bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to measure an organization’s learning ability: the facilitating factors ‐ part II
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Reichart Walter
Published: July 2002

The objective of this article is to gain an understanding of what are the key characteristics of learning organizations, how they develop, how to measure organizational learning, and where does one start if a learning organization is to be created. This article views the organization as a learning system and focuses on three key characteristics of a learning organization. They are the learning process, the learning orientation, and the facilitating factors within the organization. The interrelationship as well as the details of these topics are described in detail. The purpose here is to understand how an organization learns, what it does well, what it does poorly, and where should it be improved. To do this, the major focus will be placed upon the facilitating factors, process, and conclusion. For an organization to become a learning organization it is critical that both a measurement methodology and communications medium be formalized. The communications medium proposed here will be an organizational learning model, and the measurement technique will be a survey instrument described within learning orientations. This article will develop a model against which a desired state can be defined for an organization within a specific industry and a survey instrument which examines actual behaviours displayed in the organization.
Handling conflicts
Authors: Knippen Jay T. , Green Thad B.
Published: July 2002

With the large number of people each employee must work around and see daily, and the wide spectrum of backgrounds, it is almost a sure bet that conflicts will occasionally arise. There may be personality clashes, misunderstandings, miscommunications, disagreements, or just plain dislikes. Whatever the reason, every employee, sooner or later, must learn how to cope with, or handle, conflicts.
Stress coping styles among German managers
Authors: Kirkcaldy Bruce , Furnham Adrian
Published: July 2002

In a weekly managerial newspaper survey the abbreviated German version of the Occupational Stress Indicator’s Coping scale was completed anonymously by over 200 readers. Of these we selected only those who were categorised as management (n = 160) in our study. The mean coping score for the full Coping scale was 36.98 (SD 8.65) with a split half reliability of 0.76 (total alpha = 0.84). Alpha coefficients for the two subscales were 0.85 and 0.58. There was no difference in coping profiles of men and women, but different levels of management and educational status did influence preference for coping styles. More specifically, as we progress to the more senior levels of management, delegation and maintaining stable relationships are considered the most useful forms of coping with stress. The more academically trained manager with a postgraduate degree is more likely to implement such coping methods as effective time‐management and planning ahead.
Project teams and change in the Australian banking industry
Authors: Lloyd‐Walker Beverley , Ping Cheung Yen
Published: July 2002

The Australian banking industry has undergone fast and dramatic change in response to deregulation and globalisation of financial markets. The release of the Wallis Report on the Australian financial industry in March 1997 signalled that this rate of change can be expected to continue into the twenty‐first century. This study was carried out on one proje ct, part of an organisation‐wide reengineering programme in a major Australian bank and examined the link between corporate strategy and implementation of an IT‐supported change project. Results highlight the need for careful co‐ordination of organisational, technology and departmental strategies when carrying out major change programmes, and the importance of user training for effective use of the system.
Understanding organization change: the case of a troubled organization
Authors: Gambil Tony , Kirk James
Published: July 2002

Over the past few years many workers have lived through buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, upsizings, and downsizings as well as many other changes in the workplace. However, witnessing and feeling the effects of such changes does not guarantee that employees will automatically comprehend the changes. Understanding changes in the workplace requires that employees grasp basic concepts related to the nature of change in human systems. Therefore, this paper presents a short case study of one company struggling through some troubling changes. The reader is asked to look at the changes in terms of ten concepts related to planned change. It is recommended that the case and related questions be discussed in small groups. This will enable various perspectives on the case to be discussed and appreciated. The groups should include a mix of employees, supervisors, and managers.
Storytelling and “real” management competence
Authors: McKenna Steve
Published: July 2002

Countless organisations have developed “lists” of management competencies based on behavioural criteria. The objective of this competency development is to build a more competent managerial group in the context of a rapidly changing environment. This paper argues that most sets of “management competencies” are developed without recognition of their inherent contradictions and without due regard to their contextuality. Through the use of storytelling as a methodology, two case histories are outlined to show how competence is subject to, firstly, subjective interpretation and preference and, secondly, to the specific context in which behaviour takes place. The implications for management and organisational development are then discussed.
The world of the entrepreneur – a new perspective
Authors: Thompson John L.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the terms entrepreneur and entrepreneurship, emphasises the economic and social importance of entrepreneurs and summarises key research findings to produce a model of outcomes and capital created by entrepreneurs. Shows how entrepreneurs can be found in many walks of life, not just business, and explains that they are responsible for creating social and artistic capital as well as financial wealth. Concludes with reflections on the challenges faced, in part by educationalists, in trying to develop both more entrepreneurs and more enterprise in organisations.
Soaring to new heights with learning orientated companies
Authors: Gardiner Penny
Published: July 2002

Describes a study in two large engineering companies attempting to implement a learning orientation and presents a new sector‐specific model of a learning orientation, based on these findings. Research was conducted through interviews with managers and employees and questionnaires using a specially designed measurement tool. Both companies were found to be most learning orientated in terms of empowerment and organisational structure, and least learning orientated with regard to participation in policy making and environmental links. Interviews with respondents indicated concern at poor communications and a lack of trust in both organisations; appearing to constitute a barrier to learning. Effective information‐sharing appeared to constitute a critical factor in the success or otherwise of learning programmes and there were links with trust and employee morale. The study highlighted a need for greater evaluation of learning in organisations and a more holistic approach to the implementation of learning initiatives.
Communities of practice in the distributed international environment
Authors: Hildreth Paul , Kimble Chris , Wright Peter
Published: July 2002

Modern commercial organisations are facing pressures which have caused them to lose personnel. When they lose people, they also lose their knowledge. Organisations also have to cope with the internationalisation of business forcing collaboration and knowledge sharing across time and distance. Knowledge management (KM) claims to tackle these issues. This paper looks at an area where KM does not offer sufficient support, that is, the sharing of knowledge that is not easy to articulate. The focus in this paper is on communities of practice in commercial organisations. We do this by exploring knowledge sharing in Lave and Wenger’s (1991) theory of communities of practice and investigating how communities of practice may translate to a distributed international environment. The paper reports on two case studies that explore the functioning of communities of practice across international boundaries.
A methodology for knowledge management implementation
Authors: Levett Gavin P. , Guenov Marin D.
Published: July 2002

This article describes research work which was directed towards providing the automotive industry with a practical methodology that translates the conceptual ideas of knowledge management (KM) into a working programme with defined objectives, using industry terminology. The research also developed a supporting analysis methodology that enables an effective analysis of the influences on employee activities when creating and sharing valuable corporate knowledge, that spans technical and cultural boundaries. This happens through identifying the factors that impact on defined KM metrics. The analysis identifies the key influencing factors within a working environment. The research benefits are felt when the ground‐level drivers of KM behaviour are improved through links to an appropriate KM strategy. KM strategy may emphasise organisational cultural changes or IT changes or both in an endeavour to improve innovation, reduce business costs and reduce time to market of new products. An industrial case study was undertaken to validate the research.
Knowledge management initiatives: learning from failure
Authors: Storey John , Barnett Elizabeth
Published: July 2002

Large numbers of organizations are taking great interest in the idea of knowledge management and many are launching knowledge management initiatives and programmes. A large proportion of such initiatives will fail. Yet, despite the injunctions to “learn from failure”, little detailed attention has been paid to why and how these apparently popular initiatives run into difficulties. The purpose of this article is to examine, in some unusual detail, a significant example of a failed knowledge management initiative in order to analyse what went wrong and to identify the key learning points.
A design for futurizing knowledge networking
Authors: Högberg Christian , Edvinsson Leif
Published: July 2002

This paper reviews theories and concepts about how to increase the value of knowledge in an organization. It outlines developments in the area of advanced people and knowledge management networks by Meta4, an international software company that has developed a unique knowledge management platform called KnowNet (or Knowledge Network). The paper describes a knowledge management application of KnowNet and Web technology at Skandia. Skandia’s system, known as KenNet, was developed as an IT‐based knowledge network to enable organizations to utilize the knowledge and ideas of individuals. The KenNet was designed uniquely to augment the activity of Skandia’s concept of “futurizing”.
Knowledge management, response ability, and the agile enterprise
Authors: Dove Rick
Published: July 2002

This paper defines the agile enterprise as one which is able to both manage and apply knowledge effectively, and suggests that value from either capability is impeded if they are not in balance. It looks at the application of knowledge as requiring a change, and overviews a body of analytical work on change proficiency in business systems and processes. It looks at knowledge management as a strategic portfolio management responsibility based on learning functionality, and shares knowledge and experience in organizational collaborative learning mechanisms. It introduces the concept of plug‐compatible knowledge packaging as a means for increasing the velocity of knowledge diffusion and the likelihood of knowledge understood at the depth of insight. Finally, it reviews a knowledge portfolio management and collaborative knowledge development architecture used successfully in a sizable cross‐industry informal‐consortia activity, and suggests that it is a good model for a corporate university architecture.
Assessing the innovation capacity of the consortium: an evaluation of the CAM‐I cost management systems program
Authors: Freeman Tom
Published: July 2002

Innovation is the core competency of the industry research consortium. The ability to capture the tacit or fugitive knowledge of participants and apply it to a business issue to create an implementable solution is the practical application. The cost management systems (CMS) program of the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing ‐ International (CAM‐I) is currently exploring innovation as a research project. The first step was the use of Debra Amidon’s innovation assessment to evaluate the innovation capacity of the CMS program. This article focuses on the results and learning from the assessment.
What future knowledge management users may expect
Authors: Wiig Karl M.
Published: July 2002

Globalization has placed businesses everywhere in new and different competitive situations where knowledgeable, effective behavior has come to provide the competitive edge. Enterprises have turned to explicit and systematic knowledge management (KM) to develop the intellectual capital needed to succeed. Further developments are expected to provide considerable benefits resulting from changes in the workplace and in management and operational practices. Changes will partly come from information technology and artificial intelligence developments. However, more important changes are expected in people‐centric practices to build, apply, and deploy knowledge and understanding for support of innovative and effective knowledge‐intensive work. Much remains to be done. Next generation KM methods will still be crude. Our understanding of knowledge and how people use it to work has a long way to go. We need a“theory of knowledge” and perhaps a new theory of the firm to create a solid foundation for future KM. Still, users can expect significant benefits from KM as it develops over the next decades.
Towards knowledge networking
Authors: Seufert Andreas , von Krogh Georg , Bach Andrea
Published: July 2002

In this article we describe an integrated view on knowledge management and networking being a very
powerful combination for the future of knowledge management. We start by giving an overview of the increasing importance of networks in the modern economy. Subsequently, we conceptualize a network perspective on knowledge management. Therefore we first give a theoretical foundation on networks, and secondly explain the interdependences between networks and knowledge management. These reflections lead to the development of a framework for knowledge networking, where we distinguish between a microperspective and a macro‐perspective. Finally, we develop a framework for knowledge networking which can be used as a basis in order to structure and reveal interdependences. We conclude by giving some implications for management and future research.
ISO 9000 – 2000 version:
Authors: Laszlo George P.
Published: July 2002

The 2000 version of ISO 9000 is very exciting for quality practitioners because it embraces the principles of quality management that have received wide acceptance because of the publicity of the various National Quality Awards that are models based on these tenets. However, there are potential difficulties that lie ahead for those organizations that aspire to fulfill the requirements of this new version of ISO 9000 unless they recognize that there is a cultural gap between the new approach required as compared to the previous 1994 version. Similarly, auditors working with the new version must have a different background and approach as the emphasis is being changed from one that has been totally compliance‐based to a new approach that also includes evaluation of management techniques that requires hands‐on experience and judgment. Unless these two types of issues are properly addressed, the 2000 version of ISO 9000 will frustrate applicants and may tarnish the quality movement.
How can ISO 9000:2000 help companies achieve excellence?
Authors: Boulter Louise , Bendell Tony
Published: July 2002

The ISO 9000 standard has been revised as of December 2000. It has been thought that the implications of addressing the changes may be particularly acute for small businesses, for which the impact of requirements and relative commercial costs of compliance can be greatest. In view of this, the Quality Research Group at the University of Leicester in collaboration with the Centre for Enterprise has conducted a research project with representatives from major internationally accredited UKAS certification bodies to explore the implications that the revision to ISO 9000 is likely to have on the small business community. This current paper reports on the study undertaken by the University of Leicester team with financial and collaborative support from Lloyds Register Quality Assurance and SGS Yarsley, two of the largest international ISO 9000 certification bodies. A detailed survey involving more than 1,000 respondents from UK‐based SMEs has provided a detailed empirical profile of the company’s own views of the value of ISO 9000:2000 on the path to excellence and what they will need to do to make it work. Face‐to‐face interviews were also used to provided verification and views from non‐certified companies. The results of the study are very positive and indicate a changing view and use of a standard that used to be seen as bureaucratic, officious and complacent.
Modeling BEST business excellence
Authors: Hensler Douglas A. , Edgeman Rick L.
Published: July 2002

BEST business excellence addresses the issue of excellence and sustainability from four perspectives: bio/physical, economic, social, and technological. The concept of BEST business excellence seeks to address the balance of objectives that many academics and practitioners alike believe are necessary, perhaps not sufficient, to secure the long‐term survival, prosperity, and thriving of humankind and its institutions. Somewhat allied with triple bottom line, this concept is in its infancy and little work has been completed in the formation of the concept intuitively or formally. This paper begins a discourse to develop an optimization model for the concept of BEST business excellence. The models presented herein are graphical and descriptive and offer a basis for further development. These models represent the transformation from maximizing economic outcomes as the organizational objective constrained by B‐sustainability (bio/physical) largely through regulation, S‐sustainability (social) largely through a sense of obligation or by consumer action, and T‐sustainability (technology) largely through the limitations of current technology available. The new model offers the different perspective of the objective function containing variables representing B‐, E‐, and S‐sustainability, wherein those objectives are jointly optimised using technology (T‐sustainability) where cost becomes the constraint. The resultant descriptive model shows how technology forms the centerpiece of optimization and provides direction for technological development resulting in simultaneous optimization of bio/physical, economic, and social objectives.
Innovation as the core competency of a service organisation: the role of technology, knowledge and networks
Authors: Kandampully Jay
Published: July 2002

Services lie at the very hub of the economic activity of all societies, and interlink closely with all other sectors of the economy. The exponential growth of services internationally has not only intensified competition, but has also simultaneously posed a challenge and an opportunity for the managers of services. This study examines the factors underlying the growth of services, and emerging views on what constitutes a “resource” for service organisations. To this end, the roles of technology, knowledge and networks are examined as interdependent factors. It is argued here that today’s “resources” are the culmination of various advances in knowledge. Technology facilitates the maintenance of networks with customers and partners inside and outside the firm. The network of relationships renders the firm’s capabilities “amorphous” in nature. This study suggests that this amorphous knowledge represents the true “resource” in a service firm, and ultimately provides the creative potential for “innovation” – the so‐called “core competency”. However, innovation per se does not benefit the firm unless it manifests superior value in the customer‐driven marketplace. Moreover, this study argues that service innovation results only when a firm is able to focus its entire energies to think on behalf of the customer.
An adopter‐centered approach to understanding adoption of innovations
Authors: Eugene Pereira Rex
Published: July 2002

Introduces an adopter‐centered, process‐oriented model with which to explore behavioral processes related to technology adoption. This approach enables us to learn about adoption as a process and to explore the subprocesses that affect perceptions and attitudes. This perspective provides the opportunity for a much richer understanding of how adoption occurs and how it can be influenced. Sensemaking focuses on the adopter herself, i.e. her mental frameworks, and the antecedents and products of those frameworks. The sensemaking model describes the evolution of the adopter’s mental framework. Rogers’ innovation‐decision process model charts a progression of activities during the adoption process, whereas the sensemaking model explains the adopter’s mental mechanics at each stage.
The “QFD/FMEA interface”
Authors: Ginn D.M. , Jones D.V. , Rahnejat H. , Zairi M.
Published: July 2002

The intention of this paper is to propose a methodology for interactions between the two quality tools of quality function deployment (QFD) and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA), and place an emphasis on their common features. The paper will also emphasise the value that both tools have when used throughout the product development cycle. An example of the method described will be highlighted within Ford Motor Company that will demonstrate the quality and resource benefits achievable when these two tools are used in conjunction with one another. This example will illustrate how, through the use of crossfunctional and multidisciplined teamwork, QFD and FMEA can be linked into systems engineering and a quality operating system with far‐reaching benefits.
Benchmarking for brand innovation
Authors: Ahmed Pervaiz K. , Zairi Mohamed
Published: July 2002

Notes that benchmarking is an under‐utilised tool in the field of innovation. Examines consumer brands in the UK cosmetics and toiletries sector and attempts to use both soft and hard metrics in terms of benchmarking measurement. Considers various types of benchmarking approach and also the nature of both “hard” and “soft” measurement. Focuses on numerous factors relating to brands, using data from the cosmetics and toiletries sector. Concludes by underlining the need for organizations to pay attention to both quantitative and qualitative dimensions if benchmarking is to be effective.
Quality differentiation for competitive advantage: a contingency approach
Authors: Beal Reginald M. , Lockamy Archie
Published: July 2002

This study examines the performance consequences of aligning the competitive strategy of quality differentiation with each of the four fundamental industry life cycle stages: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Reports results from a questionnaire survey of CEOs in a mid‐western state in the USA. The findings suggest that small manufacturing firms can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage vis‐à‐vis quality differentiation across three stages of industry evolution: introduction, growth, and maturity.
Entrepreneurship, resistance to change and growth in small firms
Authors: Gray Colin
Published: July 2002

The focus of this paper is on existing small firms, with fewer than 50 employees, and their attitudes to change, using data from regular quarterly small firm surveys conducted by the Small Business Research Trust, especially from the 1,212 respondents to the fourth quarter of 1999 (15:4, motivation, objectives and targets) and the 812 respondents to the first quarter 2000 survey (16:1, changes). The overlap between the respondents to these successive surveys allows their responses to be cross‐tabulated. It was expected that there would be strong positive links between growth‐orientation, the setting of financial objectives (as opposed to lifestyle goals), propensity to introduce changes and actual growth, and that age and size of firm effects will also be present and likely, as intervening variables, to influence these relationships. The findings confirm these expectations (and the mirror image of resistance to change linked to non‐entrepreneurial performance).
Financial information and the management of small private companies
Authors: Collis Jill , Jarvis Robin
Published: July 2002

This research is drawn from a survey of 385 private limited companies in the UK that fall within the 1999 EU size thresholds for a small company. Examines the use of financial information in small companies, as financial management is critical to their success and survival. The purpose of the research was to identify the sources and utility of financial information used and the results show that the majority of small companies adopt practices that include formal methods of planning and control. There is a strong emphasis on controlling cash and monitoring performance in the context of maintaining relationships with the bank. The most widely used and most useful sources of financial information are the monthly/quarterly management accounts and cash flow information in various forms. Multivariate analysis reveals that the utility of the periodic management accounts is contingent upon the size of the business and the receipt of management advice from the auditor/accountant. The findings of this research have important managerial implications for the directors and their advisers.
Working smarter: the impact of technology on marketer motivation
Authors: Good David J. , Stone Robert W.
Published: July 2002

The variables impacting marketers’ motivation to work smarter are examined. These influencing variables are the manager’s venturesomeness, job challenge, effort and skill results, as well as self‐esteem. The model is empirically tested using 273 responses to a questionnaire distributed to marketers using a purchased, national mailing list. The empirical tests were done using a structural equations approach and maximum likelihood estimation. The results indicate that the motivation to work smarter is directly and positively impacted by the manager’s job challenge, effort and skill results, and venturesomeness. The manager’s self‐esteem has positive, indirect impacts on the motivation to work smarter through each of the manager’s venturesomeness, effort and skill results, and job challenge. Based on these results, recommendations on how marketers can be encouraged to work smarter are made.
Downsizing and the emergence of self‐managed teams
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Bethune Mary , Tannenbaum Rhonda
Published: July 2002

This article explores the effects of downsizing and the subsequent emergence of self‐managed work teams. Continuous and accelerated change has resulted in massive downsizing activities by organizations. A classical model for the planning ‐ implementing ‐ and design of the downsizing process is presented. Group structure and typology is presented in terms of formal versus informal groups. The impact of groups and group dynamics, the stages of group development, and impact upon effectiveness, environment, design and learning processes will be included. Attention is given to the survivors of downsizing who form the foundation of the self‐managed team. Leadership demands are presented in terms of leading the survivors, ensuring commitment and managing the future. The emergence of the SMT in terms of productivity, expectations and the management of conflict complete this exhaustive review of empirical data required for action‐driven organizations in a turbulent environment.
Learning and knowledge management in the intelligent organisation
Authors: Stonehouse George H. , Pemberton Jonathan D.
Published: July 2002

Core competences, emanating from an organisation and that provide distinctive benefits to customers, are commonly viewed as the basis of competitive advantage. While these exist in many forms, the role of individual and organisational knowledge is increasingly important in the formation of knowledge‐based core competences. This paper explores the ideas of knowledge management, making reference to a number of sectors and companies, and specifically the airline industry, arguing that the culture, structure and infrastructure of an organisation are integral elements that facilitate and nurture learning. As a consequence, competences are built and developed within the “intelligent” organisation, which in turn, contribute to its competitive success.
Empowerment in small businesses
Authors: Wyer Peter , Mason Jane
Published: July 2002

The concept of empowerment has received a great deal of attention in recent years. However, the empowerment knowledge base is predominantly large company‐oriented with little evidence of understanding what empowerment means in a small business context. It is inappropriate to treat the small firm as a microcosm of a large organisation. The small business is qualitatively as well as quantitatively different and this article propounds that it is questionable whether the concept of empowerment and its various dimensions as portrayed in the literature are readily transferable to small businesses. It is suggested that empowering management approaches are key features of successful growth‐oriented small firms but the current body of empowerment literature fails to encapsulate the idiosyncrasies and informalities of the small business operation, and thus convey understanding of the unique and novel forms of empowerment which facilitate sustainable development. Case study insight is used to support these propositions.
The impact of the Internet on the role of travel consultants
Authors: Vasudavan T. , Standing Craig
Published: July 2002

This paper discusses the attitude and views of travel consultants on the impact of Internet related technologies on their future employment and their abilities to cope with the threat of dis‐intermediation. The authors anticipate that changes in the travel distribution process brought about by the Internet and other technologies will result in retail travel agencies experiencing lower business volume and hence difficulty in maintaining business viability. Against this background, a number of questions need to be addressed. What is the attitude of consultants towards new technologies in travel distribution? Are travel consultants prepared to meet the new challenges? What will be the role of travel consultants? Using a survey of 102 travel consultants, the paper shows the lack of awareness and negative attitude displayed by travel consultants in this rapidly changing distribution environment. The paper further suggests measures and training programs that could be undertaken to address the situation.
Benchmarking tax compliance efficiency (risk) at the business entity level
Authors: Syed Arif , Kalirajan Kali
Published: July 2002

Empirical works on examining taxpayer compliance and judiciously targeting risky taxpayers from a population of large taxpayers are hitherto scarce. This paucity of research has been the main result of the limited set of taxpaid data available at a micro level to researchers. It is in this context, the objective of this paper is to suggest a benchmarking method, which takes into account firm‐specific, particularly governance characteristics, to identify and measure the extent of taxpayer compliance with the limited amount of data available. It is expected that this method will be of much value to tax administrations and compliance managers. Our approach to compliance is based on comparisons among taxpayers of the extent of under‐reporting of income, as well as over‐reporting of reconciliation deduction and cost items. The workability of the proposed model is demonstrated using data from the Australian services industry.
Internal transfer of best practice for performance excellence: a global survey
Authors: Jarrar Yasar F. , Zairi Mohamed
Published: July 2002

Presents the findings of a global survey, undertaken by the European Centre for Total Quality Management (UK), which was aimed at identifying the critical success factors for the “effective internal transfer of best practices”. Overall, 227 organisations took part in the study. Participant organisations came from 32 different countries, all involved in benchmarking. The participants represented a wide cross‐section of organisational sectors ranging from non‐profit and government agencies to environmental management services and auto parts manufacturers. The survey shed light on the process and methodologies used by organisations to identify and evaluate best practices, and the process used for post‐implementation evaluation to assess the benefits gained. The results have highlighted the importance of “involvement” (training, ownership, and open communication) of all employees for the effective transfer of best practices. Concludes with an overview of the future issues that are expected to influence the spread and application of benchmarking and best practice transfer.
Successful implementation of Six Sigma: benchmarking General Electric Company
Authors: Henderson Kim M. , Evans James R.
Published: July 2002

The Six Sigma phenomenon has followed the TQM movement as the latest thrust for many companies seeking to improve their performance and effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to review the basic concepts of Six Sigma, its benefits, and successful approaches for implementation. In particular, we benchmark the practices of the General Electric Company, one of the leaders and innovators in implementing the process. We conclude that keys for successful implementation include upper management support and involvement, organizational infrastructure, training, tools, and links to human resources‐based actions.
First results on the effects of ISO 9000 in the US textile industry
Authors: Adanur Sabit , Allen Brian
Published: July 2002

Investigated the effects of ISO 9000 standards on the US textile
industry through an industry survey. Examined the relationship between
product quality and ISO standards. Provides results on the effects of
ISO 9000 on the textile industry, especially on product quality.
Implementation of ISO helps to improve product and process quality,
reduces rework and defective supplies, and can be used as a marketing
tool. The cost of ISO 9000 certification was negligible compared to the
benefits it provides. ISO certified companies reported that their total
costs went down with regard to maintaining quality. With the
implementation of ISO, management becomes committed to quality. ISO
certified companies seem to have focused more clearly on quality of
products and operations. ISO certification motivates employees to
improve quality.
Benchmarking best‐practice performance measurement within companies
Authors: Sinclair David , Zairi Mohamed
Published: July 2002

A postal survey was conducted into the use of performance
measurement in companies using total quality management. A total of 89
responses were obtained from 22 companies. The results from the analysis
of the data show that even in companies using TQM, there is a gap
between the factors of performance perceived by employees as being
important, and the factors which are emphasized by their organizations.
However, some of the key goals of TQM – customer service and
satisfaction, and quality improvements – are among the highest
rated factors in terms of both importance and emphasis.
Benchmarking on total quality management adoption: a positioning model
Authors: Dale Barrie G.
Published: July 2002

Presents a positioning model which describes five clusters of organizational characteristics in relation to the adoption of total quality management by a business unit. For each cluster, general advice is given as to what business can do to increase the pace of its improvement efforts. It is argued that the model can provide the requisite encouragement to those more traditional businesses in less advanced countries to take a series of small steps along the total quality management journey.
Continuous improvement strategies across selected Australian manufacturing sectors
Authors: Chapman Ross L. , Hyland Paul W.
Published: July 2002

Notes that Australian businesses are continually being expected to respond to changes in the economy brought about by alterations to government policies. Suggests that those industries which survive and flourish will need to have in place a process for responding to change. Points out that continuous improvement (CI) was identified in a recent Australia/New Zealand manufacturing survey as the most important manufacturing enhancement process currently available. In 1997, an Australia‐wide study of CI in manufacturing was initiated by a benchmarking survey examining the CI activities of medium to large manufacturing firms. Reports on selected findings of the survey and presents an analysis by industry sector of the firms’ main motives for CI, content in the CI process, support for CI and problem‐solving tools used to support CI. Initial findings indicate that there are no significant differences between manufacturing organizations in different Australian states. However, significant differences were found on comparing different industry sectors.
The development of a best practice business process improvement methodology
Authors: Povey Barry
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the effectiveness of various business process improvement and benchmarking methodologies described in the literature and reported by survey respondents. As a result of this “benchmarking study” a new and potentially improved business process improvement methodology is developed.
The burgeoning of benchmarking in British local government
Authors: Davis Paul
Published: July 2002

This article provides an overview of the current state of play of benchmarking in local government in the UK. It traces a trajectory of development for local authorities that diverges from that of the corporate private sector, in terms of the importance of external political drivers. A number of key constraints are identified that are together blocking the further development of benchmarking in the sector. These include a lack of awareness of potential scope; problems in securing needed skills; satisficing and low aspiration levels reducing the potential gain from benchmarking; and a marked lack of formal evaluation. Notwithstanding recent growth, a legitimate degree of scepticism remains in many local authorities as to the public value to be derived from benchmarking.
Benchmarking manufacturing practice using the product life cycle
Authors: Magnan Gregory M. , Fawcett Stanley E. , Birou Laura M.
Published: July 2002

The dynamic nature of today’s global marketplace places a premium on a firm’s ability to anticipate and to respond to customer needs as well as changing competitive pressures. Within this environment, developing a successful manufacturing strategy can be critical to the firm’s long‐term competitive success. This paper looks at the potential for using the product life cycle (PLC) as a strategic anchor in the manufacturing strategy planning process. Results of an empirical study that investigated the fit of 44 manufacturing techniques across the PLC stage are presented. The implementation status and impact of the various manufacturing techniques is also considered.
Software benchmarks using function point analysis
Authors: Cheung Yen , Willis Rob , Milne Barrie
Published: July 2002

The alternative to using source lines of code (SLOC) for costing software projects is to use function points. Functional point analysis (FPA), which was first introduced in 1979, has now been widely accepted as the industry standard for estimating software size and costs. International standard bodies like the International Function Point Users’ Group (IFPUG) has been maintaining a repository of data based on projects that were drawn from 14 countries in North America, Europe and Asia/Australasia. This paper presents the results of the analysis that was performed on these data together with recommendations such as benchmarks for software projects. Project measures such as functional size, work effort, project delivery rate, speed of delivery and project duration were analysed using the statistical package, Systat. Apart from project duration, all distributions were log‐normal, thus suggesting that the results can be used for software benchmarking. Regression analysis on the data further identified correlation of functional size with other project measures that can be used as a basis for planning and estimating software projects. Further work on the repository involves other project measures such as team size and software defects.
Dynamics of property value distribution in an Asian metropolis
Authors: Sheng Han Sun , Ming Yu Shi , Choo Malone‐Lee Lai , Basuki Ann
Published: July 2002

This paper seeks to explore the dynamics of the spatial distribution of landed residential property values in Singapore in the 1990s. Topics covered include: spatial patterns that can be discerned in the distribution of landed property values; how property values change over time; and how government intervention influenced this dynamic property value surface. Data are collected from the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers property transaction database, and are analysed by using the geographic information system, parametric and non‐parametric statistics. Findings of this paper contribute to the understanding of the urban dynamics of an Asian metropolis, especially in terms of its residential property market and internal spatial structure.
The property aspects of privatization
Authors: Rigden Amanda , Fisher Peter
Published: July 2002

The process of privatization of state industries and utilities was
a major feature of Government activity and the UK economy during the
1980s. Privatization was achieved in a number of ways and the treatment
of land and property aspects varied. Traces the inconsistency of
approach by Government departments and examines relevant valuation
issues.
Fuzzy analysis
Authors: Byrne Peter
Published: July 2002

Risk and uncertainty are, to say the least, poorly considered by
most individuals involved in real estate analysis – in both
development and investment appraisal. Surveyors continue to express
“uncertainty” about the value (risk) of using relatively
objective methods of analysis to account for these factors. These
methods attempt to identify the risk elements more explicitly.
Conventionally this is done by deriving probability distributions for
the uncontrolled variables in the system. Presents a suggested
“new” way of expressing our uncertainty or slight vagueness
about some of the qualitative judgements and not entirely certain uses
of fuzzy logic applied to real estate problems. Discusses and
demonstrates the terminology and methodology of fuzzy analysis. In
particular, attempts a comparison of fuzzy procedures with those used in
“conventional” risk analysis approaches and critically
investigates whether a fuzzy approach offers an alternative to the use
of probability based analysis for dealing with aspects of risk and
uncertainty in real estate analysis.
Empirical study of the relationship between residential lot price, size and view
Authors: Wolverton Marvin L.
Published: July 2002

Real estate researchers have suggested that the law of diminishing marginal utility applies not only to consumption of property but to the characteristics of the properties consumed as well. Employs a unique data set to empirically model the functional form of the price effects of marginal additions to lot size and view. Shows that the relationships between lot price, size and view are non‐linear, and that marginal price effects diminish as lot size and view quality increase. The results imply that traditional valuation models allow only for the existence of view, rather than the quality of view, and are too simplistic and imprecise. Appraisers should be cognizant of this implication, and devise valuation techniques which allow them to consider differences in the quality of view from property to property.
The natural history of professionalisation and its effects on valuation theory and practice in the UK and Germany
Authors: Morgan John F.W.
Published: July 2002

Professions have evolved in contrasting ways in different countries, although this has only recently been recognised by sociologists, who long had an Anglo‐American bias in their work on this subject. In the UK professions have generally evolved “bottom‐up” (i.e. through the activities of the professionals) in contrast to “top‐down” (through state intervention) in Germany. Since the valuation profession in Germany has not been regulated by the state it has not evolved as a high status occupation and lacks high entry standards or effective self‐regulation. This has resulted in a different approach to valuation theory and practice from that in the UK.
“The great convergence”: visionary illusion or megatrend?
Authors: Buchen Irving H.
Published: July 2002

Megatrends are historical nexuses which gather and focus both obvious and subtle sub‐trends as a contribution to the history of future ideas. A substantive candidate of the twenty‐first century is “convergence”. That pursuit of “the unity of all knowledge” involves the integration, synthesis and confluence of different and often opposing intellectual concepts; and of seminal research developments and academic disciplines. Three major components and sets of authors are identified and examined: the technology of theology; the increasing interconnectedness of social, political and economic forces; and the interfacing of scientific, humanistic and spiritual domains.
ISO 9000 series registration to business excellence: the migratory path
Authors: van der Wiele A. , Williams A.R.T. , Dale B.G.
Published: July 2002

Plots a path from a base of ISO 9000 series system registration to the effective use of self‐assessment against the criteria of an excellence model (e.g. the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model or the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) model). Both the ISO 9000 series and excellence models define the total quality management (TQM) philosophy in a specific way, but at different levels of TQM maturity. The gap between the TQM maturity levels defined through the ISO 9000 series and an excellence model are pointed out in the paper. An eight step approach is described that shows how an organisation can move forward from an ISO 9000 series base to be in a position to challenge for a recognised quality/excellence award. The implementation of self‐assessment against an excellence model is an important element in this migratory path. It is also pointed out that organisations need some experience with TQM before being able to effectively use self‐assessment against an excellence model.
Toward a production classification system
Authors: Melcher Arlyn J. , Khouja Moutaz , Booth David E.
Published: July 2002

Presents a classification for production systems in manufacturing and processing industries. The proposed classification is intended to enlarge the scope of production systems that can be meaningfully classified. This is accomplished by including production system properties used in previous classifications and incorporating new characteristics that describe major changes in emerging automated production systems. The proposed classification is intended to provide better understanding of the functioning of production systems and management approaches available to improving their processes.