The role of leaders in building organizational learning capacity

In a world in which social, economic, and environmental circumstances are continuously evolving and increasingly complex, leaders face the challenging prospect of navigating their organizations through unpredictable operating conditions. Finding a way to tap into the learning capacity of the people who comprise their organizations may be the answer to adapt and to survive. This qualitative research study explored the role of leaders in building this organizational learning capacity. The literature identified three domains of personal, interpersonal, and organizational capacity for learning in an organizational setting. Interviews with three senior leaders who had successfully built learning capacity in their respective organizations revealed four elements of leader commitment: (a) to the process of building learning capacity, (b) to organizational objectives and results, (c) to personal actions and behaviours, and (d) to the people of the organization. Each of the four elements of leader commitment spans the three domains of learning capacity that can guide leaders as they build organizational learning capacity.

The concealed difficulties of aligning CRE decisions to corporate goals

Realisation of the importance of real estate asset strategic decision making has inspired a burgeoning corporate real estate management (CREM) literature. Much of this criticises the poor alignment between strategic business direction and the ‘enabling’ physical environment. This is based on the understanding that corporate real estate assets represent the physical resource base that supports business, and can either complement or impede that business. In the hope of resolving this problem, CRE authors advocate a deeper integration of strategic and corporate real estate decisions. However this recommendation appears to be based on a relatively simplistic theoretical approach to organization where decision-making tends to be viewed as a rationally managed event rather than a complex process. Defining decision making as an isolated event has led to an uncritical acceptance of two basic assumptions: ubiquitous, conflict-free rationality and profit maximisation. These assumptions have encouraged prescriptive solutions that clearly lack the sophistication necessary to come to grips with the complexity of the built and organizational environment. Alternatively, approaching CREM decision making from a more sophisticated perspective, such as that of the “Carnegie School”, leads to conceptualise it as a ‘process’, creating room for bounded rationality, multiple goals, intra-organizational conflict, environmental matching, uncertainty avoidance and problem searching. It is reasonable to expect that such an approach will result in a better understanding of the organizational context, which will facilitate the creation of organizational objectives, assist with the formation of strategies, and ultimately will aid decision.

Auditoria de resultados no Ministério da Defesa Nacional, ramo Exército

Trabalho de Projeto apresentado ao Instituto de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Auditoria, sob orientação do Dr. Rodrigo Carvalho e co-orientação do Major de Artilharia António Rabaço

Primera Reservoir Ltd. strategic position analysis

The purpose of this work is to understand the internal and external structure in which the company operates to provide an idea of the strategic actions needed to accomplish their organizational objectives. A strategic software was employed to build up phase one and phase two, phase one involved analysing internal and external factors that influence the company, comprehending their core competences, factors that influence the market and identification of strengths and weaknesses. Phase two consisted on providing an idea of their real competitive position and the suggestion of a development strategy, given the possible limitations in the external factors, the company should carefully analyse some of the opportunities present in the industry overseas to continue to develop their business and increase its profitability. Furthermore, a source of competitive advantage was found in their outbound logistics which could serve a differentiator between their competitors.

Capacidad y Potencial de Exportación de Pulpa de Fruta Congelada de Colombia a Estados Unidos entre 2008-2012

Algunos de los objetivos de las organizaciones están orientados a competir a nivel internacional. Pero no es una decisión fácil de tomar, ya que es necesario tener en cuenta una serie de elementos importantes que ayuden a llevar a cabo exitosamente una actividad de comercio exterior. De lo contrario se podría cometer muchos errores que colocarían en riesgo la rentabilidad y perdurabilidad de la organización. Este estudio realiza de manera aproximada una medición de la capacidad productiva y de la potencialidad exportadora con la que cuentan las empresas colombianas que procesan y comercializan pulpas de frutas hacia Estados Unidos. El objetivo es brindar un análisis sobre el mercado de pulpa de fruta, de forma cuantitativa que involucre el grado de asimetría financiera en los sectores estratégicos y la participación de las exportaciones realizadas en 2012. La metodología usada en esta investigación, consistió en la recolección de datos específicos en cuanto a temas de exportación, producción y comercialización de pulpas de frutas. Por otro lado se auscultó información sobre datos financieros de algunas empresas y finalmente se tomó dicha información para aplicar el análisis de hacinamiento cuantitativo, que sirve para mediar la asimetría financiera a nivel sectorial, desarrollado en el método AESE “Análisis Estructural de Sectores Estratégicos” que fue desarrollado por Rivera, Hugo A y Restrepo, F profesores de la Universidad del Rosario en el año 2008.

A interação entre sistemas de informação e o trabalho no setor bancário no Brasil: uma análise estruturalista

Esta tese teve como objetivo entender em que condições se dá o processo de interação entre o trabalho e três sistemas de informação (SIs) utilizados em duas instituições bancárias no Brasil. Procurei compreender como os sistemas de informação são reconstruídos por seus usuários, nas práticas do trabalho, e como o trabalho é modificado pela inserção de novos sistemas. Utilizando procedimentos metodológicos baseados no estruturalismo, busquei a estrutura que subjaz às práticas adotadas pelos agentes, associadas aos sistemas e ao trabalho. A coleta de dados para a pesquisa foi realizada com base em 46 entrevistas semi-estruturadas realizadas com gestores de TI e usuários, pela observação do contexto organizacional e pelo exame de documentos referentes aos sistemas. Na análise dos dados, o diagnóstico e o estudo de 11 práticas me permitiram identificar quais as mais relevantes para a interação entre os agentes e os dispositivos, no que se refere a reconstruções de SIs e a modificações sobre o trabalho. Identifiquei, na pesquisa empírica, uma estrutura de arranjo operacional, que assegura a interação entre agentes e sistemas. Esse arranjo tem a forma de uma retícula de sobreposição das práticas, uma rede de relações. As práticas, em isolado, não garantem a interação entre o sistema e o trabalho. Essa interação é assegurada pela composição entre as práticas. Da interpretação desta estrutura manifesta, identifiquei uma estrutura subjacente à interação entre os sistemas e o trabalho. Alcancei-a buscando as explicações para cada prática. Nestas explicações, identifiquei conjuntos de elementos de poder e resistência, de confluência de interesses individuais e organizacionais e de conformismo e conformidade dos agentes com o que foi instituído pela organização. A análise destes conjuntos de elementos me permitiu chegar à tese sustentada por esta pesquisa: a interação entre os sistemas de informação e o trabalho é definida por uma estrutura de conversão recíproca. Esta conversão se dá pela humanização dos sistemas e pela tecnicização do trabalho. O ajustamento continuado, presente entre os sistemas de informação e o trabalho, faz com que a tecnologia se torne mais adequada ao contexto e que as pessoas estejam mais bem preparadas para lidar com a tecnologia. A estrutura de conversão recíproca tem a forma de um oroborus, a serpente que engole ou vomita a própria cauda e simboliza o que se regenera, se recria. Tal como o oroburus, a estrutura de conversão recíproca é uma auto-reconstrução.

Impactos do modelo de relacionamento entre TI e áreas de negócio: estudo de caso em uma instituição financeira brasileira

Nos últimos 30 anos os executivos têm consistentemente identificado o alinhamento estratégico entre TI e negócio como uma das suas principais preocupações ainda não devidamente endereçadas. Existem diversos conceitos definidos sobre o significado deste alinhamento e suas consequências na performance das empresas, mas os estudos ainda são vagos em relação a como ele pode ser atingido e focam principalmente no alinhamento entre executivos, explorando pouco o nível operacional nas organizações. O objetivo deste estudo foi aprofundar-se no alinhamento entre TI e unidades de negócio na dimensão operacional, através de um estudo de caso avaliando o impacto na percepção de alinhamento entre as áreas após a criação de uma área dedicada ao relacionamento entre TI/Negócio, composta por profissionais de TI especializados e com conhecimentos específicos das unidades de negócio que atendem, visando um melhor entendimento dos objetivos da organização. Para tanto, foi aplicada uma abordagem multi-metodológica utilizando-se de Insider Action Research, que investiga um fenômeno partindo de uma intervenção no ambiente (em que o pesquisador faz parte), em conjunto com Design Research, que realiza o estudo de forma qualitativa centrada na construção e avaliação cíclica de um artefato. Para este estudo de caso, o artefato criado foi o método de trabalho utilizando-se de uma área responsável pela gestão do relacionamento entre TI/Negócio e a intervenção foi a implantação deste artefato na organização. As percepções foram capturadas através de reuniões com gestores da organização. As avaliações de efetividade foram apoiadas no framework de Luftman que mede o nível de alinhamento entre TI/Negócio em seis dimensões (Comunicação, Mensuração, Governança, Parceria, Escopo/Arquitetura e Competências). Os resultados mostraram que a criação da área de relacionamento TI/Negócios teve um claro impacto positivo na percepção de alinhamento entre as áreas, principalmente nas dimensões de comunicação e parceria. O estudo mostra que este tipo de abordagem gera uma maior sensação de confiança e proximidade e, portanto, pode ser utilizada para evoluir o alinhamento operacional entre as áreas.

Sistemas de gerenciamento de bibliotecas: riscos decorrentes do processo de migração de dados

This work aims to analyze risks related to information technology (IT) in procedures related to data migration. This is done considering ALEPH, Integrated Libray System (ILS) that migrated data to the Library Module present in the software called Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Atividades Acadêmicas (SIGAA) at the Zila Mamede Central Library at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) in Natal/Brazil. The methodological procedure used was of a qualitative exploratory research with the realization of case study at the referred library in order to better understand this phenomenon. Data collection was able once there was use of a semi-structured interview that was applied with (11) subjects that are employed at the library as well as in the Technology Superintendence at UFRN. In order to examine data Content analysis as well as thematic review process was performed. After data migration the results of the interview were then linked to both analysis units and their system register with category correspondence. The main risks detected were: data destruction; data loss; data bank communication failure; user response delay; data inconsistency and duplicity. These elements point out implication and generate disorders that affect external and internal system users and lead to stress, work duplicity and hassles. Thus, some measures were taken related to risk management such as adequate planning, central management support, and pilot test simulations. For the advantages it has reduced of: risk, occurrence of problems and possible unforeseen costs, and allows achieving organizational objectives, among other. It is inferred therefore that the risks present in data bank conversion in libraries exist and some are predictable, however, it is seen that librarians do not know or ignore and are not very worried in the identification risks in data bank conversion, their acknowledge would minimize or even extinguish them. Another important aspect to consider is the existence of few empirical research that deal specifically with this subject and thus presenting the new of new approaches in order to promote better understanding of the matter in the corporate environment of the information units

Uma abordagem para promover o alinhamento entre a estratégia de negócio e a tecnologia de informação

Currently with the increase in complexity in doing business, organizations are seeking information systems that help to quickly respond to new demands in the processes of production of products and services. An information system is no longer just a support tool and has become an integral part of doing business. However, in spite of significant technological evolution in recent years, information systems that support business do not respond efficiently to the constant alterations that occur in many organizations. One of the main problems faced by information systems currently is the lack of strategic alignment between business strategy and information technology. The concept of strategic alignment can be defined as a way between business strategies and objectives and the strategies, objectives and functions of information technology in such as way as to contribute to the increase in competitivity of the organization over time. Strategic alignment together with strategic planning are important management instruments. Approaches for operationalizing this alignment are being developed currently but are still in their initial stages due to the fact that it is a relatively new concept in the literature. Another point that needs to be taken into consideration during the strategic alignment is the question of trackability between the business elements and IT. Trackability (Tracking) is necessary for example when one wishes to know exactly which goal defined in the business strategy was left out or not accepted due to a modification made in the IT strategy. Very few proposals present concrete ways supported by software systems in order to obtain strategic alignement while taking into consideration this trackability. Therefore the objective of this work is to propose the creation of a strategic alignment process supported by a software system which is capable of permitting trackability between the organizational objectives and the business processes based on formalization standards defined through a model oriented approach

Gestão de recursos humanos: análise das melhores práticas adotadas pelas universidades estaduais paulistas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Princípios da cultura de paz e estratégias de sensibilização em relações públicas no Programa Cidades Sustentáveis

The proposal of this article is discuss about the concept of social responsibility in the context of the activity of Public Relations in order to verify how this concept is related to the notion of Peace Culture. It is a complex concept supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which, among other objectives, seeks to interpret and also paid up organizational objectives to local and global demands by articulating social actions that lead to a sustainable development and management of cities. For this, we will defend the use of audiovisual resource for awareness of stakeholders as a strategic tool in Public Relations for the efficacy of topics related to "Sustainable Cities Program”, about which we will briefly discuss. The Program is a nonpartisan initiative that focuses on the sustainable management of cities so it functions as a tool that assists municipal managers in making strategic decisions.

Network learning:Exploring learning by interorganizational networks

The importance of interorganizational networks in supporting or hindering the achievement of organizational objectives is now widely acknowledged. Network research is directed at understanding network processes and structures, and their impact upon performance. A key process is learning. The concepts of individual, group and organizational learning are long established. This article argues that learning might also usefully be regarded as occurring at a fourth system level, the interorganizational network. The concept of network learning - learning by a group of organizations as a group - is presented, and differentiated from other types of learning, notably interorganizational learning (learning in interorganizational contexts). Four cases of network learning are identified and analysed to provide insights into network learning processes and outcomes. It is proposed that 'network learning episode' offers a suitable unit of analysis for the empirical research needed to develop our understanding of this potentially important concept.

Sistemas de gerenciamento de bibliotecas: riscos decorrentes do processo de migração de dados

This work aims to analyze risks related to information technology (IT) in procedures related to data migration. This is done considering ALEPH, Integrated Libray System (ILS) that migrated data to the Library Module present in the software called Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Atividades Acadêmicas (SIGAA) at the Zila Mamede Central Library at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) in Natal/Brazil. The methodological procedure used was of a qualitative exploratory research with the realization of case study at the referred library in order to better understand this phenomenon. Data collection was able once there was use of a semi-structured interview that was applied with (11) subjects that are employed at the library as well as in the Technology Superintendence at UFRN. In order to examine data Content analysis as well as thematic review process was performed. After data migration the results of the interview were then linked to both analysis units and their system register with category correspondence. The main risks detected were: data destruction; data loss; data bank communication failure; user response delay; data inconsistency and duplicity. These elements point out implication and generate disorders that affect external and internal system users and lead to stress, work duplicity and hassles. Thus, some measures were taken related to risk management such as adequate planning, central management support, and pilot test simulations. For the advantages it has reduced of: risk, occurrence of problems and possible unforeseen costs, and allows achieving organizational objectives, among other. It is inferred therefore that the risks present in data bank conversion in libraries exist and some are predictable, however, it is seen that librarians do not know or ignore and are not very worried in the identification risks in data bank conversion, their acknowledge would minimize or even extinguish them. Another important aspect to consider is the existence of few empirical research that deal specifically with this subject and thus presenting the new of new approaches in order to promote better understanding of the matter in the corporate environment of the information units

Impacto en la calidad de vida laboral de los empleados de los programas de responsabilidad social empresarial

El interés de este trabajo, es tener la oportunidad de conocer como las organizaciones desarrollan sus programas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial con sus empleados como grupo de interés, donde se pudo concluir que las acciones y estrategias encaminadas al desarrollo del talento humano en su vida personal, familiar y social siguen siendo actividades de cumplimiento de tipo legal que luego son presentadas como resultados de una supuesta Responsabilidad Social. Con el fin de Identificar cuál es el impacto de los programas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en los empleados como grupo de interés, se aplicará, el método deductivo con enfoque aplicativo de las fuentes secundarias disponibles con las que se aclararán los conceptos básicos y necesarios para familiarizarnos con el tema de estudio, además de conocer los programas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial de tres empresas con reconocimiento y trayectoria en su gestión de la responsabilidad social empresarial: dos del sector alimentos y una del sector financiero, de esta forma se podrán identificar las actividades, procesos y aspectos prioritarios para el desarrollo y cumplimiento del objetivo general del proyecto que es determinar el impacto de los programas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en la calidad de vida laboral de los empleados. Encontramos en las empresas objeto de estudio que tienen un alto compromiso con la sostenibilidad de sus organizaciones y que para definir el direccionamiento estratégico han tenido en cuenta estándares internacionales en materia de sostenibilidad como son los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Mileno (ODM), donde en éste puntualmente desarrollan a través de la innovación acciones específicas a uno de los objetivos del milenio que es garantizar la sostenibilidad del medio ambiente, los compromisos del Pacto Global de las Naciones Unidas, los cuales aplican a través de los principios de conducta y acción en materia de derechos humanos, trabajo, medio ambiente y lucha contra la corrupción, los compromisos de la Conferencia de Naciones Unidas sobre Desarrollo Sostenible (Río+20), la Guía ISO 26000 quien da los lineamientos para la responsabilidad social, el estándar del Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), que orienta frente a los 54 indicadores centrales y están organizadas en tres dimensiones: ambiental, financiera y social, con esta información son empresas que trabajan para ser socialmente responsables con sus grupos de interés, pero con el grupo específico de empleados que es el impacto que se pretendía identificar, encontramos que hacen actividades y estrategias con un nivel superior en la gestión que dan cumplimiento a los emitidos por la GRI. Es importante reconocer la participación que estas empresas dan a los empleados en la construcción de las acciones de bienestar laboral, familiar y social que impactan directamente en el logro de los objetivos organizacionales al tener personal motivado en trabajo que aportan desde su acción a la sostenibilidad y permanencia de la organización.

Avaliação de desempenho e o compromisso face ao superior hierárquico

Mestrado em Contabilidade e Gestão das Instituições Financeiras