Project management methods as a way to ambidexterity

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1061-1078
Author(s):  
Patrick Sailer
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Customer Feedback ◽  
Big Picture ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Theoretical Conceptualization ◽  
Project Level

Purpose Ambidexterity has been shown to contribute to project performance. Recent studies of ambidexterity on the project level focus on multilevel knowledge resources, individual actions and structural ambidexterity. However, the role of project management methods remains unclear. This is surprising because project management methods are broadly disseminated as standards. The purpose of this paper is to theorize how project management methods affect ambidexterity on the project level. Design/methodology/approach It is demonstrated how routine theory adds to a better theoretical conceptualization and understanding of project management methods. The analysis of this paper contains, first, the reconstruction of the contribution of each action in “Scrum” to either exploitation or exploration and, second, the discussion of roles in Scrum. To conclude, a “big picture” of what ambidexterity in projects can look like is developed. Findings The main findings suggest that Scrum facilitates sequential and contextual ambidexterity by producing a pattern of alternating exploitation and exploration actions and by assigning specific roles. Practical implications For practitioners this leads to steps they can take to enhance ambidexterity in projects. It is suggested to staff explicitly ambidexterity-related roles like a Scrum Master and to persist on explorative actions like adaption of project goals and Customer Feedback. Originality/value First, the present paper contributes an analysis of the underlying micro-mechanisms of sequential and contextual ambidexterity in projects. Second, it informs practitioners on what aspects of project management methods they should pay attention to.

Principles of management efficiency and organizational inefficiency

Kybernetes ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1308-1322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Lin (Jeffrey Forrest) ◽  
Bruce Orvis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Styles ◽  
Business Managers ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Efficiency ◽  
Big Picture ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce two important principles of efficiency, one on the management of a business entity and the other on the structure of employees’ efforts and devotion toward realizing the mission of their organization. Design/methodology/approach All discussion and reasoning are established on some of the traditional methods of microeconomics and on the basis of the systemic yoyo model. Here, the yoyo model plays the role of intuition, while the traditional methods are utilized to present the exact details underneath the systemic thinking. Findings What is discovered include how management efficiency can be achieved by being flexible in terms of allowing individual employees to have conflicting personal values and how organizational inefficiency always exists no matter how the business entity is set up. Research limitations/implications The established results are applicable in all business scenarios without foreseeable limitations. Practical implications By understanding these results, business managers could simply devote more of their time and effort on being flexible in terms of management styles and focusing on the “big” picture of the corporation instead of dwelling on how to improve employees’ efficiencies. Originality/value This paper establishes two very important, very useful results for managers. These results are expected to enrich the managerial understanding on what can be improved and what cannot.

Impact of work–life balance with the role of organizational support and job burnout on project performance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Raja Abubakar Khalid ◽  
Syyed Sami Ul Haq Kaka Khel ◽  
Ahsen Maqsoom ◽  
Imran Khan Sherani
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the impact of work–life balance on project performance with mediating role of job burnout and moderating role of organizational support and what are the indirect effects of work–life balance on project performance via organizational support. For quantifying this effect, regression analysis has been used, and to calculate variable mediation, moderation and conditional process analysis, Model of Preacher and Hayes has been utilized.Design/methodology/approachFour variables and 23 measurement items have been extracted from published literature. Further, data collection for this research study has been conducted through the “Questionnaire” technique. The questionnaire has been developed based on previously established questions available in the literature. Finally, to obtain a more objective assessment, a statistical model is developed, and regression analysis is performed to highlight the most significant variables that impact the project performance.FindingsThe results of the study show that work–life balance harmed project performance, and organizational support was putting the main impact on project performance. Moreover, the findings of the study include the positive association of job burnout with project performance. And a total mediation effect was observed between work–life balance and project performance, through the bootstrapping results.Practical implicationsThe authors have found that the theoretical model got practical implications, both for the managers and the organization involved in the project. The first implication is that adopting suitable work–life balance practices will be beneficial and support professionals working on projects. Professionals engaged in projects, both at managerial and team levels, are exposed to work–life balance resulting from work performance and personal life responsibilities. The empirical results revealed conflicts came across due to poor time management, and these conflicts have adverse effects on personal and professional commitments. It should be one of the basic considerations for project-based organizations, to make available ample time for the professionals to be with their families.Originality/valueThis study has enabled the authors to understand the work–life balance, organizational support and job burnout and how these variables affect project performance via their relationship as described in a theoretical framework. Furthermore, this research contributes toward the field by considering different ways to balance the work–family conflicts by examining the effects of work–life balance on Job Burnout and Project Performance. This study brought some significant insights and one of its kind in the developing countries and adds to the existing body of knowledge by developing a regression model that will help decision makers and top management to further enhance their project performance.

Response of contractor behavior to hierarchical governance: effects on the performance of mega-projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang Yin ◽  
Dan Wang ◽  
Yilin Yin ◽  
Henry Liu ◽  
Binchao Deng
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Institutional Arrangement ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Hierarchical Governance ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impacts of formal and informal hierarchical governances (HGs) on the performance of mega-projects and the mediating role of contractor behavior (i.e. perfunctory and consummate behaviors) in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA total of 375 valid data entries from managers representing 375 mega-projects were analyzed through path analysis.FindingsBoth formal and informal HGs exert positive effects on the performance of mega-projects. While formal HG positively affects contractor perfunctory behavior and contractor consummate behavior, informal HG affects contractor perfunctory behavior only. Contractor behavior mediates the relationship between formal HG and project performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe impacts of potential moderators (e.g. institutional arrangement and complexity) on the relationship between HG and contractor behavior have not been considered in this study.Practical implicationsThis study is useful for owners to enhance formal HG to improve contractor perfunctory and consummate behaviors, which in turn can enhance the performance of mega-projects.Originality/valueThis study expands the knowledge of mega-project performance management from the perspective of HG. It also contributes to the literature of contractor behavior within the context of mega-projects.

Work-family conflict and project performance of construction professionals in a developing country: testing the mediating–moderating effect of project management self-efficacy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Divine Tuinese Novieto ◽  
Gladstone Sena Kportufe
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Family Conflict ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Work Family Conflict ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Family

PurposeWork-family conflict (WFC), a common problem in all sectors of every economy, has always been linked to negative consequences for individuals, families and employment organisations. However, owing to contextual and situational differences coupled with inconsistent findings, more studies on WFC are indispensable to disentangle the consequential effects of WFC, especially amongst construction professionals. More so, little is known about the dual role of project management self-efficacy (PMSE) in the WFC-performance relation. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to examine the mediating-moderating effects of PMSE on the WFC-performance nexus amongst construction professionals in a developing economy.Design/methodology/approachData for this study came from a cross-sectional survey (questionnaire) administered to 302 construction professionals in Ghana using convenience sampling technique. And partial least square-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was performed, which included the assessment of measurement and structural models.FindingsThe results of this study support the mediating–moderating model of WFC, in which PMSE simultaneously mediates and moderates the negative influence of WFC on project performance of construction professionals; thus, validating the dual role of PMSE through the lens of Hobfoll's (1989) conservation of resource theory.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected from a conveniently sampled construction professionals in Ghana. Thus, the sampling framework, including only the construction professionals in three regions of Ghana, does not ensure the full generalisation of the results.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study provide significant implication for construction organisations and practitioners. Construction organisations and practitioners seeking to mitigate the negative consequences of WFC on project performance should focus on building on PMSE of the construction professionals. Further, a responsive work environment is needed to cater for family needs of the construction professionals.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to have tested a model including the mediating-moderating effects of PMSE in the construction industry from a developing country perspective. The study, therefore, enriches the prevailing literature from under-represented context by examining the mediating-moderating effects of PMSE on WFC and project performance nexus that has not been previously investigated.

A “Learning from Action” workshop in Japan

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-83
Author(s):  
Robert Douglas Hinshelwood ◽  
Luca Mingarelli ◽  
Simona Masnata
Keyword(s):  
Far East ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Feedback Data ◽  
Experiential Workshop ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Many people in severe mentally disturbed states do not use language or other symbolic media well or coherently. Therefore, the non-verbal medium needs to be understood by workers with such people. The “Learning from Action” experiential workshop was developed in order to provide an opportunity to learn about hidden messages in the relationships and roles occurring in activities. In August 2017, a workshop was run for the first time in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to report the experience and dynamics observed by the three consultants, who are here the authors of this paper. Design/methodology/approach After the workshop all the staff and members, including interpreters, were invited to give feedback. Findings Analysis of the feedback data showed certain important dynamics, concerning especially dependence, cultural defences and the defensive role of activity in a multicultural context. Research limitations/implications This is an initial experience to be followed up by later feedback and further workshops. Practical implications Workers awareness of non-verbal communication within the roles of work activities is a training possibility. It faces various resistances including the mental health assumptions of meaninglessness of any communication outside the verbal. Originality/value This is a method of training not widely used even in European countries, and is the first in a country in the far east.

scholarly journals Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
Marta Mori ◽  
Ronan McDermott ◽  
Saut Sagala ◽  
Yasmina Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aid Dependency ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Cultural Experts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations. Findings Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency. Practical implications Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens. Originality/value The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.

scholarly journals Coopetition in temporary contexts: examining swift trust and swift distrust in humanitarian operations

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1449-1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Schiffling ◽  
Claire Hannibal ◽  
Yiyi Fan ◽  
Matthew Tickle
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Humanitarian Relief ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trust Theory ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
Swift Trust ◽  
Limited Choice ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeBy drawing on commitment-trust theory, we examine the role of swift trust and distrust in supporting coopetition under conditions of uncertainty and interdependence in the setting of humanitarian disaster relief organisations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents findings from case studies of 18 international humanitarian relief organisations based on 48 interviews and the analysis of publicly available documents.FindingsWe find that both swift trust and swift distrust support coopetition. As coopetition is simultaneous cooperation and competition, in this study we show how swift trust and swift distrust also occur simultaneously in coopetitive contexts.Research limitations/implicationsCoopetition as a strategic choice is well-researched in the private sector, yet has received less attention in the nonprofit sector, particularly in contexts that are shaped by interdependence and uncertainty. We show the importance of swift trust and swift distrust in coopetitive relationships by drawing on commitment-trust theory.Practical implicationsIn focusing on a competitive environment in which cooperation is essential, we find limited choice of coopetitive partners. Humanitarian relief organisations must often simply work with whichever other organisations are available. We highlight how trust and distrust are not opposite ends of a spectrum and detail how both contribute to coopetitive relationships.Originality/valueOur findings contribute to commitment-trust theory by explaining the important role of distrust in forging coopetitive relationships. Furthermore, we contribute to prior work on coopetition by focusing on an uncertain and interdependent nonprofit environment.

Effect of wood particulate size on the mechanical properties of PLA biocomposite

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 465-472
Author(s):  
S. Raj Sachin ◽  
T. Kandasamy Kannan ◽  
Rathanasamy Rajasekar
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Characteristics ◽  
Wood Flour ◽  
Wood Particle ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Particulate Size ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to carry out an investigation of the role of the wood particle size on the mechanical properties of poly lactic acid (PLA)-reinforced neem fiber biocomposite. Design/methodology/approach Composite test specimens were processed by reinforcing neem wood flour (NWF) in two different particle sizes, micro-sized NWF (MNWF) and nano-sized NWF (NNWF) separately into PLA. Composites were extruded at four different fiber loadings (10, 15, 20 and 25 Wt.%) into PLA matrix. The MNWF and NNWF had particle sizes varying from 5 to 15 µm and 10 to 15 nm, respectively. Findings Tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of PLA increased with fiber reinforcement for both the MNWF and NNWF cases. The NNWF-reinforced PLA composite at 20 Wt.% fiber loading proved to be the best composite that had outstanding mechanical properties in this research. Practical implications The developed composite can be used as a substitute for conventional plywood for furniture, building infrastructure and interior components for the automobile, aircraft and railway sectors. Originality/value A new biocomposite had been fabricated by using PLA and NWF and had been tested for its mechanical characteristics.

The “Halalification” of tourism

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faiza Khan ◽  
Michelle Callanan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Market Segment ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the confusing use of terminology associated with tourism undertaken by Muslims and to identify key concerns associated with this type of tourism. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study and adopts a critical review of literature following the evolutionary concept analysis method. Content analysis of popular UK media, UK-based tour operators’ websites and tourism strategies of destinations popular with Muslim tourists were conducted to examine the use of terminology. Findings There is no clear difference between the various terms (halal, Muslim friendly, Islamic, etc.) used. Overall, academia uses the term Islamic tourism, while the industry and media use various terms. Among destinations, however, there is no clear and consistent use of terminology. A key concern of Islamic tourism is the role of certification in assuring travellers and the lack of standardisation of halal certification. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on literature review and secondary data analysis. It lacks primary research. Practical implications This study highlights the need for consistent use of terminology across industry. Another implication is the issue surrounding halal certification of food and the importance of trust in the seller/service provide. Another trend that industry providers need to consider is the growth of the Muslim millennial traveller and the needs of this market segment. Originality/value The paper highlights the importance of studying the Muslim tourist market and provides a starting point for further research. It highlights several issues such as the need to develop a typology of Muslim tourists. Of particular interest is the concern whether halal values in danger of being commodified in the absence of a universal agreed criterion for halal certification.

Volition to transfer: mastering obstacles in training transfer

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 809-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Seiberling ◽  
Simone Kauffeld
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Transfer Of Training ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Training Transfer ◽  
Bootstrap Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Motivation To Transfer ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to seek a better understanding of the role of volition in the learning transfer system beyond the well-established concept of motivation to transfer. Design/methodology/approach Participants of a two-day leadership training were asked to complete two online questionnaires (t1 directly after training, t2 eight weeks after training). In total, 891 managers answered the first questionnaire, 465 the second. Findings Confirmatory factor analysis suggests that motivation and volition to transfer are perceived as two different constructs. Hierarchical linear regression shows that additional variance in training transfer can be explained when volition to transfer is taken into account. Structural equation models and bootstrap analysis suggest that both motivation and volition to transfer mediate effects of supervisor support and trainer performance on training transfer. Research limitations/implications The results imply that besides motivation to transfer, volition to transfer may be a relevant construct in the transfer of training. It remains to be tested how far these findings can be generalized to other training settings beside leadership trainings. Practical implications Organizations aiming at improving training transfer should focus on enhancing the participants’ motivation and volition to transfer. Both trainers and supervisors seem to promote transfer of training by influencing a trainee’s motivation to transfer and volition to transfer. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically examine the role of volition in training transfer.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document