A performance outcome framework for appraising construction consultants in the university sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence Y.M. Lam
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Outcome ◽  
The Public ◽  
Performance Requirements ◽  
Outcome Framework ◽  
The Government ◽  
Research Frameworks ◽  
A Performance

Purpose The UK Government construction strategy has a clear objective to maximise potential and value for construction and infrastructure projects. The purpose of this paper was to develop a performance outcome framework for the public-sector university client to identify the criteria for value against which construction consultants’ performance will be appraised for selection and monitoring purposes in outsourcing. Design/methodology/approach Multiple-case study method was used to examine the performance requirements of construction consultants, using three state universities having similar contexts in terms of organisation objectives and requirements on projects funded by the government. Findings Within the public-sector university environment, five performance outcomes are identified: time, cost, quality, innovations and working relationship with the client. These areas form a conceptual framework for measuring the performance of construction consultants. Research limitations/implications The performance outcome framework developed should be regarded as “conceptual”. University clients may have different organisation objectives and hence requirements for performance outcomes, which may further vary according to specific project situations. The framework should be adapted accordingly. Practical implications University clients and their professional advisors should specify the performance requirements under those five areas in tender documents for selection purposes and subsequently use them as key performance indicators to monitoring the consultant performance. Construction consultants should address these requirements in the tender proposals to add value to the project. Originality value There is a need to investigate what performance outcomes are required by the public-sector construction client. Based on the results of this research, frameworks and guidelines can be further developed for use by other public sectors, thus benefitting the wider public sector as a whole.

Fraud prevention initiatives in the Nigerian public sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 527-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabiu Abdullahi ◽  
Noorhayati Mansor
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Fraud Triangle ◽  
Fraud Prevention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Government ◽  
Triangle Theory

Purpose Detecting and preventing fraud are challenging and risky tasks, especially in a fast developing economy such as Nigeria. The efforts become crucial in the government sectors, as they involve public’s trust and resources. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between the fraud incidence and the elements of fraud triangle theory (FTT) with the aim of combating current fraud outrages in the Nigerian public sector. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted and 302 questionnaires were distributed to the staff of the departments of accounting, internal auditing and investigation of ten selected ministries, departments and agencies of Kano State, Nigeria. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Findings The study reveals a significant relationship between three elements of FTT and fraud incidences in the Nigerian public sectors (p-value < 0.001 for pressure and opportunity and p-value = 0.024 for rationalization). Practical implications The findings of the study are useful for forensic accountants and the Nigerian anti-graft bodies to enhance existing control mechanisms in fraud prevention initiatives. The research also contributes to bridge the gap in academic theory and empirical study related to FTT. Social implications Fraud scandals can cause public’s frustration, damage the reputation and integrity of the ruling government and result in negative image of the public sector. Originality/value Accordingly, the study suggests a salary scale reform (SSR) in the Nigerian public sector and improvement in fringe benefits to increase employees’ standard of living. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance fraud awareness and training programs to the government employees.

The perception of public sector auditors on performance audit in Malaysia: an exploratory study

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chew Har Loke ◽  
Suhaiza Ismail ◽  
Fatima Abdul Hamid
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Resources ◽  
Performance Audit ◽  
Performance Auditing ◽  
Questionnaire Method ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis ◽  
A Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of public sector auditors on performance audit in Malaysian public sector entities. In particular, this study elicits the respondents’ opinions on the elements of performance audit, the need for involvement of auditors in policy making, relevant experts to undertake a performance audit, major constraints in carrying out performance audit and the potential of performance audit to improve public administration. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a postal questionnaire method to seek the perception of the auditors. The questionnaire was distributed to the population of public sector auditors in the National Audit Department in Malaysia and a total of 503 usable responses were received. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis including mean score and mean score ranking. Findings – The results reveal that auditors were of the opinion that effectiveness element should be one of the performance audit elements and that public sector auditors should be given the opportunity to influence policy decisions. In addition, the results show that the public auditor is not the only profession that can carry out performance audit, but can team up with other professions. In relation to constraints in performance audit, “Lack of cooperation and commitment from auditees in conducting a performance audit” was claimed to be the topmost constraint. Furthermore, performance audit was claimed to be able to enhance public accountability, as well as to enable more economical, efficient and effective utilising of public resources. Originality/value – This paper is one of few studies on public sector auditing particularly on performance auditing in the context of a developing country (i.e Malaysia).

Cloud computing and ERP assimilation in the public sector: institutional perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nizar Mohammad Alsharari
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Institutional Logics ◽  
Institutional Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Erp System ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Government

Purpose This study aims to explore the influence of contingent factors on the assimilation of the cloud enterprises resources plan (ERP) system in the UAE’s public sector. It explains the relationship between institutional logics and institutional work while implementing ERP-based cloud computing (CC) to transform the government. Design/methodology/approach This study uses qualitative methods and an interpretive approach to provide an in-depth explanation for a detailed case study in the public sector. The institutional logics framework has been used to inform the integration between ERP system and CC in the public sector case. Findings Findings show that the UAE public sector could align institutional work processes with the inbuilt logics of ERP-based CC, resulting in successful assimilation of the cloud version. This study concludes that institutional pressures in highly institutionalized environments will generate organizational responses, but those responses are dependent upon and influenced by aspects of organizational culture. This study found that the organizational culture has led to a radical change by implementing the cloud ERP system and institutionalizing its usage toward transforming government. Moreover, ERP assimilation is the extent to which an organization has developed from understanding the ERP system’s functionalities to mastering and deploying them in their processes. Research limitations/implications This study has important implications and contributions to the literature in three ways. First, this study examines an understudied topic, the interaction between CC and institutional logics. Second, this study contributes to the public sector research by providing a fine-tuned interpretation of the organization’s strategic behavior in response to a new information technology (IT) trend. Finally, this study also focuses on this new trend of CC which can influence the global IT industry, and it is worthy of being considered. Originality/value Explanatory case study research has a value to the public sector that one might be discovering new phenomena while analyzing the public sector case. The implementation of cloud ERP is one of the best methods of integrating technology with the public sector’s organizational, technical, economic, social, cultural and other environmental domains.

Analysis of the interrelationships between enablers and results in King Abdullah II award for excellence model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Rawabdeh ◽  
Mazen Arafah ◽  
Mohannad Mousa Mustafa
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Model Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
The Public ◽  
Government Sector ◽  
Business Excellence ◽  
The Government ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Public Organisations

PurposeThis study aims to validate the KAIIAE model in the public sector and analyse the interrelationships between Enablers and Results in the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence (KAIIAE) model to better understand the dynamic logic behind improving excellence results.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used is structural equation modelling (partial least squares technique), and the data were obtained from the assessment processes for the KAIIAE for 98 Jordanian public organisations.FindingsThe findings showed that the award model has proven to be a reliable and valid framework, as the criteria and sub-criteria were highly correlated. The set of Enablers was strongly related to the set of Results, and the synergies between the critical criteria confirmed the importance of leadership, strategy, and processes for the organisation's excellence results. It was found that the new significant and direct relationships between “People” and “People Results” and between “Partnerships and Resources” and both “Society Results” and “Key Results” improved the understanding and implementation of the model. There was a significant interrelationship between model criteria, excluding the relationship between “Society Results” and “Key Results”, since the government's main objective is to serve society. A new structural model for the KAIIAE with the new relationships was suggested.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper concentrated only on the public sector, although the excellence model has been implemented in the private sector. Features of the different types of organisations were not tested. Furthermore, the variations in size, covered fields, number of employees and provided services need to be investigated further.Practical implicationsGovernment award bodies can use these research findings to develop a new model version for public sector awards by combining a cohesive array of elements for any government organisational need or application. The study suggested adding new criteria or relationships or eliminating those that are not significant and have no impact on public sector organisations. The findings will assure the organisations' managers that the KAII excellence model criteria are highly correlated and synergised for public sector organisations. These criteria perform efficiently once they are considered and implemented in an interconnected manner rather than managing them independently, which makes up their management framework. This knowledge about the validity of the structure of the model allows public sector organisations to benefit fully from the self-assessment processes and improve the organisation's management, enhancing their faith in excellence award models.Social implicationsThis study has contributed to the existing literature on the reliability and validity of business excellence models as a framework for implementing, evaluating, and improving excellence, particularly in the government sector. Several important insights have emerged from this study. The relevant analysis supports a new model structure for excellence in the public sector. Among the model structure relationships, the study identified the existence of new direct relationships between enablers and results. New significant and direct relationships are added to the model that advances the implementation and understanding of the model. Moreover, it informs theory about Excellence Award implementation in developing countries within the context of Jordan – a topic that has previously received limited attention in the international business excellence literature. Since there is limited research on the suitability of implementing the KAIIEA excellence model (that is based on nine criteria of the EFQM model) in public organisations, this work suggested introducing a new modification to the model to suit the characteristics of the public sector.Originality/valueThe considerable prominence of the government sector has drawn attention to the excellence parameters within its organisations. Hence, a lack of studies and inadequate knowledge in the governmental management system have limited testing excellence in the public sector. This paper provides support that the excellence model (KAIIAE model that is EFQM based) is an appropriate framework by identifying direct and significant model interrelationships for the public sector based on the actual and sufficient performance of its entities so as to drive the changes of the next model generation. This is the first study that attempts to comprehend and describe the validation of the KAIIAE model in the public sector.

scholarly journals Legitimacy and relevance of a performance measurement system in a Finnish public-sector case

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-199
Author(s):  
Toni Mättö ◽  
Jenna Anttonen ◽  
Marko Järvenpää ◽  
Antti Rautiainen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Case Organization ◽  
A Performance

Purpose This study investigates the difficulties involved in translating stakeholder expectations into action and maintaining legitimacy through the use of a performance measurement system (PMS) created in a Finnish regional development company (RDC). This longitudinal case study illustrates the fluctuating and socially constructed nature of legitimacy in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study longitudinally analyzes the various developments occurring during and after the development of a PMS system for the case organization. Empirical data include interviews, workshops, observation and other materials relating to the case organization. Findings The initial interest in operational improvement changed to legitimation-seeking behavior by the case organization when the measures created were modified to accord with the changed preferences of the key stakeholders. However, the pursuit of legitimacy for the RDC was made difficult by the outcome-oriented, changing and contradictory nature of stakeholders’ demands. This study’s findings reveal a continuous mismatch between organizational activities and the board’s expectations, leading to the eventual closure of the organization. Practical implications The findings help to analyze the legitimacy and relevance of PMSs in public-sector projects. The study highlights the practical importance of analyzing the different legitimacy priorities of various stakeholder groups, such as politicians and entrepreneurs. Originality/value The study analyzes the fluctuating nature of legitimacy longitudinally in the public-sector context from the stakeholder perspective. This study analyzes a situation where the stakeholders’ evaluations of the legitimacy of the organization, and the PMS developed, change over time, complicating the accounting for stakeholders.

Moldovan government will prioritise Western assistance

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Budget Deficit ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Finance Minister ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Imf

Significance The government is headed by Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, a leading PAS figure and former finance minister. This completes the creation of a strong functioning governance system under President Maia Sandu and her PAS allies. Impacts The budget deficit will encourage the government to accept conditions set by the IMF and EU. Unprecedented political synergies should foster swift, more cohesive reforms. A comprehensive campaign against corruption will be disruptive for the public sector. Finding competent, uncorrupt people to take senior positions and staff institutions will be a challenge.

Drug price control in Malaysia: a stakeholder analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirul Ashraf ◽  
Siew Chin Ong
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Drug Price ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Price Control ◽  
Pharmaceutical Pricing ◽  
Political Will ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Chance

PurposePharmaceutical pricing has always been a contentious issue around the world. Recently, the Government of Malaysia has proposed for drug price control. This proposal has received backlash from pharmaceutical industry. Therefore in this study, the authors would like to examine the position of various stakeholders on this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used Policy Maker software to identify and evaluate the position of the stakeholders, their interest and their power. Next, the authors contextualize the factors that might contribute to the success or failure of the policy using Kingdon's multiple stream analysis.FindingsThe authors found that the drug price control regulation received mixed reactions from the stakeholders, with the public sector mainly supporting the proposal whereas the private sectors opposing it. The findings indicate that the drug price control proposal have a high chance of success due to strong political will from both the government and the opposition and also strong support from the public and the consumer groups.Practical implications1. The drug price control proposal received strong political will and strong public support. Thus, it has a high chance of success. 2. The government should be careful in managing concentrated powerful groups. The government should strategically engage with the stakeholders to move them to more positive attitude. 3. The government should avoid backtracking on policies as this will portray critical weakness to other stakeholders.Social implicationsThe public sector provides strong support for the regulation. However, this support must be maintained and remain as their top priority. Their opinions are important in shaping health policies. The public's feedback will provide transparency and accountability in the policy-making process.Originality/valueThe findings indicate that the drug price control proposal have a high chance of success due to strong political will from both the government and the opposition and also strong support from the public and the consumer groups.

Public sector leadership development in Bangladesh: present state and future prospect

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mohabbat Khan ◽  
Md. Shahriar Islam
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Future Prospect ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Present Condition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Government ◽  
Public Sector Leadership

Purpose – The story of the Bangladesh public sector is not a happy one as it has often failed to uphold efficiency and equality in delivering services to the people. Hence leadership has a critical role to play to ensure equality, effectiveness and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the present condition and future prospect of leadership development in the Bangladesh public sector by focusing on the efforts initiated both by the government of Bangladesh and international organizations during the last ten years. Design/methodology/approach – This paper has reviewed available literatures on theories of public sector leadership development and its application in Bangladesh to identify the state and future prospect of public sector leadership development utilizing available theories. Findings – The analysis shows that partisan politics, dominance of generalists, absence of long-range feedback and monitoring systems and lack of efficient and knowledgeable trainers are the major impediments to public sector leadership development. International organizations provide proposals, frameworks, technical assistance along with funds to develop the public sector leaders but in implementing the schemes they have a very limited role in the implementation process. Research limitations/implications – This paper does not offer much empirical evidence on public sector leadership development in Bangladesh, but creates the platform for further research on public sector training and leadership development with empirical data. Significant variables can be drawn out of this piece of work to design future research on this very important issue. Originality/value – This paper will help the interested individuals involved in the public sector leadership development in Bangladesh to understand the divergence between the efforts put in by the government and international agencies in developing public sector leadership.

scholarly journals Improving and evaluating performance with the Public Sector Scorecard

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Moullin
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
The Public ◽  
Management Culture ◽  
A Performance

Purpose The Public Sector Scorecard (PSS) is an integrated performance management framework incorporating strategy mapping, service improvement, and measurement and evaluation. It adapts and extends the balanced scorecard to suit the culture and values of the public and voluntary sectors. The purpose of this paper is to assess, with the aid of two case studies across organisational boundaries, how the PSS addresses a number of critical success factors for performance management and improvement in the public and third sectors. Design/methodology/approach The research takes a case study approach assessing the use of the PSS for the UK Ethnic Minority Employment Task Force, and for Sheffield Let’s Change4Life, a £10 million programme addressing obesity in children and families. Findings This paper concludes that the PSS is an effective framework to help organisations improve outcomes for service users and stakeholders without increasing overall cost, and develop measures of performance that help them improve and assure quality without motivating staff to achieve arbitrary targets at the expense of poor service to the public. Key to this is its emphasis on developing a performance management culture based on improvement, innovation and learning rather than a top-down blame culture. Originality/value There have been many research papers describing the problems and pitfalls of public sector performance management, but few which offer a solution. A particular innovation is how the theory of planned behaviour was integrated with a performance management framework for a behaviour change programme addressing childhood obesity.

Determining and assessing the significant barriers of transferring unfinished construction projects from the public sector to the private sector in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Sarvari ◽  
Hala Nassereddine ◽  
Daniel W.M. Chan ◽  
Mohsen Amirkhani ◽  
Norhazilan Md Noor
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Government Policies ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Government

Purpose The government sometimes lacks sufficient financial, management and technical capabilities to deliver construction projects. As a result, it has recognized the need to introduce private sector capital and expertise to complete unfinished construction projects. This outsourcing paradigm is known as a public-private partnership, a form of privatization. This study aims to identify the barriers associated with the transfer of unfinished construction projects to the private sector in Iran and grouped them into areas that were ranked to shed light on where the risk lies. Design/methodology/approach After a thorough and comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 67 experts in the public and private sectors in Iran. The survey included 37 barriers grouped into seven areas and measured on a five-point Likert scale. Face validity, content validity and structural validity of the collected data were confirmed. The reliability of the questionnaire was also tested and validated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Findings The survey findings indicated that private company laws, national constitution, government policies, lack of sufficient regulations, one-sided regulations and lack of balance, the regulations of other organizations and taxation laws were perceived as the major barriers to the transfer of unfinished public sector construction projects to the private sector in Iran. The ranking of the seven areas produced the following top three ranked barriers areas: taxation laws, government policies and one-sided regulations and lack of balance of importance. Originality/value The elicitation of this study can be useful to both private and public sectors for the development of infrastructure construction projects.

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