People Management Techniques - Research Proposal Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Part 1 2 Research Project Proposal 2 1.1 Introduction 3 1.2 Aims and objectives 4 1.3 Literature Review 5 1.4 Methodology 7 1.4.1 Sampling 7 1.4.2 Interviews 8 1.4.3 Questionnaires 8 1.4.4 Data Collection 8 1.4.5 Data Analysis 9 1.5 Statement or rationale 9 1.6 Schedule 10 1.7 References 11 Introduction Part 1 of this research project proposes to study people management techniques as a theme applied in the construction industry. In particular, the research proposal looks into people management by reflecting on training and recruiting staff for future success of the industry. In this proposal, a literature review serves to give a review of relevant subject matter as described by different authors. Also, a research methodology included demonstrates the methods used in collecting data. Part 1 Research Project Proposal 1.1 Introduction People management is the process of planning work for team members in an organization like the built environment. The aim of planning by managers is to enhance the recruitment and training drive, retain staff, and plan for the future. This will strengthen management for sustainable change in the environment and monitoring of work quality. Also, provides employees an opportunity for development and learning of new ideas concerning the built environment profession. For built environment professions, it is vital to understand people management because this industry works with different organizations in meeting a single objective of architecture. In meeting organizational objectives, managers need to understand how the firm works and its influence on productivity in relation to employees. An organization succeeds when people management is incorporated effectively in the planning process of projects. In Australia, there is an acute need for built environment professionals to emphasize on methods for managing people; bearing in mind the required infrastructural boom in advancing the development of the economy and prosperity of the nation. Many graduates of Architectural Technology become employed quickly and thus the need to consider the myriad ways and methods employed in management. These graduates are demanding salary increments, and there is a need to change required modes of practice. New types of knowledge and skills programme for graduates in order to embrace these emerging practices need to be effected. People management techniques are critical for this industry because it emphasizes on appropriate technology, making sound and ethical (globalization and sustainability) decisions. This research is noteworthy because it gives an overview of how people management concerns will adapt to changes in the global environment by adhering to a sustainable environment acts. It is prudent for managers to learn and attain information on how to embrace sustainable methods of construction. The author hopes that the research will have positive implications on retaining, recruiting and training staff of architectural technology discipline. People management in this case will promote sustainable energy and building methods in order to embrace changes in the global market for built environment professions and industry. As a result, the research will enhance on how people management techniques have contributed positively to the success of the industry in relation to mentioned issues. 1.2 Aims and objectives Every project in this industry is different in reaching organizational goals and entails adapting to changes. Currently, many changes and competition levels exist such as communication, technological and work ethics among others and thus, professionals in this industry need to get along with these changes, which lead to the understanding of the concept people management. The aim of this research is to enlighten managers and leaders on how to handle their employees and maintain high levels of productivity while embracing global change. People management techniques incorporated in built environments help in adopting the global changes and levels of competition; by ensuring that personnel are productive and improve their standards of living. 1.3 Literature Review Byrnes (2008) book, ‘Management and the Arts’, is essential for this research proposal in that, it displays theories and practical applications to an art organization from perspectives of planning, finance, organizing, and economics, staffing and marketing in management. Several topics discussed in the book include: the evolvement of arts organization and management; theories and processes supporting strategic planning and decision-making processes; various integrated management theories and applications in built environments. This book gives readers class-tested questions provided after each topic. This has been beneficial in helping learners and professionals in built environment integrate materials and develop ideologies on how to solve problems and state of affairs in organizations. Case studies provided show problems faced by managers when managing people every day and quotes given relay real-world examples of theories and principled applied. The author has also given suggestions on how e-marketing is adopted in management practices. Harris et al. (2006) address particular issues relating to the role of contractors in built environment, risk management issues, value management and sustainability. These are topics relating to current issues facing the built environment for individuals interested in pursuing this career path. The emphasis given on this book is essential to the development of management skills with regard to managing graduates. The authors have succeeded in using clear and pragmatic approaches in retaining their managerial positions. A list of comprehensive questions and solutions is provided, after each topic for students and professionals of built environments, to use as a learning aid. Fryer et al. (2004) book offers students and construction managers an account on how managerial ideas and practices affect the human side of built environments. These authors have pulled together learned managerial practices and research undertaken; in order to come up with an inclusive outline of the main trends and themes relating to people management. On revising the text, they were able to reflect on the latest managerial thoughts and included sections like communication, management of innovation and conflict management. All these issues affect people management theme and, therefore, is fundamental for researchers to gain an understanding on their changes to the built environment industry. Halpin and Senior’s text reflect on the breadth of knowledge needed by students and professionals in understanding the dynamics related to the complex and large built environment industry. This book gives an overview of how the managers have successfully completed a project by managing different people. These authors give readers a capacity to think through all stages needed in completing a project and have given an analysis on communication models used. Interpersonal communication has achieved most emphasis in ensuring that people management techniques are employed. McClure and Bartuska produced a book that talks about the ways architects build things, from product scale and interior design, to regions and global systems. The book seeks to answer the question of how humans affect and are affected by the natural environment, by investigating how the components we make (buildings, cities) are interconnected. This also helps designers of these buildings conceptualize why the connections are essential. Through this book, one finds out how managing people in such an industry require techniques and needs to be professional. This helps in maintain high standards in planning. Smyth’s book, ‘Managing the Professional Practice: In the Built Environment’, gives emphasis on exploring key issues relating to culture influence, strategies and operations of management by professionals. In the built environment, it gives focus on ascertained practices from those growing to hefty intercontinental firms. The aim of this book is the promotion of management aspects by activities and function, having disciplines acting as the context and not the primary focus of discussion. Malcolm et al. report states two assumptions presented by managers of different disciplines and professions. They argue that, in an organization, people are the most valuable resource. Secondly, company performance in any organization attributes to the management of people. The report not only focuses on traditional questions of human resource practices of management but revolves around personnel performance in the company. The fundamental aim of compiling this report is to give guidance to managers on how to determine the order of effects relating to performance of their employees. This research proposal focuses mainly on architectural technology and will test some of the hypothesis related to training, motivating, recruiting and retaining staff. These activities will be tested by analysing their impacts on the future success of the industry. 1.4 Methodology In this research project, the use of both research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) is vital in order to triangulate. This helps in backing up a set of findings from a research method for data collection as it underpinned by one methodology, with regards to another method underpinning another methodology. For example, the use of a questionnaire (quantitative) in this project will gather statistical data about responses, the backup of this research project is the interview (qualitative) that gives depth information. Only selected members will be referred to the sample questionnaire. Research in this field of built environment consists of behavioural, components, affective and cognitive. Researchers of this field utilize either strong qualitative or quantitative methodologies to present their collected information. The use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches counteracts weaknesses of exploring all components and thus, enhances research into built environment (Dilanthi et al. 2002). 1.4.1 Sampling Sampling is a quantitative research method adopted by built environment companies because of its predominance in dealing with one product. Its operations deal with the production of a single line product and have less than one thousand employees. The methodological reasons for using the sampling method in both small and large organizations; is the use of a research strategy that attempts to describe practices of managers by using broad and global descriptions. Secondly, sampling with regard to organization type ensures that studies conducted are comparable in relation to the size of the organization. 1.4.2 Interviews Seniors managers in Australia’s built environment will participate in scheduled interviews (qualitative research method) for clarification of people management themes. Other people that will be interviewed will include production managers and the human resource managers of different companies in the built environment. During the interview period, researchers will use that time to tour the industry and looked into documents detailing strategies used by the HRM in training employees. Other issues considered during the interview session are with regard to training, equal opportunities for employees and methods of appraisal or quality. Open ended questions will be advocated because; they give room for individuals to give suggestions and recommendations on areas needing upgrading in the industry. The data collected is used to inform management on the functioning and practices of the organization, which enables them, improve on weak areas. 1.4.3 Questionnaires A questionnaire, quantitative research method, will also be used in gathering data from all shareholders of built industry. The numerous changes taking place in the global economy is an issue that encourages researchers to monitor the progress of people management strategies applied. During this period, all participants answering the questionnaire will be left anonymous to the public. This aims at ensuring that all views and opinions raised with regard to people management by top executives, and HR managers in the industry not criticized. Confidentiality is the number one principle of the questionnaire and will enable employees to talk freely and openly. 1.4.4 Data Collection Researchers need to specify the information required in order to complete the proposal, which include: 1. Training and recruitment programs adopted by the organization 2. Techniques to boost employees morale applied by the HRM 3. Ways of adopting to global changes with regard to people management issues Employees of chosen companies will provide a detailed sheet covering training methods applied for new employees and old by answering questions during the interview. Also, they should provide detailed information on how recruitment drives are undertaken within the organization. The questionnaires in this case, capture all personal circumstances in question as placed under each subject. The use of open ended questions with an answering scale of 1-10 is easy to handle. Evaluation performance is the only remaining part that will use review given by employers of the construction industry. The author considers the use of interviews as the best way of evaluating performance of their employees by looking at training methods applied in retaining staff. 1.4.5 Data Analysis For this research proposal, content analysis used in analysing verbal, written and messages communicated visually by respondents. This research analysis method aims at providing knowledge, representing facts, new insights and practical guide to plan of action; with reference to making replicable and inferences for validation data from a contextual approach. Content analysis encompasses inductive and deductive analysis of information for both quantitative and qualitative research method depending on the purpose of the study conducted. As a result, an inductive content analysis will be applied because; it moves from the specific to the general. By observing instances in the industry and combining it into a general statement, data collected is presented in graphs and tables; to enable researchers compare the findings and calculate necessary changes to be effected in the industry. 1.5 Statement or rationale The research gives emphasis on how management of people is conducted in the built environment with regard to other aspects like communication (interpersonal), retaining staff, motivation and recruitment. Through this research, professionals of the built environment will understand and know how to handle their employees through the project and thus, achieve organizational goals and objectives. Competition has emerged within organizations in this industry and is struggling to employ graduates to fill their top most jobs. However, negligence towards the uneducated few has reduced productivity levels of many companies. With this research, construction industries stand to gain information on how to handle graduates and incorporate them into the organization putting into consideration other people in the community. Aspects of communication and technology also affect productivity of firms and hence, people management research will give managers insights on how to adapt the changes to their work environment and maintain high performance standards. Taylor, the father of scientific management, says that there only exists one way of working (Management, Bartol & Martin 1998). 1.6 Schedule The following table illustrates the work schedule to be conducted for eleven weeks on how the project will be undertaken. PROJECT SCHEDULE FOR 11 WEEKS WEEKS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11                   Tasks                 Identifying different Companies                   Sampling out Companies according to industry selected                       Booking appointments with targeted Company Managers                       Presenting questionnaires                       Conducting visits to the Companies identified                       Conducting interviews of the targeted Company Managers                       Data analysis of information collected                       Project outcomes and conclusion                       1.7 References Australian State of the Environment Committee, 2011, Independent report to the Australian Government Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Australia State of the Environment. Byrnes, WJ 2008, Management and the Arts, New York, Elsevier. Dilanthi et al. 2002, ‘Quantitative and qualitative research in the built environment: application of “mixed” research approach’, Work Study, vol. 51, Issue 1, pp.17-31. Fryer, BG., Fryer, M., Egbu, C & Ellis R 2004, The practice of construction management: people and business performance, New York, John Wiley & Sons. Halpin, DW & Senior, BA 2010, Construction Management, New York, John Wiley and Sons. Harris, F., McCaffer, R & Edum-Fotwe, F 2006, Modern Construction Management, New York, Wiley-Blackwell. Malcolm, GP., West, MA., Lawthom, R & Nickell, S 2003, ‘Impact of People Management Practices on Business Performance’, The Institute of Personnel and Development, vol.15, no. 20. McClure, WR & Bartuska, TJ 2011, The Built Environment: A Collaborative Inquiry into Design and Planning, New York: John Wiley and Sons. Smyth, Hedley 2011, Managing the Professional Practice: In the Built Environment, New York, John Wiley & Sons. Read More