scholarly journals In Search of Effective Principal Appraisal

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Patricia Chapman

<p>The board of trustees of each New Zealand state and integrated school is responsible for the performance appraisal of its principal. Empirical data on the effectiveness of the appraisal for principals and boards is scarce. This research set out to describe principal appraisal within a region containing approximately one tenth of New Zealand schools. A survey to collect quantitative and qualitative data on the 2006 appraisal was completed by the principal and/or chair of just under half the schools in the region. The results suggest four critical success factors: the way in which the appraiser is selected and their personal qualities; the fairness and clarity of the process; the specific expectations that principals and chairs have of the outcome; and the completeness and congruity of principals' and chairs' understanding of appraisal. The reported experiences were mostly positive. However, understanding and resourcing of effective practice was found to be limited. A professional external appraiser and good interpersonal chemistry are dominant contributors to a satisfying appraisal experience. A functioning process with adequate resourcing and time for evidence gathering and evaluation, appear to be important appraisal prerequisites but do not guarantee a satisfying outcome. Unsatisfying appraisal experiences can be traced to a lack of clear understanding of appraisal aims and practice, together with resources to support their development. It is further compounded by the transient nature of boards. Four key action programmes are suggested to address shortcomings and recommendations are outlined for key stakeholders.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Patricia Chapman

<p>The board of trustees of each New Zealand state and integrated school is responsible for the performance appraisal of its principal. Empirical data on the effectiveness of the appraisal for principals and boards is scarce. This research set out to describe principal appraisal within a region containing approximately one tenth of New Zealand schools. A survey to collect quantitative and qualitative data on the 2006 appraisal was completed by the principal and/or chair of just under half the schools in the region. The results suggest four critical success factors: the way in which the appraiser is selected and their personal qualities; the fairness and clarity of the process; the specific expectations that principals and chairs have of the outcome; and the completeness and congruity of principals' and chairs' understanding of appraisal. The reported experiences were mostly positive. However, understanding and resourcing of effective practice was found to be limited. A professional external appraiser and good interpersonal chemistry are dominant contributors to a satisfying appraisal experience. A functioning process with adequate resourcing and time for evidence gathering and evaluation, appear to be important appraisal prerequisites but do not guarantee a satisfying outcome. Unsatisfying appraisal experiences can be traced to a lack of clear understanding of appraisal aims and practice, together with resources to support their development. It is further compounded by the transient nature of boards. Four key action programmes are suggested to address shortcomings and recommendations are outlined for key stakeholders.</p>


Author(s):  
David R. Brunsdon

Significant developments have occurred in the field of lifelines engineering over the past decade both in New Zealand and internationally. In New Zealand, this period encompassed both the beginnings of lifelines engineering and its development into being an established discipline of earthquake engineering. This paper charts the progress of lifelines engineering during this time, outlines the key achievements and critical success factors and discusses current needs and future developments.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Stefan Celeski

<p>Ongoing discussions and changes in the New Zealand innovation system have underlined the need to improve the level of co-operation between firms and the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) in New Zealand. This study contributes to this discussion by assessing the critical success factors for research co-operations between firms and CRIs. Alongside the practical value of this study, it also contributes to the development of relationship marketing theory, where empirical insights into research co-operations between firms and research institutes is lacking. Specifically, a case study methodology was utilised to test a conceptual model developed from existing literature in the context of research cooperations between universities and firms. To do so, similarities and contrasts between two successful research co-operations and two less successful research co-operations were examined in the light of 12 previously developed propositions. Findings from this study highlight the strong similarity of success factors for research cooperations between firms and universities with those of firms and research institutes. However, additional themes emerged from this study, notably the concepts of group diversity and the multidimensionality of trust. The emergence of these additional themes might be explained by the unique characteristics of the New Zealand innovation system (remoteness and small size of firms), and the study methodology, which enabled additional insights. Overall, this study contributes empirical data and conclusions from a new context to relationship marketing literature. From a managerial point of view, this study highlights the importance of a good balance between trust and distrust, a strong bond between the boundary spanning managers, and satisfactory communication as major determinants of successful research co-operation between firms and CRIs.</p>


Author(s):  
Katia M. Rojas ◽  
Leon Cosler ◽  
Daryl L. Santos

Since the FDA published guidance on the application of human factors engineering to medical devices and combination products, the concerns about the quality and success of human factors validation projects have put a strain on key stakeholders. Failed HF validation submissions can have serious negative impact not only on manufacturers and HF service providers, but also on the regulatory system and patients. Previously, we remarked on the need for alignment between key stakeholders, and strategies that increase the quality and success of HF validation projects. Leveraging the application of project management was recommended for that purpose. However, there is currently no research about characteristics, practices and critical success factors of these projects. An online survey instrument was developed tailored to this specific context to inform the development of an industry-focused project management maturity assessment tool (which will be Phase II of this research). In this opportunity, the high-level, preliminary findings are presented and briefly discussed. This effort contributes much needed literature regarding the current practices and factors that influence the quality and success of FDA HF validation projects.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
D.I. Gray ◽  
A.M. Sewell ◽  
M. Hartnett ◽  
B.A. Wood ◽  
P.D. Kemp ◽  
...  

Innovation is critical for maintaining New Zealand's competitive advantage in agriculture and central to this is farmer learning and practice change. Despite the importance of farmer learning, limited research has been undertaken in New Zealand. In this study, an extension programme was developed based upon educational theory and research and then evaluated over a 3 years to identify the factors that were important for farmer learning and practice change. This paper provides a brief overview of findings of a 3 year interdisciplinary study conducted at Massey University with 23 farmers that investigated the critical factors that support farmers' learning. The five critical success factors and the seven educational principles identified from this study provide guidelines for how science should interact with farmers to foster effective innovation. These findings are also applicable to other extension approaches such discussion groups, monitor farms and sustainable farming fund initiatives where farmers work with scientists and/or rural professionals. Keywords: farmer learning, extension, practice change, herb pastures, innovation, community of practice


Author(s):  
Rakesh Sookoo ◽  
Abrahams Mwasha ◽  
Joseph Iwaro

One of the most important aspect of quality in a project is workmanship. Most contractors have failed in meeting stakeholders’ needs in the area of workmanship as it relates to the objectives of cost, quality and time. The lack of a workmanship management system in the construction process is one of the major problems facing the construction industry. In this regard, this study is aimed at developing an integrated benchmarking framework to measure workmanship performance of construction projects at any stage with focus on ensuring quality. To do so, the study undertakes a critical survey of literature and building professionals using mixed survey methods. It then uses the information gathered to develop an integrated workmanship benchmarking framework by integrating three major existing quality management techniques that include TQM, Six Sigma and SMS. This study successfully developed an integrated benchmarking framework with capability to measure the workmanship performance at both organization and project levels in any stage of construction projects. Also, the study identified a set of critical success factors for workmanship assessment and is expected to assist with and guide in the development of a workmanship performance assessment tool for the construction industry in developing counties including Trinidad and Tobago.


2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 448-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanassios Mihiotis ◽  
Niki Argirou

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present coaching opportunities and applications in the workplace as well as to point out that organizations that want to leverage the benefits of coaching must be mature enough to have certain processes and practices in place. A further purpose of this paper is to gain some insight regarding several critical success factors are not well understood by organizations and to identify possible areas for improvement for them. Design/methodology/approach – The authors first presents the environment in which coaching was developed, from which disciplines was it affected, and how it was shaped into its current form. Then the authors focus on coaching used as a business development tool and critical factors that play an important role in the effectiveness of coaching from the organizations’ side are presented. The paper ends with some qualitative conclusions. Findings – The value that organizations realize form coaching is proportional to the quality of coaching delivered. Organizations that invest in quality coaches, have, themselves, a clear understanding of what coaching really is and actively support coaching initiatives at every aspect of coaching’s procedure, can reap the greatest benefits from it. Originality/value – Several studies have been conducted to determine the organization-dependent factors that affect coaching and the quality of the result. However, do date it has not been highlighted that organizations that want to leverage the benefits of coaching must be mature enough to have certain processes and practices in place. Furthermore, possible areas for improvement for companies are identified regarding several critical success factors that are not well understood by them.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-113
Author(s):  
Isaiah Gichohi Mwangi ◽  
Dr. Johnbosco Mutuku Kisimbi

Purpose: Aviation sector in Kenya facilitates both international and domestic trade, promotes tourism and foreign investment thus contributing to government revenue and employment opportunities. Therefore, improving airport infrastructure would help reduce travel time, improve connectivity. The high rates of project failure have become a major concern for stakeholders hence the need to identify key factors that promote project success or failure. This study seeks to assess the critical success factor influencing the performance of construction projects in Kenya.Methodology: The study adopted quantitative method to examine critical success factors for the performance of aviation construction projects in Kenya. Descriptive case study research design was adopted and self –administered questionnaires were used to collect quantitative for analysis.  The variables of interest include timely financing project activities, competency of contractors, participation of stakeholders, and management skills. Descriptive analysis and inferential tests were conducted with the aid of IBM SPSS version 23 software.Results: The study found that timely financing, contractor competency, stakeholder participation, and management skills have positive and significant influence on the performance of aviation construction projects. Descriptive results suggest that tractors competency, timely financing, management skills, and stakeholders’ participation have a strong positive influence on project performance. The study has also established a significant contribution of contractor competency to the successful performance of aviation construction projects. It was also noted that participation of key stakeholders in projects identification, decision making, and resource mobilization can enhance the success of aviation construction projects. It was observed that these factors account for over 54.9% of changes in project performance.Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: In light of these results, the study recommends industry players to put measures in place that would allow timely provisions of finance for all project activities. It is also important to source for competent and experienced contractors, engage key stakeholders in decision making about the project, and recruit a competent and skilled project manager. The study results have a significant contribution to practitioners in the aviation construction sector in Kenya. The study provides the practitioner with the most critical variables likely to influence the performance of aviation construction projects. It further acknowledges that external factors also influence the success of these projects. In light of this, the practitioners can institute contingency plans to mitigate the risks to ensure successful completion of their projects. To the academic, the current study has filled literature gap on critical success factors for aviation project performance. Given the upcoming mega project in aviation sector around the world, these factors provide the basis for future research in this area to ensure these projects are executed successfully within budget and schedule


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