bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The web‐internet compound as the infrastructure of digital government
Authors: Zwass Vladimir
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To provide the framework for digital government in its e‐government and e‐democracy aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the aspects‐and‐opportunities framework of the internet‐web compound, the nodal aspects of the continuing and potential technologically‐based change known as digital government are discussed. Reallocation of certain government functions to the market becomes newly attractive economically in the presence of the web as marketplace. The web as a broadly accessible medium and a forum offers new opportunities in digital democracy. The utilitarian aspects of the internet‐web, those of the universal telecommunications network, delivery vehicle, and a common development platform, render the compound a new societal infrastructure, with the consequent benefits and exposures. The opportunities, as well as vulnerabilities, need to be the focus of information specialists as technologists and as citizens.

Findings

Opportunities are surfaced to reallocate the functions of e‐government from the hierarchy to the market using e‐commerce methods and tools.

Research limitations/implications

Vulnerabilities of the web‐internet combine in the application to e‐government are not investigated here.

Practical implications

Move from the bureaucratic to market‐oriented structures is implied.

Originality/value

A broad application of e‐commerce facilities to digital government is presented within a disciplined framework.
The importance of strategic readiness in an emerging e‐government environment
Authors: Koh Chang E. , Prybutok Victor R. , Ryan Sherry , Ibragimova Bashorat
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine how information technology, strategic planning processes, and people interact in an emerging e‐government environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A discriminant model was developed to test the ability to distinguish between the perceptions of high and low importance of six major e‐government functions as a function of a four‐item strategic e‐government readiness scale. An empirical study of a municipal government supported the discriminant model.

Findings

Government agencies must evaluate how strategic e‐government plans are developed, communicated, and integrated into the work environment. Without the proper understanding of the importance of e‐government initiatives, employees do not place high value on e‐government initiatives.

Research limitations/impli‘cations

This study focuses on one group of stakeholders, employees. Future studies might consider other interested parties, like citizens, business partners, and other government organizations. Future researchers could also compare various municipalities and identify those that are successful in implementing e‐government initiatives and explore the factors that contribute to that success.

Practical implications

Government agencies must ensure that their IT plans are aligned with business strategies as they attempt to expand their e‐government services. It is also important that the content and organizational importance of the strategic plans be effectively communicated to employees.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current body of knowledge on e‐government by facilitating understanding and measurement of e‐government models.
Ontologies for e‐document management in public administration
Authors: Klischewski Ralf
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This research seeks to explore the potential of ontologies for reorganizing e‐document management in public administration with the aim of supporting administration in organizing cross‐organizational document and information management.

Design/methodology/approach

Since ontologies are suitable for organizing metadata for annotation of informational resources, the research question is: How can public administrations make use of ontologies for organizing and improving their e‐document management? Findings, based on an action research project in the state administration of Schleswig‐Holstein (Germany).

Findings

The research findings indicate that structuring documents and information through ontologies requires a socio‐technical infrastructure consisting of a number of regularities, services and support on the level of organization as well as information technology.

Research limitations/implications

Since the case of Schleswig‐Holstein is typical for governments trying to enter the information age without having the power and resources to be on the leading edge, the recommendations based on this research may support the strategy development and solution finding in other administrations as well.

Practical implications

A rather small government (such as that of Schleswig‐Holstein) must be aware of its strategic goals and step ahead carefully in order to avoid the risks of misinvestment while reorganizing its e‐document management.

Originality/value

The paper systematically addresses the question “How can public administration make use of ontologies for organizing and improving their e‐document management?”.
A framework for e‐government: privacy implications
Authors: Belanger France , Hiller Janine S.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper proposes a conceptual framework of the stages of electronic government that describes and integrates the unique relationship between the government and its varied constituents, and identifies and applies the global constraints that affect the implementation of e‐government at each stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on and expanding stages of e‐government suggested in prior literature, a framework is designed to recognize that the five stages of e‐government will have differing impacts when considering six different categories of constituents. In addition, the framework considers three global constraints superimposed on these stages and relationship; laws and regulations, technical feasibility, and user feasibility. The paper then provides an example of implementation of the framework by exploring the issue of privacy in electronic government.

Findings

The relationships mapped the stages of e‐government, affected by global motivators and constraints, are unique and complex. Policy and implementation of e‐government should take account of these complexities. Privacy in e‐government issues differs significantly when global motivators and constraints are viewed across the complex framework of government stages by constituency.

Research limitations/implications

The relationships between constituents and stages of e‐government, together with the global constraints, should be incorporated into the process of decision‐making when government is considering the movement from one stage of e‐government to another. The framework provides new lenses through which e‐government implementation can be studied by researchers.

Practical implications

The framework can be used to guide planning and decision‐making for electronic government and aid in the identification of issues unique to each stage and constituency.

Originality/value

The use of framework allows researchers and practitioners to identify issues that may not be highlighted in a general discussion of e‐government that does not take into account the complexities of the e‐government environment.
A procedure model for process oriented e‐government projects
Authors: Becker Joerg , Algermissen Lars , Niehaves Björn
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To provide guidelines in the form of a procedural model for e‐government‐indicated business process reengineering (BPR) projects in public administrations.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published works, which aim to provide practical advice for process‐oriented e‐government projects, were analysed. Additionally, experiences from several practical e‐government projects were taken into account. The procedural model developed was then tested and evaluated.

Findings

There is a lack of process orientation in public administrations. Additionally, existing processes are regularly not applicable to e‐government. Therefore, e‐government projects in practice are not always able to fully implement transactional processes. Part of the value potentially added by e‐government is hence not exploited. One of the main reasons for the lack of process orientation is that there are few BPR methodologies applied and verified in public administrations.

Research limitations/implications

The procedural model has not been tested for all different political and administrative systems. Certain national characteristics might lead to additional adaptations of the model which have been suggested.

Practical implications

The procedural model is very useful and has been validated in several practical projects.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for BPR methodologies in public administrations, especially in the move towards e‐government.
The role of business process redesign in creating e‐government in Ireland
Authors: Hughes Martin , Scott Murray , Golden Willie
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To investigate the role of business process redesign (BPR) in creating citizen‐centred e‐government.

Design/methodology/approach

It is argued in this paper that the evolutionary‐based development of BPR is better positioned to expand the use e‐commerce technology in the public sector. The Venkatraman model of IT‐enabled change is used in order to investigate the extent to which BPR was instrumental in the movement to e‐government in Ireland. A case study is presented detailing how the Irish Government's e‐government strategy was devised and implemented.

Findings

This paper details how 50 government authorities were co‐ordinated in an effort to provide a single point of access (portal) to government e‐services. However, as the infrastructure for the portal is to be developed around existing government structures, a full and complete process redesign is unlikely, as the existing authorities must remain in place.

Research limitations/implications

To investigate the unique nature of processes within the public sector so that IS platforms can be developed that accommodate less efficient processes rather than platforms that require unobtainable process redesign.

Practical implications

The establishment of a specific government entity, whose sole purpose is to oversee and implement the e‐government strategy, has contributed greatly to the success achieved to date.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for research in BPR in the implementation of e‐government and provides a valuable insight into the successful attainment of citizen‐centred e‐government in other jurisdictions.
Guest editorial
Authors: O'Donnell David , Bo Henriksen Lars , Voelpel Sven C.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this brief introductory editorial is to introduce the background and rationale to the special issue, “Intellectual capital: becoming critical”. This is based on a selection of papers presented at the 1st Intellectual Capital (IC) Stream at the 4th International Critical Management Studies Conference at Cambridge University, UK, in July 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical management studies (CMS) is not just about theory but demands action; its purpose is to make a difference for the better. Following an introduction to the idea of what “critical management studies” (CMS) entails the main ideas of the seven papers selected are then presented. Each paper is accompanied by a commentary from leading authors in the IC and knowledge management (KM) fields.

Findings

Key themes emergent in this “critical” issue include a decisive turn to language, uncertainty and risk, not‐knowing, ambiguity and complexity, scepticism towards simplistic mechanistic models, ownership rights, and the dynamics of situated IC practice. The conclusion reached is that there is much that further work from a CMS perspective can contribute to the IC field.

Originality/value

This special issue is one of the first applications of critical management thinking to the intellectual capital field.
The tyranny of the Balanced Scorecard in the innovation economy
Authors: Voelpel Sven C. , Leibold Marius , Eckhoff Robert A.
Published: June 2006

Purpose – To trace the rationale, features, development and application of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) over the past ten years, to provide a critical review of its key problematic effects, and to suggest a future direction. Design/methodology/approach – The shift from the industrial to the innovation economy provides a background to identifying five major problem areas of the BSC which are then discussed with reference to selected case examples. An alternative systemic scorecard is then proposed. Findings – The tyranny of the BSC as a measurement “straightjacket” is beginning to jeopardize the survival of firms, hinders much‐needed business ecosystem innovation, thereby negatively affecting customer value rejuvenation, shareholders' benefits, other stakeholders as well as societal benefits in general. A more systemic alternative is proposed. Research limitations/implications – Future research might focus on further development of the systemic scorecard in different industries and organisational settings with detailed systemic measurement techniques. Practical implications – Rather than relying on the static BSC, it would be more effective to adopt a systemic perspective in measuring/managing intangible assets. Originality/value – An alternative to the BSC is proposed that involves radical change in its underlying assumptions by moving to a more systemic, dynamic framework – a systemic management system, including a systemic scorecard.
Conceptualising intellectual capital as language game and power
Authors: Mølbjerg Jørgensen Kenneth
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, drawing mainly on insights from Foucault and Wittgenstein, is to conceptualise intellectual capital (IC) in very generalist terms as both language game and power in order to initiate a critical understanding of IC.

Design/methodology approach

IC is viewed as knowledge about knowledge, knowledge creation and how such processes might be leveraged into value. It is argued that a critical understanding of IC requires a historical, contextual and linguistic understanding of how IC has emerged and how IC is used. Perceiving IC as language game and power is one way of initiating such critical understanding.

Findings

IC is perceived as a social construction and the genealogical focus is on how actors, positions and interests influence this process of social construction.

Practical implications

The paper offers concepts and methods that facilitate historical and contextual research on how IC emerges and how IC is used. Further historical studies are necessary in order to reflect upon and improve extant IC concepts and methods

Originality/value

The paper offers a critical understanding of IC by introducing concepts from the organisational discourse literature. Further it offers practical methodological guidelines for conducting critical genealogical research.
On the “essential condition” of intellectual capital: labour!
Authors: O'Donnell David , Tracey Mairead , Bo Henriksen Lars , Bontis Nick , Cleary Peter , Kennedy Tom , O'Regan Philip
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Following Marx and Engels' identification of the “essential condition of capital”, the purpose of this paper is to begin an initial critical exploration of the essential condition of intellectual capital, particularly the ownership rights of labour.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a critically modernist stance on unitarist HR and OB discourse, and contextualised within a background on the stock option phenomenon and recent accounting regulation, the paper argues that the fundamental nature of the capital‐labour relation continues resiliently into the IC labour (intellectual capital‐labour) relation.

Findings

There is strong evidence that broad‐based employee stock options (ESOPs) have become institutionalised in certain firms and sectors – but the future of such schemes is very uncertain (post 2005 accounting regulation). Overly unitarist HR/OB arguments are challenged here with empirical evidence on capital's more latently strategic purposes such as conserving cash, reducing reported accounting expense in order to boost reported earnings, deferring taxes, and attracting, retaining and exploiting key elements of labour.

Research limitations/implications

Research supports the positive benefits of broad‐based employee stock ownership schemes. Further research on the benefits of such schemes and the reasons why they are or are not implemented is now required.

Practical implications

From the perspective of labour, nothing appears to have really changed (yet) in terms of the essential condition of intellectual capital.

Originality/value

This paper explicitly raises the issue of the ownership rights of labour to intellectual capital.
Analyze this! Diagnosing the relationships of clients and consultants
Authors: Rayle Martha G.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Everyone has a client. Too often clients complain about their service providers and yearn for people who are just like them. This paper focuses on understanding the differences between clients and consultants, and applying methods for bridging the differences.

Design/methodology/approach

Why do end‐user representatives, facility managers, corporate real estate executives, architects and interior designers have difficulty working together? Do factors like education, experience, role and behavior explain conflicts? Focus groups, interviews, case studies, and published research/literature review lead to personality type and role to articulate and ameliorate differences.

Findings

Specific roles for the end‐user representative (internal client), the facility manager/corporate real estate executive (both service provider and client), and the design consultant (outside service provider) are described, along with each “point of view.” The Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI), based upon Carl Jung's personality type theory, provides a vocabulary for explaining obstacles to teamwork. There are large differences between many service providers and internal clients in the S (sensing) – N (intuitive) dichotomy.

Research limitations/implications

Available MBTI data is limited by sample size and date. Larger scale studies of each role should be conducted.

Practical implications

Role and personality differences create obstacles to effective team work. Multi‐level (individual, team and organizational) intervention with structured information exchange and shared experiences can provide a foundation for building constructive relationships.

Originality/value

Few stakeholders in the client/consultant relationship know why there are difficulties, what the difficulties are … or, how to fix them. This paper provides insight into why the problems occur, along with specific methods for solving the problems.
We need more than competence: what about excellence?
Authors: Cunningham Ian
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint is to discuss lists of competences that have been developed by organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the theory of excellence.

Findings

The challenge for learning and development professionals is how we develop excellence. The starting point has to be striving for excellence in ourselves; competence is not enough.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is a better understanding of excellence.
Branding of learning and development: evidence from research
Authors: Cunningham Lucy
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper shows how branding is a crucial part of the strategy for a learning and development function.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was conducted across a range of organizations. There was also an in‐depth study in one organization.

Findings

Branding is important but often badly done.

Research limitations/implications

Follow‐up research on the pay‐off from branding would be useful.

Practical implications

The research suggests some practical steps that learning and development can undertake to improve their image in the organization.

Originality/value

There has been very little work done on the branding of learning and development. The research is original and unique.
Implementing organizational learning initiatives: insights from Singapore organizations – Part II
Authors: Yeo Roland
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Following from part I, this paper further explores key issues in organizational learning and their contributions to practice and policy. It elucidates the various critical factors that influence each stage of learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Four Singapore organizations were studied, from which a total of 24 organizational learning practitioners representing both the private and public sectors were interviewed.

Findings

Qualitative data was presented in the form of excerpts from the respondents in support of the key research objectives as well as key factor variables ranked in order of importance based on the number of mentions, an uncommon technique useful for an exploratory study.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited by the single geographical context that might not be totally representative of the Asian perspective. However, the paper provides room for continuation as the author introduces part III (for subsequent issue) that will further detail implications for practice and policy based on the same study.

Practical implications

Data revealed that the three factors common to all levels of learning are: a reward and recognition system; clear understanding of goals; and clear direction from leaders.

Originality/value

Of considerable value to practitioners is the list of comprehensive factors that affect each level of learning. They are given a ranking order to help practitioners prioritize their organizational learning action plans more effectively.
Critical incident technique: a learning intervention for organizational problem solving
Authors: Davis Paul J.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This article promotes the versatility and usefulness of critical incident technique (CIT) as a method for addressing organizational problems and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief overview of CIT is provided and a worked example is given from the author's professional experience. A process map is outlined to assist organizations plan the course of a CIT intervention.

Practical implications

CIT is a practical tool that can be used by organizational members to resolve a diverse range of issues across any industry.

Originality/value

CIT has tended towards a three‐question approach to guide the intervention process and analyze the issue at hand. This paper proposes that practitioners need to address a fourth question. The fourth question is designed to help organizations prioritize a proposed CIT intervention.
Coaching for performance improvement: the “COACH” model
Authors: Champathes Michita R.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to offer a simple and usable framework for coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on experience in Thailand.

Findings

The model is a convenient approach.

Practical implications

The model is a practical and usable framework.

Originality/value

The paper will help those new to coaching.
Eco‐costing of construction waste
Authors: Yahya Khairulzan , Halim Boussabaine A.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the key issues to be addressed in developing a framework for the eco‐costing of construction waste.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of the literature, original thinking and the use of a case study, the key issues to be included in an eco‐costing framework in the construction industry are discussed.

Findings

The relationship between process, policy, technology, impact and cost is discussed. The relationship between environmental cost and construction site activities is introduced. A mathematical model for eco‐costing wastes from construction site activities is also presented.

Originality/value

This paper provides a first attempt to conceptualise eco‐costing issues in relation to waste from building site activities, and also provides practical modelling for implementing an integrated strategy for the eco‐costing of construction waste.
Ethical challenges in ecological policy
Authors: Ushedo Benedict O. , Ehiri John E.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To determine the human and environmental values that need to be protected at every ethical decision‐making point, given that resources are finite and that the needs of future generations have no upper limit.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was made of the Humanities and Area Studies Databases and Articles, the Philosophers' Index, RenDa Fuyin Baokan Ziliao (People's University reprints series), the Arts and Humanities Citation Index on ISI Web of Knowledge, the Arts and Humanities Data Service, the British Philosophy Database, Dissertation Abstracts International, the Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy (REP Online), ZETOC (Electronic Table of Contents) through MIMAS, and Academic Search Elite. Relevant arts and humanities journals were hand‐searched, and reference lists examined for further relevant reports.

Findings

Although decision making in environmental policy relies on logic, empirical fact and intuition, it does not make sense to have a “universal master plan” covering living persons, the unborn, and the non‐human world when designing an environmental policy. Environmental policy options are meaningful in specific contexts; since each context has its own underpinnings and specific preferences on the basis of its own peculiar socio‐cultural and economic circumstances, the necessity of narrative ethics in decision making becomes evident.

Practical implications

As this review demonstrates, the initial concern in environmental matters may centre on the preservation of human health, clean health, clean air and water, endangered species, jobs and the needs of future generations. Decisions may then be reached through cost benefit analysis, which tends to be whether or not the chosen course of action produces greater balance, the greatest happiness to the greatest number. But there are difficulties in determining what constitutes “cost” or “benefit”.

Originality/value

It became evident from this study that, to stand the test of time, context‐sensitive environmental paradigms should be capable of enriching themselves with ideas from other approaches to decision making such that, although problems may have a global dimension, the solutions to them must be context‐sensitive.
Managing water losses in Amman's renovated network: a case study
Authors: Decker Christian W.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To provide water utilities operating under rationing conditions with some insight into issues related to managing non‐revenue water (NRW).

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews general theories associated with pressure, surges and water leakage, and compares them with real data in a rationed water distribution system.

Findings

In water networks there is a strong relationship between rationing hours and rationing surge pressures and NRW levels. These relationships mean that traditional ways of benchmarking NRW are not useful in rationed systems.

Originality/value

This paper identifies key NRW issues for utilities operating under rationing and gives them help in identifying options for their NRW strategies.
Performance measurement practices in manufacturing firms: an empirical investigation
Authors: Gomes Carlos F. , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Lisboa João V.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The objective of this study is to shed some light on performance measurement issues relevant to current practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance measurement practices in terms of utilization, relevance, and availability of information are studied for a sample of 92 Portuguese manufacturing executives. Several statistical instruments were used namely multiple regression analysis, cluster analysis and gap analysis.

Findings

The results of this study underscore consistent patterns pointing to a lack of a broad perspective on manufacturing performance measurement. Conclusions and their implications to the theory and art of performance measurement are presented.

Research limitations/implications

The sample used in this study is specific in nature (Portuguese executives). Thus, the results should be interpreted accordingly. Future research should test the applicability of the obtained results using other sample frames.

Practical implications

This study provides practicing managers with useful information regarding performance measures and measurement practices.

Originality/value

This study represents an important step toward refining the theory and practice of performance measurement in manufacturing organizations.
Operations and logistics issues in modular assembly processes: cases from the automotive sector
Authors: Fredriksson Peter
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To identify operations and logistics issues which are critical for the operational performance in modular assembly processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on case studies of Volvo Cars, Toyota, and Saab, the paper identifies operations and logistics issues that are critical for the operational performance of modular assembly processes. The issues are used for extending our understanding of the design and operation of modular assembly processes.

Findings

The issues identified concern production planning, deviation handling, assembly flow balance, small unit disadvantages, and module flow control. They reveal that a modular assembly process design brings structural disadvantages related to the dispersion of activities and resource needs. The issues also demonstrate the need for extensive coordination across the interfaces of the decoupled parts of the process.

Research limitations/implications

The findings will mainly be relevant for firms that design and produce complex products involving several technologies and that use company‐specific modules as is the case in the automotive industry, for instance.

Practical implications

Operations and logistics managers may use the findings in order to design and operate modular assembly processes, provide input to the design of modular products, analyze operations and logistics issues before the firm decides to go modular, or not.

Originality/value

Complements existing research on modular assembly processes by outlining structural disadvantages and explaining the need for extensive coordination in such processes.
A simulation‐expert‐system‐based approach for machine sizing of production systems
Authors: Masmoudi Wassim , Chtourou Hédi , Maalej Aref Y.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to focus on the solution of the resource sizing problem for production systems (PSs), defined as the specification of the number of each type of resources to be used in a production process for a given time period.

Design/methodology/approach

The resource sizing problem is tackled by a simulation‐expert‐system‐based approach, coupling an expert system (ES) with a simulation tool. Hence, a number of “simulation – ES optimization” cycles are realized until obtaining non‐improvable levels of performance. The main performance measures considered in this work are related to the manufacturing orders due dates (DD).

Findings

Through the approach proposed in this work, it is possible to size machines in order to optimize DD related performance measures for a PS belonging to a specific application domain. PSs of this domain are characterized by a functional layout and feature no labor constraints. In addition, machines belonging to a same department are considered to be identical.

Originality/value

The developed approach allows studying the machine sizing problem realistically, through the use of stochastic simulation. Also, by coupling an ES to the simulation tool, it avoids the try and error aspect characterizing most simulation‐based approaches. It hence features a well‐structured reasoning mechanism for the search of the best solution.
Manufacturing cells efficiency evaluation using data envelopment analysis
Authors: Sofianopoulou Stella
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an application of cellular manufacturing techniques and the evaluation of alternative production scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

Advanced techniques were implemented in the production process of a company and then the efficiency of the effected changes on its operation were evaluated. Group technology was adopted as the (re)organization tool of its production. Indices concerning the performance of the system were identified using “real world” production results and statistical data. The operational characteristics of 12 alternative production scenarios were evaluated using the cellular manufacturing approach. The behavior of the manufacturing system as a whole, for each one of the different scenarios, was investigated using the discrete events simulation technique for a period of two years. Finally, data envelopment analysis was employed to evaluate the efficiency of each scenario.

Findings

Results indicated that more than one of these scenarios could be efficient, while significant improvements can be achieved without actually changing the basic production parameters.

Practical implications

The proposed procedure was implemented in a company from the cosmetics industry.

Originality/value

The paper presents a successful application of cellular manufacturing techniques together with the evaluation of alternative production scenarios.
Workflow balancing in parallel machine scheduling with precedence constraints using genetic algorithm
Authors: Rajakumar S. , Arunachalam V.P. , Selladurai V.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To propose a methodology based on genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the parallel machine scheduling problems with precedence constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Workflow balancing helps to remove bottlenecks present in a shop floor yielding faster movements of components or jobs. Multiple machines are used in parallel for processing the jobs to meet the demand. In parallel machine scheduling with precedence constraints, there are m machines to which n jobs are assigned using suitable scheduling algorithms. Workflow of a machine is the sum of processing time of all jobs assigned. All the preceding jobs are allocated first to satisfy the constraints. GA is developed to solve parallel machine scheduling problems with precedence constraints based on the objective of workflow balancing. The GA was coded on IBM/PC compatible system in the C++ language for simulation to a standard manufacturing environment.

Findings

The relative percentage of imbalance (RPI) in workloads among the parallel machines is used to evaluate the performance of the GA developed. The proposed GA produces lesser RPI values against the RANDOM heuristic algorithm for a wider range of jobs and machines.

Research limitations/implications

The performance of GA can be compared with the performance of other meta‐heuristic algorithms to find out the robustness of the results obtained by this research.

Practical implications

The proposed GA also gives better solution for a case study of assembly scheduling.

Originality/value

The allocation of assembly operations to the operators is modeled into a parallel machine scheduling problem with precedence constraints using the objective of minimizing the workflow among the operators.
The importance of being local? Learning among Taiwan's enterprise solutions providers
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Tsai , Miozzo Marcela , Vurdubakis Theo
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Seeks to explore how perceptions of an ERP system‐requirement misfit in Taiwan have been construed as business opportuni4ties by domestic vendors in their response to competitive pressures from international vendors.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected through interviews with three leading foreign ERP vendors, four leading domestic ERP vendors, the ERP trade association and a number of consultants in Taiwan to explore the perceptions of Taiwanese enterprise system providers and the business and design strategies through which such perceptions were enacted.

Findings

In comparison with leading Western ERP providers, the software technologies, resources and global market experience of Taiwan's domestic ERP vendors are weaker. Nevertheless, the analysis of the interviews and associated documentation shows that there are four areas in which domestic ERP vendors perceive themselves as having a competitive advantage over foreign vendors. The four areas are: the ability to meet special requirements, the ability to support the flexibility and speed of domestic small and medium‐sized firms, the benefits of direct implementation, and the ability to learn from their engagement with local customers.

Originality/value

While the literature on learning and innovation on East Asian manufacturing firms has stressed the important role of incremental improvement on borrowed technology, the role of government and the strategy and structure of domestic firms, there has been little research on the sources of competitive advantage of East Asian firms in sectors with services components. This paper contributes to one's understanding of the development of technological capabilities by East Asian firms in services.
ERP integration in a healthcare environment: a case study
Authors: Stefanou Constantinos J. , Revanoglou Andreas
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Aims at providing a classification of the ERP integration concept in a healthcare organization and at presenting a real world example of process integration using SAP R/3.

Design/methodology/approach

Research is based on a case study involving in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders and action research conducted in the hospital during the ERP implementation period.

Findings

Findings suggest that an apparently simple software implementation of an ordering process can have a considerable impact on stakeholders in a complex environment operating ERP software. Organizational change issues, implementation and integration issues of SAP R/3 with other non‐SAP systems and SCM considerations are discussed.

Originality/value

Analyzes enterprise integration concept specifically in a healthcare environment and describes a real world process integration solution (missing from the literature) achieved by using SAP R/3 software.
Factors that affect the design and implementation of team‐based performance measurement systems
Authors: Mendibil Kepa , MacBryde Jillian
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the factors that enable and/or constrain the design and implementation of team‐based performance measurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study departed from an industrially‐led project. The research strategies used (i.e. case studies, industrial workshops and action research) are suited to the applied and empirical nature of the study. The paper reviews the existing literature on team performance measurement. It then presents the findings based on a exploratory phase and a theory refinement phase.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that there are eleven factors affecting the design and implementation of TPMS. It also suggests that these factors are inter‐related with each other. As a result, the impact of one factor can reduce and even eliminate the impact of other factors.

Research limitations/implications

There are two main limitations of this research. Firstly, carrying out more than one longitudinal study would increase the validity of the findings. Secondly, evidence was mainly gathered from companies from the manufacturing sector.

Practical implications

These findings provide senior managers, human resource specialists and team leaders with the foundations to create the right conditions to design and implement TPMS.

Originality/value

The main contribution this paper makes is that it highlights the factors affecting the design and implementation of measurement system in the context of teams. This research identifies three factors (i.e. team maturity, focus and content of appraisal and reward systems, business process view) that are specific to TPMS design and that have not been fully addressed by previous research.
In search of the common wealth: a service‐profit chain for the public sector
Authors: Davis Paul J.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To provide public sector organizations with a development map to achieve employee and customer satisfaction and to align organizational processes for goal achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper re‐works the highly influential and widely validated service‐profit chain and presents an analogous model, which reflects the essential differences of public sector organizations.

Findings

It was found that there is a direct link between the achievement of the organizational goal and the organization's ethics and values. This indicates that goal achievement reinforces the legitimacy of the values and ethics as the basis for organizational success.

Practical implications

Presents a practical model and explains, with examples, how an organization might implement this model. Identifies how public organizations can measure their customer value variables.

Originality/value

Despite the popularity of the service‐profit chain there has been no model for the public sector. This has been identified as a need in the literature. Therefore, this paper presents a long overdue and much needed public sector model. The model has great value for all levels of governmental bureaucracy irrespective of core business or global location.
Real or hyper‐real?
Authors: Sliwa Martyna , Grandy Gina
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to take a reflexive look at the cultural experiences of a group of overseas students studying at a business school in the North East of England. The paper uses Baudrillard's work on simulacra and simulation to challenge notions of second culture contact.

Design/methodology/approach

Using primary (i.e. interviews with 14 students and four staff) and secondary sources the paper investigates second culture contact truths associated with English higher education for a group of overseas students. To capture the richness of individual cultural experiences for these students and staff a qualitative approach in gathering empirical data is adopted.

Findings

First, it seems the mainstream literature that posits cultures as definable, distinct and measurable entities that can be acquired does not capture the complexity of cultural experiences as revealed by the individuals involved in this study. Second, the findings surface questions about the validity of what educators and students take for granted or perceive as “real” in regards to what it means to “be an English student” and the processes of “becoming an English student”. Third, the findings raise provocative questions about the process, content and context of curriculum to those responsible for developing and marketing international programmes.

Practical implications

Education as an international business means strategists, marketers and educators alike need to look closer at the way international programmes are developed, marketed and delivered both for viability and ethical reasons.

Originality/value

Engagement with Baudrillard's work on simulacra and simulation is a playful attempt to see higher education as third‐order simulacra. As an alternative lens in challenging second culture contact it offers interesting and novel insights.
Comprador management?
Authors: Gantman Ernesto R. , Parker Martin
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the production of management knowledge in Argentina.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a qualitative research strategy that draws on one of the authors' participant observation in the field of Argentine management education, selected data from Argentine universities, and a bibliometric study of local and foreign management journals.

Findings

Suggests that local academics are mainly engaged in the production of practitioner‐oriented management knowledge that is highly influenced by US popular market managerialism. Analyses the causes of the low level of production of indigenous academic knowledge, concluding that it can be explained by three related factors: the lack of financial resources to pursue independent scholarly research; the academic elite's lack of independence relative to the consulting elite; and the resulting patterns of cultural and social capital of Argentine management scholars. Concludes that that this situation might not be unique to Argentina, and that the hegemonic position of popular management discourse in developing countries is useful for those interest groups who benefit from managerialism.

Originality/value

Contributes to the largely neglected study of the processes of creation diffusion and consumption of management knowledge in developing countries
Postcard from South America: experiencing organisation at the end of the world
Authors: Miguel Imas J.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to present a very personal view of some of the socio‐economic problems and challenges faced by workers, managers and organisations in South America. It also aims to stimulate further dialogue, research and exchange of ideas with South American academics that are exploring alternative ways of representing organisation (studies) on the Continent.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a personal narrative account of the author's experience of doing research in South America and the conversations he had with different individuals about working, managing and organising in this part of the globe.

Findings

The author's experience here shows more than ever the need to enhance our understanding of what others around the world are experiencing in order to inform better our theories and to appreciate the consequences of our business practices. Especially, it gives an idea of the effects economic globalisation is having in the region and how it is affecting local communities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is not about research per se but a researcher's journey and, as such, is a very personal and rich account of what was experienced in the field, i.e. South America.

Originality/value

The paper conveys some provocative thoughts upon which to generate more debate on global business practices and its consequences in the “periphery” of the world. Equally, it reveals the need for a more continuous dialogue among academics in both hemispheres to tackle some of these pressing environmental, economic and social problems that affect us all.
The valuation effects of long‐term changes in capital structure
Authors: Carpentier Cécile
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to test the irrelevance proposition whereby changes in capital structure do not affect firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

The long‐run effect of changes in capital structure on firm value is examined, using a sample of 243 French firms over the period 1987‐1996.

Findings

The null hypothesis cannot be rejected. No evidence is found to support a significant relationship between the changes in debt ratios and the changes in value. To assess the strength of this finding, control for reversion towards the target debt level induced by the static trade‐off theory is introduced. Similar results were obtained.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to analyze the long‐term relationship between financial structure changes and value, and to propose a direct test for the irrelevance proposition.