bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Certification intensity level of the leading nations in ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards
Authors: Marimon Frederic , Casadesús Marti , Heras Iñaki
Published: October 2010

Purpose

As the process of standardisation in all aspects of business management has accelerated in recent years in an environment characterised by economic globalisation and integration, two series of standards issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) stand out: the ISO 9000 series, related to the implementation of quality systems; and the ISO 14000 series, related to the implementation of environmental management systems. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and compare the evolution of both standards in the leading countries in these certifications.

Design/methodology/approach

It is noteworthy that the same few nations consistently occupy the highest rankings in both the number of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series certifications. These countries are also those with highest growth rates in certifications. The present study examines these phenomena in terms of: a proposed new index for measuring the “certification intensity”; and a proposed model to analyse how standards are disseminated in a given country.

Findings

The leading nations in ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series certifications have a common spreading pattern. All of them are increasing in both standards, not only in absolute number of certifications, but also in its certification intensity. On the other hand, the logistic curve is a good pattern to forecast the trend of these intensities.

Originality/value

The paper concludes with some forecasts and trends for the immediate future in the most successful countries. Some suggestions are also made for future research.
A study of quality management practices in TQM and non‐TQM firms
Authors: Punnakitikashem Prattana , Laosirihongthong Tritos , Adebanjo Dotun , McLean Michael W.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The primary objective of this research is to explore whether total quality management (TQM) firms execute various quality management practices significantly differently from non‐TQM firms in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) automotive supply chain. The study also aims to analyze differences between different tiers of this supply chain and to examine the relationship between the implementation of quality management systems and adoption of TQM.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 165 datasets collected from ASEAN automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their tier 1 and 2 suppliers in five ASEAN countries were tested by using cross‐tabulation analysis and ANOVA with post hoc test.

Findings

The results show that firms that have successfully implemented the concept of work standardization or process‐approach through quality management systems (QMS) certification have tended to pursue TQM as the subsequent stage in their quality journey. In addition, the study found that all seven TQM practices – leadership; strategy and planning; customer focus; information and analysis; people management; process management; and supplier involvement – were significantly higher in TQM firms than in non‐TQM firms. Finally, the study found that tier 3 suppliers were less likely to implement TQM practices compared with higher tiers (1 and 2), except in supplier involvement.

Originality/value

The study presents an insight into TQM constructs evolution in the ASEAN region, which has gained increased prominence and world impact as a result of international outsourcing. It therefore addresses a significant gap in the literature about how quality management is deployed in this important region of the world.
A four‐fold regional‐specific approach to TQM
Authors: Psychogios Alexandros G.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to increase understanding of the application of total quality management (TQM) initiatives in business environments that differ from those where it emerged. Organisations within such environments, which are often less developed, may wish to adopt relatively sophisticated initiatives such as TQM. The adoption of TQM programmes by a variety of private and public sector organisations in South Eastern Europe (SEE) is a prime example. Little has been said about the awareness and applicability of TQM in this region.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches was used. The quantitative results emerged from the investigation of 782 managers working in 123 service organisations in public and private sectors (51 and 72 respectively) in four major SEE countries, namely Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece. Subsequently, for triangulation and to provide richer data, 34 follow‐up semi‐structured interviews were conducted with managers from these four countries.

Findings

After having carried out quantitative and qualitative analyses, a four‐fold model emerged, through which key features of the application of TQM practices in the SEE region could be explained. The components of the model are categorised in two major groups; first, the influences of the business/management culture and modernisation pressures, and second, two key aspects of the business systems – the education level of managers and the sector of employment.

Research limitations/implications

Both cultural and structural features of the business systems in SEE create pressures either promoting or retarding TQM adoption within organisations. The paper provides a four‐fold factors model that aims to explain key regional‐specific issues related to TQM adoption. This approach provides insights into the region studied, but also provides a prototype for similar studies in other regions.

Practical implications

In the SEE context, the tension between traditional business/management culture and modernisation logic is the key to the evolution of TQM. SEE managers adopt a more pragmatic view of TQM application through the use of “hard” quality management systems and practices, while placing less importance on concepts such as empowerment and employee involvement.

Originality/value

The study argues for the adoption of a regional‐specific view of TQM, applicable to particular regional business systems.
Six Sigma implementation in Ireland: the role of multinational firms
Authors: van der Wiele Ton , van Iwaarden Jos , Power David
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the intra‐organisational diffusion of management innovations, taking Six Sigma as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on Six Sigma implementation among companies operating in Ireland. It makes use of a theoretical framework, which posits that multinational firms act as a diffusion mechanism for Six Sigma. The analysis of Six Sigma implementation consists of an online survey to which 132 firms responded. Subsequently, a qualitative analysis of Six Sigma implementation was conducted through semi‐structured interviews with 13 respondents.

Findings

The results show that roughly half of respondent firms use Six Sigma. These firms are typically large US multinationals, which have used Six Sigma for at least three years. Intra‐organisational diffusion does exist. Multinationals do act as a diffusion mechanism – with the adoption of Six Sigma at US headquarters level and then the diffusion of the practice internally to the Irish subsidiary and subsequently to suppliers and finally other local firms. However, the role of traditional diffusion mechanisms is also highlighted. Firms adopt Six Sigma in response to competitive pressure and for cost/efficiency reasons.

Originality/value

The research shows how organisations influence one another in the implementation of Six Sigma as a management concept, and at the same time this can be seen as a specific example of the dissemination of management concepts in general.
Dissemination and adoption of quality management in China
Authors: Qui Yun , Tannock James D.T.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to achieve a better understanding of the dissemination and adoption of quality management in China, in the context of theory on management trends and fashions, dissemination and adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, the research adopts a qualitative, multiple case‐study approach, based on the study of six Shanghai manufacturers.

Findings

A dissemination and adoption model is presented, which contains nine observed dissemination and adoption factors. These factors and their relationships are identified, analysed and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The selection of case study companies was constrained by practical considerations of location and access. Further constraints of time and resource meant that only 14 interviews with managers from case‐study companies and three interviews with quality experts and consultants were conducted.

Practical implications

The findings will be of interest to those involved in developing QM within China, or working with Chinese manufacturing partners. They suggest that Chinese businesses do not blindly adopt QM initiatives simply because they are the current trend or fashion – instead, companies make decisions based on several rational adoption factors.

Originality/value

The research contributes to a richer understanding of the dissemination and adoption of QM in China, and extends understanding of QM dissemination in the context of management fashion and dissemination theories, using a qualitative approach.
Impact of cultural differences on knowledge management in global projects
Authors: Anantatmula Vittal S.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This study aims to propose a knowledge management process model for global projects. The paper also seeks to generate interest among academic researchers for undertaking further research on this important topic.

Design/methodology/approach

This research effort uses literature review findings and past research efforts of the author to develop a generic KM process model and a set of questions for designing a project‐specific KM process model.

Findings

Different cultures understand knowledge and its value differently. It is a challenge to develop KM processes for knowledge capturing and sharing in global projects where cultural diversity is a norm.

Research limitations/implications

The KM process model and the set of questions identified to develop the KM process need to be studied further and to be validated for their effectiveness in knowledge management.

Practical implications

The study is an attempt to recommend a knowledge management process that meets both internal and external goals and challenges. It aims to generate interest in the research community for undertaking a detailed and comprehensive research on this topic. It also aims to serve as a foundation for future studies.

Originality/value

The study is an original effort in examining some of the issues related to the impact of cultural differences on knowledge sharing in global projects and virtual teams.
KM in China: Western heads in Eastern hands?
Authors: Boersma Arno
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case for effective knowledge transfer, management and protection between the West and the East, with an emphasis on cultural aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the background of KM programs in China for Western companies and the three‐step approach for its implementation.

Findings

The three‐step KM approach was effective in managing knowledge flows from the west to the east. Key lessons are that responsible KM, while doing business in China, is not about stopping knowledge flows but rather about assessing the knowledge, its channels and recipients; and that the cultural factor is key to successful KM in a global context.

Practical implications

Although the paper is based on projects in China, this three‐step approach for knowledge transfer, management and protection in China can be applied by any organization that needs to share effectively across borders.

Social implications

The social implications could be a higher awareness of the cultural factor for KM in different global contexts, and a more people‐oriented approach to doing KM.

Originality/value

Much has been written about doing business in China and much has been written about knowledge management. The paper is unique as it combines these two vast domains by way of a very practical and proven project case. It is also original, as dealing with knowledge in China by Western companies has been dominated by legal measures, not KM approaches.
Knowledge‐sharing intention in Vietnamese organizations
Authors: Dong Gowming , Gia Liem Chau , Grossman Martin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This research seeks to obtain a better understanding of the factors impacting the intent to share knowledge within the Vietnamese organizational context. While the literature provides some examples of cross‐cultural studies involving knowledge sharing, there has been a lack of research on emerging economies such as Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical foundation for the paper is the theory of reasoned action (TRA), a social psychology framework that has been used extensively to explain many types of human behavior. The research model was formulated based on the original TRA framework as well as additional factors taken from the literature. Six variables were tested to determine their impact on the intention to share knowledge in an organizational context. Primary data were obtained from a survey administered to 124 employees in six multinational companies in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Findings

Regression analysis shows that TRA, for the most part, has explanatory power within the Vietnamese organizational context. All TRA constructs were found to be significant, except for extrinsic awards and expected associations. Examination of actual survey responses revealed that knowledge sharing is generally recognized as being a beneficial strategy in this context.

Research limitations/implications

The size and make‐up of the sample were limiting factors in this study. In spite of these limitations, the results provide insight into knowledge‐sharing intent in Vietnamese companies. Managers looking to enhance the knowledge‐sharing capabilities of Vietnamese employees will find practical implications in the study.

Originality/value

The paper provides a much needed view of the organizational environment and knowledge‐sharing culture of Vietnam, an emerging country rapidly entering into the knowledge economy.
The 2020 federal knowledge worker
Authors: Engle Charles , Engle Nancy
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to look at the culture of federal workers and some reasons why workers may or may not want to share knowledge among their peers. To overcome the resistance to knowledge sharing, the paper seeks to explore the benefits of having a knowledge management facilitator with experience in the social professions guiding an agency toward becoming a team learning organization. The objective is to show how cultural changes among the federal workers can enable them to participate in team learning and achieve their fullest potential in their careers and their personal lives. Through employee enrichment, federal organizations can enable their workers to achieve new goals, which in turn can promote improved efficiency, innovation, and effectiveness within the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Some federal agencies have a strong KM program in place that applies the concepts involving people, processes, learning and technology as part of their culture. Others have focused on the technology aspect of KM, while resisting incorporation of the remaining elements that are necessary to sustain a knowledge‐sharing culture. Although more investigation is needed to determine each federal agency's position on knowledge management, one thing is certain – encouraging individuals to reach their fullest potential will have a beneficial impact among federal agencies and encourage knowledge sharing among the workforce.

Findings

The paper illustrates that addressing the people aspect of KM is an important step that can provide a foundation for establishing a sound knowledge management program throughout the federal government. Focusing on the individual workers, it is necessary to keep in mind the systems approach to KM and incorporate appropriate elements of the system, as individuals are encouraged to participate in the knowledge management process. The paper provides certainty that implementing a sound KM program will benefit today's federal knowledge worker and further the growth of the future knowledge worker in the 2020 decade.

Practical implications

The paper improves the efficiency of the federal workforce.

Social implications

The paper acknowledges the federal worker's value, which instils a commitment of the federal knowledge worker and stimulates employee creativity.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into the culture of federal workers and changes that can be made to improve the innovation, efficiency and effectiveness of the federal work force.
Knowledge management: French cooking
Authors: Mercier‐Laurent Eunika
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share experience on what has happened in knowledge management in France since the 1980s, for better understanding of cultural influence in holistic KM.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method is applying the KM principles, such as continuous feedback from experience, to understand better all facets of the whole process and improve the theories by from field experiments.

Findings

It was found that culture has influence on the way of applying the KM theories in various countries. Taking into consideration the past experience accelerates the progress and experience helps to improve theories.

Research limitations/implications

All facets of knowledge management should be included in an effective/useful research.

Practical implications

A better understanding of the French way of applying the KM principles is produced.

Social implications

This paper makes a contribution to a global KM approach. An impact could be made on education by a new KM culture for knowledge society, capable of successful management in the knowledge economy.

Originality/value

The value is represented by the holistic and system view presented.
Accelerating acculturation through tacit knowledge flows: refining a grounded theory model
Authors: Chin Yi Lee June G. , Nissen Mark E.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Intercultural knowledge flows are critical to global enterprise performance, but the impact of knowledge management theory on such intercultural flows remains limited. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The present investigation builds on and partially validates two prior studies: research to integrate institutional theory with knowledge flow theory, which provides a powerful theoretical framework for understanding how tacit knowledge flows across cultures; and recent qualitative research, which has employed this framework to develop a theoretical model of acculturation. The present investigation refines this model by drawing in particular from the mergers and acquisitions literature to characterize both accelerators and decelerators of acculturation.

Findings

The paper is able to identify theoretical dimensions to measure acculturative stress, a concept that proves to be useful in terms of validating, refining and simplifying the basic acculturation model.

Research limitations/implications

The refined acculturation model maintains the essential structure and many elements of the basic model, but it links more closely with extant theory as characterized by the mergers and acquisitions and trust literatures; hence it is more broadly generalizable. The refined model also links well to institutional theory and explains how to increase or decrease the tacit knowledge flows underlying acculturation to affect organizational outcomes.

Practical implications

The refined acculturation model provides the practicing leader and manager with clear insight into the kinds of promoters and inhibitors of intercultural knowledge flows, and identifies key actions that can be taken to affect such flows and the corresponding organizational outcomes.

Social implications

This paper elucidates both difficulties and opportunities associated with intercultural knowledge flows in today's global economy – difficulties and opportunities that will likely gain prominence as the world becomes increasingly global.

Originality/value

The refined acculturation model makes both theoretical and practical contributions.
Culture and KM in China
Authors: Liu Eddie , Porter Timothy
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to present observations on the impact of Chinese culture traits on knowledge management practices in Chinese corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analysis of the authors' own experience as senior managers in implementing a globalization strategy for a leading Chinese domestic IT services company. It specifically focuses on key culture traits that have been proven to directly impact knowledge management practices.

Findings

There are deeply rooted culture traits that work counter to the objectives of a knowledge management program within a Chinese corporation. Information sharing is essential counter culture. The authors' experience is that incremental changes that rely on institutionalized systems of information transfer offer hope for the gradual transformation of corporate cultures that foster effective knowledge management practices and increase corporate competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This study is by no means exhaustive, but is intended as a starting‐point to explore alternatives for overcoming culture traits that inhibit knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

The study provides a basis for companies including Chinese companies, joint ventures or multi‐national companies operating in China to assess obstacles to effective knowledge management and to consider various alternatives in adopting a knowledge management plan.
The impact of national culture traits on the usage of web 2.0 technologies
Authors: Ribière Vincent M. , Haddad Maliha , Vande Wiele Philippe
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Web 2.0 technologies are becoming popular and are being used not only for social networking but also to facilitate communication and increase knowledge sharing in the work environment. Extensive research has been conducted in the past to understand the factors affecting the adoption and use of IT systems but few have studied the influence of national culture on such adoption models. When it comes to web 2.0 usage, the literature is only emerging and the role of national culture has not been addressed. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to better understand the factors that affect the use of web 2.0 technologies and the influence of national culture on it, data were collected from 376 young adults in the age range of 18‐29 from the USA, Thailand and Bahrain. A model was developed and statistically tested to understand the influence of national culture traits, social grooming aspects, efficiency, online privacy, perceived usefulness, subjective norms and gender.

Findings

Based on the type of web 2.0 usage (expressive or instrumental) different variables were demonstrated to be significant predictors. For expressive usage, uncertainty avoidance, maintaining relationships, online privacy and perceived usefulness were significant. For instrumental usage, long‐term orientation and perceived usefulness were significant. A ranking of various types of web 2.0 usage was also created, showing very few differences among countries.

Research limitations/implications

This research is the first step in a series of research activities that should be conducted to better understand the influence of culture in the adoption and usage of web 2.0 technologies. The sample was composed only of “Millennial” generation students and should be extended to other generations and to other countries with markedly different cultural profiles.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper help to better understand the usage of web 2.0 technologies by young adults who are about to enter the labor market and are likely to use Enterprise 2.0 applications in their work environment. Since web 2.0 technologies are centered on the concepts of communication, collaboration and information sharing, they will influence the behavior of future knowledge workers in terms of knowledge sharing. Accordingly, better understanding of web 2.0 use will help to improve the understanding of Enterprise 2.0 and knowledge management tools usage in a global environment.

Originality/value

This paper's original contribution stems from the fact that the influence of national culture on the use of web 2.0 has not yet been addressed in the literature.
Cultural impacts on knowledge sharing: empirical data from EU project collaboration
Authors: Siakas Kerstin V. , Georgiadou Elli , Balstrup Bo
Published: October 2010

Purpose

EU‐sponsored lifelong learning projects involve a variety of experts of diverse cultural, organisational, and professional backgrounds connected together in one project with time and money constraints. The members of the consortium, often unknown to one another from the beginning, come together for a specific period of time to accomplish certain distinctive objectives. A special knowledge‐sharing strategy is needed in order to incorporate culturally diverse values, and to overcome the technical difficulties of dispersion and limited access to informal communication. This paper aims to explore the way in which EU projects appreciate diverse cultural (national, organisational, and professional) influences on knowledge sharing in project‐based collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on longitudinal studies, own multicultural experiences and earlier conceptually grounded arguments regarding cultural complexities to knowledge sharing in project environments. The key cultural issues highlighted here were empirically tested through a survey in the context of knowledge sharing in several EU lifelong learning projects. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of dealing with cultural issues in fostering good knowledge‐sharing practices within dispersed projects.

Findings

It is apparent that culture has a most significant influence on the knowledge‐sharing capability of time‐ and money‐restricted dispersed projects. Cultural awareness and the use of new information and communication (ICT) tools, such as web 2.0, are factors supporting knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not examined knowledge sharing in EU projects. The paper aims to help practitioners and academics, who participate in EU projects, to recognise that the different EU project team members usually are dispersed in terms of geography, expertise and working methods and to understand that diverse cultural values (national, organisational and professional) can be a competitive advantage. As a result of gaining such understanding it is expected that EU project performance will improve if diversities are handled in a proper manner and if in addition web 2.0 is used as a communication and sharing platform to enable increased knowledge sharing, interactive participation and digital democracy in practice.
Positioning a research agenda on the social economy
Authors: Swart Ignatius , Orsmond Edward
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical and ideological foundations for a research agenda on the social economy in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines relevant literature research and case study work in a selected geographical region in the Western Cape province of South Africa to meet its research aim.

Findings

The perspectives emanating from the case study research on the nature of the diversified forms of new capitalist expansion and entrepreneurial activity in the case study area and particularly the way in which the new developments impact on the working conditions of farm workers lead to the consolidation of the authors' option for a constructive research agenda in which the realities of new‐found economic opportunity and prevailing conditions of exclusion are both negotiated.

Research limitations/implications

From the point of view of an ongoing research agenda, further empirical and literature research will be required to deepen the understanding of the socio‐economic dynamics in the case study area and in the process further refine the identified theoretical and ideological position.

Originality/value

The paper contributes towards defining the theoretical and ideological foundations of a research agenda on the social economy in South Africa. As such, the way in which binary positions are avoided in positioning this research agenda in relation to the mainstream capitalist economic system can be considered as provocative.
The profile of income‐poor children
Authors: Bastos Amélia , Machado Carla , Passos José
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Child poverty has become an important issue in social and political agendas. In Portugal, almost 25 per cent of children are at risk of poverty and the most vulnerable age group. This paper seeks to investigate child poverty in Portugal, using European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions microdata for 2004‐2008. It explores the sociodemographic and economic attributes associated with child poverty in order to design the profile of income‐poor children. Furthermore, it analyses social policies efficiency in reducing child poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses descriptive methods as well as econometric tools to select the characteristics of income‐poor children and to evaluate social policy efficiency. The estimation of a discrete choice model allows inference purposes.

Findings

Results obtained show that children included in large households and in lone‐parent households, are particularly at risk. Social policies undertaken had roughly impact on child poverty.

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute to the literature by establishing the profile of income‐poor children, which may contribute to design more efficient policies to tackle the problem of child poverty. The policy evaluation sheds light on the results obtained by the current policies suggesting the discussion of new programs.
Economic impacts of ageing: an inter‐industry approach
Authors: Albuquerque Paula C. , Lopes João C.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the evolution of consumption patterns associated with ageing on the relative importance of industries in Portugal, quantifying the changes in production, value added, imported intermediate inputs and employment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses data from the Family Spending Survey to disaggregate the household column of the Portuguese input‐output table in different age groups, projecting their consumption, using the latest demographic projections made by Statistics Portugal (INE).

Findings

The study identifies the industries that are likely to be stimulated by the ageing of the Portuguese populations, as well as the industries that will most likely become disadvantaged by the process.

Social implications

The task of identification of growing and declining industries due to ageing is important to help the design of employment, environmental and social policies.

Originality/value

The contemporary demographic trends in Western societies have added to the importance of studying the economic and social consequences of ageing. The main issues have been the labour market effects, the sustainability of social security systems and long‐term care. In this paper, we address a different research topic, quantifying the sectoral impact of the evolution of consumption patterns associated with ageing. This can be useful in addressing the structural challenges of the rapid ageing of the population, common to most of the developed economies.
Preventing avoidable stockouts: the impact of item‐level RFID in retail
Authors: Gaukler Gary M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to characterize some of the operational benefits of item‐level radio‐frequency identification (RFID) in a retail environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines a retail store operation with backroom and shelf stock under the assumption of multiple replenishment and sales periods. Backroom stock is replenished according to a periodic‐review order‐up to policy and shelf stock is replenished continually from the backroom. Backroom replenishment decisions are made based on demand forecasts that are updated in each sales period based on previous sales. The influence of item‐level RFID is two‐fold: first, it directly affects the number of products sold through the efficiency and effectiveness of the backroom‐to‐shelf replenishment process. Second, it indirectly affects the retailer's demand forecast: ceteris paribus, more products sold mean a higher demand forecast, which means a higher order‐up to level in the backroom.

Findings

This study confirms that the direct effect of more efficient and effective backroom‐to‐shelf replenishment contributes the majority of benefits. On average, this model shows that approximately 80‐85 percent of the total RFID benefit is directly due to the backroom‐to‐shelf process, and only 15‐20 percent is due to an improvement in backroom stocking. This finding suggests that, in general, the operation of the backroom is not as crucial to the overall retail store profitability.

Originality/value

The model in this paper delivers further evidence of the importance of the “last several yards” in retail execution. This has important implications for retail RFID projects: most current retail RFID implementations and pilots focus on case‐ and pallet‐level RFID to ensure correct backroom stocking. Seeing, however, that this type of benefit accounts for less than 20 percent of total potential RFID benefits, it appears that current case‐ and pallet‐level implementations are merely scraping the tip of the iceberg.
RFID utilization and information sharing: the impact on supply chain performance
Authors: Zelbst Pamela J. , Green Kenneth W. , Sower Victor E. , Baker Gary
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper's aim is to theorize and assess a structural model that incorporates radio frequency identification (RFID) technology utilization and supply chain information sharing as antecedents to supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a sample of 155 manufacturing sector and service sector organizations were collected and the model was assessed following a structural equation methodology.

Findings

RFID technology utilization does not directly impact supply chain performance. Adoption of RFID technology, however, leads to improved information sharing among supply chain members, which in turn leads to improved supply chain performance.

Research limitations/implications

RFID technology utilization is in the introductory and growth stages of the technology utilization life cycle. Interpretation of the results should be tempered in light of this early stage of adoption.

Practical implications

Practitioners can expect improved customer satisfaction through the implementation of RFID technology and the information sharing that the technology facilitates.

Originality/value

The study offers empirical support for the adoption of RFID technology within an enterprise resource planning context for the purpose of improving supply chain performance.
A post‐retail consumer application of RFID in medical supply chains
Authors: Swartz Stephen M. , Vaidyanathan Vijay , Raman Hari
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the feasibility of using radio frequency identification (RFID) total asset visibility technologies for post‐consumer monitoring and ordering of medical supplies.

Design/methodology/approach

A laboratory experiment in a consumer context was designed. This involved the application of RFID tag technology for glucose monitoring and supply management.

Findings

It was found that embedded RFID monitoring of blood glucose levels can be used to effectively monitor and help manage patient care. An integrated system of monitoring and management with an effective medical supply chain information system is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The laboratory study provides initial validation of the merits of the approach. Extensive human field‐testing would still be required prior to any strong inference about the viability of the technology in this application.

Practical implications

The findings provide a directly relevant system design template for home managed patient care settings where self‐administered medication protocols are required. The findings may also be extended into consumable consumer products like food and beverages where the management of home‐based supplies are a critical component of supply chain effectiveness and consumer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The results extend the use of RFID as a total asset visibility tool for enterprise resource planning in a supply chain. Post‐consumer consumption monitoring, tracking, and automated re‐ordering have not been extensively addressed in the literature.
Comparative analysis of ethical leadership and ethical culture in local government
Authors: Kolthoff Emile , Erakovich Rodney , Lasthuizen Karin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of ethical leadership and ethical culture as a safeguard against corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from public managers in local authorities in The Netherlands, Serbia, Montenegro and the USA in a comparative study.

Findings

The USA and The Netherlands, generally, display higher levels of organizational integrity than Montenegro and Serbia. Second, the strongest effects of ethical leadership were found in Montenegro. Third, in all four countries a rule‐based approach to ethics dominated.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult to determine the extent to which survey participants felt free to express their true opinions. Different social values need to be included as part of any comparative analysis.

Practical implications

The role of ethical leadership is crucial; the importance of laws and rules underpinning ethical conduct cannot be underestimated.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the growing interest in comparative studies.
Police misconduct: accountability of internal investigations
Authors: Lamboo Terry
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of an analysis of official data on police misconduct, providing new insights into the nature and extent of police misconduct and in the official response to police misconduct. Next to the use of force and neglect of duty, private time misconduct is a major type of (alleged) misconduct although it is often discarded from theoretical conceptions of police misconduct. The analysis also showed that two‐thirds of internal investigations are the result of an internal report. This paper shows that official data on police misconduct can result in new insights in the nature and extent of police misconduct and is therefore a relevant source for academic analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of official data on police misconduct is compared with theoretical notions of police misconduct, internal investigations and reliability of official data.

Findings

The implementation of a uniform Registration of Internal Investigations for all Dutch police forces has resulted in a clear increase in the number of registered investigations. This seems to be due to a combination of increased strictness on (alleged) misconduct and an improved quality of the registration. The analysis also showed that two‐thirds of the investigations are the result of an internal report. This places a new perspective on the so‐called code of silence among police officers. However, information on the extent and nature of complaints that are dealt with through the complaints procedure is lacking. The complaints procedure has also no formal relation with the disciplinary or criminal procedures.

Research limitations/implications

Official data on police misconduct have to be viewed with a critical eye. The analyses showed however that the Dutch data seem fairly reliable. Additional research should place the official data in further perspective, e.g. through case studies and through a control of the registration with the files of the Bureaux of Internal Investigations. Finally, a comparison with official data in other countries is needed.

Practical implications

The Dutch police should improve its complaints procedures and the complaints registration.

Originality/value

Academic analysis of police misconduct is often limited to case studies of scandals or focuses on citizen complaints. The paper gives a broader perspective by using official data.
Accountability in the new public sector: a comparative case study
Authors: Monfardini Patrizio
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of new public management‐based reforms on public accountability in two countries, Italy and Sweden, explaining what strategies can be used to enhance accountability toward citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies have been analysed in order to compare how public accountability has been enhanced in different cultural and geographical contexts.

Findings

In both countries, the enhancement of public accountability is at stake both in the political debate and in the public policies, but the strategies implemented resulted are path dependent especially in the choice between more disclosure and more citizen participation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses only two case studies and therefore results can hardly be generalised; also the selected cases are both examples of best practice in the two countries.

Practical implications

The comparison offers critical insights on the adopted choices to enhance public accountability in two different contexts, also emphasising the role of IT and their possible use.

Originality/value

From a theoretical point of view, the paper offers an original framing of the possible strategies to improve accountability toward citizens: more accountability through more disclosure and more accountability through more citizen participation. The empirical analysis analyses the solutions adopted in two different countries aimed at improving accountability toward citizens and their advantages and limitations.
Trust, good governance and unethical actions in Finnish public administration
Authors: Salminen Ari , Ikola‐Norrbacka Rinna
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical study and contribute to the discussion of administrative ethics and integrity by investigating three ethical issues, namely trust, good governance and unethical actions in the Finnish public administration.

Design/methodology/approach

The evidence of this research is based on empirical data from a National Citizen Survey implemented in 2008 by the University of Vaasa. The questionnaire was sent to 5,000 Finnish citizens and the response rate was 40.4 percent.

Findings

The strength of the Finnish society concerning trust is that the citizens feel confident in public sector organizations and societal institutions. Even though serious corruption cases have remained few in Finland, there is still work to do in order to keep the situation under control. Ignorant and bad treatment of citizens occurs mostly in individual service encounters, it does not reflect the whole of the ethics of administration.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed in order to investigate the societal background factors that can explain the different findings from the research questions. Also further research is required for comparing the results of different countries.

Practical implications

Strengths and weaknesses are identified as a tool for further research and for the work for practitioners.

Originality/value

The core contribution of the paper is a contribution to knowledge concerning citizens' perceptions of trust, good governance and unethical actions in an egalitarian society.
Combinations of partners' joint venture formation motives
Authors: Klijn Elko , Reuer Jeffrey J. , Buckley Peter J. , Glaister Keith W.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Prior research on joint venture (JV) formation often examines a single focal firm and assumes it has a single motive for collaboration. This study seeks to investigate how formation motives of partner firms are symmetrically coupled. It considers motives in the context of different European Economic Interest Groupings (EEIGs) characteristics and partner firm characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Self‐administered surveys were employed and a total sample of 104 partners cooperating in 47 different JVs (EEIGs) was used for data analysis.

Findings

The paper observes the coupling of different formation motives and finds that different rationales to establish international JVs are held simultaneously by partners. Furthermore, it finds that the number of partners increase when partners hold motives primarily to develop knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

Current theorising might focus too narrowly on particular motives or at best on combinations of motives within a specific theoretical approach. Such a single approach might be rather simplistic due to the multiple rationales to enact EEIGs by partners. Future studies that accommodate multiple perspectives simultaneously in a single paper would significantly advance the field and hold more explanatory power.

Practical implications

The paper finds that in general partner motives are symmetric, but some motives are more natural candidates for partners to couple together. Furthermore, smaller firms can also benefit by forming more complex collaborations and hold multiple motives simultaneously.

Originality/value

The paper reinvigorates theoretical development by showing the amalgamation of different motives and theories for JV establishment. It also provides new guidelines to practitioners and scholars alike by examining various combinations of collaborative motives and how they are coupled across partners in alliance dyads.