Top-level Managers Research Articles

The Impact of Board Characteristics on Firm Performance of Largest Listed Companies in Sri Lanka

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between selected board characteristics and firm performance on listed companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in Sri Lanka. The study is performed on 41 non-financial and financial year’s ended on 31st March listed companies of CSE according to the highest market capitalization as of 20th January 2020. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis are used to analyze the relationship between selected board characteristics and firm performance. As per the findings of this study, board composition is positively associated with Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). However, the gender diversity of the board shows a negative relationship between ROA and ROE. Other selected board characteristics of this study (Board size, CEO duality, frequency of board meetings, directors’ shareholding, presence of nomination committee) demonstrate ambiguous results with ROA and ROE. The findings of the study are supportive for policymakers, especially the top-level management, and decision-makers in respect of obtaining strategic decisions about the firm to establish an effective board and evaluate the effectiveness of the board inside the firm. Moreover, it will be useful for regulators to strengthen prevailing governance mechanisms attributed to the board of directors (BOD). Additionally, the finding will contribute to narrowing the existing indefinite results regarding the relationship between board characteristics and firm performance.

REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP CAPACITIES OF HEAD TEACHERS: ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES IN THE CONTEXT OF ELCC STANDARDS

The main objective of this study was to examine elementary school head teachers’ leadership capacities as perceived by their teachers. Precisely, leadership capacities of head teachers were analyzed in six key areas of internal and external leadership related to ELCC (2002) standards. This study also examined differences in participants’ perceptions, when grouped by their demographic variables and internal-external division. This quantitative study applied survey design to achieve the objectives. A 28-items Principals’ Leadership Capacities Questionnaire (PLCQ), designed by Naijar (2006), was adapted and administered to randomly selected sample of 1115 teachers from 363 elementary schools in two districts of the Southern Punjab (Pakistan) and finally 876 (78.6%) responded. The factor analysis, descriptive statistics, and a range of inferential statistical tests were applied to analyze the data. Factor analysis (Principal Components Analysis) found that the leadership capacities of head teachers can be measured separately in the subsequent two dimensions i.e., internal leadership capacities and external leadership capacities. Findings of the descriptive statistics suggest that school teachers perceive their head teachers’ both internal and external leadership capacities as more positive than negative. Inferential analyses found that teachers perceive that their head teachers have significantly better external leadership capacities than internal ones, though both capacities are just above average. Likewise, significant differences were found in teachers’ views about their head teachers leadership capacities based on their various demographic variables. This study will inform the middle and top-level management in school education to design and organize capacity building programs for elementary school head teachers to develop their leadership capabilities. Keywords: Leadership capacities, Head teachers, Elementary schools, Teachers’ perspective, ELCC standards.

Kepribadian Serakah (Greed) sebagai Tantangan Etika dan Kepemimpinan dalam Profesi Akuntan Manajemen

This study examines the greedy personality as an ethical leadership challenge in the management accounting profession. This topic is important due to top level management accountants serve as a leader and carry out their responsibility to society and association through code of ethics and ethical leadership. The discussion results show that management accountants with greedy personalities are more susceptible to fraud, which violates management accountants code of ethics such as integrity, objectivity, and professional behavior. In addition, ethical leadership values that have the potential to be violated because of greedy personality are sincerity, integrity, trustworthiness, wise in decision making, and empathy for others. Finally, this article proposes a solution that can use to reduce the impact of a greedy personality in a management accountant through (1) held social awareness program that involves all elements of the company including top level accountant management (2) supportive environment, culture, and policies from company (3) improving faith through spiritual program.

Improving Student Academic Performance Through Web Base Learning

<p class="abstrak">The development of digital technology has triggered changes in the way people learn in various educational institutions, both formal and informal. The development of digital technology has encouraged students to improve their academic performance or learning achievements. Several problems, however, can arise, from the gap in the ability of students to master digital technology, the ability to provide technological infrastructure, the competence of top-level management and the ability of the IT department to determine the success of digitalization. One learning model that can be utilized in physical distancing policy is Web-Based Learning (WBL). WBL is a learning model that can be used without limitation of time, space, and learning resources. WBL was developed by using the Research and Development (RnD) with a 4D (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate) approach. To develop WBL products, we used the unified modeling language (UML), flowcharts, and context diagrams. The product was tested which included product validity testing, practicality testing, and product effectiveness testing. The testing results showed that the product was valid, practical, and effective to be used as a guide for developing and implementing WBL in order to improve students' academic performance.</p>

Digitalization in Knowledge Management Systems for Project and Operational Management in Software Development to Increase Efficiency

PT Snack Sehat is a manufacturing company that produces healthy snacks and beverages in Indonesia. Its IT division has a software department that manages all creation and maintenance of information system projects. Although the software department planned and monitored project development thoroughly during their work, 42% of projects were late in 2020. Those late projects' costs led to financial loss and kept rising through 2020-2021. Digitalization is how technologies affect several aspects of life, like social interactions, business operations, and how people work. Digitalization improved and sped up knowledge-sharing processes within the organization. Since knowledge sharing is done more frequently, the absorptive capacity will also be improved. This brings up the question of how to design a KM program with digital tools that will help PT Snack Sehat to increase its efficiency in project development and operation support. The primary data for this research was gathered from KM Assessment using APO KM Framework and focus group discussion with top and middle-level managers from PT Snack Sehat. To develop a KM program, the research will use Six Steps KM Processes, which consist of KM Project, KM Assessment, KM Planning, K-Development, KM Implementation, and KM Evaluation. The development steps will include defining the objectives of the KM program, answering questions related to the knowledge management components (people, process, and technology), determining the knowledge management strategy based on KM objectives, and setting the action plan to get ten commitments from top-level management. The results show several processes and methods that need to be added to the current KM: KM Orientation & Training, Shadowing, Sharing Knowledge Checklist, Lesson Learned Document, Document Validation, and Document Organization. The complete knowledge management process will also be mapped in a Knowledge Stock and Flow Diagram using SECI Matrix. Keywords: Project Development, Operational Management, Six Steps KM Processes, SECI Matrix, Digitalization, Absorptive Capacity, Efficiency

Elements of management and leadership strengthening in health systems: a qualitative study from Iran

PurposeThe importance of management capacity in the health sector has been increasingly recognized. The World Health Organization (WHO) (2008) has claimed that limited “management capacity” in low-income countries is one of the main obstacles toward achieving health-related goals. The aim of this study is to answer the research question: “What are the elements of management and leadership capacity of senior managers from the perspective of senior managers.”Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 senior health managers. Sampling method was purposive. Data were collected using a researcher-made interview guide. The transcribed text was analyzed using framework analysis.FindingsFive main themes emerged from the analysis are: (1) competencies required for managers; (2) selection and appointment of managers; (3) establishment of managers' database; (4) deployment of functional support system; and (5) environmental sensitivity. Each of these themes contains sub-themes.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interviews were conducted virtually. This may have had an impact on obtaining wealthy data because in a face-to-face interview, it is possible to question and answer, get additional explanations and understand the interviewee's mentality.Practical implicationsExtracting elements of management and leadership capacity helps managers to assess management capacity and leadership comprehensively and effectively. In addition, effective and useful operations can be done to strengthen the management and leadership capacity.Originality/valueThis is the first study that has identified the main elements of management and leadership capacity from the perspective of senior health managers in Iran. This article provides the components of the health system management and leadership capacity that can be used at top management level.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Malaysia Can Look Forward to the Future of Co-Creation, a Literature Review

Purpose: The fundamental objective of the study is to provide Malaysian SMEs with a competitive edge by creating a knowledge infrastructure around the co-creation phenomena and pinpointing the existing gap in prior understanding of co-creation. Theoretical framework: The study provides a summary of the literature on topics such as form, success, origins, definitions, diversity, competitive advantage, differentiation, co-creation innovation, the notion of collaborative advantage, and the DART model for co-creation. The theory and model codes that were uncovered as part of the literature review provided a solid foundation upon which to build further investigations. Design/methodology/approach: This is a descriptive-based study. The literature review within that article will stress the need for top-level management to know about the positive effects of customer co-creation. Findings: Co-creating value with customers has the potential to increase brand equity, but this has not been well studied, especially in the context of small and medium-sized businesses. To address these research gaps, this study delves into the topic of co-creation among clients of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the service sector. Conclusion: It looked into and offered writings on a wide variety of topics, including the landscape of forms, success, and beginnings; definitions; diversity; competitive advantage; uniqueness; and co-creation innovation. The codes from the theory and model would be used to build clusters and emergent themes in the literature review, which would then serve as the basis for further studies.

Critical Success Factors and Strategic Change Management in Selected Deposit Money Banks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Strategic change is an integral part of contemporary business operation. In the Nigerian banking industry, strategic changes have occurred, which affected banks in different ways and magnitude. Surviving in such uncertain and turbulent periods would require careful and systematic implementation of critical success factors. As such, this study is an attempt to assess critical success factors and strategic change management in selected deposit money banks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Two specific objectives were developed for the study, as well as two research questions and hypotheses. Survey research design was applied in the course of the study. The population of the study was 454 employees of the studied deposit money banks, while the sample size was 213 respondents as determined using Taro Yamane sample size determination technique. Structured questionnaire was used in eliciting the required primary data. A total of 213 copies of the questionnaire was administered, while 208 copies were returned in a useable form. Data analysis was done using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) analysis. Results from the analysis revealed that the studied variables showed positive and significant relationship with strategic change management in the selected deposit money banks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It was concluded that critical success factors have positive and significant relationship with strategic change management in the studied deposit money banks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. On the evidence of these findings, it was recommended that top level managers in the studied deposit money banks should maintain the habit of supporting their employees during strategic change periods in the banks by giving them the necessary resources that is required to cope with the change; and the outcomes of strategic change should be communicated to the employees ahead of time regardless of the effects it will have on them.

An exploration of the institutionalisation of public relations at executive level in the top 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)

This article discusses the institutionalisation of public relations at executive level in large organisations, based on research applied to a purposive sample of the top 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in South Africa. Based on an examination of recent literature on public relations as a strategic management function, the study aimed to determine the extent to which senior public relations practitioners in the selected companies are involved in strategy formulation and decision-making at executive level. Current and recent literature provided a conceptual framework based on the premise that organisations have much to gain by involving senior practitioners in top-level decision-making and strategy formulation. The following theories informed the primary research, which took the form of qualitative semi-structured interviews with the participating practitioners: excellence theory, the dominant coalition, the relational approach, the reflective paradigm and roles theory, with the main focus on the strategic role of public relations. Apart from indicating the extent to which public relations is practiced as a top-level management function in the selected companies, the study also sought to identify barriers that prevent the participating practitioners from providing strategic input at an executive level, and to offer recommendations to overcome these barriers.

The Mediating role of Effective Communication between Organization Strategy, Structure, Culture and Organization Performance

Effective communication plays very important role to accomplish organizational goals and objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of organizational culture, structure, and innovation strategy on the performance of hotels through taking effective organizational communication as a mediator. Quantitative research design was used to accomplish this purpose. Data were collected using survey method through previously developed/tested questionnaires. The data were collected at organizational level and one response from each hotel was collected from top level managers. More than 340 questionnaires were delivered to respondents and 255 questionnaires were returned. Data analyses were conducted using SEM-AMOS. The findings indicate that organizational culture, structure, and strategy all had significant and positive impact on organization performance as measured through balance scorecard. Additionally effective communication served as a partial mediator between all organizational factors and performance. The findings suggest hotels’ management to focus on innovation strategy and rely on organic structure to improve communication and boost up performance. Additionally, they must have a customer focused culture and an employee focused culture that supports job variety and job satisfaction among staff members. Through those ways, effective communication would develop that would help improve hotel performance.

REKONSTRUKSI MANAJEMEN TALENTA ASN MENGGUNAKAN PENDEKATAN SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY

The West Java Provincial Government has implemented talent management in their civil service management system, but still lack with the difficulty of finding suitable employees to be placed in top level manager. This study aims to reconstruct the management of the succession planning for senior civil service positions in the provincial government of West Java for the implementation of better talent management. The soft system methodology-based action research approach is used to find out the reality of the real problems in the management of succession planning for their senior civil service positions. Using SSM Based AR, the authors provide solutions in terms of a conceptual model framework for improving the civil service talent management in the West Java Provincial Government by defining and constructing Systematic Succession and Planning Management.

Global performance strategies in leading Japanese automotive organisations

The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlation between the evaluation of performance strategies in leading automotive organisations located in Japan during four economically significant periods. Furthermore, the article aims to determine key performance factors that have had an influence on automotive organisations in the most recent and current period. The sample group includes 14 large and very large corporations. This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. A questionnaire was created as part of the research and was pre-tested in order to increase its internal validity. The actual survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews with managers at the top management level. To address the aim, non-parametric statistical methods have been used (Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation), mainly due to the relatively small testing sample of companies and the Shapiro-Wilk test failing at the five percent level of significance. Additionally, exploratory data analysis methods have been applied. Despite the noticeable deviation in the period of economic recession, the results indicate an increase in the significance of the individual factors in the periods in question. Another interesting finding is the growing power of factors oriented at innovation and the future environment. This means that, for the companies, measuring these factors will be crucial henceforth.

A STUDY OF WAY FINDING SYSTEM IN A TERTIARY CARE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL

Aim: Objectives: A Study of External way nding system in a Tertiary Care Teaching Government Hospital. To identify the various external signage and ascertain gaps as per guidelines. The study was conducted in tert Methodology: iary care government hospital. It was a cross sectional, observational and descriptive type of study. Duration of study was 4 weeks. The data was collected by observational checklist. Parameters taken were identication and gaps in external signage system. Results: There was availability of signs at gates (80.55 %), at buildings (86.36%), at nodes (34.48) and edges (20%). Non-availability of signs at majority of nodes causes confusion in way nding. The map of campus was not available at any place. The zoning of campus can be planned at top management level. The w Conclusion: ay nding committee can be formed for feasibility study and implementation of way nding system

Acceptance of augmented reality in video conference based learning during COVID-19 pandemic in higher education

Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, we have adapted to the new normal, especially in the education field. Learning with video conferences has become our daily activity, and learning tools have gotten more prominent attention to gain student engagement, especially in emergency remote teaching (ERT). Since the trends of metaverse campaigns by meta, augmented reality (AR) has increased recognition in education contexts. However, very little research about the acceptance of augmented reality in video conferences, especially among university students. This paper aims to measure acceptance of AR in video conferences to motivate and inspire students to gain benefits and get impactful technology in the learning process. The research gathered data from a survey of 170 university students (from 5 majors in the study program and 17 different demographic areas) using unified theory of acceptance of technology 2 (UTAUT2). The result reveals that variables significantly impact acceptance: performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and habit. The least significant but still positive effects are effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The study will provide helpful information on AR technology in video conferences and help top-level management in the university that provides online/distance learning in the early diffusion stage for metaverse in education.

Pathways to low carbon energy transition through multi criteria assessment of offshore wind energy barriers

A decrease in energy resources has motivated nations around the world to shift their focus to low carbon energy transition through renewable sources of energy. Offshore wind farms have emerged as a viable resource due to their many advantages. Wind energy boasts a positive image globally but does possess certain challenges. With this consideration, this study examines the challenges and barriers involved in the implementation of offshore wind energy through multi criteria assessment. Beginning with an examination of the common barriers identified from current literature resources, this study then consults a focus group and analyzes the barriers through a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach known as DEMATEL. This study considers both technical and functional barriers and it offers a particular focus on the developing nation of India, because India's energy demands are significant. The role of employing an Indian context is primarily due to the significant decrease in non-renewable energy resources. Further, developing nations like India are often hampered by the challenges of initial installation of vital clean energy sources. Few existing studies offer empirical case studies for India. Our study finds that a lack of awareness is the most influential barrier, and if that barrier can be eradicated, offshore wind energy systems may contribute to easing India's energy burdens. Hence, this study assists offshore wind engineers in exploring the technology's barriers and limitations and in securing appropriate eradication strategies. Among five different challenge dimensions, this study finds governance (D1) is the key influential dimension and Lack of awareness (B4) is the most influential factor among 25 considered factors. With these results, this study bridges the gap between engineers and top-level management to explain the some of the core issues related to the implementation of offshore wind farms. Finally, this study presents useful insights considering future enhancements and recommendations for an effective implementation of offshore wind farms with the assistance of identified influential barriers for achieving effective low carbon energy alternatives.

Resource-based theory perspective in the textile industry: The impact of the digital supply chain on operational performance

In a developing nation such as Pakistan, the textile sector is crucial for employment creation and poverty reduction. As a result of digitization, standard industrial operating processes have altered. The study, which is built on resource-based theory, seeks to determine how the digital supply chain (comprised of blockchain, the internet of things, and big data analytics) influences operational performance. In addition, the relationship between the innovative climate and the operational success of the digital supply chain has been analyzed. Data was collected from 270 respondents, i.e., 65 top level managers and 205 middle level managers. The results indicate that the digitization of the supply chain, which includes the application of big data analytics, the internet of things, and blockchain, greatly enhances operational performance. The innovation climate has not been proven to affect operational performance or digitalization. At the end theoretical and practical implication are highlighted.

Relationship between top management communication performance and job satisfaction.

THIS field study of 327 professional hospital nurses Investigates the relationship between employees' perceptions of top-level management organizational communication and employee job satisfaction and job performance. Pearson product-moment and canonical correlation analyses revealed significant positive relationships between top management communication and employee job satisfaction and, to a lesser ex tent, with job performance. Although considerable research has been conducted into the immediate supervisor employee communication relationship, which has demonstrated a strong, positive association, the top management-employee communication link has been largely overlooked. Findings here suggest that employees look to top managers and im mediate supervisors to fulfill separate and distinct communication needs. This study sought to pave the way for more research into the effects of top management communication on various orginizational effectiveness variables. The authors draw conclusions from their fin dings, propose a model for future research and suggest future research directions.

ANALISIS PERENCANAAN MANAJEMEN PROYEK KONSTRUKSI DAN INFRASTRUKTUR (STUDI KASUS PADA PT BUMI PASIR SEJAHTERA, BANJARNEGARA, JAWA TENGAH)

Economic growth makes many parties who need various construction and infrastructure projects. This has resulted in very high demand for rock-type mining materials for excavated stone and river sand. PT Bumi Pasir Sejahtera (BUPAS) is a company established in 2011 and an exploration sandstone business company located in Banjarnegara, Central Java. In 2018, BUPAS shifted its exploration position to new points (not far from the previous production point), requiring a proper business feasibility study. The research’s objective is to analyze the business feasibility study of a new point of exploration and the potential risks that occur to mitigate risks into opportunities as part of the project management planning stage. Researchers conduct planning analysis using case studies. In addition, we use in-depth interviews with PT BUPAS Top-Level Management and field observations to collect the data. The results of this research indicate that when the formulation of project problems, the new point of the exploration investment plan is not detailed, and the results in the budget do not match the actual cost. The project is feasible to run in the planning stages of a new point applied feasibility study. The company has not maximized production exploration in labour and production capacity in the current project.

To What Extent Is White-Collar Crime Understandable? An Empirical Study of Determinants Based on the Theory of Convenience

White-collar crimes (WCC) or financial crimes (FC) are the crimes that are linked with the top-level management representatives who are responsible to make the right decisions for the better functioning of the organization, these individuals are highly respectable as they hold a position of high repute. However, when the same individuals either under the pressure of performance or personal issues misuse the power and control vested on them due to the position they hold in the organization, take certain decisions which lead the organization into jeopardy. These individuals not only put the hard-earned money of the investors on stake but also enjoy the best of the facilities on the basis of their position. In the said article the authors have tried to answer two major questions regarding the abuse of position and manipulation of the financial statements at the struggling phase of the firm. The base of the study is convenience theory which was used to understand the concept of convenience theory for which a questionnaire based on 7-point Likert scale was used in which responses of 230 MBA students were studied. The results were near to what were expected supporting the fact that individuals are misusing their position to commit WCC, supporting the concept of convenience theory being used in the study.

The impact of various safety leadership styles on construction safety climate: A case of South India

The Indian construction industry is the second-largest job-providing sector in the country, which comprises many investments. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) report, India is a significant contributor to construction site accidents and fatalities among world nations. The poor Safety Leadership (SL) style and the diminished leader’s commitment to quality safety outcomes have caused misfortunes in construction sites. This paper aims to identify the impact of various safety leadership styles on the Organisational Safety Climate (OSC) predictors and propose a conceptual model explaining the relationship between SL styles and OSC. The study identifies six leadership styles from the works of literature: Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), Distributed leadership, Contingent reward, Laissez-faire leadership, Management-by-exception, and Superior’s empowerment leadership. Structured questionnaires were circulated for data collection among construction professionals working in metropolitan cities in south India. The collected data were analysed using the stepwise regression analysis and Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis to identify the SL styles influencing OSC predictors. The findings revealed that four out of six SL styles are optimistic. On the other hand, two of them are pessimistic, namely laissez-faire leadership and management-by-exception leadership style, which leads to an increase in construction site misfortunes. The outcome of this study helps the top-level management personnel build and develop a positive safety leadership trait to achieve quality safety outcomes of the construction organization.