The Australian Government Department of Industry commissioned the Centre for Workplace Leadership, at The University of Melbourne to conduct a study that investigates the use of management practices that increase performance and innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector. The study sought to understand the issues that shape the ability of Australian manufacturing SMEs to drive high performance outcomes, and the support required for such a transition to take place.
Academic research has previously shown that the following bundles of management practices, known as High Performance Work Practices (HPWPs), are key drivers for improving business and employee performance.
Developing the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) of employees – through recruitment and selection practices, and provision of development and training opportunities.
Motivating employees and rewarding their effort – through performance management, performance pay, and reward and recognition schemes.
Providing employees with opportunities to contribute to their workplace and input into how their work is done – primarily through structures that promote communication, consultation, and employee involvement in work processes.
REDARC Electronics was invited to participate in the best practice study that the Centre for Workplace Leadership, at the University of Melbourne has prepared. The work was commissioned by the Department of Industry to conduct a study on the management practices that drive success and competitiveness in Australian manufacturing SMEs. REDARC Electronics was identified as a company with innovative management practices, potentially representing best practice in Australian manufacturing small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
REDARC Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, was invited to speak as a best-practice manufacturing SME at the first Industry Engagement forum in Adelaide on the 9th September 2014. The forum featured keynotes from The Hon John Brumby and Mr John Pollaers, Chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing Council of Australia. The initial findings of the research study were presented by Prof Peter Gahan, Director, Centre for Workplace Leadership.
Click here to read the case study.
