Von Meding, J K (2013) NGO competency-based framework for the delivery of post-disaster reconstruction projects. PhD thesis, Queen's University Belfast, UK.
Abstract
With the expected increase in the magnitude and frequency of natural disasters in coming years, more people than ever will be faced with post-disaster reconstruction (PDR) scenarios. Within a complex and turbulent environment it is essential that responding agencies deploy appropriate configurations of competencies to mitigate project barriers that arise. The objectives of this research are a) to examine how theory from disaster management, strategic management and project management can be integrated to develop a theoretical framework for the delivery of PDR projects, b) to investigate current practices of NGOs in delivery of PDR projects, c) to identify appropriate competencies to be deployed by NGOs, including the various configurations that will lead to successful PDR projects and d) to develop a competence-based framework derived from a system dynamics model that will lead to more efficient and effective projects in PDR. Within a mixed-methods approach, the study incorporates 4 case studies in post-tsunami Sri Lanka and 4 case studies in post-cyclone Sidr Bangladesh. Exploratory interviews with expert NGO participants are combined with direct observations, with the resultant data analysed in Decision Explorer. An embedded quantitative element within the case studies allows values to be assigned to a system dynamics model, with mechanisms emerging that contribute to the final theoretical model. The study reveals that NGOs face numerous barriers; organisational, political, economic, ethical, community, professional and environmental. In order to effectively develop and implement strategies to address these barriers, organisations must deploy certain configurations of organisational and operational competencies. These competencies have been categorised into the following clusters: leadership, communication/presentation, creative drive, technical, co-operation, analysis/judgement, organization, adaptation. The theoretical framework and system dynamics model demonstrate how the utilisation of these competencies, deployed in targeted clusters, has the potential to create positive outcomes for beneficiaries as measured by PDR Project Success Indicators (PDRPSls).
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | competence; natural disaster; communication; co-operation; leadership; project success; strategic management; professional; Bangladesh; Sri Lanka; case studies; direct observation; interview |
| Index terms: | cyclone, natural disaster, project management, direct observation, agency, Bangladesh, competence, Sri Lanka, adaptation, post-tsunami, configuration, disaster management, strategic management, system dynamics, project success, case study, strategy, interview, post-disaster reconstruction project, face, post-disaster reconstruction |
| Subjects: | financial risk, data collection methods, sociology, environmental hazards, management, user focus, personnel development, systems engineering, psychology, computing systems, project management theory and practice, climate science, post-disaster and reconstruction, Geography |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Cost Management, Project Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here