bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrative framework for supply chain collaboration
Authors: Simatupang Togar M. , Sridharan Ramaswami
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper proposes an integrative framework for supply chain collaboration which is based on the reciprocal approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A reciprocal approach is adopted to capture the interaction phenomenon of different features of collaboration in attaining overall supply chain performance.

Findings

A collaborative supply chain framework is composed of five connecting features of collaboration, namely collaborative performance system, information sharing, decision synchronization, incentive alignment, and integrated supply chain processes.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could be carried out to capitalize the framework for diagnosing and improving supply chain collaboration.

Practical implications

The proposed framework enables the chain members to scrutinize key features of supply chain collaboration before and during collaborative initiatives.

Originality/value

Previous research on supply chain collaboration mainly assume the unilateral phenomenon of collaboration that focuses on a single feature such as information sharing or co‐managed inventory. The proposed framework for the first time explicitly addresses the interaction of different connecting features of collaboration.
Realities of supply chain collaboration
Authors: Kampstra R.P. , Ashayeri J. , Gattorna J.L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the gap between the interests in supply chain collaboration (SCC) and the relatively few recorded cases of successful applications – this is the reality of SCC.

Design/methodology/approach

The research represents the viewpoints of the authors based on their collective field experiences and literature reviews.

Findings

Three realities of SCC are identified – establishing the prerequisites for the collaboration process; where the process starts; and where it terminates. Moreover, a realistic structured approach to SCC containing three loops is outlined.

Research limitations/implications

Increased awareness for practitioners in SCM by crystallizing when collaboration is useful; what to change; what to change to; and how to make changes happen.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is that it offers a “different” perspective on SCC.
Information‐sharing in supply chains: five proposals on how to proceed
Authors: Kaipia Riikka , Hartiala Helena
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on supply chain visibility in practice and to suggest ways to improve the supply chain performance through information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study exploring the current state of visibility in the demand‐supply network of an original equipment manufacturing company was carried out. The goal was to understand how a manufacturing company and its suppliers can benefit from incremental demand information sources. Data were collected through interviews and data analyses and focused on an end‐to‐end view of demand information. The most relevant information uses were tested in pilot projects. A literature review on demand information sources and benefits of visibility was conducted.

Findings

On the basis of the case results and a literature survey, five proposals on how to improve visibility are presented. They suggest that only information that improves supply chain performance should be shared, demand‐supply planning processes be stabilized and synchronized, different demand data sources should be used in parallel, customer collaboration offers a wider view to demand, and that suppliers' need for demand information differs from those of downstream actors.

Practical implications

The paper proposes solutions to managers on how they can benefit from improved access to demand information.

Originality/value

The paper shows, via case study and literature review, how information sharing can improve supply chain performance.
Successful principal leadership: Australian case studies
Authors: Gurr David , Drysdale Lawrie , Mulford Bill
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an Australian perspective on successful school leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on case studies in two Australian states (Tasmania and Victoria). Case studies for each state were developed independently and are reported separately.

Findings

The findings show a remarkable degree of commonality demonstrating that the core aspects of successful school leadership can be identified in ways that can help explain the complexity of principal leadership that leads to improved student outcomes.

Originality/value

Highlights the importance and contribution of the principal to the quality of education.
Conditions and practices of successful principalship in Shanghai
Authors: Wong Kam‐cheung
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to study successful school principals in China and to provide details of some unique features of the Chinese educational system that both support and constrain principals and their management of schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines the philosophy and practice of new principals of two schools, both in Shanghai, but at opposite ends of the quality spectrum. Eastern Senior High School, a municipal key school, is one of the best schools in Shanghai. Northern Junior High School was a failing school in the 1980s.

Findings

The two principals studied were successful in creating the setting for drastic improvement in their schools. Eastern Senior High School was at its low tide when the new principal arrived. Through some innovative ideas in sports and music, he succeeded in revitalizing the school and moved it from the bottom five to one of the top ten of the 26 municipal key schools in Shanghai. Northern Junior High School was a failing school in the 1980s. There, the new principal came in 1994 and in subsequent years completely changed the school.

Originality/value

Illustrates that the concept of successful school developed by one principal and his team was simple: create continuous success experiences for students.
Successful leadership in challenging US schools: enabling principles, enabling schools
Authors: Jacobson Stephen L. , Johnson Lauri , Ylimaki Rose , Giles Corrie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to examine seven challenging schools in the US and the practices their principals employed in leading these schools to a measure of success in terms of student performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a case study methodology, a two‐stage framework is used to analyze the data. First, uses Leithwood and Riehl's three core leadership practices to determine whether these leaders were demonstrating the necessary practices for success, then develops and describes three principles that enabled these leaders to translate their core practices into school success: accountability, caring and learning.

Findings

The principals formed a diverse group, varying in gender, race, experience and education. But they shared some common characteristics, most notably, all seven demonstrated facility with the core leadership practices of direction setting, developing people and redesigning the organization. They were leaders who managed to set and maintain a sense of purpose and direction for their schools and generally exerted a positive influence on people's willingness to follow their lead, even in the face of challenging conditions.

Originality/value

Provides recommendations for the preparation and practice of school leaders.
Understanding successful principal leadership: progress on a broken front
Authors: Leithwood Kenneth
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To synthesize the results of the seven country reports covered in the special issue of JEA on successful school principalship.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the main themes of the articles with their main implications and benefits. Examines the different models.

Findings

The country reports provide encouraging signs of progress in addressing this limitation. Such progress seems primarily due to the development of multiple cases, over time, within each country. This allows for ongoing refinement of ideas and data collection techniques, eventually resulting in the cross‐case reports appearing in this issue. These reports provide some indication, as well, that researchers are beginning to learn from their colleagues in other countries.

Originality/value

Summarizes multiple case studies of successful principal leadership in seven countries.
An exploratory study of SME local sourcing and supplier development in the grocery retail sector
Authors: Wagner Beverly A. , Fillis Ian , Johansson Ulf
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The overall aim of this research was to undertake an exploratory investigation to gain insights into attitudes and perceptions of supplier development and local sourcing programmes in the UK grocery retail sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Since this research is exploratory in nature, a qualitative approach to data collection was undertaken using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews.

Findings

Retailers do seem to be undertaking supplier development as defined in the literature but the data collected highlights some of the difficulties experienced by all suppliers in supporting grocery retailer category management and branding strategies. From this, local sourcing also implies the involvement of the micro‐enterprise producer. This has the potential for greater levels of power and trust imbalance.

Research limitations/implications

The main research limitation was the small sample size. However, the research was exploratory and the sample was essentially convenience based. This resulted in over‐representation by the larger SME producer. The findings can be enhanced with further qualitative research focusing on the micro‐enterprise supplier.

Originality/value

The paper offers an insight into the debate on SME supplier development and local sourcing by providing empirical evidence of the current shape and scope of the various initiatives in the UK grocery sector.
Postponed variety creation: case study in consumer electronics retail
Authors: Appelqvist Patrik , Gubi Ebbe
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Postponement is known as a way to reduce risk and inventories while still providing high product variety and acceptable response times. The paper is a case study that uses simulation for quantifying these benefits for a consumer electronics company.

Design/methodology/approach

Improvement potential is first evaluated qualitatively through interviews with dealers of the case company. Next, the benefit of postponement is evaluated quantitatively using discrete‐event simulation with data from operational ERP systems. The conclusions identify conditions under which postponement is beneficial in retail.

Findings

In the case company, shop inventory is necessary for high‐volume and low‐variety products. Postponing variety creation to shops has the potential to decrease inventories for these products by 40‐80 per cent. The benefits of postponement depend on delivery speed requirement, product value, product variety and shop size.

Research limitations/implications

Many contributions on postponement have been conceptual. This study contains a quantitative test. The study considers both the spatial dimension (where) and the temporal dimension (when) of postponement.

Practical implications

The research was sufficiently successful that the company implemented the delivery concept arising from the results. Corresponding benefits seem possible for other manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods.

Originality/value

The contribution is real‐life quantitative evidence of how modular product architecture can be utilised to improve operational supply chain performance.
Moneychangers: an appraisal of their service
Authors: Gerrard Philip , Barton Cunningham J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to develop a set of dimensions for measuring the service of moneychangers.

Design/methodology/approach

Attributes for measuring the moneychanger service were created from exit interviews and a review of the literature, and then administered a survey to consumers who had just completed a currency exchange. Respondent feedback was factor analysed, creating six service dimensions: “appearances of the tangibles”, “cost of service”, “interpersonal skills”, “service delivery”, “administrative matters” and “display board”.

Findings

The “service delivery” and the “cost of service” dimensions exceeded customer expectations; the “appearances of tangibles” and the “interpersonal skills” dimensions fell short of expectations; “administrative matters” and the “display board” dimensions merely met expectations. A general finding of this study is that moneychangers, even though they are small businesses, are able to effectively compete with corporate giants (i.e. banks) in exchanging currencies; they achieve this through more than meeting customer expectations in respect of their service delivery and costs.

Research limitations/implications

Based on this research, it is recommended that researchers who conduct studies in service areas might first take steps to identify measures which are specific to the type of business being investigated.

Practical implications

From a practical viewpoint, if the proprietors of moneychanger businesses want to improve their service, they should take steps to upgrade the interpersonal skills of the staff who serve customers and the appearances of those tangibles which are visible during service encounters.

Originality/value

Develops a set of dimensions for a specific type of business.
Retail internationalisation: Marks and Spencer in Hong Kong
Authors: Jackson Paul , Sparks Leigh
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A case study of Marks and Spencer (M&S) in Hong Kong is used to explore aspects of the retail internationalisation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study is developed from four main sources. First, national and trade press commentary on M&S's internationalisation. Secondly, M&S's publications and statements about their international activities. Thirdly, previous research on M&S in Hong Kong, including work by the authors. Finally, informal interviews with current and former M&S management involved in the Hong Kong development. The case study is organised into a description of phases of exporting, store development and crises. This is followed by a discussion of the key internationalisation issues raised in terms of market entry, maintenance and exit. Conclusions follow.

Findings

The study emphasises that internationalisation is a non‐linear, ongoing, dynamic activity involving developments, impacts and retrenchment at a variety of levels. Implications for future research in the area are drawn.

Research limitations/implications

This is a case study of a particular retailer's internationalisation process in a particular country. The processes in other retailers operating other formats and selling other products and in other countries may be different. Further case studies will allow the generation of a wider understanding of the issues.

Originality/value

The case study provides previously unpublished information on the retail internationalisation process as a whole. It encourages other comparative studies and further research into the topic.
Downtowns in transition
Authors: Hernandez Tony , Jones Ken
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To detail the changing nature of retail and service activity in Canada's downtowns and examine the role of business improvement areas (BIAs) in promoting downtown vitality.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a combination of retail structural analysis and case study research. The structural analysis provides data on transitioning urban demographics and tracks retail and service activity sales change in Canada's major metropolitan downtowns. The case study reports an overview of findings from in‐depth research with the Downtown Yonge BIA. A small number of retail metrics are presented.

Findings

The paper highlights the significant suburb shift in retail activity across Canada's metropolitan areas and the associated challenges that this has resulted in for the downtown. The role of BIAs are outlined, and examined with reference to operation of the BIA concept within the downtown core of Canada's largest metropolitan market, Toronto.

Research limitations/implications

The research has been selective in focusing on the Downtown Yonge BIA, the experiences of BIAs across Toronto (and other Canada metropolitan areas) are likely to vary widely. Highlights the need to develop metrics to measure performance and compare BIAs.

Practical implications

The paper provides an interesting perspective on BIA strategies, with the selected metrics providing BIA managers and urban planners with a set of additional measures to assess BIA performance

Originality/value

The paper relates BIA planning to the development of performance metrics.
Ethnography of an American Main Street
Authors: Pryor Susie , Grossbart Sanford
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to demonstrate how sociological perspectives and ethnographic methods provide insights into extraeconomic and suprafirm factors that may contribute to the functioning and character of downtown business districts. The study is intended to suggest directions for future research, rather than provide a definitive test of specific propositions.

Design/methodology/approach

A long‐term field investigation of a Midwestern American Main Street is presented in an extended case study format. Participant observation, depth and field interviews, and secondary data collection are the primary methods employed.

Findings

The findings suggest three dialectics that reflect extraeconomic dimensions underlying vital Main Streets. These include continua regarding the structure, function, and festive nature of marketplace activities. In this study, relatively few marketplace activities were commercial functions. Moreover, most were co‐produced by consumers and marketers. The extent of co‐production may contribute to the functioning and character of this vibrant downtown business district.

Research limitations/implications

This study was designed foster future research regarding the downtown business district as an historical sociocommercial entity. However, it does not test specific hypotheses.

Practical implications

This article should interest retailers, rural economists, city planners, and economic development agencies due to its focus on sociocommercial aspects of small city commercial centers.

Originality/value

The article highlights the extraeconomic importance of downtown business districts. It presents a case study of a successful Main Street, in contrast with studies that focus on the geographic, economic, and competitive factors related to failed or failing Main Streets.
Evolution in city centre retailing: the case of Utrecht (1974‐2003)
Authors: Weltevreden Jesse , Atzema Oedzge , Frenken Koen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Using a continuous dataset, the purpose of this study is to explore the evolution of retailing in the historical city centre of Utrecht between 1974 and 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an evolutionary framework entropy statistics and sector analysis are used to investigate the structural changes that have occurred over this period.

Findings

The results indicate important changes over time. First, there is a decline of shops selling daily and space consuming goods. Second, the expansion of some sectors and the emergence of new sectors has compensated fully for the loss of these shops. The success of some of these sectors is related to the rise of recreational shopping. Despite increased competition of “out‐of‐town” retailing and other forms of retailing, Utrecht's historical city centre has remained on top of the retail hierarchy in The Netherlands by transforming itself into an attractive location for recreational shopping.

Practical implications

The results indicate that new policies should encourage retail entrepreneurship to adapt to ever changing socio‐economic and spatial contexts. Furthermore, in most sectors that are under pressure, possibilities exist to shift to related categories through what may be called upgrading.

Research limitations/implications

In the main, the data investigate sector dynamics. Future research on the evolution of retail locations using time‐series, therefore, should try to include more variables, like floor space, organisation type, etc. which can also provide explanations for the patterns of structural change.

Originality/value

The paper has introduced entropy statistics as a new technique to analyse sector variety dynamics of retail locations, since it captures both the number of sectors and the skewness of distribution.
Are the largest public retailers top financial performers? A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Evans Joel R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To empirically study the performance of large retailers in terms of the strategic profit model and the retail performance index over time.

Design/methodology/approach

This study looks at how well the largest public US retailers performed financially from 1982 to 2001. Several measures are employed, including sales and profit growth, profit margins, asset turnover, return on assets, financial leverage, and return on net worth. The performance of Wal‐Mart is broken out.

Findings

As a group, the largest public US retailers have not performed very well across a number of measures. They have not been “high performers.” Wal‐Mart has outperformed other very large retailers for virtually every financial measure. It has been a “high performer” by not losing its edge as it has grown.

Research limitations/implications

Only public retailers were included in the study. Retailers reported financial data using different fiscal years. The federal government converted its data from SIC to NAICS codes during the time frame of the study; the data were converted based on a model from Retail Forward.

Practical implications

As the largest firms seek to heighten their marketplace concentration, they have to be careful not to fall into a growth trap. They need to be more devoted to driving up their financial performance.

Originality/value

The paper reports the results of a comprehensive longitudinal study of the largest public retailers, and focuses on applying two under‐researched retail performance tools: the strategic profit model and the retail performance index.
Shelf space assigned to store and national brands
Authors: Gómez Suárez Mónica
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To empirically analyse the relationship between the shelf space assigned to brands and several factors related to store management.

Design/methodology/approach

The data come from a study of 40 product categories in a sample of superstores in Spain. The variables are: shelf space occupied by private labels, private labels market share, number of promotions, assortment (number of brands and number of varieties) and prices gap between private labels and national brands. A neural network analysis is then applied to the data. Methodologically, this method is shown to have better predictive power than a multiple regression.

Findings

There is a direct relationship between the space occupied by store brands and the market share, and an indirect relationship between the space and the price differential gap, the number of national brands and the range of choice.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is the time spent on collecting the data. Another limitation is that some variables have not been included in the study such as inventory. The conclusion can be used to account for behaviour of retailers in their outlets and could be used by manufacturers to determine which factors have an influence on the location of their brands on the shelves.

Practical implications

It has practical implications for retailers because their “over‐merchandizing” of own brands can damage the overall profitability of the category. On the other hand, national leading brands will have to invest more resources in advertising to sustain customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This article shows the impact that store brand shelf space has on different variables related to profitability, market share, and assortment. It has value for three agents: academic researchers, manufacturers and retailers.
Corporate social responsibility and the UK's top ten retailers
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper offers a preliminary exploration of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues being addressed by the UK's top ten retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws its empirical information from the CSR reports and information posted on the world wide web by the UK's top ten UK country of origin retailers. Four principal headings: namely, Environment; Marketplace; Workplace; and Community, are used to capture, and provide some illustrative examples of, CSR agendas.

Findings

The findings reveal that each of the top ten retailers has its own approach to CSR and that there are substantial variations in the nature and extent of the reporting process. That said there is some common ground in reporting on a range of environmental issues, on sourcing, on commitment to customers, on employees and on the communities in which the top ten retailers operate. A number of the top ten retailers are employing key performance indicators in an attempt to measure and benchmark their CSR achievements. The underlying message is that the top ten retailers claim that CSR is an integral element of their core business.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible review of CSR agendas being pursued by the UK's top ten retailers and as such will interest academics and students in higher education and practitioners and professionals working in the retail marketplace.
The role of the business development manager in the leasehold sector of the UK's public house trade
Authors: Pratten J.D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the work done by the business development managers (BDMs) who are employed by the pub owning companies with leased/tenanted estates to support the individual licensees.

Design/methodology/approach

The public statements issued by the pub owning companies, together with job descriptions were studied. A national survey about the attitude of leaseholders to their landlords was considered, and then both BDMs and lessees were interviewed, so as to see if the employers, the BDMs and the lessees agreed about the service provided.

Findings

The companies maintained that the BDM assisted the individual licensees, but licensees felt that they lacked real power and existed mainly as a debt collector and a company man to check that the tie is not broken. The national survey suggested dissatisfaction with the business relationship between lessee and landlord.

Research limitations/implications

The case study was confined to a small number of lessees and BDMs. Practical implications: the work confirmed that many licensees resented the lack of practical assistance. This is significant information for the owners and prospective lessees.

Originality/value

The role of the BDM has been neglected, barely rating a mention in most papers addressing the leasehold sector of the licensed trade. This is an attempt to evaluate their work.
Anti‐corporate retailer campaigns on the internet
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an illustrative review of the internet campaigns being waged against a number of large corporate retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a short history of anti‐corporate protest and this is followed by a brief outline of the dominance of large corporations within retailing. The paper draws its empirical material from anti‐corporate retail web sites on the internet.

Findings

The findings reveal that in some cases internet campaigns target the policies and behaviours of corporate retailers and in others specific retailers are being singled out for special attention. The campaigns address a wide range of issues including the environment and planning, impacts within local economies and communities, workers’ rights and working conditions and the power of retail corporations.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible review of the anti‐corporate retailer campaigns being waged on the internet and as such it will interest retail academics, retail employees, political representatives, planning officers and community and pressure groups.
Sourcing ethics and the global market
Authors: Pretious Mike , Love Mary
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper investigates purchasing ethics within the UK clothing retail sector in the context of structural changes in the sector and the growth of international sourcing as a necessary strategic tool to maintain competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the background to retailer interest in sourcing ethics and the development of codes of conduct to guide retail purchasing professionals. The primary research is an exploratory examination of the experiences of UK retail buying personnel working in the global market for garments, who are required to make decisions “on the ground” that reflect the ethical codes of their companies, yet who are also constrained by the need to make profitable sourcing decisions.

Findings

The conclusions assess what can be learnt from these experiences and offer suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

The paper is of interest to any retail academics, personnel and employees.
Services vs retail chains: are there any differences?
Authors: Perrigot Rozenn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to review the differences between retailing and services in the particular context of franchised chains in order to highlight the main differences between retail chains and services chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The existence of such differences is tested in the French context because its franchising sector is the most developed one in Europe as far as the number of chains is concerned. The empirical study deals with 530 chains among which 228 are services and 302 are retail.

Findings

Some significant differences between services and retail chains are underlined in terms of age, plural form, franchising fees, franchising and advertising royalties, and contract length. Additionally to these significant differences, the new trend in franchising seems to consist in developing more services chains than retail chains.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has some limitations. The focus is on only one country: France. A multi‐countries study could be useful to confirm these differences or highlight other ones. Furthermore, a more precise classification about the sectors of activities could underline other differences.

Practical implications

This paper can help the prospective franchisee to better differentiate the services chains and the retail ones, and better understand their particular features. Furthermore, the new franchisor can use these descriptive results to compare his/her practices with the average practices within the sector he/she is in, above all in terms of contract terms: franchising fees, franchising and advertising royalties, and contract duration.

Originality/value

This paper highlights differences between different kinds of franchised chains: retail vs services. These differences have not been underlined in previous research.
On the adaptation of Grounded Theory procedures: insights from the evolution of the 2G method
Authors: Lings Brian , Lundell Björn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To articulate the interpretations and adaptations of Grounded Theory made within the 2G method, and the motivations behind them.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and conceptual approach reflecting on the authors' experience of having developed the 2G method.

Findings

Identifies six adaptations of Grounded Theory as being of particular interest. Five relate to method procedures, namely: developing a core category; coding interview data; exposing evolving theories to stakeholders; developing multiple concept frameworks; and inter‐linking concepts. The sixth relates to expectations on method users, and the tension between expertise relating to the phenomenon being analysed, and openness in interpreting the data.

Research limitations/implications

Shows how Grounded Theory procedures have been adapted and used in IS methods. Specifically, the paper illustrates and makes explicit how a specific method (the 2G method) has evolved.

Practical implications

Provides insights for users of Grounded Theory (GT) and developers of IS methods on how GT procedures have been interpreted and adapted in previous and the authors' own research.

Originality/value

Provides insights into how Grounded Theory (GT) procedures have been adapted for use in other IS methods, with insights from the authors' own experience of having developed the 2G method. Reflects on the use of GT procedures in a number of case studies related to tool evaluation. Identifies six areas in which specific interpretations or adaptations of GT were considered necessary in the contexts in which the studies were undertaken, and justifies these six departures from standard interpretations of GT procedures.
Interpreting e‐government and development
Authors: Ciborra Claudio
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to show, through the case of Jordan, how e‐government is difficult to implement, given the characteristics of the local administration, the socio‐economic context and the dynamics of the technological infrastructure. It also aims to ascertain more generally whether the marketisation of the state, embedded in e‐government, makes sense as the paramount approach to improve democracy and foster development.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes how the Kingdom of Jordan, as a case study of an innovative and extensive application of e‐government ideas and models, provides a paradigmatic example of how ICTs are being introduced in economically less developed countries and identifies the risks of failure in implementation. Based on the empirical evidence provided by the case, examines the more general implications of e‐government and new public management in the transformation of the relationship between the state and citizen.

Findings

The transformation of citizens into customers is problematic, and the correlation between good governance and minimal state with development can hardly be demonstrated historically.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward a new interpretation centred on the newly established link between aid and security. In this light, e‐government appears to be one of the new tools for the rich metropolitan states to govern “at a distance” (through sophisticated methodologies and technologies) the potentially dangerous, weak, borderland states.
Improving software organizations: agility challenges and implications
Authors: Börjesson Anna , Mathiassen Lars
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore the impact of events in Software Process Improvement (SPI) environments based on a longitudinal study of a requirements management initiative at Ericsson.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the initiative from three perspectives – the improvement initiative, the targeted software practices, and the environment.

Findings

SPI initiatives easily get interrupted, are side‐tracked, and progress slowly due to changing environments. While most practitioners are painfully aware of this, the SPI literature has so far only touched on the issue. Agility principles would have helped Ericsson respond more effectively to events that impacted the initiative. Development of agile SPI practices requires coordination and alignment with other initiatives to develop agile software organizations.

Originality/value

SPI has been adopted by many organizations to help them to deliver quality software. However, its success is a matter of debate and this paper deals with the issues involved.
Antecedents to team member commitment from near and far
Authors: Powell Anne , Galvin John , Piccoli Gabriele
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper has two primary purposes: the first is to determine antecedents to commitment to a work team; the second to compare how antecedents to commitment differ between collocated and virtual teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected using 52 three‐member teams – 28 collocated teams and 24 virtual teams using graduate students from three countries.

Findings

Results indicate that team work processes and member effort have a significant, positive relationship with trust in collocated teams, but results for virtual teams show that member efforts is not a significant predictor of trust. Comparing collocated teams and virtual teams, collocated teams had stronger relationships (compared to virtual teams) between member effort and trust, and between trust and normative commitment. Virtual teams had stronger relationships (compared to collocated teams) between work processes and trust, and between trust and affective commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Additional studies of longer‐term teams are needed to see if results remain consistent. One form of commitment (continuance), in particular, can be studied in long‐term teams.

Practical implications

Managers of work teams need to firmly establish a foundation of trust to ensure commitment of team members. Managers of virtual teams should particularly organize and communicate work processes to be followed by virtual team members.

Originality/value

Little research has been conducted examining antecedents to commitment to the work team, as well as commitment to a work team when work is conducted using technology (e.g. virtual teams). This paper fills a void in these two areas.
Virtual teams in and out of synchronicity
Authors: DeLuca Dorrie , Valacich Joseph S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of process improvement team member perceptions regarding the effectiveness of asynchronous e‐collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A field‐based, two‐phase canonical action research study was conducted at two different sites. Data were obtained from observations and interviews of all team members. Media synchronicity theory was utilized to hypothesize the interplay of media capabilities, task communication processes, and team functions.

Findings

Eight primarily virtual teams solved complex problems and provided feedback on the effectiveness of various communications media. The results support media synchronicity theory.

Research limitations/implications

Media synchronicity theory provides an alternative explanation for studies both supporting and contradicting media richness theory. The teams in this study were newly formed. Further investigation of established teams and other contexts is warranted.

Practical implications

For complex problem‐solving tasks performed by newly formed teams, communications media with low synchronicity (e.g. listserv, e‐mail, bulletin board) may be appropriate for conveyance of information; whereas media with high synchronicity (e.g. face‐to‐face, telephone) may be more desirable for convergence on shared meaning.

Originality/value

As geographic, temporal, and cost constraints move organizations toward virtual team work for increasingly complex tasks, research is warranted on effective utilization of available communication technology for solving business problems without face‐to‐face communication. This research paper examines the issue through an emerging theoretical lens, media synchronicity theory, and suggests a new proposition.
Durability of online teamworking: patterns of trust
Authors: Nandhakumar Joe , Baskerville Richard
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of an in‐depth case study into virtual teamworking practices in a large petro‐chemical company.

Design/methodology/approach

By drawing on the case study the paper offers a theoretical conceptualization of the development of commitment and personal trust relationships in a virtual teamworking context.

Findings

The paper argues that the durability of virtual teamworking depends largely on commitment and personal trust relationships, which may gradually dissipate over time without collocated, face‐to‐face social interactions. The virtual teamworking technologies alone may have limited scope in contributing to reproduction and reinforcement of commitment and personal trust relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on an investigation in one organization that used a set of virtual teamworking technologies, which have been constantly improving in terms of capabilities and usability. In a business context investigated in this paper, the team working was not continuous, and the level and the range of activities varied over time. Future research should seek to explore whether personal and abstract trust can develop through continued online interaction.

Practical implications

Findings indicate that virtual teams should seek to manage expectations of the use of such technologies in their interactions. Human relationships, rather than technologies are therefore important for nurturing both personal and impersonal trust relationships, which is vital for durable virtual teams.

Originality/value

This paper argues that the long‐term virtual teamworking without face‐to‐face social interactions leads to a gradual dissipation of personal trust relationships, and subsequently loss of impersonal trust relations.
Applied research and educational needs in food service management
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a better understanding of food service technologies, applied research and technical literacy needs in hospitality.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews the applied research in food services and the technical literacy needed to interpret and benefit from it.

Findings

The summary of research is provided in the subject areas identified by QAAHE (2000): food safety management, food quality management and product development; equipment and facility layout/design; operational planning and modelling; as well as market and consumer related aspects. Underpinning scientific disciplines and operational/ strategic benefits of the described studies as well as the three tiers in the educational pathways in food production are described.

Practical implications

The research findings can be used as a source of competency‐building by practitioners and educators.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the main types of research and develops conceptual links between the scientific fundamentals of food service operations and industry practices.
Factors influencing productivity in small island hotels
Authors: Kilic Hasan , Okumus Fevzi
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on an empirical research study which investigated the factors influencing productivity in hotels in Northern Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data was collected via a structured questionnaire from middle and senior managers of four and five‐star hotels in Northern Cyprus.

Findings

According to the research findings staff recruitment, staff training, meeting guest expectations, and service quality are the main productivity factors in hotels; while crises, technology, marketing, and forecasting are ranked relatively low. It emerged from the findings that hotel managers in Northern Cyprus have a narrow view of productivity and follow a more input‐oriented approach to managing productivity.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the research findings and their discussions, this study provides several recommendations for future research in this area.

Practical implications

The research results highlight the importance of training middle and senior managers about the importance of productivity and how they can follow output‐oriented productivity management strategies.

Originality/value

The literature on productivity management in small island hotels is limited. As being one of the first studies on this area, the research findings of this study are particularly valuable for practice and future studies.
The influence of positive and negative cues on restaurant food choice and food acceptance
Authors: Edwards J.S.A. , Meiselman H.L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Food servers are often in a unique position to influence what customers choose, which in turn may affect their enjoyment of that food. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the influence of positive and negative comments made by servers on food choice and acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

Customers using a public university restaurant were “assisted” in their food choice by a server making either a positive, negative or no statement as to the popularity of a selected dish. At the end of the meal, diners were then asked to rate the acceptability of the dish chosen using a nine‐point hedonic scale.

Findings

Results show that only negative statements made by servers actually influence food choice but in all conditions, once a customer had chosen, acceptability of that dish was not affected.

Research limitations/implications

This research was undertaken in a public restaurant where the servers are students. It could be argued that customers being aware of this responded accordingly, although there was no evidence to support this.

Originality/value

The service encounter is perhaps one of the most important elements that distinguish products from services, and it is here that businesses can succeed or fail. This paper contributes towards our understanding of that encounter.
Tuning into tensions at times of change
Authors: D'Annunzio‐Green Norma , Francis Helen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present case study evidence of how managers in a contract catering firm made sense of an organisational change initiative that encouraged them to become self‐sufficient and display “entrepreneurial” behaviours in an environment where they were also expected to “comply” with new operating procedures aimed at strengthening central control.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses 25 in‐depth interviews with a cross‐section of line and HR managers over an 11‐month period to uncover practical experiences of change and their attempts to constructively manage the tensions between the opposing dualities that arise from it. The paper draws on empirical research from an in‐depth case study of a leading multinational corporation in the contract catering sector.

Findings

the findings expose the pressures that managers faced in the reconciliation of the contrasting need to develop as entrepreneurs alongside an organisational strategy driven by cost minimisation and control. It provides an empirical example of the duality that exists in organisations between the quantitative need for discipline in managerial procedures at the same time as the organisation has to pay attention to the qualitative need for investment in human resources.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights to a relatively under‐researched yet significant sector of the hospitality industry – contract catering. It provides a vivid empirical account of the tensions that managers face in times of change and a practical illustration of the creative ways that managers found to deal with the contradictions arising from the change initiative.