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Institute Research Papers - Dr Garry Blair

Written by Dr Garry Blair | 29 January 2024

Unlock the insights of Dr. Garry Blair, a seasoned professional and academic powerhouse. With a rich background spanning Manchester Metropolitan University, Keele University, and INPD (a University of Chester partner), Dr. Blair delves into Technology, Project, and Business Management. As a trusted reviewer for the Journal of Productive Discourse and a key member of the Editorial Board for the New Perspective: Journal of Business and Economics, his research promises a journey into cutting-edge knowledge.

A Strategy for Managing Global Projects: Critical Activities from Practice 

This paper explores the effective management of global projects, emphasising the significance of good practices to achieve specified outcomes. It highlights the necessity of clear communication, proposing a system to ensure understanding among project personnel from diverse nationalities. The paper advocates for a flexible information translation and filtering system to facilitate collaboration, emphasising the pivotal role of a detailed plan as an integrating mechanism for coordinating activities across borders. Leadership challenges in managing virtual and in-person teams across different countries are discussed, with a focus on sustainable practices. The research includes reviews of key journals and practitioner interviews, culminating in a strategy template for successful global project management. View Here. 

Skills Development in a Volatile Environment: A Systems View of the Learning Process

Skills acquisition and development are vital activities for society, particularly when subjected to volatile operating conditions, making these endeavours more challenging. Ensuring an adequate supply of skilled personnel at an affordable rate is imperative to guarantee the delivery of services and products, maintaining both supply levels and quality standards for future enhancement. Failure in this domain can lead to stagnation in key sectors, contributing to societal decline. This paper investigates skills development in business and project management, employing a literature review and practitioner interviews to understand industry demands and education's role in employability. Results are summarised using soft systems techniques, emphasising potential learning in this crucial sphere. View Here.  

Strategies for Agile Leadership in a Challenging Environment

In the post-pandemic environment, organisations face significant challenges, emphasising the need for effective leadership. This research explores the characteristics of such leadership and its impact on organisational outcomes. Agility is proposed to navigate global and sector-specific challenges, with creativity to address prevailing issues. Recruitment and retention are crucial for organisational sustainability, requiring personnel with suitable qualifications and training, empowered to employ their leadership style. Economic challenges, hybrid work patterns, and the use of agency staff are noted as post-pandemic environmental factors affecting leadership. Proactive leader development is highlighted, supported by qualitative research through literature reviews and practitioner interviews. The outcome is a template for organisations to formulate an 'Agile Leadership' strategy. View Here.