A three-step design science approach to develop a novel human resource-planning framework in projects: the cases of construction projects in USA, Europe, and Iran

Mehrdokht Pournader*, Amin Akhavan Tabassi, Peter Baloh

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Developing a comprehensive human resource (HR)-planning framework that corresponds to the variety of HR-related issues has seldom been observed in existing project management literature. The present study applies a three-step design science approach to introduce a holistic HR-planning framework. The rigor and relevance cycles in this approach address the HR-related issues in projects and the shortcomings of the literature associated with developing a thorough HR-planning framework. Subsequently, the proposed framework is being validated by an exploratory study undertaken at Parsons Brinckerhoff (USA) and BISOL Group (EU). Next, in line with the guidelines of the design cycle for justifying the use of the framework, a survey is conducted on the collected data from 110 Iranian experts in the construction industry. Using Partial Least Squares for analyzing the data, the outcomes indicate that 'Empowerment/Training' could significantly improve the performance of HRs in projects. The results also confirm the substantial impact of 'Quality Assessment' on the constructs included the HR-planning framework. Furthermore, 'Networking Management', 'Delegating', and 'Reward/Compensation' are prioritized as the subsequent influential constructs for effective HR management practices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)419-434
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Journal of Project Management
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2015

Keywords

  • Construction projects
  • Design cycle
  • Design science
  • Human resources planning framework
  • Partial least squares
  • Project management
  • Relevance cycle
  • Rigor cycle

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A three-step design science approach to develop a novel human resource-planning framework in projects: the cases of construction projects in USA, Europe, and Iran'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this