Empirical studies that examine how managers make project manager-to-project (PM2P) allocation decisions in multi-project settings are currently limited.Such decisions are crucial to organizational success. An empirical study of the PM2P practice, conducted in the context of Botswana, revealed ineffective processes in terms of optimality in decision-making. A conceptual model to guide effective PM2P practices was developed. The focus of this study is on deploying the model as a lens to study the PM2P practices of a large organization, with a view to identify and illustrate strengths and weaknesses. A case study was undertaken in the mining industry, where core activities in terms of projects are underground mineral explorations at identified geographical regions. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to collect data from 15 informants, using an enumeration. Integrated analysis of both data types (using univariate descriptive analysis for the quantitative data, content and thematic analysis for the qualitative data) revealed strengths in PM2P practices, demonstrated by informants' recognition of some important criteria to be considered. The key weaknesses were exemplified by a lack of effective management tools and techniques to match project managers to projects. The findings provide a novel perspective through which improvements in working practices can be made.Keywords: decision-making practices, human resource management, multiproject environment, project. IntroductionSeminal work of researchers such as Pinto and Slevin (1988), Brown and Eisenhardt (1995), Dainty et al. (2003) have demonstrated the importance of choice of project manager as one of the critical project success factors. The seminal work of these researchers has formed a basis upon which other researchers such as Patanakul, expanded on, in relation to PM2P allocation practices and the negative impact on organizational performance. For example, Patanakul et al.'s (2007) empirical study, which expanded on the seminal work of these researchers, was found to be the only relevant study in this area, conducted predominantly in USA high-tech industry and directly applicable to PM2P practices in multi-project environments. The emphasis of the current study is to expand our understanding of PM2P practices in other regions, other than North America.Allocation of project managers-to projects is an important topic because of the significant impact of this decision on organizational strategic value, particularly in a multi-project Research aimThe aim of this study was to increase our understanding of the PM2P practice in other countries and industries (using Botswana as a context). This involved use of the most up to date and comprehensive conceptual model developed in Seboni and Tutesigensi (2014). The absence of empirical studies on PM2P practices of a multi-project setting, conducted in the context of other regions such as Botswana, is considered a knowledge gap. Literature reviewPractitioners in project-based organizations make PM2P allocation...

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Extant research on fabrication of machine parts have contributed to an understanding of manufacturing processes for a tank cover, using conventional methods. However, the gap lies in the need to tap on advanced manufacturing processes in the production of a leak-proof tank cover, to achieve not only precision, dependability, and mass production but also to promote the issue of context in the manufacturing industry. To respond to this gap, we present research that utilizes novel experimental techniques for tool and die production, to demonstrate superiority over existing research in terms of using modern trends in the production line. The contribution lies in buttressing the synergy between conventional ways of fabricating machine parts in the workshop by using current trends to achieve same results as conventional ways of fabricating machine parts by exploiting advantages of using computer numerically controlled machines in the production of the minting ink tank cover. A numerically controlled milling machine was used to achieve better results compared with conventional methods. Engineering design software was used to generate 2-D coordinates of the work piece diagram with which a computer program was written, duly simulated and certified fit to produce the work piece. Results showed an exact replication of the minting ink tank cover that is more importantly, capable of producing 25 pieces per hour and an annual volume of 48000 pieces. These results are significant to the manufacturing industry in achieving four things: time and energy management, mass production, super surface finish, and consistent quality.

The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of engineering students and their academic performance towards both prerequisite courses for and the final year project (FYP), given the need to increase our understanding of attitudes and performance in the context of engineering students, currently underexplored. Questionnaire surveys of 714 eligible students enrolled in the FYP across six engineering programs were conducted. The results show that students enrolled in Industrial, Mechanical and Civil engineering programs, have a negative attitude towards the FYP and its prerequisites, while students enrolled in Electrical, Electronic and Industrial Design and Technology programs have a positive attitude. A statistically strong positive correlation between project prerequisites and engineering FYP was found, confirmed by factor analysis. Majority of students struggle with project progress as compared to other stages of the FYP, due to inadequacy in fundamentals such as design. This study contributes to an understanding of existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence of not only challenges faced by engineering students (as opposed to other disciplines that have been widely covered) but also remedies to improve students’ academic performance. The findings also have implications on engineering education, in relation to informing policy decisions on engineering program structure.

Purpose. This study applies a novel approach that integrates AHP with integer linear programming (ILP), to address a gap in management literature regarding the need to consider both sustainability and COVID-19 impact on project selection, with a view to avoid implementation failures. Design/Methodology/Approach. A case study approach involving experts in semiconductor manufacturing was conducted, using the Delphi method, to determine weights of various criteria, including additional new criteria associated with both sustainability and COVID-19 issues considered in the selection decision for four candidate projects. Findings. Integrated results revealed two projects to be selected (projects 1 and 3). Whilst AHP results revealed more information about the ranking of all four projects, the ILP model results complemented the findings by indicating that 2 projects (projects 1 and 3) should be selected, taking account of not only resource constraints but also sustainability issues and customer behavior towards selected projects, influenced by COVID-19 impact. Originality/Value. The value lies in not only proposing a novel framework that integrates AHP with ILP but also adding to our understanding of the importance to incorporate both sustainability and COVID-19 impacts on semiconductor industry project selection, both of which have significance for the industry in terms of maximizing implementation success for selected projects.