bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of systematic approaches to innovation in facilities management
Authors: Cardellino Paula , Finch Edward
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the nature of “service innovation” in the facilities management (FM) context. It reviews recent thinking on “service innovation” as distinct from “product innovation”. Applying these contemporary perspectives it describes UK case studies of 11 innovations in different FM organisations. These include both in‐house client‐based innovations and third‐party innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study described in the paper encompasses 11 different innovations that constitute a mix of process, product and practice innovations. All of the innovations stem from UK‐based organisations that were subject to in‐depth interviews regarding the identification, screening, commitment of resources and implementation of the selected innovations.

Findings

The research suggested that service innovation is highly active in the UK FM sector. However, the process of innovation rarely followed a common formalized path. Generally, the innovations were one‐shot commitments at the early stage. None of the innovations studied failed to proceed to full adoption stage. This was either due to the reluctance of participating organisations to volunteer “tested but unsuccessful” innovations or the absence of any trial methods that might have exposed an innovations shortcomings.

Research limitations/implications

The selection of innovations was restricted to the UK context. Moreover, the choice of innovations was partly determined by the innovating organisation. This selection process appeared to emphasise “one‐shot” high profile technological innovations, typically associated with software. This may have been at the expense of less resource intensive, bottom‐up innovations.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that there is a role for “research and innovation” teams within larger FM organisations, whether they are client‐based or third‐party. Central to this philosophy is an approach that is open to the possibility of failure. The innovations studied were risk averse with a firm commitment to proceed at the early stage.

Originality/value

This paper introduces new thinking on the subject of “service innovation” to the context of FM. It presents research and development as a planned solution to innovation. This approach will enable service organisations to fully test and exploit service innovations.
Using research to inform design solutions
Authors: Martin Caren S. , Guerin Denise A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide information for facility managers, building owners, and designers to increase their knowledge of research vocabulary and methods. Using evidence‐based design criteria to add value to the workplace via facility management and design, and determine how to apply evidence‐based design criteria using the searchable database of InformeDesign® are presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive paper developed from literature related to research strategies and referenced sources about using research in the design process.

Findings

The paper provides a brief tutorial on research strategies for those readers who do not have a background in research strategies. Additionally, research summaries (RS) from InformeDesign are used to show how research can be integrated into the design process.

Research limitations/implications

The information contained in this paper is an overview of research processes and uses only one source for readers to access research articles.

Practical implications

Research findings are available from InformeDesign, an innovative web site that provides design and human behavior research transformed into RS from hundreds of research sources. At this time, there are over 1,300 RS in the searchable database; all are written in user‐friendly language.

Originality/value

Increased knowledge of basic research principles and analysis of research findings can enhance facility managers' understanding and evaluation and design consultants' creation of evidence‐based design solutions. Understanding the benefits of incorporating research into the decision‐making process is an additional outcome of this action.
Maintaining industrial water supplies in Jordan
Authors: Pitt Michael , Alkhaddar Rafid M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide background and insight into the maintenance of water supplies to Jordan including policy initiatives and solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study style examination of recent articles and policy initiatives which provide a practical oversight of the real issues that impact upon Jordanian industry enabling the reader to grasp the significance of the water issue in the country.

Findings

Provides information on a variety of solutions to the water problem in Jordan. This paper concludes that water transfer via pipeline is the best solution but does not reach conclusions on the best route.

Research limitations/implications

Not an exhaustive examination and does not reach conclusions concerning an optimum pipeline route.

Practical implications

A useful overview for potential investors and/or facilities managers in the region. Useful as an examination of an extreme regional problem for both academics and practitioners.

Originality/value

Provides information on a region where economic growth is anticipated. Supplies information on water resource problems for industry.
Doctor‐managers as decision makers in hospitals and health centres
Authors: Elina Viitanen , Juhani Lehto , Tiina Tampsi‐Jarvala , Kari Mattila , Irma Virjo , Mauri Isokoski , Harri Hyppölä , Esko Kumpusalo , Hannu Halila , Santero Kujala , Jukka Vänskä
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper describes factors influencing doctor‐managers' decision making in specialised health care, health centres and at different levels of management.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected as part of a survey on physicians graduating in 1977‐1991 as drawn from the register of the Finnish Medical Association. The study sample was formed by selecting all physicians born on odd days (n=4,144) from the baseline group (n=8,232). The category of doctor‐managers comprised physicians reporting as their main occupation: principal or assistant principal physician of hospital, medical director or principal physician of health centre, senior ward physician of hospital, and health centre physician in charge of a population area.

Findings

Independent of gender, all doctor‐managers responding to the survey reported that the most important base for decision making was personal professional experience. Position in organisation (first‐line manager, principal physician) had no impact on the base of decision making. Doctor‐managers in primary health care utilised knowledge on norms and knowledge available from their organisation in support of their decision making to a greater degree compared with doctor‐managers in specialised health care.

Research implications

Evolution discourse from public administration is not yet receiving much response in Finnish doctor‐managers' activities, instead, they still act as clinicians.

Originality/value

Facing the growing challenges of the future, the paper shows that doctor‐managers should reconstruct their orientation and to act more like managers.
Management of stigma and disclosure of HIV/AIDS status in healthcare settings
Authors: Wong Victor , Wong Loretta
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the management strategies adopted by older people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) to conceal their positive status in healthcare settings, and their responses taken and means used to cope with the stigmatizing and exclusionary effects as a result of the disclosure of their status by/to healthcare workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Under the auspices of a local NGO in Hong Kong, a total of seven male older PHAs aged 55 or above from pre‐existing HIV/AIDS self‐help groups were recruited for two separate focus groups. A thematic approach was adopted for data analysis and specific themes identification.

Findings

An analysis of the data revealed that older PHAs did exercise their own agency in preventing against and managing stigma in their access to and use of health care services. Two more specific themes around “sign of disapproval” and “discriminatory practice” as barriers to access were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the small sample size, the pattern of stigmatization experiences and coping strategies cannot claim to be representative of the complete picture of the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Originality/value

This is the first exploratory study of the stigmatization and devaluation suffered by older PHAs in healthcare settings in the context of Hong Kong. It also explored in details the pros and cons of the stigma management strategies employed by this vulnerable group of patients. The implications for practice both on the side of healthcare workers and policy makers and that of PHAs were discussed.
Managing hospital supplies: process reengineering at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, India
Authors: Ramani K.V.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to give an overview of the re‐engineering of processes and structures at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review of the design, development and implementation of reengineered systems in order to address concerns about the existing systems.

Findings

GCRI is a comprehensive cancer care center with 550 beds and well equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities. It serves about 200,000 outpatients and 16,000 inpatients annually. The approach to a better management of hospital supplies led to the design, development, and implementation of an IT‐based reengineered and integrated purchase and inventory management system. The new system has given GCRI a saving of about 8 percent of its annual costs of purchases, and improved the availability of materials to the user departments.

Originality/value

Shows that the savings obtained are used not only for buying more hospital supplies, but also to buy better quality of hospital supplies, and thereby satisfactorily address the GCRI responsibility towards meeting its social obligations for cancer care.
Differentiating between research, audit and quality improvement: governance implications
Authors: Hill Sarah L. , Small Neil
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In the context of changes in the priority given to ensuring that health care is evidence‐based, and that service quality should be maximised, there is a new emphasis on quality improvement programmes in the UK National Health Service (NHS). It is not clear how far these programmes can be categorised using the paradigms of research and audit. Making a distinction between what constitutes audit, quality improvement and research is important in the context of enhanced clinical and research governance requirements and in an environment of both sensitivity in relation to the ethics of research and concern about the efficacy of ethics committees. This study aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reviews the literature on how quality improvement differs from audit and research. It considers different ways of considering ethics in research and questions how far one can rely on professional judgement as an alternative to formal ethics committee procedures. The factors that characterise different sorts of activity are reworked to enable a template to be devised. The template, presented in the form of a flow‐chart, enables health care workers to better categorise a variety of activities and highlights the necessary procedural requirements that follow.

Findings

Key factors are identified in the existing literature that help differentiate between quality improvement, audit and research. These factors range from intent in undertaking the activity, through sample/site selection, choice of methodology, analysis, patterns and speed of dissemination.

Originality/value

If quality improvement is to continue to be a central theme in the NHS agenda, it is important that both the Central Office for Ethical Review and NHS organisations review the categorisation system to include quality improvement in their clinical effectiveness structures.
Structured clinical audits: Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK
Authors: Shah Manisha , Gould Gez
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To audit all the clinical audits conducted by the anaesthetic department at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, from August 2004 to July 2005 against recommendations published in the paper “Improving the reporting of clinical audits in the NHS”.

Design/methodology/approach

The standards used were a central system of recording ongoing and completed projects, adequate methodological details with each audit, action plan with each audit, follow‐up of action plan and closing the loop for each audit.

Findings

A problem was identified regarding unfinished projects when trainees move on to other hospitals. Changes have been made to solve that problem.

Research limitations/implications

Only audits from one department were audited. If all the audits from the whole hospital are examined, more problems with reporting audits may be found.

Practical implications

A structured audit programme driven by local issues has enabled the study department's services to improve continuously.

Originality/value

This paper tries to show the usefulness of audits in bringing improvements to the NHS.
New frontiers and approaches to clinical governance
Authors: Sheps Sam
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to explore conceptual approaches and training paradigms that are necessary to counter new challenges in the face of new concepts and tools to assess and mitigate threats to patient safety, while enhancing quality of care.

Design/methodology/approach

Interdisciplinary conceptual approaches and a specific strategy – that of Canada's Western Regional Training Centre for Health Services Research – are presented.

Findings

A critical element in meeting the new challenges in clinical governance is significant change in both managerial and clinical culture.

Originality/value

The approach outlined directly addresses many of the tensions inherent in current clinical governance and broadens the conception of clinical governance to embrace a wider array of critical health system issues.
Developing a multifunctional tree‐structured quality index for soil management
Authors: Barbiroli Giancarlo , Casalicchio Giovanni , Raggi Andrea
Published: July 2006

Purpose

An extensive knowledge of soil characteristics and an awareness of the type and amount of pollutants present are essential to evaluate the utilization potential of soil resources for various land uses. On the other hand, for management and decision‐making purpose, there is a need to develop concise indices in order to adequately express the overall quality of soil resources. The aim of this study was to introduce a flexible soil quality index system, mainly based on fertility and the presence of pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

A tree‐structured approach was adopted, leading to a concise final index from various intermediate sub‐indices. More specifically, a number of physical‐chemical‐biological parameters lead to an agronomic quality index (AQI). Another group of parameters referring to polluting substances of various origins are combined to give a multifunctional quality index (MQI). AQI and MQI are then coupled into an overall general quality index. The proposed model was implemented by using a set of data concerning various specific sites throughout Italy.

Findings

The proposed methodology proved useful in providing valuable and quick information about the overall soil quality performance and its main sources, and in helping to balance the contrasting needs of obtaining concise quantitative information, on the one hand, and of minimizing the inevitable loss of information inherent in every process of synthesis, on the other hand.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative quality index structure for the environmental and multifunctional management of soil, whose main value is related to its flexibility (e.g. different number and kind of parameters, various levels of aggregation) which makes it applicable to various contexts.
An overview of sustainability practices at the maquiladora industry in Mexico
Authors: Velázquez Luis , Munguía Nora , de los Ángeles Navarrete Maria , Zavala Andrea
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The goal of this study is to further the existing understanding of the diverging pollution prevention and occupational and safety practices undertaken in the Mexican maquiladora industry in order to promote the creation of a sustainable production system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores in detail the occupational health, safety and environmental practices performed by six electronic maquiladoras located in the State of Sonora, Mexico. The OSHA's program evaluation profile (PEP) and cleaner production and pollution prevention and worker surveys were the instruments used for collecting information. All instruments were complemented with short interviews and walkthroughs in the production lines.

Findings

Evidences from this study suggest that today's trends in maquiladoras production patterns continue to go in an unsustainable direction because of the lack of good environmental and occupational and safety practices.

Practical implications

This study reveals the most telling and significant sustainability themes associated to the maquiladora industry that holds the exciting potential of protecting the environment and labor and strengthening economic growth through more efficient and sustainable production.

Originality/value

Sustainability production is an issue that is often neglected into the actual stock of published material about maquiladoras. This study fills this gap through a broad structural approach that takes into account economic, social, and environment aspects as a way to helping the adoption of sustainability practices in the maquiladora industry.
Effects of maturity choices on loan‐guarantee portfolios1
Authors: Gendron Michel , Son Lai Van , Soumaré Issouf
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of the maturities of credit‐enhanced debt contracts on the value of an insurer's loan‐guarantee portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a contingent‐claims model and uses as measure of credit insurance risk, the market value of the private guarantee, which accounts for projects' and guarantor's specific risks, correlations as well as financial leverage.

Findings

The results indicate that in the case of insuring the debts of two parallel projects with different specific risks, one high‐risk and the other low‐risk, the tradeoff between maturities of the guarantees increases with the projects' expected losses, hence the maturity choice decision is crucial for portfolios subject to high expected losses. For a two sequential projects loan‐guarantee portfolio, the paper finds that, regardless of the order of execution of the projects, it is the maturity of the debt supporting the high‐risk project that drives the risk exposure of the portfolio.

Practical implications

Since the management of portfolios of guarantees is of significant importance to many organizations both domestically and internationally, this paper proposes a simple and tractable model to gauge the impact of maturity choices for loan‐guarantee portfolios.

Originality/value

This is a first attempt at modeling multiple maturities in the context of portfolios of vulnerable loan guarantees.
Variant simulation in design and risk estimation of manufacturing system
Authors: Burduk Anna , Chlebus Edward
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To show necessity of risk evaluation during modelling and simulation of production systems. To show an approach to risk evaluation of manufacturing system which has serial reliability structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Modelling and simulation of a manufacturing system allows one to conduct verification of different solutions in the area of production planning, before they are started. This is impossible with traditional methods.

Findings

Reliable results of simulation research can be obtained only if they are based on an integrated model of the company, that covers all components of the manufacturing process including also its organization and risk in production processes.

Practical implications

The paper describes the stages and results of a project carried out in 2002 in an international company. The proposed method of risk evaluation may be helpful to determine the risk level in the chosen production line and eventually for the whole enterprise manufacturing systems.

Originality/value

The risk concept was treated as a synonym of unreliability. This kind of approach enabled decomposition of the production system into several areas and determination of the reliability structure.
Translating knowledge of supply chain uncertainty into business strategy and actions
Authors: Koh S.C.L. , Tan K.H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to present the process and results of the application of a decision‐making tool, namely TAPS, which enables translation of knowledge of supply chain uncertainty into business strategy and actions.

Design/methodology/approach

The knowledge of supply chain uncertainty is collected from previous research performed under enterprise resource planning (ERP)‐controlled manufacturing environments. The knowledge is used as the input for TAPS and is mapped to investigate and formulate appropriate business strategy and action plan to manage supply chain uncertainty in such environments.

Findings

The results of knowledge translation provide a set of guidelines to academics and practitioners, which indicates the underlying causes of supply chain uncertainty in ERP‐controlled manufacturing environments in a priority order, and the suitable business strategy and actions that could potentially be adopted to manage the uncertainty.

Practical implications

Owing to the increasing level of complexity and uncertainty intoday's enterprises, translating knowledge is suggested to be useful in assisting decision making and business strategy formulation.

Originality/value

This research provides a successful case example of knowledge translation process of supply chain uncertainty into business strategy and actions, which enables creation of sustainable strategies to manage uncertainty based on the concept of knowledge management and learning.
Simulation for product life cycle management
Authors: Xie Xiaoling , Simon Matthew
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Effective product life cycle management will save costs and resources and improve customer service. Seeks to present a simulation model of the complete life cycle of a batch of products undergoing breakdown and repair and to show the ability of the model to predict future waste arisings and cost savings.

Design/methodology/approach

ARENA system simulation software is used for a novel application – a full life cycle of manufacture, use, repair and ultimate disposal. Two batches of products are compared: products with and without features which improve reliability. The number of replications for the Monte Carlo process can be calculated from the statistics of the model data.

Findings

The model demonstrates the predicted flows of products through their life cycle. The software has in‐built probability distributions that are not fully suitable for the problem modelled, requiring some artificial treatment, especially when using the delay function. The number of replications should be increased, requiring additional computer time.

Practical implications

The model is potentially valuable for producers wishing to predict the effect on future costs or the risk of modifying designs. The method can also be used to assist waste management using the output graphs of disposed components or products; hence the economics of component remanufacture or reuse can be modelled.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first known application of manufacturing system simulation software for modelling product life cycles.
Taboo search vs genetic algorithms in solving and optimising PCB problems
Authors: Saad Sameh , Khalil Eaid , Fowkes Cliff , Basarab‐Horwath Ivan , Perera Terrence
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To highlight the differences and common features of taboo search (TS) and genetic algorithms (GA) in solving the problem of board‐type sequencing on the assembly line simultaneously with the combined problem of feeder assignment and component placement sequencing in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Two metaheuristics (search techniques) are used to solve three problems associated with the PCB assembly line: TS and GA. The implemented approach is used to solve the three problems on a single pick‐and‐place sequential machine with a stationary board table and stationary feeders, and with the use of the Euclidean metric.

Findings

The achieved results show a satisfactory reduction in assembly time, when TS and GA are compared with a random solution, with a slight superiority of TS over GA. However, the program running time is longer for TS.

Practical implications

The hypothetical case study used shows that in real life the savings could reach an average of 6 per cent when TS is used. Slightly lower savings are possible when GA is used.

Originality/value

This paper provides a clear insight into how some of the problems associated with the production of PCBs can be solved simultaneously using metaheuristics such as TS and GA.
Global supply chain strategy: a Chinese market perspective
Authors: Hong Paul , Noh Jungbae , Hwang Woosang
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of changing business control patterns that may be critical for firms, in order to manage effective enterprise information infrastructures in and through the Chinese market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a typology that shows four types of Chinese market penetration and development, in terms of level of foreign management control and level of foreign ownership control. The model is illustrated through case examples of US, Korean, and Chinese firms.

Findings

The paper shows that sustainable design and management of enterprise information infrastructures require continuous awareness of changes in corporate management and ownership control.

Research limitations/implications

The transition paths among the four different types of global operations provide a rich basis for further theory development in the areas of the global supply chain practices beyond the Chinese market. Future research is needed to identify key variables that define the level of management and ownership control.

Practical implications

The typology and transitions paths presented in this paper may be a valuable road‐map for firms that are considering the Chinese market. In the course of implementing global supply chain strategies, foreign firms operating in China face complex business challenges, including multiple performance requirements, environmental regulations and cultural differences. In designing and managing effective enterprise information infrastructures, firms need to be conscious of both internal and external changes related to their management and ownership control. An understanding of changing business control patterns is critical if firms are to sustain effective enterprise information infrastructures in and through the Chinese market.

Originality/value

China is a potential global supply chain base. Global firms must consider carefully the extent of foreign management and ownership control with which they enter the Chinese market. These two dimensions are useful in analyzing the behavior and strategic options of global firms in this market.
Supplier perceptions of quick response systems
Authors: Birtwistle Grete , Fiorito Susan S. , Moore Christopher M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore supply chain management issues in the Scottish textile and clothing industry, such as company awareness of automatic replenishment (AR) systems, quick response implementation (QRI), and relationships within the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Face‐to‐face interviews were undertaken with 33 Scottish suppliers.

Findings

Results indicate that less than a third of the companies surveyed in Scotland had implemented AR/QRI systems and that many supply chain members had not fully understood the benefits of implementing information technology (IT) to support an AR/QRI strategy. They perceive it more as a strategy for retailers than as a virtual supply chain strategy.

Research limitations/implications

Since this study was limited to 33 Scottish suppliers, findings can only be used as a guide for further research into the area. The next stage of this research will be to gather more responses from UK and US suppliers of fashion garments, as well as to undertake in‐depth interviews with retail buyers in order to explore the criteria they now use for establishing supplier relationships.

Practical implications

The paper identifies advantages which manufacturing management could achieve: namely to improve planning, reduce stockholdings, increase production and by improved communication become a preferred supplier.

Originality/value

In order to survive, Scottish suppliers have to sustain competitive advantage by ensuring that they have an efficient stock management system. For manufacturers of fashion goods, speed is a priority that incurs higher production and transportation costs that can be offset against fewer mark‐downs and higher gross margins. Thus, QRI is a must for multiple fashion retailers selling “own brand” merchandise, to provide them with competitive differentiation in the high fashion end of the market. This means that suppliers need to build relationships with these retailers and implement QR systems to stay in business.
A tool to evaluate design performance in SMEs
Authors: Moultrie James , Clarkson P. John , Probert David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The creation of well‐designed products is widely acknowledged as an important contributor to company success. In principle, an effective design process, as part of the wider new product development (NPD) process, should result in well‐designed products. This paper aims to present a tool to enable a design team to evaluate their design process in a workshop setting, with a view to targeting improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

This tool is based on literature and has been iteratively developed using a mixed research approach, including detailed exploratory cases and application in action research mode.

Findings

The resulting tool comprises two main components. A “process audit” based on process maturity principles, which targets the design‐related activities in NPD. The process audit enables a company team to identify improvement opportunities in the design process. A product audit enables perceptions towards product characteristics to be assessed. The audit tool does not seek to be a benchmarking tool, but aims to capture “good design” principles in a form which is accessible and useful to practitioners.

Practical implications

In use, the tool enabled managers to balance their concern with meeting budget and timescale demands against the importance of producing well‐designed products. By first focusing on the tangible output of the design process – the product – practitioners are better able to understand the way in which design decisions influence product usability, desirability and producibility. Evidence from cases confirms the value and originality of this tool.

Originality/value

Previous tools addressing product development have focused on strategic and managerial concerns. This novel assessment tool focuses explicitly on design issues, within the wider context of NPD.
Measuring knowledge in the new product development process
Authors: Lettice Fiona , Roth Norman , Forstenlechner Ingo
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present a measurement framework to capture the importance of the use of knowledge within the new product development (NPD) process.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review enabled 200 product development measures to be compiled. These were categorised into six dimensions: stakeholder contribution, operating context, reuse, invention, exploitation, and NPD performance. Four companies applied selected measures and assessed the cube for its ability to improve measurement and management of their NPD process. This process refined the approach. A web‐based questionnaire (with 130 responses) assessed how a wider population perceived their performance and capability to measure performance in each of the six dimensions.

Findings

Respondents consider themselves capable of delivering good products and services, but are less confident in their ability to manage and measure knowledge reuse, invention and exploitation activities.

Research limitations/implications

Full implementation of the measurement cube was not possible. Further research should assess the comprehensiveness, applicability and usefulness of the approach in more detail.

Practical implications/implications

Introduction of the measurement cube and measures in the six dimensions identified would enable companies to go beyond traditional financial measures for their NPD processes and move towards a more performance‐oriented culture.

Originality/value

This paper synthesises the results from many other isolated studies on NPD metrics. In addition, it focuses on the measurement of the NPD process from a knowledge perspective, providing an integrating framework (the measurement cube), which is unique.
Adaptation of logistic operating curves to one‐piece flow processes
Authors: Nyhuis Peter , Vogel Markus
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a model for precise logistic controlling of one‐piece flow processes and for the description of the interactions between logistic performance measures. The developed method can help manufacturing enterprises to control their production processes and therewith to exploit existing rationalization potentials in their production.

Design/methodology/approach

The Institute of Production System and Logistics adapted the logistic operating curve for schedule reliability and the logistic operating curve for mean throughput time to describe the behaviour of one‐piece flow processes. This model‐based method depicts the correlation between the delivery reliability and mean WIP level of single manufacturing systems and enables a goal‐oriented modelling as well as a controlling of single manufacturing processes.

Findings

The derivation, calculation, and fields of application of the logistic operating curves for one‐piece flow processes, that give a functional relationship between mean WIP, mean throughput time and schedule reliability, are presented in this paper. Moreover, the paper presents how the logistic performance measures can be adjusted to target values.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical help to manufacturing enterprises confronted with the task of evaluation and optimization of manufacturing processes within the framework of production controlling. Moreover, the developed method enables manufacturing enterprises to identify bottleneck work systems where action can be taken to optimize their schedule situation and thereby improve the delivery reliability of an entire manufacturing department.
International business and management studies as an orientalist discourse
Authors: Westwood Robert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to interrogate the international business and management studies (IBMS) discourse via postcolonial theory. It demonstrates the value of applying postcolonial theory as a critical practice with respect to that substantive domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to draw on the critical and intellectual resources of postcolonial theory and apply them in an interrogation of IBMS.

Findings

The paper shows the value of applying postcolonial theory to open up the discourse of IBMS, which is revealed to deploy similar types of universalistic, essentialising and exoticising representations to colonial and neo‐colonial discourse. It is revealed to rely on functionalist orthodoxy, realist ontology and neo‐positivist epistemology. Furthermore, it masks its own power effects, fails to make explicit its research commitments, especially its political and ethical ones, and remains deeply unreflexive.

Originality/value

The use of postcolonial theory in relation to organisation studies is in its infancy with only a limited number of studies directly related to that critical practice. This paper, then, is a contribution to an important, but emergent arena of scholarship. The interrogation mounted here points to a radical reconfiguration of the field and indications as to where that might take us are made.
Critical challenges in the emerging global managerial order
Authors: Murphy Jonathan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the discussion on criticality in international business by proposing an interconnection between organizational managerialism and the construction of a global managerial order.

Design/methodology/approach

Explores the theoretical divide within critical management studies and the challenge provided to theory by internationalization/globalization. Using the case study of the World Bank, examines its organic drive to global governmentality. Examines relevance of C. Wright Mills's theory of the power élite to the advent of a global managerial élite.

Findings

Neither purely realist nor constructivist accounts offer an adequate framework for critical study of international business. Using an approach acknowledging the interweaving of materiality and discourse in construction of a global order, argues that transnational institutions, including the World Bank, play a key role in implementing networked global managerialism. Updates critical élite theory to accommodate globalization and the rise of organized civil society.

Research limitations/implications

Further challenges include mapping global managerial élites and their interconnections.

Practical implications

Critical management researchers should pay more attention to the interconnection between organization‐based theories of control and broader human systems.

Originality/value

Contributes to the application of theories of managerial control beyond the intra‐organizational context.
Psychic distance effects for Russian market: Estonian and western experience
Authors: Babichenko Jekaterina
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper is aimed at providing the theoretical basis and some empirical implications concerning the effect of the psychological (or “psychic”) distance on the enterprise internationalisation process. The main goal is to examine distance components and their dynamics with the focus on the Russian Federation market.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative analysis is based on the range of theoretical and empirical studies focused on expanding of Estonian and foreign enterprises to the Russian Federation market as well as Russian market attractiveness and risk assessment.

Findings

According to the analysis conducted in the study, the slightly diminishing psychic distance effect between Baltic states and the Russian Federation, as well as the gateway effect could be identified. Uncertainty and discrepancies with the western business techniques are found to be the factors of significant influence.

Research limitations/implications

Further research of the subject can be dedicated to the distance components estimation through factor or component analysis on the base of macroeconomic data and the data obtained from the questionnaires of selected enterprises.

Practical implications

Research of the current topic can provide a solid basis for the management strategies interpretation and development in the context of the vulnerability of the Russian Federation market with the goal of establishing effective business operations.

Originality/value

This paper provides a basis for future research and emphasizes the role of the given phenomenon in strategic management.
Air Baltic and SAS – a case study in the European airline industry
Authors: Huettinger Maik
Published: July 2006

Purpose

No‐frills carriers have revolutionized Europe's aviation market and have changed the airline business in a dramatic way. Having entered most of the countries in Central Europe, the wave has also reached the Baltics. The purpose of this paper is to reveal how a Scandinavian carrier entered the market with a subsidiary airline, by combining elements of low‐cost and traditional carriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by giving a brief overview of the different airline operating philosophies. It is followed by an introduction into the Nordic airline market. The main focus will be on the operating strategy of Air Baltic and its relation towards the extension policy of Scandinavian Airlines.

Findings

The paper provides an independent and structured analysis about the strategy of Air Baltic. Theory was applied to determine how much the airline was influenced by the “low‐fare wave” of the aviation branch and its implications. The hybrid character of Air Baltic reflects the Central European/Baltic business environment.

Research limitations/implications

Research is partly limited to the information published by the airline itself. Because international aviation journals have not yet covered Air Baltic, newspapers and popular journals were used as a base of information. To fill this gap, two semi‐structured interviews with Air Baltic executives were carried out.

Practical implications

The study is a useful source of information for scientists and managers dealing with the airline industry or/and the Baltic Sea region. Lecturers might use the paper for case‐based courses.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first comprehensive publications in the English language about Air Baltic and the Baltic aviation market.
Modeling network growth with network theory and cellular automata
Authors: Kemper Andreas
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Although the nonlinear growth of networks, e.g. the diffusion of innovations, is vital for strategic management, it is often treated implicitly in management theory and practice. Partial explanations of this discrepancy are the unintuitive nature and complexity of the required analytical tools. The goal of this research is to assess two possible approaches – the network theory and cellular automata (CA) – and to generate guidelines for their application.

Design/methodology/approach

After having clarified the necessity for a network growth analysis, the network theory and CA are outlined and compared as alternative analytical approaches for its investigation.

Findings

Results of the theoretical analysis indicate that the amount of the interacting agents and the complexity of the interaction rules are key determinants for choosing the optimal methodology.

Originality/value

Given that sound research has addressed the implementation handles, the further application guidelines mentioned here can help corroborate and validate the concepts presented and contribute to a further diffusion of the underlying complex systems principles in management theory and practice.
Accountants and economic governance in a dependent country
Authors: Longuenesse Elisabeth
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to sort out what was at stake in the fierce debates that raged after 1995 among Lebanese accountants about the conditions of membership to their new association.

Design/methodology/approach

It fits within the recent development of the sociology of professions. But, because of the specific nature of accountants expertise, it is also concerned with broader societal issues and socio‐political negotiation of interests, which underlie professional battles. Finally, to understand what is at stake today, past legacies, struggles and competitions had to be taken into account.

Findings

Before the creation of the LACPA in 1995, there was no unified accounting profession in Lebanon. Two bodies represented two types of work and practice (small offices doing mainly accountancy and fiscal consulting and service v. Anglo‐Saxon‐oriented and English‐speaking audit and accountancy practices). After 1995, although the new body welcomed OECF's advices, it could not adopt its principles. The absence of a high level degree in accountancy (comparable with DESCF), the diversity of academic trainings made it necessary for LACPA to have its own certification exam. But conflicting Anglo‐Saxon and French legacies will soon be absorbed in global change where economic governance is now submitted to the hegemony of financial markets.

Research limitations/implication

The Lebanese case also reveals specific dimensions. The professional field is structured by overlapping conflicts of interest and power struggles which are simultaneously professional, social, cultural, and political.

Originality/value

It gives new insights into the accountancy profession in a non‐industrial country, and has interesting theoretical implications for the sociology of professions and for political economy.
Educating for responsible management: a South African perspective
Authors: Hesketh Janet
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add a South African perspective to deliberations on educational approaches in order to promote real responsibility in business.

Design/methodology/approach

This is achieved by drawing on broad concepts of African philosophy as well as research and experience around a management studies curriculum developed in response to the local and global context of a newly liberated, developing country in a global economy. Realities involve the need to empower learners, including disadvantaged black Africans, as effective students. This raises questions about inequities between developed and developing nations; the power of dominant business approaches to undermine traditional value systems; and the apparent unsustainability of the global status quo.

Findings

The curriculum has promoted free thought and academic/business literacy in students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, inducing criticality; making explicit the links between prior/practical and new/theoretical knowledge; giving access into business discourses and requiring students to argue about businesses' responsibilities to incorporate social and environmental with financial accountability. Similarities and differences between African and western values emerge, indicating lessons that might be learned from Africa, particularly South Africa.

Originality/value

Some lessons from African philosophy and from this responsive curriculum might feasibly be relevant to educators for management elsewhere, based on the assumption that the approach would promote more responsible management and that this aim has global significance.