The purpose of this article is to compare graduates' score rates in two multiple mini-interview (MMI) stations designed to assess graduates from several academic areas: confidant…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to compare graduates' score rates in two multiple mini-interview (MMI) stations designed to assess graduates from several academic areas: confidant vs stress interview and synchronous vs asynchronous. This relates to three transversal competences (TCs) (learning to learn [LL], positive professional attitude [PPA] and market orientation [MO]) and analyses the impact of global performance during interviews, in the context of the hypothetical hiring decision.
Design/methodology/approach
The paired samples t-test was employed to compare the scores obtained by 130 graduates in two assessment exercises, which were designed to evaluate the same set of TCs. Multiple linear regression models were estimated to model the effect of global performance during the interview on the hypothetical hiring decision.
Findings
Results indicate a significant difference in averages between the graduates' TCs scores in confidant interviews, when compared with stress interviews. However, this is only observed in synchronous evaluations. In both interviews, the assessment of the participant's global performance has a significant effect on the hypothetical hiring decision.
Research limitations/implications
In the confidant interview, the interviewer was also the synchronous evaluator, which may have affected their focus on the evaluation process. The order in which graduates participated in the confidant and stress interviews varied, thus possibly influencing their performance.
Practical implications
The results are relevant for HEIs, graduates and employers involved in the evaluation of TCs.
Originality/value
The article derives from a broader research project which adapted the MMI model to other academic areas. It considers two instruments to evaluate graduates' TCs and two assessment circumstances.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to disclose the perceptions of Portuguese employers regarding the transferable competencies (TCs) that enhance the employability of recent management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to disclose the perceptions of Portuguese employers regarding the transferable competencies (TCs) that enhance the employability of recent management graduates, the mechanisms for their development and the role played by different agents (faculties, students and companies) in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants were 41 chief executive officers and human resource managers belonging to the same number of companies located in northern Portugal. A semi-structured interview guide allowed the participants to express their views through their own words and in depth.
Findings
The participants identified the TCs they seek in recent management graduates, including several cognitive competencies, emotional intelligence competencies and social intelligence competencies. They discerned the curricular internship and the Erasmus+ program as the most effective mechanisms to develop undergraduates’ TCs. The role of companies in the development of the TCs of students and recent graduates was acknowledged; nonetheless, these employers expect greater involvement from Portuguese faculties and students.
Research limitations/implications
Although the results of this exploratory study cannot be generalized to the Portuguese population of employers, it contributes to uncover and understand their perceptions, hence providing a basis for subsequent investigations using larger samples.
Originality/value
Portugal is a particularly relevant context to conduct this research given the recent financial crisis and ensuing pressure on new graduates to deliver good performance rapidly, as well as the involvement of Portuguese universities in processes of international evaluation and accreditation. However, little information has thus far become available regarding employers’ perceptions of management graduates’ TCs.
Details
Keywords
Íris Barbosa and Carlos Cabral‐Cardoso
The purpose of this paper is to look at the way higher‐education institutions are responding to the challenges of an increasingly diverse academic force and the extent to which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to look at the way higher‐education institutions are responding to the challenges of an increasingly diverse academic force and the extent to which organizational culture welcomes and values diversity, thus allowing the university to benefit from talented people with diverse backgrounds.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted in a Portuguese university. Data were collected from 45 interviews with faculty members from different backgrounds and affiliations.
Findings
The organization studied is failing to promote equal opportunities policies and to manage the increasingly diverse academic workforce. Behavioural pressures to conform and parochial and inward looking attitudes appear to prevail. Values‐in‐use and artefacts seem to reflect the assimilation ideals. National origin came out as the key diversity issue. The integration of foreign academics is left to the individuals concerned and little effort is made to accommodate and to take advantage of their unique contribution.
Originality/value
The paper provides an in‐depth account of subtle discriminatory mechanisms faced by non‐native academics in a university that does not value diversity.
Details
Keywords
Iris Barbosa and Carlos Cabral‐Cardoso
The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which Portuguese companies have incorporated equality‐ and diversity‐related issues into their management discourse, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which Portuguese companies have incorporated equality‐ and diversity‐related issues into their management discourse, and examine the prevalent rhetoric on these matters.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive content analysis of the web sites of the 500 largest companies plus the 20 best companies to work for in Portugal, in 2005, according to the ranking of The Great Place to Work® Institute Portugal.
Findings
The analysis of the web site data shows that equality and diversity rhetoric mirrors, to a large extent, the dominant US discourse and ignores the necessary adaptation to the local context. However, there are significant differences in the adopted rhetoric according to the origin of the ownership control (native vs foreign) and the intended audience (local vs global). Native owned companies with web sites intended to a local audience tend to ignore diversity issues altogether.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to a single country's data, and to the discourse rather than actual practices. However, the paper adds to the debate on the globalization of management knowledge stressing the limitations of adopting the “one size fits all” management rhetoric as opposed to developing rhetoric more appropriate and that fits into the local context.
Originality/value
The paper provides an account of the equality and diversity rhetoric adopted by the most prominent organizations operating in Portugal, suggesting that such rhetoric is mainly for external consumption.
Details
Keywords
Cleber Pinelli Teixeira, Jônatas Castro dos Santos, Reisla D’Almeida Rodrigues, Sean Wolfgand Matsui Siqueira and Renata Araujo
As the Web 2.0 induces changes in human relationships, several implications across issues and domains of socio-economic life follow; politics is one of them. In the context of Web…
Abstract
As the Web 2.0 induces changes in human relationships, several implications across issues and domains of socio-economic life follow; politics is one of them. In the context of Web 2.0, social media have established themselves as a part of citizen’s daily routine. Hence, social media have a direct impact on politics today. This chapter examines this phenomenon and its implications for politics by tracing and examining the recent initiative launched by Rede Globo aimed at collecting citizens’ views and visions on Brazil’s future. “The Brazil I Want” project sought to encourage citizens to publish videos featuring their visions and views of Brazil’s future. Thousands of citizens used this opportunity to express their concerns and hopes related to the future of their cities and their country. This chapter seeks to make sense of it in two ways. First, it explores to what extent and how social media can serve as source of information. Here the concepts and tools of big data and data mining are employed. Second, it inquiries into what people currently think about their country. By bringing these two research perspectives together, this chapter argues that effective ways of resolving issues and concerns the citizens thus voiced exist to the benefit of the efficiency of the policymaking process and the society’s wellbeing.
Details
Keywords
Deniz Sevis, Kamil Senel and Yagmur Denizhan
The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method makes few or no assumptions about the optimization problem at hand and is applicable without much information about the problem…
Abstract
Purpose
The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method makes few or no assumptions about the optimization problem at hand and is applicable without much information about the problem. Although this fact constitutes one of the most important advantages of the PSO method, it can also be considered as a waste of available knowledge about the specific problem, which could have drastically improved the search performance. This paper aims to introduce an improvement to the PSO method such that the exploitation of any available knowledge about the specific optimization problem can be combined with the powerful blind‐search ability of the original method.
Design/methodology/approach
The improvement is achieved by the so‐called Knowledge Supported PSO (KS‐PSO), which consists of a combination of two modes: a mode that operates according to the original PSO approach and a knowledge‐based mode which the user has to design for the specific problem.
Findings
The application of the proposed KS‐PSO method is presented for two rather different optimization problems chosen from the domain of control and computer engineering: the model‐free tuning of a Fractional‐Order PID controller and the training of a single‐layer perceptron. The simulation results demonstrate the performance improvement in KS‐PSO as compared to the original PSO.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel version of the well‐known PSO method, which achieves performance improvement by combining the original blind‐search capability with the exploitation of available knowledge about the specific problem.
Details
Keywords
Shameek Mukhopadhyay, Rohit Kumar Singh and Tinu Jain
The paper aims to analyze the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing marketing capabilities for Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms, with appropriate…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to analyze the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing marketing capabilities for Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms, with appropriate emphasis on dynamic capabilities (DC). By integrating AI into their operations, companies can enhance diverse marketing practices, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, the study offers valuable insights and guidance for effectively implementing AI in marketing strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews of 26 seasoned professionals from various positions in the Indian FMCG sector were conducted for the study. A systematic approach of coding that includes open, axial and selective coding was made to recognize the themes that represent AI-enabled marketing practices. This approach ensured that the themes were precisely identified and comprehensively analyzed. Interviews followed by a rigorous coding process provide valuable insights into the practical implementation of AI-enabled marketing practices for the Indian FMCG industry.
Findings
The study’s results underscore the importance of AI in enhancing marketing practices for FMCG firms, particularly in four critical areas: personalization, consumer engagement, marketing automation and strategic goals. By adopting AI in these areas, Indian FMCG firms can significantly enhance their marketing capabilities, increasing efficiency, effectiveness and gaining a competitive advantage.
Research limitations/implications
The study uses qualitative data analysis to explain how DC through AI technologies can enhance digital marketing practices for Indian FMCG organizations. Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights into how AI technologies can improve marketing capabilities and emphasizes the importance of DC. The study also proposes a framework for AI-enabled Marketing 4.0 that can guide FMCG firms seeking to leverage AI technologies to enhance their marketing practices.
Originality/value
This study outlines the potential for enhancing marketing practices by adapting AI in the Marketing 4.0 environment for Indian FMCG companies, highlighting the importance of DC in achieving this goal.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to present a strategic framework aiming to streamline building operation and sustainability issues. To make available a further contribution to respond to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present a strategic framework aiming to streamline building operation and sustainability issues. To make available a further contribution to respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), an operational prevention guideline relying on the level of spread risk has also been developed, primarily intended for users when accessing and circulating within common spaces of buildings in general.
Design/methodology/approach
The research approach involved the development of a whole theory, essentially based on a qualitative design, by means of tree schematic representations and explanatory frames. It presents part of a model already developed (called SIAPME), although, in general, besides integrating the underlying aspects of the individual experience of daily life, it is based on insights and impressions taken from the literature review.
Findings
With an identity of its own, this study offers an overview of an alternative set of well-founded and integrated strategies to improve working processes in a number of fields of the building operation function. A structured vision has thus, been provided with interest in certain key topics of the present time, such as energy management, comfort and sustainability. Still, in this context, based on a frame of knowledge gathered to date, a current, innovative and simple guidance has also been designed to help prevent the contagion of COVID-19.
Research limitations/implications
The draft of procedures is part of an ambitious goal to serve as a well-founded strategic basis for the eventual development of an advanced software solution. As it is mainly limited to qualitative analysis, from which themes and generalisations have been arranged, this research may need more empirical evidence and additional work will be necessary to overcome any gaps that may be found.
Practical implications
An overall assessment of this study seems to corroborate the idea that a significant impact on the developments in building operation can occur if stakeholders seek a more integrated way of management, based on cross-referencing of current issues. At a time when great uncertainties remain and knowledge advances are in full swing, the designed framework aims to be an added input towards already existing research. Furthermore, it can be seen as a valuable contribution to improving related software applications.
Originality/value
The originality lies in trying to better understand how and in which aspects the general day-to-day management of building operation can be handled more effectively, sustainable and framed, following a reasoned scientific line, in addition of trying to figure out greater capacity to deal with users’ contagions, especially in the existing context of the pandemic.