bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climbing the value chain
Authors: Noke Hannah , Hughes Mathew
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Increasing productivity gaps and declining manufacturing bases create complex challenges for mature small to medium enterprises (SMEs). One solution advocated by academia is to reposition along the value chain – moving to a position of greater value. The purpose of this paper is to examine strategies used by firms to reposition through creating a new product development (NPD) capability. In doing so, the paper seeks to resolve gaps in extant literature on NPD in mature SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory approach is taken, analysing in‐depth case studies of three mature UK manufacturing SMEs.

Findings

Four strategic approaches to enable the creation of a NPD capability (strategic alliances, licensing key technologies and ideas, outsourcing and deploying an internal development process) are found. Each may facilitate an SME to reposition but the findings highlight that these strategies are not mutually exclusive as different combinations were employed to accelerate and leverage change.

Research limitations/implications

Limited number of case studies constrains wider understanding despite providing richness. The findings highlight four different strategies for repositioning but there may be other routes.

Practical implications

Deeper understanding of how to climb the value chain, providing valuable lessons for mature SMEs facing a need to reposition to generate new growth opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper provides an understanding of how mature manufacturers utilise different strategies to overcome resource constraints and generate a NPD capability to assist in repositioning. This resolves weaknesses in current literature that so far have not adequately examined the process of shaping a NPD capability and the strategies used to reposition.
Is performance measurement suitable for an extended enterprise?
Authors: Lehtinen Jussi , Ahola Tuomas
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether performance measurement literature and as a result, practical applications, models and frameworks drawing from this literature are compatible with the central features of extended enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a bibliometric study that is supplemented with an empirical case study.

Findings

The results of this paper indicate that literature on performance measurement and literature on extended enterprises are only partially compatible. The common underlying reasons for measuring performance are highly valid also in the context of an extended enterprise. However, performance measurement processes and practices utilized within firms are to a considerable degree incompatible with central characteristics of extended enterprises. A highly apparent conflict between the two streams of literature is related to choosing individual performance measures (i.e. the question of what to measure). Performance measurement literature emphasizes intra‐organizational measures which conflicts starkly with the emphasis of inter‐organizational collaboration dominant in literature addressing extended enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

The sample consists of articles published in many leading academic journals. The primary implication of this paper is that the importance of inter‐organizational relations and collaboration, and the lack of a central decision‐making authority should be taken into consideration when designing and implementing performance measurement systems for extended enterprises.

Practical implications

Managers implementing performance measurement systems may tend to adopt solutions recommended by industry actors and dominant performance measurement literature. As increasingly many firms operate as a part of an extended enterprise, the adoption of these off‐the‐shelf solutions poses considerable risks.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is that it systematically assesses the compatibility of performance measurement and extended enterprise literature by means of a bibliometric analysis. In addition, the paper identifies key contributions from both streams of literature. An empirical case representing the shipbuilding industry is carried out to validate obtained findings.
The case for abolishing the higher education state monopoly in Continental Western Europe
Authors: Mitsopoulos Michael , Pelagidis Theodore
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prove that the abolition of state monopoly in the provision of educational services in Continental Europe will result in members of the educational community spending less time towards rent protection and more time towards educational activities, something that should also benefit the consumers of these services. It also aims to prove that once deregulation reform is introduced, those that now fiercely resist to it will, rationally, accept the new status quo and adapt to it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a model in which externalities affect the decision of the community of educational services providers to allocate time among their profession and towards opposing reform and protecting rents that follow from laws that establish state monopolies in the market for education services. The model proposed shows that, in the presence of such externalities, the introduction of reforms that remove the state monopoly will make the educational community adapt to the new status quo by allocating less time to protect monopoly rents and oppose reform, and more time and effort towards educational‐related activities like research and publications, high‐quality teaching and tutorials, etc.

Findings

The prediction of the assumed model that no internal forces can lead to a departure from the unfavorable equilibrium that exists before reform, underlines the need of society to press ahead with reforms regardless of the objections raised by the affected interest communities.

Originality/value

The paper provides for the first time in the relevant literature, an analysis of the harms and drawbacks of the higher education state monopoly in Continental Western Europe.
Managing flexworkers: holding on and letting go
Authors: Richardson Julia
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what it means to be a manager in the context of working from home, or “flexworking”, as an increasingly common work practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is located within an interpretive interactionist perspective, drawing on interviews with managers who took part in a larger qualitative study of employees who work from home two or more days a week in the Canadian subsidiary of a high‐tech MNC. Template analysis identified themes which are most salient in managers” experiences of managing these “flexworkers”.

Findings

The findings point to several key themes in interviewees' experiences of managing flexworkers: maintaining a balance between providing autonomy alongside appropriate levels of cohesion between themselves and employees and between employees; the increasing importance of trust and the centrality of interpersonal relationships and interactions.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is a relatively small sample size (27) in the Canadian hi‐tech industry. Also, the findings may not be applicable to other industries or to managers in other countries. The paper's location within an interpretive interactionist framework accords primary focus to individual action rather than structural forces.

Practical implications

Contemporary management development initiatives should balance communication and support, while avoiding micromanagement. They should also develop managers' ability to ensure that social bonds are maintained but do not undermine the principles of flexwork.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of qualitative research on flexworking in Canada. Moreover, the paper contributes a theoretical understanding of this work arrangement, whereas previous research has been primarily descriptive.
Who am I and what am I doing here?
Authors: Paton Steve , Hodgson Damian , Cicmil Svetlana
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically explore the nature of tensions that emerge within the process of becoming a manager in the post‐bureaucratic organisation, by focusing on the emergence of project management as a key carrier of post‐bureaucracy. The paper seeks to address two aspects of individual transformation into project manager; first, it aims to understand the specific factors, which drive the transformation of technical specialists into project managers and, second, to illuminate the tensions and challenges experienced in this new position.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical base for the study is a series of structured group discussions with project managers from a range of distinct industrial sectors and organisations.

Findings

The paper illustrates the tensions implicit in the process of becoming a project manager. It identifies a number of conflicts that arise between the overarching philosophy of project management and the process of enacting the role of project manager around the themes of status, organisational value, power, influence and ambiguity.

Research limitations/implications

The research approach is empirically rich yet exploratory, providing directions and inspiration for more extensive research in specific contexts.

Originality/value

The research points to an understanding of how new managerial roles are created and embedded in organisational contexts, and the pressures, which are brought to bear on the incumbents of these new roles through this process.
Becoming a leader: the challenge of modesty for women
Authors: Budworth Marie‐Hélène , Mann Sara L.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

While the number of women in managerial positions has been increasing, the gender composition of top management teams is skewed. There are barriers and obstacles in place that limit the movement of women into leadership roles. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between modesty and access to leadership. Specifically, tendencies toward modesty and lack of self‐promotion are hypothesized to perpetuate the lack of female involvement in top management positions.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on modesty and self‐promotion is reviewed. The findings are discussed in terms of the persistent challenges faced by women with regard to their ability to enter senior levels of management.

Findings

The overall message of the paper is that behaviours that are successful for males in the workplace are not successful for females. The good news is that women do not need to adopt male ways of being in order to succeed. A limitation is that the paper is largely “uni‐cultural”, as the research referenced is primarily that undertaken in a North American context. Self‐promotion and modesty may be conceptualized differently in other contexts.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to focus on modesty, an important gendered individual difference, to explain persistent workplace inequalities.
Transitional employment aspirations for bridging retirement
Authors: Pillay Hitendra , Kelly Kathy , Tones Megan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the transitional employment (TE) aspirations and training and development needs of older and younger workers at risk of early retirement due to limited education and/or employment in blue‐collar (BC) occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

A computer‐based methodology is used to evaluate the demographic effects of gender, education level, and occupation group on aspirations pertaining to TE and training and development in a sample of over 1,000 local government employees.

Findings

Older BC, secondary school‐educated and younger workers are less interested in TE than older workers with higher levels of education or from white‐collar backgrounds. The early retirement risk factors of BC work and secondary school education had a more limited effect on perceived training and development needs for older workers. However, for younger workers, these risk factors provided the impetus to undertake training to move into less physically demanding or more challenging roles as their careers progressed.

Practical implications

Via the identification of education level and occupation types groups' TE aspirations and perceptions of preparatory training and development within younger and older cohorts, long‐term strategies to develop and retain staff may be formulated.

Originality/value

Past studies of TE have rarely included younger workers or older workers at risk of early retirement. Preparatory training and development for TE roles has not been considered in the literature.
Beyond Wikipedia: how good a reference source are medical wikis?
Authors: Younger Paula
Published: January 2010

Purpose – – The purpose of this paper is to examine the case for using subject (medical) wikis as a reference tool.Design/methodology/approach – The paper summarises content of ganfyd and WikiMD, comparing their ethos and approach to information. It describes some other medical and health wikis in brief.Findings – As their audience is somewhat more specialised, medical wikis, currently in their infancy, cover topics in more depth than Wikipedia but coverage remains patchy. They may be of particular use for those without access to expensive resources such as UpToDate requiring a short literature review or overview of a topic. Wikis at present are best used as a signpost to other resources with tighter editorial control.Research limitations/implications – The assessment of the subject wikis is brief and the analysis of wikis as a reference tool is largely drawn from general literature, not medical.Practical implications – This assessment provides exposure of subject wikis as a potential reference tool.Originality/value – The paper highlights the existence of subject wikis as a potential more in‐depth tool than Wikipedia.
Women teachers' aspirations to school leadership in Uganda
Authors: Sperandio Jill , Merab Kagoda Alice
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The under‐representation of women in the leadership of secondary schooling is a problem common to many developing countries, raising issues of social justice and sustainable development. It has its roots in societal understandings about leadership, the schooling and career aspirations of girls, the organizational characteristics of the education system, and the expectations and preparation of teachers for leadership positions. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors, both specific to the country and common across cultures, contributing to the low numbers of female teachers leading Ugandan secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 62 female secondary school teachers from six coeducational schools in different areas of Uganda, is used to establish leadership aspirations and teacher perceptions of the factors helping or hindering them in realizing these aspirations.

Findings

The paper reveals that the majority of female teachers surveyed aspired to school leadership, but few had positioned themselves to do well in the competitive application process. Many thought the process corrupt and did not expect to get the support of their current school administrator.

Originality/value

The results of this paper support existing research worldwide that suggests leadership preparation for women should be gender specific. Women teachers need help to visualize a career path to leadership, encouraged to gain relevant experience, and given training that builds confidence in practical school management skills and builds on personal leadership skills.
The impact of a pathway college on reputation and brand awareness for its affiliated university in Sydney
Authors: Brewer Ann , Zhao Jingsong
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect that a prospective pathway college affiliated to a large comprehensive university in Sydney may have on the university's reputation. In particular, the association of reputation with preference for a pathway college, brand awareness and the opinion of college brand are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted in metropolitan Sydney, Australia, and produced 501 questionnaires responses. A correlation study was used to analyse the relationship between variables of preference for college, perceived reputation, brand awareness and opinion of college brand.

Findings

The community reacted positively to a prospective college by agreeing that its merit is in providing a second chance for disadvantaged students and added to the diversity profile of the university. Reputation predicted brand awareness, preference for the college and the opinion of the college brand. Teaching quality of the college is found to be the most important factor to enhance the reputation of the university as well as brand.

Originality/value

The paper explores the difference and relationship between reputation and brand awareness in a higher education context and how this influenced students' decisions. This knowledge has useful implications for higher education management practice.
Student course taking and teacher quality: their effects on achievement and growth
Authors: Heck Ronald H. , Mahoe Rochelle
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between high school students' curricular positions, their perceptions of the quality of their teachers, and school academic process variables on students' growth rates and ending achievement in mathematics and science.

Design/methodology/approach

Multilevel latent curve modeling is used to examine students' growth trajectories using the National Longitudinal Educational Study data.

Findings

Within schools, both student curricular positions and perceptions of teacher quality affect growth and achievement. More positive student perceptions of their teachers ascending across course profiles are found. The effects of perceived teacher quality on growth rates and ending achievement, however, are more consequential for students in weaker academic profiles than in stronger profiles. Between schools, academic process variables also influence outcomes. For example, individuals in schools where students collectively pursue more math and science have significantly higher growth rates than individuals in schools where lower percentages of students take these courses.

Research limitations/implications

The paper's measures of teacher quality and curricular differentiation only serve as proxy measures for more thorough information that can be collected about within‐school teacher and curricular processes.

Practical implications

The results imply that efforts to increase student achievement will have to attack individual (e.g. poverty; early educational experiences; and course taking) and organizational (i.e. school structural redesign, curricular, and instructional processes) fronts simultaneously.

Originality/value

This paper extends the discussion of how internal curricular differentiation and student perceptions about teacher quality may intersect to influence student growth trajectories within and between schools.
The influence of university image on student behaviour
Authors: Alves Helena , Raposo Mário
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of image on student satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to accomplish the objectives proposed, a model reflecting the influence of image on student satisfaction and loyalty is applied. The model is tested through use of structural equations and the final sample is of 2,687 students.

Findings

The model shows that image is the construct that most influences student satisfaction. The influence of image is also relevant on student loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the constructs of image resulted in a reliability level of 0.846; future research is needed in order to find more reliable image measurement indicators.

Practical implications

If higher education institutions have to compete through image, the first step to take is to measure the university image held by its students. It is proven by this paper that the construct which most influences student satisfaction in higher education is the image construct, with a total effect of 0.86. Thus, if the institutional image rises or falls by a unit in terms of valorisation, satisfaction increases or diminishes by a proportion of 0.86 and loyalty by a proportion of 0.73.

Originality/value

Several studies have shown that, in general, corporate image is important to attract and retain customers. This paper depicts the specific influences of image specifically on student satisfaction and student loyalty and also the respective level of influence.
Numerical and experimental approach to cavitation surge obstruction in water pump
Authors: Bilus Ignacijo , Predin Andrej
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This study aims to present the analysis of methods for cavitaion surge obstruction in water pump systems with particular focus on the two different inlet geometry configurations.

Design/methodology/approach

A cavitating flow field was simulated by RANS based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program for different pump configurations operating in the unstable cavitation regime, inducing surging process. Numerical simulation results were compared to visualization and measurements results.

Findings

Presented results show that a hydro dynamically induced surging regime could be limited and further advantages regarding operating characteristics of radial pumps could be achieved with presented geometry modifications.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into complicated transient cavitation flow patterns in conventional centrifugal pumps and introduces effective geometry optimization ideas useful to researchers and engineers in the area of fluid dynamics and hydromachinery.
Between exchange and development
Authors: Schulz Klaus‐Peter , Geithner Silke
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how communication and cooperation in inter‐organizational networks may bring about organizational learning. A case study of 13 inter‐organizational school networks in Germany is carried out for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Results of a quantitative survey assessing the performance of the 13 networks are presented. A subsequent qualitative survey of two highly innovative networks takes into account the learning effects in school practice. The analysis is predicated on an activity theoretic view on learning and development.

Findings

Two levels of consideration are distinguished: the learning platform where representatives of the schools regularly meet and the operational work at the schools. The perception of how the representatives in the network learned how the colleagues at the schools who are not directly involved learned and how the school as a whole learned is appreciated differently. Outcomes vary from “exchange of new ideas” to “implementation of school development.”

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on empirical research carried out at one point in time. A longitudinal study of inter‐organizational network performance could shed more light on the dynamic validity of the model.

Practical implications

Understanding networks allow to appreciate their outcomes. The outcomes of this paper provide guides on how to design more effective learning networks.

Originality/value

The conceptual model distinguishes between two network levels, its interrelated learning effects and the different stages of learning and development. Learning networks can be assessed due to the learning categories, and success factors can be identified.
Individualist and collectivist factors affecting online repurchase intentions
Authors: Frost Dayne , Goode Sigi , Hart Dennis
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether collectivistic and individualistic users exhibit different e‐commerce loyalty and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper operationalises Triandis' individuality and collectivism typology. Empirical data were gathered using face‐to‐face questionnaire instruments with 140 respondents, comprising undergraduate students and government employees.

Findings

Online shoppers are more individualistic than those who have not shopped online, while individualism and collectivism do not influence online loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

As firms compete for online custom, it would be useful to gain some understanding of the possible effects of individual and collective behaviour on purchasing behaviour.

Practical implications

Instead of competing for existing online users, online stores could expand their market by appealing to offline shoppers using collective techniques.

Originality/value

Online loyalty has been an important focus of prior work and, while there has been significant focus on communities, Internet use remains a very personal activity. The paper provides new evidence that offline shoppers are more collectivistic than online shoppers.
New CMOS potentiostat as ASIC for several electrochemical microsensors construction
Authors: Fujcik Lukas , Prokop Roman , Prasek Jan , Hubalek Jaromir , Vrba Radimir
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and create a potentiostat that can be integrated and encapsulated within a microelectrode as a low‐cost electrochemical sensor. Recently, microsystems on sensors or lab on a chip using electrochemical detection of substances matters are pushing forward into the area of analysis. For providing electrochemical analysis, the microsystem has to be equipped with an integrated potentiostat.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated potentiostat with four current ranges (from 1 μA to 1 mA) was designed in the CADENCE software environment using the AMIS CMOS 0.7 μm technology and fabricated under the Europractice program. Memory cells of 48 bytes are implemented with the potentiostat using VERILOG.

Findings

The characteristics of integrated potentiostat are strictly linear; the measured results confirm the simulated values. The potentiostat measurements error is about 1.5 percent and very low offsets are reached by the offset‐zeroing circuitry.

Research limitations/implications

The detection limit of the current at the lowest range with respect to S/N ratio is about 10 nA.

Practical implications

The integrated potentiostat is embedded on a screen‐printed sensor and its characteristics are successfully verified. Lower range of 100 nA can be implemented on a new microchip as well as rail‐to‐rail output circuitry would increase the voltage dynamic range.

Originality/value

The integrated potentiostat with very good parameters is designed for a wide spectrum of electrochemical applications such as lab on a chip, embedded electrochemical systems, etc. The integrated system enables storing of information about the system measured, for instance, calibration and fabrication data of the electrochemical sensor.
Fulfilling the “missing link” between university and authentic workplace in teacher training
Authors: Zeynep Mugaloglu Ebru , Doganca Zerrin
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This study aims to enable pre‐service teachers to cooperate with teachers and to participate in solving classroom problems with the guidance of academic staff in an action research (AR) project.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight pre‐service teachers took an AR course and simultaneously participated in a collaborative AR project. While learning about the steps and nature of AR, pre‐service teachers worked with teachers and designed their own project proposals in order to solve classroom problems. A questionnaire about “doing” an AR and reports prepared by the pre‐service teachers were used as instruments.

Findings

Pre‐service teachers worked on different classroom problems together with the teachers and seven out of eight ARs were presented at a national teachers' conference. Moreover, all the pre‐service teachers reported that they were eager to apply AR in their future classrooms and they decided to apply their AR proposals even though the course had finished.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the participants and the instruments used here.

Practical implications

AR courses enable pre‐service teachers to take an active role in authentic workplaces, thereby encouraging them towards workplace learning.

Originality/value

The study shows that collaborative AR can enable pre‐service teachers to identify and solve classroom problems, thereby providing them with an environment in which to use their theoretical knowledge gained at university. Hence, AR courses could be integrated into teacher training programs in order to fulfil the missing link between theory and practice in teacher training.
Motivating and supporting collaboration in open innovation
Authors: Antikainen Maria , Mäkipää Marko , Ahonen Mikko
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore collaboration in open innovation (OI) communities. The paper focuses on the following two research problems: how can users be motivated to collaborate in OI communities and what kind of tools and methods can support collaboration in OI communities?

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory case study includes three innovation intermediaries originated in three different countries: France, The Netherlands and Finland. The primary data source consists of the open‐ended questions posted to the maintainers and users by e‐mail. The data include five responses from the maintainers and 12 responses from the users. The secondary source is the internet document review. The classification of the factors in the preliminary framework is derived from reading and rereading the answers of the respondents until the themes started emerging from the data. Thereafter, the data are coded according to the chosen themes.

Findings

Results suggest that monetary rewards are not always the best way to motivate contributing users. Instead, contributors appreciate many intangible factors, such as community cooperation, learning new ideas and having entertainment. Contributors also appreciate good support and the right cooperation tools from their service provider.

Research limitations/implications

The data are based on three cases and a limited amount of participants. Therefore, it may be that in gathering empirical data from a larger group of cases, some new factors will be found.

Practical implications

Companies should provide community members with tools that are easy to use, allowing people to express themselves and share their personal details. It seems to be important that maintainers are involved as visible members of a community, which includes telling about themselves in a more detailed way.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first papers focusing on the collaboration perspective of OI communities.
Demand side economies of scope in bundled communication services
Authors: Henten Anders , Godoe Helge
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of demand side economies of scope in relation to multiplay services. The basic question raised in the paper is the extent to which demand side economies of scope in the area of multiplay is based on an externality founded in a positive feedback mechanism as in the case of demand side economies of scale in interactive communication networks.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to elucidate this, the paper first presents and explores the concept of economies of scope, and more specifically demand side economies of scope. Second, an analysis of the bundling strategies of operators in the field is presented, including an examination of the forms of bundling with respect to how open or close the business models implemented are. After this analysis, the paper concludes with a discussion of the demand side economies of scope concept aiming to contribute to a qualification of the concept and its applicability.

Findings

The paper concludes that the value proposition of multiplay services is more related to the intrinsic value of the service than its extrinsic value. This constitutes a major difference between demand side economies of scale and demand side economies of scope.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper have practical implications for operators offering multiplay services with respect to the drivers of this market.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its discussion of the concept of demand side economies of scope.
On applications of an optimal price‐time bidding model in Hong Kong foundation projects
Authors: Tam Vivian W.Y. , Shen L.Y.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Traditionally, construction projects are awarded based on the lowest submitted tendering prices. However, this awarding method often causes problems on project delay, poor risk assessment and increased claims from variations. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Nowadays, clients require tenderers to submit both bidding prices and contract duration. This bidding method is called an optimal price‐time bidding model, the details of which are investigated in this paper, using 24 Hong Kong private and public foundation price‐time contracts.

Findings

The results show that private foundation projects produce better time and cost savings when compared with public foundation projects, meaning that the former are generally more effective in using the optimal price‐time bidding model than in public foundation projects. To further explore the effectiveness of the price‐time bidding model, case studies from a private and a public foundation project are investigated to show that private foundation projects using the price‐time bidding model are more effective than public foundation projects.

Originality/value

This paper encourages contractors to consider both time and cost factors in tendering and construction processes, noting that high liquidated and ascertained damages (LAD) charges need to be applied. This can provide a “balanced environment” for contractors in the construction industry.
Benchmarking a new design management system using process simulation approach
Authors: Doloi Hemanta
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to put forward a research‐based argument on the benefits of simulation approach in managing design at an early stage of a project. Having selected an optimal design configuration, the operational uncertainties can be removed and investment decisions are fully justified over the lifecycle of projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation‐based methodology embodying balanced scorecard (BSC) for measuring the operational and business performance has been synthesised in the research. Multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been employed to evaluate the trade‐offs between feasible design alternatives and to select the optimum design configuration.

Findings

The findings show that the integrated framework developed in this research by integrating simulation technology, BSC and MCDA adds significant contributions in improving the current body of knowledge in the design management practices.

Research limitations/implications

The framework should further be tested by applying to large engineering projects in order for realising the benefits in the decision‐appraisal process. Access to data in large projects before implementation would be the greatest challenge from a commercial‐in‐confidence perspective.

Practical implications

The framework will help the practitioner's understanding and management of the design configuration in highly complex modern projects. This will allow the decision makers to manage interdependency of complex processes and select optimal designs upfront. The resulting framework will significantly contribute to reducing scope creeps and cost variations and thereby reducing contractual disputes in projects.

Originality/value

The original design of the integrated framework of this kind for managing design complexity in projects adds significant value in the design management practices. The use of simulation embodying BSC and MCDA adds significant novelty in theoretical advancement of contemporary knowledge in the design management profession.
Holistic analysis of fuel cells for residential construction in the rural USA
Authors: Ospina‐Alvarado Angelica M. , Castro‐Lacouture Daniel
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework to assess the feasibility of fuel cells in both monetary and non‐monetary terms. It aims to develop an index is to compare different sources of energy in the residential market of the rural Appalachian region of the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

An index is developed to measure sustainable criteria and the factors that influence the user's decision‐making process of adopting an alternative energy. The sustainable criteria are obtained through a literature review, and the factors that influenced the decision‐making process are found through surveys to individuals who may potentially adopt alternative energies. After the index is developed, it is used to compare fuel cells and the conventional grid system using the specific case of a typical rural house.

Findings

The most relevant sustainable criteria found in literature are environmental impact, energy consumption, and cost. The factors that influenced the user's decision to adopt an alternative energy are cost, environmental impact, space, reliability, and safety. Those factors are combined in an index used to compare fuel cells and the coal‐fired grid system. According to the index, fuel cells have a slightly better rating than the grid system powered by a coal‐fired power plant; however, further development of fuel cells will be needed in order to be fully competitive.

Research limitations/implications

The index developed is based on the rural Appalachian region of the USA. If the index is used in other locations, factors, and weights should be adjusted accordingly.

Practical implications

The framework discussed in the paper includes both the sustainable performance of the system, and the factors that influenced the user's decision to adopt an alternative energy. The latter has previously not been taken into consideration in the assessment of these types of technologies.

Originality/value

The factors considered in the paper will make a significant difference if alternative energies are to be considered as a viable alternative to traditional energy forms. The framework took a holistic approach, and considered factors such as cost, environment, energy consumption, reliability, maintenance, space and safety, that are deemed important by the final user.
A fuzzy competence requirement (FCR) model for competitive bidding strategy
Authors: Tan Yongtao , Shen Liyin
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The “multi‐criteria selection” has become popular practice in selecting contractors, especially for public works, which involve multiple stakeholders. In line with this development, contractors need to consider more factors apart from offering a lower bidding price in formulating a bidding strategy. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a quantitative method, namely the fuzzy competence requirement (FCR) model, for assisting a contractor to formulate a better bidding strategy by better utilising its competence for meeting the best multiple criteria imposed by clients.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy linear programming with multiple objectives technique is applied in this paper and an illustrative example is introduced to demonstrate the application of the proposed model.

Findings

The FCR model can assist in generating a range of bidding strategies by assuming different confidence levels that contractors may perceive. These strategies could be valuable references for contractors to develop their competitive bidding strategy, which enables contractors to efficiently utilise their competence to meet clients' multiple selection criteria.

Research limitations/implications

The FCR model can provide contractors with useful information for formulating their bidding strategy. However, other factors, such as the sense of the market and estimation of rivals' bidding strategy, should also be considered in the bidding decision.

Practical implications

The FCR model can help contractors make better decisions in bidding by considering their competence and meeting client's multiple criteria.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new model – FCR model – for helping contractors improve the efficiency of their bidding decision.
A framework to assess performance measurement systems in SMEs
Authors: Cocca Paola , Alberti Marco
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) can use to assess their performance measurement system (PMS) in order to identify the main weaknesses and take corrective measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from a review of the recommendations provided in literature regarding performance measurement in companies, a list of general characteristics of a “good” PMS is defined. The identified PMS general features are then tailored to SME needs through an analysis of the characteristics of SMEs and a survey of their performance measurement current practice. Finally all the requirements are included in a framework designed to support SMEs in critically reviewing their PMS and enabling its effective use.

Findings

The main characteristics of SMEs are reviewed and classified; the general characteristics of a “good” PMS are collected from the literature and then adapted to the SME context, thus obtaining a list of PMS requirements for SMEs; moreover a tool for PMS self‐assessment is developed.

Research limitations/implications

Research is still at an early stage and applications of the tool in real settings will offer the possibility to refine and validate it.

Practical implications

The tool proposed codifies best practices and makes them accessible by SMEs in a simple way, thus supporting companies in the process of continuous improvement of their PMS.

Originality/value

The field of performance measurement in SMEs is an emergent area of study. The paper highlights the necessity of PMS assessment instruments suitable for SMEs and defines a new tool starting from the analysis of SME needs and characteristics.
Projects – real, virtual or what?
Authors: Blomquist Tomas , Lundin Rolf A.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

At the heart of this paper is the question of how to describe the ongoing changes of project management (PM) and how to cultivate the understating of projects. In line with the theme of this issue, a non‐traditional approach of presenting this paper is used with the aim of providing a lived experience view on projects. This helps pave the way for changed perceptions of many of the traditional ideas of projects and PM, implicitly demanding a need for rethinking the field. The purpose of this paper is to offer some of that rethinking and suggest how to research it.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is narrative and builds on exploratory storytelling which is common in the social sciences but quite non‐traditional in the PM sphere.

Findings

The paper explores the kind of arguments people might have when defending their perceptions of what a project is and should be.

Practical implications

Traditional PM might benefit from being open to experiences from non‐traditional areas of application, and equally important is that the reverse might apply.

Originality/value

Rethinking PM and relating to social science areas is very much in the vogue presently. The authors wish to push that issue even further, and this paper illustrates one way to achieve a fruitful dialogue or a discussion in a scientifically based context.
Groupthink in temporary organizations
Authors: Hällgren Markus
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of groupthink in temporary organizations. Only anecdotally has the literature touched upon how the temporary organization's structure may foster groupthink. Studies of faulty group processes are imperative since temporary organizations are becoming more common.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the design used by several authors who analyzed the Everest events, this paper is an historic in‐depth case study based on accounts of several survivors.

Findings

Three out of four features of groupthink are found and analyzing the Everest events there are several symptoms to groupthink that may be present in any temporary organization.

Research limitations/implications

Groupthink as a theoretical idea is well developed but has received limited attention in a temporary organization (project) setting. More attention should be given to group dynamics in general and groupthink in particular.

Practical implications

Some practices are suggested to avoid groupthink. Furthermore, project managers find themselves in a balancing act between freedom, efficiency, and fast decisions. The context should be allowed to decide which the correct approach is. Finally, blowing the whistle should never be a problem and never be punished.

Originality/value

The setting of this paper is original although it is to the structure a common project. When life is at stake, features and symptoms of groupthink become more evident. The theoretical field is almost non‐existent in a temporary organization setting hence there is a considerable value to the theoretical development of temporary organizations and groupthink.
Understanding mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from a program management perspective
Authors: Nogeste Kersti
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the practice of program management can be used to manage strategically‐oriented initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology applied is high‐level reflective retrospective qualitative field research conducted by a practitioner‐scholar in response to the research question: How does the program management approach applied to a small‐scale acquisition compare to the current joint bodies of program management and M&A theory and practice?

Findings

The practice of program management provides a means for managing strategically oriented initiatives such as small‐scale acquisitions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is constrained by a high‐level literature review of English language publications only, and high‐level reflective retrospective qualitative field research conducted by a single practitioner‐scholar upon a single relatively small‐scale acquisition, which cannot necessarily be scaled up to be representative of a larger‐scale acquisition, nor given the differences between M&As be used as a direct template for other M&As. Also, as a purely qualitative field research study into an area of intermediate maturity, the response to the research question lacks statistical support.

Practical implications

M&As are increasing in frequency and yet continue to have relatively high‐failure rates. Based on the findings of this paper, the practice of program management provides a means of managing strategic initiatives such as acquisitions.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the bodies of program management and M&A literature, from the dual perspectives of practice and research, particularly with reference to small acquisitions and acquisitions in the small and medium enterprise sector.