This paper investigates the usefulness of textbook and company approaches to developing managerial skills and competencies. It suggests that textbooks, based on an “experiential” approach to skill building, are contradictory in that they ultimately privilege predispositions over training in...

Purpose – Managerial interpersonal skills (MIPS) are widely considered important for management development, yet the nature of MIPS has eluded researchers. The purpose of this paper is to propose five MIPS core skills, giving attention to the role of context, the relationship of MIPS to...

This paper suggests that competency‐based, outcome‐focused management development and education programs might benefit from redirecting the non‐technical subjects away from emphasis on theories and skills, to emphasis on the decisions which managers have to make. To do this effectively,...

This paper reviews a recently developed closed modular masters programme on generic project management as a project management case study of academic‐industrial collaboration. Literature on some educational issues is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the management of the development...

Research on managerial competence has been narrowly focused and confusing in its terminology. In particular, a disparity has emerged between the definitions and assessments of competence developed in the USA and the approaches adopted in the UK. In this paper it is argued that each perspective...

Organizations that include a manufacturing, assembly and/or material processing (MAMP) functions have become increasingly complex, competitive, and dynamic. These organizations demand increased emphasis on recruiting, developing, and retaining management talent to gain a competitive edge. This...

Purpose – This paper seeks to argue that global management should be considered by practitioners, educators, regulators and society at large as a true professional discipline. While in its current form it may not meet all the defining criteria of a profession, true professionalism is the best...

Purpose – Management training is perceived as one of the most effective ways to improve management skill, increase productivity and change corporate culture. To reap these perceived benefits, the University of Ottawa has delivered, since 2001, a Management Leadership Program (MLP) to better...

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the leadership role of first‐line managers in self‐managed production units, particularly the existence, relevance and closability of competence gaps. Design/methodology/approach – Self‐assessments on competence and other variables shed light on the...