Applying a competency-based human resource management system to administrative staff at Birzeit University

Abstract

This Study is a descriptive and exploratory study as it seeks to evaluate and identify the weaknesses of current HRM system in Birzeit University and to identify the main core competencies needed to serve as a base for a competency-based HR management system, including all Birzeit University HRD functions. In order to reach these objectives, focus group, semi structured interviews and survey. Focus group was moderated by a professional and neutral moderator, whereas interviews were carried out personally in order to clarify some points and validate results from focus groups. The findings of this study indicates that Birzeit University suffers from deficiencies in the four main HR functions, and this due to the absence of integrity between these functions and using a job description-based HRM system. There is a gap between what is mentioned in HRD’s mission and its vision statements and what actually is provided to employees which causes frustration from the current system. I’ve concluded that current system doesn’t support the University's vision, mission and culture; BZU also has no strategic plan since 2008. HRD is not included in the top level decision-making nor plays a strategic role. This study tried to find solutions for earlier mentioned deficiencies and to develop and adopt a system which can support the integration of the main four human resource functions, improve 2 job satisfaction and employee retention, change the role of the HR to a new role as a strategic business unit. This study identified the main core competencies needed to adopt this system, practical implications of the competency-based system, and recommendations which serve as a road map for implementing a competency-based HR management system in BZU

Faced with the challenge of having a huge number of freshman students who need remedial English courses every year, Birzeit University had to follow the footsteps of many educational institutions around the world and opt for using technology in teaching in order to meet the need for teaching all those students, and cut expenses by reducing the number of teachers needed for those courses to almost the third. This study will closely examine and evaluate the experience of applying blended learning to the remedial courses of English Communication 101 and 102 at Birzeit University. These two courses were merged in one blended learning course that uses both face-toface material as well as an online component. The course aims to develop and enhance students’ communication skills in English language and foster their skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This study will examine students’ attitudes towards using blended learning in this particular course. In addition, it will evaluate their readiness, cooperation, enthusiasm, and seriousness towards the new trend. Finally, it will evaluate the experiment as a whole and provide some recommendations and suggestions for the future