Title: The conceptualisation of management development and competitive advantage: the emergence of two conceptual frameworks

Authors: Franco Gandolfi

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Informatics, Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton, Qld, 4702, Australia

Abstract: This conceptual research paper evaluated the Management Development (MD) and Competitive Advantage (CA) literature by examining possible relationships and correlations between the concepts of MD and CA. A preliminary literature review on MD and CA was carried out and the emerging role of MD in organisations assessed. The paper considered the conceptualisation and dynamics of both MD and CA. The focus of the study was to compare and contrast existing representative models through cross-referencing and to develop conceptual frameworks that integrated both approaches. The study found that there were several aspects of the MD and CA realms that were mutually inclusive, particularly in the areas of corporate vision and strategy, learning and knowledge, and skills development. Other integrated areas that arose were decision making as well as behavioural and cognitive development. The research concluded that the two proposed conceptual frameworks represent a foundation that in turn may enable the pursuit of methodological guidelines for the implementation and practice of MD and CA.

Keywords: management development; competitive advantage; conceptual framework; literature review; dynamics; corporate vision; strategy; learning; knowledge; skills development; decision making; behavioural development; cognitive development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2007.013459

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2007 Vol.4 No.5, pp.562 - 574

Published online: 30 Apr 2007 *

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