title: The application of job analysis, the O*NET and competency modelling in New Zealand organisations

authors: Berry, Jacqueline

subjects: Job Analysis

abstract: The present study aimed to gain an understanding of the extent to which human resource professionals are using and applying job analysis, the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) and competency modelling in New Zealand organisations. This study also explored the research-practice gap in job analysis, as examined through the O*NET and the influence of Taylor and Cable's (2004) article on the O*NET database. An online questionnaire was completed by 107 participants, who were members of the Human Resource Institute of New Zealand research stream. Findings suggest there is high awareness of job analysis, however the application of job analysis in the organisation is commonly hindered by the limited understanding and knowledge amongst human resource professionals. Findings on competency modelling suggest, there has been a possible increase in the application of competency modelling in organisations since Markus, Cooper-Thomas and Allpress (2005) study. The article by Taylor and Cable (2004) has had little influence on the application of the O*NET, suggesting a potential research-practice gap is present in the job analysis area. Specifically, the O*NET database could benefit Human Resource Management (HRM), through supporting the development of job descriptions and person specifications. Human resource professionals could benefit further from extending their awareness of job analysis and competency modelling to the application of these processes in HRM. The need for future research and practical implications for HRM and organisational psychology are discussed.

text: The application of job analysis, the O*NET and competency modelling in New Zealand organisations The present study aimed to gain an understanding of the extent to which human resource professionals are using and applying job analysis, the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) and competency modelling in New Zealand organisations. This study also explored the research-practice gap in job analysis, as examined through the O*NET and the influence of Taylor and Cable's (2004) article on the O*NET database. An online questionnaire was completed by 107 participants, who were members of the Human Resource Institute of New Zealand research stream. Findings suggest there is high awareness of job analysis, however the application of job analysis in the organisation is commonly hindered by the limited understanding and knowledge amongst human resource professionals. Findings on competency modelling suggest, there has been a possible increase in the application of competency modelling in organisations since Markus, Cooper-Thomas and Allpress (2005) study. The article by Taylor and Cable (2004) has had little influence on the application of the O*NET, suggesting a potential research-practice gap is present in the job analysis area. Specifically, the O*NET database could benefit Human Resource Management (HRM), through supporting the development of job descriptions and person specifications. Human resource professionals could benefit further from extending their awareness of job analysis and competency modelling to the application of these processes in HRM. The need for future research and practical implications for HRM and organisational psychology are discussed.

year: 2009

title: 'His great heart remained behind': Constructions of Identity in Alistair MacLeod's Fiction

authors: Hill, Freya

subjects: nova scotia

abstract: Alistair MacLeod’s short stories and novel (No Great Mischief) are widely read and critically praised. His writing focuses on the lives of the people of 20th century Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and many of his characters are of Scottish descendent. He writes of the Island’s miners, fishermen and farmers, as well as the younger generation who increasingly leave their island homeland to pursue higher education and greater job opportunities. As a result of this out-migration, much of MacLeod’s work mourns the passing of the Island’s traditional, rural culture. MacLeod’s writing combines detailed and compelling physical description with metaphor and symbolism. This thesis looks at the ways in which the identity of the Islanders is constructed in MacLeod’s work; and how the myths of the Islanders’ minds collide with the physical reality of their lives. The four main themes that are analysed in the thesis are: Scotland, Journeys, Animals, and Death. Scotland is depicted as both a physical location, and a mythical ‘homeland’, synonymous with the exile and victimisation associated with the Scottish Diaspora. The Islanders’ lives are defined by the journeys they make to and from the Island. The modes of transport that enable these journeys are explored, including boats, cars and aeroplanes. Physical journeys often support the emotional journeys of the characters. ‘Horse and Hound’, the chapter on animals, provides a unique analysis of MacLeod’s depiction of the human-animal relationship (seen especially with horses and dogs), and animal symbolism. The deaths and ill treatment of whales, bulls and dogs are linked to the demise of the Island’s traditional culture. Violent and premature deaths occur in many of MacLeod’s works. This thesis discusses how a dead body is both a symbol of a life lost, but also a physical object which the families must deal with in their isolated island locations.

text: 'His great heart remained behind': Constructions of Identity in Alistair MacLeod's Fiction Alistair MacLeod’s short stories and novel (No Great Mischief) are widely read and critically praised. His writing focuses on the lives of the people of 20th century Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and many of his characters are of Scottish descendent. He writes of the Island’s miners, fishermen and farmers, as well as the younger generation who increasingly leave their island homeland to pursue higher education and greater job opportunities. As a result of this out-migration, much of MacLeod’s work mourns the passing of the Island’s traditional, rural culture. MacLeod’s writing combines detailed and compelling physical description with metaphor and symbolism. This thesis looks at the ways in which the identity of the Islanders is constructed in MacLeod’s work; and how the myths of the Islanders’ minds collide with the physical reality of their lives. The four main themes that are analysed in the thesis are: Scotland, Journeys, Animals, and Death. Scotland is depicted as both a physical location, and a mythical ‘homeland’, synonymous with the exile and victimisation associated with the Scottish Diaspora. The Islanders’ lives are defined by the journeys they make to and from the Island. The modes of transport that enable these journeys are explored, including boats, cars and aeroplanes. Physical journeys often support the emotional journeys of the characters. ‘Horse and Hound’, the chapter on animals, provides a unique analysis of MacLeod’s depiction of the human-animal relationship (seen especially with horses and dogs), and animal symbolism. The deaths and ill treatment of whales, bulls and dogs are linked to the demise of the Island’s traditional culture. Violent and premature deaths occur in many of MacLeod’s works. This thesis discusses how a dead body is both a symbol of a life lost, but also a physical object which the families must deal with in their isolated island locations.

year: 2011

title: It's harder in my language, but I still choose it

authors: Keegan, Te Taka Adrian Gregory

abstract: In New Zealand, the language that dominates most technologies is English. For a variety of reasons, interfaces have been made available in the Maori language for a range of modem technological tools. We have conducted usability studies on many of these products and fluent Maori users have almost unanimously stated that the products are more difficult and time consuming to use in the indigenous (Maori) language. They allude to unfamiliar instances and uses of Maori words, and to an ingrained familiarity with the English-language versions of these technologies, saying they would revert to the English-language interfaces if time is a factor. However, they also express a sense of pride at being able to see and use the Maori language in these various forms of media and state that although they experience some difficulty, the Maori-language versions would still be their first preference.

text: It's harder in my language, but I still choose it In New Zealand, the language that dominates most technologies is English. For a variety of reasons, interfaces have been made available in the Maori language for a range of modem technological tools. We have conducted usability studies on many of these products and fluent Maori users have almost unanimously stated that the products are more difficult and time consuming to use in the indigenous (Maori) language. They allude to unfamiliar instances and uses of Maori words, and to an ingrained familiarity with the English-language versions of these technologies, saying they would revert to the English-language interfaces if time is a factor. However, they also express a sense of pride at being able to see and use the Maori language in these various forms of media and state that although they experience some difficulty, the Maori-language versions would still be their first preference.

year: 2014