bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross‐cultural investigation of work values among young executives in China and the USA
Authors: Pan Yue , Song Xuebao , Goldschmidt Ayalla , French Warren
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate what values are now important to young American and Chinese managers, since they profile the direction in which their country is headed. It aims to explore if the ethical values of young executives in different countries are converging to a common global business culture. It also aims to argue that the individualism‐collectivism value dimension by itself does not capture the differences between the Chinese and American sample members. The vertical‐horizontal dimension, in contrast, seems to better delineate the value orientations among young executives in the two countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In this two‐phase study, both attitudinal and scenario‐based measurements are applied to assess the strength of work value orientations among similar subjects in China and the USA.

Findings

In study 1, Chinese respondents score significantly higher on a hierarchical‐vertical dimension than do the Americans, although the two groups do not differ significantly on the collectivism‐individualism dimension. In study 2, which entails resolving an ethical dilemma, the American subjects apply Egalitarianism as their most frequent expressed value, reflecting their horizontal perspective. The Chinese subjects, in contrast, rely strongly on a traditional vertical value system to resolve the ethical dilemma. Although both American and Chinese negotiators show a collectivist as well as an individualist orientation, their focuses are fundamentally different.

Originality/value

The well‐established collectivism/individualism cultural dimension has been heavily used in cross‐cultural studies, sometimes without much discretion. This study was undertaken as a preliminary attempt to outline the cultural patterns observed among young managers in America and China. The paper argues that cross‐cultural differences underlying ethical conflicts should not be reduced to the single value dimension of individualism/collectivism.
Conflict management among American and Chinese employees in multinational organizations in China
Authors: Yuan Wenli
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This study aims to examine how American and Chinese employees of multinational organizations deal with conflict between them.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 42 employees from 28 multinational organizations operating in China. A constant comparative method was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The paper finds that both American and Chinese employees used various strategies to deal with conflict, such as integrating, insisting on one's own solution, compromising, yielding to authority, avoiding, passive resistance, dissolving the relationship, and a third‐party approach. In general, American participants were more likely to confront a conflict than Chinese participants. Findings of this study also indicate that differing motivations lead to the utilization of a common conflict management strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The validity of this study might be compromised due to self‐reported responses. Future researchers need to further clarify definitions of conflict management styles and pay more attention to adaptation during the process of intercultural conflict resolution.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will help practitioners become more cognizant of conflict behaviors in multinational organizations, and thus be able to prepare more effective strategies to manage conflict.Originality/value–This is one of few studies that examine conflict in multinational organizations from an intercultural perspective. This study is also one of few that utilize a qualitative approach to examine intercultural conflict management in a workplace.
Financial innovation and social welfare
Authors: Mullineux Andrew William (Andy)
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the case for regulating financial innovation in light of the recent global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Responsibility for assuring the bank customers are “treated fairly” in the UK currents belongs to the Financial Services Authority (FSA), whilst the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) oversees the Consumer Credit Act. The paper argues for the regulation of retail banking and financial service provision as a utility, leaving the FSA to concentrate on prudential supervision and the OFT to concentrate on its other responsibilities. Financial innovation in wholesale and investment banking should be regulated by the prudential authorities.

Findings

New financial instruments are frequently underpriced, which may be in part to encourage rapid and widespread adoption.

Practical implications

Good, transactions cost and risk reducing, retail financial innovation should be encouraged. New wholesale financial products should be thoroughly “stress tested” prior to being licensed, analogous to the testing of new medical “drugs” by the pharmaceutical industry.

Originality/value

The global banking crisis led to calls for banks to maintain lending to small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises and households (especially mortgages). This implies that access to finance, like access to water and electricity, should be assured and that customers should be protected against the “monopoly” powers of large suppliers. Hence, retail banks are utilities and should be regulated as such.
MiFID, Reg NMS and competition across trading venues in Europe and the USA
Authors: Petrella Giovanni
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how markets in financial instruments directive (MiFID) and regulation national market system (Reg NMS) affect the competition for order flow among trading venues in, respectively, Europe and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the differences between MiFID and Reg NMS and provides, based on market microstructure principles, insights as to their likely impact on European and the US securities markets.

Findings

Although MiFID and Reg NMS share the common objective of enhancing competition in securities markets, they adopt different provisions with respect to three issues that strongly influence the competition for order flow among trading venues. Specifically, some of the provisions set forth by the US regulation with respect to the best execution duty, the consolidation of market data and the disclosure of execution quality information appear to be more effective, compared to the European Union ones, in strengthening competition for order flow among trading venues.

Research limitations/implications

Regulatory factors can only partly explain the current structure of the European and US securities markets. Technology and heterogeneity in traders' demand are other important factors that concur in shaping the European and US markets.

Practical implications

The degree of competition for order flow among trading venues depends on how regulations define the best execution duty, the availability of updated and consolidated pre‐trade (i.e. quotations) and post‐trade (i.e. transactions) information and the efficiency of post‐trading infrastructures.

Originality/value

The paper addresses issues not yet investigated and provides valuable insights for financial intermediaries, incumbent and prospective exchanges as to the competition in the securities industry, and to regulators as to the likely impact of the new regulations.
Socially mediated authenticity
Authors: Gilpin Dawn R. , Palazzolo Edward T. , Brody Nicholas
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Use of digital media channels is growing in public communication. Given the importance of public trust in government figures and agencies, combined with the risk and fear of misrepresentation inherent in online interaction, it is important to develop theoretical frameworks for investigating the ways in which authenticity is constructed in online public affairs communication. The purpose of this paper is to produce a preliminary model of authenticity in online communication, with particular emphasis on public institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first develops a theoretical model of authenticity from existing literature in various disciplines. It then uses that model to explore a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of the comments on the US State Department blog, DipNote, from its inception to the end of the Bush Administration.

Findings

Despite limited interactions between DipNote authors and commenters, the types and quantity of responses to posts indicate a desire by some readers to discuss the topics raised in the blog space. These responses also suggest that at least some commenters find that the blog meets their criteria for authenticity to the extent necessary to engage in community‐type interaction within its virtual boundaries. A functional‐structural analysis of the blog responses supports the essential components of the theoretical model proposed, which suggests that DipNote presents a mixed form of authenticity.

Originality/value

Authenticity is particularly important in the public sphere, and public institutions are increasingly engaging with social media as a means of connecting with constituencies. This paper proposes a starting‐point for theory development regarding this significant emerging area of communication.
Constructing standards: a study of nurses negotiating with multiple modes of knowledge
Authors: Nes Sturle , Moen Anne
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to explore how multiple modes of knowledge play out in the consolidation of nursing procedures in construction of “local universality”. The paper seeks to explore processes where nurses negotiate universal procedures that are to become local standards in a hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a case study design. Working group sessions, where the activity was to consolidate different versions of nursing procedures were observed and videotaped. For this paper, transcribed videotaped observations, where tension‐laden situations were identified, are subject to interaction analysis.

Findings

In the negotiations to construct standards, multiple modes of knowledge play out; personal experience, collective expertise and formalized knowledge. The paper demonstrates the contributions these modes of knowledge make in a process of standardization. This shows that standards, as such, do not stay universal for very long, but are constructed as “local universalities”.

Research limitations/implications

The study elaborates on discursive negotiations of procedures to illustrate how local universality plays out in processes to constitute standards. It is a limitation because how the local universality plays out in clinical work, or make claims about practice transformation, cannot be described.

Originality/value

The paper shows the necessity of confronting standardized procedures through multiple modes of knowledge. The paper exemplifies productive interactions in the construction of local universality, and how professionals account for practice when facing formal and standardized procedures.
Promise and perils: the making of global money laundering, terrorist finance norms
Authors: Michelle Gallant M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a preliminary comparison of the formation of money laundering and terrorist finance norms through international conventions and through Security Council resolutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The formation of a global approach to criminal finance through the negotiation of international conventions is compared to the creation of a standardized approach through intervention by the United Nations Security Council.

Findings

While the formation of norms through the Security Council is efficient, it risks jeopardizing the legitimacy of the institution. Formation through conventions, with the assistance of soft‐actors, however at times glacial, is preferred.

Practical implications

The paper implies that the Security Council should seriously restrict any involvement in creating global norms attentive to terrorist funding.

Originality/value

The paper critiques global money laundering, and terrorist finance laws through the unique prism of norm formation. It demonstrates that the imperfect process of norm development through international conventions offers more promise than Security Council lead development.
Combating money laundering in transition countries: the inherent limitations and practical issues
Authors: Tang Jun , Ai Lishan
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the operating background of combating money laundering in transition countries, to demonstrate the unique phenomenon of “adopt but not enforce” and “selective implementation,” to discuss the role of anti‐money laundering (AML) system as a part of political confrontation between transition countries and developed countries, and finally to criticize the defensive reporting in transition countries' financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the inherent limitations and practical issues in combating money laundering in transition countries, and provides various cases as well as statistic data to illustrate the AML difficulties faced by transition countries.

Findings

Many transition countries have taken AML actions during the past decade, however, the AML systems in these jurisdictions are not effective yet. AML motivations in transition countries are mainly surrounding international pressures and domestic political needs.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the unsound operating environment of fully implementing AML legislations in transition countries, and critically demonstrated that the effectiveness of AML systems in transition countries is heavily influenced by domestic and international political considerations.
A study of management tasks and stakeholders in a hybrid corporate incubator
Authors: Branstad Are
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main tasks and challenges of the manager role in a hybrid incubator organization, here defined as being one owned by both private companies and public organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a stakeholder management approach to focus on tasks related to multiple relationships. It employs an interview‐based case method. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews and documents were used to collect data. Interviews with external stakeholders provided additional information about management tasks and how they appear in the incubation context. The role of the incubator and the manager is described through the stories of three different technology ventures, which the incubator worked with at the time of the study.

Findings

The tasks and challenges of the incubator manager concentrated around helping incubated companies gain access to much‐needed knowledge. Different modes of knowledge were added to the start‐up companies from the incubator's staff and manager and the owner companies. In order to manage knowledge flows effectively, organisational knowledge mode was highly valuable to the incubator manager. The hybrid corporate incubator's assignment is more diverse and less associated with the parent companies' core strategies than what is typical for a corporate incubator's assignment. Production of shareholder value did not have the highest priority. Other stakeholder groups than the shareholders reaped most of the benefit from the incubator's work.

Practical implications

The paper discusses practical challenges tied to the work of incubator managers such as the need to be able to maintain relationships, align diverging interests and manage expectations from different stakeholders.

Originality/value

No previous studies have examined corporate incubator management through a single‐case study. A corporate incubator's different stakeholders have not often been examined.
An exploratory study of marketing, logistics, and ethics in packaging innovation
Authors: Vernuccio Maria , Cozzolino Alessandra , Michelini Laura
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Packaging is a strategic tool that merits holistic management. Three managerial disciplines have the potential to significantly influence packaging strategy: marketing, logistics, and ethics. Despite the multidimensional nature of packaging, the academic literature tends to analyse these three dimensions separately. To address this shortcoming of a more integrated approach, the aim of this paper is to identify the main integration areas among marketing, logistics, and ethics in packaging innovation projects, in the retail grocery sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 186 cases of packaging design were selected and the data collected were analysed by quantitative content analysis (cross‐tabulation).

Findings

The results show that simultaneous integration among marketing, logistics and ethics recurs in only one third of the cases. The main area of integration is between marketing and ethics. To a lesser extent, there is a significant degree of integration between marketing and logistics as well as between logistics and ethics. Nevertheless, the findings of this initial analysis suggest that the potential in terms of integration has yet to be exploited.

Practical implications

Taking a holistic view of innovation in packaging, the study can assist managers participating in packaging management by providing a conceptual instrument for the integrated evaluation of the multidimensional relationships among the three perspectives.

Originality/value

The paper provides the first empirical exploration in this field and an original conceptual framework that could serve as a theoretical reference point for future research and as a managerial tool, recognising the urgent need for a careful understanding of how marketing, logistics and ethics may be integrated in innovation projects.
Empirical research in business process management – analysis of an emerging field of research
Authors: Houy Constantin , Fettke Peter , Loos Peter
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims at providing a survey of the development of empirical research in business process management (BPM). It seeks to study trends in empirical BPM research and applied methodologies by means of a developed framework in order to identify the status quo and to assess the probable future development of the research field.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to analyse the development of the research field a systematic literature review of empirical journal articles in the BPM context is conducted. The retrieved literature is analyzed by means of scientometric methods and a developed reference framework.

Findings

The steadily growing number of published articles in empirical BPM research shows an increase in interest in the research field. Research interests, applied methodologies, the underlying research paradigm and the level of maturity of empirical BPM research differ depending on regional aspects. BPM gains importance in the industry as well as in the public administration context.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a sample of 355 articles and not on an exhaustive amount of available empirical research contributions. Nevertheless, significant analyses can be conducted. Future research could apply the developed reference framework for further literature reviews in order to be able to compare the findings and to measure progress.

Originality/value

The presented literature review gives an overview of trends in empirical BPM research. The developed and strictly applied reference framework supports a systematic analysis of contributions and can thus draw a significant picture of the state‐of‐the‐art of the research field. To the best knowledge of the authors no such survey has currently been undertaken.
Reflections on the modularity of business process models
Authors: Cappelli Claudia , Santoro Flávia Maria , Cesar Sampaio do Prado Leite Julio , Batista Thais , Luisa Medeiros Ana , Romeiro Clarissa S.C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The aspect‐oriented (AO) paradigm is first proposed to deal with programing modularity issues, but different researchers have been exploring AO concepts in the designing and definition of software systems. The goal of this paper is to discuss and present a proposal that addresses the application of AO concepts to the design of business processes (BPs) in order to improve usability and understandability of process models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper departs from previous work on analyzing the application of AO for software design. The observations were backed by a case study, which was used to illustrate the issues by means of examples.

Findings

The paper presents findings on important issues related to the integration of AO paradigm and BP modeling, such as crosscutting representation, crosscutting composition, quantification, and join point exposure.

Originality/value

The paper explores a new frontier: the application of AO concepts to the design of BPs. As of now, few works have explored this new view on process modularity. The paper claims that application of AO concepts to the design of BPs is important in the consideration of usability and understandability. Its contributions are also backed by a prototype process editor, CrossOryx, a web‐based editor for modeling process using AO concepts.
Analyzing BSC and IC's usefulness in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Kong Eric
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The balanced scorecard (BSC) and intellectual capital (IC) concepts are two strategic management methods that help to identify and elevate organizations' intellectual resources in the knowledge economy. However, very little research has examined the usefulness of the BSC and IC concept in nonprofit organizations. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a critical analysis of current literature in relation to BSC and IC concepts within the social service nonprofit context.

Findings

The findings suggest that BSC is less effective in social service nonprofit organizations (SSNPOs) because the model's strategy, cause‐and‐effect relationships and its four linked perspectives are incompatible to the unique social service nonprofit environment. IC, however, can be harnessed to co‐ordinate with the values and core character of SSNPOs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes a new dimension to the body of literature; raising critical questions as to the usefulness of the BSC in SSNPOs and theoretically arguing that IC is an alternative strategic management framework in the social service nonprofit sub‐sector. The increased awareness of the IC concept in SSNPOs, as a result of this paper, likely generates further research from both nonprofit practitioners and scholars.

Originality/value

The paper is considered as a starting point and serves as a milestone in applying IC as a strategic management conceptual framework in the nonprofit sector. Also, the paper informs nonprofit leaders that IC is a more appropriate strategic management concept in the nonprofit sector.
Community of Competence™: background theory and concepts – part I
Authors: Smith Elizabeth A. , Mireles Matthew C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present the methods and framework of the Community of Competence™ (C of C) originated by Smith as a new organizational model designed to maximize the use of scarce human and material resources. C of C links the words “community” and “competence” and incorporates the theories of socialization, systems thinking, learning organizations, self‐organizing systems, motivation, and creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining the structure of a learning organization, systems thinking, the framework and methods of C of C was shown to create and support partnerships for sharing key information and knowledge in electronic networked global multidisciplinary groups. The general and unique roles human and organizational variables play in selecting and assigning members, defining and solving problems, and documenting results are discussed in three of 11 major healthcare projects presented in part II of this paper.

Findings

Healthcare is extremely competitive and primarily driven by the bottom line, the need to “do more with less”, and apply twenty‐first century thinking. Over the 2005‐2010 period, the authors learned that to remain competitive in the local/global marketplace, healthcare organizations must start to share competencies and make better use of limited or scarce human and material resources. C of C brings multidisciplinary groups together to solve complex problems by creating practical and efficient ways to more effectively identify, address, and develop realistic, cost‐effective solutions for major high‐priority problems and concerns in healthcare.

Originality/value

A C of C, as a new organizational model and catalyst for change, may foster a paradigm not only toward patient‐centered medicine or “medical home”, but also help improve the safety, quality, effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness and equity of healthcare as originally proposed by the US Institute of Medicine in 1999. Only then can patients and their families, as the only true customers of healthcare, be empowered and encouraged to more actively participate in decisions about their diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
Exploring the ROI in leadership development: a global energy company case study
Authors: Elden Max , Durand Roger
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Leadership development courses are widely used despite lack of general agreement about their payoff or return on investment (ROI). The author's purpose is to explore and document the ROI of leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used three different but complementary approaches – survey research, participant observation, and a panel study in triangulating on the ROI effects of a leadership course

Findings

The three core findings were that most all respondents (90 percent) reported that the course paid off in terms of ROI; content analysis revealed three broad sources of ROI; and five elements of course design seemed important linkages to ROI pay offs.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited because it is exploratory and breaks new ground. It suggests that the actual experience of participants in leadership development courses and course design should be further studied in research on the bottom line effects of leadership development

Practical implications

To enhance the ROI of leadership development pay attention to five elements of course design

Originality/value

Participants in a well designed leadership development course readily connect their course with ROI. Human resource managers and researchers should pay more attention to the experience of participants in evaluating ROI.
Determinants affecting the use of an intermediary when buying meeting services
Authors: Kokkomäki Johanna , Laukkanen Tommi , Komppula Raija
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to identify the factors determining a business organisation's use of an intermediary when buying convention packages and meeting services.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are based on a case, a public organisation responsible for promoting and intermediating meetings, incentives, contentions and events (MICE) services provided by small and medium‐sized tourism organisations in southern Finland. An online questionnaire was used for the data collection and a total of 223 valid responses were collected. Explorative factor analysis was used to analyse the research results.

Findings

Based on explorative factor analysis it is suggested there are three distinct factors as determinants of the phenomenon, namely “Attractive convention packages”, “Know‐how of the personnel”, and “Ease of buying a convention package”. The results of the structural equation modelling reveal that ease of buying a convention package is the primary reason for using the intermediary, while attractive convention packages and know‐how of the personnel have a much lower effect.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed to explore if there are more attributes affecting the use of an intermediary in the buying process.

Practical implications

Intermediaries of meeting services can develop their services by paying more attention to how to make the buying process easier and more flexible for the customer.

Originality/value

Earlier studies have not analysed the structure of the interrelationships among variables affecting the use of an intermediary in the purchase of meeting services, or empirically verified constructs to measure these factors.
How to attract more tourists?
Authors: Kamata Hiromi , Misui Yuki , Yamauchi Hirotaka
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are twofold. First, to develop a framework for estimating the attractiveness of spas in Japan. Second, based on the results of the estimation, to consider how to attract more tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

Attractiveness is defined by the results of questionnaires, composed of a spa's characteristics, cost and accessibility. Using these aspects of the destination as measures of its attractiveness, the paper estimates attractiveness conducted with a destination choice model.

Findings

The results of the estimation provide some findings. First, consumers may value the quality of hot springs, with atmosphere as one of the most important elements. Second, the attractiveness varies because of accessibility or cost depending on the origin of each consumer. The management of each spa should consider where their customers are from; they also need to recognize which spas are their competitors.

Originality/value

There are many previous studies dealing with the estimation of attractiveness. However, most of these attractiveness studies do not include cost and accessibility. The attractiveness measures of this study include cost and accessibility, and provide examples of varying degrees of cost and accessibility. In this sense, it can be said that this study has originality.
An empirical analysis of the antecedents of adoption of online services
Authors: Ozen Seneler Cagla , Basoglu Nuri , Daim Tugrul U.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Online services have replaced many services that were delivered through other avenues. However, adoption of them has varied significantly. This paper seeks to expand on technology adoption theories by integrating them with those exploring service innovation and attempts to explore factors that help or hinder the attitude towards using online services. Thus, the study aims to provide insight into attributes to which developers and designers of such services should pay attention.

Design/methodology/approach

The study accomplishes the purpose stated above through testing a framework that was developed as a result of critical literature review, interviews, a brainstorming session, an expert focus group and a final large‐scale survey. A set of prototypes was developed as alternative interfaces for the online service.

Findings

In addition to finding that usefulness and ease of use are affecting the intention to use in the case of online services, the paper also identified that users were positively influenced by their acquaintances, commercials and related news about online ticket reservation positively. Self‐efficacy was also identified as a positive factor. However, a significant relationship between other elements of the user interface, such as task or user characteristics, could not be identified.

Practical implications

There is an increased interest in better service design and development. In the case of online services, developing better user interfaces by different technologies is critical, because capabilities of user interface add a lot to the information technology (IT) adoption process. So putting emphasis on better marketing and user training would help the adoption of online services.

Research limitations/implications

There were a number of hypotheses that were not supported in the paper. Further data collection may help to explore the role of user and service characteristics better.

Originality/value

The study integrates technology adoption and market research theories to assess service innovation.
The role of IS architecture planning in enhancing IS outsourcing's impact on IS performance
Authors: Shi Zhengzhong
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model on the role that information systems (IS) architecture planning plays in enhancing IS outsourcing's impact on IS performance and to empirically test the model.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were gathered and structural equation modeling technique is used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical test clearly demonstrates the important role that IS architecture planning plays in enhancing IS outsourcing's impact on IS performance. In other words, it shows that IS architecture planning provides a blueprint for establishing necessary technical and administrative platforms, based on which IS outsourcing can be effectively implemented to positively impact IS performance. Consequently, the key proposition in the conceptual model of the study has been empirically validated.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively low response rate requires future studies to re‐validate the model to test the robustness of the findings. The fact that 75 percent of respondents are IS managers/directors may produce inflated responses on IS performance and future studies with more balanced IS and business managers' participation can help to further verify the model. Future research can also investigate how web compliant‐based technologies such as SOA and XML can enable high levels of modularity to improve IS outsourcing effectiveness for better IS performance. As to control variables, the extent of IS outsourcing and the level of IS architecture maturity may be incorporated in a refined model to better test the role IS architecture planning plays in enhancing IS outsourcing's impact on IS performance. IS outsourcing effectiveness may be added to the model as a bridge linking IS outsourcing competences to IS performance. A longitudinal study can be conducted to analyze the dynamics of how IS architecture planning can impact IS outsourcing informed buying and help one to understand the portfolio of outsourcing control mechanisms in a multiple outsourcing projects setting.

Practical implications

The empirical support of the key proposition that IS architecture planning enhances IS outsourcing's impact on IS performance makes it very clear that IS management should make due efforts to improve their understandings of various IS components, associated business processes, and their interactive relationships for better IS outsourcing management. Further, the identification of the antecedents of IS architecture planning will enlighten practitioners about how to improve their IS architecture planning competence.

Originality/value

The paper builds on previous research to provide further empirical evidence on the role that IS architecture planning plays in enhancing IS outsourcing's impact on IS performance.
A comprehensive literature review of the ERP research field over a decade
Authors: Rerup Schlichter Bjarne , Kraemmergaard Pernille
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is first, to develop a methodological framework for conducting a comprehensive literature review on an empirical phenomenon based on a vast amount of papers published. Second, to use this framework to gain an understanding of the current state of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) research field, and third, based on the literature review, to develop a conceptual framework identifying areas of concern with regard to ERP systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Abstracts from 885 peer‐reviewed journal publications from 2000 to 2009 have been analysed according to journal, authors and year of publication, and further categorised into research discipline, research topic and methods used, using the structured methodological framework.

Findings

The body of academic knowledge about ERP systems has reached a certain maturity and several different research disciplines have contributed to the field from different points of view using different methods, showing that the ERP research field is very much an interdisciplinary field. It demonstrates that the number of ERP publications has decreased, and it indicates that the academic interest in ERP is driven by an interest in an empirical phenomenon rather than that ERP is a new research discipline. Different research topics of interest are identified and used in developing a conceptual framework for “areas of concern” regarding ERP systems. Finally the usefulness of the framework is confirmed by analysing one specific aspect of ERP research; business process reengineering (BPR) to establish which theories different authors and journals have used in their efforts to explore BPR and ERP.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the literature study, the structured methodological framework for comprehensive literature review and the conceptual framework identifying different areas of concern are believed to be useful for other researchers in their effort to obtain an overview of the evolution of the ERP research field and in positioning their own ERP research.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidance for researchers with insight into what has been published, where to publish ERP‐related research and how to study it, and in positioning their own interest in ERP systems in the interdisciplinary research field. Access to the EndNote database containing bibliographical data of more than 880 papers can be used in future research and literature analysis. For managers, the conceptual framework can be useful in increasing their understanding of the complexity and areas of concern with regard to the ERP system.

Originality/value

The paper presents a structured methodological framework for analysing a vast amount of academic publications with an interest in an empirical phenomenon, demonstration of how academic interdisciplinary interest in ERP has evolved over time and reached a certain amount of maturity and a conceptual framework of areas of concern with regard to ERP systems.
Balanced scorecard implementation in German non‐profit organisations
Authors: Greiling Dorothea
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of an explorative empirical study among German non‐profit organisations with respect to the implementation of the balanced scorecard (implementation levels, perspectives, major challenges and obstacles, missing and used performance measures and enabling factors).

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data are generated and the findings are interpreted based on a descriptive approach. The interpretation is linked to normative expectations regarding the design and use of the balanced scorecard in non‐profit organisations.

Findings

Most of the non‐profit organisations which have been analysed in this paper are in an early phase of balanced scorecard implementation. The balanced scorecard is often used as a measurement tool and not as a management system. In most cases, participating organisations have an unexpected viewpoint with regard to their attitude towards the balanced scorecard, as they did not sufficiently adapt it to the distinct requirements of non‐profit operations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a sample of 20 non‐profit organisations in the field of social services. Thus, the results cannot be generalised, and qualitative interviews as well as a longitude study could be helpful in gaining additional insight.

Originality/value

The paper reports on firsthand empirical findings in an area which has not been extensively researched. Relevant non‐profit literature has so far been dominated by how‐to‐do approaches and normative concepts.
Marketing and performance evaluations in non‐profit services
Authors: Mano Rita S.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to examine how not communicating stakeholders' expectations through marketing results in mis‐targeting. It also aims to suggest that, when non‐profit managers do not succeed in capturing stakeholders' definitions of performance, marketing is ineffective and may even result in decreased support for organisational goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were administered to managers from a sample of 135 non‐profits in Israel with a 63 per cent return rate.

Findings

The findings suggest that marketing practices have a differential effect on public/private stakeholders; and the effect of marketing on performance increases when targeting public stakeholders, but negatively affects performance when targeting private stakeholders. These results suggest that not properly communicating funders' expectations is the cause for the ineffective use of marketing in non‐profit organisations (NPOs).

Research limitations/implications

Marketing may have both positive and negative effects on performance but attention should be addressed to the differences of marketing targets in order to fit between marketing techniques and marketing targets.

Practical implications

The results highlight the importance of a professional approach to marketing practices in NPOs that consider the diversity of stakeholders in expectations and definitions of performance.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that examines the reasons why marketing has not been a successful means to increase performance in non‐profit settings.
The use and efficacy of anecdotal performance reporting in the third sector
Authors: Greatbanks Richard , Elkin Graham , Manville Graham
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This research paper seeks to examine the important issues of performance measurement and reporting in a third sector community organisation. It aims to highlight the dysfunctional nature of funding body performance reporting criteria, which do not always align with the values and goals of the voluntary organisation. In contrast, this paper aims to consider the value of using anecdotal performance data to provide a more informed perspective on the performance of third sector organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the current literature regarding performance measurement from a voluntary sector perspective. It then considers the value and efficacy of anecdotal performance reporting and presents empirical findings from a single case study organisation.

Findings

The paper identifies that many forms of performance reporting frameworks used by funding bodies provide little or no value to the voluntary organisation, and that anecdotal performance reporting is often more aligned with the values of the voluntary organisation. This paper proposes that whilst anecdotal performance reporting is not common place, it has an inherent value to both a third sector organisation, and funding body, as it allows the organisation's achievements to be presented in a more empathic light. The paper concludes that anecdotal performance reporting is particularly appropriate where the funding body is of a philanthropic, rather than government or state nature.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted from the perspective of one voluntary sector organisation, therefore providing limited generalizability.

Originality/value

With little research undertaken on the value of anecdotal performance reporting in this environment, this paper highlights a potential new area of performance measurement. This research is set within a New Zealand context, adding to the originality.
Embedding outcomes recording in Barnardo's performance management approach
Authors: McEwen Jessica , Shoesmith Mark , Allen Richard
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how Barnardo's, a large children's charity, has developed a system for measuring and reporting on service user outcomes as part of its performance management approach. The challenges that confront third sector organisations when adopting this approach are summarised, as are the benefits that can accrue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is to describe the development of an outcome monitoring tool (OMT) and to explore some of the benefits of and challenges to embedding this tool across Barnardo's services.

Findings

Third sector organisations operate in competitive, resource‐constrained environments, where funding arrangements are often short‐term and piecemeal. The ability to evidence the effectiveness of services through demonstrating positive outcomes for service users is becoming an increasingly important factor in the process of securing and sustaining funding. An outcome‐focused approach contributes to the development of excellent services by helping to ensure that services are making a difference to the people that use them. Barnardo's OMT offers a model for evidencing the impact of services on the people who use them, thus contributing to the organisation's competitive edge.

Originality/value

This paper is informed by current thinking on outcomes and evidence‐based practice and offers a practical example of how to implement an outcome‐focused approach in a third sector organisation.
Latest evolution of academic research in corporate social responsibility: an empirical analysis
Authors: Bigné Alcañiz Enrique , Alvarado Herrera Alejandro , Currás Pérez Rafael , Rivera Alcami José Javier
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether management‐ and marketing‐salient literature focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and related issues has evolved from 2003 to 2006, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and to learn which of three competitive epistemological evolutional views (progressive, variegational, normativist) best fits CSR evolution in both disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an ex professo methodology developed by de Bakker, Groenewegen and Den Hond, a content analysis (CA)‐based empirical examination of 570 papers focused on CSR and corporate social performance (CSP) published in indexed management and marketing journals between 2003 and 2006 was conducted. The selected temporal scope is equivalent, in terms of CSR published papers, to the period 1972‐2002 analyzed by de Bakker et al. Three coders judged each paper by their epistemological orientation and discipline pertinence, achieving larger enough reliability coefficients.

Findings

The epistemological evolution of CSR within the management and marketing literatures fits a progressive view, and both alternative evolutional perspectives, variegational and normativist, were rejected. This finding means that theoretical‐oriented papers (conceptual, exploratory or predictive) prevailed over prescriptive (instrumental and normative) and descriptive articles. This qualitative evolution has been accompanied by a significant growth in the total number of CSR papers published in the broad management field from 2003 to 2006.

Research limitations/implications

Judgments were mainly based on papers' abstracts, titles and keywords. Full text analyses were only done on those cases where coders had doubts.

Originality/value

The research contributes to a better understanding of the role of CSR within the management and marketing disciplines, as it is the first to analyse the epistemological evolution of CSR in the academic research. The findings serve to refute the ideas that CSR research has an intrinsic normative character, is still too embryonic or has a disoriented evolution.