Our society is continuously moving towards a knowledge-based economy: an economy
in which the application of knowledge replaces capital, raw materials, and labor as the main
means of production. The synergy of combining new information and communication
technologies with human skills has dramatically altered job content and skills requirements at
the workplace (The Canadian Vocational Association and UNEVOC-Canada, 2002).
Today, many organizations have tried to maximize their employees' capabilities in order
to survive in keen competition. Competency modeling is one of the major strategies that
they often utilize for this goal.
The purpose of this study was to offer some technical implications for studies about
competency modeling in the level of theory as well as practice. Based on a case study, this
study focused on the procedures of competency modeling conducted successfully rather
than the competency model itself.
In June of 2003, TAPPI partnered with the University of Georgia Consulting Team to
conduct a competency assessment of the Paper Machine Superintendent position. The
primary purpose of a competency assessment was to capture the knowledge, skills, and
behaviors needed for effective performance. This competency modeling project enabled
TAPPI to better understand what a superintendent actually does to perform his/her job, and
this understanding inspired TAPPI to use the results of this project as a springboard for
developing and/or modifying new products and/or services (especially, educational services)
for the industry.
This paper detailed the processes that were used in the creation of the competency
model. Once the working agreement with TAPPI was finalized, our consulting team
collected the necessary data by conducting interviews of superintendent. The compiled data
was analyzed by the team members, and the analyzed data was used to develop the
competency model. The draft model was provided to three subject matter experts for
feedback, and when the feedback was received, the model was finalized. Each of these steps
was described in more detail in the paper.