Evidence-Based Management - Literature review Example

Name: Instructor: Course: Date: Evidence Based Management Introduction Evidence based management is a relatively new concept. Rousseau states that evidence based management involves identifying best evidences and incorporating them into organizational practices (256). According to Pfeffer and Sutton, before the introduction of this concept, managers relied on obsolete knowledge and long-standing traditions to inform their actions and decisions (62). However, over the years, management teams have come to appreciate the importance of making decisions based on the latest knowledge and proven best practices. Concerning the aviation industry, this type of management ensures that there is application of research based principles to resolve organizational problems. Therefore, this paper examines how an air traffic controller can apply an analytics approach to evidence based management to address some of the organizational issues within their field. Specifically, it takes a look at the how one can collect data and handle the causation issue concerning the mentioned management approach. Need and Specific Situations Air traffic control is one of the essential tasks in the aviation industry. Persons engaging in this task work long shifts and are responsible for the safety of the airline crew and machinery. Many of air traffic controllers work long shifts and inevitable suffer from stress and fatigue. An article by Passary states that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is aware of the risks associated with fatigue among air traffic controllers (par.1). In addition, Nealley and Gawron point out that the National Transport and Safety Board (NTSB) highly ranks fatigue among air traffic controllers as one of the major issues that needs to be addressed in the airline industry (14). Thus, this discussion describes how evidence based management using the analytics approach can be used to address fatigue among air traffic controllers. Analytic Approach to Evidence Based Management The analytic approach to evidence based management advocates for the use of existing data or information in management. Delen points out that the goal of analytics is to enable the end user to transform data and facts into actionable insights (4). By doing so, users are able apply best evidence to defend their decisions or practices. Over the years, analytics has become an important approach towards problem-solving techniques and decision support (Delen 4). Therefore, its application in the airline industry is would be of great value and importance, especially concerning addressing fatigue among air traffic controllers. Through data mining, the management teams are able to identify the relationships between different causal factors as well as establish the affinities among variables compounding the problem. The increased interest in the analytics approach has been driven by the need to understand the causal factors that lead to a particular outcome. Concerning the aviation industry, the need to understand the factors that cause fatigue among air traffic controllers is one of the reasons why evidence based management approaches should be adopted. Thomas, Smith and Diez state that evidence management approaches emphasizes on the importance of comprehending the connections between cause and effects (166). Therefore, it is critical that the management team is able to analyze available data and understand the significant implications of existing factors that lead to increased fatigue among air traffic controllers. Secondly, this approach is cheap and affordable since it applies the different available technological tools and platforms to gather relevant information. For instance, the increasing use of Internet-based technologies avails much information that the management teams can use to inform their decisions or offer insights on how to resolve the issue. Another advantage of the analytic approach is that it enables its end users to develop policies based on research. Thus, the analytical approach relies on careful dissemination of published research, study of organizational systems and behavior, culture among others. Gibbons points out that evidence based approaches not only provide insights but also it validates and refines existing structures, systems, and policies (10). Therefore, its application in resolving fatigue among air traffic controllers can enable the management team to discover how they can refine existing structures and policies in order to address this issue. Data Collection The analytic approach relies on data mining in order to gather evidence on the best practices to adopt. Therefore, managers must be selective on the sources of information. Thus, when addressing issues regarding fatigue among air traffic controllers one should gather information from credible and relevant peer reviewed and published researches. Other sources of information could, include publications from industry regulators e.g. FAA and NTSB reports, Industry databases such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), government reports such as those from the Department of Transport among others. These sources are recommended because they are authoritative and factual. The information contained therein is reliable and mostly based on concluded studies, committee recommendations, stakeholders findings among others. Hence, when addressing fatigue among air traffic controllers these highlighted resources are invaluable. In addition, data can be extracted from the airline information systems in order to verify the length of the shifts of the airline workers. By calculating the average time for each shift, the management team can be able to define the duration of time that can be defined as long working hours. The data can then be further analyzed to determine to what extent the existing working hours promotes errors and compromises the safety of all persons within an airport. All the fore mentioned information is merely examples of the type of information that can be used to offer insights on the issues at hand. Briefly, the information must be able to offer greater insights on the causes and effects of fatigue among air traffic control workers. Best Evidence One of the challenges of the analytic approach lies in the correct appropriation of casual factor and resultant effects. When analyzing information it is critical for one to be able to differentiate the immediate and distant causal factors and effects. For instance, long working hours is a direct cause of fatigue among air traffic controllers. Consequently, it may be one of the reasons of increased errors but not the only one. Therefore, the management team must continue to further analyze the data to find out the exact proportions of errors is as a result of fatigue. Therefore, managers must appreciate the importance of statistical methods of analysis in relation to evidence-based management. Schermerhorn notes that evidence based management may necessitate that managers to apply quantitative analysis tools in order to resolve complex problems (45).The systematic application and analysis of data can be achieved through statistical tools such as the Multitrait-multimethod matrix(MTMM). This approach can be used to establish to what extent the correlation between the factors being measured and the associated variables. Hayes notes that MTMM is a criterion-related strategy that seeks to gauge perceptions as embedded in a theoretical framework (55). Thus, this statistical tool can be used to assess to what extent fatigue is perceived to affect the quality of services. Liu points out that if the correlation between variables is statistically significant then that is enough evidence to prove the validity of the constructs under study. The application of different statistical instruments is one of the best approaches towards to ensuring that the analytical approach delivers the best evidence. The findings can then be adopted when revising existing policies, systems and other relevant factors that could see air traffic controllers less fatigued. Therefore, in the end, management team can make decisions based on facts and not instincts, thereby, ensuring objectivity at all times. Conclusion Fatigue is one of the challenges that air traffic controllers encounter in their line of work. Long working hours has always featured as one of the top reasons why these professionals experience fatigue. Regulating bodies and management teams cannot afford to ignore the issue as it cited as the causes of errors and safety risk. An analytical approach to evidence based management is one of the ways that can be applied to resolve the issue. Undertaking evidence based approach to resolving the issue ensures that the management team is able to understand the dynamics behind the various causes and effects. Thereby, they can make evidence based decisions on how to revise existing policies, restructure current organizational activities as well as come up with other innovative ways of addressing fatigue among air traffic controllers. Works Cited Delen, Dursun. Real-world Data Mining: Applied Business Analytics and Decision Making. FT Press, 2015. Print. Gibbons, P. The Science of Successful Organizational Change: How Leaders Set Strategy, Change Behavior, and Create an Agile Culture. New York: FT Press, 2015. Print. Hayes, Bob E. Measuring Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty: Survey Design, Use, and Statistical Analysis Methods. Milwaukee, Wis: ASQ Quality Press, 2008. Print. Liu, Xiufeng. Using and Developing Measurement Instruments in Science Education: A Rasch Modeling Approach. Charlotte, N.C: Information Age Pub, 2010. Print. Nealley, Megan A., and Valerie J. Gawron. "The Effect of Fatigue on Air Traffic Controllers." The International Journal of Aviation Psychology 25.1 (2015): 14-47. Print Passary, A. "FAA Must Consider Better Schedules for Air Traffic Controllers: Study : FUTURE TECH : Tech Times." Tech Times. Tech Times, 17 June 2014. Web. 28 May 2015. Pfeffer, Jeffrey, and Robert I. Sutton. "Evidence-based management." Harvard Business Review 84.1 (2006): 62. Print Rousseau, Denise M. "Is there such a thing as “evidence-based management”?." Academy of Management Review 31.2 (2006): 256-269. Print Schermerhorn, John R. Exploring Management. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley, 2011. Print. Thomas, Howard, Richard R. Smith, and Fermin Diez. Human Capital and Global Business Strategy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013. Print. Read More