bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environment‐based empowerment in managerial training in education
Authors: Glasman Naftaly
Published: July 2002

This article extends previous theoretical work done in the area of empowerment in learning to empowerment in managerial training in education. The focus is on learning environment which are developed and within which empowerment occurs. Two such cases are described. The description includes that of the subject matter learned, the teaching methodology used and the learning outcomes. Outcomes appear to be valuable regardless of the empowering environment so long as the latter is designed to enhance learning by having trainees exposed to practice. What is most exciting about this effort is that not only skills are acquired effectively but also new knowledge is generated as part of the empowered training outcomes.
Hennepin County coordinated home services for the elderly
Authors: Wing Linda S.
Published: July 2002

Seeks to find methods of delivering service to a valued component of society, the elderly. Utilizes a large scale, participatory research design to include employees in designing and implementing a new service system in the face of downtrending human and capital resources.
High involvement leadership: moving from talk to action
Authors: Howard Ann
Published: July 2002

Finds in a study across 25 organizations more talk about high‐involvement leadership than effective implementation. Part of the problem was that senior managers wore rose‐coloured glasses when viewing high involvement in their organizations, which obscured the need for more action. There were many other barriers to empowerment, including a lack of appropriate rewards, mistrust and lack of self‐motivation on the part of front‐line employees, and leaders’ skills. Identifies various factors that hurt and helped high‐involvement leadership. But if used well, empowering leadership practices had handsome payoffs for leaders, their direct reports, and organizational effectiveness. Makes five recommendations to help managers implement high‐involvement leadership better.
Engaging in conversations
Authors: Ray‐Chaudhuri Jewel
Published: July 2002

This article stresses the importance of reconstructing team identity through the use of conversation and dialogue in order to empower teams to become high performance teams. “Identity empowerment” is defined as the ability to set goals and values and to form connections with the social structure. Degrees of identity empowerment are useful for describing the team’s current status. In descriptions of three teams, each team’s identity empowement is described, the stories and words used by that team giving clues as to the degree of identityempowerment. Key learnings are cited as suggestions for increasing dialogue and developing a stronger identity.
Empowerment in New Zealand firms: insights from two cases
Authors: Smith Amelia C. , Suchitra Mouly V.
Published: July 2002

Using a qualitative methodology, the present research attempts to understand members’ perceptions of empowerment in two New Zealand organizations that have undergone various reforms in the workplace. In a departure from the literature, our study reveals the context‐specific nature of empowerment and offers probable reasons for the lack of a unified (or universal) definition. From our case data, we also identify several factors that either facilitate or inhibit the empowerment process, and that have significant implications for organizations seeking to empower their employees.
Turning toward growth: part I
Authors: Smith W James
Published: July 2002

Re‐engineering companies should be about more than mere downsizing to cut organizational costs. It is important that the organization should be refocussed and the remaining employees (at all levels) remotivated towards growth. Part I of this article details the five stages successful turnaround leaders use in order to rebuild organizations. It also notes the danger of being stuck in the retrenchment phase where cost‐cutting and downsizing becomes a way of life. By continuously recycling through the five stages and placing emphasis on turning toward growth, organizations can avoid this scenario.
Turning toward growth: part II
Authors: Smith W James
Published: July 2002

Having discussed the mechanism of organizational change, part II of this article suggests that the goal of this change should be to move away from supplier‐driven “push” systems of business to customer‐driven “pull” systems. Only by focussing on the customer can organizations react quickly enough to rapidly changing communities and markets. These systems can also work within organizations and in the public sector. This part of the article discusses the need for a new way of working, leading on to the final installment covering the design of the restructured organization.
Empowerment and production workers: a knowledge‐based perspective
Authors: Duru Ahanotu N.
Published: July 2002

This paper emphasizes that production workers achieve empowerment through participation in processes of innovation and through a collaborative partnership with the sources of design knowledge in a company (including engineers and managers). An alternative reading of Taylor’sPrinciples of Scientific Managementsuggests that empowerment ultimately depends on the distribution and use of knowledge. By including promising theory from the literature and a few examples from industry and field study, the author concludes that to create effective opportunities for empowerment on the factory floor, knowledge development for production workers must move beyond the confines of routine continuous improvement and beyond efficiency‐based logic and reach into the realms of innovation that define the very paradigms of production.
Value innovation perspective in Indian organizations
Authors: Mohanty R.P.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents some of the major learning points of a study in innovation practices in Indian organizations. It explains the current concerns and imperatives of Indian organizations since the liberalization, privatization and globalization processes started in 1991. We attempt to formulate the logical distinctions between different clusters and hypothesize the phenomenon of innovation. We identify the innovative outcomes and the constraining forces. A model is proposed to understand the strategic implications. Value innovations require an organizational commitment to create a strong momentum for inside‐in changes and the deeper the commitment, the more likely organizations are to advance in bringing inside‐out value creating outcomes and attaining superior positions in the competition pace.
Quality, manufacturing strategy, and global competition
Authors: Choon Tan Keah , Kannan Vijay R. , Handfield Robert B. , Ghosh Soumen
Published: July 2002

Over the past ten years, intense global competition has forced many firms to examine their business practices and to evaluate how to meet the challenges economic globalization has presented. Underlying these efforts has been an examination of strategic priorities and in particular recognition of the need to improve product and process quality. While quality improvement has become a pervasive element of business strategy, allowing some companies to respond to increasing competitive pressures, it has not been universally effective. This study uses a survey of over 300 senior quality personnel to identify the challenges businesses face from globalization and how strategic initiatives, and in particular, quality improvement efforts, are used to respond to them.
Project management benchmarks for SMEs implementing ISO 9000
Authors: Lo V. , Humphreys P.
Published: July 2002

ISO 9000 certification is one of the most prevalent quality assurance systems in the world. Despite its popularity, there is considerable confusion and frustration surrounding its implementation in small to medium‐sized enterprises. Major obstacles to ISO 9000 registration are identified and include implementation costs, inadequate resources, and insufficient external assistance. Thus, SMEs require a more cost‐effective and well‐planned ISO implementation process. Based on case study material from ten companies, located in Hong Kong, the activities involved in obtaining ISO 9000 registration were identified. Project management techniques were then applied to develop a generic project network and resource loading profile for ISO 9000 implementation. Using this benchmarking approach SMEs should be able to plan the adoption of ISO 9000 more effectively with the limited resources available to them.
The increasing scope of training and development competency
Authors: Berge Zane , de Verneil Marie , Berge Nancy , Davis Linda , Smith Donna
Published: July 2002

Organizations find it increasingly difficult to stay competitive in today’s global economy. Leaders in the workplace are using benchmarking, competency, competency models, and competency studies to help make human resource decisions, such as hiring, training, and promotions. In training and development (T&D), it is helpful for competencies to focus on knowledge, skills and/or abilities. But neither the field of T&D, nor competency within the field, is static. Reported here is a careful review of literature showing the trends in competency over the past three decades in the training and development field, and provides some speculation regarding competencies needed in the near future for professionals in T&D. Two of the most apparent changes in T&D are the shift to performance improvement and the use of technology. Thus the skills, knowledge, and abilities involving these areas will continue to become increasingly necessary for T&D professionals.
The extended supply chain
Authors: McCormack Kevin , Kasper Katie
Published: July 2002

The realities of today’s digital economy are requiring and enabling dramatically improved levels of supply chain efficiency and effectiveness. The business‐to‐business (B2B) or extended digital supply chain, enabled by Internet technologies, is specifically being offered as the next competitive weapon. This paper offers definitions and measures of the extended supply chain construct and reviews the results of an ongoing benchmarking research project completed in cooperation with the US and European Supply Chain Councils. This study found that Internet usage is just beginning in both the USA and Europe but has significant relationships to cross‐company (B2B) integrating practices that are key components of the extended supply chain and supply chain management performance.
Electronic commerce
Authors: Al‐Mashari Majed
Published: July 2002

The significant growth of electronic commerce (EC) application is notable. More and more organizations are switching to online business to achieve better positions in the digital‐based competitive market. The process of EC is complex in nature and involves changes to business models and procedures. It is therefore worthy to study this new business phenomenon based on the experience of the organizations that have embarked on EC‐induced business change initiatives. This paper analyses several reported case studies of successful EC application to uncover the driving forces behind EC application, the approaches and methods adopted and the key critical factors that contribute to the success of the initiatives.
Implementation and usage of electronic commerce in managing the supply chain
Authors: Power Damien J. , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: July 2002

Changing competitive environments and technological innovation have been increasingly driving organizations to look to deriving competitive advantage through the management of their total supply chain. Ten case studies have been conducted in organizations using the European Article Numbering (EAN) system for the application of business‐to‐business e‐commerce. The evidence from these indicates that those organizations that implement this system for electronic commerce with trading partners from a “strategic” stance can reap substantial benefits. It is also apparent that adoption of this system has at times been slow, and essentially driven by trading partners. There are, however, barriers to implementation and difficult organizational issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure these potential benefits are realised. It is also apparent that these barriers have been perceived to be strong in the past. The point of convergence for all case companies is in their preparedness to adopt and apply new technologies such as the Internet, and their commonly held view that these technologies will become increasingly important enablers of business‐to‐business e‐commerce in the near future.
Developing Innovation Benchmarks: An Empirical Study
Authors: Guimaraes Tor , Langley Kathryn
Published: July 2002

Benchmarking against industry averages or high performance organizations can be useful for most companies to improve products and processes, including strategic planning, forecasting marketing trends, and internal operation. Company innovation is also widely recognized as a critical process for company survival and growth. As business globalization and competition increase, company innovativeness has become essential for success. Analyses company innovativeness from a practical perspective, in terms of the activities and mechanisms necessary for companies to seek, evaluate, implement and foster the development of new ideas. The results provide strong empirical evidence that company innovation is a major determinant of company business performance. Because most benchmarking schemes are industry‐specific, focuses on the manufacturing industry. Provides a first attempt at developing an industry‐wide average for company innovativeness which business managers can use to gauge their company’s performance along the various activities required to innovate. Managers can then focus their attention on why their respective organizations vary from the industry averages regarding specific items.
Modelling and benchmarking business processes: the supply‐line example
Authors: Hewitt F. , Robinson S. , Bennett D.
Published: July 2002

Benchmarking techniques have evolved over the years since Xerox’s pioneering visits to Japan in the late 1970s. The focus of benchmarking has also shifted during this period. By tracing in detail the evolution of benchmarking in one specific area of business activity, supply and distribution management, as seen by the participants in that evolution, creates a picture of a movement from single function, cost‐focused, competitive benchmarking, through cross‐functional, cross‐sectoral, value‐oriented benchmarking to process benchmarking. As process efficiency and effectiveness become the primary foci of benchmarking activities, the measurement parameters used to benchmark performance converge with the factors used in business process modelling. The possibility is therefore emerging of modelling business processes and then feeding the models with actual data from benchmarking exercises. This would overcome the most common criticism of benchmarking, namely that it intrinsically lacks the ability to move beyond current best practice. In fact the combined power of modelling and benchmarking may prove to be the basic building block of informed business process re‐engineering.
ISO 9001 standard and software quality improvement
Authors: Jovanovic V. , Shoemaker D.
Published: July 2002

The quality framework necessary to achieve compliance with the ISO 9000 series of standards is to say the least abstract. It is this very generality which allows ISO 9000 to play the role of the universal quality standard. Aims to help practitioners relate their software process to this framework. Discusses the rationale for, as well as ideas and examples of, software and information system development practices that fit the requirement of ISO 9001 standard and ISO 9000‐3 accompanying the guidelines. Reviews related approaches to software process improvement, defines generic requirements for a quality software process and a template for the context of a software quality improvement programme as a software quality manual.
The relationship between strategic purchasing and customer satisfaction within a total quality management environment
Authors: Brookshaw Terry , Terziovski Mile
Published: July 2002

Notes that despite a considerable amount of literature on the impact of strategic purchasing and TQM on organizational performance, empirical evidence of the dynamic link is not easy to find. Examination of current literature identifies confusing definitions of strategic purchasing and TQM processes and the relationship to customer satisfaction. Analysis of a large random sample of manufacturing companies in Australia tests the strength of the relationship between strategic purchasing and customer satisfaction. Considering the literature, a conceptual, wider theoretical framework, together with a strategic purchasing construct and strategic purchasing framework are presented. Reports an empirical investigation on the effect of strategic purchasing variables on customer satisfaction. Presents initial results that suggest strategic purchasing may play a role in customer satisfaction and makes recommendations for future research.
Benchgrafting: a model for successful implementation of the conclusions of benchmarking studies
Authors: Codling Brian S.
Published: July 2002

Many benchmarking exercises identify process improvements but frequently this does not lead to significant transfer of learning or knowledge. This paper introduces the concept of “benchgrafting” as a model to assist managers in the successful implementation of the conclusions from benchmarking projects. Looks at the concept of benchgrafting and considers it in the light of institutional theory which underlines the importance of social and cultural environment. Reports on a desk study carried out as a pilot exercise benchmarking between two organisations in the transport field.
Integrated benchmarking: a holistic examination of select techniques for benchmarking analysis
Authors: Ahmed Pervaiz K. , Rafiq Mohammed
Published: July 2002

Notes the fact that benchmarking has become a widely used management tool. Also points out that benchmarking is an evolving concept, giving a brief historical overview of the development of benchmarking and noting the view that it is changing from an art to a science. Gives a detailed breakdown of the various types of benchmarking and looks at the process of benchmarking and various approaches, arguing the need for an integrated approach.
Benchmarking manufacturing performance in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Corbett Lawrence M.
Published: July 2002

This paper reports on the levels of performance and improvement rates in a number of manufacturing performance indicators being achieved by typical manufacturers around the world and then discusses how well Australian and New Zealand companies are doing in the light of the competition. That competition being a sample of companies which is perhaps more typical than some of the exemplars who are so widely quoted in the popular management literature. The findings are based on the results from the 1996 Global Manufacturing Futures Survey. The results are presented in two ways ‐ by country or region and by industry. Australian and New Zealand manufacturers still have room for improvement in a number of areas, particularly quality, inventory and delivery performance. For the industry comparisons, what is striking is the range between best and worst.
The repayment of mortgages by endowment assurances
Authors: Booth Philip , Rodney Bill
Published: July 2002

Looks at the problem of endowment assurances that do not meet their targets to repay residential mortgages. By analysing the present value of payments under different inflation and interest‐rate regimes, we conclude that the perceived problems with endowment policies may simply be a manifestation of “money illusion”. Nevertheless, there could be frictional problems and other problems arising from the use of endowment assurances to repay mortgages which we identify but do not analyse in detail. The failure of such a major method of repaying mortgages to perform in line with expectations will have implications for the residential housing market.
Valuation standards
Authors: McParland Clare , Adair Alastair , McGreal Stanley
Published: July 2002

Outlines the case for the harmonisation of European investment valuation standards. Specific attention focuses upon the national valuation standards within Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany and France with a view to assessing the prospects for uniformly accepted European investment valuation standards. Current practice and perceptions from interviews with 110 valuers are analysed. Educational background and professional training are shown to be influential in decisions upon whether to use national standards, TEGOVA standards or the RICS Red Book. The advent of property performance index series is shown to be a major factor influencing the harmonisation of valuation methods and standards. Conclusions reflect upon the variation between the four countries and the limited progress on the adoption of harmonised standards in Europe.
Real time valuation
Authors: Fisher Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to stimulate thinking as to how we might produce timely and more reliable estimates of changes in the value of portfolios, price indices based on a portfolio of properties, and other aggregate measures of trends in property values. It is argued that a traditional market value appraisal of each individual property may not be necessary or optimal when the objective is to value portfolios or get a leading indicator of shifts in market value at an aggregate level. Rather, it is more important to use a critical mass of current market data that captures systematic movements in property values. Although a traditional market value appraisal is always more likely to capture the unique unsystematic characteristics of an individual property, automated valuation models using a database of valuation data may provide the best way to get real time interim updates of real estate portfolios and create more timely real estate indices.
Why do real estate appraisals nearly always equal offer price?
Authors: Gwin Carl R. , Maxam Clark L.
Published: July 2002

Are real estate appraisals based on fundamentals that determine the value of the real estate or on offer price? Does this question really matter? In a game of moral hazard with hidden information, we examine an appraiser’s incentives in conducting an appraisal. We find that a moral hazard problem can arise if the mortgagee rewards the appraiser with future business for successful appraisals. An appraiser may be willing to overstate the value of a property if the lender wants him to do so. Additionally, we define the conditions under which the moral hazard problem actually makes all of the players better or no worse off. We argue that the subjective judgment of an appraiser may be Pareto improving. Thus, excessive regulation of the appraisal industry or finer tuned quantitative models that constrain subjective judgment may actually reduce the gains of real estate trade.
The Valuation of Resort Condominium Projects and Individual Units
Authors: Turner Bruce
Published: July 2002

Over the last 25 years, condominiums have come to form a significant
part of the real estate market in Canada. Reviews the legal structuring
of condominiums in British Columbia (Canada), focusing on resort
condominium properties in Whistler, British Columbia. Addresses the
primary factors affecting value and finally deals with valuing these
properties by the cost, direct comparison and income approaches.
Trends in European investment, performance and real estate
education
Authors: Kohnstamm Paul
Published: July 2002

Continental Europe has a lot to learn from the developed real
estate markets of the UK and the USA. Focuses on the problem areas where
more information and more research are required.
Current valuation practice in Australia
Authors: Boyd Terry
Published: July 2002

The approaches used by valuers in assessing the market value of
investment property are explained with reference to a survey of
practising valuers in Australia. The survey examined the profile of the
valuers, their interpretation of market value in a volatile market and
details of the valuation methodology used for urban investment property.
Identifies the cross‐tabulations between valuation qualifications,
experience and methodology. The need for greater market research and a
specialist group of valuers with sound cash flow analysis skills to
undertake major urban investment valuation are proposed.
Currency risk and international property investments
Authors: Worzala Elaine
Published: July 2002

Incorporating exchange rate fluctuations into the analysis of an
international investment substantially alters the expected risk and
return characteristics of the investments. With fluctuating rates, the
value of a successful investment property could be devastated when
converted to the investor′s home currency. This risk should be
recognized and incorporated into the investment decision but, as results
show, the ultimate strategy may not be periodic adjustments which have
been used by many researchers, nor trying to hedge fully as others have
suggested, but rather to examine returns in home market currency and
leave exchange rate exposure decisions to the currency portfolio
managers. Explores the possibilities of mitigating currency risk through
several hedging instruments – forward and futures contracts,
options, back‐to‐back loans and currency swaps. Results from a survey of
international investors are also summarized and comments provide
substantial evidence that investors are unsophisticated in dealing with
currency questions.
Comparing net with gross rents
Authors: Rowland Patrick
Published: July 2002

In some circumstances, property valuers (appraisers) must compare net and gross rents. Suggests a number of ways in which this can be done and describes the difficulties of adjusting rents to reflect the liability for property operating costs. Outlines several reasons why the equivalent gross rent is often not the sum of the net rent and the operating costs (the principal reason being the unwillingness of either the landlord or the tenant to bear the uncertainty of these costs). There may also be difficulties in estimating expected operating costs over the period of the lease. Contends that the evidence of recent lettings will rarely enable the valuer to isolate the effect of the basis of leasing on the rents. The views of landlords and tenants on switching from gross to net rents are often unclear. Outlines a single‐period theoretical model of the expected adjustment between gross and net rents (based on compensation for bearing the risks of the running costs). However, there are grave dangers in the valuer adopting such a model which may not reflect market practice. It is no more reliable than resorting to an arbitrary rule of thumb. As well as rental valuations, counselling and advice on lease negotiations may require that the difference between gross and net tenancies is considered. With international comparisons of rental levels becoming more important to footloose businesses, there is a growing need for methods of adjusting rents to reflect the lease conditions that prevail in different countries. Appendices illustrate a theoretical model of rental adjustment and show adjustment methods in practice.
Effect of non‐domestic rates on commercial property rents: an empirical study
Authors: Bond Stephen , Denny Kevin , Hall John , McCluskey William
Published: July 2002

Notes that, in the UK, there has been little empirical research undertaken to consider the effect of the commercial property tax (more commonly known as non‐domestic rates) on the level of openly negotiated market rents. Seeks, through the analysis of a large set of panel data obtained from the Investment Property Databank and the Valuation Office Agency, to develop econometric models which can measure the effect that an increase in non‐domestic rates has on commercial rents and ultimately the effective incidence of non‐domestic rates. Draws a number of conclusions, the most significant being that changes in rates bills prompt changes in commercial property rents in the opposite direction. Notes that this conclusion may, in the longer term, have an effect on the type and indeed the timing of government assistance to business occupiers through transitional relief schemes.
Client pressure in the commercial appraisal industry: how prevalent is it?
Authors: Kinnard William N. , Lenk Margarita M. , Worzala Elaine M.
Published: July 2002

Documents evidence of a loss of independence in the commercial appraisal industry in the USA. Utilizes a survey methodology to elicit the reactions of commercial appraisers to controlled scenarios of client pressure. This methodology was borrowed from established behavioural research that tested independent auditors for related independence agency issues. Results indicate significant valuation effects related to the amount of business a client brings to the appraisal firm, but no significant effect related to the size of the client‐requested value adjustment, or to the interaction of the amount of client business and the size of the requested value adjustment. Suggests that changes in fee structures and institutional reforms may be necessary to resolve the loss of independence.
A new standard for conducting highest and best use studies of income‐producing properties in the USA and the UK
Authors: Scribner David
Published: July 2002

Both the Appraisal Institute (AI) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) consider a property’s use, the precursor of its value. Confusion arises for US appraisers and students alike in deciding how to conduct a highest and best use study because in the USA the AI’s dictionary definition does not match its textbook definition. In the UK, the RICS valuation manual includes several value definitions, each of which is based on use. However, little mention is made of the process of estimating use or its basis in market analysis. Outlines suggested revisions of the AI’s highest and best use definition and process together with comments on their potential application in the UK.
A database of negligent valuation cases and literature
Authors: Foster Henry , Lavers Anthony
Published: July 2002

This paper forms part of a larger funded research project conducted jointly by the University of Reading and Oxford Brookes University. The purpose of the project was an investigation of negligent valuation and advice, in relation to commercial property lending. A major interview exercise to obtain data relating to commercial loan valuation practice was undertaken. This work, and its initial results, have been reported elsewhere and do not form the main subject matter of this paper, but are referred to. The second part of this project derived from a comprehensive literature search in the area of setting up of a data‐base of sources for research and possible commercial exploitation. It is the database, the rationale for its creation, its features, and prospects for use which are the subject matter of this paper. The paper considers the background to the most recent decisions; the importance of the case law in understanding valuers’ liability exposure; the compilation of the database; the intentions as to its operation and use; and conclusions on the extent to which the project’s objectives regarding the database have been achieved and its potential for further development in the future.
A national valuation evidence database: the future of valuation data provision
Authors: Rowley S. , Fisher P.
Published: July 2002

This article discusses the future of property valuation data provision by examining a new data initiative designed to increase valuation data availability known as a National Valuation Evidence Database (NVED). This NVED will be an on‐line source of comparable evidence which, when combined with the National Land Information System, will provide valuers with a single source of on‐line valuation evidence. It is argued that the future of valuation data provision will revolve around these two initiatives and that it is up to property professionals to take the lead in encouraging these initiatives, to indicate to their clients a progressive attitude towards property service provision.
Of cows and men: Europe’s food safety crisis
Authors: Gaivoronskaia Galina , erik Solem Knut
Published: July 2002

“Mad cow” and foot‐and‐mouth epidemics have brought food safety to the fore in Europe. Understanding the reasons for the crisis can be helped by comparing European systems of control with those countries that have avoided such problems (e.g. the USA and Norway). A second approach is to closely examine the experience of the UK, where there is most evidence of why and how problems can emerge. The article concludes that European food safety is most likely to be improved by attention to the control system itself. More reliance should be placed upon hazard evaluation techniques and legislation should be changed to allow consumers greater influence.
The future of e‐money: main trends and driving forces
Authors: Andrieu Michel
Published: July 2002

This article examines the future of e‐money as a payment instrument and some of the microeconomic policy issues it will raise. The paper is in two parts. This first part focuses on the various forms which electronic money is likely to take in the future, and considers key technological and economic factors that will shape its evolution. Part 2, to be published in the next issue of foresight, examines some of the major regulatory and institutional issues that are likely to have a bearing on the adoption of e‐money, notably concerns related to the regulation of payment systems, security, privacy and consumer protection.
How similar are human resource management practices in re‐engineered organisations?
Authors: Zucchi Fabio , Edwards John S.
Published: July 2002

Extends earlier work on the relationship between business process re‐engineering (BPR) and human resource management (HRM). The previous work examined how closely HRM practices in organisations which had undergone BPR matched what the literature suggested. Presents the commonalities that emerged with respect to HRM practices as a “typical” pattern, and a “vertical analysis” is carried out to compare the individual organisations studied with this pattern. Ten of the 11 organisations are found to fit the typical pattern very well, but the 11th is substantially different; examines the reasons why this might be.
Assessment of TQM implementation
Authors: Chung Woon Kin
Published: July 2002

Much has been written about the importance of assessing total quality management (TQM) practices in organisations. Several studies on TQM assessment are found in the literature. However, there are none on a national TQM programme using a quality award‐based instrument. This paper assesses the TQM implementation level of Singapore’s productivity leaders, which comprised the pioneer batch of 240 organisations in the Singapore Quality Award programme. The data were obtained from an instrument based on the TQM model underlying the Award. The organisations are found to have a medium level of TQM implementation. The high correlations among the TQM constructs underline a holistic approach to TQM implementation. The findings provide decision‐makers with benchmarks on TQM implementation in Singapore and suggest how they compare against organisations in some other countries. They also allow researchers to test hypotheses related to national TQM programmes and to undertake inter‐country studies.
Side effects of mandatory EDI order processing in the automotive supply chain
Authors: Lauer Thomas W.
Published: July 2002

Describes a case study of a process reengineering project conducted by a tier 1 supplier in the automotive industry. The process that was reengineered was the bill‐to‐cash process for its OEM customer. Deficiencies in the process came to light as a result of implementing OEM mandated support for the firm’s material flow process. The case analysis examines the interconnectedness of processes within a firm and how changing one through adoption of EDI can affect or draw attention to a number of related processes. Describes the role played by a very active industry interest group, which has served as a supporter and advocate for the adoption of EDI within the automotive supply chain.
A generic structure for business process modeling
Authors: Lin Fu‐Ren , Yang Meng‐Chyn , Pai Yu‐Hua
Published: July 2002

Among different BPR strategies and methodologies, one common feature is to capture existing processes and represent new processes adequately. Business process modeling plays a crucial role on such effort. This paper proposes a generic structure for modeling business processes in order to capture essential concepts of business process and represent them structurally. The generic structure possesses two main features suitable for business process modeling: one is that it can represent a business process in various concerns and multiple layers of abstraction, and the other is that it lowers the barriers between process representation and model analysis by embedding verification and validation with the model. The generic modeling method is illustrated by an order fulfillment process in supply chain networks.
Putting your IDEF0 model to work
Authors: Kappes Sandie
Published: July 2002

An IDEF0 model contains information describing how an organization executes its business processes. Describes how informa‐ tion from IDEF0 process models can be used to support execution of knowledge worker business processes via an automated system called the knowledge worker system (KWS). KWS enables an organization to implement an online business process model of their organization that contains information about the organization’s tasks along with the information resources and computer applica‐tions required to support task execution. Through this online model, KWS provides daily support to knowledge workers in the execution of the organization’s processes.
Concurrent design for mass customization
Authors: Tseng Mitchell M. , Jiao Jianxin
Published: July 2002

Mass customization aims at satisfying individual customer needs while keeping mass production efficiency. This paper discusses the employment of concurrent engineering for realizing mass customization. Concurrent design for mass customization (CDFMC) is put forward by extending the traditional boundaries of product design to encompass a larger scope spanning from sales and marketing to distribution and services. In addition, CDFMC advocates designing product families instead of individual products. The paper develops a concept of product family architecture (PFA) to support CDFMC via assisting different functional departments within a manufacturing enterprise to work together cohesively. The rationality of CDFMC lies in synchronizing market positioning, soliciting customer requirements, increasing commonality in product designs, and enhancing manufacturing scale of economy.
Strategic approaches to engineering design process modelling
Authors: Wright D.T. , Yu B.
Published: July 2002

The effective and efficient management of information across an enterprise, and detailed understanding of the business environment is critical to long‐term sustainable success. It is necessary to focus enterprise activities on meeting order qualifying and order winning criteria (OQC, OWC). Where customer information is embedded in a function‐centered business process, such as engineering design office “response‐to‐tender”, a greater understanding can yield insight and lead to business benefits. This paper reports the use of two approaches to modelling this business process: a commercially available modelling tool, ICL ProcessWise Workbench; and object‐oriented qualitative analysis (OOQA) and artificial neural network process modelling (ANNPM) developed by the authors. The ICL software proved excellent at initial process mapping, but required high skill levels for the detailed modelling. The use of OOQA captures significant information, and supports development of object‐oriented (OO) management information systems. The ANNPM proved capable of being used to predict engineering design office “response‐to‐tender” duration, resource, and costs.
Sun Tzu’sThe Art of Waras business and management strategies for world class business excellence evaluation under QFD methodology
Authors: Lee S.F. , Roberts P. , Lau W.S. , Bhattacharyya S.K.
Published: July 2002

The Art of War,by the ancient Chinese military theorist Sun Tzu, is the most famous work on military operation in ancient China and the books have been repeatedly translated, investigated and discussed. Today, Sun Tzu’sThe Art of Warremains a compulsory text in major military schools around the world and its influences on twentieth century military thinking is undisputed. Also in recent times, the use of military strategies in the business and management contexts is increasing. This paper proposes a set of criteria based on Sun Tzu’s philosophy for evaluation of business management strategies against the world class business excellence models. The total quality management models of the European Quality Award and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award are used to compare with Sun Tzu’s business management strategy model developed under the quality function deployment (QFD) methodology. The results of the QFD methodology can be used as performance indicators showing organisations’ improvement priorities for self‐assessment.
A comparison of capital budgeting models: local versus global viewpoints
Authors: Taylor Lloyd J.
Published: July 2002

This research studies the financial aspects of capital budgeting models in both the local and global perspectives. Since the development of the simple payback method, capital budgeting models have been employed as relative local measures of project evaluation. Because these tools analyze at a static local level, they are limited. By adopting simulation, the effects of capital expenditures and crucial interaction of resources in a dynamic global environment can be studied. Simulation software has improved greatly over the past few years and is becoming more and more common in the manufacturing and consulting environments. Hardware and software technology can provide a real opportunity for those making decisions regarding capital expenditures and can provide opportunity in the decision‐making process of the “what‐if?” scenario. Even though the traditional local optimization measures of performance may show a major advantage in making a purchase, the results of the global measures of performance may show it would bring about a significant financial misfortune to do so. One proven way to determine if the capital expenditure will improve the global measures of performance of net profit, return on investment and cash flow is to model the scenario through the use of computer simulation.
Business process management – lessons from European business
Authors: Pritchard Jean‐Philip , Armistead Colin
Published: July 2002

This paper reports on the findings of a survey and case study research into the understanding and application of business process management (BPM) in European companies. The process perspective is increasingly being seen as a mechanism for achieving competitive advantage through performance improvement and in response to market pressures, customer expectations for better and more reliable service and increasing competition. We reveal the level of importance European companies attach to BPM, what it means to them and what they have done in practice. The paper draws on a postal survey conducted with quality directors and business process managers in organisations which are members of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and case studies in a number of organisations regarded as being leaders in the adoption of BPM. The study has helped to highlight some interesting approaches and reveal features which are important for BPM to be successful.
Using ABM to redesign corporate staff units
Authors: Maccarrone Paolo
Published: July 2002

This article focuses on the use of activity‐based management (ABM) theory for the control and the redesign of the centralized units of a large multinational company operating in the chemical sector. To this aim, ABM has been adapted to the peculiar characteristics of support services. In particular, greater emphasis has been put on the analysis of the nature of activity drivers, and on cross‐functional processes. The analysis was structured in two s.tif: the first ended with the identification of some hypotheses of intervention on single activities aimed at eliminating redundancies, duplications, and, more generally, at improving their efficiency. The subsequent analysis of cross‐functional links focused on the redesign of the most pervasive processes, which led to important reductions in general costs, estimated from 15 to 30 per cent, according to the specific process. The last part of the article illustrates the early results of the implementation phase, with particular emphasis on organizational and cultural issues.
The organizational performance re‐considered: the case of the technical and social subsystems synergy
Authors: Angelis V.A. , Antivachis N.A.
Published: July 2002

This paper focuses on the internal system of the organization as a determinant of the optimization of the input/output ratio. Describes the two subsystems of which the internal system consists. Addresses the question of the extent to which, each one of those, impacts on the output synergetically and not modularly and stresses the necessity for holistic interventions to the system. Identifies three distinct work systems depicting different combinations of the technical and social subsystem on an intra and inter‐organizational level. Introduces the basic guidelines for building a diagnostic model for the internal system of the organization and concludes by discussing the applicability of the proposed model and suggesting areas for further research.
Anatomy of a process mapping workshop
Authors: Fülscher Jan , Powell Stephen G.
Published: July 2002

Many tools are in use for representing and analyzing business processes, but little information is available on how these tools are used in practice by process design teams. This paper analyzes one process mapping workshop in detail. Over three days, two facilitators and five representatives of the organization and business functions redesigned the core auto insurance business at a mid‐size Swiss insurance company. The mapping tool used during the session was IDEF0. The purpose of this paper is to share our experiences in using IDEF0 in the workshop setting. In addition to a narrative description of the workshop, we offer our observations on how such workshops can be conducted effectively and on the strengths and weaknesses of IDEF0 in this context. The final business process map did not emerge from a logical, linear development process. Rather, the workshop was characterized by constant refinement and development of an existing structure, punctuated by an occasional radical idea that forced the group to throw out the current process and start over. The hierarchical approach of IDEF0 proved critical in keeping the group focused on its task of abstracting the essence of the process itself from the details of current practice. The mapping tool proved to be less convenient for representing a sequence of events in time, multiple cases, and conditional flows of work.