Competence management

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Name:	Competence management
Acronym:
Type:	Glossary Item

Definition:

The processes used by an organization to define, develop, and maintain an adequate supply of competent and motivated people who understand how to perform the activities needed to achieve its Asset Management objectives. This should include arrangements for managing competence from the boardroom to the workplace.

Statement:

Competence management is about managing the ability of individuals in Asset Management roles to ensure they perform their work activities effectively and as required. This calls for a mix of practical Asset Management experience and skills underpinned by knowledge and understanding relevant to the activity being carried out. These requirements are strongly influenced by the organizational arrangements and individual behaviors. Asset Management is multidisciplinary and cross functional, requiring people who can work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and are open to evidence, methodologies and approaches used by people with different experiences and knowledge and to integrate and interpret these into decision-making.

A strategic approach to managing competence and behavior should cover the development of both individual and organizational competence. There are three central competencies (technical, behavioral, and work values) required that span a wide range of disciplines including engineering, finance, operations, maintenance, reliability, information systems, management, contract and supplier management, human resources, and organizational development.

The precise mix of competences that people and organizations need depends on their objectives, the context, and the circumstances they are operating in. Bringing these together to form coherent and effective Asset Management teams should be a central component of Asset Management strategy and planning.

Competencies can be gained through various means including but not limited to education, training, certification and on the job experience. A flexible organizational culture will embrace the increasingly diverse range of qualifications people are bringing to Asset Management, leveraging differences to positively influence achievement of Asset Management objectives.

As organizational Asset Management goals and objectives evolve, competencies must be managed to ensure alignment with the organisation’s objectives. As such, individual competencies should be reassessed, and new competencies identified and gained. Typically, competencies are brought together in a human resources framework which is tailored to the organization or occupational group with consideration of progression path and career growth and budgeted appropriately.