IT companies to implement projects efficiently, reduce cost and enhance profit.

Value of internships for professional careers in the built environment sector in Singapore

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan K.M. Lian ◽  
Zhi Yu Foo ◽  
Florence Yean Yng Ling
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Professional Careers ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Civil Engineers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the value of internships for professional careers in the built environment (BE) sector from the perspective of industry practitioners. It examines the perceptions of practitioners about internship and explores the relevance of internships for professional careers in the sector. Design/methodology/approach The research methods used were questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. The study focussed on careers such as architects, civil engineers, facility managers, project managers and quantity surveyors. Findings It was found that quantity surveyors and civil engineers value internship the most and are more likely to hire those who interned with them. Project managers also value internships but to a lesser extent. Facility managers and architects value internship the least and are also least likely to offer positions to their ex-interns. It is not conclusive whether internships are absolutely necessary to increase undergraduates’ employability upon their graduation. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to only five professions and focused on the perceptions of professionals and not the interns or academic supervisors. Practical implications Recommendations are made to improve internship programmes in the BE sector. These include making internships compulsory for students who intend to pursue civil engineering and quantity surveying careers and extending the duration of internships to six months. Originality/value The views of professionals in the BE sector are uncovered. Tertiary institutions can use the findings to improve their internship programmes and their students’ employability upon graduation.

Waqf as a framework for entrepreneurship

Humanomics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Hamid Mar Iman ◽  
Mohammad Tahir Sabit Haji Mohammad
Keyword(s):  
Social Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Practical Aspect ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Islamic World ◽  
Economic Framework ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to add to the existing body of literature on this subject by advocating how waqf-based entrepreneurship can be practiced in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins by presenting an overview of waqf and its role in entrepreneurship and proceeds by proposing a model of waqf-based entrepreneurship which is synthesized from various models existing in the Islamic world. Findings The paper concludes by recommending waqf-based entrepreneurship as an alternative socio-economic framework of society’s wellbeing. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to the preliminary aspects of waqf entrepreneurship. Practical implications Waqf organization may be able to finance its own businesses through crowdfunding and other methods and also disburse waqf funds to small and large ventures. Social implications The waqf system is a social tool that not only finances social development projects but also has social economic alternatives to assist poor and underprivileged groups in the society. This paper is toward such a socio-economic direction. Originality/value This paper might be considered the first attempt to detail the practical aspect of waqf entrepreneurship, in terms of enterprises to be financed, and how the funds to be accumulated.

Business relations on the global stage

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 23-26
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Multicultural Teams ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Globalization has prompted a massive increase in international business projects involving multicultural teams. Project managers face a challenging task to bring together various individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Trust is imperative if such business operations are to succeed as it inspires more open communication and collaboration. However, with people bringing different norms, values, and beliefs into the equation, distrust is often more likely. Various characteristics can be important, meaning that significant potential exists for trust levels to be influenced by differences in both national and organizational culture. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Australian local government corruption and misconduct

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aquinas John Purcell
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Audit Committees ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioural Factors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Government Perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on corruption and misconduct evidenced from local government investigation reports in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Design/methodology/approach – A corruption and misconduct taxonomy was developed and the audit committee’s role was empirically tested. Findings – The empirical findings exhibited low support for audit committees overseeing corruption and misconduct allegations. The respondents generally considered that the chief executive was the appropriate person to manage investigations. Practical implications – The findings from the local government investigations and the empirical research emphasises the significance of culture and ethical practices to mitigate against corruption and misconduct. A culture of zero tolerance of corruption and misconduct was one of the best ways of a council demonstrating its integrity. Originality/value – This paper offers a local government perspective on the behavioural factors which provide the organisational conditions for corruption and misconduct to become the norm.

The project-space model: enhancing sensemaking

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronte van der Hoorn ◽  
Stephen Jonathan Whitty
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Space Model ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose the project-space model as positively influencing sensemaking in the project context. There is currently minimal discussion of the tools used by project managers, teams and stakeholders to build their map of the project terrain or to make sense of a project’s status. However, such sensemaking is critical to ongoing decision making and aligning action in any project. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses framework analysis to examine the results of a completed action research case study that utilised a tool: the project-space model. Three frameworks are then utilised as an investigative lens to examine how the project-space model influenced sensemaking. Findings The project-space model is found to enhance sensemaking within the case study. Specifically, its visual nature, the focus it brings to the plurality of experience and the need for plausibility rather than precision in understanding. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on a single case study. Further studies could be undertaken to confirm extensibility. Practical implications The project-space model is identified as having a favourable impact on sensemaking in the case study project. There is a need to consider what other tools are currently used or could be used by project teams to enhance sensemaking. Originality/value Empirical, contextualised case study research highlighting the value of the project-space model as a sensemaking tool. Contribution to evidence on the efficacy of the project-space model as a useful tool for project managers.

scholarly journals Exige-stential leadership: exploring the limits of leadership in a crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David William Stoten
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Management ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Crisis ◽  
Leadership Behaviour ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
Existentialist Philosophy ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how leadership can better respond to a crisis. It aims to integrate ideas from existentialism into a discussion of how leadership could develop and provoke debate.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature on leadership, crisis management and existentialism was adopted for the preferred research methodology.FindingsThis paper identified a gap in the literature on leadership in an exigency and offered an alternative to the technical-rationalist conceptions of leadership behaviour.Practical implicationsReference is made to the benefits of counselling for leaders following a crisis.Originality/valueThis paper is an original contribution to the work on leadership. Through the concept of exige-stential leadership, this paper integrates ideas taken from existentialist philosophy, to provide a new way of conceptualising leadership in an exigency.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document