Welcome to OR&S! Where students, academics and professionals come together

In this manuscript, an overview is given of the activities done at the Operations Research and Scheduling (OR&S) research group of the faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Ghent University. Unlike the book published by [1] that gives a summary of all academic and professional activities done in the field of Project Management in collaboration with the OR&S group, the focus of the current manuscript lies on academic publications and the integration of these published results in teaching activities. An overview is given of the publications from the very beginning till today, and some of the topics that have led to publications are discussed in somewhat more detail. Moreover, it is shown how the research results have been used in the classroom to actively involve students in our research activities

An overview of recent research results and future research avenues using simulation studies in project management

This paper gives an overview of three simulation studies in dynamic project scheduling integrating baseline scheduling with risk analysis and project control. This integration is known in the literature as dynamic scheduling. An integrated project control method is presented using a project control simulation approach that combines the three topics into a single decision support system. The method makes use of Monte Carlo simulations and connects schedule risk analysis (SRA) with earned value management (EVM). A corrective action mechanism is added to the simulation model to measure the efficiency of two alternative project control methods. At the end of the paper, a summary of recent and state-of-the-art results is given, and directions for future research based on a new research study are presented

Romania as a project-oriented society

Projects and project management play an increasing role in the global economy. In a context marked by the evolution of project management from a technical function to an organizational methodology that can be embraced successfully by communities, associations, government agencies, big companies, and even by the society as a whole, the concept of “project-oriented society” gains ground. Not only is the concept on the rise, but also research on measuring the maturity level of the project-oriented society. The main assumption underlying this paper is that there is a correlation between the maturity of project orientation and the managerial competitiveness of each society. The paper explores this correlation by presenting in detail the research study “Project Orientation Romania”, which focused on the main measurable dimensions of a project-oriented society.project management, maturity, society, education, research

Project oriented university – an emerging concept

The purpose of this article is to introduce a brand new concept, that of the project-oriented university, as a university that explicitly uses projects and programmes to perform processes of medium to high complexity, thus allowing it to better handle the increasing turbulence and dynamics of its environments. An analytical grid for assessing the maturity of a university in terms of its project orientation is offered, taking into account both hard and soft factors. The National School for Political Sciences and Public Administration from Bucharest is analysed in this perspective, the assessment being the basis for explaining the paradox of having projects, but no project management. The findings are considered representative for the Romanian higher education system as a whole, with due nuances and exceptions.project maturity, competitive advantage, university, organizational strategy.

Specyfikacja warunków świadczenia usługi outsourcingowej jako gwarant jej jakości w zarządzaniu nieruchomościami mieszkaniowymi

Terms specification in providing outsourcing service is a formal negotiated document between two parties which identifies the recipent`s and provider`s degree od integration, needs, expectations and covers services to be delivered in outsourcing cooperation. The most important part of a specification is to define paramaters of quality: proficiency, availability, time reaction, amount of reclamations. Specification cannot cover every problematic situation but well written - could be the most effective way to ensure commitment is kept

Investigating the Relationship Between an IT Project Manager\u27s Emotional Intelligence and the Customer\u27s Perception of Success

This research focuses on the intersections of Project Management, Information Technology (IT), and Emotional Intelligence. The Project Management Institute (PMI) created the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which is one of the most highly regarded and sought after professional certifications (Project Management Institute 2005, p. 15-18). This certification acknowledges the holder as a knowledgeable practitioner in Project Management. The purpose behind Project Management is to obtain requirements, sometimes fluid at best, and develop solutions that are traceable by schedule and cost controls. This approach allows a Project Manager to monitor and control the project through successful completion. However, the PMI also notes that the main aspects of the Project Manager\u27s job are team leadership and communication. These aspects provide the art of Project Management. The Standish Group published an article noting that less than 20 percent of IT projects are successful. Some of this failure is due to the dynamic nature of IT projects. This research focuses on the question of whether or not an IT Project Manager\u27s Emotional Intelligence influences the customer\u27s perception of project success. In this research, ninety-two IT projects were evaluated. The evaluation included project demographics and the use of the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) to assess the IT Project Manager\u27s Emotional Quotient and the five subscales (Intra-Personal, Inter-Personal, Stress Management, Adaptability, and General Mood). A separate customer satisfaction survey was sent to the projects\u27 customers. A total of fifty-six complete datasets were used in this research. The results showed no statistical correlation between the EQ-i scales Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Stress Management, and Adaptability scores and the customer\u27s perception of project success. A marginal negative statistical correlation, at the 0.1 level, was discovered between an IT Project Manager\u27s Total EQ score and the customer\u27s perception of project success. A strong negative statistical correlation, at the 0.01 level, was discovered between the EQ-i scale General Mood and the customer\u27s perception of project success. These findings are important to the practitioners of Project Management in the IT field because they help managers understand how customers\u27 perceptions influence a project\u27s success. Additional research opportunities are addressed in the final chapter

University of Dayton Arts and Events Calendar

News release announces a calendar of business events for May 3rd through May 12th

RSM Outlook Summer 2013

#### Improving the impact of social business (Rebecca Morris) Business is a powerful tool for solving social problems. However, more businesses need to focus on social issues if a greater impact is to be achieved. #### The business of social media (Joe Figueiredo) From blogs to crowdsourcing, there is no escaping the power of social media, and businesses that ignore its potential do so at their own peril. #### Helping communities through crowdfunding (Brian Bollen) Social ventures can improve the lives of communities all over the world, and with the power of the crowd at your disposal, the potential is unlimited. #### Social change through a circular economy (Christine Hayes) Is today’s linear economy outdated, and if so, would a radical shift towards a circular economy bring greater benefits to both business and society