Human Capital as a Source of Competitive Advantage for Organizations:The Perspective of Unitel Sao Tome and Principe

摘要

This research is a study of the Human Capital in relationship with the Competitive advantage.Confronted with the need to match it with the changes arising from the globalization,organizations need to prepare their Human Capital to such changes and adapt it to the company's objectives.
　　The importance of Human Capital is increasing in organizations,and is currently recognized as assets of companies,thus Human Capital occupies a significant position in organizations,being considered a source of competitive advantage.In this perspective,this exploratory and qualitative study aims to show the perception of managers about the importance of human capital to obtain competitive advantage in Unitel STP.
　　To achieve the objective of this research,first,the main theories,models and concepts used to help in the analysis was presented.Then a case study in Unitel STP was conducted.Therefore,the study is based on a qualitative research,through semi-structured interviews with8professionals in different departments of the company Unitel STP.It tried to understand the importance of human capital as a source of competitive advantage for this Company.
　　The results of this empirical research obtained from the application the VRIO model(Value,Rare,Imitability and Organization),according to the opinion of the respondents,showed that there is a relationship between human capital and competitive advantage for Unitel STP in terms of competences,skills,training and work experience essentially.

目录

声明

Acknowledgments

Abstract

Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

List of Acronyms

Chapter1：Introduction

1．2 Problem statement

1．3 Objective of the study

1．4 Research questions

1．5 Research purpose and Significance

1．6 Definition of key terms

1．7 Thesis structure

Chapter 2：Literature review

2．1 Evolution of human resource management

2．2 The concept of human capital

2．2．1 Sources of human capital differences

2．2．2 The importance of human capital for organizations

2．2．3 Human capital measurement

2．3 Theories of competitive advantage

2．3．1 The resource-based view

2．3．2 VRIO framework

2．3．3 Competitive advantage through people：VRIO analysis

Chapter 3：Research framework and methodology

3．1 Theoretical framework

3．2 Research approach

3．3 Research method

3．4 Data collection method and tools

3．5 Data analyse tool

3．6 General Presentation of Unite STP

3．7 Sample selection

3．8 Ethical considerations

Chapter 4：Research results and discussion

4．1 Perspective of managers about human capital

4．2 Resource based view：Unitel STP

4．2．1 The VRIO model：human capital

4．2．2 Important dimensions of human capital for Unitel STP

4．2．3 Actions to develop and retain human capital

4．5 Unitel measurement of human capital

Chapter 5：Conclusion

5．1 Summary and conclusion

5．2 Managerial Recommendations

5．3 Research Limitations

5．4 Recommendations for future work

References

Appendix