Technical competence

Technical competence refers to knowledge, skills and competencies of employees which are needed to effectively perform tasks required on particular workplace. It refers not only to competencies of production workers (ability to perform basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, lubricating, inspection, minor repairs, adjustment, calibration, etc.) but also to competencies and skills of administrative and management employees (IT equipment maintenance, printers, copiers, etc.).

Technical competence may also refer to skills and abilities of consumers which are needed to use particular product (e.g.. smart-phone, computer).

Competences of project managers

The best project managers to provide successful work need to acquire competencies that will improve their effectiveness directly. There are many personal attributes and skills that can impact effectiveness of their job. Mainly mentioned are skills of leadership, communication and skills that are used in relations with others to achieve propriate efficiency of work, to initiate and provide positive relations with co-workers etc. Technical competence is one of these useful attributes of good project managers. Some of the technical competencies attributes that are important in project management are knowledge about tools and methods used in project, about involved technology, product appliance, supporting technologies, technological evolution and tendency. Main competence is knowledge about technology. Best project managers to estimate technical concepts and solutions need to understand the technology. Even welly developed interpersonal skills will not positively influence communication with project team in the field of technical appellations without technical knowledge. Most of this knowledge is being improved while the project team is working (K. P. Grant 1997, p. 1-2).

Technical competences in internet commerce

Some analysis refer dependency between technical competences of a system and trustworthiness of internet commerce participants. Technical competences of systems that salespersons are using to do their business are factors of clients trust but not only to one shop but internet shopping at all. Internet shopping is unquestionably connected with computer systems. Those systems, way that they work and all aspects connected with them are building trustworthiness of e-consumers. There are three factors that build it (M. K. Lee 2001, p. 80-81):

• Perceived technical competences
• Performance level of system
• Human operator - his knowledge about using this systems.

Technical competences of system is connected directly to the way that it works. This is its capability to do operations thoroughly in the way that it is expected it will do. If something is not working correctly it cause fall of trust in it. Main technical competences of systems are their speed, capacity to serve many clients in the same time and connected with visible aspect of system, its layout (M. K. Lee 2001, p. 81).

Examples of Technical competence

• Understanding how to troubleshoot and repair various types of computer hardware and software.
• Having the ability to install and configure computer networks.
• Having the ability to install and operate enterprise-level software applications.
• Having the ability to interpret technical manuals and schematics.
• Having the knowledge of different programming languages.
• Having the ability to work with tools such as CAD and CAM software.
• Having the knowledge of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to solve technical problems.
• Having the ability to design and implement complex systems.
• Having the ability to design, maintain and troubleshoot electrical and electronic systems.
• Having the ability to use mathematics, physics, and chemistry to solve engineering problems.
• Having the knowledge of safety procedures and the ability to follow them.

Advantages of Technical competence

Technical competence provides many advantages for both the individual and the organization. Following are some of the advantages of technical competence:

• It enables employees to be more efficient and productive in their jobs, as they are able to understand and use the latest technologies.
• It ensures that employees are able to perform tasks quickly and accurately, thus saving time and energy.
• Technical competence can help to increase the quality of services and products offered by the organization.
• It can also help to reduce costs, as employees are more familiar with the latest technology and can use it to their advantage.
• Technical competence can help to create a safer and more secure working environment, as employees are more aware of the risks associated with certain technologies.
• It can help to create a competitive edge for the organization, as it allows them to stay ahead of the competition in terms of technology.

Limitations of Technical competence

Technical competence has certain limitations, which include:

• Limited understanding of the entire system: Technical competence is often limited to the understanding of individual components or tasks, rather than the entire system or process. This can lead to an inability to identify problems or inefficiencies in the system as a whole.
• Lack of interpersonal skills: Technical competence often does not include the ability to interact with other people in an effective way. This can be a hindrance when it comes to problem solving and collaborating with other people.
• Difficulty keeping up with new technology: Technical competence can become outdated quickly due to the constantly evolving nature of technology. Keeping up with the latest developments requires constant training and investment in new skills.
• Poor communication skills: Technical competence does not always include the ability to communicate effectively with other people. This can be a problem when trying to explain complex concepts or to collaborate with other people.

Other approaches related to Technical competence

• In addition to the knowledge, skills and competencies of employees, technical competence also includes the ability to use tools and equipment safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• It also includes the capacity to identify problems and make decisions on how to address them.
• It also involves understanding the concepts of engineering, physics and mathematics, and how they relate to the tasks being performed.
• Furthermore, it requires the capacity to use and understand computer programs, databases and other software related to the job.
• Technical competence also includes the ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems, as well as the willingness to learn new skills and techniques.

In summary, technical competence is a broad concept that covers a variety of knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary for employees to effectively and efficiently perform their tasks. It includes the ability to use tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner, to identify and address problems, to understand engineering, physics and mathematics, to use and understand computer programs, databases and other software, and to troubleshoot and solve technical problems.

Technical competence — recommended articles

Technological factors — Design capacity — Product knowledge — Computer department — Ergonomics — CAE — Multi skilling — Job simplification — Job scope

References

• Bassellier, G., Reich, B. H., & Benbeast, I. (2001). Information technology competence of budiness managers: A definition and research model. Journal of management information systems, 17(4), 159-182.
• Grant, K. P., Baumgardner, C. R., & Shane, G. S. (1997). The perceived importance of technical competence to project managers in the defense acquistion community. IEEE Transactions on engineering management, 44(1), 12-19.
• Lee, M. K., & Turban, E. (2001). A trust model for consumer internet shopping. International Journal of electronic commerce, 6(1), 75-91.
• Murphy, S. E., Blyth, D., & Fiedler, F. E. (1992). Cognitive resource theory and the utilization of the leader's and group members' technical competence. The leadership quarterly, 3(3), 237-255.

Author: Maciej Soczówka