Resistant Use of Project Management Methodologies – Using Psychology to Rethink the Influence of Methodology Attributes

Even though practitioners and researchers generally agree that project management methodologies are very useful in managing IT-related projects, organizations are rarely able to motivate their staff to use them. Even when employees use these methodologies, the question of how they are being used still remains. To better understand the way in which employees use project management methodologies, we develop the construct “resistant use.” Applying a diffusion of innovations perspective, we develop a conceptual model to examine how methodology attributes interact with users psychological needs to influence a user’s resistant use behavior. Based on a sample size of 2645 participants, and using the structural equation modeling technique, we find that a user’s need for achievement and need for cognition moderate the impact of project management methodologies\u27 attributes (relative advantage, complexity, and compatibility) on their resistant usage behavior

ADAPTS: An Intelligent Sustainable Conceptual Framework for Engineering Projects

This paper presents a conceptual framework for the optimization of environmental sustainability in engineering projects, both for products and industrial facilities or processes. The main objective of this work is to propose a conceptual framework to help researchers to approach optimization under the criteria of sustainability of engineering projects, making use of current Machine Learning techniques. For the development of this conceptual framework, a bibliographic search has been carried out on the Web of Science. From the selected documents and through a hermeneutic procedure the texts have been analyzed and the conceptual framework has been carried out. A graphic representation pyramid shape is shown to clearly define the variables of the proposed conceptual framework and their relationships. The conceptual framework consists of 5 dimensions; its acronym is ADAPTS. In the base are: (1) the Application to which it is intended, (2) the available DAta, (3) the APproach under which it is operated, and (4) the machine learning Tool used. At the top of the pyramid, (5) the necessary Sensing. A study case is proposed to show its applicability. This work is part of a broader line of research, in terms of optimization under sustainability criteria.Telefónica Chair “Intelligence in Networks” of the University of Seville (Spain

Pursuing Energy-Efficient Behavior in a Regulatory Environment: Motivating Policymakers, Program Administrators, and Program Implementers

This white paper examines how policymakers, program administrators, and program implementers can be motivated to pursue behavioral change in a regulatory environment. For the purposes of this report, behavior change is defined rather broadly, encompassing both behaviors associated with the purchase and installation of energy efficiency technologies as well as behaviors, decisions, and actions that might be thought of as more independent of technology. These include energy use habits, lifestyle choices, and consumption patterns. The insights and lessons discussed in this paper are drawn from a wide variety of sources including interviews with representatives from the energy and utility communities, and program documentation for energy-related programs and projects

Learning From Difference: Comparing Child Welfare Systems

Child welfare and child protection are integral aspects of the welfare regimes of all post-industrial societies. However, although the needs of children and the dangers of child abuse are so widely acknowledged, the ways in which these needs and risks are met varies considerably, even between countries with similar structures. By studying the ways in which other countries deal with similar problems, we can learn about new ways of responding and may find ideas that we can adapt for use in our own context. But we can do much more than this. By looking at differences, and using the power of making comparisons, we can begin to understand more about our own system and why it has developed as it has. We can begin to identify the ‘taken-for-granted’. This may lead us to question some of the assumptions on which our system rests and to become more aware of the aspects of our system that we value most highly. As we become more aware of the reasons why our system has developed as it has, positive changes may become more attainable

How organizational cognitive neuroscience can deepen understanding of managerial decision-making:a review of the recent literature and future directions

There is growing interest in exploring the potential links between human biology and management and organization studies, which is bringing greater attention to bear on the place of mental processes in explaining human behaviour and effectiveness. The authors define this new field as organizational cognitive neuroscience (OCN), which is in the exploratory phase of its emergence and diffusion. It is clear that there are methodological debates and issues associated with OCN research, and the aim of this paper is to illuminate these concerns, and provide a roadmap for rigorous and relevant future work in the area. To this end, the current reach of OCN is investigated by the systematic review methodology, revealing three clusters of activity, covering the fields of economics, marketing and organizational behaviour. Among these clusters, organizational behaviour seems to be an outlier, owing to its far greater variety of empirical work, which the authors argue is largely a result of the plurality of research methods that have taken root within this field. Nevertheless, all three clusters contribute to a greater understanding of the biological mechanisms that mediate choice and decision-making. The paper concludes that OCN research has already provided important insights regarding the boundaries surrounding human freedom to act in various domains and, in turn, self-determination to influence the workplace. However, there is much to be done, and emerging research of significant interest is highlighted

Utilizing the Universal Design for Learning Model to Improve Educational Environments in Secondary Inclusive Classrooms

This purpose of this case study was to explore the potential reasons why secondary teachers are resistant to working in inclusive programs, as well as to discover barriers to inclusion so that those obstacles can be addressed and rectified by those who make meaningful, relevant, and holistic educational changes, leading to improved classroom experiences for all parties within inclusive settings. The pre-research prediction that barriers to inclusion revolve around instructional differentiation, increased responsibilities, and additional work load were correct as they relate to the teacher identified obstacles of lack of support and lack of training, with most participants agreeing that lack of resources, instructional support, financial assistance, administrative guidance, and staffing were the greatest obstacles to teacher willingness to work in inclusive classrooms. Thorough and on-going training in instructional design that supports a cognitively diverse student population, such as the Universal Design for Learning model, was identified as an empathetic and ethical manner to support teachers tasked with the responsibility of collaboratively educating all students. The most interesting revelations of this study were that all the teachers interviewed for this study found inclusion valuable for both non-typical and typical students and all twelve teachers were willing to work in an inclusive classroom with the appropriate supports. The results from this study reveals that teachers find value in inclusive education but need to feel that they are valued by the entity that charges them with the task to educate all students inclusively before they can adequately embrace their role in the implementation process

Building coalitions, creating change: An agenda for gender transformative research in agricultural development

The CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) has developed its Gender Research in Development Strategy centered on a transformative approach. Translating this strategy into actual research and development practice poses a considerable challenge, as not much (documented) experience exists in the agricultural sector to draw on, and significant innovation is required. A process of transformative change requires reflecting on multiple facets and dimensions simultaneously. This working paper is a collation of think pieces, structured around broad the mes and topics, reflecting on what works (and what does not) in the application of gender transformative approaches in agriculture and other sectors, and seeking to stimulate a discussion on the way forward for CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) and other programs to build organizational capacities and partnerships

Exploring labeling for ecosystem services and biodiversity

Agriculture contributes to the deterioration of ecosystem services and the loss of biodiversity. Policy measures to combat these problems are often ineffective. Eco-labeling can help to involve consumers for increasing the share of products addressing ecosystem conservation. However, the literature has paid little attention to the food industry’s perspective on labels, albeit the industry’s crucial role for label implementation. The objective of this study is to explore the German food industry’s views of food product labeling for the effective and efficient provision of ecosystem services. Q methodology was applied which ensured that the interviewees compared statements relative to each other and sorted them based on their subjective valuation which yielded three distinct viewpoints as outcomes. The first viewpoint (“grass-roots labelists”) highlighted the importance of transparent norms for the quantification of ecosystem services; the second viewpoint (“local believers”) highlighted the potential of ‘local’ ecosystem services; and the third viewpoint (“skeptics”) showed doubts regarding a label-based approach for the provision of ecosystem services. The heterogeneity in viewpoints leads to the conclusion that the detailed assessment of markets, products, consumers, regions, and ecosystem services is crucial. Although context is important, and tailored solutions are necessary, the three identified viewpoints can provide some guidance on focus areas for such further analysis