Engineering Management

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11888/3190

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Adopting a Competency Based Human Resource Management System in Palestine Cellular Communication LTD-JAWWAL
(2011) Enas Hamzi Mohammad Hijazeh; Prof. Grace Khoury
The goal of this research is to identify JAWWAL core competencies that will serve as a foundation for a competency based human resource (HR) management system, which for this research will include recruitment and selection, training and development, and performance management for this research. In order to achieve the general objectives of this study, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with JAWWAL directors, managers and supervisors were conducted as well as gathering completed competency based training appraisal forms from direct supervisors of employees who have participated in a competency based training course. Based upon the analysis of responses, which formed 63% of the sample, the following conclusions were drawn: -Eleven core competencies have been identified for JAWWAL employees, derived from JAWWALs mission and vision statements and they will serve as the base for the HR competency system. -JAWWAL will gain many advantages by adopting such a system. First, it will link its employees with the mission and vision statements; second, recruitment and selection will be competency based and not job based which encourages managers and other decision makers to clarify the verifiable, measurable results they expect from successful performers before a selection decision is made. This makes selection methods more effective, which reduces turnover, where, in this study, turnover was reduced by 0.196% during a period of seven months, since the employees who are hired are more likely to do well in jobs or work roles that are matched to their existing or potential competencies. -Competency based training allowed JAWWAL employees to structure their activities and processes in ways that are most meaningful to them. With this approach to training, JAWWAL managers, supervisors and employees are now more able to identify and use many learning resources in diverse settings. JAWWALs competency-based approach to training consistently communicates a common set of performance expectations to every team member. JAWWAL started to focus all training on meeting employees needs that support successful and creative team performance. Competency-based training began to help JAWWAL managers and supervisors keep JAWWAL employees focused on achieving exemplary performance. -It was concluded by the respondents that in a competency based system the process will encourage frank and non-adversarial communication between employees and their managers. It is not unusual for JAWWAL employees to express their concerns in performing work that is not aligned with their strengths or interests. It is not only the less productive employees but often exemplary performers as well, who express these concerns. It also gives JAWWAL employees the opportunity to convey their interests and satisfaction in performing work that is aligned with their competencies. JAWWAL employees' work results will be aligned with achievement of strategic objectives, and this contribution will be identified in specific and usually measurable terms. Work that is identified as nonstrategic can be eliminated; it will allow JAWWAL to use its resources in other more productive ways. A competency-based HR performance management system establishes a work environment at JAWWAL in which the roles, relationships, and responsibilities of both managers and employees are well defined. -Communication of strategic change is the most important strategy that the HR Directorate must work on to ensure success of the competency system JAWWAL is seeking to adopt for HR functions. In conclusion, this study recommends that JAWWALs top management allow the HR Directorate to play an effective strategic role through adopting the competency based human resource management system that will align HR practices with JAWWAL's strategic objectives and employee development efforts as well as to integrate all components of the HR functions across JAWWAL. Key words: JAWWAL, HR Directorate, Core Competencies, Competency Based Human Resource Management System, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, and Performance Management.
Adopting BIM in Palestinian Construction Projects using ADKAR as an Integrative Model of Change Management
(An-Najah National University, 2018-12-20) مصلح, خضر
The aim of this research is to examine the BIM status in the West Bank construction projects after introducing its application advantages. Additionally, it utilizes change management and inspects some hypothesis to increase BIM adoption using ADKAR model of change as a framework to replace the traditional engineering methods of work into modern processes in different engineering fields. The buildings sector is considered a major branch of the construction industry, which is primarily the main economical part of any country. Therefore, developing this sector will definitely result in improving the whole country. One of the main engineering processes that enhances the buildings sector is the Building Information Modeling (BIM) used worldwide. The process of BIM adoption will develop the engineering procedure of work for the construction projects to be constructed with the required quality at the minimum cost and least duration. The researcher studied several related books and researches to enlarge his vision, knowledge and information for the purpose of successfully completing this thesis. Furthermore, interviews with eight major organizations and 242 filled questionnaires from engineering and contracting companies with different specialties added to clearly reach the required research objectives. It was concluded that the ADKAR components: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement with the exception of Ability in adopting BIM for Civil and Architectural specialties, seemed to be higher in percentage than in Mechanical and Electrical fields. It was noticeable that all fields lack the Ability to implement BIM in real construction projects. Furthermore, adopting BIM in the West Bank construction projects were more effective for higher educational degrees, lower years of experience, smaller size companies, and Architects and Civil engineers. Luckily, and after collecting the needed data and analyzing the qualitative and quantitative results, a framework was established for different engineering fields such as: Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical specializations. The framework supports BIM application with the help of Government and its organizations to engage all stakeholders including the owner, to successfully approve BIM adoption in building projects. This study adds a contribution to the buildings sector by applying ADKAR change management model in the BIM adoption process for the first time in literature. In conclusion, the researcher recommends adopting BIM in the developing countries, as well as in other regions possible for their construction projects.
Agile Project Management Practices in Palestinian IT Companies: A Managerial Framework
(2016) Abdalla Jaber Abdalla Alhroub; Dr. Ayham Jaaron
Palestinian software sector is directly affected by global trends of technology. Palestinian IT companies try to stay in the arena of competition. Agile project management (APM) is an emerging approach in software engineering, initially proposed and promoted by a group of sixteen software professionals who practice a set of methods, and share a common set of values of software development. They consolidated their thoughts, and defined these methods as “agile. This research aims at assessing the APM practices in Palestinian IT companies. This study aims at investigating the possibility of achieving the benefits of agile project management in software development through using agile project management practices. This study explored related topics to APM. Based on what the researcher had got from the literature, he assessed the APM in software development sector by analyzing the readiness of APM implementation including changes required, challenges and risks in addition to testing the 12 agile principles and agile success factors by using mixed methods methodology, qualitative and quantitative research tools, and all of these 12 principles and success factors were found in literature. A questionnaire was the quantitative tool, whereas, the qualitative one was conducting interviews in Palestinian IT companies. Quantitative data was analyzed by the SPSS program to generate descriptive statistics required and to test a number of related hypothesis. However, the qualitative data was analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The questionnaire was designed to simulate the project’s success factors and agile project management practices in software development and information technology sector. The interview questions have been formed in accordance with the questionnaire which examines the hypotheses of the study, where it supports the research results through the answers provided by experts in the field of agile project management practices through their answers to the questions asked in interviews Protocol, and distributed to the sampled companies. Palestinian Information Technology Association (PITA) is considered as the official body which include all IT and software development Palestinian companies. According to PITA, the population size is 80 companies that are working in SW development sector according to many activities. The sample size was 67 based on population size, confidence level is 95%, and confidence interval is 5%. The results show that there are indicators that prove that the Palestinian IT companies have a high degree of agile implementation process in most aspects such as dealing with the change required, welcoming to change, focusing on customer centric, giving high attention to the team and its characteristics, and daily administrative procedures. However, the results show that Palestinian IT companies are lacking required level of ability to deal with challenges and risks of the APM processes and people characteristics readiness. The study indicates that eight of the nine hypothesis have statistically significant relationship with success. A framework was developed by the researcher as the main output to enable Palestinian IT companies to properly adopt the principles and the practices of agile project management that can enhance APM processes implementation. The value of this research is the introduction of an APM enhancement framework that can help the Palestinian IT companies to facilitate SW development process, and encounter the daily obstacles that to be solved, and to get rid of the suffering of IT sector, which opens the door for more creativity in Palestinian IT sector.
Analysis of Project Management Practices in Public Sector in West Bank "Ministry of Public Works & Housing"
(2011) Sajeda Rashed Janem; Dr. Riyad Abdel Kareem Awad
This study aims at assessing the different project management practices and tools followed by the different departments in public sector in West Bank, in particular, in Ministry of Public Works and Housing as well as to explore effective techniques and tools in project management within public sector, and to understand the main factors that hinder achieving project goals. In order to achieve the objectives of this study; a survey based on a questionnaire was carried out among General Directors, Directors, Head of Divisions, and Project Managers of related different departments in Ministry of Public Works and Housing in West Bank. Based upon the analysis of responses and studying case study of projects, the results of the study proved that there is an inefficiency of project management practices followed within Ministry of Public Works and Housing, and these practices could be graded as moderate with respect to best practices. The results revealed that officials believe that using a simple and well defined framework with a staged approach ensures project success. They also had the conviction that post evaluation of projects is essential to project success; to deduce and file continuous recommendations so as to overcome possible shortcoming in new projects. Nevertheless, miscommunication among project team, absence of thorough planning and non-adopting of clear methodologies revealed as the main factors that lead for hindrance of achieving project goals. Keywords: Public Sector, Ministry of Public Works & Housing, Project Management.
Applying Virtualized Evolved Packet Core in Palestinian Mobile Operators
(جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2019-02-03) دراغمة, خولة
الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية هي تكنولوجيا تم اقتراحها من أجل تخفيف أثر تدني الربح في قطاع الاتصالات العالمي. وبناءا عليه فان الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية هي اتجاه جديد للتغلب على تحديات البنية التحية المطلوبة لتقديم خدمات جديدة وادارة النمو السريع في الطلب على خدمات البيانات. الهدف الاساسي من هذه الدراسة هي التفريق بين نماذج الخدمات الافتراضية وهي: الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية للبنية التحتية كخدمة والشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية كبرنامج والشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية كبرمجيات. وبين النماذج الأولية وهي الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية المملوكة والنظام المخصص القديم من خلال تقييم الجوانب التشغيلية والادارية والتجارية المتعلقة بالنماذج. أيضا تقديم توصيات شاملة للحالة الدراسية من حيث أفضل نموذج يمكن تطبيقه على الرمة الأساسية المتطورة . في هذه الدراسة تم تطوير نموذج رياضي على عدة مراحل الذي ينتهي بنموذج الرمة الأساسية المتطورة الموصي به للمشغل بناءا على معطيات المشغل. أول مرحلة تتمثل في تقييم مدى استعداد المشغل من أجل التحويل إلى نظام الرمة الأساسية المتطورة الافتراضية, ثم يتم الانتقال إلى المرحلة الثانية وهي تقييم مؤشرات الأداء الرئيسية والتي تخضع للمنظور التجاري والتقني والتحويلي, بحيث أن تقييم المؤشرات سوف يختلف من مشغل إلى اخر بناءا على أولويات الشركة وأهدافها التجارية. بعد ذلك تأتي المرحلة الثالثة والتي تتمثل في تقيم نماذج الرمة الأساسية المتطورة لكل مؤشر أداء رئيسي وهذه المرحلة تنقسم إلى قسمين رئيسين: القسم الأول هو المعدل النوعي بحيث يتم تقيم نماذج الرمة الأساسية المتطورة بناءا على دراسات وتجربة الخبراء والتغذية الراجعة من المزودين , القسم الثاني هو المعدل الكمي والذي يتعلق بمؤشرات الاداء الرئيسية المالية والتي تتمثل في قيمة الاستثمار بالإضافة إلى المصاريف التشغيلية لكل نموذج من نماذج الرمة الاساسية المتطورة .لذلك المعدل الكمي سوف يختلف بين مشغل واخر بناءا على المعطيات المالية لكل مشغل. بعد أن يتم تطبيق النموذج الرياضي على المشغل فان نتائج النرياضي تتلخص في: النتيجة الأولى هي مدى استعداد المشغل للانتقال إلى الشبكة الوظيفية المطورة بحيث يعتمد بشكل كامل على قرار المشغل, بناءا على معطيات تقييم الاستعداد للانتقال إلى الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية أو عدم الانتقال بالإضافة إلى تحديد المخاطر المتعلقة في استراتيجية الانتقال إلى الشبكة الوظيفية. المخرج الثاني من النموذج الرياضي هو نموذج الرمة الاساسية المتطورة الموصي به للمشغل بناءا على تقيم مؤشرات الأداء الرئيسية والمعطيات المالية للمشغل. هذه الدراسة تركز على سوق الاتصالات الفلسطيني حيث أن فلسطين تعد دولة نامية خاضعة للاحتلال وعوائقه في مختلف القطاعات. حيث أن قطاع الاتصالات واحدة من هذه المجالات التي تعاني من القوانين المفروضة من الاحتلال. في هذا السياق هذه الدراسة طبقت على أوريدو فلسطين احدى المشغلات الخلوية الفلسطينية بحيث أن اوريدو فلسطين تقدم خدماتها في سوق يوجد فيه منافسة قوية بين المشغلات الفلسطينية بالإضافة إلى المنافسة الغير قانونية المفروضة من المشغلات الخرى مثل مشغل سيليكوم الاسرائيلي ومشغل أورنج الاسرائيلي. أظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن أوريدو فلسطين على استعداد عالي من أجل التحويل نحو النظام الافتراضي, بحيث أن استراتيجية النظام الافتراضي هي استراتيجية رئيسية يمكن من خلالها التقليل من تأثير التحديات التي تواجه المشغلات الفلسطينية. بالإضافة إلى ذلك أظهرت النتائج ان نموذج الحزمة الأساسية المتطورة الموصي بتطبيقه في أوريدو فلسطين هو الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية المملوكة, كما عرضت الدراسة تحليل كامل المخاطر الاستراتيجية للنظام الافتراضي المتعلقة بالحالة الدراسية لأوريدو فلسطين.
Applying Virtualized Evolved Packet Core in Palestinian Mobile Operators
(ِAn-Najah National University, 2019-02-03) Daraghmeh, Khawla
الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية هي تكنولوجيا تم اقتراحها من أجل تخفيف أثر تدني الربح في قطاع الاتصالات العالمي. وبناءا عليه فان الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية هي اتجاه جديد للتغلب على تحديات البنية التحية المطلوبة لتقديم خدمات جديدة وادارة النمو السريع في الطلب على خدمات البيانات. الهدف الاساسي من هذه الدراسة هي التفريق بين نماذج الخدمات الافتراضية وهي: الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية للبنية التحتية كخدمة والشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية كبرنامج والشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية كبرمجيات. وبين النماذج الأولية وهي الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية المملوكة والنظام المخصص القديم من خلال تقييم الجوانب التشغيلية والادارية والتجارية المتعلقة بالنماذج. أيضا تقديم توصيات شاملة للحالة الدراسية من حيث أفضل نموذج يمكن تطبيقه على الرمة الأساسية المتطورة . في هذه الدراسة تم تطوير نموذج رياضي على عدة مراحل الذي ينتهي بنموذج الرمة الأساسية المتطورة الموصي به للمشغل بناءا على معطيات المشغل. أول مرحلة تتمثل في تقييم مدى استعداد المشغل من أجل التحويل إلى نظام الرمة الأساسية المتطورة الافتراضية, ثم يتم الانتقال إلى المرحلة الثانية وهي تقييم مؤشرات الأداء الرئيسية والتي تخضع للمنظور التجاري والتقني والتحويلي, بحيث أن تقييم المؤشرات سوف يختلف من مشغل إلى اخر بناءا على أولويات الشركة وأهدافها التجارية. بعد ذلك تأتي المرحلة الثالثة والتي تتمثل في تقيم نماذج الرمة الأساسية المتطورة لكل مؤشر أداء رئيسي وهذه المرحلة تنقسم إلى قسمين رئيسين: القسم الأول هو المعدل النوعي بحيث يتم تقيم نماذج الرمة الأساسية المتطورة بناءا على دراسات وتجربة الخبراء والتغذية الراجعة من المزودين , القسم الثاني هو المعدل الكمي والذي يتعلق بمؤشرات الاداء الرئيسية المالية والتي تتمثل في قيمة الاستثمار بالإضافة إلى المصاريف التشغيلية لكل نموذج من نماذج الرمة الاساسية المتطورة .لذلك المعدل الكمي سوف يختلف بين مشغل واخر بناءا على المعطيات المالية لكل مشغل. بعد أن يتم تطبيق النموذج الرياضي على المشغل فان نتائج النرياضي تتلخص في: النتيجة الأولى هي مدى استعداد المشغل للانتقال إلى الشبكة الوظيفية المطورة بحيث يعتمد بشكل كامل على قرار المشغل, بناءا على معطيات تقييم الاستعداد للانتقال إلى الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية أو عدم الانتقال بالإضافة إلى تحديد المخاطر المتعلقة في استراتيجية الانتقال إلى الشبكة الوظيفية. المخرج الثاني من النموذج الرياضي هو نموذج الرمة الاساسية المتطورة الموصي به للمشغل بناءا على تقيم مؤشرات الأداء الرئيسية والمعطيات المالية للمشغل. هذه الدراسة تركز على سوق الاتصالات الفلسطيني حيث أن فلسطين تعد دولة نامية خاضعة للاحتلال وعوائقه في مختلف القطاعات. حيث أن قطاع الاتصالات واحدة من هذه المجالات التي تعاني من القوانين المفروضة من الاحتلال. في هذا السياق هذه الدراسة طبقت على أوريدو فلسطين احدى المشغلات الخلوية الفلسطينية بحيث أن اوريدو فلسطين تقدم خدماتها في سوق يوجد فيه منافسة قوية بين المشغلات الفلسطينية بالإضافة إلى المنافسة الغير قانونية المفروضة من المشغلات الخرى مثل مشغل سيليكوم الاسرائيلي ومشغل أورنج الاسرائيلي. أظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن أوريدو فلسطين على استعداد عالي من أجل التحويل نحو النظام الافتراضي, بحيث أن استراتيجية النظام الافتراضي هي استراتيجية رئيسية يمكن من خلالها التقليل من تأثير التحديات التي تواجه المشغلات الفلسطينية. بالإضافة إلى ذلك أظهرت النتائج ان نموذج الحزمة الأساسية المتطورة الموصي بتطبيقه في أوريدو فلسطين هو الشبكة الوظيفية الافتراضية المملوكة, كما عرضت الدراسة تحليل كامل المخاطر الاستراتيجية للنظام الافتراضي المتعلقة بالحالة الدراسية لأوريدو فلسطين.
Assessing Entrepreneurship Practices at the Palestinian Higher Education Institutions
(An-Najah National University, 2021-02-06) طبيب, شرين محمود
Entrepreneurship has been widely recognised as being vital for economic growth through increased employment, productivity and innovation and improved social welfare. Higher educational institutions (HEIs) worldwide understand that teaching entrepreneurship is critical to their mission and their role in their communities. In Palestine, almost all HEIs have implemented several entrepreneurship initiatives to prepare their students for business ventures. The main aim of this study is to assess the entrepreneurial practices (EPs) in Palestinian HEIs. These EPs are assessed in terms of eight factors, including leadership and governance; organisational capacity, i.e. funding, people and incentives; entrepreneurial teaching and learning; preparing and supporting entrepreneurs; digital transformation and capability; knowledge exchange and collaboration; internationalisation and the impact of implementing entrepreneurial initiatives on the quality of education. To achieve this aim, an exploratory research was conducted. A mixed research approach was used to collect data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 entrepreneurship experts in the West Bank (WB). A questionnaire was developed, based on the European commission tool, HEInnovate, and given to 276 participants who are involved in entrepreneurial activities, including students, staff and alumni, in six selected Palestinian universities. The main finding was that, from the perspective of the target population, there is a high level of implementation of EPs in the universities. The EP that is most often implemented in the universities surveyed was leadership and governance and the most rarely implemented EP was organisational capacity. In addition, it was found that the key barriers to the implementation of EPs were the lack of sustainable funding for entrepreneurial projects, the absence of a national plan to organise entrepreneurial work in Palestine and the shortage of qualified staff and entrepreneurs in universities.
Assessing Green Human Resources Management Practices in West Bank: An Exploratory Study
(2016) Hiba Awad Masri; Dr. Ayham Jaaron
In the last few years, global concerns have increased regarding the environmental issues, especially after the consolidation of the industrial revolution which caused an increment in degradation of the environment. These concerns generated more pressure and inculcated business and industry to develop and use green management by adopting environmentally-friendly practices and products. Environmental Management (EM) has been included in many departments such as marketing, supply chain, finance and others. Recently, Human Resource Management (HRM) joined the green movement. The integration of EM into HRM practices is known as Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) which aims to help organizations improve Environmental Performance (EP) through increasing employees' involvement and commitment towards environment. The industrial sector is considered to be a source of various forms of environmental pollution in Palestine which needs to be assessed, monitored and rectified. Therefore, it should involve all employees to achieve EM goals. This research aims to explore and assess the extent of implementing GHRM practices in Palestinian manufacturing companies from three industrial sectors (food, Chemical and pharmaceutical industries) in the West Bank (WB). An exploratory research inquiry using structured questionnaires with semi-structured interviews is used. This research discusses the current trends of GHRM practices in these companies based on findings of 17 semi-structured interviews and questionnaires submitted to 110 companies. The result of this research indicates that HRM practices are not used to a great extent to encourage employees to become more pro-environmental. The total implementation of GHRM is 54.9% which is considered as a moderate level. It has been found that the preferable practice which increased employees’ commitment and awareness toward the environment is the “Green management of organizational culture”. On the other hand, the least used practices were “Green Reward and Compensation”. This study discusses the role of GHRM in creating a green culture and achieving EM goals which will improve EP. The results of hypotheses testing show that there is a statistically significant relationship between GHRM practices and EP. Furthermore, it devises a model that represents the best practices of GHRM to improve EP. In addition, this research identifies the variables that could affect GHRM implementation by supporting or hindering and the expected benefits of GHRM implementation from the viewpoint of the targeted companies. The results of the descriptive analysis show that the main driver of GHRM is “Environmental Considerations”, the main barrier of GHRM is “Cost of implementing GHRM programs” and the main expected benefit of GHRM is “promotes social responsibility toward environment among employees”. Finally, the findings of this research are expected to provide useful information for future research directions.
Assessing Green Practices in the Closed- Loop Supply Chain in the West Bank
(An-Najah National University, 2018-02-13) زهد, ميساء طلعت
Despite the fact that environmental issues have become critical concerns all over the world, manufacturing companies are constantly under pressure to develop environmentally responsible and friendly practices. Consequently, environmental pollution issues must be addressed with Supply Chain Management (hereinafter referred to as ‘SCM’). Thus, the implementation of Closed Loop Supply Chain (hereinafter referred to as ‘CLSC’) practices can be a powerful way to differentiate a company from its competitors and enhance environmental performance. With increased green awareness and the requirement to meet the terms with environmental policy, CLSC is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers. Thus, the current study aims to explore and assess the extent of implementing CLSC practices in Palestinian manufacturing companies from two industrial sectors (food and pharmaceutical industries) in the West Bank (hereinafter referred to as ‘WB’). An exploratory research inquiry using structured questionnaires with semi-structured interviews is used. This research discusses the current trends of CLSC practices in these companies based on findings of ten semi-structured interviews and questionnaires submitted to 113 companies. The result of this study indicates that the average implementation of CLSC is 58.2% which is considered as a moderate level. It has been found that the preferable practice toward the environment is the "green manufacturing" and "reverse logistics". On the other hand, the least used were “green culture of the company ” practices. Furthermore, the results of hypotheses testing show that there is a statistically significant relationship between CLSC practices and environmental performance. Furthermore, it constructs a model that represents the best practices of CLSC to improve environmental performance. Also, this study identifies the factors that could affect CLSC implementation by supporting or hindering and the advantages of CLSC implementation from the point of view of the targeted companies. The results of the descriptive analysis show that the main driver of CLSC is "Governmental pressure", the main barrier of CLSC is "change resistance of the employees" and the main expected benefit is "Achieving competitive advantage ". Finally, the findings of this research are expected to provide useful information for future research directions.
Assessing Innovation Practices in Project Management: The case of Palestinian Construction Projects
(2015) Rawan Khader Ghaben; Dr. Ayham Jaaron
Project management is one of the most important tools that have been used to maximize the probability of having a successful construction project. A successful project management requires effective controlling and alignment with innovation. Thus, the study takes the approach that project management can be improved if the construction industry is more innovative. From this point forth, this study is concerned with two topics and the interplay between them, namely “Innovation” and “Project Management”. The study relies on the exploratory research inquiry of structured questionnaires with interviews to achieve the objectives of the study, as it consists of two parts: The first part is prepared to present a clear picture of the relative importance of the key drivers, barriers, enablers and impacts of innovation in construction, the second one is prepared to explore the best innovation practices in construction project management. A survey for the questionnaire has been submitted to 365 consulting and contracting firms that reside at WB- Palestine, where the SPSS statistical program has been used for the data analysis. The data was analyzed through two phases of analysis: descriptive analysis and hypotheses testing. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the main driver of innovation is “reducing the costs”, the main enabler of innovation is “the rewards system”, the main barrier of innovation is “lack of effective management” and the main impact of innovation is “getting a competitive advantage”. Furthermore, the results of hypotheses testing showed that there is a statistically significant relationship at a significant level (α ≤ 0.05) among five practices: (1) Strategic Management, (2) Internal Innovative Working Environment, (3) External Innovative Working Environment, (4) Stakeholders’ Management, and (5) Project Management. The focal point of this research is to assess the extent of applying these five practices in West-Bank Palestine. The total average response is (3.60) out of (5.00) which is considered high. Based on the findings of the research, the researcher devised a framework that is intended to be an effective management tool for supporting construction project management. It is recommended for the organizations to apply such framework and to be aware about the positive impacts of innovation and participate actively to implement it rather than to resist it. Finally, the findings of this research are expected to provide useful information for future research directions, especially as an indicator for the development of frameworks for innovative project management.
ASSESSING SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION USING SERVQUAL AND KANO MODELS: A CASE STUDY APPROACH IN SOFTWARE INDUSTRY
(2023-05-28) Yusra Kefah Shebli
This study aims to assess the services quality and customer satisfaction in the software development industry in Palestine. To achieve the objectives of the study and answer its hypotheses, the researcher used the descriptive analytical approach which is based on the study of the problem. The researcher also used a questionnaire to collect data by surveying the sample of the study which consists of 160 participants from Al-Israa software company customers. The research findings indicated that the results of perceived and expected levels of quality in the software industry sector using the SERVQUAL model show that the mean of expectations is higher than the mean of participants for all services quality dimensions, and the degree of customer satisfaction was moderate which achieved 73.2%. In addition, tangibles, responsiveness, and assurance factors do not affect customer satisfaction in the software industry sector, but the reliability and empathy factors affects customer satisfaction in the software industry sector. Based on the results of the study, the researcher recommends a set of recommendations, which focus on software development companies benefits of the Kano's model research findings to improve the services offer and identify the specific services that increase client happiness, and the necessity for Palestinian software companies to create organizational structures and methodical strategies to deliver services in accordance with client requirements rather than relying on the skill of personnel. According to Kano and SERVQUAL analysis, the key components that require re-evaluation in terms of significance are those related to time, specifically: communicating to customers when the service will be given, delivering service on time, and minimizing overall waiting time. Keywords: Customers; Kano Model; Satisfaction; SERVQUAL; Software.
Assessing Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction Using SERVQUAL Model: An Empirical Study of Palestinian Conventional Banks
(An-Najah National University, 2018-02-15)
The banking sector is one of the most influencing sectors in the Palestinian economy. But this sector lacks to quality services offered to the customers. Therefore the purpose of this research is to assess service quality and customers’ satisfaction levels of offered services in the Palestinian convectional banks. While customers’ satisfaction plays an important role in the banking sector. This research seeks to understand how service quality is being implemented in the Palestinian conventional banks and the implication of this on the local market. This research is considered as one of the first researches that asses customers’ satisfaction level in the Palestinian conventional banks. The researcher used a mixed methodology of quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection. SERVQUAL model was used to create the research questionnaire as a quantitative data collection tool for this research. The researcher distributed 450 self-administrated questionnaires. The data was collected from 397 complete questionnaires, and were analyzed using SPSS software. The researcher used nonparametric methods such as: Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann Whitney to get accurate results, while the collected data was not normally distributed. On the other hand, the researcher supported the quantitative results by performing qualitative data analysis. Therefore, the researcher performed eight semi-structured interviews, and analyzed data using codifying common sense approach. The researcher analyzed the five domains of SERVQUAL model, and the results showed that empathy domain was the weakest domain between all of them, while this domain has the biggest gap between customers’ expectations and perceptions. This domain followed by assurance, reliability and responsiveness. And the smallest gap was detected in tangibles domain. In addition, the researcher tested the effect of three independent variables on service quality. The results showed that only respondents’ gender affects service quality, while number of years dealing with the bank, and bank size variables didn’t have any effect on service quality. In the light of this research results, the researcher developed a managerial model that can helps service quality managers in the Palestinian conventional banks to enhance their customers’ satisfaction toward offered services, by improving banks’ service quality. Keywords: Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, SERVQUAL model, Semi-Structure Interviews, Conventional Banks, Palestine.
Assessing Strategic Performance of Palestinian Stone and Marble Industry
(ِAn-Najah National University, 2019-04-24) Dwaik, Walid
تعتبر صناعة الحجر والرخام في فلسطين من القطاعات الصناعية الهامة وتعد من أكبر الصناعات من حيث حجم الصادرات وتصنف معظم شركات هذا القطاع على أنها شركات صغيرة ومتوسطة. يعتبر التخطيط الاستراتيجي حاسماً لنجاح أي عمل، وهو أقصر الطرق لتحقيق الميزة التنافسية والحفاظ عليها. وكلما كان الأداء الإستراتيجي اعلى، كانت هناك فرص أفضل للنمو والتطوير والتغلب على التحديات والعقبات. في الوقت الراهن لا يتناسب الأداء الإستراتيجي لشركات الحجر والرخام الفلسطينية مع أهمية هذا القطاع، وتعاني الشركات من ضعف في التخطيط الاستراتيجي لمواجهة التحديات المتزايدة التي تواجه القطاع. يهدف هذا البحث إلى تقييم الأداء الاستراتيجي لشركات الحجر والرخام الفلسطينية، وفحص مدى تطبيقهم للتخطيط الاستراتيجي، واختبار العلاقة بين تطبيق للتخطيط الاستراتيجي والأداء الاستراتيجي. تم إجراء تقييم الأداء الاستراتيجي باستخدام بطاقة الاداء المتوازن BSC. اعتمد البحث منهجًا تحليليًا وصفيًا مع بعض التحليل التوضيحي باستخدام تقنية المسح الكمي لجمع البيانات وتحليلها من خلال استبيان ورقي تم توزيعه على أصحاب ومالكي مصانع الحجارة والرخام العاملين في الضفة الغربية وتم تحليل ردودهم على الاستبيان باستخدام برنامج التحليل الإحصائي SPSS. اظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن هناك ضعفاً في التخطيط الاستراتيجي داخل شركات الحجر والرخام الفلسطينية مما أثر سلباً على أدائها الاستراتيجي. كما وكشفت النتائج عن وجود علاقة ايجابية بين التخطيط الاستراتيجي والأداء الاستراتيجي داخل هذه الشركات. واظهرت أن الاستراتيجية التنافسية الرئيسية المستخدمة لدى شركات الحجر والرخام في فلسطين تتكون من مزيج قائم على تنويع الأسواق وانتاج منتجات غير مميزة وذات تكلفة منخفضة. كما وبينت النتائج أن العوائق الداخلية الرئيسية أمام تطبيق التخطيط الاستراتيجي هي ضغط الوقت والخوف من التكاليف الإضافية، في حين كانت العوائق الخارجية الرئيسية أمام التخطيط الاستراتيجي هي عدم الاستقرار في الأوضاع الاقتصادية والسياسية في فلسطين، وضعف الدور الحكومي الداعم لصناعة الحجر. واستنادا إلى نتائج البحث، ولتحسين مستوى الأداء الاستراتيجي لصناعة الحجر والرخام، تم طرح بعض التوصيات والمقترحات الموجهة الى أطراف العلاقة وهم: اتحاد صناعة الحجر والرخام، وشركات الحجر والرخام، والوزارات والمؤسسات الحكومية ذات الصلة بقطاع صناعة الحجر.
Assessing Strategic Performance of Palestinian Stone and Marble Industry
(جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2019-04-24) خالد سليمان الدويك, وليد
تعتبر صناعة الحجر والرخام في فلسطين من القطاعات الصناعية الهامة وتعد من أكبر الصناعات من حيث حجم الصادرات وتصنف معظم شركات هذا القطاع على أنها شركات صغيرة ومتوسطة. يعتبر التخطيط الاستراتيجي حاسماً لنجاح أي عمل، وهو أقصر الطرق لتحقيق الميزة التنافسية والحفاظ عليها. وكلما كان الأداء الإستراتيجي اعلى، كانت هناك فرص أفضل للنمو والتطوير والتغلب على التحديات والعقبات. في الوقت الراهن لا يتناسب الأداء الإستراتيجي لشركات الحجر والرخام الفلسطينية مع أهمية هذا القطاع، وتعاني الشركات من ضعف في التخطيط الاستراتيجي لمواجهة التحديات المتزايدة التي تواجه القطاع. يهدف هذا البحث إلى تقييم الأداء الاستراتيجي لشركات الحجر والرخام الفلسطينية، وفحص مدى تطبيقهم للتخطيط الاستراتيجي، واختبار العلاقة بين تطبيق للتخطيط الاستراتيجي والأداء الاستراتيجي. تم إجراء تقييم الأداء الاستراتيجي باستخدام بطاقة الاداء المتوازن BSC. اعتمد البحث منهجًا تحليليًا وصفيًا مع بعض التحليل التوضيحي باستخدام تقنية المسح الكمي لجمع البيانات وتحليلها من خلال استبيان ورقي تم توزيعه على أصحاب ومالكي مصانع الحجارة والرخام العاملين في الضفة الغربية وتم تحليل ردودهم على الاستبيان باستخدام برنامج التحليل الإحصائي SPSS. اظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن هناك ضعفاً في التخطيط الاستراتيجي داخل شركات الحجر والرخام الفلسطينية مما أثر سلباً على أدائها الاستراتيجي. كما وكشفت النتائج عن وجود علاقة ايجابية بين التخطيط الاستراتيجي والأداء الاستراتيجي داخل هذه الشركات. واظهرت أن الاستراتيجية التنافسية الرئيسية المستخدمة لدى شركات الحجر والرخام في فلسطين تتكون من مزيج قائم على تنويع الأسواق وانتاج منتجات غير مميزة وذات تكلفة منخفضة. كما وبينت النتائج أن العوائق الداخلية الرئيسية أمام تطبيق التخطيط الاستراتيجي هي ضغط الوقت والخوف من التكاليف الإضافية، في حين كانت العوائق الخارجية الرئيسية أمام التخطيط الاستراتيجي هي عدم الاستقرار في الأوضاع الاقتصادية والسياسية في فلسطين، وضعف الدور الحكومي الداعم لصناعة الحجر. واستنادا إلى نتائج البحث، ولتحسين مستوى الأداء الاستراتيجي لصناعة الحجر والرخام، تم طرح بعض التوصيات والمقترحات الموجهة الى أطراف العلاقة وهم: اتحاد صناعة الحجر والرخام، وشركات الحجر والرخام، والوزارات والمؤسسات الحكومية ذات الصلة بقطاع صناعة الحجر.
Assessing Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices in the Educational Sector: An Exploratory Study
(جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2018-07-21) Boulad, Aziza Yousef
This study aims to identify the best practices of Sustainable Human Resources Management (SHRM) in the West Bank for elementary stage (Grades 1 to 4 in Governmental, UNRWA, and Private) schools from the perspective of the school’s principals. A research framework was conceptualized via reviewing related literature and experts opinions in the design process.Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to answer the research questions and to test hypotheses. A qualitative data which explores the status of SHRM system in the West Bank was derived by an exploratory in depth semi-structured interviews with educational supervisors, and Ministry of Education representatives. Furthermore, quantitative data which are related to the factors that influence SHRM practices were collected via structured questionnaire which was distributed to a random sample (n=300) of elementary schools principals of Governmental, UNRWA, Private schools in the West Bank governorates. Statistical analysis shows that strategic directions, human resource management, human resource planning, sociological practices - teachers’ development, physiological practices, and green perspective are significantly and positively related to SHRM practices in West Bank education sector. On the other hand, interviews results show that the Ministry of Higher Education, and private schools are committed to support SHRM system adoption in their schools. In addition, the results showthat SHRMpractices are commonly used in the education sector. Based on the research findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education must redefine the definition of HRM in proportion to the reality of the Palestinian education sector. Also, it must use all practices that can improve the education sector, and employ qualified teachers who have a good attitude towards the use of HRM practices. In addition, to allocating a portion of their budgets to provide HRM practices to increase teacher development, motivate trainees and involve them in the decision-making process, increasing their commitment to HRM practices. Through the use of environmental standards, and to increase teachers' awareness of the education sector environment through the use of training and development.
Assessing Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices in the Educational Sector: An Exploratory Study
(Aziza Yousef Boulad, 2018-07-21) Boulad, Aziza
This study aims to identify the best practices of Sustainable Human Resources Management (SHRM) in the West Bank for elementary stage (Grades 1 to 4 in Governmental, UNRWA, and Private) schools from the perspective of the school’s principals. A research framework was conceptualized via reviewing related literature and experts opinions in the design process.Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to answer the research questions and to test hypotheses. A qualitative data which explores the status of SHRM system in the West Bank was derived by an exploratory in depth semi-structured interviews with educational supervisors, and Ministry of Education representatives. Furthermore, quantitative data which are related to the factors that influence SHRM practices were collected via structured questionnaire which was distributed to a random sample (n=300) of elementary schools principals of Governmental, UNRWA, Private schools in the West Bank governorates. Statistical analysis shows that strategic directions, human resource management, human resource planning, sociological practices - teachers’ development, physiological practices, and green perspective are significantly and positively related to SHRM practices in West Bank education sector. On the other hand, interviews results show that the Ministry of Higher Education, and private schools are committed to support SHRM system adoption in their schools. In addition, the results showthat SHRMpractices are commonly used in the education sector. Based on the research findings, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education must redefine the definition of HRM in proportion to the reality of the Palestinian education sector. Also, it must use all practices that can improve the education sector, and employ qualified teachers who have a good attitude towards the use of HRM practices. In addition, to allocating a portion of their budgets to provide HRM practices to increase teacher development, motivate trainees and involve them in the decision-making process, increasing their commitment to HRM practices. Through the use of environmental standards, and to increase teachers' awareness of the education sector environment through the use of training and development.
Assessing the Actual Performance of Green Buildings in Palestine: A Case Study
(An-Najah National University, 2018-05-06) الحضيري, حاتم غالب حسن; دويكات, ؤي
There is evidence indicates that buildings often do not perform as expected in terms of energy and water consumption. Nowadays, this issue is becoming one of the main topics that is being discussed and studied with increasing attention. The main aim of this research is to assess the actual economic performance of the first green school in Palestine, which is Aqqaba Green School, in terms of energy and water consumption, then, to quantify the actual energy and water saving compared to other schools in Palestine. This research also aims to investigate whether the actual performance of the green school meets the anticipated performance in the design simulation or not. A performance measurement baseline was established using data collected from actual energy and water consumption reports, as well as actual energy and water costs for a sample consists of 205 governmental schools in West Bank for the year 2016. The data of annual energy and water consumption were ordered in an ascending order, then, five number summary analysis was applied to calculate interquartile ranges and interquartile intervals which allows excluding the outliers and hence reduce the variation between the data, then, the mean value of the remained data was calculated and considered as the baseline. It is statistically found that the baseline of the annual energy consumption of schools in the sample is 10,639 kWh/year which corresponds to a building energy index (BEI) of 9.56 kWh/m²/year, while the annual energy consumption of the green school is 10,124 kWh/year, which corresponds to a building energy index (BEI) of 7.19 kWh/m²/year. It is found that, in its first year of operation, the green school has generated more energy than its consumption by 4,426 kWh/year which yields an annual income of 2,297 ILS/year. In term of water consumption, it is found that the baseline of annual water consumption of schools in West Bank in Palestine is around 450 m³/year which corresponds to 1.25 m³/student/year, while the annual water consumption of the green school is 460 m³/year, which corresponds 2.95 m³/Student/year. It is also found that the actual energy performance of Aqqaba Green School is 7.19 kWh/m²/year in its first year of operation, which corresponds to 11.79 % of the anticipated performance in the design simulation which is around 61 kWh/m²/year. As a conclusion, the actual energy performance of the green school in its first year of operation is much lower than the predicted consumption in the design stage, while the actual energy performance of the Green School was close to the developed baselines.
ASSESSING THE ADOPTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE: THE GOVERNMENTAL ROLE AS A MODERATOR
(2023-02-16) Isra’ Waheed Mahmoud Salem
Renewable energy has attained enormous attention in recent years due to the exhaustion of certain energy resources, and the pollution caused by fossil fuels. At the same time, the adoption of renewable energy sources (RESs) is a complicated process influenced by multifarious factors. Therefore, this study aims to investigate factors influencing consumers to adopt renewable energy in the Palestinian industrial and commercial sectors and their effect on sustainable performance, as well as the moderating effects of governmental role on the relationship between the adoption of RESs and sustainable performance. In addition, the extent of adoption of RESs, governmental role, and sustainable performance of industrial and commercial firms in Palestine. A quantitative method was used to collect data through questionnaires from 100 top managers. The data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS software to test hypotheses. The findings show that the adoption of RESs, sustainable performance, and government role are being implemented at a high level in Palestinian industrial and commercial sectors. Additionally, the findings support the positive relationship between the adoption of RESs and sustainable performance, where there is a positive relationship between the adoption of RESs and the government's role. Whereas, the relationship between the government's role and sustainable performance is not established. Further, the government's role is supported as a moderator between adopting RESs and sustainable performance. However, we believe that the results of this study may be useful for assisting the government, decision-makers, and those who provide equipment for renewable energy with a better understanding of the factors that affect consumers in adopting RESs. Besides, the knowledge of the government’s major and least effective policies that affect consumers for adopting this technology in industrial and commercial sectors in its entirety directs the Palestinian government to improve part of their strategy in terms of legal regulations and subsidies and to provide support and various facilities to encourage investment in renewable energy. Keywords: Government role; industrial and commercial sectors; renewable energy sources (RESs); sustainable performance.
Assessing the Impact of Change OrdersIn Construction Engineering Sector In The West Bank
(2015) Mujahed M. Staiti; Dr. Mohammed Othman
The common practice of construction industry is project-based. The nature of these construction projects is complex where many factors and variables play significant roles. So, when change orders occur, all projects performance is strongly affected. This research aims to investigate the impact of change orders on project performance in West Bank, in order to take proactive measures to minimize changes during construction. The main objectives of the study are to identify the main causes of changes that occur in construction projects in the West Bank and highlight the potential effects of change orders on the Palestinian construction industry and assessing the current practices of change orders management within the construction companies in the West Bank. The researcher used combined methodology: quantitative method represented by questionnaire surveys, and qualitative method represented by interviews of many of construction professionals. Results from the study show that change orders in construction industry occurred more frequently in adding new works: increasing the quantities of the work by adding new items. Also results show that the main source of changes in construction projects is the owner; it was found that project owners initiated change orders due to financial problems, changing in mind or non-compliant design with owners' requirements. Consultant initiated change orders due to errors and omissions in designs, specifications or due to conflict in contract documents. Cost and time overrun are the two main effects being noted for change orders; the disputes between parties and degradation of labor productivity are a major concern here. The results also assured that the current situation of change order management in the West Bank needs to be improved; change orders can be minimized if proper planning took place before work starts on site, adequate time and budget allocation, clear scope, close coordination and communication specially in the design stage. A change order management framework was developed by the researcher as the main output of this research. The framework provides processes that enable the different construction participants to manage their change orders effectively.
Assessing the impact of green human resource management practices on sustainable performance in Palestinian healthcare organizations: An empirical study
(جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2019-07-14) Mousa, Sharifa M.
Over the past few years, organisations have faced pressure from stakeholders to adopt environmentally friendly business practices, where it is becoming critical to identify green practices that boost sustainability. This study aims to investigate the level of GHRM implementation in Palestinian healthcare organizations. The relationship between GHRM bundle practices and sustainable performance is studied. A mixed research approach is conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods through conducting 14 semi-structured interviews with HR managers from various classifications of healthcare organizations in the West Bank. However, a survey used as an instrument for qualitative methods for data collection from 68 healthcare organizations that have using GHRM practices at different managerial levels. The collected data are analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-3). The findings revealed that green human resource management practices are implemented at moderate level in healthcare organizations. Identification and prioritization of the green practices were applied, where the most influence practices were “green hiring”, and “green training and involvement” whereas the least influential green practice was "Green performance and rewards”. In addition, the findings revealed that green human resource management practices have a positive effect on the sustainable performance. A model was developed to provide a policy maker with basic guidelines on how to influence green human resource management practices to boost employees’ commitment in healthcare organizations for maximized sustainable performance. As revealed from the literature of GHRM practices, there is no similar work which exploring the impact of green human resource management on the dimensions of sustainable performance in Palestinian healthcare organizations based on evidence from an emerging economy. Moreover, the role of HR practices as a unique business partner to enhance green behaviors and the sustainable performance is clarified.