bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All change? Managers' experience of organizational change in theory and practice
Authors: Andrews Jane , Cameron Helen , Harris Margaret
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the usefulness of organizational change theory for management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present an exploratory, empirical study of managers who were taught organizational change theory as part of a postgraduate degree. Building on the study findings, they analyse managers' subsequent experiences of organizational change; of how they use change theory in practice and the impact on their practice of their earlier formal study.

Findings

The paper finds that the complexities of managing change in practice reflect distinctive organizational environments and cultures. The skills and knowledge which managers found most useful were those that enabled them to “make sense” of the organizational change they subsequently experienced. The main impact of their earlier studies was to prompt informative, discursive and reflective approaches to change management.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the implications for future teaching of organizational change and the development of organizational change theory.

Originality/value

The qualitative findings of the study add to, and help to explain, earlier research findings on the questions of how managers' experience change, how they use organizational change theory and its impact on their practice.
Between structuration and translation: an approach of ICT appropriation
Authors: Hussenot Anthony
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Appropriation of information communication technology (ICT) drags tools and actors into a sociotechnical process. ICT, practices, and organizations are strongly modified. Only an interplay approach can reveal the complexity of relations between technology and work practices. The paper aims to focus on this.

Design/methodology/approach

From the structurational model of technologies and Actor Network Theory, the author's approach of ICT appropriation in organizations is based on structuration and translation dynamics.

Findings

Combining these two dynamics, the paper sheds light on the appropriation paths. Through an implementation of management tool in the teaching world for one year, it focuses on the emergence of appropriation dynamics of pedagogic software by the teachers. This approach shows that actors and ICT changed around compromises in the network.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is in the coupling of the structuration and translation dynamics of appropriation to identify the appropriation paths.
Organizational knowledge and discourse of diversity in employment
Authors: McVittie Chris , McKinlay Andy , Widdicombe Sue
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Evidence suggests that the notion of diversity in employment has failed to meet expectations of increased inclusion and organizational competitiveness in an ever‐changing and globalizing economic context. This paper aims to consider the use of language of diversity in an organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using discourse analysis, the paper examines data obtained from semi‐structured interviews conducted with human resources managers and personnel managers. Participants' descriptions of diversity in relation to one particular group of (potential) employees, namely older jobseekers, are analysed for their function and effects in relation to organizational knowledge and practices.

Findings

Diversity in employment provides organizational managers with a resource that can more usefully be viewed as linguistic than as knowledge based. Its use offers organizations a means of accounting for existing practices and should not be taken to signal commitment to organizational change.

Originality/value

Work that has treated discourse of diversity as evidence of efforts to promote inclusion and competitiveness has failed to consider fully the effects of language use. A focus on language as action in its own right shows how diversity in employment as used accomplished outcomes that are totally divergent from the usually assumed benefits of diversity.
A model to explore the mystery between organizations' downsizing strategies and firm performance
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Fei , Yen Yu‐Fang
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Downsizing in organizations is a popular management strategy. However, in the field of organization change, the question of whether downsizing practices eventually improve performance is frequently asked and is never satisfactorily answered. The consequences have not always materialized over these years. On the negative side, downsizing harms employees, their families, and at the same time causes social chaos. The possible answers could be the ignorance of some important mechanisms between them. The paper aims to explain this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the dynamic strategy capabilities concept from the strategy research field and strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices concept from the SHRM research field.

Findings

A consolidated model is established to explain the relationships among these variables.

Originality/value

The model is expected to provide significant implications for thought leaders to reflect on the topics regarding organizations' changes, firm's strategies and SHRM system and social issues.
Effects of control mechanisms on positive organizational change
Authors: Tat Wai Yu Billy , Wai Ming To
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to describe an application of key concepts in agency theory to organizational development. Specifically, it seeks to highlight that formal control systems, the ways to regulate employees' performance, are associated with an important factor for organizational development – the capacity for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a literature review on organizational development and agency theory, and an empirical examination of the relationships between bureaucratic control systems, task programmability and the organization's capacity for improvement. The hypotheses of interrelationships among different control systems, task programmability and the capacity for improvement were tested with a sample of 237 employees in the service industry.

Findings

Results indicate that input control is a significant factor in determining an organization's capacity for improvement, and task programmability moderates the relation between a bureaucratic control and the organization's capacity for improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on a cross‐sectional self‐report study. It is advisable to include managers' assessment of subordinates' capacity of improvement in further research.

Originality/value

The effect of formal controls on organizational performance was controversial. This paper reveals the moderating role of task programmability in a control‐performance relationship. In doing so, this paper sheds light on how a manager can enhance his/her subordinates' performance on organizational improvement through different control tactics.
Developing sustainable reporting standards
Authors: Aras Güler , Crowther David
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the development of reporting standards for both financial reporting and for corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. It aims to argue that both International Financial Reporting Standards and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are vehicles of colonial exploitation and cannot be sustainable. This can be contrasted with the voluntary approach to the development of CSR reporting standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach is dialectical, and is based upon diagnosis and concomitant prognosis.

Findings

The findings take the form of an evaluation of progress so far in the harmonisation of financial reporting standards, the development of CSR reporting standards and the consequences are contrasted with the rhetorical justification. From this a prognosis is developed.

Research limitations/implications

The implications are a projection into the future and therefore subject to limitations.

Originality/value

This paper increases the understanding of the relationship between standards development and exploitation and the implications for the longer term.
A disclosure index to measure the quality of annual reporting by museums in New Zealand and the UK
Authors: Ling Wei Ting , Davey Howard , Coy David
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the reporting practice of leading museums in New Zealand (NZ) and the UK to develop a museums' performance accountability disclosure index.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a study of annual reporting by 16 museums in NZ and the UK. Because of the unique nature of the industry the disclosure index uses a framework which draws on the balanced scorecard (BSC). The BSC provides a link between internal reporting of key performance issues and the need of a community organisation to report to the public.

Findings

Overall, the quality of reporting in each country is found to be of a similar standard. The strongest parts of reports are those dealing with internal processes and objectives, and the weakest are those reporting on learning and growth.

Originality/value

Museums are a key repository of tangible cultural heritage of huge intrinsic value both to the community now, but of more importance to future generations. However, the performance and accountability of this sector is basically without research or commentary, and this paper addresses this deficiency.
The management of interest rate risk: evidence from UK companies
Authors: Dhanani Alpa , Fifield Suzanne , Helliar Christine , Stevenson Lorna
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the interest rate risk management (IRRM) practices of UK‐listed companies. In particular, it examines the significance of interest rate risk (IRR) to these companies as well as the risk management practices adopted, including: the methods used to assess the level of IRR and the types of interest rate forecasts used in the process; derivatives activity; and corporate governance, reporting and control.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of semi‐structured interviews was conducted with the treasurers of ten UK companies in order to provide an in‐depth analysis of IRRM.

Findings

The results of this research suggest that IRR is important to UK companies and that their IRR hedging strategies are geared towards managing shareholder considerations and protecting banking covenants and corporate credit ratings. Moreover, companies rely extensively on financial derivatives to manage their IRR although their corporate governance practices relating to derivatives usage, in some instances, are lacking. Finally, there was a mixed response in relation to the implications of International Accounting Standard (IAS) 39; while some companies fear that the new standard may curb managerial practices, others are in favour of the more stringent reporting requirements.

Research limitations/implications

The research indicates that IRRM is important to UK companies, and especially so for firms that have loan covenants in place. Thus, the interest rate decisions of the Bank of England will have a major effect on UK industry. The study also suggests that the implementation of IAS 39 may have unanticipated consequences on the risk management behaviour of UK firms as the possible reduction in the use of options and exchange‐traded products may result in less efficient IRRM within companies. Finally, the research suggests that corporate governance practices relating to financial risk management need to be improved.

Originality/value

The use of an interview‐based approach facilitates an investigation of the IRRM practices of companies on an individual basis rather than the aggregated analysis offered by most studies in the area. In addition, the paper addresses the more qualitative aspects of IRRM, such as the form and significance of IRR, IRR policy and strategy, and the use of derivative instruments.
Organizational learning and the learning organization
Authors: Rebelo Teresa Manuela , Duarte Gomes Adelino
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyse the evolution of the concepts of organizational learning and the learning organization and propose guidelines for the future..

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution of organizational learning and the learning organization is analysed in the light of the three‐stage model of the evolution of concepts developed by Reichers and Schneider in 1990.

Findings

Based on the aforesaid model, the authors positioned these topics at the beginning of the second stage of evolution, a period characterised by evaluation and the attempt to add to the comprehension of concepts through empirical research and conceptual clarification. Faced with this finding, the authors argue that the development and consolidation of concepts is mainly a question of researchers' responsibility and suggest some key areas to guarantee their progress and their general acceptance in the future.

Originality/value

The use of a concept's life cycle stage model as a framework to analyse evolution of the concepts of organizational learning and the learning organization that allows comprehension of their pattern of development and, in consequence, provides a consistent basis to propose guidelines for their future development.
Knowledge creation in construction organisations: a case approach
Authors: Eliufoo Harriet
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and characterise the knowledge creation process in construction organisations and explore to what extent organisations facilitate the process.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is adopted using four construction organisations; a knowledge creation model is also used as the analytical tool.

Findings

The model successfully identifies the characteristics of the knowledge creation process and its uniqueness among the cases studied; and that conscientious effort by organisations to facilitate the process is limited.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to intra‐firm knowledge creation.

Practical implications

Understanding of the knowledge creation process by organisations adopting the model is a potential platform for enhancement of the process in organisations.

Originality/value

The article provides the establishment of specific knowledge creation models through an empirical investigation of construction organisations.
Using e‐mentoring to sustain distance training and education
Authors: Homitz Daniel James , Berge Zane L.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine e‐mentoring as a way to sustain distance training and education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a framework for sustaining distance training and education by adding e‐mentoring (mentoring over the internet). It also explores the role of mentors, the benefits of the programs to the mentor and the sponsoring organizations, and ways of overcoming challenges faced by e‐mentoring in distance training and education.

Findings

One effective and cost‐effective way to monitor and improve the effectiveness of training and education in the workplace is to involve expert peers, subject matter experts, and managers in a mentoring or coaching capacity.

Originality/value

The article shows a cost‐effective way to monitor and improve the effectiveness of training and education in the workplace.
Supply chain development: insights from strategic niche management
Authors: Caniëls Marjolein C.J. , Romijn Henny A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the study of supply chain design from the perspective of complex dynamic systems. Unlike extant studies that use formal simulation modelling and associated methodologies rooted in the physical sciences, it adopts a framework rooted in the social sciences, strategic niche management, which provides rich insights into the behavioural aspects of complex innovation dynamics of emerging supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of the framework is illustrated by means of a case study about the development of a new biofuels supply chain in East Africa.

Findings

Three key dynamic processes are found to be at the core of new supply chain development: networking, learning and the management of actor expectations. The case analysis suggests the need to actively manage these processes and suggests possible ways of doing so.

Research limitations/implications

Generalisability is limited since the research is based on one case study. Additional case studies using the same framework would help to validate and extend the results obtained.

Practical implications

Implications for strategic managerial decision making include the need to encourage stakeholder networking and shared learning, and managing their expectations.

Originality/value

The paper uses an innovative conceptual framework to examine new supply chain development, which yields new insights into how these processes can be actively managed and supported.
Analysis of volatility persistence in Middle East emerging equity markets
Authors: Rao Ananth
Published: May 2008

Purpose

There is growing demand for research approaches that consider the functioning of financial markets in the emerging economy. The current paper aims to examine cointegration and volatility persistence of six Middle East emerging Arabian Gulf Cooperation council (AGCC) equity markets with developed markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the MGARCH and VAR methodology to analyze the cointegration and volatility spillover across emerging AGCC markets and developed markets. Time series stock return data for six AGCC countries from February 2003 to January 2006 are used from Shuaa Capital Market together with MSCI world developed market index.

Findings

The study shows that AGCC markets exhibit significant own and cross spillover of innovations and volatility spillover and persistence in these markets. Emerging markets in AGCC derive relatively more of their innovations and volatility persistence from within the domestic market.

Practical implications

The results imply that, emerging AGCC markets are susceptible to conditions within the AGCC region. This increases potential benefits of international diversification for international investors. The study findings have implications for security pricing within AGCC markets, for hedging and other trading strategies, and for regulatory polices conducted within financial markets.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence and justification for investors, both individual and foreign institutional, to adjust their portfolios through diversification.
Fiscal policy, private investment and economic growth: the case of Ghana
Authors: Ogeh Soli Vera , Kwadzogah Harvey Simon , Hagan Edmond
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationships between disaggregated government fiscal policy variables; private capital investment and economic growth in Ghana, as well as the similarities and differences in the impact of these variables on private investment (PI) and economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Cointegration and an error‐correction models are used, with time series properties of the variables investigate using augmented Dickey‐Fuller test and cointegration of the variables tested using Engel‐Granger two step procedure.

Findings

The findings indicate that changes in government recurrent expenditure, current government capital expenditure and international trade taxes are significant for growth while changes in tax on domestic goods and services, tax on international trade and tax on income and property matter for private capital investment. The major difference between the impact of fiscal policy on PI and economic growth, however, lies in the direction of impact.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that different policies be pursued in the promotion of PI and economic growth. Also, given the low correlation between PI and economic growth, it is recommended that the Ghanaian private sector be focused on and fully developed in order for it to perform its role as an engine of growth.

Originality/value

Growth has been shown to be influenced by government expenditure and international trade taxes while private capital investment is influenced by taxes on domestic goods and services, international trade and on income and property. Fiscal policy authorities will find these useful.
Turn‐around maintenance management in a processing industry
Authors: Pokharel Shaligram , Jiao Jianxin (Roger)
Published: May 2008

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study for professionals who are in research and practice in maintenance engineering. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study. Therefore, on‐site involvement in the development of steps for maintenance projects has been included. Findings – The case study shows that, if project management practice and involvement of external experts and parties are allowed in the maintenance projects, then issues in maintenance projects can be addressed more clearly and the cost and schedule for such a maintenance project can also be optimized. The use of information technology in the whole process can be facilitated not only during the planning phase, but also during the execution and review process. Research limitations/implications – Implication of this study can be seen in TAM projects where time and energy have to be spent to get the best practice. The case study will show a real life example of TAM. Practical implications – The paper should help one to understand the implications of starting a turn‐around maintenance project and the issues built therein. The case study highlights that collaborative planning and execution of TAM are useful. Collaboration could be in terms of internal parties, such as decision makers and managers, or of external parties, such as external experts and contractors. Originality/value – There are only a few studies in the turn‐around management process. As oil refining is an important economic process, learning of cases in one of the major oil‐refining plants can help others to emulate the process so that overall efficiency of turn‐around maintenance can be increased across the industry.
Strategies and success factors for overcoming challenges in TPM implementation in Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Ahuja I.P.S. , Khamba J.S.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the challenges before Indian manufacturing organizations for adapting to proactive total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives. The aim of this research is to critically examine the factors influencing the implementation of TPM practices in the Indian manufacturing industry, and to devise an overall maintenance strategy for overcoming obstacles to successful TPM implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on systematic identification of obstacles in TPM implementation and working out success factors towards improving manufacturing performance in Indian industry through strategic TPM initiatives.

Findings

The study highlights the strong potential of TPM implementation initiatives in affecting organizational performance improvements. The paper reveals that implementing TPM is by no means an easy task, which is heavily burdened by organizational, cultural, behavioral, technological, operational, financial, and departmental barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The study has been conducted in Indian manufacturing organizations to formulate the critical success factors and enablers for overcoming obstacles to successful TPM implementation with regard to its preparedness to face global challenges.

Practical implications

The study stresses the need for improving the synergy between the maintenance function and other organizational quality improvement initiatives in the organizations, to establish maintenance as a competitive strategy for meeting the challenges of a highly competitive environment.

Originality/value

The study highlights the difficulties faced by Indian manufacturing organizations in their attempt to implement TPM initiatives in order to improve organizational efficiency.
Modelling preventive maintenance for auxiliary components
Authors: Al‐Mishari Salman T. , Suliman S.M.A.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a preventive maintenance (PM) model for auxiliary components whose failures may not necessarily correspond to system failure but rather to faster system degradation.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of load sharing was utilized to build a suitable Markov model for the problem. Regression analysis was used to estimate the various transition rates of the model. A real field application was used to illustrate the model.

Findings

Models addressing the design of an optimal PM strategy for such a problem are rare in the literature. The load‐sharing concept was borrowed and found very useful to model this problem. Regression analysis based on real field data was also found to be useful to estimate the model transition rates.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a problem that is not given enough attention in the currently available literature. Available models assume that a PM activity will restore the equipment to an as new, or at least to a better, condition. There exist situations, however, where a PM activity does not amend any damage but instead slows down further deterioration.
Development of a framework for industrial service innovation management and coordination
Authors: Singh Panesar Sukhvir , Markeset Tore
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify different service innovation drivers, innovation process activities and to understand industrial services innovation management and coordination, as well as to develop a framework for industrial service innovation management and coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved collection of information and data from the literature and the Norwegian oil and gas (O&G) industry. A survey was conducted to get an overview of existing practices and guided interviews were conducted to confirm the findings of the survey.

Findings

The study indicates that the market needs are considered the most important innovation process driver, feedback from the customers is the most important activity to encourage service innovations, whilst return on investments is the most important decision‐making factor in evaluating innovation feasibility. Employees are the most important source of innovation ideas. Furthermore, interactions between different companies, as well as involvement of customer, employees and suppliers in the innovation process are becoming increasingly important.

Practical implications

The study shows that service providers and receivers often collaborate in the innovation processes, and that many of the activities are performed simultaneously. This results in the collaborative parties needing to put resources on managing and coordinating the innovation process in a structured, effective and efficient way. The proposed framework for service innovation management and coordination provides practitioners with a structured approach to manage industrial service innovations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on the data collected from a number of companies from the O&G industry in Norway.

Originality/value

The paper identifies different innovation process drivers and activities and proposes a modified framework for industrial services innovation management and coordination based on the study analysis, interaction with the practitioners and using available literature on innovation management.
Occupational risks in industrial maintenance
Authors: Lind Salla , Nenonen Sanna
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe the most important occupational risks in maintenance operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed all maintenance‐related fatalities since 1985 together with one group of severe accidents in Finland. In connection with the study, risk assessments were carried out in companies with the aim of charting the risks on sites.

Findings

The results indicate that the typical risks in maintenance operations involve poor ergonomics and that the most severe risks among these can lead to direct injury. Severe or even fatal injuries are mainly caused by crushing or falling.

Practical implications

To manage the risks, maintenance operations should be taken more carefully into account when designing and reconstructing machinery and work environments. It should be ensured that workers have relevant safety knowledge by means of risk assessments and instruction in safe working practice. In addition, safety cooperation with the customer is essential.

Originality/value

The findings indicate that maintenance operations include certain occupational risks. Among such risks, subcontracting offers a specific challenge to the service provider's safety management. The findings of this study provide advice on the safety measures necessary for accident prevention and how to execute them.
Safety risk assessment in industrial maintenance
Authors: Lind Salla , Nenonen Sanna , Kivistö‐Rahnasto Jouni
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the following questions: What conditions must be taken into account in order to manage maintenance‐related risks? and how can the service‐providing company assess and manage maintenance‐related risks?

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on analyses concerning: maintenance‐related risks in companies; literature review; and real accident data. The development process was carried out in cooperation with companies providing maintenance services.

Findings

Based on the findings, the method takes into account various risks relating to maintenance operations. The method includes specific parts for safety planning and hazard identification for managing maintenance safety. In addition, it provides a safety check‐list for the worker.

Research limitations/implications

The usability and feasibility of the method should be reassessed and developed. The method could be especially useful in an electronic form.

Practical implications

The method can be utilized for assessing maintenance‐related occupational risks in different working environments. The results from the assessments create the basis for risk management in industrial maintenance.

Originality/value

Owing to certain specific safety challenges, maintenance operations require a specific risk assessment method. However, such a method has not been previously available. The findings and feedback indicate that this kind of a risk assessment tool can be useful in companies.
Country of origin, brand image perception, and brand image structure
Authors: Koubaa Yamen
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of country of origin (COO) information on brand perception and brand image structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an analytical review, research hypotheses were built. An empirical investigation was carried out among Japanese consumers. Two brands of electronics with different levels of reputation were investigated.

Findings

Results showed that COO had an effect on brand perception. This effect differs across brands and across countries of production. Brand‐origin appears to be of significant impact on consumer perception. Brand images are found to be multidimensional. Their structures differ across brands and across COO.

Research limitations/implications

COO has multiple effects on brand image perception. Brand image is multidimensional. This research dealt with one type of product among culturally similar respondents which may limit the finding.

Practical implications

Marketing actions should be customized across brands with different levels of reputation. Brand image should be assessed as a multidimensional concept incorporating multiple facets. Consumers are influenced by the brand‐origin. Marketers should be aware of this association.

Originality/value

This research tests the multidimensional aspect of brand image structure and effect of COO information on brand image structure. Results show that COO information affects both the degree of fragmentation of brand image as well as its composition.
Personal values as underlying motives of shopping online
Authors: Koo Dong‐Mo , Kim Jae‐Jin , Lee Sang‐Hwan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the motivational effects of personal values on benefits, attributes, and re‐patronage intention in the context of online shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

Using means‐end chain theory as a basis for the theoretical framework, the paper proposes and tests a conceptual model of the relationships among the constructs of personal values, benefits, attributes, and re‐patronage intention. Hypotheses are proposed, and these are then tested using structural equation modelling on data from 279 experienced online customers in South Korea.

Findings

A personal value of “social affiliation” acts as an enduring belief in motivating a customer to seek hedonic and utilitarian benefits, whereas a personal value of “self actualization” produces motivation to seek only utilitarian benefits. The seeking of hedonic and utilitarian benefits leads customers to evaluate certain attributes of online stores – such as visual design, product assortment, information quality, and after‐sales service. The attributes of online stores have a positive effect on re‐patronage intention.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include problems associated with convenience sampling (dominated by extrinsically oriented shoppers) and measurement errors (with respect to the construct of personal values). Future studies could examine a more diverse range of personal values and online shopping benefits and attributes.

Originality/value

The present study is the first to investigate personal values as enduring and underlying sources of motivation with respect to online shopping. The paper presents an original conceptual model of personal values, shopping benefits, shopping attributes, and re‐patronage intention.
Critical success factors of new product development in Taiwan's electronics industry
Authors: Chi‐Jyun Cheng Colin , Shiu Eric C.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore critical success factors of new product development in Taiwan's electronics industry which uses the approach of re‐innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group research was conducted. In total 71 participants from Taiwan's electronics industry were allocated into eight different groups ranging from minimum eight to maximum ten participants in a group.

Findings

Suggested critical success factors of re‐innovation include time reduction in development process, cost reduction in product manufacture, products with high levels of customization, relative advantage, or added value, efficiently internal coordination and external cooperation, appropriate product introduction timing, and less aggressive competitors responses.

Research limitations/implications

A main limitation of this study is that the field data were all from Taiwanese‐based companies in certain industries. Generalization could be increased by collecting data from other countries and industries.

Practical implications

Firms using the approach of re‐innovation should take into account various characteristics of different innovation types so as to adjust their approaches of new product development.

Originality/value

The first contribution of this study is to provide information regarding the critical success factors of product re‐innovation in Taiwan's electronics industry. Second, the knowledge of new product development can be added because of an increase in the understanding of re‐innovation in the Asia‐Pacific region which has received much less attention than North America and Europe by innovation researchers.
Internet use, customer relationships and loyalty in the Vietnamese travel industry
Authors: Thi Phuong Thao Hoang , Swierczek Fredric William
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how small and medium‐sized travel agencies as business customers perceive the benefits and barriers of Internet use that related to the development of a positive relationships and loyalty with their service suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant hypotheses were constructed and a self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted in the travel industry. Factor analysis and regression analysis were used to test these hypotheses.

Findings

The major benefits of Internet use were interactional and transactional benefits. The main barriers of the Internet use were organizational weaknesses, poor IT infrastructure, mistrust of the Internet system and legal issues. While the benefits positively contributed to the service and social bonds, the barriers negatively impacted the development of these bonds. The interactional benefits play a major role to increase switching costs. The customer relationships and switching costs concurrently enhanced the customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Cross‐sectional data were used to explore customer relationships while these bonds are basically a dynamic phenomenon that evolves over time. The travel industry in one country was examined in this study. This limits generalization to other contexts.

Practical implications

Guidelines for practical solutions to reduce the barriers to create business customer value and strengthen customer relationships and loyalty through the Internet were proposed.

Originality/value

This paper improves the understanding of the impact of benefits and barriers of the Internet use on customer relationships and loyalty in the travel industry.
A dyadic study of “champions” in university‐industry relationships
Authors: Plewa Carolin , Quester Pascale
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This dyadic study aims to analyses the influence of champions, particularly their personal engagement and experience, on relationships that cross different sectors and working environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive literature review and initial qualitative research, a conceptual dyadic model is presented and tested using structural equation modelling methods.

Findings

Path analysis results show a surprisingly weak effect of champions. However, personal experience influenced engagement, which, in turn, impacted on commitment. Furthermore, a positive influence of trust and commitment on satisfaction is confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited by the small dyadic sample size and a potential bias towards positive relationships.

Originality/value

Based on relationship and services marketing theory, this paper provides much needed insights on university–industry relationships, analysing the influence of personal engagement and experience on the relationship characteristics trust and commitment and, in turn, on satisfaction.
An integrated model to identify and classify the key criteria and their role in the assessment of 3PL services providers
Authors: Qureshi M.N. , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Pradeep
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model, in order to identify and classify, key criteria, and to study their role in the selection process of third party logistics (3PLs) services providers for shippers' logistics need.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an integrated model using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and FMICMAC analysis has been developed to identify and classify the key selection criteria of 3PL services providers, typically identified by many researchers and practiced by the shippers for effective supply chain management. The key criteria are also modeled to find their role and mutual influence in the selection of 3PL services providers.

Findings

The key finding of this modeling helps to identify and classify the criteria, which may be further used, to identify the potential 3PL services provider. Integrated model reveals, criteria such as information technology capability; size and quality of fixed assets and quality of management as independent criteria, whereas criteria such as compatibility, long‐term relation and reputation as dependent criteria. Criterion namely flexibility in operation and delivery is found to be an autonomous criterion. The important criteria like quality of service, information sharing and trust, geographical spread and range of services, delivery performance, operational performance, financial stability, optimum cost, and surge capacity are found as the linkage criteria. Integrated model also establishes the direct and indirect relationship among various criteria, which plays a significant role in the selection process.

Originality/value

The research provide an integrated model using ISM and FMICMAC to identify and classify various key criteria required for the selection of 3PL services providers. The various key criteria have been grouped under four broad classification, namely, dependent criteria, independent criteria, autonomous criteria and linkage criteria based on their driving and dependence power, deduced from fuzzy reachability value. The model helps in the identification, classification and selection of key criteria along with their behavior, thus this research will help logistics managers to select right criteria for the selection of potential 3PL services providers for their logistics need.
Intellectual capital and company's performance improvement
Authors: Schiuma Giovanni , Lerro Antonio
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show how the variety of ways of performing through knowledge and intangible resources exploitation raises the question of how these kind of resources can be coherently and successfully declined into companies' processes and operations, what are the “right”, or appropriate approaches to manage intellectual capital (IC), and how these approaches can disentangle the mechanisms by which those resources contribute to improve companies' organizational performance. In this introduction to the special issue some conceptual interpretations are developed to investigate IC‐based approaches, methods, tools and factors of companies' performance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The approaches, evidences and insights discussed in this introduction are largely based on the discussion of the topics of the conference “International Forum on Knowledge Assets Dynamics” organized in June 2007 in Matera, Italy. At this conference, leading experts discussed the importance of IC for organizational performance improvement, the IC key‐value drivers of the performance management and measurement, and theoretical concepts of, and practical approaches towards, a high‐performing IC management.

Findings

The outcomes of this introduction and of all the contributions to the special issue reflect the current discussion about better operationalization of IC management constructs. This discussion is largely focused on the importance of space for IC management activities, on the main knowledge assets that drive companies' processes improvement, the diversity of the relative relevance of each knowledge asset and the necessity for strategic and managerial decision‐makers to learn to apply general approaches, methodologies and instruments in specific companies. In this context, managing IC was mostly dealt with as a means to reach performance targets.

Originality/value

This introduction as well as all the contributions to the special issue deal with different aspects, which are important in the discussion of needs for a better understanding of the relationships between IC management and companies' performance improvement as well as the approaches, tools, methods and techniques to better disentangle the mechanisms by which knowledge assets, separately or interdependently, contribute to improve companies' organizational performance.
The dynamics of knowledge assets and their link with firm performance
Authors: Moustaghfir Karim
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Organizational knowledge assets have been identified as sources of competitive advantage. It is therefore critical that organizations understand how they impact on performance in order to effectively manage these assets. This paper aims to extend the “knowledge‐value chain”, recently introduced in the management literature, by integrating the concept of dynamic capabilities. Based on a systematic review of the literature it seeks to demonstrate the important role of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between knowledge asset management and firm performance. This paper aims to argue that the effective management of knowledge asset enhances the value of organizational competencies, which in turn support organizational processes, products and services. Dynamic capabilities take the role of continuously shaping operating routines and competencies, and consequently deliver superior long‐term performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The central objective of the article is to extend the work presented by Carlucci et al. with the concept of dynamic capabilities. Carlucci et al. introduce the “knowledge value chain” as a model linking knowledge assets with firm performance.

Findings

Based on an extensive systematic literature review, a recognized evidence‐based tool for theory building, the paper finds that dynamic capabilities represent a missing component in the relationship between knowledge assets and firm performance.

Practical implications

It is believed that the insights presented in this paper represent the theoretical basis for the development of a conceptual framework on how effective knowledge asset management affect the overall business performance and improve the value‐generating activity of a company.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that knowledge assets interact with each other through learning mechanisms and knowledge management processes enable the generation of new knowledge, and the development of organizational routines that form the building blocks of firm's competencies. These organizational competencies, hence, condition the efficiency and the effectiveness of business processes, and consequently the value of firm's products and services. Dynamic capabilities shape and systematically reconfigure organizational competencies, through assimilating new knowledge, and linking, organizing and integrating the generated knowledge into organizational routines.
Operationalising intellectual capital management: choosing a suitable approach
Authors: Kujansivu Paula
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Intellectual capital (IC) management includes various activities that focus on identifying, measuring, controlling and developing the intangible resources of business. As a concept IC management is still theoretical – the managerial problem is that managers do not know the most appropriate approach for them to operationalise IC management. The purpose of this research is to understand the situation in which a suitable approach to IC management is chosen and factors affecting the choice.

Design/methodology/approach

Factors that may affect choosing the approach to IC management are suggested in light of the literature. In addition, three cases in which a suitable approach to IC management is chosen in practice are examined. The main research method used in the cases is action research.

Findings

The results may provide support when operationalisation of IC management is relevant. The framework presented can be used as a guideline when deciding how to operationalise IC management in one's own organisation. In addition, three examples are given of how IC management can be initiated and why certain choices have been made. Using the framework researchers can improve their models to take better of account various situations.

Originality/value

This paper provides new knowledge about the situation in which a suitable approach to IC management is selected and the factors affecting the choice. The results contribute to the existing discussion on IC management by diminishing the gap between theory and practice.