Connect with us

Technology

Functional Competencies Support Increased Transparency in Career Pathing, Performance Management, and Learning & Development: New Research From McLean & Company

Published

on

Global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company’s new resource explains that functional competencies provide the greatest possible return when developed to address specific functional and organizational needs.

TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – As HR’s role within organizations becomes increasingly diverse and strategic, survey data from global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company suggests that although 59% of HR organizations believe competency frameworks are highly important to successfully meeting organizational and HR goals, fewer than one-fifth of organizations’ HR departments feel their competency framework is adequate. In response, the new research explains that a comprehensive competency framework comprises core, leadership, and functional competencies.

The competency framework is a formal structure that lists a collection of competencies, where each competency defines one aspect of behavior an employee must exhibit to perform well in their job. To guide HR leaders through strategically investing resources to develop functional competencies that will best support long-term organizational success, the firm has published its new blueprint, Create Functional Competencies.

“Functional competencies are part of a broader competency framework and are often seen as the next logical step after the development of core and leadership competencies,” says Grace Ewles, director of HR Research and Advisory Services at McLean & Company. “However, functional competencies will not be part of every organization’s competency framework. Functional competencies deliver the best return on investment when developed to address specific functional and organizational needs, such as increased hiring within a particular function, to justify the time and energy required.”

McLean & Company explains that there is often confusion in differentiating technical skills and functional competencies. Technical skills are a demonstrated ability to perform a specific task with proficiency and often require the use of equipment, machinery, tools, or automated systems. Functional competencies, on the other hand, are based on observable behaviors demonstrated across various job responsibilities within a specified function and comprise a set of knowledge, skills, and attributes (KSAs).

To build out functional competencies to include in a competency framework, HR leaders can follow McLean & Company’s three-step process for developing and integrating functional competencies. The approach is outlined below:

Step one: Identify the need for functional competencies. 
Define key project roles and responsibilities, assess the capacity to develop functional competencies for each function under consideration to create a shortlist, and conduct an internal and external needs analysis for shortlisted functions. Next, prioritize functions and explore alternative solutions to make an informed decision about proceeding with functional competency development.

Step two: Define functional competencies.
Collect required data to create functional competencies, select a method for competency development, and draft competencies and behavior-based proficiency statements. Additionally, HR leaders can assign proficiency levels based on roles, conduct a sensitivity and accessibility review, and validate competencies with functional leaders and a cross-section of managers and employees.

Step three: Integrate and communicate functional competencies.
Create a plan for functional competency integration across HR program areas then plan the necessary communications to manage resistance and increase buy-in with functional leaders, managers, and employees. Finally, develop a plan to sustain and update functional competencies as required.

McLean & Company reminds HR leaders that while functional competencies are often associated with performance management, the application of functional competencies goes beyond performance and can target functional-specific needs across HR program areas, such as learning and development, career pathing, employee development, succession planning, and talent acquisition.

To access the full blueprint, please visit Create Functional Competencies.

Additional McLean & Company resources to support functional competency framework initiatives are available below:

Develop a Comprehensive Competency FrameworkCompetency Implementation GuideDevelop a Job Architecture FrameworkReconceptualize Job Descriptions

To register for upcoming free webinars on a variety of topics or to explore the publicly available archive of recorded sessions, please visit mcleanco.com/workshops. Please note that a selection of McLean & Company’s research-based webinars are now offering professional development credits for recertification with SHRM, HRCI, and HRPA.  

Media interested in connecting with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights and commentary on leadership diversity, DEI, generative AI in HR, HR trends in 2024, the future of work, and more can contact Senior Communications Manager Kelsey King at kking@mcleanco.com

About McLean & Company

Through data-driven insights and proven best-practice methodologies, McLean & Company offers comprehensive resources and full-service assessments, action plans, and training to position organizations to meet today’s needs and prepare for the future.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact kking@mcleanco.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/functional-competencies-support-increased-transparency-in-career-pathing-performance-management-and-learning–development-new-research-from-mclean–company-302072890.html

SOURCE McLean & Company

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Penetron Strengthens Global Research Collaboration at ICSHM 2026

Published

on

By

PHILADELPHIA, July 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Penetron participated in the 10th International Conference on Self-Healing Materials (ICSHM 2026), held July 8–10, 2026, at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The international event brought together leading researchers, engineers, and industry representatives to present and discuss the latest advances in self-healing materials and related technologies.

A global delegation of Penetron executives attended the conference, representing the United States, Greece, Italy, Brazil, India, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Singapore.

“For over 50 years, Penetron has provided self-healing concrete solutions to the industry that optimize concrete durability by sealing cracks and reducing concrete permeability to limit maintenance requirements, extend structural service life, and help protect infrastructure exposed to groundwater, chemicals, chlorides, and other aggressive conditions,” says Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. “Our participation at the ICSHM reinforces Penetron’s long-standing commitment to international research collaboration and allows us to better understand emerging research and develop leading-edge solutions for real-world construction challenges.”

Hosted at Drexel University’s Bossone Research Enterprise Center, ICSHM 2026 welcomed specialists from more than 18 countries across six continents and featured over 70 technical presentations, including keynote addresses, plenary sessions, research presentations, and an interactive poster program. The conference opened with remarks from Drexel University President Antonio Merlo and ICSHM Chair Dr. Nele De Belie. Finally, the conference provided valuable opportunities for researchers and industry specialists to strengthen cooperation between academia and the construction sector to further develop self-healing technologies.

“Extending the service life of concrete infrastructure requires cooperation between universities, materials specialists, engineers, and industry,” said Jozef Van Beeck, Director of International Sales and Marketing for The Penetron Group. “ICSHM 2026 provided an important forum for connecting scientific research with the practical requirements of the global construction industry.”

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penetron-strengthens-global-research-collaboration-at-icshm-2026-302829009.html

SOURCE The Penetron Group

Continue Reading

Technology

Singtel Receives Four Frost & Sullivan 2026 Recognitions for Leadership in Enterprise Connectivity, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation

Published

on

By

The recognitions highlight Singtel’s leadership in secure connectivity, network transformation, IoT innovation, and cybersecurity, delivering customer value through intelligent digital infrastructure and AI-enabled enterprise services.

SAN ANTONIO, July 19, 2026 /CNW/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to honor Singtel with the 2026 Southeast Asia IoT Connectivity Service Provider Company of the Year, 2026 Singapore Network Transformation Customer Value Leadership, 2026 Singapore Cybersecurity Services Company of the Year, and 2026 Singapore SD-WAN and SASE Service Provider Company of the Year recognitions. These acknowledgements reflect Singtel’s outstanding achievements in delivering secure, intelligent, and scalable digital infrastructure that enables enterprises to modernize operations, simplify complexity, and accelerate digital transformation across Singapore and Southeast Asia. They underscore the company’s consistent leadership in strategy execution, customer value creation, and innovation across enterprise connectivity, cybersecurity, software-defined networking, and IoT connectivity services.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Singtel excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to anticipate evolving enterprise requirements while consistently translating long-term vision into measurable customer outcomes. Through platforms such as Singtel CUBΣ (CUBE) and its multidomestic IoT connectivity architecture, the company continues to unify networking, cybersecurity, automation, and AI-driven intelligence into integrated solutions that address the growing complexity of hybrid, multicloud, and connected environments. “Singtel has established itself as a benchmark for enterprise digital infrastructure by converging connectivity, cybersecurity, network intelligence, and IoT orchestration into a unified, customer-centric ecosystem. Its disciplined execution, platform-led innovation, and commitment to simplifying complex enterprise environments continue to strengthen operational resilience and deliver sustained value for organizations across the region,” said Kenny Yeo, Director at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term strategy focused on digital innovation, intelligent infrastructure, and customer-centric transformation, Singtel has moved well-beyond traditional telecommunications to a trusted technology partner for enterprises navigating increasingly connected and data-driven environments. Its strategic investments in AI-enabled operations, cloud-native platforms, secure connectivity, and ecosystem partnerships enable organizations to modernize critical infrastructure while maintaining the flexibility to support future business growth.

The company’s strategic agility and sustained investment in integrated digital platforms have enabled it to scale innovative services across local, regional, and global enterprise environments. Innovation remains central to Singtel’s approach through solutions including the CUBΣ connected intelligence platform, multidomestic IoT connectivity powered by eSIM orchestration, managed cybersecurity services, AI-driven network automation, and network-as-a-service capabilities. These solutions simplify network and security management, strengthen cyber resilience, improve operational visibility, and provide enterprises with scalable, secure, and high-performing connectivity across cloud, edge, IoT, and hybrid infrastructures.

By streamlining service delivery through intelligent automation, centralized orchestration, proactive monitoring, and flexible managed and co-managed service models, Singtel continues to help organizations reduce operational complexity while improving service reliability and business agility. Its ability to integrate best-of-breed technologies in a unified operational framework, combined with strong regional network ownership and localized expertise, enables customers to confidently scale digital initiatives while maintaining security, governance, and operational excellence.

Frost & Sullivan commends Singtel for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and customer value across multiple technology domains. By combining intelligent networking, secure digital infrastructure, AI-enabled operations, and cross-border IoT capabilities in an integrated platform strategy, the company is shaping the future of enterprise connectivity while helping organizations build resilient, future-ready digital ecosystems.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents its Company of the Year and Customer Value Leadership recognitions to organizations that demonstrate outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, competitive positioning, and business performance. These recognitions honor forward-thinking companies that continuously raise industry standards through innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:
Tarini Singh
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/singtel-receives-four-frost–sullivan-2026-recognitions-for-leadership-in-enterprise-connectivity-cybersecurity-and-digital-transformation-302829114.html

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Continue Reading

Technology

Emdoor Launches “Ailyn” AI Hub at WAIC 2026: Unifying Intelligence Across Every Device

Published

on

By

SHANGHAI, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Emdoor, a leading provider of intelligent computing devices, unveiled its latest innovation — Ailyn, an integrated software-hardware AI hub — at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026. Under the theme “Intelligence in All Things, Boundless Edge Intelligence”, Emdoor’s Booth X1B-804 showcases four immersive scenarios spanning personal, home, enterprise, and industrial use cases, demonstrating how AI can flow seamlessly across devices.

With decades of experience across cloud, edge, device, and wearable form factors, Emdoor has established one of the industry’s most comprehensive intelligent hardware portfolios. Yet the company recognized a critical gap: while individual devices grow smarter, they often operate in isolation.

Ailyn is Emdoor’s answer to this challenge. Introduced on the WAIC Magic Box stage, Ailyn serves as a unified intelligence layer that orchestrates storage, computing power, AI models, and data across PCs, NAS systems, computing boxes, and IoT devices. The result is a scalable, centrally managed intelligence platform that delivers seamless cross-device collaboration, data privacy, and AI capabilities that improve with use.

At its core, Ailyn follows a device-first, multi-device connected philosophy. By prioritizing on-device model deployment, it reduces costs while preserving privacy, minimizing latency, and enabling offline functionality. Key capabilities include unified data access, uninterrupted task handoff between devices, intelligent multi-model routing, and dynamic compute scaling — plus built-in features for knowledge accumulation, skill expansion, persona customization, and automated task execution.

Four Scenarios, One Intelligent Ecosystem

The enterprise lineup features high-performance AI workstations, AI servers, AI NAS, Mini PCs, and motherboards. Workstations support up to 96-core processors and four double-width GPUs with integrated BMC remote management. AI servers run dual Intel Xeon scalable processors with up to eight mainstream AI accelerators. The single-GPU workstation series offers dual-platform compatibility with both Intel and AMD, featuring a PCIe 5.0 ×16 slot and up to 128GB DDR5 memory. Available in two form factors — a 23.9L tower chassis and a 15.3L compact chassis with tempered glass side panel — it delivers balanced performance for both creative workloads and local AI inference. The AI NAS unifies storage and AI computing power in one device, with192GB of octa-channel LPDDR5X memory to support local large model deployment. Ailyn unifies these resources into a private computing backbone, intelligently offloading heavy workloads so users get instant on-device responsiveness with datacenter-grade power on demand.

For individual users, the showcase includes Mini PCs, AI PCs, AI tablets, and multimodal wearables. The AP16, powered by Intel’s 3rd Generation Core™ Ultra processor, delivers 180 TOPS of AI performance with sustained 54W output — capable of running large models locally. Multimodal wearable solutions built on Qualcomm and BES chips offer faster time-to-market for brand partners. Within the Ailyn ecosystem, PCs handle heavy computing while wearables provide continuous environmental awareness, each device strengthening the whole.

Industrial visitors will find AI BOX units, rugged AI notebooks, handheld terminals, and industrial PCs. AI BOX devices come preloaded with industry-specific models for production line visual inspection. Rugged notebooks deliver reliable performance for mobile field operations. Industrial PCs feature industrial-grade architecture for 24/7 uptime. Through Ailyn, these connected devices break down traditional data silos, enabling intelligent resource orchestration and a closed-loop perception-decision-execution system that accelerates industrial digital transformation.

At the center of the home scenario are AI tablets and home NAS, connected to a full-house AIoT network. The NAS acts as the family’s private data and computing hub, while the tablet serves as the primary interface for senior health reminders and children’s learning support. Ailyn weaves these devices into a cohesive system covering family memories, health care, companionship, and home security — bringing intelligence into daily life without intruding on it.

The launch of Ailyn marks a significant evolution for Emdoor — shifting from a hardware manufacturer to a builder of intelligent infrastructure. It represents the convergence of the company’s deep hardware heritage and its AI innovation roadmap. Moving forward, Emdoor will continue investing in edge AI technology and expanding the Ailyn ecosystem alongside partners, bringing distributed intelligence from the showroom into everyday life.

Company: Emdoor Digital Technology Co.,Ltd.
Contact Person: Yao Zhou
Email: marketing.digi@emdoor.com
Website: http://www.emdoordigi.com/
City: Shenzhen, China

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emdoor-launches-ailyn-ai-hub-at-waic-2026-unifying-intelligence-across-every-device-302829098.html

SOURCE Emdoor Digital

Continue Reading

Trending