bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable urban transport in Pakistan: threats and opportunities
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Low Nicholas
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore this phenomenon, how initial choice in the history of transport policy in Pakistan became “locked into” suboptimal transport policies biased towards private vehicles and roads and now resisting change to a more sustainable transport policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was designed by applying the concept of “path dependence” on a case study of Pakistan. This approach helped to locate the “critical juncture” for explaining how transport decision has been made over time and on which basis.

Findings

Pakistan transport development, including urban transport planning, has become both “resource dependent” and “path dependent” upon international agencies which shapes the outcomes and limits the application of sustainable solutions in transport in ways that could be consistent with the local situation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a part of a research project, “identifying the institutional barriers to sustainable urban transport in Pakistan” which is in progress. Therefore, the paper may develop its findings at the end of the research project.

Practical implications

The paper provides valuable information to getting insight into urban transport politics of Pakistan.

Originality/value

The research paper has implied the concept of “path dependence” to explain the difference between reality and ideal in urban transport planning of Pakistan by the interventions of global agencies.
Agrotechnical anti‐erosion reinforcement of slopes of the linear earthen structures by hydroseeding with fly‐ash utilization
Authors: Głażewski Marian , Eymontt Andrzej
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Proposes to discuss the implementation of biological methods of the reinforcement and protection of slopes and dissemination to designers and builders of earthen structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of the process developed consists of field experiments including plant selection, preparation of the slope, hydroseeding mass composition, structure and rheological properties, as well as observation of the growing process and proper management of the layer covering. Laboratory tests and field experiments were conducted.

Findings

The research results confirm that covering slopes with a hydroseeding layer contributes to a reduction of the erosion process. The most important effect of the protection process is the creation of favorable conditions for seedlings growing in the third leaf phase with the effect of compact green cover.

Practical implications

The research results could be an important basis for the development of legislation acts related to road building, including proper slope management, together with seeding, underseeding and prototechnical operations that should be done during the first two years for both shaded and sunny slopes. The next step should be the training of designers and builders, and implementation of the technology.

Originality/value

This technology is new in Poland. The authors have realized several hundred slopes with this technology. However, for further improvement of slopes, protection was a necessary realization of the research discussed in the paper.
Reciprocal insurance: a case of supply created by demand
Authors: Venezian Emilio C.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of the equilibrium between demand and supply for a reciprocal insurance firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The model developed assumes a fixed number of individuals with identical characteristics and of constant absolute risk aversion who can choose between remaining self‐insured or forming a reciprocal insurer to serve their needs.

Findings

The results show that under those conditions the individuals either remain self‐insured or form a reciprocal and buy full insurance. Which of the two decisions will be made depends on the relation between the number of members of the reciprocal and the expenses that will be incurred by that entity.

Research limitations/implications

Most alternative models of insurance demand imply that, in the presence of transaction costs, partial insurance is the rule.

Practical implications

The major practical implication is that there can be serious agency problems in the management of reciprocals if attorneys‐in‐fact have influence over their salaries, since they may be able to increase their private welfare at the expense of that of the policyholders.

Originality/value

The model is new and its practical implications have not been discussed previously.
The effect of capital structure on profitability: an empirical analysis of listed firms in Ghana
Authors: Abor Joshua
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the relationship between capital structure and profitability of listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) during a five‐year period.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis is used in the estimation of functions relating the return on equity (ROE) with measures of capital structure.

Findings

The results reveal a significantly positive relation between the ratio of short‐term debt to total assets and ROE. However, a negative relationship between the ratio of long‐term debt to total assets and ROE was found. With regard to the relationship between total debt and return rates, the results show a significantly positive association between the ratio of total debt to total assets and return on equity.

Originality/value

The research suggests that profitable firms depend more on debt as their main financing option. In the Ghanaian case, a high proportion (85 percent) of the debt is represented in short‐term debt.
The after‐effect of Rule 203(b)(3)‐2: what it means to take on the role of CCO to comply with the controversial measure
Authors: Panebianco Colette
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the role and requirements for the chief compliance officer (CCO), appointed by hedge fund managers within an investment advisory firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Summarizes Rule 203(b)(3)‐2 under the 1940 Investment Advisers Act, provides a recent case study in which a CCO failed to fulfill his responsibilities, suggests guidelines on how to become an effective CCO, emphasizes the need to be proactive, recommends safeguards to take, and discusses the CCO's need for self‐protection.

Findings

Recent statements and actions indicate that the SEC will be relentless in holding CCOs to their duties.

Originality/value

Provides a useful case study of how a CCO failed to fulfill his responsibilities and suggests helpful guidelines on how the CCO can work within the culture of the firm.
The development of Managed Funds Association's 2005 Sound Practices for Hedge Fund Managers
Authors: Miranda Pries Stephanie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To summarize Managed Funds Association's (MFA's) 2005 Sound Practices for Hedge Fund Managers™, which is designed to enhance the ability of hedge fund managers to manage operations, comply with applicable regulations, address unexpected market events, and help hedge funds satisfy responsibilities to investors.

Design/methodology/approach

Highlights the development of, and some of the recommendations set forth in, MFA's 2005 Sound Practices under the following categories: management and internal trading controls, responsibilities to investors, valuation policies and procedures, risk monitoring, regulatory controls, transactional practices, and business continuity and disaster recovery.

Findings

MFA's 2005 Sound Practices builds on recommendations first published in 2000, and subsequently revised by MFA in 2003, offering sound guidance on business and operational practices. In the 2005 update, MFA has expanded on topics of importance, including internal trading controls, responsibilities to investors, valuation, and risk controls, and has addressed new issues such as compliance programs, codes of ethics, and certain transactional practices. The 2005 Sound Practices is written from a “peer to peer” perspective and focuses on practices that are relevant primarily to the single‐manager hedge fund operation.

Originality/value

Article summarizes an essential hands‐on manual for hedge fund managers.
Stochastic modeling of a two‐echelon multiple sourcing supply chain system with genetic algorithm
Authors: Han Chingping , Damrongwongsiri Montri
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To establish a strategic resource allocation model to capture and encapsulate the complexity of the modern global supply chain management problem.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model was constructed to describe the stochastic multiple‐period two‐echelon inventory with the many‐to‐many demand‐supplier network problem. Genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to derive optimal solutions through a two‐stage optimization process. A practical example and its solution were included to illustrate the GA‐based solution procedure.

Findings

The model simultaneously constitutes the inventory control and transportation parameters as well as price uncertainty factors.

Originality/value

The model can be utilized as a collaborative supply chain strategic planning tool to determine efficiently the appropriate inventory allocation and effectively manage the distribution/re‐distribution process according to real‐time demand.
A typology to unleash the potential of modularity
Authors: Arnheiter Edward D. , Harren Hendrik
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Benefits of modularity are being limited by the lack of agreement over terminology. Neither researchers nor managers use the same typology, complicating comparisons of modular strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents existing problem, then develops comprehensive and necessary typology. Examples illustrate practical use of the typology, and help reader understand implications on product design and future research.

Findings

Development of modularity typologies, including their characteristics and implications for product design and production systems, has been minimal. A well‐defined typology for soft modules exists, but literature on categorization of hard modules is limited. Most existing definitions of modularity are related to a common type called manufacturing modularity.

Practical implications

Each type of modularity is characterized by a different set of design attributes. For example, appearance, durability, and ergonomics are important for product‐use modularity, while accessibility, recycling and cost are key considerations for limited life modularity. Designers must understand these different characteristics in order to design products that address relevant customer needs such as cost, customization, serviceability and upgradeability that can give product a competitive edge in the marketplace. When developing individual modules, focus on core characteristics of that module type. When developing a multiple module type product, balance characteristics of the interdependent module types in order to ensure that the product meets customer needs.

Originality/value

Four types of modularity are defined: manufacturing, product‐use, limited life and data access. New products often incorporate all four types in order to address both the needs of the customers as well as the manufacturer.
Leanness: experiences from the journey to date
Authors: Papadopoulou T.C. , Özbayrak M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Although leanness is certainly not a new concept it is doubtless still relevant. Interestingly, newly developed manufacturing paradigms and systems are always examined in relation to leanness. In other words, leanness serves in most cases as the landmark paradigm with which comparisons are being drawn between the latter and recently pioneered approaches. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the evolutional orbit that leanness has followed over the years and serve as a herald of the current state of this evolution, which will be discussed further, in a separate paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A great part of this paper is devoted to highlighting the misconceptions surrounding issues such as what leanness really constitutes and what are the key concepts and practices that leanness encompasses. Two successful lean transition stories are presented showing how these lean tools and techniques were implemented in the cases of two UK‐based manufacturing companies.

Findings

Because of its inherently dynamic nature, leanness has undergone and still is undergoing a process of continuous and never‐ending evolution, the current state of which is expressed in the form of the lean enterprise model. Nevertheless, despite the undiminished attention and interest for leanness, the literature has failed to keep track of this evolution. For this reason a significant proportion of the literature relies on a rather antiquated vision of leanness.

Originality/value

The paper reviews two major waves of literature criticising leanness with the first focusing on its social aspects and the second questioning its universality mainly with respect to its limited applicability in high variety‐low volume production systems.
Data model design for manufacturing execution system
Authors: Zhou Bing‐hai , Wang Shi‐jin , Xi Li‐feng
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Since the data model plays an important role in designing manufacturing execution system (MES) database, this paper seeks to provide a generic and adaptable data model for MES, which can facilitate and improve the MES development.

Design/methodology/approach

Extended entity‐relationship (EER) model technique is adopted to build the data model of MES.

Findings

Based on MES functions and database requirement analysis, four subject's structures of MES database is abstracted from a system integration point of view. These four structures are independent relatively but also have close interrelation. Each structure is modeled with EER model.

Research limitations/implications

The presented data model mainly focuses on discrete manufacturing MES, which perhaps limits its usefulness elsewhere, and the data model still need further testing in manufacturing enterprises with different scales.

Practical implications

A prototype MES system is developed and implemented, the results show that the proposed EER modeling approach can establish and make clear complex relationships among entities existed in a manufacturing system, which lays the foundation for adaptable and modular MES software development and implementation.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a fundamental need of designing data model for MES and provides a main framework for developing MES data model, which provides reference for researches both in academia and industry to build specific relational data models for specific needs.
Operations management and advanced manufacturing technologies in SMEs
Authors: Raymond Louis
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Increased requirements for competitiveness, innovation, quality, flexibility and information processing capability has led a number of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to implement advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT). Seeks to explore this.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a contingency theory perspective, a survey study of 118 Canadian manufacturers was made to determine the performance outcomes of the “fit” or alignment between the critical success factors (CSFs) of operations management in SMEs and their level of proficiency in the use of AMT.

Findings

It was found that while increased CSF and AMT assimilation levels directly impact operational performance in terms of increased productivity, cost reductions, flexibility, quality, and integration, a mismatch between the two significantly reduces performance. From an information processing view of the firm, it was also found that increased uncertainty in the SMEs' environment leads to increased CSF levels but not to increased assimilation of AMT.

Research limitations/implications

Common to survey studies, the nature of the sample and perceptual nature of certain measures impose care in generalizing the results of the study.

Originality/value

Provides information showing that enterprises must increase their ability to manage both manufacturing and information technologies.
Quick value‐setting algorithms for the longest path problem of job‐shop scheduling
Authors: Hong Choi Shiu , Yu Yang Feng
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The disjunctive graph is a network representation of the job‐shop scheduling problem, while the longest path problem (LPP) is one of the most important subjects in this research field. This paper aims to study the special topological structure of the disjunctive graph, and proposes a suite of quick value‐setting algorithms for solving the LPPs commonly encountered in job‐shop scheduling.

Design/methodology/approach

The topological structure of the disjunctive graph is analyzed, and some properties and propositions regarding LPPs are presented. Subsequently, algorithms are proposed for solving LPPs encountered in job‐shop scheduling.

Findings

The proposed algorithms significantly improve the efficiency of the shifting‐bottleneck procedure, making it practicable to realise real‐time scheduling and hence effective operations of modern manufacturing systems.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that it is possible to develop very efficient algorithms by imposing a special topological structure on the network.
Barriers to e‐government integration
Authors: Lam Wing
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Integration is a critical success factor for achieving a mature level of e‐government. This research seeks to identify barriers to e‐government integration (EGI).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 consultants with significant experience of e‐government projects. The interview transcripts were analysed by the researcher to identify barriers in EGI.

Findings

The findings resulted in a set of 17 barriers which were organised into one of four categories: strategy, technology, policy and organization. Strategy barriers include common e‐government goals and objectives, delivery timeframes, and ownership and governance. Technology barriers include architecture interoperability, data standards and legacy systems. Policy barriers include citizen privacy, data ownership and policy implications. Organization barriers include pace of government reform, legacy government processes and management and technical skills.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of the research is that it involved in‐depth interviews with a relatively small number of individuals. In addition, improvements in research procedure, such as the use of multiple interviewers, will go some way towards increasing the reliability of the research findings.

Practical implications

EGI is not simply a technical matter of getting IT systems to talk to each other. Stakeholders should engage in strategic planning and change management.

Originality/value

The paper has identified a set of barriers in e‐government. Certain barriers, specifically in the area of policy, are particular to e‐government projects. A model of EGI, based on a synthesis of government relationships, is also proposed.
Exploring stakeholders' expectations of the benefits and barriers of e‐government knowledge sharing
Authors: Zhang Jing , Dawes Sharon S. , Sarkis Joseph
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The issue of varying stakeholder expectations has significant implications for successful enterprise information system implementation. This issue becomes more prevalent in e‐government situations where a variety of stakeholders are influenced by inter‐organizational knowledge sharing. This paper presents an exploratory investigation of the diverging and converging expectations of various stakeholders at the initiation of e‐government projects with regard to the benefits of and barriers to interorganizational knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from seven cases within the New York State (NYS) government setting. We identified two sets of stakeholder groupings in this paper; core/key project participants and general participants (similar to developer/user stakeholder groupings); and; various organizational participants (state government, local government, non‐profit organization, and private organization stakeholders).

Findings

Research results indicated that key participants' expectations were similar to those of general participants/users. Their perceptions converge on the relative likelihood of achieving benefits and relative severity of barriers; although significant differences do exist in discernment of the opportunity for achieving wider professional networks and the magnitude of control‐oriented management. Finally, we found significant differences among stakeholders groups based on the types of organizational membership. Local government stakeholders are considerably less optimistic in achieving goals, and more concerned about a variety of organizational, technological, and financial barriers.

Originality/value

The results provide guidance for e‐government design and implementation strategies that amplify common interests, contend with shared difficulties, and mitigate differences.
E‐voting: from apathy to adoption
Authors: Christian Schaupp L. , Carter Lemuria
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To identify the factors that influence adoption of e‐voting services by citizens between the ages of 18‐24.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Carter and Belanger's (2005) model of e‐government adoption to assess young voters' intention to use an online voting system. The study integrates constructs from technology acceptance, diffusion of innovation, and web trust models. A survey is administered to 208 young voters. The data is analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that user perceptions of compatibility, usefulness, and trust significantly impact their intention to use an electronic‐voting system. The model explains 76 percent of the variance in young voters' intention to use an e‐voting system.

Research limitations/implications

The study only explores the perceptions of one age group. Future studies could use the model to access adoption perceptions of a more diverse pool of citizens.

Practical implications

Government agencies should emphasize the benefits of this electronic service to young voters. If marketed properly, the convenience and compatibility of e‐voting may be influential enough to motivate this normally apathetic demographic to participate in the election process.

Originality/value

This study explores adoption of internet voting by young citizens. An understanding of the factors that influence this demographics' intention to use e‐voting systems can be used to increase voter participation. The findings of this study also lay the foundation for future studies on e‐voting adoption.
Strategic alignment: a practitioner's perspective
Authors: Campbell Bruce , Kay Robert , Avison David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of aligning information systems with organizational processes, goals and strategies. One way of representing and analysing strategic alignment is through the creation of a causal‐loop diagram, a subject which this paper seeks to examine.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory research presented here involved six senior IS/IT managers during three two‐hour focus group sessions, which led to the development of such a diagram. The focus group sessions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The diagram presents a systemic view of IS/business alignment within organizations, as seen through the lens of these practitioners. The research suggests that, although practitioners understand that a high level of connection between IS and business planning processes may be dependent on the level of integration between the IS group and other sections of the organization, they are still unable to develop the necessary relationships. It appears that the culture of many organizations is impeding the development of this integration.

Originality/value

The research method and technique allowed a systemic view of IS/business alignment within a typical organization. It highlights the inter‐relationship between the social and intellectual dimensions of alignment and shows that these should not be studied in isolation. In particular, the research highlights the inter‐relationship between the social and intellectual dimensions of alignment.
Malaysian women entrepreneurs: understanding the ICT usage behaviors and drivers
Authors: Oly Ndubisi Nelson , Kahraman Cengiz
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the extent and pattern of information and communication technology (ICT) usage by women entrepreneurs in Malaysia, as well as the impact of personal traits on usage.

Design/methodology/approach

All the members of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia (NAWEM) were surveyed, out of which a 62 percent usable response rate was achieved.

Findings

The results of the analysis show that slightly above 50 percent of the respondents are using seven out of the eight varieties of systems presented. Seven out of the ten job tasks listed were done using computer technology by more than 60 percent of the respondents. A total of 78 percent of the respondents use basic systems and 48 percent use advanced systems. A total of 92 percent of respondents use systems for administrative purposes, 42 percent for planning, and 52 percent for control purposes. Mean usage differs among racial groups, educational levels, industry type, computer experience, and size of organization (measured by number of employees). Personal traits such as innovativeness and risk‐taking propensity are significantly correlated with usage.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the marketing and other implications of the findings as well as suggesting some marketing approaches.
Modelling the integration of BP and IT using business process simulation
Authors: Serrano Alan , den Hengst Mariëlle
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Business process (BP) and information systems (IS) communities support the idea that BP and IS design should be integrated. Although there are a large number of modelling techniques to aid BP and IS design, there is little indication of which techniques can be suitable to model their integration. This research suggests a simulation model that can be used to depict BP/IS integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulation framework proposed in this paper is based on a simulation framework used previously. For both frameworks, a single case study approach is employed for theory building and testing. The results provided by the application of the ASSESS‐IT framework (theory testing) are used to propose the new ISBPS framework (theory building), which is tested again in the case study.

Findings

The models derived from the ISBPS framework provide quantifiable metrics of the integration of BP and IS. These data can help analysts to foresee the benefits that the insertion of a given IS design may bring to the organisational processes.

Research limitations/implications

The development of the ISBPS models proved to be complex. Further research should focus on testing the ISBPS framework with more complex IS and to provide mechanisms to facilitate their design.

Practical implications

IS practitioners may consider simulation to evaluate IS design strategies.

Originality/value

The ISBPS simulation model provides quantifiable metrics of the integration of a given IS design within a given BP scenario. Practitioners can use these models to test alternative BP/IS scenarios before implementation.
Designing a strategic management system using the third‐generation balanced scorecard
Authors: Cobbold Ian , Lawrie Gavin , Issa Khalil
Published: January 2007

This paper describes a project to design and implement a strategic performance management system within Zamil Air Conditioners (ZAC). In 2001 ZAC had developed its first ever strategic plan using traditional rationalist methods, but with little effect. In 2002, they began a project to introduce a system to help it manage the implementation of its strategy based on an advanced version of the balanced scorecard framework referred to as third‐generation balanced scorecard. This paper describes this project and offers some insights into the application of strategic performance management methods and systems derived from this and prior experiences. This paper examines closely the methodologies employed in the formulation and implementation of strategy and begins by reviewing the literature surrounding the variety of methodologies observed by management authors. The paper then uses this literature to examine the ZAC operating practices prior to the new strategic management system, the choices made during the design process and how the new system changed the organisation. The paper concludes by offering some insights and recommendations about the design process and the physical outputs relating to the balanced scorecard and demonstrating in a practical situation why third‐generation balanced scorecard offers enhanced utility and practicality over previous designs. These benefits and recommendations are drawn from the viewpoints of both the consultants who facilitated the design process and the management team who developed the content of the management system. Although the design process for third‐generation balanced scorecard has been used numerous times in practice, this is the first case study on the specific assessment of the new process.
Performance measurement is only one way of managing performance
Authors: Halachmi Arie
Published: January 2007

Purpose– Aims to introduce to a symposium, a set of linked papers, which illustrate the reality that, when it comes to boosting productivity, performance management is a broader and more meaningful concept than simple performance measurement.Design/methodology/approach– The paper provides a brief review of the issues involved in using performance measurement in general and balanced scorecard (BS) in particular.Findings– Performance management can take many forms from dealing with issues internal to the organization to catering to stakeholders or handling issues in its environment. Performance management involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques and paying due attention to the human (behavioral) side of the enterprise.Originality/value– The article identifies performance measurement as a possible sub‐system of performance management. The article suggests that resorting to performance management is in fact a return to the basic concept of management, which assumes that there is a need to do something in order to assure that the use of resources results in the attainment of desired goals.
Performance measurement uncertainty on the Grand Canal
Authors: Johnston Judy
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The article aims to present an overview of how the conflicts related to economic and social agency within particular public sector performance measurement arrangements can work for and against the application of balanced scorecard style systems. It highlights some of the dilemmas that are caused when performance measurement and productivity enhancement are required within broad areas of public service, especially where market behaviour is relevant.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach based on literature review and field research, this article focuses on the gondoliers (gondolieri) of Venice, Italy. The analytical basis is historical record, Aristotelian ideas of ethical responsibility and contemporary literature on performance measurement and productivity.

Findings

The research, so far, has found that performance is not necessarily determined by formal standards and technical measurements. It can be, but performance is also situational and opportunistic and mediated by more subjective and basic concerns. The findings confirm that performance management systems are largely socially rather than technically constructed and operated. As such they will continue to pose dilemmas for public sector managers that will be difficult to resolve.

Originality/value

This is an unusual case study as thegondolierido not fit neatly into the usual paradigm of public service. Yet they have existed in a similar form for nearly 1,000 years and have operated within performance measurement systems during that time. Thus, it is possible to track the kinds of individual and organisational conflicts, which arise and impact on performance measurement systems, and have done for many centuries up until the present day.
A lean architecture for transforming the aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) enterprise
Authors: Mathaisel Dennis F.X.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Increasing global competition, free trade agreements, low cost foreign labor, and customer expectations are causing manufacturing enterprises to implement aggressive transformation plans. Should these transformations be incremental or enterprise‐wide? This paper aims to address the question by developing a Lean Enterprise Architecture (LEA) concept for an enterprise‐wide transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The LEA is an architectural framework for enterprise reengineering in the design, construction, integration, and implementation of a lean enterprise using systems engineering methods. The architecture uses a multiphase approach structured on the transformation life cycle phases.

Findings

Viewing lean implementation across the entire enterprise minimizes the possibility of overlooking opportunities for further performance improvement. A silo view of lean implementation may allow gaps in performance to persist, with no one assuming responsibility for the entire enterprise. Employing the principles of the LEA will help improve enterprise‐wide quality, on‐time delivery, and customer satisfaction by eliminating waste in the entire organization and supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

Applications and benefits are cited in the paper, but additional case studies are needed to benchmark the performance of the LEA against incremental lean implementations.

Practical implications

The LEA was created for the US military aerospace industry, but it is now being adopted in other commercial sectors for major transformation designs.

Originality/value

The LEA is the first known integration of lean thinking, enterprise architectures, and systems engineering principles in a design framework for the transformation of an enterprise.
The implications of the new ISO 9000:2000 standards for certified organizations
Authors: Gotzamani Katerina D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To exploit the main implications of the revised series of quality assurance standards ISO 9000:2000 for the certified organisations. The paper aims to identify the anticipated benefits of the changes in the series, as well as the main barriers and pitfalls that may deprive organisations of these benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines the ideas and views of different authors and studies in this subject and organises them accordingly, based on the author's previous experience and empirical studies on ISO 9000 implementation, in order to fully describe the subject for the reader.

Findings

The paper finds that although the revised series of standards may offer important benefits to the certified organisations in areas which were previously considered to be the weak areas of the standards, there are still important dilemmas regarding the degree to which companies will be able to overcome a number of barriers and implementation pitfalls.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is not based on official empirical research, since it is still too early to empirically test the results of the new standard to the certified organisations. However, this would be the focus of a future survey.

Practical implications

The paper offers important information to certified organisations, regarding the main benefits of the new ISO 9000:2000 series and the barriers that they will have to overcome in order to realise them.

Originality/value

The paper is the first one to bring all these ideas regarding the new standard's implementation together, offering a complete, comprehensive review of the new standard, and raising important questions that will have to be answered through further research.
Benchmarking operational performance: the case of two hotels
Authors: Parkan Celik
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present an actual case study that was carried out to investigate and benchmark the operational performances of two hotels in a large city.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves the comparison of the hotels' performances with each other as well as their respective benchmarks on the basis of data on monthly costs and revenues. The benchmark operations are stated in terms of target costs and revenues that are derived from industry standards for comparable hotels and corporate strategic goals. For performance measurement a new non‐parametric performance measurement method called Operational Competitiveness Rating Analysis (OCRA) is used for its relative simplicity, flexibility, and ability to allow for differences in hotels' guest profiles and competitive priorities.

Findings

The areas of strength and weakness are revealed in the measured performances of the two hotels' operations. While the hotels' performances converge near the end of the study period, they both fall short of reaching their respective benchmark performance levels. This may be partly due to benchmark cost/revenue levels being set unrealistically high. OCRA is shown to be an appropriate tool for measuring and comparing hotels' operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

While OCRA can also incorporate the intangible dimensions of performance, this study has not taken into consideration the quality dimension of hotel performance.

Practical implications

It is shown that a service operation's performance can be profiled and benchmarked using cost/revenue data.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates a flexible approach to measuring operational performance in service organizations, which can be used by non‐specialists.
Benchmarking: a socio‐economic interrogation of its global‐local disconnect
Authors: Saravanamuthu Kala
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine how the construction of benchmarks influences the discourse of national productivity, and hence shed light on the competitive‐interdependent relationship between global capital and domestic labour.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of a government inquiry into the Australian automotive industry (in 1996) is used to argue that the formulation of socially conscionable public policy is made more difficult by the international legitimisation of benchmarks.

Findings

The inclusion of structural factors will mitigate the power of accounting discourse to normalise behaviour because it gives rise to glaring discrepancies between shared experiences and accounting's inscribed reality. The inscribed reality is distorted by the decontextualised nature of benchmarks. Further, the global legitimisation of benchmarks makes it more difficult for the state to disregard their influence.

Originality/value

Combines, compares and re‐evaluates earlier literature and studies. Leaves the door open for the practice of benchmarking to emphasise a process of establishing sustainable local goals, rather than a means of institutionalising a dominant mode of production across the globe.
Perspectives on a personal critique of international business
Authors: Cairns George
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To contribute to critical discussion of management education and practice in the “global economy”, engaging with fragmentation of subjects in the academic literature and of issues across zones of production and consumption in the global community. In order to highlight key elements, discusses the role and contribution of the transnational corporation (TNC) and of the export processing zone (EPZ), as illustrative examples of international business.

Design/methodology/approach

Places the discussion into a broad context, through consideration of social, political and economic implications of international business. Presents and contrasts representations of international business in various literature sets and in different contexts. Draws loosely on a broad range of literature, from the field of critical management, and from both academic and non‐academic domains that engage with issues of international business and globalization.

Findings

Proposes that fragmentation within the mainstream management literature and in areas of management education militates against holistic and critical understanding of the complex nature of global business. Challenges exemplars of “good” management practice from the managerial literature through engagement with a range of discipline‐specific texts, highlighting areas of divergence, contradiction and omission.

Originality/value

Contributes to the developing critical management literature that engages with issues in a broad societal context.
Union renewal, union strategy and technology
Authors: Cockfield Sandra
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between union renewal strategies and the adoption and implementation of information and communication technologies by trade unions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research centres on a case study of an Australian trade union, exploring the fit between recent changes to the industrial strategy and information technology strategy. It involved interviews with union officials and a review of union documentation.

Findings

Information and communication technologies have the potential to promote union renewal by enabling new forms of participation and activism. However, to achieve these outcomes the technologies must be part of an integrated union renewal strategy. The internal political processes of the union will shape both the union renewal strategies and the role and use of technology in implementing these strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a single trade union, thus limiting the generality of the conclusions drawn.

Originality/value

The paper concerns a relatively new research area on trade unions and offers a critical perspective on the use of information and communication technologies by trade unions.
ICTs, distributed discourse and the territorialisation of labour: the case of Balkan trade unionism
Authors: Zivkovic Andreja , Hogan John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the significance of information communication technology (ICT) for Balkan labour. Drawing on the heuristic of “distributed discourse”, this paper aims to explore virtual forms of communication and interaction. The paper aims to examine the privileged role of ICT in the: formation of autonomous trade union structures and channels of communication; evasion of the territorial structures of the nation‐state and the construction of virtual communities of international labour solidarity; and authoritative transmission of models of industrial relations practice and of capitalist modernity in virtual space.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted in‐depth interviews, followed up by further discussions, with officials and researchers from unions in the Balkan region. IR academics in Serbia and Montenegro were also consulted, as were union web sites and those of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Serbia, Association of Free and Independent Trade Unions of Serbia. The purpose of the dialogue was to build an empirically grounded framework for understanding the limits and possibilities presented by the new distributed communications technologies of the internet for labour in the era of globalisation. This article provides qualitative data to allow reflection on the possibilities inherent in ICT for the reinvigoration of trade unionism and labour mobilisation in this era of rampant neoliberalism, particularly in the area of trade union democratisation and accountability.

Findings

The article finds that key figures within the Balkan labour movement are conversant with the potential of ICTs. It is also apparent that the construction of cyber‐unionism at the official level is subject to the authoritative force of neo‐liberal imperial governance. However, this is a regime of policing that is indexed and auditable through the very distributed communication technologies which can affect forms of meta‐governance beyond the control of institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings, based on the interrogation of qualitative data are provisional hypotheses and an invitation to further research on the space‐time dimensions of trade unionism in the age of globalisation.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the situated character of ICT utilisation. While ICTs can be implicated in the reproduction of extant organisational forms and politics, this article provides the international labour movement with a viewpoint from which to build ICT strategies and appropriate organisational structures that recognise the limitations of centralised representation and control.

Originality/value

This paper represents fresh and contemporary data on the use of the internet by Balkan labour. By interrogating the qualitative data an invitation to further research on the space‐time dimensions of trade unionism in the age of globalisation is presented.
Information and communications technology use in British unions
Authors: Fiorito Jack , Todd Royle M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to review British labour union leaders’ views on the use and importance of information and communications technology (ICT) within their unions.

Design/methodology/approach

An open‐ended e‐mail survey and personal interviews conducted in 2000‐2001 with union leaders provides the primary original data for this research. Responses are content analysed to assess the importance leaders assign to ICT for unions, to review the ways in which ICT is used, and the costs and benefits associated with ICT use. Charts and verbatim quotes are used to summarise respondents’ views. These views are compared and contrasted with data from the USA.

Findings

Union leaders were generally enthusiastic about the importance of ICT for unions, citing various examples of ICT‐based benefits to their unions. Some, however, expressed reservations about members’ access to ICT and potential “digital divides”, while others warned that ICT may encourage unions to neglect worker desires for “a human touch” in helping them resolve problems. British union leaders’ views generally reinforce findings from an earlier survey in the USA, although direct comparisons are limited.

Originality/value

Provides information on ICT views from a reasonably broad sampling of British union leaders and demonstrates similarity of views across Britain and the USA.