Transformation of knowledge and skills by entry-level graduates: Perception of logistics and supply chain managers in Oman

Nasser Al Harrasi, Masengu Reason, Mohamed Salah El Din, Badriya Al Balushi, Jowhara Al Habsi

Article ID: 4773
Vol 8, Issue 8, 2024

VIEWS - 66 (Abstract) 25 (PDF)

Abstract


This study aimed to examine and assess the impact of the logistics industry’s environment, entry-level graduates’ characteristics and the logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) program design on the transformation of knowledge and skills at Sohar port in the Sultanate of Oman. The study employed a pragmatic research philosophy involving a structured questionnaire. The sample size included 49 mid-managers from the logistics industry who were working at Sohar Port. The study found that entry-level graduates’ characteristics and LSCM program design positively and significantly influenced the transformation of knowledge and skills. However, the organisational environment had a negative and insignificant impact on the transformation. This study revealed several dimensions that may require further research. It is pertinent to broaden the research scope to other towns, ports, and other countries in the Gulf Council Countries (GCC) to broaden the scope and generalisability of the results. According to the study findings, several recommendations are proposed for the logistics and supply chain sector in Oman to enhance the transformation of knowledge and skills by entry-level graduates, as well as for higher education institutions (HEIs). To meet the sector requirements, HEIs may improve the current university-industry collaborations by increasing the inputs of the industry in designing and developing the LSCM program. The organisational environment must reconsider the knowledge and skills transformation by entry-level graduates in their strategic plan of resources management, which must be emphasised by the remuneration system and career paths incentive. While other studies have explored knowledge and skill transformation in the context of employee training, this study aims to fill a specific research gap by focusing on the transformation of knowledge and skills by entry-level graduates, an area which has not been extensively studied before. Furthermore, this study is unique as it examines the impact of the industry’s environment, entry-level graduates’ characteristics and the LSCM program on the transformation of knowledge and skills within the unique context of Oman. This novel approach provides an opportunity to understand the specific challenges and opportunities faced by entry-level graduates in Oman and suggests strategies for addressing them.


Keywords


transformation of knowledge and skills; logistics; supply chain; graduates entry-level; Oman

Full Text:

PDF


References


Ali, N., M. Ghazal, T., Ahmed, A., et al. (2022). Fusion-Based Supply Chain Collaboration Using Machine Learning Techniques. Intelligent Automation & Soft Computing, 31(3), 1671–1687. https://doi.org/10.32604/iasc.2022.019892

ALSI For Marine Services. (n.d.). Available online: https://www.alsioman.com/logistics-transportation-challenges/ (accessed on 28 March 2021).

Al-Swidi, A., & Al Yahya, M. (2017). Training transfer intention and training effectiveness. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 25(5), 839–860. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijoa-07-2016-1043

Audunsson, H., Fridgeirsson, T., Saemundsdottir, I. (2018). Challenging Engineering Students with Uncertainty in a VUCA Situation. In: Proceedings of the 14th International CDIO Conference, Kanazawa Institute of Technology.

Anca, V. (2019). Logistics and Supply Chain Management: An Overview. Studies in Business and Economics, 14(2), 209–215. https://doi.org/10.2478/sbe-2019-0035

Awasthy, R., Flint, S., Sankarnarayana, R., et al. (2020). A framework to improve university–industry collaboration. Journal of Industry-University Collaboration, 2(1), 49–62. https://doi.org/10.1108/jiuc-09-2019-0016

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman and Company.

Behning, C., Fleckenstein, M., Pfau, M., et al. (2021). Modeling of atrophy size trajectories: variable transformation, prediction and age-of-onset estimation. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-021-01356-0

Bhatti, A. M., Battour, M., Sundram, V. P. K., et al. (2013). Transfer of training: does it truly happen? European Journal of Training and Development, 37(3), 273–297. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090591311312741

Botke, J. A., Jansen, P. G. W., Khapova, S. N., et al. (2018). Work factors influencing the transfer stages of soft skills training: A literature review. Educational Research Review, 24, 130–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2018.04.001

Business Setup. (2021). Available online: https://www.businesssetup.com/om/oman-sea-ports (accessed on 30 March 2021).

Castro, I. J. de, Nagano, M. S., & Ribeiro, S. X. (2019). Elements that influence knowledge sharing in the university-industry-government collaboration. Revista de Gestão, 26(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.1108/rege-04-2018-0061

Chais, C., Patrícia Ganzer, P., & Munhoz Olea, P. (2018). Technology transfer between universities and companies. Innovation & Management Review, 15(1), 20–40. https://doi.org/10.1108/inmr-02-2018-002

Chauhan, R., Ghosh, P., Rai, A., et al. (2017). Improving transfer of training with transfer design. Journal of Workplace Learning, 29(4), 268–285. https://doi.org/10.1108/jwl-08-2016-0079

Chauhan, R., Ghosh, P., Rai, A., et al. (2016). The impact of support at the workplace on transfer of training: a study of an Indian manufacturing unit. International Journal of Training and Development, 20(3), 200–213. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijtd.12083

Cheng, E. W. L., Sanders, K., & Hampson, I. (2015). An intention-based model of transfer of training. Management Research Review, 38(8), 908–928. https://doi.org/10.1108/mrr-05-2014-0107

Chumg, H.-F., Seaton, J., Cooke, L., et al. (2016). Factors affecting employees’ knowledge-sharing behaviour in the virtual organisation from the perspectives of well-being and organisational behaviour. Computers in Human Behavior, 64, 432–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.07.011

Cooley, S. J., Cumming, J., Holland, M. J. G., et al. (2015). Developing the Model for Optimal Learning and Transfer (MOLT) following an evaluation of outdoor groupwork skills programmes. European Journal of Training and Development, 39(2), 104–121. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejtd-06-2014-0046

Diachenko, M., Smith, K. K., Fjorback, L., et al. (2021). Pre-retirement Employees Experience Lasting Improvements in Resilience and Well-Being After Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699088

Du, J., & Wang, R. (2019). Knowledge transfer and boundary conditions. New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, 22(1), 31–57. https://doi.org/10.1108/neje-04-2019-0021

Edwin, M. D., Sabura, F. M. (2019). Critical analysis on employment of graduates in Oman. Saudi Journal of Business and Management Studies, 4(7), 638–645. https://doi.org/10.21276/sjbms.2019.4.7.13

Ghosh, P., Chauhan, R., & Rai, A. (2015). Supervisor support in transfer of training: looking back at past research. Industrial and Commercial Training, 47(4), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict-11-2014-0071

Hooper, D., Coughlan, J., Mullen, M. R. (2008). Structural equation modelling: Guidelines for determining model fit. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, 6(1), 53–60.

Huda, M. M., Sunardi, & Sumarsono, T. G. (2022). The Effect of Remuneration, Employee Competency and Leadership Style on Civil Service Performance. European Journal of Business and Management Research, 7(5), 19–23. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejbmr.2022.7.5.409

Hughes, A. M., Zajac, S., Woods, A. L., et al. (2019). The Role of Work Environment in Training Sustainment: A Meta-Analysis. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 62(1), 166–183. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720819845988

Iqbal, K., & Dastgeer, G. (2017). Impact of self-efficacy and retention on transfer of training. Journal of Management Development, 36(10), 1270–1282. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmd-06-2015-0087

Jena, S. K., & Ghadge, A. (2021). An integrated supply chain – human resource management approach for improved supply chain performance. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 32(3), 918–941. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlm-03-2020-0151

Kenyon, S. (2016). Transfer of training in special education: The correlation between self-efficacy, motivation to learn, and intent to transfer skills learned [PhD thesis]. Northeastern University.

Khan, M. H. (2019). Knowledge, skills and organizational capabilities for structural transformation. Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, 48, 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strueco.2018.05.006

Kim, J. H. (2019). Multicollinearity and misleading statistical results. Korean Journal of Anesthesiology, 72(6), 558–569. https://doi.org/10.4097/kja.19087

Krajnović, A. (2020). Institutional Distance: Construct of Isomorphism Relevant to Multinational Companies. Journal of Corporate Governance, Insurance, and Risk Management, 7(1), 15–24. https://doi.org/10.56578/jcgirm070102

Kutty, S. (2020). The mismatch between degrees and jobs. Oman Daily Observer.

Lahiff, A., Li, J., Unwin, L., et al. (2019). Industrial standardisation as a driver for cross-national convergence in training processes. European Journal of Training and Development, 43(7/8), 752–766. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejtd-11-2018-0112

Lancaster, S., Di Milia, L., & Cameron, R. (2013). Supervisor behaviours that facilitate training transfer. Journal of Workplace Learning, 25(1), 6–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/13665621311288458

Liu, W., Zhao, S., Shi, L., et al. (2018). Workplace violence, job satisfaction, burnout, perceived organisational support and their effects on turnover intention among Chinese nurses in tertiary hospitals: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 8(6), e019525. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019525

Marle, C. J., François, P., Coltel, M., et al. (2022). A systematic review of soft skills taxonomies: Descriptive and conceptual work. Available online: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/mszgj (accessed on 28 March 2021).

Masterstudies. (2021). Available online: https://www.masterstudies.com/MSc-Logistics-and-Supply-Chain-Management/Oman/Muscat-University/ (accessed 30 March 2021).

Mazzei, A., Ravazzani, S., Butera, A., et al. (2023). The affective commitment of newcomers in hybrid work contexts: A study on enhancing and inhibiting factors and the mediating role of newcomer adjustment. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.987976

McNeish, D. (2018). Thanks coefficient alpha, we’ll take it from here. Psychological Methods, 23(3), 412–433. https://doi.org/10.1037/met0000144

Nafukho, F. M., Alfred, M., Chakraborty, M., et al. (2017). Predicting workplace transfer of learning. European Journal of Training and Development, 41(4), 327–353. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejtd-10-2016-0079

Na-nan, K., Chaiprasit, K., & Pukkeeree, P. (2017). Influences of workplace environment factors on employees’ training transfer. Industrial and Commercial Training, 49(6), 303–314. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict-02-2017-0010

Nguyen, T.-M., & Malik, A. (2020). Cognitive processes, rewards and online knowledge sharing behaviour: the moderating effect of organisational innovation. Journal of Knowledge Management, 24(6), 1241–1261. https://doi.org/10.1108/jkm-12-2019-0742

Nicolopoulou, K. (2011). Towards a theoretical framework for knowledge transfer in the field of CSR and sustainability. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 30(6), 524–538. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610151111157738

Noe, R. A., Tews, M. J., Dachner, A. M. (2014). Learner engagement: A new perspective for enhancing our understanding of learner motivation and workplace learning. Academy of Management Annals, 8(1), 671–717.

Oman Government National Center for Statistics and Information. (2019). Available online: https://ogss.gov.om/index.php/en/information-center/reports (accessed 30 January 2022).

Orcan, F. (2020). Parametric or Non-parametric: Skewness to Test Normality for Mean Comparison. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 7(2), 255–265. https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.656077

Park, S., Kang, H.-S., & Kim, E.-J. (2018). The role of supervisor support on employees’ training and job performance: an empirical study. European Journal of Training and Development, 42(1/2), 57–74. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejtd-06-2017-0054

Pletsch, C. S., & Zonatto, V. C. da S. (2018). Evidence of the effects of psychological capital on the transfer of knowledge from accounting students to business organizations. Journal of Knowledge Management, 22(8), 1826–1843. https://doi.org/10.1108/jkm-04-2018-0270

Prince, M., Burns, D., Lu, X., et al. (2015). Knowledge and skills transfer between MBA and workplace. Journal of Workplace Learning, 27(3), 207–225. https://doi.org/10.1108/jwl-06-2014-0047

Prochazka, J., Gilova, H., & Vaculik, M. (2017). The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Engagement: Self‐Efficacy as a Mediator. Journal of Leadership Studies, 11(2), 22–33. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.21518

Qiu, Q., Dai, S., & Yan, J. (2022). Health behaviors of late adolescents in China: Scale development and preliminary validation. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1004364

Quesada-Pallarès, C., González-Ortiz-de-Zárate, A., Pineda-Herrero, P., et al. (2022). Intention to Transfer and Transfer Following eLearning in Spain. Vocations and Learning, 15(2), 359–385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-022-09292-w

Ree, M. J., & Earles, J. A. (1991). Predicting training success: Not much more than g. Personnel Psychology, 44(2), 321–332. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6570.1991.tb00961.x

Sahoo, M., & Mishra, S. (2022). Organizational Influences on the Motivation to Transfer Soft Skill Training in an Indian Power Organization. Management and Labour Studies, 47(3), 298–318. https://doi.org/10.1177/0258042x221080802

Salamon, J., Blume, B. D., Tóth‐Király, I., et al. (2022). The positive gain spiral of job resources, work engagement, opportunity and motivation on training transfer. International Journal of Training and Development, 26(3), 556–580. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijtd.12277

Sankowska, A. (2013). Relationships between organizational trust, knowledge transfer, knowledge creation, and firm’s innovativeness. The Learning Organization, 20(1), 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696471311288546

Sapuarachchi, D. B. (2021). Cultural distance and inter-organizational knowledge transfer: a case study of a multinational company. Journal of Knowledge Management, 25(9), 2316–2333. https://doi.org/10.1108/jkm-06-2020-0439

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A. (2012). Research methods for business students, 6th ed. Pearson Education Limited.

Shapiro, S. S., & Wilk, M. B. (1965). An analysis of variance test for normality (complete samples). Biometrika, 52(3–4), 591–611. https://doi.org/10.1093/biomet/52.3-4.591

Simosi, M. (2012). Disentangling organizational support construct. Personnel Review, 41(3), 301–320. https://doi.org/10.1108/00483481211212959

Sluyterman, K. (2017). Decolonisation and the organisation of the international workforce: Dutch multinationals in Indonesia, 1945–1967. Business History, 62(7), 1182–1201. https://doi.org/10.1080/00076791.2017.1350170

Su, H., & Wang, J. (2022). Professional Development of Teacher Trainers: The Role of Teaching Skills and Knowledge. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.943851

Svetozarovová, N., Kincl, T., Cocuľová, J., et al. (2021). Implementation of trends in human resources management as a precondition for business performance. Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice, 13(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.54933/jmbrp-2021-13-2-7

TIM Press Office. (2020). Available online: https://www.gruppotim.it/en/press-archive/corporate/2020/CS-AI-ACADEMY.html (accessed on 29 March 2022).

Turke, S. R., Caldas, S. V., Kågesten, A., et al. (2017). Seeing the Growth: Strengthening Teacher Connectedness Through Outward Bound Excursions. Journal of Youth Development, 12(2), 41–60. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2017.505

Ullah, A. S. (2020). What is knowledge in Industry 4.0? Engineering Reports, 2(8). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.12217

Whitney, D., & Yamanashi Leib, A. (2018). Ensemble Perception. Annual Review of Psychology, 69(1), 105–129. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044232

Wuryaningrat, N. F., Kindangen, P., & Paulus, A. L. (2022). Trust as a Key Factor in Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Capabilities. SHS Web of Conferences, 149, 02023. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202214902023

Yaghi, A., & Bates, R. (2020). The role of supervisor and peer support in training transfer in institutions of higher education. International Journal of Training and Development, 24(2), 89–104. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijtd.12173

Yang, D., Zheng, G., Wang, H., et al. (2022). Education, Income, and Happiness: Evidence from China. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.855327

Zailani, S., Jafarzadeh, S., Iranmanesh, M., et al. (2018). Halal logistics service quality: conceptual model and empirical evidence. British Food Journal, 120(11), 2599–2614. https://doi.org/10.1108/bfj-07-2017-0412




DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i8.4773

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2024 Nasser Al Harrasi, Masengu Reason, Mohamed Salah El Din, Badriya Al Balushi, Jowhara Al Habsi

License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.