bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using media as the basis for a social issues approach to promoting moral literacy in university teaching
Authors: Normore Anthony H. , Paul Doscher Stephanie
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the use of media as the basis for a social issues approach to promoting moral literacy and effective teaching in educational leadership programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of relevant literature, mass media sources, and observations, the authors use Starratt's framework of moral responsibility to identify ethical practice in response to dilemmas brought on by local, regional, national and international crises and conflicts. Regional, national and international crises and conflicts are regularly reported on the Internet, as well as in the local, regional, national and international media (e.g.,Time,Macleans,Michigan Citizen,The Washington Post,Education Week,The Boston Globe,National Geographic).

Findings

The use of mass media venues, when compounded with moral grounding better equips educational leaders to act with ethical orientations. Professional organizations should encourage and support leaders who engage in public citizenship activities – answering critical questions, brokering views, encouraging discussion, and serving as resources.

Originality/value

Issues concerning the ethical usage of mass media are complex, often unique, and ought to be an integral component of teaching in formal educational leadership experience. Consequently, the authors advocate the use of the media in university teaching as the basis for a social issues approach to promote morally literate graduates in university educational leadership programs. Actual examples of reactions about the use of media from a class of graduate students enrolled in an ethics class and educational leadership are included.
Career success and satisfaction: a comparative study in nine countries
Authors: Punnett Betty Jane , Duffy Jo Ann , Fox Suzy , Gregory Ann , Lituchy Terri , Miller John , Inés Monserrat Silvia , Olivas‐Luján Miguel R. , Bastos F. Santos Neusa Maria
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This project aims to examine levels of career and life satisfaction among successful women in nine countries in the Americas.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured survey and in‐depth interviews were used, and a variety of occupations, demographics, and personality characteristics assessed – 1,146 successful women from nine countries in the USA responded the survey: 105 from Argentina, 210 from Brazil, 199 from Canada, 84 from Chile, 232 from Mexico, 126 from the USA, and 190 from three countries in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica, SVG).

Findings

Results show no differences in satisfaction based on occupation or country and most demographic variables investigated did not have a significant relationship with satisfaction. Age had a small, significant, relationship, with satisfaction increasing with age; married women were significantly more satisfied than single women. Higher scores on self efficacy and need for achievement, and a greater internallocusof control were all related to higher levels of satisfaction. The relationship between career satisfaction and general life satisfaction was stronger in Argentina and Chile that in the other countries.

Originality/value

Extends understanding of professional success and satisfaction, in terms of demographic variables and personality, as well as geographically.
Getting gender on the agenda: the tale of two organisations
Authors: Charlesworth Sara , Baird Marian
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore emerging issues in the application of the “dual agenda” model of gender equitable organisational change aimed at improved work life outcomes in two large Australian organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research project used the collaborative interactive action research (CIAR) methodology that underpins the dual agenda change approach. Within both organisations, a multi‐method approach was used, including formal interviews, focus groups and ethnographic‐style observation and interaction, as well as the analysis of a wide range of organisational documentation. The paper focuses on the challenges both for the researchers and the organisations in keeping gender on the agenda, drawing on the identification of work practices and work‐life policies that impede organisational effectiveness and gender equity and the subsequent work culture diagnosis for each organisation.

Findings

The way in which the “gender problem” within an organisation is framed is strategically important. An understanding of “gender” as “women” not only marginalises gender equity as a business goal and its links with organisational effectiveness, but also works to silence men's interests in better work/life outcomes. A refocusing on the “ideal worker” was found to be more inclusive not only of men but also valuable in highlighting the ways in which organisational work/life policies may be undercut by business pressures and long hours, poor job design or management discretion. However, challenges remain in linking gender equitable organisational change to organisational effectiveness, especially in organisations which are restructuring and contracting in size.

Originality/value

Provides a frank account of the challenges in making the links between gender equity, organisational effectiveness and work life issues that is valuable for both academics and practitioners. The “dual agenda” approach is methodologically important as it engages both “outsider” academics and “insider” organisational members in an action research process directed at gender equitable organisational change.
The debate over the economic rationale for investor protection regulation: a critical appraisal
Authors: Georgosouli Andromachi
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper is concerned with the application of economic analysis to law and public policy. Its aim is not to highlight the well‐documented merits of economic analysis but to shed light on some of its flaws and to propose an agenda for future research in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes as a case study the debate over the economic rationale for investor protection regulation.

Findings

The paper discusses the main economic arguments for and against regulation and explains why arguments of this type are weaker than commonly thought.

Originality/value

The paper reviews the main arguments for and against the economic rationale for investor protection regulation and identifies the economic reasoning entrenched in the arguments of both sides of the debate, spells out its shortcomings and proposes an agenda for future research.
Dynamics and regulatory system of Indian financial markets
Authors: Sharma A.K. , Vashishtha Ashutosh
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to trace the evolution of Indian financial market structure and regulation, in the broad dialectic sense and to suggest a consolidated, holistic regulatory model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sketches the evolution of Indian financial market structure and its regulation in terms of dialectic cycles. The first cycle extending practically over four decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s, was a period of foundation, expansion, and policy introspection. The decade of the 1990s marked the commencement of the second cycle – a period of liberalization and emergence of financial conglomerates. The Indian financial system has since completed one full circle in the dialectic process and is now passing through the last phase (synthesis) of the second cycle. Based on this dialectic approach, a consolidated and holistic regulatory model has been developed and suggested.

Findings

The paper concludes that, from a regulatory perspective, the recent developments in the financial sector have led to an appreciation of the limitations of the present segmental approach to financial regulation and favors adopting a consolidated supervisory approach to financial regulation and supervision, irrespective of its structural design.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to financial regulators, financial intermediaries and investors across all the countries, developed as well as developing. It will facilitate and guide in the process of regulatory restructuring and strengthening the overall health of the financial markets.
Who pays for banking supervision? Principles and trends
Authors: Masciandaro Donato , Nieto Maria J. , Prast Henriette
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the economics of financing banking supervision and attempts to respond to two questions: What are the most common financing practices? Can the differences in current financing practices be explained by country‐specific factors, using a path‐dependence approach?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper performs an empirical analysis that identifies the determinants of the financing structure of banks' prudential supervision using a sample of 90 banking supervisors (central banks and financial authorities).

Findings

The paper concludes that supervisors in central banks are more likely to be publicly funded, while financial authorities are more likely to be funded via a levy on the regulated banks. The financing rule is also explained by the structure of the financial systems. Public funding is more likely in bank‐oriented structures. Finally, the geographical factor is also significant: European bank supervisors are more oriented towards the private funding regime.

Practical implications

In general, the paper does not find evidence of the role of the political factor, the size of the economy, the level of development and the legal tradition.

Originality/value

The paper analyses the financial governance of banking supervision in a sample of 90 countries world‐wide. The empirical analysis focuses on the financing rules and identifies factors that explain the differences between supervisory authorities.
At FSA's application High Court orders winding‐up of UK partnership which facilitated offshore boiler room share sales to UK investors
Authors: Gray Joanna
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This study aims to report and comment on the High Court judgment regarding The Inertia Partnership (TIP).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the facts surrounding this decision and comments on the ruling.

Findings

The court took a strong line on the link between the activities of TIP and offshore boiler rooms and the value to the achievement of FSA's statutory objectives that the firm message a compulsory winding‐up order on public interest grounds would send to other firms and individuals who may become involved directly or indirectly with such potentially abusive sales techniques.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information for all those involved in management consultancy businesses.
Ethical practice and methodological considerations in researching body cathexis for fashion products
Authors: Apeagyei Phoebe R. , Otieno Rose , Tyler David
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to identify ethical issues arising from body cathexis research and analyse categories for attention. To also highlight methodological considerations in generating body size data through measurement for fashion products.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents instrumental activities and strategies for conducting and implementing focus groups for investigating body cathexis and related body measurements for fashion products. Five homogenous groups of 30 females aged 19‐44 years, were employed. Purposive and proportionate sampling procedures involving both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied and analysed by triangulation. Aspects of the methodology of measurement are presented in this paper but analysis of measurement data is presented in a subsequent paper. Key ethical principles by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), UK have been also evaluated in relation to the integrity of such a study.

Findings

The study found that deciding on procedures regarding collating data on psychological issues related to garment fit is an obscure process that is not clearly documented in literature. It raised significant issues relating to sensitivity to respondents' concerns when conducting an investigation into body cathexis for fashion products. A framework for ethical and methodological practice in researching body cathexis and ethical deliberation in generating body measurement data has therefore been presented.

Originality/value

This study presents guidelines for ethical practice and develops an ethical framework for research and professional practice.
Emotion in public relations: a neglected phenomenon
Authors: Yeomans Liz
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion that, in order to instil and maintain confidence in relationships with clients, journalists and others, PR practitioners in the UK, and women in particular, are required to develop specific skills in managing emotion. It argues that, in providing a PR service, practitioners are performing the skills of emotional labour.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on three areas of literature: public relations, emotion in organisations, and emotional labour. The concepts of emotional labour are illustrated by extracts drawn from in‐depth interviews with public relations students reflecting on one‐year placement experiences in the UK public relations industry.

Findings

The paper found that the key questions for empirical investigation concern practitioners' feelings of self‐identity, including gender identity in performing professional roles. A feminist paradigm is proposed using social constructionist methodological approaches.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the uncovering of “tacit and uncodified skills” through empirical investigation could have implications for future public relations education and training.

Originality/value

Emotion in public relations is so far unacknowledged and unexplored. This paper represents the first step towards a fuller understanding of how professional relationships are made and understood among PR practitioners, and women in particular.
Public trust in the PR industry and its actors
Authors: Larsson Larsåke
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The PR industry has become an important actor in society and in the democratic process. The purpose of this article is to examine the opinion state of this phenomenon. More precisely the question is: what trust do people have in the PR industry and PR professionals?

Design/methodology/approach

The question of trust for the PR and advertising industry has for some years been part of the Swedish annual national survey of public opinion with 3,000 respondents.

Findings

The paper finds that the trust for PR agents as well as marketing agents is very low. Only some few percent of the population express (good) trust in these occupational groups, while over half of the population express bad/low trust. However, information (in‐house) officers show that the figures are somewhat better. The survey also asks about people's views about the use of communication consultants by different types of organizations: the practice is accepted for the business sector, but not for political parties and trade unions.

Practical implications

The low trust must be a problem for the PR occupation and its actors, and the question is whether they are willing to improve, for example, their methods, ethical behaviour and transparency.

Originality/value

This question of trust and confidence for PR in society is rarely studied, and the Swedish study needs to be complemented by studies in other countries.
When lobbying backfires: balancing lobby efforts with insights from stakeholder theory
Authors: Ihlen Øyvind , Berntzen Øystein
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve upon lobby theory by learning from a failed lobby campaign in which the lobbyist managed to annoy and anger key constituencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a qualitative case study, conducted on attempts made by the Norwegian oil industry in 2002‐2004 to achieve a tax amendment. Qualitative interviews were carried out with oil industry representatives, two former ministers, political advisers, and members of parliament, and with journalists who had followed the campaign.

Findings

The main argument being put forward in this paper is that lobbyists should use insights from stakeholder theory.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a single‐case study and it is difficult to generalise its findings. This invites more research.

Practical implications

The paper combines lobby theory with an approach suggested by stakeholder theory which might temper single‐minded advocacy that is too preoccupied with getting immediate political results, and help organizations to remember that it is important to develop good long‐term relations with stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper has potential to improve lobby theory and efforts.
Risk assessment as a function of a successful merger: Merrill Lynch‐Advest merger
Authors: Grantham Susan
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the communication challenges Merrill Lynch encountered during the transition phase and post‐merger with Advest and the subsequent problems that resulted in drastically fewer numbers of Advest advisors joining, or staying with, Merrill Lynch than was first anticipated.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on interviews with Advest employees at the time of the merger; this case study includes an overview of the anticipated outcomes, the communication strategies employed by Merrill Lynch during its transition phase, and the barriers that contributed to the less than desired results that occurred.

Findings

The paper finds that Merrill Lynch determined that at least 65 percent of Advest's financial advisors would need to join Merrill Lynch by the closing date of the merger in December 2005 for the merger to be determined a financial success. Fifty percent of Advest financial advisors did not join Merrill Lynch by the closing date and, by July of 2006, approximately 80 percent of the advisors had left. Merrill Lynch failed to identify and address the primary concern to this key target audience; the anticipated change in the organizational culture. During the transition phase, Advest advisors gained much of their information from outside sources including competitors' recruiters who focused on the “Mother Merrill” reputation that was antithetical to Advest's organizational culture. The media also served as a primary source of information.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that the pivotal issue affecting the success of this merger was the anticipated change by Advest's advisors to the organizational culture. Strategic communications that may have proven effective in addressing this issue during the merger between Merrill Lynch and Advest are not applicable for all mergers.

Practical implications

Risk assessments identify key areas of interests to both internal and external stakeholders. This activity empowers an organization to adopt a proactive approach to effectively communicate with key stakeholders. When a risk assessment is not conducted, or fails to identify key issues, the potential for a crisis increases. Had Merrill Lynch conducted a risk assessment that identified the impending change in the organizational culture as the issue most relevant to Advest's financial advisors, on‐point communication strategies could have been developed and delivered that would have reduced the risk of these employees leaving.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the need for risk assessment during the pre‐merger phase in order to develop and implement targeted communication plans.
The role of knowledge management in innovation
Authors: du Plessis Marina
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to clarify the role of knowledge management in innovation as an aid to addressing this complexity. The article seeks to identify the drivers for application of knowledge management in innovation. It also details the nature of the role of knowledge management in innovation as well as its value proposition.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was literature research and some personal experiences and interpretations.

Findings

In the fast changing business world of today, innovation has become the mainstay of organizations. The nature of global economic growth has been changed by the speed of innovation, which has been made possible by rapidly evolving technology, shorter product lifecycles and a higher rate of new product development. The complexity of innovation has been increased by growth in the amount of knowledge available to organizations.

Originality/value

Innovation is extremely dependent on the availability of knowledge and therefore the complexity created by the explosion of richness and reach of knowledge has to be recognized and managed to ensure successful innovation.
Cultural space and technology enhance the knowledge process
Authors: Lamproulis Dimitris
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an empirical basis for understanding how the cultural artifacts of space and technology enhance the creation of knowledge that leads to innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper initially provides a theoretical investigation identifying the research gap within the literature. Then, it follows an empirical research of the aforementioned gap. Findings derive from the content analysis of 13 in‐depth interviews taken from a creative organization in the UK.

Findings

Explains the different ways that organizational space and technology enhance the production of knowledge that transforms into an innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are limited in a small size creative organization from the UK. Thus, findings can be further tested within big corporate organizations and organizations located outside the UK.

Practical implications

Senior managers through this study can use the cultural artifacts of organizational space and technology in order to advance their organizations' ability to construct innovations.

Originality/value

This paper provides numerous findings illustrating how a successful creative organization links the cultural artifacts of physical space and technology with the creation of knowledge in the form of innovative interior and graphic design. This is a different aspect from the traditional approach that examines the creation of knowledge without answering how and why it occurs in a specific way, within an organization.
Organizational structure features supporting knowledge management processes
Authors: Claver‐Cortés Enrique , Zaragoza‐Sáez Patrocinio , Pertusa‐Ortega Eva
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The idea that knowledge management can be a potential source of competitive advantage has gained strength in the last few years. However, a number of business actions are needed to generate an appropriate environment and infrastructure for knowledge creation, transfer and application. Among these actions there stands out the design of an organizational structure, the link of which with knowledge management is the main concern here. More specifically, the present paper has as its aim to identify the characteristics of organizational structure that facilitate the development of knowledge management processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research strategy used to achieve this aim is the multiple case study method, which has been applied to six Spanish firms of recognized international prestige characterized by their excellence and proactivity in matters of knowledge.

Findings

In general terms, the results show that these companies adopt flexible, increasingly flat organizational forms with fewer hierarchical levels which not only allow but also encourage communication and teamwork among staff members so that everybody can interact more easily. This makes it possible for employees to take better advantage of their competencies, generating organizational routines and increasing the value of their contributions thanks to the freedom of action they are given.

Originality/value

The main contribution made in this paper lies in the fact that, from a study of business practices, it describes the way in which certain Spanish companies construct knowledge socially and orient their behavior through their organizational structure.
Transfer of socially complex knowledge in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Castro Casal Carmen , Neira Fontela Edelmira
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Taking the literature on knowledge and mergers and acquisitions as a basis, the purpose of this paper is to analyze some variables that influence the knowledge transfer in mergers and acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from a sample of 57 domestic Spanish mergers and acquisitions this paper examines the influence on the transfer of knowledge from the acquired firm to the acquiring firm (or lead firm) of: the socially complex nature of the knowledge to be transferred, the knowledge base of the acquiring firm, and two dimensions of the integration process. In addition, the paper analyses the moderating effect of socially complex knowledge on the relationship: dimensions of the integration process‐knowledge transfer.

Findings

The results obtained show that the social complexity of the knowledge, the knowledge base existing in the acquiring firm, and the frequency of rich communication media have a positive influence on knowledge transfer.

Research limitations/implications

The results should be interpreted with caution due to the size of the sample. Since the study was conducted in Spain the results could be affected by the cultural context. Further studies are required in order to corroborate the results and to explore these relationships over a longer period of time.

Practical implications

This paper offers several recommendations to help managers to improve knowledge transfer in mergers and acquisitions.

Originality/value

This study tests empirically a model of knowledge transfer in mergers and acquisitions that integrate key factors that can affect knowledge transfer success. This study can help one to understand the knowledge transfer better and complements the very few studies hitherto produced.
Knowledge management among the older workforce
Authors: Slagter Floor
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw the attention to the necessity of knowledge management (KM) among the older workforce and to provide guidelines for human resource (HR) managers on how to engage in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

First, characteristics of older employees, viewpoints of HR managers on the older workforce and critical success factors of KM are explored through a literature review and conversations in the field. Thereafter these findings are combined in order to arrive at those aspects that an ideal organizational culture for KM must entail among the older workforce. When a more proactive management style is incorporated in this culture, KM among older employees will be significantly facilitated.

Findings

The paper finds that there exist opportunities for synergy between a proactive management style towards older employees and effective KM among this group. HR managers need to review their point of view towards the older worker in order to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This article's intention is to give general guidelines to HR managers on how they can facilitate KM among older workers. It is not extensively based on direct empirical findings; therefore further research is needed to verify, falsify, specify and complete the conclusions and recommendations made in this article.

Practical implications

This paper constitutes a real potential to develop a variety of new approaches in knowledge management, in particular towards older employees.

Originality/value

The paper brings together two topics, which have explicitly combined but received little attention from researchers. It provides HR management with practical suggestions on how to empower their older workforce and ensure knowledge sharing.
Visual representations in knowledge management: framework and cases
Authors: Eppler Martin J. , Burkhard Remo A.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the potential of visualization for corporate knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

The employed methodology consists of a taxonomy of visualization formats that are embedded in a conceptual framework to guide the application of visualization in knowledge management according to the type of knowledge that is visualized, the knowledge management objective, the target group, and the application situation. This conceptual framework is illustrated through real‐life examples.

Findings

The findings show that there is much room for knowledge management applications based on visualization beyond the mere referencing of experts or documents through knowledge maps.

Research limitations/implications

The research implications thus consist of experimenting actively with new forms of visual knowledge representation and evaluating their benefits or potential drawbacks rigorously.

Practical implications

The authors encourage managers to look beyond simple diagrammatic representations of knowledge and explore alternative visual languages, such as visual metaphors or graphic narratives.

Originality/value

This paper consists of two elements: first, the systematic, descriptive and prescriptive approach towards visualization in knowledge management, and second the innovative examples of how to harness the power of visualization in knowledge management.
Mechanisms of tacit knowing: pattern recognition and synthesis
Authors: Johnson William H.A.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The paper sets out to integrate what is known about the concept of tacit knowledge and proposes a pattern recognition and synthesis (PRS) framework as an explanation of how tacit knowledge is created.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual piece it is argued that knowledge is monistic and that the dichotic distinction between tacit and explicit is an artifact of analytic treatment. The PRS framework models the development of personal knowledge via the process of tacit knowing within the individual, who is within an organizational setting.

Findings

The PRS model complements extant models of organizational learning by providing possible mechanisms for tacit knowing that have not yet been elucidated. Specifically, as a perception‐based model its main conclusion is that all tacit knowledge must be built up within individuals, which has major implications for the time and energy invested in knowledge creation activities.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can test the propositions given.

Practical implications

The conclusions of the paper suggest that tacit knowledge creation depends on practice by the knower. Ironically, this also suggests a method for how tacit knowledge can be developed even in virtual projects that involve information and communications technologies (ICTs) without face‐to‐face interaction.

Originality/value

The paper argues for a focus in knowledge management on the individual and leads to new insights about how best to manage tacit knowledge creation. Researchers looking at the concept of tacit knowledge and managers who want to understand the limitations and constraints on tacit knowledge development will find the paper's conclusions helpful.
Powering down: remedies for unsustainable ICT
Authors: Forge Simon
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the contribution of information and communication technology (ICT) to climate change, the origins of ICT unsustainability and explores some possible remedies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a variety of sources to survey the many problems of sustainable ICTs; their energy consumption trends; planned obsolescence; hazardous materials and hazardous disposal; and analyses the way forward.

Findings

Highlights the unsustainability of many ICT trends, e.g. power consumption in data centers, and the extent to which ICT affects progress towards an economy's environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel approach to ICT sustainability, highlighting unsustainability of current software technology and related hardware trends, especially the threat of operating systems to planetary sustainability, as well as the growing power consumption trends in data centers.
Futures studies in Egypt: Water Foresight 2025
Authors: Shakweer Abeer , Youssef Reham M.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the Egyptian experience in futures studies through the conducting of a foresight study into the future of water in Egypt to 2025.

Design/methodology/approach

Futures wheel, questionnaires, focus groups, and scenarios workshops have been used in this study.

Findings

The paper represents the obstacles that had to be surmounted in engaging key stakeholders in the foresight study and suggests a set of conclusions and recommendations that could help in a better integration of futures studies into the Government's strategic planning process.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a tailored methodology for a successful scenarios building process in Egypt. Also, it advises on how futures studies could be integrated into the policy making process in Egypt.
Democracy's tribulations: what's in store?
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The author seeks to explain the assaults made recently on the democratic process in many parts of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The democratic mechanism is broken into operational segments in order to identify the variety of dysfunctions or attacks involved.

Findings

Democracy, spreading geographically during the past century and a half, is suffering setbacks in diverse global regions. The author describes the phenomenon and its results.

Originality/value

As in chemistry, physics and mechanics, a process may be difficult to understand if observed only in part. In order to perceive the significance of the process, a holistic approach is a preferred strategy for comprehension.
Chronotope Space: managing the complex trade‐offs between the properties of the strategic landscape and the time frame being considered
Authors: Aaltonen Mika
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to emphasize the importance of two elements; the nature of the strategic landscape and time, which are often neglected in foresight and strategic management by putting them in a form that makes them the basis for twenty‐first century strategic management.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi‐ontology approach states that the properties of strategic landscapes vary from linear to complex and even to disruptive, and that the dynamics of action in each of them is different. Consequently, when analyzing strategic landscapes, variations between them should be distinguished and different tools and methods applied accordingly.

Findings

An added sensitivity to socially and situationally constructed worlds allows for new tactical and strategic possibilities.

Research limitations/implications

This article is not a concluding chapter, rather an opening one that points the way for a number of necessary further developments.

Practical implications

The article suggests that more contextually constructed approaches with respect to strategic landscapes and time are required; and that when applied they will lead to more appropriate and more effective outcomes in both sense‐making and decision‐making.

Originality/value

The article's concept of chronotope space enables us to dissect the complex tradeoffs between the properties of strategic landscape and the time frame at stake.
Risk‐avoiding cultures toward achievement of knowledge sharing
Authors: Lai Ming‐Fong , Lee Gwo‐Guang
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The knowledge base of a firm is increasingly believed to underlie firm performance, and culture is commonly viewed as the major obstacle to effective knowledge management. This study seeks to evaluate the relevance of organizational culture and to explore how it can influence the achievement of knowledge sharing within an enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical survey of Taiwan's firms was conducted to study organizational cultures, but also to determine how risk‐avoiding culture affects the achievement of knowledge sharing.

Findings

An effective culture is formed by process formalization and tendentiousness of a defensively firm attitude to decision making should be developed. Furthermore, management should plan a healthy empowerment system to encourage employees to fully utilize their talents and skills in their jobs.

Research limitations/implications

This study raises questions regarding the most appropriate combination of risk‐avoiding cultures for knowledge sharing. Since it involved a large mailing of a lengthy, blind survey to busy managers, the response rate was expected to be low. Even so, the low‐response rate raises questions regarding the generalizability of the finds, and thus it is important that the study be replicated in Taiwan or another country.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates the importance of considering risk‐avoiding cultures in achieving knowledge sharing in relation to issues of compatibility. Such organizations benefit from understanding the relationships between the three cultures and the implementation of such programs within organizations.

Originality/value

This study highlights the need to consider culture when knowledge management programs are implemented that may be incompatible with the existing culture. Such organizations can benefit from understanding the importance of culture in knowledge sharing.
The effect of industry clockspeed on supply chain co‐ordination
Authors: Meijboom Bert , Voordijk Hans , Akkermans Henk
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The relevance of “industry clockspeed” to supply chain co‐ordination (SCC) has recently been stressed but hardly been researched. Taking an information‐processing perspective, the purpose of this paper is to examine the development of SCC theory under varying clockspeed circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research project investigated four Dutch multinational firms operating in industries with different “clockspeeds”.

Findings

The main findings of this exploratory research suggest that, with increasing clockspeed, the use of inventory as a means of providing slack against uncertainty decreases, whereas the use of lateral relations increases. Remarkably, the role of outsourcing is substantial in both low‐ and high‐clockspeed settings, but limited in the intermediate group. Opposite to this, the role of vertical information systems is limited in low‐ and in high‐clockspeed industries, but substantial in medium‐clockspeed firms. These findings are consistent with the basic theory of organisational life‐cycle patterns.

Research limitations/implications

More data should be collected and analysed in subsequent research, e.g. data relating to more companies, investigated over longer periods of time, paying attention to multiple dimensions such as company age and size. Organisational solutions that may deal with accelerating industry clockspeeds are platform‐based product development, time and form postponement, and modular production networks.

Practical implications

Supply chain managers should be wary of one‐size‐fits‐all solutions irrespective of current industry settings or company maturity stage.

Originality/value

Previous research argues that the shorter the life cycles of the products that firms sell, the more rapidly they have to invent not just new products, but new ways of organising as well. This study is a follow‐up to this work with a focus on the co‐ordination within a supply chain in response to varying levels of industry clockspeed, an issue hardly considered in earlier work.
Creation of an e‐business requirements specification model
Authors: Dilworth John , Kochhar A.K.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the creation of an e‐business functional requirements definition model using a case study process.

Design/methodology/approach

The creation of this model was the subject of a research project, the hypothesis of which is that it is possible to produce a model that can be used in real life situations to specify, using objective reasoning, the e‐business requirements of an organisation.

Findings

The research demonstrated a practical method of creating and refining this model and further was able to demonstrate that there were reasonable prospects of converging towards a stable model.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has demonstrated that it has produced an acceptable model by using a case study process that gives sound results. It is also felt that it has validated the basic research method that was adopted.

Practical implications

An innovative tool has been created whereby a specification of e‐business requirements can be created in a matter of a few hours, compared with the weeks' or months' worth of effort often involved in the use of the traditional business systems analysis process. Based on the operating characteristics of a company and the concerns of its management, the specification avoids the prejudices of consultants and vested interests of salesmen.

Originality/value

The computerised rule‐based system is easy to use and leads to a significant reduction in the time taken to generate an accurate functional specification. In addition, it provides a useful way of generating overall insights and communicating an e‐business requirements picture at a management summary level.
Demystifying data analysis: an alternative approach for managers of manufacturing SMEs
Authors: O'Regan Nicholas , Sims Martin
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Effective decision making is a crucial activity for manufacturing firms of all sizes. To this end, statistical techniques, such as variance theory, cognitive maps, heuristics and process theory, are widely used. However, such techniques rarely help chief executives to understand the dynamics of competitive behaviour, and often fail to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Indeed, from a small‐ and medium‐sized (SME) firm perspective, such techniques are rarely used owing to inadequate resources and/or skills. The paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes and tests a new approach to multivariate analysis based on the conditional formatting of spreadsheets. The analysis was confirmed using conventional statistical methods in order to validate the proposed methodology.

Findings

The results are depicted as a visual picture of the attribute(s) under consideration and can be visually analysed.

Originality/value

Such an approach can be used to complement and enhance current research techniques as well as facilitating data analysis.
Team‐based cellular manufacturing
Authors: Fraser Kym , Harris Howard , Luong Lee
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Social factors are an under‐researched but important aspect in the success of manufacturing cells. This paper sets out to investigate the impact and importance of various human factors within a socio‐technical system such as team‐based cellular manufacturing (TBCM).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was designed to provide information about human factors in TBCM. The survey was conducted at four medium‐to‐large size organisations in Australia and Switzerland where participants were required to be working within a TBCM environment and included managers, team leaders, and operators. A set of research questions and hypotheses was developed and tested.

Findings

It was found that human issues account for a significant proportion of problems within team‐based manufacturing cells. Of the eight human factors tested in this survey, communication, teamwork and training were ranked the most important, while reward/compensation was ranked the least important. Testing showed significant relationships between factors such as companies, positions, experience and team size; therefore most hypotheses were supported.

Practical implications

Traditionally, the research focus has been on the technical aspect of socio‐technical systems such as TBCM. This study offers practitioners and academics a better understanding of the human issues associated with this important form of manufacturing, therefore improving the likelihood of its success.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the need for research into the social side of TBCM, while providing an understanding of the important human factors associated with this system.
A framework for implementing cost and quality practices within manufacturing
Authors: Tiwari Ashutosh , Turner Chris , Sackett Peter
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The techniques that help organisations implement leading edge cost and quality practices in manufacturing operations management are typically disparate and generic in nature. There is a need to identify integrated practices at the right level of granularity, based on a clear definition of the existing operations practices. This paper proposes a novel framework for achieving and maintaining good cost and quality operations management practice within a manufacturing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework uses a new approach for identifying the profile of current activities and better practice activities for the roles of team leaders, cell leaders and operations managers within a manufacturing company.

Findings

The paper proposes a recommended set of context‐specific activities for these roles. These recommended activities are utilised to develop a cascade of deployable recommendations.

Originality/value

The framework is illustrated within a manufacturing environment producing complex product ranges. The implementation of the framework enables improved operational efficiency and effectiveness. It also enables the benefits of improved operational standardisation and consistency.
Application of hoshin kanri for productivity improvement in a semiconductor manufacturing company
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Ming , Su Chao‐Ton
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The planning approach used is issue‐based planning or formal strategic planning, leading to local optimization and duplicated redundancy. An approach is presented in the rapid growth of the business scale which emphasizes both customization and effectiveness, not only operation efficiency. The paper addresses these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐phase approach is applied to obtain a smooth implementation. A lean operation concept is executed in the first phase to reduce the engineer's workload, and the business process re‐engineering (BPR) technique is used in phase two to transform the working model.

Findings

This paper presents an extension model of hoshin kanri to translate strategies into achievable policies and actions to fulfil the objectives of the enterprise. This model not only comprises a complete plan and executive structure which is simple and effective, but also conducts complicated communication processes at different levels to achieve the common goals as envisioned by the executive management.

Practical implications

A case study is introduced to show the complete policy deployment process and realize the actual “vital few”. This study has been successfully implemented in the case company, and the labor productivity was improved by 6 percent over a two‐year period.

Originality/value

The paper presents a successful application of hoshin kanri for a semiconductor manufacturing company within a rapid growth environment.