Management competence development for professional service SMEs: the case of community pharmacy

Abstract

Over the last two decades there has been a substantial increase in the number and range of service sector SMEs. The management competence of the owner-manager and/ or senior staff is crucial to their success. Developing appropriate competencies presents a particular challenge for professional service SMEs, since the key players are more likely to be motivated by the perceived attractions of professional practice than the commercial and managerial aspects of the enterprise. Drawing upon the experiences of community pharmacists in the UK as an empirical frame of reference, consideration is given to the key management competencies, both operational and strategic, which are required to operate a professional service enterprise successfully. Issues concerning the provision of management training for community pharmacists are also highlighted.

Challenges in the management of community pharmacies in Malaysia

“…Pharmacy managers are expected to be proficient in managing human resources, finances, marketing, store inventory, information systems and physical space of the pharmacy 1. The skills set required for this function include, but not limited to, the ability to lead, manage interpersonal relationship and being well-organised, as well as having the strategic foresight to detect changes in the environment and tailor sustainable responses from time to time 2,3,4…”

The Effect of Work Ethic on The Professional Competences of University Lecturers at Jakarta of Indonesia

“…As Chivers stated, that professional competence development can be done through educative interactions that are fostered by a competent tutor, universities are effective institutions in developing professional competence of students, development of professional competencies can be carried out effectively through learning fostered by tutors namely lecturers who have professional competence, so that the development of professional competencies can be carried out effectively [17]. While Ottewill et al view that the development of one's professional competence can be done through formal education and training programs, which are combined with relevant work experience [18]. Development programs and training in strengthening professional competence can be carried out at accredited formal education and training institutions or independent education and training institutions.…”

Exploring strategies to overcome extra-organisational challenges faced by community pharmacies in Sarawak, Malaysia

“…Patient‐centred services need to be provided within the confines of limited resources, in an increasingly challenging business climate . Unfortunately, the business management aspect is often poorly planned and carried out, with community pharmacists seldom employing business strategies to improve their economic standing …”