bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the antecedents and consequences of online satisfaction within the public sector
Authors: Carlos Pinho José , Macedo Isabel Maria
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the antecedents and consequences of online satisfaction within the context of e‐government, which increasingly play an important role in modern public administrative management. Specifically, this paper examines the taxation services offered through the web‐based electronic declaration system.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a quantitative methodological approach, a survey was applied to a sample of 351 certified accountants to empirically test the conceptual model. Structural equation modelling was used to test the conceptual model.

Findings

The results of this empirical study validate four out of five hypotheses. It was found that convenience is an important antecedent of both satisfaction and online service quality. Additionally, findings suggest that both the degree of satisfaction and online service quality impacts on the intention of using the taxation website. Overall, results indicate that most of the relationships examined in the private service sector can be extended to the e‐government context.

Practical implications

This paper offers the opportunity to rethink how the Portuguese Department of Taxation web site provides online services and how it satisfies the needs of users while complying with their fiscal obligations.

Originality/value

Despite the entrenched nature of governmental bureaucracy which slows down the adoption of the Internet, market pressures toward fulfilling users' needs has become an increasingly important requirement. This study revealed that the proposed research model, which derives from the private sector, is relevant to the public services context.
Service delivery innovations and governance: the Malaysian experience
Authors: Alam Siddiquee Noore
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to provide an overview of the service delivery innovations and reforms introduced in Malaysia's public sector and examine and analyse their overall impacts on governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has adopted a combination of descriptive and analytical methods and is primarily based on secondary sources of data and information. While it provides a systematic review of general literature on service delivery innovations and those on Malaysia, the paper draws its conclusions on the basis of triangulation and careful analysis of data available in various local and international sources.

Findings

Although lately Malaysia's service delivery system has witnessed a comprehensive set of innovative changes, public governance of the country continues to suffer from poor records and unfavourable ratings. Innovations and reforms introduced have so far produced generally positive but limited impacts. The paper demonstrates a number of key areas where the impacts of reforms have been clearly unsatisfactory.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the paper are not based on a comprehensive and rigorous empirical work and, therefore, can only be interpreted as indicative of the overall situation.

Practical implications

The issues and challenges identified in the paper and the policy implications proposed should aid the formulation of strategies and measures for further improving service delivery and governance in Malaysia and other similar contexts.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the limited literature in public governance and service delivery in Malaysia. The findings of the paper are of practical significance to all those interested in this area – especially the policy makers and practitioners in Malaysia's public service.
Emerging tourism development for tourism and hospitality in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Huei‐Ju
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this Editorial is to introduce the current tourism and hospitality research interesting topics in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces the papers in this special issue.

Findings

All of these papers explore the issues concerning Taiwan tourism development. The entries cover Northern Taiwan, two from Middle Taiwan, and two from Southern Taiwan. That duly indicates tourism study, in terms of quantity and quality, comes from all over Taiwan.

Originality/value

This Taiwan special issue is a touchstone to initiate more tourism journals to be published by the Taiwan special issue in the near future.
Forecasting Japanese tourism demand in Taiwan using an intervention analysis
Authors: Min Jennifer C.H.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The objective of this research is to assess whether two events, the 9‐21 Earthquake in 1999 and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak in 2003, had a temporary or long‐term impact on the inbound tourism demand from Japan. Furthermore, a comparative study is conducted to assess whether intervention analysis produces better forecasts compared with forecasts without intervention analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The data adopted in this study consist of monthly visitor arrivals from Japan to Taiwan for the period January 1979‐September 2006. The first 321 observations ( January 1979‐September 2005) are used to develop two tentative models, with and without intervention analyses, and then compare with the known values (October 2005‐September 2006) for accuracy testing.

Findings

Experimental results show that the effect of both disasters on Japanese inbound tourism presented only temporarily, and the forecasting efficiency of ARIMA with intervention is superior to that of a model without intervention.

Research limitations/implications

The study had difficulty accurately delineating the rebound in Japanese tourist based on monthly data. There are other factors that might influence a rebound, such as people' fading memories or the purpose of visitation. The geographic proximity of Taiwan to Japan could also account for perceived risk factors.

Practical implications

The results indicate that the Japanese inbound arrivals sharply dropped following both of the two disastrous occurrences, suggesting that the Japanese tourists are likely to be responsive to prompt marketing strategies and messages. The practical implication for tourism operators include the usefulness of reinforcing the package holiday by establishing an attractively priced travel package or offering a package with a variety of highly desirable or unique features to increase competition.

Originality/value

This study is a first attempt in the tourism literature to model Japanese demand for travel to Taiwan after these two traumatic crises.
Customer satisfaction and customer characteristic in festival activity
Authors: Lee Chin‐Tarn , Yang Szu‐Chi , Lo Henry Y.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This study is interested in the tourist satisfaction of Kenting Wind Chime Festival, as well as in tourist's characteristic and their revisiting commitment. The purpose is to survey customer satisfaction, which has significant implications for the economic performance of the firm, and to focus on local festival activity. Since 1994, Taiwan has continuously promoted festival activities, and the 2006 Kenting Wind Chime Festival is the first of 12 major festivals selected for promotion by Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

Design/methodology/approach

ANOVA analysis was applicable for the inference relationships among tourist characteristics, satisfaction, and revisiting commitment. Additionally, it was supplemented by open questions interviews. The survey period was from January 21 to February 12, 2006.

Findings

Three findings have been concluded in this survey. First, the 2006 Wind‐Chime Festival tourists are mostly coming with their families, and they are first‐time visitors, who have received information from television and network, and had plans in advance. Second, for festival activity, local show is more popular than theme part equipments. Finally, it must be emphasized that local damper (e.g. mountain tempest) is not passive bounded.

Research limitations/implications

On the one hand, the 216 subjects are restricted to family, and the inference will be limited. On the other, the single item to collect data for understanding the tourists' satisfaction in Wind Chime Festival was used.

Practical implications

Managers should develop the completely understanding of media, because most tourists are influenced by television and networks.

Originality/value

The paper shows that customer‐oriented and integrative tourism programs improve tourist satisfaction.
Nature‐based tourism impacts in I‐Lan, Taiwan: business managers' perceptions
Authors: Ying Chin Yang Joe , Mei Chen Yu
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine nature‐based tourism (NBT) impacts from business managers' perceptions in economic, cultural and environmental aspects and understands the relationship among socio‐demographic characteristics, type and level of involvement and participants' perception of impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses social exchange theory to explain costs/benefits in each aspect. Several indicators including social‐demographic characteristics, attitudes toward the government, types and level of involvement are used to analyze costs/benefits of tourism impacts.

Findings

NBT has a moderate impact on participants' business – contributing approximately 30 per cent of their annual sales and 31 per cent of customers. Business managers believe benefits to the social/cultural environment are the most apparent impact in I‐Lan, followed by economic benefits. Participants believe that county government does well in tourism planning, and they believe that they could influence county government's tourism planning.

Research limitations/implications

Tourism related businesses are purposely chosen for this study. Thus, the findings cannot be inferred to a larger population.

Practical implications

The findings support the usefulness of social exchange theory in costs/benefits aspects. County government might change its role from top‐down decision‐making style to co‐partner with local business people.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into understanding of business managers' perceived impacts. Therefore, county tourism planners and researchers can have a more efficient and holistic management of NBT in the region.
An exploratory study of types of special interest tour preferences and preference demographic variables analysis
Authors: Sheng Chieh‐Wen , Shen Ming‐Jian , Chen Ming‐Chia
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The paper research objectives are: to investigate into the classification of special interest tour preferences in terms of their types and to compare whether consumers with different demographic attributes result in discrepancies in special interest tour preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Those collected questionnaires that had incomplete answers and that had a significant response tendency or were left blank with no answers were eliminated. The required statistical methods are explained thus: this study conducts analysis on special interest tour preferences by factor analysis to distinguish between the categories of special interest tour preferences; this study adopts correlation analysis to examine the ratio scale of the study's demographic variables, including age and education level; this study adopts one‐way ANOVA to examine the variables of categorical or nominal scale, such as gender, marital status, and occupation.

Findings

After collecting the questionnaire data, factor analysis is used to conduct classification of the types and a total of four types emerged: recreation type, nature/ecology type, physical adventure type, historical/artistic activity type. Furthermore, in the verification of the demographic variables of each type preferences: age and nature‐eco type preferences constitute a significant positive correlation, and age has also formed a significant negative correlation with physical adventure type; gender differences result in a significant difference in recreation type preferences and a significant difference in physical adventure type preferences; marital status has a significant variation regarding physical adventure preferences.

Practical implications

Special interest tours are gradually on the rise and the previous literature is still lacking a systematic method for investigative analysis. Accordingly, conducting a systematic categorization of special interest tour preferences and to examining the background of the consumers of each type of special interest tour preference is essential.

Originality/value

The necessity for special interest tours to conform to consumer interests, and the existence of special interests, require that those in the travel industry conduct market segmentation, prior to designing travel itineraries, so as to have an understanding of the target market. Furthermore, the types of special interest tour preference this study provides can offer the basis for discussion of relevant issues for those travel business industry operators in the industry and future researchers.
Coming from the heart (the road is long)
Authors: Bull Mike , Crompton Helen , Jayawarna Dilani
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the organisational development of three small‐ and medium‐sized social enterprises (SMSEs). The objectives of the paper are to highlight the critical stages of development that have led to change, growth and success for these enterprises. Although social purpose organisations have existed for some time, recent political interest in the subject has created a new and emerging field of interest where little empirical research exists. This paper examines how SMSEs evolve, utilizing the framework of organisational life cycle (OLC) models, specifically Adizes's model. Thus, drawing on the OLC field of study this paper will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of social enterprise development.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodological approach was undertaken in order to understand the stories and experiences. A semi‐structured approach enabled the researcher to gain deep insights into the life cycle stages that changed and developed each of these organisations over time – which would not have been as insightful through a quantitative methodological approach.

Findings

The key findings indicate that a host of internal and external incidents were critical to the development of these firms. The entrepreneurialism shown within these organisations was crucial. These three firms all grew from community‐based campaigns that were able to exploit financial opportunities and grow with a momentum over a number of years. The organisation structures, although different across the three cases, were critical factors in the ability to deliver, develop skills and handle growth. Through analysing these cases through the framework of the OLC model we found that the development stages were similar and that the model is a useful lens for viewing social enterprise organisation development.

Originality/value

Empirical evidence of this nature is currently lacking from the SMSE community. This research therefore contributes to the knowledge capital on this sector and is important for practitioners, business support agencies and academics in understanding the organisational development of social enterprises.
Statutory support and the implications for the employee profile of rural based Irish work integration social enterprises (WISEs)
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Mary
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the limitations of specific statutory support for the long‐term survival of rural based Irish work integration social enterprises (WISEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on empirical research derived from a combination of qualitative and qualitative research methods which entailed a national survey of Irish social enterprises, a series of in depth interviews with the management of 13‐rural based WISES and a survey of a sample of employees across these 13 WISEs.

Findings

Empirical evidence is used to provide a profile of the characteristics of the workforce of a sample of 13 rural WISEs. The paper argues that the rural location of these WISEs along with the prescriptive nature of the statutory support they receive have combined to both create and compound these challenges which in turn are argued to restrict the long‐term survival potential of these organisations.

Originality/value

As there is a lack of information on Irish WISEs in general and rural‐based WISEs in particular, this paper is of value in addressing the deficit.
Case study of an artists' retreat in Ireland: an exploration of its business model
Authors: McCarthy Breda
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the business model adopted by an artists' retreat.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper comprises qualitative, case‐based exploratory research.

Findings

The paper argues that there are some aspects of arts tourism that ally themselves naturally with social enterprise. The case study outlines challenges facing artistic ventures such as the importance of maintaining artistic integrity and managing the tension between creativity and financial return, between the local and the international. The paper argues that partnership between the tourism industry, state agencies, social entrepreneurs and the arts community, has the potential to influence socio‐economic outcomes. The case study suggests that arts tourism has the potential to achieve social change in a peripheral region but obstacles remain. Policy makers require more systematic research, statistics or figures to detail the exact impact of socially‐inspired arts tourism.

Research limitations/implications

The number of interviews conducted was limited and so no, generalisations could be made.

Practical implications

The general conclusion for managers of artistic ventures is that is that there seems to be a need to demonstrate the “multiplier effect” of arts tourism.

Originality/value

To date there has been little analysis of arts tourism from a social entrepreneurship perspective.
Social enterprise and social entrepreneurship: where have we reached?
Authors: Thompson John L.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss social enterprises, social entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurs. The paper draws on published work to flag key issues and discussion points that affect the clarity of the understanding. It aims to provide some greater insight and help both scholars and practitioners in their respective quests for understanding and improvement. The paper could further help people clarify what needs to be covered on courses and degrees in this subject area.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the work of others and to this adds personal conclusions from both direct experience and observation. It attempts to deal with complex issues and tensions in a straightforward style and thus draw attention to key debates.

Findings

The central argument is that if we see social enterprises, social entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurs bound together, operating with a common purpose and approach and pursuing the same ends, then we misunderstand this critically important sector. They are clearly linked but there are important distinctions.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual discussion paper. It is not directly a research paper and it is not written to either present the findings of a specific project or to inform a future research agenda. It could well‐trigger ideas for researchers, however.

Originality/value

The core material for this paper is not original but the presentation, synthesis and arguments offer a distinctive treatment. They should help clarify some of the debates and issues that hamper our ability to clearly understand the world of social enterprises.
Leadership in the NHS
Authors: Towill Denis R.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Gerry Robinson's television series and what lessons the Department of Health might learn from it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the recent TV series and draws conclusions from it.

Findings

It is apparent that more might well be achieved by NHS managers leading change via active involvement at the “coal face”. Such a transition would improve morale and would be a move towards establishing an innovative learning culture within NHS organisations. A companion article provides the same service on improving hospital through‐put.

Originality/value

Some useful lessons for the Department of Health are presented.
Leadership and implementation of evidence‐based practices
Authors: Holmberg Robert , Fridell Mats , Arnesson Patrick , Bäckvall Mia
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the role of leadership styles in the implementation of evidence‐based treatment methods (EBP) for drug abuse and criminal behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a triangulation approach through mail questionnaires to 112 treatment personnel (49 per cent response rate), interviews with 65 employees and managers, observations and feedback workshops.

Findings

Responses from treatment personnel involved in the implementation of EBP indicated that their views on their immediate superior's leadership behaviour was significantly related to the perceptions of organisational innovative climate, job satisfaction and work output. Problems with workload, lack of collegial and managerial support and a low priority given to the programmes and treatment integrity were the most common barriers to implementation of the programmes. Effective managers were providing space, time and opportunity for the staff to perform their treatment‐related tasks and to be creative during the implementation process. This functional space had to be continually protected, both vertically from demands from higher levels of the organisation and horizontally from non‐helpful colleagues.

Research limitations/implications

The correlational design used in this study does not permit conclusions about causality.

Practical implications

Implementation of evidence‐based treatment programmes in clinical settings should pay attention to the impact of leadership styles on the experiences of treatment staff (climate, job‐satisfaction, burnout) and programme outcome. These variables should also be considered in the evaluation of treatment effects. The process of implementation can be seen as a route for learning and innovation, and managers should pay attention to the facilitation of these processes.

Originality/value

The role of leadership in implementation concerns not only production and structure but also learning, creativity and persistency during the process. The triangulation approach in this study also sheds light on the limitations of questionnaires in capturing the dynamics of leadership in human service organisations.
Am I doing it right? Facilitating action learning for service improvement
Authors: Pedler Mike , Abbott Christine
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enquire into the role and skills of the action learning facilitator in the context of service improvement work in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). An earlier companion paper examined the concept of service improvement and the possible contribution of action learning as a means of bringing about both personal and organisational development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a case study. The research reports on the facilitation of action learning sets which formed part of a leadership development programme in the NHS. Data were collected via telephone interviews, focus groups, action learning sets and a World Café event.

Findings

The action learning facilitator's role is encircled by questions of method, approaches, skills and competencies, and crucially by complex contextual factors. Three role models are offered for the action learning facilitator – i.e. initiator, coach, and leader – and the paper concludes that any person fulfilling this role should develop the habits of reflection, critique and learning as part of developing their practice. Supervision and developmental support are also useful for people who are always asking themselves – “Am I doing it right?”

Research limitations/implications

This case study on which these findings are based was developed at a time of great turmoil in the NHS. The dramatic specifics of the case serve to illustrate the critical variability and uniqueness of context. However, we believe that this does not greatly affect the efficacy of general conclusions drawn about action learning facilitation.

Practical implications

The practice of action learning is developing rapidly in many different organisational and community settings, and there is a growing demand for its skilful facilitation.

Originality/value

Currently there is little literature on what constitutes appropriate development for action learning facilitators. The paper gives some clear choices and guidelines for the development of this role.
The impact of a leadership development course for junior academic medical faculty
Authors: Duda Rosemary B.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a new leadership development course for academic medical faculty.

Design/methodology/approach

In October 2006, a survey was electronically sent to the 55 faculty attending the Leadership Course for Junior Faculty.

Findings

A total of 29 women and 26 men attended a course; 85.5 percent responded to the survey. The course was reported to be beneficial personally and professionally to 88.0 percent and 84.0 percent of women, motivated 47.8 percent of women to seek a leadership position, and helped to secure a leadership position for 30.4 percent. This was comparable with the survey responses of men. Women were significantly more likely than men to seek academic career advancement (83.3 percent versus 55.0 percent, p=0.04) as a result of attending the course. However, women were significantly less likely to have secured a new leadership position since attending the course in comparison with men (4.2 percent versus 18.2 percent, p=0.04). This course also motivated 24.0 percent of women compared with 9.1 percent of men to take additional leadership courses (p‐value not significant). All of the women and 25/26 of the men faculty (46/47, 97.9 percent) reported that they would recommend the leadership course to junior faculty.

Practical implications

Formal training in leadership skills early in an academic career is professionally and personally beneficial to faculty. In particular, leadership courses can successfully motivate and encourage junior women faculty to seek leadership roles in academic medicine by providing them with the knowledge of opportunities in leadership and the skills required for such positions.

Originality/value

The paper presents a subjective assessment of a new leadership course.
Managing technological transition from old to new technology: case of Fanuc's successful transition
Authors: Shibata Tomoatsu , Kodama Mitsuru
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide new practical viewpoints and a framework regarding the management of technology transition from old to new technology through an in‐depth case study of Fanuc.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the exploratory nature of this research and our interest in identifying key factors that affect the progress of technological transition, the authors selected the grounded theory style of data interpretation.

Findings

This case study identifies three key factors common to Fanuc's two major technological transitions and provides a new framework for the successful transition.

Originality/value

This paper provides new practical viewpoints regarding the management of technology transition from old to new technology.
Managing intellectual capital in small ITC companies
Authors: Cabello Carmen , Kekäle Tauno
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the relevance of intellectual capital for IT companies in general and, specifically, to analyze the importance of adequately managing intellectual capital in small IT companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two small successful IT companies (one in Spain, another in Finland) are studied, in order to reach a better understanding of how intellectual capital is managed in small companies.

Findings

The companies analyzed show the dynamic relationships among the three sides of intellectual capital, and the challenges that managers have to face both to take the advantage of all these connections and mitigate its possible negative effects.

Practical implications

All three areas of intellectual capital (human, social and organizational) require special attention, especially in small knowledge‐intensive companies. Furthermore, the structural embeddedness of social capital seems to develop by following an emergent pattern, especially in small companies where organizational borders do not hinder it. The relational embeddedness of social capital – especially maximizing the spread of knowledge in a company and minimizing the risk of key competence walking out through the door – requires a conscious action from the management and use of work‐rotation techniques.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that small companies, even without the organizational resources of the large companies, can however be successful in managing the intellectual capital if their managers are aware of its potential, and understand the idea of the intellectual capital. The paper can help the managers of these kind of companies to know this potential as well as the way to manage it.
Enhancing development and planning efforts: benefits of leveraging technology
Authors: Schraeder Mike , Matuszek Tish , Morrison Rodger , Self Dennis R.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide insight into how organizations and managers can use technology, including the internet, to enhance development and planning efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Suggestions for leveraging technology are outlined using the traditional components of the planning process as a template. Specific recommendations are offered for integrating technology into each of the stages of the planning process (i.e. formulation, implementation and evaluation).

Findings

A majority of business and technology executives agree that extensive use of information technology can enhance strategic planning, however, only about one‐third of surveyed CEOs actually champion the use of technology in strategic planning, with only 19 percent considering their organization's strategic planning process highly effective (PR Newswire). Yet, by leveraging technology more effectively during planning and development initiatives, companies are likely to improve their overall competitive position, enhance buy‐in, and reduce conflict.

Practical implications

While not scientific, guidance provided in this article should improve managers' and leaders' planning efforts.

Originality/value

The use of technology in development efforts and throughout the planning process should improve the efficacy of the concomitant plans developed by organizations.
Management 2.0: managing the growing intangible side of your business
Authors: Adams Mary
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The future success of organizations increasingly depends on what they know rather than what they do. Knowledge is embedded in a number of distinct types of intangibles in an organization. Management of intangibles requires different tools and approaches than those commonly used to manage industrial‐era tangibles‐based businesses. The purpose of this article is to propose a simple framework for management of knowledge intangibles.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines and synthesizes a number of new and/or prominent theories of management (such as intellectual capital, business performance management, innovation and network analysis) through the lens of her 25 years of practical experience as a financier and strategy consultant helping companies create intangibles management capabilities.

Findings

The result is a set of ten concepts that together provide a primer on the management of intangibles. Each concept is presented together with its tangible counterpart to help the reader envision its role in the organization. The concepts are: knowledge is the new oil; intangibles are the new raw material; intellectual capital is the new factory; i‐capex is the new capital expenditure; assessment is the new ROI; performance measurement is the new scorecard; innovation is the new strategy; orchestration is the new command and control; maps are the new organization chart; and reputation is the new bottom line.

Practical implications

The article includes exercises to enable the reader to apply each of the ten concepts in his or her own organization.

Originality/value

The article helps executives increase their understanding of diverse trends by filtering them through the lens of intangibles management. Understanding of these concepts is increased through comparison with the common building blocks of tangibles management. The article introduces two original concepts: intellectual capital seen as the “new factory” and spending on intangibles seen as “intellectual capital expenditures.”
What do strategists mean when they talk about risk?
Authors: Wickham Philip A.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce strategic managers to a multi‐perspective approach to thinking about risk.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of a review.

Findings

An eight‐fold way of thinking about risk is suggested: as a formal idea in finance and economics; as fear of loss, often non‐monetary and qualitative; as something that influences strategic choice; as something that influences strategic behaviour; as a factor in position and status; as something the brain is adapted to deal with – quickly and efficiently; as something that effects the way strategic managers deal with information and impacts on their cognitive processing; and as something that, like resources, is shared between the organisation and its stakeholders.

Practical implications

The article suggests a practical checklist for strategists to think about the risk(s) of different strategic options and how it impacts on strategy evaluation and implementation.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the significant lacuna with regard to risk in modern strategic management.
Strategically thinking about the subject of strategy
Authors: Singer John G.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework to understand the subject of strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The article weaves together the author's thinking, research and experience in strategy consulting.

Findings

Strategy is the relationship between means and objectives. It operates at a system level.

Practical implications

Bad strategy is expensive. A better understanding of the difference between strategy and tactics will clarify objectives, shape innovation, allocate resources and enable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The paper deals with widespread error and confusion about the nature and function of strategy, with significant implications for decision‐making.
Building strategic partnerships for managing innovation outsourcing
Authors: Baloh Peter , Jha Sanjeev , Awazu Yukika
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the mechanisms of organizations managing innovation outsourcing to business partners. In a business environment characterized by the development of deep, niche expertise in a particular domain, business partnerships can provide a source of innovative rejuvenation by outsourcing the innovation to business partners who have complementary skills and expertise. This paper addresses a critical challenge which the organizations are currently facing: how do you manage outsourcing of innovation to business partners effectively while maintaining your strategic competitiveness?

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory multiple case studies of over 30 innovative European and US companies were done. It involved 50 semi‐structured interviews with senior executives from research and development, product management, information technology, and marketing.

Findings

The paper identifies three complementary models of managing outsourcing of innovation to business partner: acquisition, strategic alliances, and open source (OS). Based on these, a three‐dimensional “Co‐Innovation Space” is proposed that can help in analysis and planning of current and future innovation projects.

Research limitations/implications

Although the research is carefully designed, it is an exploratory study and has the limitation of generalizability of the findings. Nevertheless, findings from multiple case studies from diverse organizations shed a light to current innovation and strategic alliance literature.

Practical implications

Partnerships can open the door to multiple knowledge sources. Accessing and integrating information from these sources can greatly enhance knowledge base of organizations and can help fuel sustainable innovation. The models proposed in this study provide a lens to examine existing innovation project portfolios and/or to plan for future innovation programmes.

Originality/value

This study is probably among few to study such a large, diversified, and geographically scattered group of organizations. Although exploratory and preliminary, this makes the findings of the study insightful.
Modeling the 24‐h software development process
Authors: Sooraj P. , Mohapatra Pratap K.J.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of the 24‐h software development process to help software project managers assess the profitability of a 24‐h development configuration and to select the optimal partnering sites. The model also helps the customer‐support divisions of software firms to decide which customer requests need to be performed using the 24‐h development mode.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a graphical representation of the 24‐h software development process. Highlighting the importance of interaction times between two sites and the role of product‐, process‐, and site‐related factors that influence its value, the paper adopts the method of pair‐wise comparison of factors as done in the case of analytical hierarchy process and proposes a multiplicative model for its estimation. The software development time and cost are thereafter estimated by using site‐specific values of work hours, compensation package, and productivity. The approach is used to determine the economic viability of 24‐h development and make optimum site selection for a number of decision‐making situations.

Findings

The results obtained from applying the models to hypothetical, but realistic problems, with different values for site‐ and personnel‐specific factors to prove the ability of the model to be used in real‐life situations.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model does not consider effects of factors like multiple interactions, reworks, and errors in communication.

Originality/value

A circular representation of the 24‐h software development process, the multiplicative model for estimating the length of interaction time, and the time and cost of development in such a process are the main contributions of the paper.
Global sourcing trends in 2008
Authors: Edgell Jon , Meister Gabriel E. , Stamp Nigel
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to collate Morrison & Foerster's view on the state of the global outsourcing market and their lawyers' experience with a wide range of sourcing projects in a number of geographic and sectoral markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The global sourcing trends 2008 report is co‐authored by Morrison & Foerster partners based in Europe, the USA and Asia and edited by the Chair of Morrison & Foerster's Global Sourcing Group. Initially, colleagues in the Global Sourcing Group were surveyed and this team of more than 60 lawyers in the firm's offices around the globe were asked for their observations over the last 12 months, and predictions for the coming months, based on advising on a wide range of sourcing projects in a number of geographic and sectoral markets. Soundings were taken from more than 50 clients from a client base which includes Fortune 100 companies, some of the world's largest financial institutions; public sector organizations; outsourcing service providers; and a range of corporates from diverse industry sectors including media, travel and logistics, insurance, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and IT. Other advisors in the sector were spoken to also, including many of the leading outsourcing consultancies. Results of this informal survey were then compared with the annual sourcing reports the firm had produced at the start of 2006 and 2007.

Findings

The report finds: an economic slowdown will see a move back towards cost‐driven outsourcing – despite the fact that, over the long term, service‐driven or value‐driven deals tend to deliver more stable, successful relationships. Greater emphasis is seen on post‐signature support, governance, supplier management, and the role of the retained function. As the pharma industry sharpens its focus on the core competencies needed to sustain its pipeline of new drug candidates, increased pharmaceutical outsourcing in 2008 and thereafter is expected to be seen. As all companies seek to reduce their corporate carbon footprint, a greater take up of outsourced services that deliver “Green IT” is expected.

Originality/value

This paper provides a summary of global sourcing trends in 2008, comment on the state of the outsourcing market and some trends to watch out for in 2008.
A great place to live, work and play
Authors: Insch Andrea , Florek Magdalena
Published: August 2008

Purpose

A city's resident population is strategically the most valuable segment among those targeted by place marketing practitioners. Residents' quality of life and their satisfaction with their city of residence should be the ultimate aim of place management. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to develop a conceptualisation of place satisfaction for city residents that can be applied by place managers.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing prior definitions and conceptualisations of the related concepts of quality of life and satisfaction, a model of city resident place satisfaction is presented.

Findings

From a broad survey of the literature, three main fields were identified that have dealt with satisfaction – psychology, sociology and human ecology, and marketing. Drawing on, and integrating insights from, these separate, yet interrelated fields, the concept of resident place satisfaction is established and then the identified components of the working model of resident place satisfaction are presented.

Practical implications

The tensions facing place managers in satisfying internal targets' interests are outlined, followed by examples of performance measures and indicators designed to support place managers' complex task of positively shaping the lifestyles of their city inhabitants, workers and pleasure seekers.

Originality/value

The sub‐field of place management and marketing has emerged in the last decade and recognises satisfaction with a place as important, but, as yet, this concept remains theoretically undeveloped. This paper draws on concepts from other, related disciplines to establish the concept of resident place satisfaction as a contribution to the theory and practice of place management.
Place marketing: how did we get here and where are we going?
Authors: Kavaratzis Mihalis , Ashworth Gregory
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper serves two purposes. First, to identify the stages of the historical development of place marketing, because place marketing has developed over time through discrete phases, which differ in their sophistication as well as in their approaches and objectives. Secondly, to identify and articulate significant issues, which will determine the “way forward” for place marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Place marketing has been shaped by developments within marketing science and cognate disciplines but also by the external historical contexts at various spatial scales that determined its assumptions, goals and priorities. A concordance of a number of approaches to the evolution of place marketing is attempted and from this, conclusions are drawn about the current assumptions upon which place marketing is based.

Findings

Seven issues are identified that appear to hinder marketing implementation from delivering its full contribution and are suggested here as significant for the future of place marketing. The most important ones refer to the need for a collective understanding and appreciation of place marketing, the achievement of wide cooperation and clear role allocation, the implementation of marketing as a long‐term process and the expansion of marketing understanding to fields other than tourism development.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the clear articulation of the historical episodes of place marketing development and, at the same time, the identification of the issues mentioned above, which will determine the effectiveness of place marketing practice. Therefore, the paper is of great value to both academic commentators and practitioners of place marketing.
The contestation for, and management of, public places in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Fraser Neil
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the changes to date between the apartheid (ideological) and democratic use and management of public space. The abolition of apartheid laws in urban areas led to a great deal of contestation for space and also to new forms of management of public space.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks briefly at the background which led to public space being “reserved” on a racial basis. It then examines examples of the contestation for space that developed with the relaxation and, finally, abolition of apartheid legislation. It finally provides and discusses some of the solutions that have developed in both the use and management of public space.

Findings

Little has been practically resolved in relation to contestation over various aspects of urban public space. Where public space interventions have been private sector led, such interventions are not without their own difficulties.

Research limitations/implications

Generally the paper confines itself to Johannesburg. The paper relies on the personal experience of the author and research of written material – time constraints have not permitted research through questionnaires.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the results to date are summarised and recommendations made for application to other South African towns and cities.

Originality/value

Relatively little is available on the practical applications of the subject matter in South Africa. The paper could be of value in developing further debates, both in South Africa and in world cities subject to mass immigration.