What universities might learn from professional associations in marking large undergraduate modules

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Evans ◽  
John Gardener
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
University Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Solution ◽  
Teaching Teams ◽  
Professional Business ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight to universities the approach of professional associations in marking large volumes of assessments. Design/methodology/approach The issues arising in marking large undergraduate modules in universities are discussed, before describing the approach typically adopted by professional associations. The benefit for universities of adopting such an approach is then examined. Findings The key to marking large volumes for professional associations lies in the initial standardisation meeting, on-going discussions between markers and an ability to check and if necessary stop the marking process at several points in the marking cycle, until agreement and consistency between markers are achieved. Research limitations/implications This viewpoint paper is based on the experiences of the two authors in assessing professional business management associations, and not empirical research. Practical implications The approach described here to marking large volumes of undergraduate assessments offers a practical solution to the prevailing issues concerning consistency across teaching teams. Originality/value The application of the approach of professional associations to the issues surrounding marking large undergraduate modules offers a unique proposition for university staff to consider.

Feasibility study of automatically performing the concrete delivery dispatching through machine learning techniques

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 573-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Maghrebi ◽  
Claude Sammut ◽  
S. Travis Waller
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Mixing Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Solution ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Ready Mixed Concrete ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of machine learning (ML) techniques in order to automatically measure the feasibility of performing ready mixed concrete (RMC) dispatching jobs. Design/methodology/approach – Six ML techniques were selected and tested on data that was extracted from a developed simulation model and answered by a human expert. Findings – The results show that the performance of most of selected algorithms were the same and achieved an accuracy of around 80 per cent in terms of accuracy for the examined cases. Practical implications – This approach can be applied in practice to match experts’ decisions. Originality/value – In this paper the feasibility of handling complex concrete delivery problems by ML techniques is studied. Currently, most of the concrete mixing process is done by machines. However, RMC dispatching still relies on human resources to complete many tasks. In this paper the authors are addressing to reconstruct experts’ decisions as only practical solution.

scholarly journals Responsible talent management: towards guiding principles

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-236
Author(s):  
Stephen Swailes
Keyword(s):  
Business Ethics ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
Management Project ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis article addresses three concerns about the operationalization and possible effects of exclusive talent management; the core assumptions that underpin and shape talent practices, the problem of fair talent identification and potentially adverse employee reactions.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper that integrates empirical research on talent and talent management with ideas from business ethics.FindingsOrganizations should not simply assume that they meet the underlying assumptions of talent management. Where the assumptions can reasonably be shown to be valid, then a framework based on a set of principles is suggested to guide organizational approaches towards responsible talent management.Practical implicationsThe article provides talent practitioners with a set of principles, or at least some substantive suggestions, to be considered in the design of socially responsible talent management programmes and in programme evaluation.Social implicationsThe article provides guidance for organizations wishing to improve the care of their workforce in relation to strategies of employee differentiation based on performance and potential.Originality/valueDespite the burgeoning literature on talent management, the topic has not received much attention from an ethical and socially responsible viewpoint. This article adds to that literature and suggests further research particularly concerning the existence of real talent differences on which the entire talent management project is based.

Using human resource activities to implement sustainability in SMEs

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 652-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Langwell ◽  
Dennis Heaton
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how small- and medium-sized organisations that were already participating in recognised sustainability programmes in Iowa, USA, in how they were utilising activities normally associated with human resources (HRs) to implement sustainability – activities included communication, engagement, incentives and recruitment and retention. Design/methodology/approach – The authors were interested in how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were utilising HR functions to implement sustainability. This was an exploratory, qualitative research study utilised semi-structured interviews to obtain data. Findings – Based on the findings, some of the functions are being utilised more than others, with some activities not being implemented at all. Research limitations/implications – This research offers empirical research on how sustainability is achieved in SMEs. Practical implications – This paper outlines some practical methods that any SME could utilise to help implement sustainability within an organisation. Originality/value – This paper adds empirical research on how SMEs are implementing sustainable practices into their operations by using activities normally associated with the HR department.

What is project alliance capability?

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 404-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Maija Hietajärvi ◽  
Kirsi Aaltonen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Projects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Project alliancing – a project delivery model used in delivering complex projects – demands new organizational capabilities for successful project implementation. The purpose of this paper is to define the concept of project alliance (PA) capability and to identify the elements that constitute an organization’s PA capability. Design/methodology/approach This study provides empirical evidence of PA capability based on an investigation of participants’ experiences of Finnish construction and infrastructure alliance projects. The adopted research approach is qualitative and inductive. Findings The paper conceptualizes PA capability and defines the elements that constitute an organization’s PA capability, including important activities in the pre-formation, development and post-formation phases of PAs and the contractual, behavioral, relational, and operational skills that organizations need for successful alliance project initiation and implementation. Practical implications The identified alliance project activities are targets for routinization and best practices that organizations can deploy from one project to another. The identified skills indicate areas in which organizations should build and develop expertise. Originality/value There is limited empirical research on the elements defining an organization’s capability to bid, manage and operate in alliance projects. This study presents some preliminary thoughts to augment knowledge of the successful initiation and management of alliance projects and to suggest why some organizations may be more successful than others in alliance projects.

A solution to the problem of brand definition

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Avis ◽  
Isaac Levi Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
Brand Concept ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Agreed Definition

Purpose This paper aims to critically evaluate the definition of the brand concept, support the critique with an empirical study and provide a definition to resolve the problems that have been identified. Design/methodology/approach This paper combines a conceptual critique with empirical research using a sample of 730 journal papers to analyse the scope and number of brand-related concepts in extant literature. Findings The brand concept has evolved to become problematic with no clarity of definition. There has been an explosion in the number of brand-related concepts that make the brand concept opaque and unwieldy. Based upon the findings, the authors argue that it is necessary to return to a “label and associations model” of the brand concept to ameliorate these issues. Research limitations/implications The empirical research presented examines only 730 papers from a much wider body of brand literature. Nonetheless, it illustrates the fact that researchers and theorists are not talking about the same concept when using the term “brand”. Practical implications Practitioners are not being served by academic branding literature because no two researchers appear to be studying the same entity. This prevents a body of research from being built to guide practitioners. Originality/value This paper makes an original contribution by combining a conceptual critique and empirical study to examine the problems arising from the absence of an agreed definition of the brand concept and uses this as a foundation for creating a resolution to the problems.

How HR practitioners must keep on learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Formal Learning ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
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 – In business management, no one emerges fully formed from their professional training. A serious issue in human resource might sometimes be a tendency for future development to be erratic. Traditionally, continuing professional development is all about formal experiences, the sort of things that practitioners meet up with over the years by turning up to do their job. There is, however, a growing view that non-formal learning mechanisms have a part to play. At the same time, continuing professional development has to be broader than conventional courses – a combination of both formal and non-formal learning experiences are surely required. 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.

Skills utilisation in Scotland: exploring the views of managers and employees

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsteen Grant ◽  
Gillian Maxwell ◽  
Susan Ogden
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Opportunities For Promotion ◽  
Employee Focus ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically manager and employee views on employees’ skills utilisation in organisations in Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires to managers and employees, plus three case studies comprising manager interviews and employee focus groups. Findings – Highly significant differences are found between manager and employee views on: the match of employee skills to their current jobs; the extent of utilisation of employees’ skills; and opportunities for promotion. The main difference in views is on the match of employee skills to their current jobs, with employees opining more than managers that employees’ skills exceed the requirements of their job. Also, for managers and employees alike, the meaning of skills utilisation is obscure despite the language of skills being widely used in organisations. Research limitations/implications – The scale of the empirical research is possibly limited. There is potential for manager and employee bias. A case study of a private sector organisation is not included. Practical implications – It is apparent that there is potential to increase employees’ skills utilisation in organisations in Scotland. Managers are challenged with better utilising the skills within their workforces by using these skills to drive improvements in work processes and practices. Originality/value – Previous commentary and research on skills utilisation mainly centres on policy and employer standpoints. This paper focuses on manager and employee viewpoints on employees’ skills utilisation.

Learning by design: teacher pioneers

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-279
Author(s):  
Caroline Williams-Pierce ◽  
Theodore F. Swartz
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Design ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Original Learning ◽  
Instructional Resources ◽  
Learning By Design ◽  
Content Areas ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This purpose of this paper is to introduce innovative ways to design, develop and implement original learning experiences, by defining certain design elements with illustrative vignettes from the classrooms of teacher pioneers. Design/methodology/approach A new rubric of design elements is presented that synthesizes and illustrates theoretical and empirical research. Findings Teacher pioneers implement instructional design elements in a manner that supports the subordination of teaching to learning in their classrooms. Practical implications The rubric organizes criteria to design, implement, analyze and evaluate the extent to which instructional resources and approaches, at all levels and in all content areas, are likely to foster learners’ independence, autonomy and responsibility. Originality/value This paper provides a useful, concise and clearly explained rubric of design elements that, when most effectively implemented, can prepare students to meet, with enthusiasm and confidence, whatever comes their way.

A pragmatic sociological examination of projectification

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Régis Barondeau ◽  
Brian Hobbs
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Dominant Ideology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
Management Literature ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Boltanski and Thevenot’s Economies of Worth framework and the project world introduced by Boltanski and Chiapello are well known in the fields of sociology and organization theory, but have been largely ignored in the project management literature. The purpose of this paper is to introduce them into the literature on projects and projectification. Design/methodology/approach The framework and the project world are described in detail and compared with two streams of writings that are well known in the field of project management: Making Projects Critical and the project as a complex self-organizing emergent network. Findings The paper shows that the framework and the project world are relevant to research in project management and the understanding of the projectification of society. Research limitations/implications The framework and the concepts presented could be used in both conceptual and empirical research in project management, particularly the analysis of projects in which disputes occur among stakeholders. Several paths that future developments could follow are identified. Practical implications The framework can be used to better understand disputes and identify how they can be resolved or compromises can be found. Social implications The analysis by Boltanski and Chiapello showed that the evolution of management practice is linked to changes in society and in the dominant ideology. Originality/value The paper introduces a very valuable framework into the project literature.

Innovation in property management

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 436-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bob Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Property Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Published Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine innovation in the context of property and asset management (PAM) and define a clear interpretation of the term that can be applied generally. Second to propose an organisational framework in which stakeholders in PAM can behave more innovatively. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review and application of third party research. Findings – There is a clear need for stakeholders to behave innovatively. Innovation is primarily cultural and is disruptive by design which is uncomfortable for a mature industry like PAM. Research limitations/implications – This is an examination of existing literature and research. It sets up a need for empirical research on the behaviour of PAM stakeholders. Practical implications – PAM stakeholders need to change their culture to enable innovation to flourish. Originality/value – There is little published research on PAM.

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