Purpose – To assess and share the experiences of users of a new generation of practical and knowledge‐based job support tools. Design/methodology/approach – To illustrate distinguishing features of job support tools and the use of multi‐media capabilities with examples of sales support...

The managements of commercial, academic and professional organistions face a combination of pressures that are forcing them to reassess their roles and responsibilities. All will need to become more flexible and adaptable, and more responsive to the needs of both customers and those whose skills...

Regarding the quality of human resources, a turbulent business environment presents, at times, a bewildering array of fundamental challenges. Organisations can no longer cope by making small incremental adjustments to existing practices. An aggregation of major challenges, arising all at once,...

Examines the disturbing facts as revealed by a programme of studies of directors and boards. Directorial qualities and competences are distinct from the skills that are sought in managers. Nine out of ten directors received no formal preparation for their boardroom appointments; there is little...

Creating a more responsive organisation and securing flexible access to skill is becoming a critical success requirement. Large bureaucratic organisations are becoming aware of the vulnerability of size where it is not accompanied by responsiveness and flexibility. Skill shortages have become a...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the author's five‐year investigation of various approaches to transforming performance. It aims to concentrate in particular on approaches to talent management. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains that devoting large sums to...

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the impact new technology has had on performance support. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports the findings from a five‐year investigation into methods of improving performance in the workplace. Findings – HR applications of performance...

Purpose – This article summarizes findings relating to the conduct of directors and boards from a continuing investigation into why some companies are so much more effective than others at key activities such as business development, building relationships and creating and exploiting...

As the emphasis switches from cost‐cutting and restructuring to revenue generation and value creation, the winning of business assumes greater importance. Although the skills required to submit successful proposals and win bids, and the critical success factors for winning business in a...

Opportunities abound to make money by packaging and applying information and knowledge, offering information and knowledge based services, and managing intellectual capital more effectively. However, to exploit them a new generation of information, knowledge and learning entrepreneurs need to be...