bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness through buyer‐focused cells: exploring a new supply strategy
Authors: Pieter van Donk Dirk , van der Vaart Taco
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The concept of buyer focus has recently been introduced as a new supply chain strategy, although the design and operation of buyer‐focused cells have hardly been investigated. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how buyer‐focused cells realise responsiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the origins of buyer focus by synthesising the literature on focus and supply chain management (SCM). The recent model of responsiveness by Holweg is used to analyse two cases in the semi‐conductor industry. Based on the literature and the case‐findings the model is further developed.

Findings

The main findings of the paper are that: the model of responsiveness can be used to better understand buyer‐focused cells as a supply chain strategy, but needs to be enhanced with additional elements; two of the dimensions of Holweg's model (product and volume) seem to determine the third (process) dimension; designing and operating buyer‐focused cells is a blend of well‐chosen and proven solutions combined with close integration with the buyer.

Research limitations/implications

The extended model and the operation of buyer‐focused cells need further refinement and research using the key factors so far established.

Practical implications

The paper explores both the contingency factors and the major design and operating factors related to a new supply chain strategy (buyer‐focused cells) which is aimed at increasing responsiveness, and investigates two practical cases. Managers can use the developed framework to better understand their own situation and guide decision making.

Originality/value

The paper aims at further developing and understanding the responsiveness of buyer‐focused cells by drawing on previous contributions in the literature on SCM and the focused factory. Through this, the authors add to the theory of responsiveness and to empirical knowledge on the design and operation of buyer‐focused cells.
Diversity learning, knowledge diversity and inclusion
Authors: Andresen Maike
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present knowledge as an important diversity dimension in globally operating companies and to illustrate how companies with corporate universities (CUs) proceed in order to achieve knowledge inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is developed regarding the management of knowledge diversity methodologically based on the grounded theory approach and examples in existing CUs are given.

Findings

Different diversity learning approaches in corporate university programmes are explained and integrated in a model. The paper recognises the need to more actively manage knowledge diversity in companies.

Practical implications

The paper gives advice to companies on how to better manage their diversity of knowledge and knowledge bearers for strategic learning purposes. The paper is a first step in the academic discussion of knowledge as a diversity dimension.

Originality/value

Knowledge is defined as a diversity dimension by scientists but has not been discussed in depth so far. The paper distinguishes between knowledge diversity and inclusion and shows in which way companies can proceed in order to profit from the diversity in learning environments.
Political support for women entrepreneurs
Authors: Pardo‐del‐Val Manuela , Ribeiro‐Soriano Domingo
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the application of EU programmes that seek to help women to set up their own businesses and discuss how public measures can help full integration of women into all walks of society, especially within jobs that correspond to their skills and capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

After a literature review on the difficulties women face to find a suitable job, according to their preparation, their needs and their expectations, and the political considerations to act towards equality, this study is aimed at analyzing a European initiative designed to avoid gendered impacts on the present labour market. Through in‐depth interviews of project leaders stemming from the EQUAL Community Initiative, a list of mechanisms to support female entrepreneurship is discussed.

Findings

The paper concludes that, while there is no single remedy that will adequately address the complex mix of factors that keep women entrepreneurs behind men, most projects focus on training, funding and mentoring as key supporting tools.

Research limitations/implications

The limited sample and the focus on the project leaders as the only interviewees make generalization of findings difficult. Future interesting research lines would involve deeper investigation into the highlighted topics, especially training and mentoring.

Practical implications

The paper is a useful source of information about the contents of public support programmes for practical researchers planning to study in greater depth the specific measures to fight against gendered inequality.

Originality/value

This article gives additional insight into public measures to help female entrepreneurship, stressing the main support lines.
Is Indian software workforce a case of uneven and combined development?
Authors: Ilavarasan Vigneswara
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the existing theoretical argument that the Indian software industry is a case of uneven and combined development by examining the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a survey conducted in two software organizations located in Bangalore. Data were collected through a combination of quantitative (114 questionnaires) and qualitative methods (62 semi‐structured interviews). Respondents were selected randomly from the work floor.

Findings

The paper observes that the workforce is uneven in nature and directly integrated with the global market. The workforce appears homogeneous. A typical software worker in India is a young male; hails from an urban and a semi‐urban locality; follows Hinduism, and belongs to the upper socio‐economic stratum of Indian society. He holds an undergraduate engineering degree, not necessarily in computer science, from a second‐grade educational institution. He is trained by the employers as per the needs of the Western market, and works for longer hours than required. He earns more than his counterparts in the other industries, and is promoted periodically based on work experience.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that Indian future policy initiatives should recognize the need for inclusion of the disadvantaged in this growing sector. Also, conclusions drawn from the study are useful for the developing countries that imitate Indian software industry to develop inclusive development policies.

Originality/value

From the existing literature, it is not known whether the employment‐related benefits are reaching all the social groups, or uneven and combined development is reflected at the workforce as well. The paper fills the gap using triangulation of methods.
Exploring highly educated refugees’ potential as knowledge workers in contemporary Britain
Authors: Psoinos Maria
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether highly educated refugees have the potential to become active members of the UK knowledge economy and to identify what socio‐political factors are currently excluding/marginalising them.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical work consists of semi‐structured interviews conducted with 15 highly educated refugees residing in the UK. The interviews, which contain theory‐driven and open‐ended questions, elicited how refugees themselves perceive their post‐migration experiences, and especially their employment experiences in the UK.

Findings

The participants do not perceive themselves as passive and incompetent, as they are often portrayed. They also claim that their exclusion/marginalisation from the UK economy is not due to any lack of qualifications and skills from their side, but due to ongoing discriminatory processes and to the long process of getting their qualifications validated.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a single method and a cross‐sectional design does not allow an understanding of whether and to what extent the findings apply to other disadvantaged populations, which could be clarified through a comparative, longitudinal study.

Practical implications

Highly educated refugees have the potential to become knowledge‐workers, but certain barriers they face suppress this potential. This is why future policies should continuously support refugee agencies and communities that play a vital role in refugees’ lives and work‐related adaptation and encourage the creation of new ones where they are most needed.

Originality/value

This research, by “giving voice” to the selected participants, reveals the existing contrast between highly educated refugees’ own perceptions and the negative socio‐political discourse surrounding them and highlights the contribution that this population can make to the UK knowledge economy.
Disconnecting knowledge from the knower
Authors: Adelstein Jennifer
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the knowledge work discourse has been transformed from a celebration of those who create knowledge to one of leaden prescription to purposively separate the knowledge from the knower.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of genealogical discourse analysis of the dominant and alternative knowledge work discourses.

Findings

From its earliest conceptions, knowledge work as a discourse was conceived as creating a new class of worker who was highly educated, motivated and financially aspirational. Through alignment with significant discourses from such fields of knowledge as economics, the law and technology, knowledge has become an organisational asset, to be secured by technology and protected by law even from those who created it. Discursive transformation shows that knowledge work and those who perform it – the knowledge workers – have become marginalised in the discourses until they have virtually disappeared altogether.

Research limitations/implications

As a conceptual paper, the analysis does not address an empirical research frame. However, the paper illustrates how power is implicated in all aspects of the knowledge work discourse.

Originality/value

The paper identifies how power relations are implicit in organisational discourses of knowledge work. Knowledge is seen to be central to studies of organisations, economics and globalisation, yet human beings as creators of knowledge have been marginalised in the knowledge discourses.
Practising knowledge workers: perspectives of an artist and economist
Authors: Nicolopoulou Katerina , Karatas‐Ozkan Mine
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to generate insights into practitioners’ understanding of global knowledge work/workers by exploring the perspectives of an artist and economist.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews with the two participants were conducted; and the interview material was transcribed and analyzed.

Findings

Global knowledge work is a multifaceted concept; it can exist in different fields, including art, technology and social sciences. Global knowledge work is about knowledge that is acquired, accumulated, shared and enriched through relocation, travel or integration into networks. Global knowledge workers are equipped with some form of specialized knowledge, skills set and different communication strategies. Their motivation varies from intellectual curiosity, financial and career benefits, personal reasons to seek a life in another country to the prestige of global knowledge work.

Practical implications

Diversity is a defining attribute of global knowledge work. Diverse backgrounds, expertise and viewpoints of global knowledge workers are becoming an increasingly significant asset for organizations. This has implications in terms of developing effective diversity management strategies in global and knowledge‐intensive organizations, such as universities.

Originality/value

The paper draws on two interviews with practising global knowledge workers, in the fields of art and economy. Useful insights are generated for practitioners in all fields, combining interesting perspectives on global knowledge work and its future value.
The interconnectedness between leadership and learning: a reaffirmation
Authors: Marques Joan F.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reemphasize the essence of upgrading students' learning mentality in higher education as much as possible, in order to enable excellence in workplace performance later.

Design/methodology/approach

The subject scope of this paper is: learning as a vehicle toward excellence. Methods used in the paper are: literature review and student performance evaluations. Its approach to the topic is: a review of the basic component for excellence in learning; connecting learning mentalities with workplace behaviors; evaluation of behaviors of great learners and leaders; and presents a model.

Findings

The paper finds that learning and leadership have a mutuality effect on one another. Behaviors in attitudes toward learning are important indicators of behaviors in workplace performance.

Research limitations/implications

Although concisely reviewed, this paper does not specifically focus on unfortunate learning outcomes for students, resulting from poor teaching methods, learning disabilities, cultural and environmental drawbacks, or other circumstantial imbalances. The main focus of this paper is rather on attitudes toward learning, which oftentimes convert into workplace behaviors.

Practical implications

For students the practical implications of this paper are: examining their learning behavior and adopt a more constructive one where possible and necessary. For course facilitators and academic advisors they are: scrutinizing problem students' performance more intensely, confronting these students with the need to adjust, and, where possible, providing them the support mechanisms to do so. For members of the corporate world they are: if still obtaining education or on‐the‐job training – examining their learning behaviors, and thus their chances on future success; and if in managerial positions: learning to recognize certain traits early on in job applicants.

Originality/value

New in this paper is: the clear link between learning and leading; five behaviors of great learners and leaders; and a model that displays the effects of attitudes toward learning.
Managers' justice perceptions of high potential identification practices
Authors: Slan‐Jerusalim Rebecca , Hausdorf Peter A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to describe the high potential identification practices of Canadian organizations and to assess elements of these practices as they relate to managers' perceptions of organizational justice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviewed the literature on high potential identification practices and organizational justice to develop a survey for managers attending a leadership conference. Distributive and procedural justice was regressed against the elements of these programs (e.g. the extent of manager input into the program, the openness of communications) to determine the impact of program elements on justice outcomes.

Findings

The paper reveals that approximately one‐third (38 percent) of companies reported having a high potential identification program. High potential was most often defined in specific organizational terms based on competencies. Typically, information used to identify these individuals was based on: personal experience with the person, performance appraisals and past performance or results. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses (n=123) indicated that high potential identification programs containing manager input, open communication and formal program evaluation significantly predicted procedural justice. None of the predictions for distributive justice were significant.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically investigate the impact of high potential identification practices on managers' perceptions of organizational justice in North America. Manager's justice perceptions reflect an important criterion to evaluate high potential identification programs. The current study found that manager's perceptions of procedural justice were higher when they had more input into the development of the program, when the communication strategy was more open, and the program was evaluated. Despite these important elements, many organizations do not incorporate them into their programs, which have implications for their success.
Managing change through management development: an industry case study
Authors: Shanley Chris
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interconnections between management development and change management within the context of an industry case study. To develop strategies for how management development practices might better support the management of change.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a constructivist methodology, one‐to‐one interviews were conducted with two groups: a randomly chosen cross‐section of middle managers and a purposive sample of senior stakeholders within the industry. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the interview data.

Findings

The study finds that there was not a clear understanding of how the management of change fitted within the overall job role of the middle managers. How middle managers actually manage change on a day‐to‐day basis has been largely ignored or taken for granted. This has led to considerable stress on managers. There is a wide range of management development practices in the industry, with many managers receiving low levels of preparation and support.

Research limitations/implications

As a qualitative study, there are limitations on the generalisability of findings. The study is set in one industry and the concepts advanced will require validating in other settings. Further research possibilities are recommended.

Practical implications

Based on the literature and study findings, a list of change management competencies and a number of management development strategies are recommended as a way of bringing change management more into the foreground of management thinking and practice within the industry.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the small body of research on the interconnections between management development and change management, provides the only such research in the residential aged care industry, and contributes a range of practical proposals about how management development practices can be used to support the change management competencies of middle managers.
The influence of supervisory‐support climate and unemployment rate on part‐time employee retention
Authors: Gentry William A. , Kuhnert Karl W. , Mondore Scott P. , Page Erin E.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Using “districts” nested within “regions”, this multi‐level analysis research aims to examine whether a climate of supervisory‐support at a “district”‐level (as measured by perceived supervisor support (PSS)), and “region”‐level unemployment rates were related to “district”‐level retention rates of blue‐collar part‐time employees (PTEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Blue‐collar PTE retention rates (from company records) and PSS levels (from a company‐wide survey) of a large global service provider were gathered. “Regional” unemployment rates were collected via publicly‐accessible government statistics.

Findings

The study finds that PSS levels of blue‐collar PTEs were related to retention rates. Additionally, through the nested relationship of the study, the “region”‐level unemployment rate was also related to PTE retention levels.

Research limitation/implications

Limitations of the study included generalization to other companies, inability to collect demographic data, sample size and sampling issues, and concerns about the measurement of retention.

Practical implications

This study revealed that supervisory‐support climate was important in PTE retention. This paper gives mechanisms that managers can use to improve PSS levels of employees. Additionally, since organizations exist in environments, results show that the external environment may affect organizational outcomes, no matter what occurs internally in the organization.

Originality/value

This study is unique since it focused specifically on blue‐collar PTEs, a much‐needed group of people to research. The paper gave ways for managers to enhance their relationship with PTEs, thereby having special value for managers and those who study managerial development. Additionally, the study gave evidence that organizations exist in environments, and factors outside the organization may affect retention within organizations.
Adoption of information and communication technology
Authors: Hoon Yang Kyung , Lee Sang M. , Lee Sang‐Gun
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to find out: why some organizations adopt ICT later than the others, and whether organizations have different adoption strategies based on the type of ICT.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an empirical study of the ICT diffusion process between the early and late adopters of relational database and local area network.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that there are significant differences between early and late adoption organizations with regard to management characteristics such as the age and interests of the CEO and CIO, and also the adoption process such as the evaluation period and initiation time. However, no significant differences were found in organization resource or corporate strategy factors. Furthermore, the results of the study indicate that there are significant differences in organizational characteristics such as sales volume, organization slack and rewards between the two types of ICT.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is relatively small. Replication of this study with additional organizations in the sample will allow stronger validation of diffusion theory.

Originality/value

It is believed that the results of the study will provide useful guidelines in strategy development for managing ICT diffusion by organizations and IT vendors.
Organizational innovation management
Authors: Wong Shui‐Yee , Chin Kwai‐Sang
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Organizational innovation management (OIM) is one of the critical means to sustain competitiveness in organizational innovation in the long term. Although literature in innovation management has discussed the notions of OIM, an organization‐wide OIM framework has not yet been developed and validated. This project is thus carried out to develop and validate an organization‐wide OIM framework.

Design/methodology/approach

From an extensive review of literature, core values and concepts of an OIM conceptual system are developed. Then, OIM critical factors are identified and validated by questionnaires and interviews in the HK/PRD manufacturing industry.

Findings

The OIM critical factors are validated by examining the importance of OIM critical factors and the relationship between company accomplishment in individual factors and performance in organizational innovation. Also an organization‐wide OIM hierarchical framework is formulated based on the OIM factors, with an evaluation of the HK/PRD manufacturing industry.

Research limitations/implications

Although the identified critical OIM factors and the developed OIM framework could cover all types of industries, this research has only been done in the electronics and electrical consumer products manufacturing industry in HK/PRD region.

Practical implications

The developed organization‐wide OIM hierarchical framework builds a foundation for a comprehensive study in OIM. It provides a useful reference for managers to understand critical success factors of OIM. Furthermore, this framework can be further applied for any other organization‐wide OIM‐based management, such as OIM improvement programmes and OIM assessment systems.

Originality/value

An organization‐wide OIM framework is developed and validated.
Exploring the effects of ERP systems on organizational performance
Authors: Velcu Oana
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Previous research showed that there are payoffs from IT investments, but the question is when and why such payoffs occur. This paper aims to adopt an “inside the black‐box” approach to the analysis of economic benefits of ERP systems by examining what business process (BP) changes take place in companies that have different motives for implementing ERP systems. This explorative study seeks to further examine the influence of these BP changes on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In Spring 2006, 14 semi‐structured interviews were made in mid‐sized Finnish companies that use an ERP system. An ERP scorecard framework was applied to assess the perceived benefits of ERP.

Findings

Companies that have a technologically‐led motivation perceive “improved service time in accounting tasks” as an internal efficiency benefit, “faster response to business change” as customer benefits, and financial benefits in terms of other improved efficiencies. Companies that have a business‐led motivation perceive “economies of scale” as an internal efficiency benefit, and financial benefits in terms of “lower headcount costs” and “lower selling, general and administrative costs.” Both groups of companies report BP changes in terms of “reassignment of financial management of business cases.”

Research limitations/implications

The balanced‐scorecard approach offers a systematic analysis of the ERP effects in organizations, but it limits the interpretation of the interview data. The small number of ERP implementations studied means that the results are not directly generalizable, but they point out interesting avenues for future research.

Practical implications

The insights in the paper about the relationship between how ERP projects are motivated and how benefits are perceived may be helpful to organizations that implement ERP systems. The findings support the importance of continued monitoring of ERP systems to leverage their effects in maximizing benefits for the implementing organizations.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insights into the interrelationships between the motivations for implementing ERP systems and the perceived ERP benefits.
Managerial factors for evaluating eco‐clustering approach
Authors: Dimitrova Vesselina , Lagioia Giovanni , Gallucci Teodoro
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to study the main managerial factors for evaluating the eco‐cluster approach and to promote their implementation within the environmental industry management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes the authors' observations about the advantages of eco‐clustering, and their practical consideration. The empirical research shows the tendencies for developing an eco‐cluster policy in one of the most economically dynamic regions in Bulgaria: Varna‐Devnya. The study framework was discussed with managers on the basis of the environmental practices of Solvay Sodi, Devnya Cement, and Agropolihim JSC. The authors outline the possible cycle of waste management and emission exchanges in that industrial zone.

Findings

The findings show that the eco‐cluster concept in Bulgaria could be provided on micro‐ and macro‐managerial levels, discussing firm relationships and governmental policy. The principal limitation for generating the findings is the lack of concordance between the governmental interest and the business interests of the TNCs. Three negative factors are important in the implementation of the eco‐clustering concept: lack of information; financial constraints; lack of trust.

Practical implications

Common strategic agreements between TNCs and local authorities provide useful managerial and public implications for eco‐clustering. Second, the analysis outlines essential steps for the managerial behavior for creating eco‐clusters.

Originality/value

The perspectives of the eco‐cluster are studied for the first time in Bulgaria. The investigation gives motivation for a further study of the eco‐clustering approach with the support of the local authorities. The practical steps for managerial and public implications of the eco‐cluster concept as an innovative tool for Bulgarian managers are revealed.
Acceptance and adoption of the innovative use of smartphone
Authors: Park Yangil , Chen Jengchung V.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate human motivations affecting an adoption decision for smartphone among medical doctors and nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates smartphone users' perception based on users' perceived adoption under the self‐efficacy, technology acceptance model (TAM) and innovation attributes leading to an adoption attitude under innovation diffusion theory by providing research constructs for the domain of medical doctors and nurses, testing them with reliability and validity, and demonstrating their distinctiveness with hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results indicate that behavioral intention to use was largely influenced by perceived usefulness (PU) and attitude toward using smartphone. PU and perceived ease of use positively determine attitude toward using smartphone.

Research limitations/implications

For researchers, this study shows the possible and valuable adaptation of TAM constructs into the smartphone acceptance of doctors and nurses. The perceptions of smartphone adoption in this study are based on a one‐time survey. For better reliability a longitudinal study to show the measurement of attitudes will be needed.

Practical implications

One of the important implications is that organizational factors become a significant predictor of users' attitude toward innovative technologies.

Originality/value

The domain of research, smartphone, is a new technology in some industries; thus smartphone adoption deserves investigation in its own right. Although academic research of smartphone adoption in healthcare is limited, this study contributes to the field by adding an important new investigation.
Human resources' self‐esteem across gender and categories: a study
Authors: Kundu Subhash C. , Rani Sunita
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The main objective of the study is to assess the self‐esteem of the human resources including future workforce, trainees, managers, and entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data based on 1,835 respondents were analyzed to compare the self‐esteem of males and females of various categories. Statistical tools such as factor analysis, correlations, analysis of variance, means, grand means, and standard deviations were used for the analysis of the data gathered.

Findings

Among all the derived five factors, respondents scored highest on strong belief which indicated the high self‐esteem cognition. Significant differences were found between the various categories of students, managers, entrepreneurs, and trainees. Males and females also differed on certain aspects of self‐esteem. The overall self‐esteem of the sample was found to be marginally positive.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study was that the data were collected from North India only, though they could have been collected from the wider area. Rather it can be extended cross‐culturally so that it may give more generalized conclusions.

Practical implications

Self‐esteem of human resources has managerial and policy implications. Self‐esteem affects the organisational decisions regarding planning and hiring, motivating, retaining, and laying‐off of human resources. High and positive self‐esteem has a positive relationship with job performance, job satisfaction, organisational commitment, need for achievement, self‐perceived competence, self‐image, and success expectancy. Organizations should not only concentrate on hiring and retaining high and positive self‐esteem employees, but also try to maintain the self‐esteem level of the employees. Organisations can enhance employees' self‐esteem by allowing them ample room for self‐determination.

Originality/value

This paper helps in understanding the level of self‐esteem of males and females across categories and resultant behaviour. Inclusion of aspirants along with managers and entrepreneurs will definitely add to the existing knowledge, management theory and practice.
Key success factors of strategic sourcing
Authors: Chan Tony C.T. , Chin Kwai‐Sang
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This research aims to identify and examine the importance of the key success factors (KSFs) of strategic sourcing, and investigate the relationship between KSFs and sourcing performance in the Hong Kong toy industry. The KSFs are ranked, and the results show those factors that should be given the highest priority in implementing strategic sourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review, a questionnaire survey, interviews with industry experts and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach were employed in the study. First, the KSFs were identified after a full review and evaluation of the strategic sourcing literature. A questionnaire survey of 205 companies was then conducted in the Hong Kong toy industry to verify the importance of these KSFs. Finally, 20 sourcing experts from the toy industry were interviewed and assigned pairwise comparison judgements on a proposed AHP model, which prioritised the relative importance of these KSFs for the Hong Kong toy industry.

Findings

About 14 KSFs are identified through the literature review. The survey results indicate that these 14 KSFs are important and they are positively related to sourcing performance. Moreover, the results show that there is only marginal implementation of these 14 KSFs amongst Hong Kong toy companies. With the prioritisation of the identified KSFs by the AHP approach, it is strongly suggested that the toy manufacturers assess and improve their strategic sourcing performance.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the relative importance of the 14 KSFs, which will allow manufacturers to use their limited resources to focus on the most important factors in improving their strategic sourcing practice and performance.
Market, industry, and company influences on global product standardization
Authors: Powers Thomas L. , Loyka Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to report research on the relationship among market, industry, and company factors and the level of global product standardization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey of executive level managers in US‐based companies that market products both domestically and internationally.

Findings

Significant relationships were found between specific market, industry, and company factors and global product standardization.

Originality/value

The results of the research can be used both to understand and to manage global products in light of the market, industry, and company factors that influence their existence.
The impact of ownership
Authors: Carlos Pinho José
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the growing body of literature on small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation by considering a set of propositions regarding the drivers and inhibitors of an entry mode decision.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a quantitative methodological approach, a survey was applied to a sample of SMEs to empirically test the proposed conceptual model. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Results from the study revealed the importance of the firm's international experience, its ability to innovate, the market potential for growth and market‐specific knowledge as key predictors for choosing an equity‐entry mode. SMEs are rather flexible in nature and tend to perform activities with low‐cost structures, thereby minimising the relevance of the perceived risk associated with the host country.

Practical implications

Empirical findings are relevant as they may assist SME managers to make financially sound entry mode choices, which, if effectively made, enable a firm to gain important competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current body of knowledge in the area of SME internationalisation by combining two key dimensions of Dunning's eclectic framework, while also including the managerial and ownership structure characteristics, whose dimensions have been assumed to be important drivers for SME internationalisation.
An analytical review of the factors stimulating smaller firms to export
Authors: Leonidou Leonidas C. , Katsikeas Constantine S. , Palihawadana Dayananda , Spyropoulou Stavroula
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Although exporting can offer many benefits to smaller manufacturers, a large number of these firms refrain from export operations as a result of insufficient stimulation. This paper seeks to critically analyse and creatively synthesise the reasons that may stimulate a smaller firm to export, based on a review of 32 empirical studies conducted in various parts of the world during the period 1974‐2005.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 40 export stimuli were systematically identified from the extant empirical literature, which, for analytical purposes, were divided into internal and external, as well as proactive and reactive. Within each study, stimuli were ranked in terms of their importance, frequency, or intensity, and the aggregate impact of each stimulus in all studies under review was evaluated.

Findings

The review revealed that export stimulation stems from a variety of factors, and may vary according to time, spatial, and industry contexts. Irrespective of contextual factors, there are certain motives that systematically play a key role in encouraging smaller firms to export, such as the desire to achieve extra sales, profits, and growth, utilise better idle production capacity, exploit a unique/patented product, avoid the threats of a saturated domestic market, reduce home market dependence, and respond to unsolicited orders from abroad. Some of these motives may lead to an opportunistic approach to exporting, while others denote deliberate export adoption. It was also shown that, although there are numerous other stimulating factors, with a lower impact on exporting, these should not be underestimated because their role may increase under certain conditions or become complementary to export stimuli with a stronger impact.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study have serious implications for both public and company policy makers. Policy makers may use this insightful analysis of export stimulation as a guide to developing proper export promotion programmes and sound export marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The paper offers a comprehensive review and synthesis of all factors with a possible stimulating effect on exporting; evaluates the aggregate effect of each factor, as collectively derived from all empirical studies conducted on the subject; and provides an in‐depth analysis of the nature and the stimulating mechanism of each factor.
Accounting as codified discourse
Authors: Llewellyn Sue , Milne Markus J.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the AAAJ special issue on “Accounting as codified discourse”, explicate the idea of codification and locate the notion of a “codified discourse” within the broader tradition of discourse studies in management.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is conceptual and discursive, and provides a theoretical framework for understanding codification and a discursive context for the accepted papers in this special issue.

Findings

Theoretically, consideration of the more determinate relationship between codified discourse and practice can add to the general understanding of the discourse/practice dynamic in organisation studies. Several issues are identified that call for further empirical investigation. First, some of the broad‐spectrum accounting codes (e.g. historic cost) are currently under review in the expectation that change will enable constructive accounting innovation. Second, the impact of more codified accounting on management practice in organisations requires evaluation. Third, how far “intangibles” and “externalities” can be codified is a pertinent current agenda. Fourth, work is needed on whether and to what extent professional power is curtailed when politicians and policy makers introduce more codified discourses.

Research limitations/implications

Currently “codification” is not well understood in the literature. This AAAJ special issue opens up the debate but there remains considerable scope for future work to take this agenda forward – to enable more detailed understanding of accounting as codified discourse.

Originality/value

Although “discourse studies” and “discourse analysis” are now firmly embedded in the organisational/management literature, “codified discourses” have not featured in the debate. This is a significant omission as codification is a key feature of many discourses – especially in professional fields like accounting, law, and medicine. Moreover, codified discourses are becoming more widespread. The value of this paper lies in its exposition of accounting as codification in relation to discourse.
Discourse and audit change
Authors: Khalifa Rihab , Sharma Nina , Humphrey Christopher , Robson Keith
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to develop understanding of how the pursuit of practice change in auditing, especially in relation to audit methodologies, is conveyed, presented, reflected in and enabled (or hindered) through discursive, textual constructions by audit firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an extensive series of interviews with audit practitioners, educators and regulators and a textual study of the content, concordances and narratives contained in two key audit methodological texts published by KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms.

Findings

Major discursive shifts in audit methodologies are identified over the last decade, with the dominant audit discourse switching from one of “business value” to one of “audit quality”. Such shifts are analysed in terms of developments in the wider, organisational field and discursive (re)constructions of audit at the level of the audit firm.

Originality/value

The identified shifts in auditing discourse are important in a number of respects. They demonstrate the significance of discursive elements of audit practice, contradicting influential prior claims that methodological discussions and developments in audit over the last decade had focused consistently on notions of “audit quality”. Methodologically, they demonstrate the importance and opportunities for knowledge development available by combining institutional, field‐wide analysis with a detailed discursive study of individual interviews and texts.
Social and environmental reporting and hegemonic discourse
Authors: Spence Crawford
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the construction/reproduction of capitalist discourse through social and environmental reporting (SER) and, from this, to consider the implications that this may have for the function that SER serves.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the discourse theory of Laclau and Mouffe to frame SER as a hegemonic practice. Laclau and Mouffe's discourse theory is also used as a lens by which to interpret the findings of an empirical study exploring managerial perceptions of SER motivations and organisational‐socio‐environmental interactions.

Findings

The paper finds that both SER and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are driven by numerous motivations, although these motivations essentially form part of a business case. In turn, the necessity of this business case appears to shape and constrain the ideologies that underpin and are communicated through SER.

Research limitations/implications

The debate within the SER literature around which set of motivations best explains the existence of SER is challenged here by the notion that the vast majority of these motivations may be understood as falling into some sort of business case. Moreover, this business case is one that constrains the perceived function of practices such as SER and CSR. One limitation of the study relates to the importance of SER in wider processes of ideology construction and dissemination. SER may be peripheral in this regard.

Practical implications

A practical implication of this paper is the recognition of the structural and ideological impediments to fuller accountability that are faced by corporate managers.

Originality/value

The paper explores SER combining both critical theory and qualitative fieldwork. It is one of very few papers to interpret SER explicitly through the lens of discourse theory.
Enrolling discourse consumers to affect material intellectual capital practice
Authors: Cuganesan Suresh , Boedker Christina , Guthrie James
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical account of the discourse‐practice nexus relating to an accounting for intellectual capital (IC) at an Australian public sector organisation (LandsNSW).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study. Data collection techniques comprised semi‐structured interviews,in situobservation of meetings and internal presentations, and reviews of documents such as internal memos, strategic plans, IC statements and business performance and annual reports.

Findings

Although ambiguity in discourse may reduce its ability to prescribe particular practices, the paper argues that such qualities allow discourse producers greater flexibility in attempting to shape action. At LandsNSW, IC discourse was given shape by those mobilising it. Specifically, constructing IC as a potential solution to practical concerns made IC more attractive to discourse consumers. By interesting and enrolling users in this manner, IC discourse was taken up where it had previously been discarded.

Research limitations/implications

External factors that comprised IC discourse outside the organisation have only been given limited attention. It is also acknowledged that discourse consumers extend beyond practice manager level to also include employees in lower level operational positions and that these have not been explored in this study.

Purpose

The paper provides useful information on enrolling discourse consumers to affect material intellectual capital practice.