https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110555 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:19:03 GMT 2026-04-09T07:19:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110679 Title: Pro‑Cure‑Ment Malta™ : unlocking your entrepreneurial potential : a business plan 2020‑2022 Authors: Mangion Duca, Lorraine Abstract: The past decade has seen an increased focus on the importance of public procurement across all Europe. In fact, at a European level, the field of public procurement is recognised as dynamic, complex, and economically important, representing 16 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product across all the member states. In synchronisation with this increased focus, the Maltese Public Administration has been working on a reform in public procurement processes, a reform that is still in full swing, with the Department of Contracts—which forms part of the Ministry for Finance and Employment—gradually shifting from an operational mode to a more comprehensive regulatory one. Having been part of the development of public procurement in Malta for the past 15 years, following this master’s degree research was extremely beneficial, a move that helps one to think outside the box, to think from a business perspective, to expand academic knowledge on knowledge‑based entrepreneurship, innovation, strategy, marketing, creativity, finance, people and project management, and market research, amongst other skills. Expanding my perspective as a government employee to incorporate a business point of view was a major driver towards covering such aspects academically and also hands‑on through my research, which in essence are the basis of proper procurement. Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110679 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110678 Title: Do people in top management positions benefit from a work‑life balance? When does work‑life stops and private life begin? Is it possible to combine work‑life with social life without one dominating the other? Authors: Falzon, Joann Abstract: Over the years, work-life balance has become an issue subject to extensive publicity and increased investigations. According to Jones, Burke and Westman (2006, p.1), work-life balance has become a “salient” concern for many reasons. Owing to “demographic and social changes”, more women are entering the workforce, with working mothers becoming the “norm rather than the exception” (Jones, Burke & Westman, 2006, p.1). Moreover, Jones, Burke & Westman, (2006, p.1) believes that the “advancement in technology” such as the use of the “cell phones, emails, fax” and having access to emails from anywhere has made it easier for work demand to “intrude” into family and personal life. Rao and Indla (2010, p.295) argue that technology provides the possibility to perform “job tasks from anywhere at any time”, which may “diminishing personal space and time”. Furthermore, global competition is increasing pressure on every organisation and their workforce to be more flexible and responsive to change. Jones, Burke and Westman(2006, p.1) argue that over the past few years, in industrialised countries there was an “increase in the proportion of employees working long hours” which is attributed to an increased workload, job insecurities, and long hours culture. This has contributed to “high level of working stress and stress-related illnesses” with the knowledge that the workplace will possibly become more “stressful” in the future (Jones, Burke & Westman, 2006, p.1). Achieving a boundary between home/personal life and work is becoming more challenging for every employee, including leaders. A variety of different studies and literature show that employers and employees may find flexible and innovative solutions to maximize the productivity and the performance of the organisations without damaging the employees’ well-being, the relationship with their family, and different aspects of their personal life (e.g. Jones, Burke & Westman, 2006; Thompson, Beauvais & Lxyness, 1999; Lockwood, 2003). Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110678 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110677 Title: The views of mental health stakeholders regarding the development of peer support in Malta’s mental health services Authors: Debono, Stacy Abstract: The proverb ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ has been habitually used as people share concerns with persons of trust to seek support. This forms the foundation of peer support which is when “people with experience of mental distress support each other as people of equal value and on a reciprocal basis, using peer support techniques and tools they have acquired during their own wellbeing journey and through…training” (Stamou, 2014, p. 169). This has evolved in an innovative mental health recovery approach. Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110677 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110676 Title: The work experiences of an assistant head of school Authors: Ghirxi, Joanne Abstract: “Scratch the surface of an excellent school and you are likely to find an excellent principal. Peer into a failing school and you are likely to find weak leadership” (Leithwood & Riehl, 2003, p. 2). It is widely believed that heads of school are the key to a successful school (Branch, Hanushek & Rivkin, 2013; Marzano, Waters & McNulty, 2005). However, as Fullan (2002) remarked, the top leader alone cannot succeed in such an important mission. The roles and responsibilities of the head of school have become more complex, challenging, and demanding (Billot, Goddard & Cranston, 2007; Cranston, 2007; Gronn, 2003). This pressure on the head demands a strong and effective leadership team which shares responsibility amongst its members. It therefore entails that each of these members brings individual strengths to the team. Furthermore, it necessitates that assistant heads are comprehended fully and engaged wisely for the sum of the individual parts of the leadership team to be greater than the whole. Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110676 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z