bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change and employee behaviour
Authors: Schalk René , Campbell Jennifer W. , Freese Charissa
Published: July 2002

In this study the relationship between perceived change implementation in an organization is related to employee self‐rated behaviour. The change implementation processes measured were communication, support and participation. The relationship between these processes and employee behaviour was examined by testing a theoretical model, in which two mediating concepts are used: the psychological contract and employee job attitudes. The research was carried out in two main divisions of a large telecommunications firm on a sample of 220 employees. The theoretical model (perceived change implementation influencing the psychological contract, influencing employee attitudes, influencing employee behaviour) had a better fit with the data, compared to alternative models.
Contingencies influencing the effectiveness of acquisition‐based corporate growth and development strategies: the case of ITT, 1920‐1997
Authors: Sisaye Seleshi
Published: July 2002

Contingency models have enabled researchers to develop system‐based decision‐making approaches to organizational studies. Two contingency decision‐making models ‐ rational and political choice ‐ have been applied to identify those organizational characteristics and strategic leadership qualities associated with acquisitive growth through “absorption” and “diversification”. A study of the International Telephone and Telegraph Company (ITT) organizational growth strategies from 1920 to 1997 reveals that senior managers adopt the rational decision‐making model when organizational growth through acquisition involves absorption, and the political model when organizational growth calls for diversification. A contingency historical study of ITT demonstrates two important periods in ITT’s organizational life cycles ‐ one of growth (1920‐early 1970s) and one of consolidation/stability (from mid‐1970 to the present time). Contingency models indicate that differences in organizational growth strategies arise due to differences in environmental factors characterizing each period as organizations pass through several stages of growth in their life cycles.
“Consultancy fatigue”: epidemiology, symptoms and prevention
Authors: Gilbert Kate
Published: July 2002

This paper examines a phenomenon increasingly evident among senior management and officials within Central and Eastern European commercial and governmental organisations. The term “consultancy fatigue” coined in a Tacis report describes a sense of weariness, frustration, and cynicism about the activities of Western consultants in countries served by Tacis programmes. This “syndrome” contributes to problems in the quality and effectiveness of Western consultancy initiatives. The key points drawn from a survey of the literature are borne out by a research project, based on case studies currently under way, into the effectiveness of Western management knowledge transfer into Russia. The paper identifies the ways in which the interplay between the attitudinal sets of Russian top managers, and consultants’ behaviours, creates disillusionment and disappointment. The conclusion is that consultancy fatigue cannot be eradicated, but its worst effects can be mitigated by measures which are offered as guidelines towards the end of the paper.
Barriers, boundaries and leaks in an organization development intervention
Authors: Beeby Mick , Simpson Peter
Published: July 2002

Reflects on an organizational development (OD) intervention which addressed strategic culture change with the senior management team of a UK‐based international manufacturing organization. In line with emergent theory and practice OD consultants, authors intervened at the three levels: strategy, culture and top team dynamics. Whilst the client seemed happy with the outcomes, the authors believed that the intervention had failed to effect transformational change and were thus motivated to re‐examine practice in the light of recent contributions to the OD and organizational learning literature. This analysis suggests that future OD practice should be grounded in processes of dialogue permeating all phases of the intervention. At the diagnostic phase, there is a need to identify more clearly the enablers and barriers to productive learning. Subsequently, during implementation, the boundaries of the intervention with particular reference to politics, authority and task should be managed more carefully and explicitly.
Beyond technical competence: fear ‐ banish the beast
Authors: Scarnati James T.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the elimination of fear in the workplace as an essential task on the road to quality. The thematic focus is that fear robs an organization of its ability to adapt and focus the human energy necessary to compete in a global marketplace. Defines fear in the context of lowered goals and standards, its relationship to quality, and structural fear within organizations. Cites examples of companies in which fearful environments have had negative outcomes. Tells how a fearful climate hinders communication, destroys initiative, annihilates creativity, stifles innovation, and destroys confidence in management. Discusses why business and industry find it difficult to banish the beast of fear. Stresses that administration must abandon the power and control model of management. Establishes a solid foundation for long‐term success, increased productivity, and increased profitability.
A contingent approach to the design of vendor selection systems for different types of co‐operative customer/supplier relationships
Authors: Masella Cristina , Rangone Andrea
Published: July 2002

Literature on supply chain management has been recently stressing the need for co‐operation and integration between suppliers and customers, highlighting the critical role played by the supplier in contributing to the overall performance of the purchaser. Consequently supplier selection is one of the purchasing manager’s most critical tasks, as demonstrated by the number of articles that have dealt with vendor selection criteria and techniques in the light of the requirements of the new environment. The paper proposes four different vendor selection systems (VSSs) depending on the time frame (short‐term versus long‐term) and on the content (logistic versus strategic) of the co‐operative customer/supplier relationships. More precisely, the suggested VSSs consider, in an analytic hierarchy process framework, different sets of measures, deriving from a non‐conventional model of the supplier based on the dynamic system and on the resource‐based approach.
A framework for auditing and enhancing performance measurement systems
Authors: Medori David , Steeple Derek
Published: July 2002

To be world class and be classified as a world class manufacturer, manufacturing organisations need to have a number of critical ingredients: one such ingredient is that of an appropriate performance measurement system. Measurement systems incorporating financial and non‐financial measures have been a topic of considerable interest to both business practitioners and academics for most of the 1990s. A voluminous amount of attention has focussed on manufacturing industry, especially regarding the selection and implementation of non‐financial performance measures. Throughout the 1990s, various novel frameworks have been devised to aid manufacturing organisations to select and implement measures. This paper will outline one such framework that was developed taking into account industry design requirements. Results of the framework having been implemented will be illustrated through a short case study, with the framework’s potential and shortcomings being discussed.
Production management in New Zealand: is education relevant to practice?
Authors: Basnet Chuda
Published: July 2002

Presents a report on a postal survey of production managers and production management academics carried out in New Zealand. The managers were asked questions about their tasks, responsibilities, and educational needs. The academics provided data on their teaching of production management. The survey particularly focused on the practical relevance of production management topics commonly taught in undergraduate courses of tertiary institutions. Survey results show that the practical relevance of production management education in New Zealand is significant, but there is room for improvement.
Dispelling the modern myth
Authors: Silvestro Rhian
Published: July 2002

This paper reports some empirical findings which appear to challenge the received wisdom prevailing in the operations management, service management, TQM and HRM literatures, namely, that employee satisfaction and loyalty are key drivers of productivity, efficiency and profit. An empirical study of one of the UK’s four large supermarket chains reveals an inverse correlation between employee satisfaction and the measures of productivity, efficiency and profitability, the most profitable stores being those in which employees are least satisfied. Employee loyalty, measured in terms of length of service, also appears to be inversely correlated with productivity and profitability. It also emerges that the pressure to maximise store efficiency may be leading to dysfunctional managerial behaviour at store level. These preliminary findings suggest two imperatives for managers and academics. For managers, it is advocated that they analyse the relationship between employee satisfaction, loyalty and financial performance in their own organisations rather than assuming that the rhetoric of the management literature applies in all operational contexts. For academics, four contingent variables are proposed which distinguish those service contexts in which the assumed relationship may pertain: services where customer contact with staff is high; services where there is little opportunity for technological substitution; services where staff contact is critical to the customer value proposition; and services with high labour costs.
Survey research in operations management: a process‐based perspective
Authors: Forza Cipriano
Published: July 2002

This paper provides guidelines for the design and execution of survey research in operations management (OM). The specific requirements of survey research aimed at gathering and analysing data for theory testing are contrasted with other types of survey research. The focus is motivated by the need to tackle the various issues which arise in the process of survey research. The paper does not intend to be exhaustive: its aim is to guide the researcher, presenting a systematic picture which synthesises suitable survey practices for research in an OM context. The fundamental aim is to contribute to an increase in the quality of OM research and, as a consequence, to the status of the OM discipline among the scientific community.
Case research in operations management
Authors: Voss Chris , Tsikriktsis Nikos , Frohlich Mark
Published: July 2002

This paper reviews the use of case study research in operations management for theory development and testing. It draws on the literature on case research in a number of disciplines and uses examples drawn from operations management research. It provides guidelines and a roadmap for operations management researchers wishing to design, develop and conduct case‐based research.
Patient mix optimisation in hospital admission planning: a case study
Authors: Adan I.J.B.F. , Vissers J.M.H.
Published: July 2002

Admissions planning decides on the number of patients admitted for a specialty each day, but also on the mix of patients admitted. Within a specialty different categories of patients can be distinguished on behalf of their requirement of resources. The type of resources required for an admission may involve beds, operating theatre capacity, nursing capacity and intensive care beds. The mix of patients is, therefore, an important decision variable for the hospital to manage the workload of the inflow of patients. In this paper we will consider the following planning problem: how can a hospital generate an admission profile for a specialty, given a target patient throughput and utilization of resources, while satisfying given restrictions? For this planning problem, we will develop an integer linear programming model, that has been tested in a pilot setting in a hospital. The paper includes an analysis of the planning problem, a description of the model developed, an application of a specialty orthopaedics, and a discussion of the results obtained.
Cyclical packaging planning at a pharmaceutical company
Authors: Strijbosch L.W.G. , Heuts R.M.J. , Luijten M.L.J.
Published: July 2002

The total yearly costs of medicine usage in The Netherlands are increasing year after year. The Dutch government tries to get this increase under control by price regulations, which forces pharmaceutical manufacturers in The Netherlands to manufacture and distribute more efficiently. In this case study, we analyse for a particular pharmaceutical manufacturer in The Netherlands, whose name is confidential, the outsourcing of distribution in combination with a cyclical planning procedure of the packaging of medicines. Next, this cyclical packaging plan is linked with a new order procedure. The proposed cyclical packaging plan together with the new order procedure appeared to be very favourable compared to the present procedures.
Strategies for Managing the TQ Agenda
Authors: Smith Stuart , Tranfield David , Foster Morris , Whittle Susan
Published: July 2002

Reports the findings of a research project into the development of a
total quality methodology for strategic use by senior management teams
aimed at enabling them to audit current approaches, revise where
necessary, and then implement in order to produce TQM programmes which
are resilient in the medium/long term. Recounts the empirical and
theoretical work underpinning a partially inductively derived map of
approaches to TQM, comprising four TQM paradigms which are postulated to
be the product of managerial mindsets and which result in predominant
and implicit TQM cultures in management teams. Explores the role of TQM
in strategic cultural change. Finally details the development of a
methodology (TQM2) based on the research findings.
Strategic Framework for Implementing Flexible Manufacturing Systems in
India
Authors: Sambasiva Rao K.V. , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: July 2002

The success of any manufacturing concern greatly depends on the
effective functioning of the management at the strategic level. The
importance of Advanced Manufacturing Systems (AMS) such as Flexible
Manufacturing Systems (FMS) has been increasing because of their
competitive advantages. With fast changing markets manufacturing firms
are facing challenges to satisfy pluralistic customers. Thus the concept
of “flexibility” in manufacturing systems has attained significant
importance in meeting the challenges for a variety of products at
shorter lead‐times, together with higher productivity and quality. FMSs
are, therefore, expected to be of great significance over the years to
come. FMS focuses attention on the manufacturing firm at its strategic
level. Describes the state‐of‐the‐art of the Indian machine tool
industry and the scope for FMS. Continues with a review of the strategic
issues which influence the implementation process of FMS and suggests a
four‐stage strategic framework.
Determining What to Benchmark: An Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach
Authors: Partovi Fariborz Y.
Published: July 2002

Presents a model for strategic selection of processes for benchmarking.
The process selection methodology, which incorporates Saaty′s Analytical
Hierarchy Process, starts with situation analysis, is followed by the
differentiation of target customer wants, and concludes with the
prioritization of the value chain processes to be benchmarked. The
proposed methodology was implemented in a manufacturing setting.
Sensitivity analysis was carried out to test the robustness of the
results. The feedback from the managers who participated in the
selection process confirmed the utility of this approach.
Enhancing Competitiveness through the New Market Value Equation
Authors: Meredith Jack R. , McCutcheon David M. , Hartley Janet
Published: July 2002

Identifies four factors as constituting the primary basis for global
competition in providing customers with value: customization, quality,
response time, and price. However, finds that these factors interact in
a multiplicative rather than the commonly‐assumed additive manner,
giving competitors with multiple strengths additional competitiveness
and disqualifying firms which lack performance on even one dimension.
Presents a simple model to aid managers in analysing the competition in
their industry as well as in making decisions about the best actions to
take for strengthening their firm′s competitiveness.
The Design of Lean Manufacturing Systems Using Time‐based Analysis
Authors: Barker R.C.
Published: July 2002

Discusses time‐based restructuring and benchmarking frameworks which
have been developed by the author. These are capable of measuring the
value‐adding capability of batch manufacturing organizations and guiding
continuous improvements. The need for such frameworks for value‐adding
analysis has already been identified. This development pursues a primary
goal strategy, namely that organizations exist to add value by
converting inputs to outputs, but excessive amounts of stock, complexity
and constraints make the system entropic and these negatives must be
minimized. Without value‐adding measurement the firm fails to be
competitive in many cases because investment, poor resource utilization
and inadequate organization are not directed at core objectives which
add value and meet customer needs.
JIT and TQM: a case for joint implementation
Authors: Vuppalapati Kiran , Ahire Sanjay L. , Gupta Tarun
Published: July 2002

The post‐Second World War era has seen the emergence of two strategies to improve the operational effectiveness of manufacturing firms: just‐in‐time (JIT) production systems and total quality management (TQM). Both evolved in Japan, and the West deciphered and applied them later. TQM has evolved in Japan over the last four decades, and JIT principles were developed and applied as an integral part of TQM philosophy. The West, however, deciphered JIT elements of Japanese manufacturing excellence first, followed by recognition of TQM as the underlying philosophy. Hence, these are viewed by a majority of Western researchers and practitioners in isolation (thetraditionalview). Examines the linkages between JIT and TQM from conceptual, philosophical, and implementation perspectives. Theorizes a synergistic interaction between JIT and TQM when they are viewed as an integrated strategy where JIT is an integral part of TQM philosophy (theintegratedview). Provides theoretical support for the thesis that the organizations which implement JIT and TQM jointly as an integrated strategy with JIT elements embedded in the broader TQM philosophy outperform the firms which view them in isolation and implement either one.
Environmental management and its impact on the operations function
Authors: Gupta Mahesh C.
Published: July 2002

Recently, corporations have been confronted with a number of global
environmental challenges such as global warming, acid rain, depletion of
natural resources, waste management, green consumerism and pollution
prevention. There is growing pressure to deliver products and services
which are environmentally compatible. A number of corporations such as
Du Pont, 3M, AT&T, Xerox and Procter & Gamble are, therefore,
integrating various environmental policies and programmes into their
operations strategy and specific decisions concerning operations such as
product design/planning, process technology selection, and quality
management. Introduces the concepts of environmental management (EM) and
argues that firms which do not recognize the implications of
environmental problems on the operations function will not succeed in
the competitive market. Various environmental management practices (such
as implementing aggressive pollution‐prevention programmes, initiating
environment‐related performance measures and developing green products
and process technologies) provide opportunities to strengthen a firm′s
distinctive competence in terms of operations objectives such as highest
quality, lowest cost, best dependability, and greatest flexibility.
Thus, EM gives a competitive advantage and develops new links between
operations strategy and the corporate strategy (e.g. cost leadership and
product differentiation).
Change processes towards lean production
Authors: Karlsson Christer , Åhlström Pär
Published: July 2002

Explores the role of the remuneration system in the implementation
process when introducing a complex manufacturing strategy, lean
production. Exploratory clinical research in a mechanical manufacturing
company was used and three areas of findings emerged. First, there is a
need for congruence in time between organization and remuneration, since
the remuneration system serves both as an obstructing and a facilitating
force in the process. There is also a need for congruence between the
principles of the organization and remuneration. Converting the complex
goals of the manufacturing strategy into a correspondingly elaborate
remuneration system is essential. Finally, proposes a two‐part
remuneration system for lean manufacturing. The first part of the system
is a response to the founding principles of lean manufacturing: focusing
on the competence of the individual. The second part is formed to
remunerate the outcomes of a lean manufacturing system based on the
performance of the team.
The role of group working in assembly organization
Authors: van der Meer Robert , Gudim Mairi
Published: July 2002

Demonstrates how different forms of assembly organization can be classified on the basis of three structural characteristics and analyses the possible relationships between these characteristics and the various dimensions of competitive advantage. Uses the resulting model of the “assembly organization cube” to show that ‐ apart from four “pure” forms of assembly organization ‐ there is a multitude of potential “hybrid” forms, all of which may be expected to support the competitive advantage of the business in different ways from one another. Applies the model to a case study of group working in a clothing manufacturing plant. Explains how the net effects of the move from progressive assembly in batches towards a form of assembly organization incorporating somewhat longer task cycles, tighter coupling, and a more horizontal form of co‐operation have been significant improvements in each of the dimensions of competitive advantage targeted (throughput times, product flexibility, in‐process quality, and production efficiency) as well as an increase in the level of job satisfaction of assembly operators.
Team time: a model for developing self‐directed work teams
Authors: van Amelsvoort Pierre , Benders Jos
Published: July 2002

Distinguishes two different forms of team: the han and the self‐directed work team. The main differences between these forms relate to autonomy and the number of hierarchical levels. Argues that the ideal typical conditions under which both forms flourish are different. Whereas the han form is typically applied in a highly repetitive production process in a country with a number of specific national conditions, namely Japan, the self‐directed work team seems preferable in a dynamic environment in western countries. Implementing and developing such teams is by no means an automatic process. Presents a heuristic model to guide these processes.
Job‐shop sequencing problems via network scheduling technique
Authors: Akpan Edem O.P.
Published: July 2002

Examines a new approach to job‐shop sequencing problems. This is based on a network scheduling technique on the premiss of limited resource availability to achieve minimum total processing time. The method utilizes a resource allocation procedure based on random activity (job element) selection and the method of finding the optimal solution is that of selecting the trial run with the minimum time duration. With its random nature of selecting activities at the completion of one or more activities, the greater the number of trial runs, the greater the chances are of getting the exact solution which would have been derived had the more conventional mathematical techniques been used. Also aims to find solutions to the more practical job sequencing problems, which are difficult to solve using existing heuristics, mathematical methods and procedures. Highlights these practical examples in the different sections.
A framework for analysing supply chain improvement
Authors: New Stephen J.
Published: July 2002

Presents a classification scheme which allows the interpretation of supply chain improvement initiatives. While there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence, there is little systematic theoretical development in the field. This is partly because of the many different ways in which co‐operation between trading partners may be developed. The suggested framework is useful in that it highlights some important yet often ignored issues relating to the logic and outcomes of collaborative activities. Illustrates the use of the framework by the secondary analysis of some well‐known UK examples in logistics and supply‐chain management and with supplementary data gathered by questionnaire. Concludes by discussing the limitations of the scheme and its role in further research.
Towards consistent performance management systems
Authors: Douwe P. Flapper Simme , Fortuin Leonard , Stoop Paul P.M.
Published: July 2002

Performance indicators (PIs) and performance measurement are popular topics in management literature nowadays. However, hardly ever is attention paid to the consequences of the relationships that often exist between the different PIs for designing effective, consistent performance management systems for organizations as a whole. Presents a concrete method for constructing a consistent set of PIs forming the basis of a consistent performance management system, where explicit attention is paid to the relations between PIs. Discusses the important role played by the new classification of PIs. Provides a case study to illustrate the use of the method in a practical situation.
A prototype expert system for the evaluation and selection of potential suppliers
Authors: Vokurka Robert J. , Choobineh Joobin , Vadi Lakshmi
Published: July 2002

Suggests that the evaluation and selection of potential suppliers is becoming a more important and critical decision in today’s competitive operating environment. Reveals that many firms are reducing their number of suppliers and the supplier base may provide a company with a strategic competitive advantage. Explains that the supplier selection decision now involves many judgemental factors in addition to the historical selection criteria. Offers a prototype expert system which enables users to evaluate and select a potential supplier based on the strategic importance of the product involved, quantitative data and qualitative factors. The system’s early validation results show its potential as an effective decision‐making aid.
The values of TQM in the revised ISO 9000 quality system
Authors: Yung Winco K.C.
Published: July 2002

Assesses the latest revisions to the ISO 9000 quality system, which seek to embrace the principles of total quality management (TQM) more closely. Highlights some of the TQM elements introduced into the system, such as: quality improvement; management commitment with a greater emphasis on executive roles; operational processes showing linkages to the overall system; and customer satisfaction. Compares the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems and discusses the practicality of the revised ISO 9000 system as a highway to TQM.
Developing a framework for the effective planning and implementation of advanced manufacturing technology
Authors: Small Michael H. , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: July 2002

Uses information gathered from the advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) literature to develop an integrated conceptual framework for effectively planning and implementing these systems. Then examines the efficacy of this framework by investigating the relationship between adoption of various advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), the way that firms plan for and implement them and their eventual performance. A detailed survey instrument was administered to a cross‐section of manufacturing firms in the USA to collect the required data. The results of this investigation indicate that the rate of adoption for integrated technologies was higher among firms that adopted more extensive formal planning approaches. In addition, these firms were found to be outperforming other firms. Also provides managerial and research implications of these and the other findings of this study.
An investigation of the antecedents of turnover intention for manufacturing plant managers
Authors: Udo Godwin J. , Guimãrães Tor , Igbaria Magid
Published: July 2002

Shows how a survey of 216 plant managers is used to develop and test an integrated model of their turnover intentions. The model incorporates role stressors, task characteristics, job involvement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment as predictors of intention to stay in the organization. The results provide moderate support for the proposed model and show that organizational commitment had a direct and positive effect on plant managers’ intention to stay with their organization. Indirect effects on intention to stay were found for job satisfaction, job involvement, task characteristics and role stressors. Results show that job satisfaction is considered the most important factor directly affecting organizational commitment, while job involvement also had a direct effect on organizational commitment. Role stressors were found to be the most disfunctional variables affecting satisfaction of the plant managers. The results also indicated that task characteristics play an important role in predicting job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and intention to stay. Presents implications for top management to improve job satisfaction, organization commitment and retention of plant managers.
On the usability of quantitative modelling in operations strategy decision making
Authors: Akkermans Henk , Bertrand Will
Published: July 2002

Quantitative modelling seems admirably suited to help managers in their strategic decision making on operations management issues, but in practice models are rarely used for this purpose. Investigates the reasons why, based on a detailed cross‐case analysis of six cases of modelling‐supported strategic decision making. In several of these cases, effective strategic decision making was achieved despite unfavourable technical contingencies, such as a lack of quantitative data, or low tangibility of the issue at stake. This suggests that such technical conditions cannot be crucial for effective model‐based support. However, no case was found where good overall results were achieved under adverse organizational conditions, such as low quality of communication between stakeholders during the modelling/decision‐making process and low ownership with these stakeholders for the resulting model and its implications. This suggests that such organizational contingencies are indeed crucial for effective model‐based support. The modelling method described achieved good communication and ownership by operating in a process‐oriented consulting mode, where client participation in group model‐building sessions played a central role.
Designing performance measures: a structured approach
Authors: Neely Andy , Richards Huw , Mills John , Platts Ken , Bourne Mike
Published: July 2002

Describes the development and testing of a framework which can assist in the process of designing performance measures. Grounds the framework in the relevant literature and explains how it was developed and tested through a series of action research projects involving collaborators primarily from the aerospace and automotive industries. Notes that inadequately designed performance measures can result in dysfunctional behaviour often due to the method of calculation encouraging individuals to pursue inappropriate courses of action. The performance measure record sheet presented provides a structure which considers factors such as the purpose of the measure and the source of data. Notes the advantages of the record sheet, such as its use to audit existing measures of performance and to facilitate the process of designing new ones.
The life cycle of manufacturing cells
Authors: Marsh Robert F. , Meredith Jack R. , McCutcheon David M.
Published: July 2002

When a functional layout is converted to a cellular layout, the cell design is generally based on a static picture of production volume and part mix, but manufacturing environments face ongoing changes in these parameters. It is expected that, eventually, changes in production volume and part mix will cause a deterioration in cell performance to the point that a cell’s machine layout must be redesigned, marking the end of the cell’s life cycle. Tests the existence of cell life cycles and performance deterioration attributed to changes in production volume and part mix through an exploratory field study which was undertaken at 15 firms using cellular manufacturing. Finds that cell life cycles did exist, but usually either in anticipation of declining cell performance ‐ rather than in reaction to it ‐ or in anticipation of potential improvements in cell performance due to changes in the marketplace.
The human factor in advanced manufacturing technology adoption
Authors: Co Henry C. , Eddy Patuwo B. , Hu Michael Y.
Published: July 2002

Examines the success factors critical to the adoption and implementation of advanced manufacturing technology. Empirically tests the hypothesis that the management variables most associated with the human factor in automation projects alone can differentiate firms who are successful in adopting the technologies from those who are not so successful. Analyzes the differences between the two groups of firms across 27 management variables and six demographic variables.
Longitudinal linkages between intended and realized operations strategies
Authors: Boyer Kenneth K.
Published: July 2002

Compares the intended operations strategy of 112 manufacturing plants in the metal‐working industries with the realized strategy, as measured by investments designed to improve both the manfucturing structure and infrastructure. Data were collected via a mail survey administered to 202 plants in 1994, and re‐administered to 112 of the same plants in 1996. Examines how the emphasis placed on four key competitive priorities (cost, flexibility, delivery and quality) is associated with investment a company makes to support these objectives. The data indicate that companies support their key competitive priorities both through investments in structural improvement and through investments in infrastructural improvement. Two findings contradict the established literature. First, investments in design‐based advanced manufacturing technologies are not associated with a strategic emphasis on any of the four competitive priorities. Second, plants which emphasized flexibiltiy as a key component of their operations strategy did not invest in either structural or infrastructural improvements to support this objective.
Strategy: the missing link between continuous revolution and constant evolution
Authors: Chaharbaghi Kazem , Willis Robert
Published: July 2002

Strategy model making has become a lucrative and growing industry. This industry appears to have no real purpose but superficially peddles the idea of a turnkey solution which is neither generic nor sustainable. As a result, the solution has now become part of the problem, obscuring the real issue. This paper exposes the risks and limitations associated with the products of the model‐making industry in order to demonstrate how organisations should treat strategy formulation and implementation. This remains an important but misrepresented area. The approach proposed in this paper links the concepts of continuous revolution with constant evolution in a way that explains competitive survival.
Representing process: the contribution of a re‐engineering frame
Authors: Buchanan David
Published: July 2002

The first aim of this paper is to bring empirical evidence from an atypical organizational setting to the debate surrounding the currency of business process re‐engineering, which some commentators have dismissed as a damaging “fad”. The second aim is to suggest how the process orientation advocated by re‐engineering can facilitate a creative visualization of organizational process and a participative approach to redesign. The paper is based on the experience of an acute teaching hospital seeking to reduce patient delays affecting the work of the operating theatres department. The project began towards the end of 1994, was overseen by a hospital steering committee, was conducted by a small internal project team (with researcher as member), and was based initially on a process mapping exercise. The elective surgical in‐patient process (one of the hospital’s “core processes”), from referral to discharge, was mapped using the knowledge of project team members, interview and survey data from 39 respondents, informal discussions with over 50 other hospital staff, and from a photo‐documentation and photo‐elicitation procedure. Interviews, survey questionnaires, informal discussion and the photo‐elicitation sessions were also used to develop a wide series of recommendations from staff with respect to redesigning the patient process and reducing theatre delays.
Implications of mass customization for operations management
Authors: Åhlström Pär , Westbrook Roy
Published: July 2002

This paper reports the results of a survey conducted to explore issues surrounding mass customization and in particular its implications for operations management. The findings cover the market changes driving customization, the methods used to provide customized goods, the positive and negative effects of customization, and the difficulties of implementation. There are shown to be important implications for operations management in a strategy of mass customization, and thus substantial scope for further research by operations management academics.
Measurement of productivity of professional services
Authors: Nachum Lilach
Published: July 2002

Existing measures of productivity were designed to measure productivity in industries in which both input and output are tangible standardised quantities. They are inadequate for productivity measurement of professional services, where intangible and specialised factors of production are in use. This paper seeks to address the difficulties associated with the measurement of productivity of professional service firms and to propose a more adequate measure of productivity in these industries. This measure is tested on a sample of Swedish management consulting firms, and is assessed in relation to several performance indicators of these firms. The findings illustrate the inadequacy of the manufacturing‐based measurement procedures and demonstrate that a measure which acknowledges the unique characteristics of professional services correlates better with firms’ performance. As this field of research is in its infancy, these findings are only suggested as indications for direction in which future research is needed.
Mathematics in economics: some remarks
Authors: Dillmann Roland , Eissrich Daniel , Frambach Hans , Herrmann Oliver
Published: July 2002

Attempts to throw some light on the sensible use of mathematics in economic theory. Argues that mathematics is a valuable and useful tool which economists should and must apply as long as its use is economically sensible. The dangers of going beyond the “frontier” of what is economically sensible occur when economists depart from the actual (empirical) subject matter because of the applied mathematical instruments, when the underlying value judgements are not, or only insufficiently, taken into consideration, when the recording and measurement of empirical magnitudes as an economic problem is underestimated or is even subordinate under the requirements of the formal language, and when the process of mathematization is considered as a substitute for the process of Verstehen. Concludes that although mathematical reasoning is one way of logical deduction, which secures a style of logical consistency in reasoning, it is a fallacy to believe that mathematical reasoning alone can secure logical, consistent reasoning. Mathematization for the sake of mathematization is useless.
Econometrics: an appraisal
Authors: van Meerhaeghe Marcel A.G.
Published: July 2002

Econometrics labours under the same limitations as economics: it rests on unrealistic hypotheses (and non‐operational concepts) and is isolated from other sciences. It should try to test economic hypotheses and estimate relationships that constitute theory, notwithstanding the poor available data. Many econometrists are no longer interested in measurement, but in art for art’s sake: econometrics becomes abstract mathematisation.
Mathematics in economics: the monopoly point of view?
Authors: Maks Hans
Published: July 2002

Describes how mathematics enjoyed a virtual monopoly as the privileged method of economic inquiry in the post‐war period. Counters the argument that such a position generates negative consequences, such as monopoly rents and the abuse of dominant positions. Argues that competing schools of economic thought such as Chicago, Harvard, neoclassical and post‐Keynesian, neo‐Australian, evolutionary and institutional economists all hold positions that diverge on essentials. Suggests that the market structure of post‐war economies is not a monopoly but a heterogeneous asymmetric oligopoly with a few large and a fringe of small suppliers. Analyses the relationship between two large and two fringe suppliers, stating that the oligopoly metaphor suggests that there is competition between schools that may lead to winners and losers and to changes in the market shares. In conclusion, offers a projection of what the author expects, i.e. who will lose and how the market structure will change, offering an insight into the role of mathematics.
Hermann Heinrich Gossen: a Wirkungsgeschichte of an ignored mathematical economist
Authors: Ikeda Yukihiro
Published: July 2002

Considers a Wirkungsgeschichte of Hermann Heinrich Gossen, focusing on the reactions of the three stars of the Marginal Revolution: William Stanley Jevons, Léon Walras and Carl Menger. Although Hermann Heinrich Gossen is today known as one of the forerunners of the Marginal Revolution, it was only in 1879 that Jevons mentioned him in the second edition of the Theory of Political Economy, which contributed greatly toward making Gossen’s name known among English‐speaking readers. Later, in 1885, Walras wrote a famous article in the Journal des Economistes, entitled “Un économiste inconnu: Hermann‐Henri Gossen”. Investigates a Wirkungsgeschichte of Gossen, an ignored German mathematical economist.
An engineer’s view of economics: Wilhelm Launhardt’s contributions
Authors: Backhaus Ursula
Published: July 2002

Wilhelm Launhardt (1832‐1918) is a founder of mathematical economics. His main work, Mathematical Foundations of Economics, published in 1885, was translated into English in 1993. As an engineer, he contributed to the field of not only engineering, but also of economics and, in particular, to those parts in economics which can be treated fruitfully with mathematics. Launhardt developed his work independently from the French engineers, but based it squarely on the work of the agricultural engineer von Thünen. He made references to the economists Sax, Walras and Jevons. His main economic contribution lies in founding location theory but, beyond that, he contributed to the mathematical treatment of economics, labor economics, monetary economics and technology economics with a special emphasis on railway issues from a locational point of view. Hence, it is the purpose of this paper to show how Launhardt used mathematics in his engineering‐based approach to the economics of location and technology.
Industrial Strategy
Authors: Pitelis Christos
Published: July 2002

Aims to examine the issue of industrial strategy (IS), paying particular attention to the case of Britain. Sets out to assess the possibility and nature of an industrial strategy for Britain, in Europe, and within the global scene, taking into account the world we live in as we see it. Accordingly, the perspective is driven and shaped by a quest for a realistic, feasible and sustainable industrial strategy. In order to achieve these objectives, first examines the theoretical arguments behind much of British, and more generally, Western industrial policies. Following this, outlines and assesses British industrial policy post‐Second World War then compares and contrasts British industrial policy with that of Europe, the USA, Japan and the newly industrialized countries. Then examines recent developments in economics and management which may explain the “Far Eastern” miracle, and points to the possibility of a successful, narrowly self‐interested, IS for Europe and Britain, based on the lessons from (new) theory and international experience. To assess what is possible, develops a theoretical framework linking firms in their roles as consumers and/or electors. This hints at the possibilities and limits of feasible policies. All these ignore desirability which, in the author′s view, should be seen in terms of distributional considerations, themselves contributors to sustainability. Accordingly, discusses a desirable industrial strategy for Britain in Europe which accounts for distributional considerations, and goes on to examine its implications for the issue of North‐South convergence. Concludes by pointing to the limitations of the analysis and to directions for developments.
Aggregation and the Welfare Analysis of US Tariffs
Authors: Arce Hugh M. , Reinert Kenneth A.
Published: July 2002

A recurrent concern of researchers who measure the cost of protection is
that welfare estimates based on models with highly aggregated sectors of
the economy in question will understate the true cost of protection if
the tariff system is not uniform. Uses the 1988 tariff schedule of the
US and a detailed 1988 social accounting matrix of the US to construct a
number of aggregation schemes to calculate the extent to which tariff
means and variances change under different aggregations. Then uses a
computable general equilibrium model to compare the cost of tariff
protection between two of the aggregation schemes.
Monetary policies of developed countries
Authors: Katsimbris George M. , Miller Stephen M.
Published: July 2002

The international linkages between money stocks (and inflation rates) has received much attention. Focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes. Fixed rate systems require credible commitments to the rules of the game by the central banks involved. Credible commitment can be achieved through cooperative (symmetric) or coercive (asymmetric) regimes. Did the USA (Germany) dominate other developed (European) countries during the Bretton Woods (European Monetary) system? Examines the linkages, if any, between the USA (German) money stock and money stocks in other developed (European) countries, using the cointegration and error‐correction methodology. Finds evidence that USA (German) money stock did affect other (European) countries′ money stocks during fixed exchange rates. Finds, also, reverse causality which raises serious questions about either the dominance of the USA (Germany) within the Bretton Woods (European Monetary) system, or the usefulness of causality tests is answering such questions.