Title: Implementation of the Workforce Competency Model for assessing maintenance workers' performance

Authors: Izatul Hamimi Abdul Razak, Shahrul Kamaruddin, Ishak Abdul Azid

Addresses: Mechanical and Manufacturing Section, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute, Section 14, Jalan Teras Jernang, Bandar Baru Bangi 43650, Selangor, Malaysia. ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, Nibong Tebal 14300, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, Nibong Tebal 14300, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Abstract: This paper presents the implementation of a new developed model named |Workforce Competency Model|. In the model, the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches is proposed as a method to quantify the actual competency level of maintenance personnel. A set of individual factors that may influence their performance is considered as the model variables in their evaluation. The Workforce Competency Model is then validated and applied in a case study conducted in an electronic packaging company. The results from the case study show the actual competency levels of the 14 individual technicians, which are ranked into five: |advanced|, |good standard|, |satisfactory|, |improvement needed| and |unacceptable|. The goal of this model is to assist the organisation in evaluating and monitoring maintenance workers| performance in terms of identified indicators, thus improving the effectiveness of the organisation|s maintenance system.

Keywords: competency levels; performance assessment; workforce competency model; quantitative approaches; technician productivity; maintenance workers; qualitative approaches; model variables; performance evaluation; electronic packaging; employee monitoring; organisational effectiveness; Malaysia; subcontractors; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; quality management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2011.040543

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2011 Vol.7 No.4, pp.440 - 462

Published online: 02 Jun 2011 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article