Optimizing competence management processes: a case study in the aerospace industry

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the case of a leading Italian aerospace companyrnwhich developed an integrated system aimed to optimize the management of engineering competenciesrnwithin the Chief Technical Office function.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The paper was based on a set of interviews to companyrnreferents and a one-year period of researcher's observation at the company site to analyze competencernmanagement processes and the application on the field of the methodology and the tool. The approachrnadopted is to present a real practice following a pragmatic and illustrative approach.rnFindings - The integrated system provides an objective method to support critical evaluationsrnrelated to the management of competencies and actors. The benefits achieved derive from a morerneffective and efficient monitoring of competencies available to perform given activities, and from thernanalysis of gaps, actor allocation, and job-rotation issues.rnResearch limitations/implications - The application of the method and the tool is still quitern"dependent" from the skills of their developers. Besides, the activities and competencies of those unitsrnwhich support new product development processes should be also integrated in the system.rnPractical implications - The case described can be a useful benchmark for organizations workingrnin complex industries in the effort of improving the performance of engineering activities through anrnenhanced management of knowledge about people potential and expertise.rnOriginality/value - The value of the paper may stay in a twofold process/project and peoplernmanagement perspective in the monitoring, development, and scouting of technical competencies.