bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring ethnicity in organizations
Authors: Kenny Etlyn J. , Briner Rob B.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how ethnicity remains relevant to the workplace experience of minority ethnic graduate employees in contemporary British organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 British Black Caribbean graduate employees drawn from a range of public and private‐sector organizations to examine the ways in which they felt their ethnicity impacted on how they experienced their places of work. Template analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The paper finds that racial discrimination, social class and ethnic identity were key elements of the way in which ethnicity was experienced by these minority ethnic graduate employees. The paper discusses the differing ways racial discrimination is experienced and conceptualized in contemporary British organizations; and highlights the ways in which social class may play a role in how a group of (largely) working class minority ethnic graduates progress their careers in (largely) middle class organizational environments. Presented for the first time is a theory on the key facets of the ways ethnic identity might be experienced at work.

Research limitations/implications

Further research would be required to see if the findings are replicated with graduates from other minority ethnic groups.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights into ways in which majority and minority ethnic employees may experience organizations differently.

Originality/value

This paper provides some new insights into the role of ethnicity at work. It also attempts to address some of the issues with organizational psychological research on ethnicity at work identified by Kenny and Briner.
Differing labour market positions of ethnic graduates in Flanders
Authors: Lenaers Steven
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Several Flemish social scientists argue for the existence of a dual Flemish labour market as a result of ethnic stratification. Flanders is the Northern, Dutch speaking region of Belgium, which inhabits around six million people. The poor educational level of ethnic minority youngsters is generally considered to be one of the main explaining factors. The purpose of this paper is to find out whether ethnic minority graduates, who have successfully completed their higher education, also face ethnic stratification in the labour market, even though the educational argument does not apply. Therefore, the paper examines differences in labour market positions of the third (Italian) and the second (Turkish and Moroccan) generation immigrants, and a matching Flemish ethnic majority control group.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is essentially of a quantitative nature. A postal survey was used to ask recently graduated ethnic minority and majority students from two schools of higher education and one university in Flanders about their career on the labour market after graduation. Universities provide education leading to master diplomas whereas schools of higher education train professional bachelors.

Findings

The waiting period between leaving school and entering the labour market is longer for ethnic majority graduates than for ethnic minority graduates. However, once on the labour market the differences in labour market position tend to disappear. Differences in first job wage, contract modalities, labour regime or the executive character of the job were small and non‐significant. Yet 61 per cent of the graduates of Turkish and Moroccan origin feel they have to try harder both in gaining access to the labour market and once in employment.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies will need to confirm these findings, perhaps even with ethnic minorities of other educational levels, in other locations.

Practical implications

The results suggest that closer attention should be paid to the psychological dimension of the school‐to‐work transition of ethnic minority graduates as their psychological contract is under pressure. As they feel their efforts are not sufficiently rewarded – since they feel they have to try harder than others and are rewarded the same – chances are they will reduce their efforts.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the under‐researched area of ethnic stratification among higher educated graduates. Moreover, it is not limited to factual labour market positions. The inclusion of subjective variables such as opportunity perception and self‐confidence allows additional insight in existing differences and similarities.
Celebrating our diversity: creating an inclusive climate in a US university
Authors: Gavino Monica C. , Eber John E. , Bell David
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight and reflections on the experience of initiating a diversity effort from the perspective of members of a university change team. The process, challenges, and recommendations for institutions that may embark on a formal initiative towards becoming a more inclusive and equitable community are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The multicultural organizational development (MCOD) model is operationalized at this university. MCOD is a long‐term, complex, organizational change process that aims at reducing oppression that exists in institutions through a fundamental transformation of the culture.

Findings

Based on the findings of the assessment, the results indicate that the university climate is trending in a positive direction. However, a gap exists between where the university aspires to be, as a multicultural campus, and the stage it is currently in with respect to four social identity areas: race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation.

Practical implications

Recommendations for helping with a successful implementation of an organizational change initiative and assisting institutions to navigate through the process more effectively are provided.

Social implications

This paper provides an approachable, data‐driven, evidence‐based process for colleges and universities to consider to implement and measure their diversity efforts.

Originality/value

This paper draws from the unique experience of members of a change team and the utilization of the MCOD model in a faith‐based university setting, and highlights the process and the challenges that many institutions still face while implementing a diversity change effort.
Occupant acceptance as a screening parameter for indoor environmental assessments
Authors: Hui P.S. , Wong L.T. , Mui K.W.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate the usefulness of occupant acceptance as a preliminary screen measure for offices' indoor air quality (IAQ). An effective alert indication of IAQ problems of a concerned indoor environment would help to promote good IAQ.

Design/methodology/approach

The study evaluates the hypothesis that the occupant dissatisfaction with the overall indoor environment provides an indication of IAQ problems. Hence, occupant dissatisfaction would be used as a screening parameter to identify problematic IAQ regarding some IAQ criteria in subsequent IAQ assessments. The hypothesis was tested with a database of regional cross‐sectional measurement in 490 offices within Hong Kong.

Findings

The occupants' dissatisfaction with the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) was correlated with the IAQ assessment results of nine IAQ assessment parameters regarding some IAQ criteria for air‐conditioned offices. At certain screening levels of predicted IEQ dissatisfaction, the performance of the proposed screening tool, indicating unsatisfactory office IAQ, was evaluated in terms of the test sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and Yule's Q statistics. The results showed that occupants' response to the indoor environment produced indications of unsatisfactory IAQ regarding the requirement of an “Excellent” office.

Research limitations/implications

The subjective feelings of occupants are capable of identifying marked indoor environmental problems, but cannot identify the “marginal” IAQ problem cases.

Practical implications

The study shows the usefulness of using occupant acceptance to identify the unrecognized IAQ problems for air‐conditioned office environment. Using the identification model developed in the study, all the suspected cases were associated with a high chance of IAQ dissatisfaction and subsequent IAQ assessments were thus recommended.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new identification method to identify the unrecognized IAQ problems which may indicate unsatisfactory IAQ. Also, the occupants' responses on the indoor environment are quantified.
The facilities management market in Denmark
Authors: Anker Jensen Per
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of market surveys in Denmark, which have been based on and used to test a proposal for a new European standard for a taxonomy of Facilities Management (FM).

Design/methodology/approach

The market research included surveys of both the client side and the provider side and was carried out by a management consultant company by telephone interviews based on definitions developed from drafts for the European FM taxonomy standard by a university researcher, who is a member of the standardisation work group.

Findings

The proposed taxonomy for FM is in general a good basis for researching the market but in particular the definition of space including acquisition as well as development, administration, operation, maintenance and utilities in the same main product is problematic.

Research limitations/implications

The market research is limited to the Danish market, but the results of the test of the proposed European standard for an FM taxonomy has implications for the whole of Europe.

Practical implications

The results of the test of the proposed European standard for an FM taxonomy should lead to adjustments in the way space is treated in the taxonomy before it becomes accepted as a new European standard.

Originality/value

This is the first time that the proposed taxonomy standard for FM has been tested in empirical research.
Retail experience stores: experiencing the brand at first hand
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Clarke‐Hill Colin , Hillier David
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence and development of experience stores and to consider their potential role in fostering consumer brand relationships and their impact on the retail landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by outlining the characteristics of experience stores before moving on to discuss the ways in which a number of electronics and mobile phone retailers have developed experience store formats.

Findings

While recognizing that experience stores are a small but potentially significant addition to the retail marketplace, the paper discusses four principal issues. The need for continuing innovation to maintain competitive advantage; the changing relationship between manufacturer and retailer brands; the challenges involved in maintaining consistency in the brand experience; and the possible extension of the concept of experience stores to other sectors of the retail marketplace.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible review of the emergence of experience stores and their role in developing relationships between brands and consumers and as such it will be of interest to academics and students who are interested in retailing and in brands.
The potential benefits of advanced planning and scheduling systems in sales and operations planning
Authors: Kjellsdotter Ivert Linea , Jonsson Patrik
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what potential benefits may be achieved by using advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems in the sales and operations planning (S&OP) process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates benefits at the S&OP process level by interviewing APS experts and APS users. Several methods have been used; literature review, Delphi study, and a case study at a company in the chemical industry which uses APS system support in the S&OP process.

Findings

Three types of potential benefits were found to be achieved when using APS systems in the S&OP process; benefits concerning decision support, planning efficiency and learning effects. The most common type was decision support benefits according to APS users and APS experts. The results from the case company showed that the benefits perceived in the different S&OP activities differed. In the activities concerning the preparation and generation of delivery plans, the perceived benefits mainly concerned learning effects. In the activities concerning the generation of a production plan, the benefits were foremost found in planning efficiency. In the S&OP meeting decision support benefits were highest valued. The reason for the different results can be explained by the aim of the activity, how APS was used in the activity, the user characteristics and the design of the model and access and quality of planning data.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this paper is on potential benefits of APS systems in the S&OP process only, not the costs. It has established a typology of potential benefits. No validation in form of statistical analysis has been done. The empirical analysis is mainly based on findings from a single case study.

Practical implications

The findings about the types of APS potential will assist companies in understanding the benefits they can expect from its use in the S&OP process. The case study analysis gives further insight into how APS can be employed and what benefits different APS user categories can expect when it is used in an appropriate way.

Originality/value

The knowledge about which benefits that can be achieved when using APS in the S&OP process is quite unexplored. This paper fills some of these gaps.
Perceptions of RFID technology: a cross‐national study
Authors: So Park Kwang , Koh Chang E. , “Ted” Nam Kyungdoo
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an important technology for many aspects of business including supply chain management (SCM). The global implications of RFID necessitate cross‐national studies of the technology. The purpose of this paper is to conjecture that the way RFID is perceived and implemented and the extent to which RFID impacts business performance will vary from country to country. Using data collected from firms located in the USA and South Korea, the two countries' views regarding the intrinsic attributes, the perceived benefits and risks, and the strategic impact on business performance of implementing RFID are compared.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a research instrument to assess the perception of the importance of RFID, the benefits and risks of RFID, and the perceived impact of RFID on business performance. The authors used the instrument to survey executives and managers in the USA and South Korea.

Findings

The paper did not find any discernable difference between the two countries in terms of the perception of the importance of RFID, the benefits and risks of RFID, and the perceived impact of RFID on business performance. This shared perception of RFID may be viewed a sign of readiness of the technology to become a global business tool.

Research limitations/implications

The varying sampling and data collection processes between the two countries may have introduced unintended bias to the study. The paper's scope may not have addressed all of the technical, organizational, cultural, and political issues that may have influenced the outcome.

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide empirical evidence that RFID has become a comprehensive business tool to assist more seamless global SCM.

Originality/value

This unique comparative study is a useful contribution for both academicians and practitioners to gain a better understanding of how RFID technology is perceived by firms in different countries. The paper also helps companies improve their RFID strategies in the global market by recognizing different perceptions and approaches to implementing RFID.
Partner selection for interfirm collaboration in ship design
Authors: Solesvik Marina Z. , Encheva Sylvia
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a mathematical method of formal concept analysis (FCA) to facilitate evaluation of potential partners, and to select the most appropriate partner for horizontal strategic alliances. Horizontal collaboration between ship design firms is important in relation to business cyclicality in the industry. The workload in ship design firms drops during the troughs of the shipbuilding cycle and increases dramatically during the peaks of the cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method of partnership selection applies FCA, which is based on mathematical lattice theory. FCA allows firms to evaluate and select the best suitable partners for horizontal interfirm cooperation from several possible candidate firms. Utilization of FCA allows a firm to visually analyze a potential partner for a horizontal strategic alliance.

Findings

The contribution of this study to the literature is twofold. First, it contributes to the literature on the application of FCA in management field. Second, this study contributes to the partner selection literature. The contribution of the study is an alternative quantitative method for partner selection based on FCA. FCA compliments qualitative approaches in the process of alternatives evaluation and decision‐making regarding partner selection for horizontal collaboration.

Practical implications

Practitioners from ship design firms can use the FCA tool to facilitate decision‐making relating to the screening of potential partners for horizontal cooperation with regard to pre‐specified selected criteria.

Originality/value

FCA has been marginally applied to aid managerial decision making. The FCA tool is valuable for practitioners from ship design firms to manage the selection of partners for horizontal collaboration. The FCA tool is associated with numerous advantages, notably, relative simplicity and versatility of visual analysis when compared with other mathematical approaches such as the analytic hierarchy process, the analytic network process, optimization modeling, and fuzzy set logic.
Consecutive staffing solution using simulation in the contact center
Authors: Woo Kim Jun , Ho Ha Sung
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an enhanced framework for workforce management in a modern call center environment, called the consecutive staffing using simulation (CSS) approach. The paper aims to investigate the value of a time‐dependent approach to determine staffing levels without making an assumption that call centers to be a queuing model in a steady state.

Design/methodology/approach

Staffing is usually accomplished through the use of simple queuing models, Erlang‐C (M/M/c). It is common to adopt a stationary independent period by period (SIPP) approach. However, staffing based on SIPP does not consider uncompleted calls and each planning interval cannot achieve a steady state in most cases, since the lengths of planning intervals are short in fact. In this context, the CSS approach considers uncompleted calls and determines staffing levels by using simulation.

Findings

Staffing based on the CSS approach needed fewer agents, compared with staffing based on the SIPP approach. Hiring less agents during a single planning horizon lead to a decrease in total operational costs for the call center. Staffing based on SIPP became less accurate when the average service duration became longer or the arrival rate fluctuation was large, which often occurred in the morning and around lunch break.

Originality/value

The CSS approach is based on the dynamic staffing proposed by Whitt. However, CSS extends the basic idea of dynamic staffing to combine a simulation experiment with a number of repetitions and the same run length of planning intervals. In a call center with shorter planning intervals, management should adopt staffing based on CSS for accurate planning and updating of staffing levels during a single planning horizon.
Clustering analysis prioritization of automobile logistics services
Authors: Trappey Charles V. , Trappey Amy J.C. , Chang Ai‐Che , Huang Ashley Y.L.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a clustering approach to segment supply chain partners in the automobile industry and prioritize services offered by third party logistics service (3PL) providers.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 98 automobile and auto‐parts manufacturers are surveyed to identify service needs, preferences, and outsourcing commitments. By applying a two‐stage clustering approach combined with Ward's minimum‐variance method and the K‐means algorithm, the logistics companies prioritize their services to better satisfy groups of customers with specific preferences.

Findings

Four distinctive groups of manufacturers are identified using the two‐stage clustering approach. The clusters separate logistic preferences and outsourcing patterns of after market parts suppliers, original equipment service parts suppliers, original equipment manufacturer parts suppliers, and tier one car makers. The paper finds that distribution and delivery services hold the highest percentage of services outsourced among the manufacturers.

Originality/value

This paper models logistic services as customizable services and develops a data system methodology to define the profiles of automobile manufacturers and their preferred logistic services. Through the analysis of service preferences and clustering, the paper identifies the key logistic services that can be customized for members of the automobile supply chain. A case is provided which demonstrates how a logistics company can provide customized service designs for specific target markets and customers.
Internet and international food industry trade
Authors: Bojnec Štefan , Fertő Imre
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an adaptedz gravity model to measure the impact of the number of the internet users on food industry trade between developed Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries using both panel and cross‐sectional data.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of the internet users on food industry export growth and levels, and on food industry trade reorientation, and whether the internet has altered the effect of distance on food industry trade, are analyzed using adapted gravity model.

Findings

The positive, significant and over time increasing effect of the internet on food industry exports confirm that the internet reduces market‐specific entry costs for food industry exports. The significant positive effect pertained to the internet is found in the importing countries. The significant positive effects on food industry exports are found for the country's economic size and bilateral common features and proximities. The internet mitigates the countries proximities, but increased the distance between the countries.

Originality/value

The empirical contribution to the research of new connections made with the key elements of trade theory with focus on the effect of the internet on food industry trade.
Management accounting system for hospitals: a research framework
Authors: Hammad Salah A. , Jusoh Ruzita , Yen Nee Oon Elaine
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to examine the relationship between contextual factors, management accounting system (MAS) and managerial performance within the health care industry. In particular, it aims to uncover the contextual factors influencing the design of MAS that would enhance managerial performance in Egyptian hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The premise of contingency theory is utilized to identify the contextual factors that may influence the use of MAS; namely organizational strategy, technology, structure, external environment, and size. The mediating role of MAS on the impact of managerial performance is examined through the extent to which managers use the four information characteristics associated with the design of MAS: scope, timeliness, aggregated, and integrated.

Findings

This framework provides clarity in linking the perceived usefulness of MAS information characteristics to managerial performance that has been viewed as problematic by past studies.

Research limitations/implications

The Egyptian hospital industry is chosen as the ideal setting to investigate the relationship between contextual factors, MAS and managerial performance because of its complexity and continuous inept administration despite years following its reform.

Practical implications

This framework helps practitioners develop new approaches in designing MAS within the health care sector.

Originality/value

This framework adds invaluable insights to the existing literature regarding performance implications of MAS design and functionality, especially within the health care sector.
Institutional and transaction cost determinants of Turkish MNEs' location choice
Authors: Demirbag Mehmet , Tatoglu Ekrem , Glaister Keith W.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Drawing on institutional and transaction cost theories, the purpose of this paper is to examine the location choice for a sample of 522 foreign affiliates of Turkish multinational enterprises (MNEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Binary logistic regressions are conducted to test a number of hypotheses on the functional relationships between the hypothesized effect of variables and location choice of Turkish MNEs based on a secondary data drawn from official sources.

Findings

In general, the findings provide support for the majority of the study's hypotheses and tend to confirm the theoretical perspectives adopted. The level of political constraints, the level of knowledge infrastructure in the host country market, subsidiary density, industry R&D intensity and subsidiary size are found to have the expected impact on the Turkish MNE's location choice among geographic alternatives. No support is found for the impact of ownership mode of subsidiary and the group affiliation on Turkish MNEs' location choice for their subsidiaries.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on Turkish MNEs and the findings may not be generalizable to other emerging country (EC) MNEs. Also, the classification of geographic location into developed versus emerging countries may be too crude.

Practical implications

In general, the paper posits that Turkish MNEs have a motive of strategic asset seeking to enhance their global competitiveness when they enter developed countries, whereas they simply attempt to exploit their firm‐specific advantages or competencies when they access emerging countries.

Originality/value

Given the increasing number of EC MNEs entering other emerging and developed markets, this paper adds to the understanding of the determinants of location strategies of Turkish MNEs by identifying key regional characteristics that lead Turkish MNEs to select particular locations, among the several geographic alternatives.
Choosing between wholly‐owned subsidiaries and joint ventures of MNCs from an emerging market
Authors: Chiao Yu‐Ching , Lo Fang‐Yi , Yu Chow‐Ming
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that three sets of variables – derived from transaction cost theory (TCT), the resource‐based view (RBV), and institutional environment – have on choice of entry strategies of multinational corporations (MNCs) from an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 819 Taiwanese firms which were investigated using a national survey, and logistic regression analysis was used for testing the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical findings confirm that the following factors affect this decision: firm‐specific assets, international experience, whether a firm is investing abroad in pursuit of a particular customer, whether a firm seeks complementary assets abroad, and the perceived institutional differences (PEDs) between a firm's home country and the host country. The findings also suggest that PEDs have a moderating effect on foreign market entry.

Research limitations/implications

As MNCs from emerging markets make the decision of entry mode strategies, they must carefully consider not only the related variables in terms of TCT and the RBV, but also the influence of institutional factors in host countries.

Originality/value

This paper explores the modes of entry chosen by Taiwanese firms investing in China on the basis of TCT, institutional environment, and the RBV.
Inertia versus mimicry in location choices by Chinese multinationals
Authors: Yuan Lin , Pangarkar Nitin
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of foreign direct investment location – specifically whether firms enter a particular market or not. Drawing from the ecology and institutional theories, the paper identifies firms' own past (behavioral inertia) and rivals' past choices (behavioral mimicry) as key determinants of location selection. The paper identifies the differences between developing country multinationals (MNCs) and developed country MNCs and their (differences)' implications for the relative influence of mimetic versus inertial forces.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique and comprehensive database about the location choices of 204 Chinese firms between 1992 and 2005 was constructed and conditional logistic regressions were deployed to assess the direct effects of behavioral inertia/mimicry, and the moderating effect of host country environment, on the location choices of the sampled firms.

Findings

The paper finds that behavioral inertia has a stronger impact on the location decisions of Chinese MNCs than behavioral mimicry. It also finds that the host country's institutions, openness, and policy stability moderate the relationship between behavioral mimicry and inertia, on one hand, and location choice, on the other hand, possibly because of these factors' influence on the level of perceived uncertainty.

Originality/value

This is the first paper modeling the simultaneous effects of behavioral inertia and mimicry on location choice and the moderating effect of host country environment on these relationships. The strong empirical support for all the predictions lends credence to the conceptual foundations of the hypothesized relationships. The focus on developing country MNCs, which possess several distinctive characteristics, and the unique dataset, should also enhance the paper's appeal.
Internationalization of emerging market firms: the case of Turkish retailers
Authors: Eren‐Erdogmus Irem , Cobanoglu Emine , Yalcın Muge , Ghauri Pervez N.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the internationalization process (IP) of retailing firms from emerging markets and to determine a new focus and/or modifications if necessary in the established Western‐based theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows an exploratory approach utilizing qualitative multiple case studies. Data are collected through eight in‐depth interviews with senior managers of four Turkish retail firms in textile and ready‐to‐wear industry. An inductive approach is followed.

Findings

It is found that internal drivers, home and host country characteristics and matching have an impact on the IP of retail firms from emerging markets. A table is formed to compare and contrast IP in the context of developed country, emerging market, and Turkish retail firms. Also a model is proposed to understand the IP of Turkish retail firms.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model of IP for Turkish retail firms provides an initial point for building theory in this quite new area of research.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first attempts to study the IP of Turkish retail firms, but it does not intend to claim generalizability to all emerging country firms.
Scrap loss reduction using the 5‐whys analysis
Authors: Murugaiah Uthiyakumar , Jebaraj Benjamin Samuel , Srikamaladevi Marathamuthu M. , Muthaiyah Saravanan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to document an approach to reduce scrap losses using the root cause analysis technique in a lean manufacturing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses lean manufacturing root cause problem solving (RCPS) technique. The study starts with the collection phase, followed by the analysis phase and ends with the solution phase. Supporting data are presented using a Pareto chart to prioritise wastage in order to be more focused for improvement. The Toyota Production System's 5‐whys analysis is performed to analyse the cause of wastages, to formulate and implement corrective actions.

Findings

The application of the 5‐whys analysis in a manufacturing industry (XYZ Corporation) provides a fact‐based and structured approach to problem identification and correction that not only reduces, but also totally eliminates defects. Corrective action has permanently eliminated the top defect, which is the “last piece material scratch” and this results in zero scrap thereafter. In this study it was also proven that with sound understanding of manufacturing coupled with possible solutions using the 5‐whys analysis the authors were not only able to eliminate waste, but also to do it with zero‐cost.

Originality/value

The approach documented in the paper can be extended to other areas in the manufacturing industry to help improve overall equipment efficiency, breakdown, time loss, customer complaints, etc.
Clustering of European countries based on ISO 9000 certification diffusion
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Galetto Maurizio , Maisano Domenico , Mastrogiacomo Luca
Published: May 2010

Purpose

One of the stated goals behind the formation of the International Organization for Standardization was to develop standards to facilitate international trade in goods and services. This goal has caused different country‐group trends in the diffusion of ISO certification. The purpose of this paper is to create a taxonomy of ISO 9000 certification diffusion in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The diffusion of ISO certificates in Europe was analyzed using the single linkage clustering algorithm. Then the features of each cluster were highlighted.

Findings

European nations were found to belong to three macro areas which differ for patterns of ISO 9000 certification diffusion: the constant growth area, the saturation area and the decline area.

Research limitations/implications

The present study deals with European nations, focusing on ISO 9000 standards. Future research will be addressed toward the analysis of other standards in a wider geographical area in order to see if the results found for the European reality may be extended. In addition the outcomes of such analysis may be used to enhance the existing models for the diffusion of ISO 9000 certification.

Practical implications

The analysis of the evolution of the certification market may arouse the interest of both companies and certification bodies that, from this study, may gain an insight into the future possible demand of certification. Furthermore, this study can be interesting from a legislature point of view, providing an answer to a more general question: “What is the general life cycle of standards or regulations?”

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper is the clustering approach that allows the grouping of different nations according to similar diffusion dynamics.
Reliability assessment for one‐shot product with Weibull lifetime components
Authors: Pan Chung‐Chu , Chu Liou
Published: May 2010

Purpose

In daily life, many products, such as light bulbs, fuses, dry batteries, fireworks, semiconductors, are non‐repairable. The non‐repairable products are usually referred to as one‐shot products, or as failed products that are not worth repairing. A one‐shot product is usually required to perform a function once only since its use is normally accompanied by an irreversible reaction or process, e.g. chemical reaction or physical destruction. However, most one‐shot products being stored or deployed are usually not under continuous surveillance. The failed products can only be found by inspection or at the beginning of operation. Therefore, this paper seeks to assess the reliability of one‐shot products.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considers a series system consisting of m components with lifetime following Weibull distribution, and applies a competing failure model to investigate the proposed series system for one‐shot products. The maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of parameters of the Weibull distribution based on the quantal‐response data in the proposed series system are derived. The model is illustrated with a two‐component series system, and the statistical properties of the MLEs are investigated by Monte Carlo simulation under the two‐stage inspection scheme and the three‐stage inspection scheme.

Findings

Simulation results reveal not only that the MLEs of Weibull parameters gradually approximate the true values of Weibull parameters under rising sample sizes, but also that the precision and accuracy of the MLEs of parameters increase with an increasing sample size. Furthermore, the standard deviations of MLEs of Weibull parameters for the two‐stage inspection scheme are smaller than those for the three‐stage inspection scheme.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the reliability assessment of one‐shot products, e.g. firework, ammunition, airbag, injector, dry battery, with Weibull components lifetime distribution.
Arts‐based learning at work: economic downturns, innovation upturns, and the eminent practicality of arts in business
Authors: Nissley Nick
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This article offers an up‐to‐date overview of the emergent practice of arts‐based learning in business. First, arts‐based learning is situated within the broader arts in business context as well as our present reality of the economic downturn. Then, the article shares why arts‐based learning has emerged as a new pedagogy in management education. Next, a working definition of arts‐based learning is shared as well as an exploration of how others are conceiving it. Lastly, the article turns attention to the question, what are the strengths and limitations of arts‐based learning, and suggests a couple leading‐edge management education programs that are framed by arts‐based learning approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the author's expertise in arts‐based learning and his role as executive of one of the world's premier institution's of arts‐based learning in management education/leadership development, the author exchanges ideas with a number of prominent business leaders, artists and respected management educators from around the globe, whose comments about arts‐based learning in business color the ideas presented in the article – adding texture and a richer perspective.

Findings

This article directly addresses what has changed since the 2005 special edition of theJournal of Business Strategy. Of course – the economic downturn. And, now, more than ever, this article asserts, that leaders are looking to arts‐inspired creativity, as a means to realize the upside of the downturn. The article asserts an integral role for the arts to play in an organization's efforts to create a culture of innovation – which is central to business strategy in the economic downturn. More specifically, the article documents how new ways of working together in business (resultant from the continued emergence and growth of the knowledge economy) will require new ways of learning how to work together. This article suggests that arts‐based learning may offer such a new way of learning how to work together.

Originality/value

This article affords the reader insights to how arts‐based learning may enable your strategic actions and the innovation upturn that you're being asked to deliver.
If InterContinental were a sound … what would it be?
Authors: Spencer Michael
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Corporate communications and music seem unlikely bedfellows. Increasingly, businesses are turning to non‐traditional methods to create competitive advantage. This case study demonstrates how such alliances can reveal new opportunities for creating sustainable differentiation in the marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the strategy and processes behind a specific positioning initiative undertaken by one of the global leaders in the hospitality industry. It charts its genesis, and the evolution from a simple concept into a major international initiative.

Findings

Although interventions may start from a simple conceptual basis, in this instance the more effective use of music in hotels, this study shows how the development of a systematic, arts‐based training initiative, making direct connection with the business imperatives of a client, can prompt more exacting inquiry into established industry practice and act as a catalyst for organisational change. It demonstrates the importance of developing a shared understanding between the protagonists of the culture within which the process takes place, and how necessary it is to establish a mutually acknowledged “lingua franca” for the purposes of conceptual exchange. In this way, additional and unexpected benefits can emerge.

Originality/value

Music is acknowledged universally as having profound personal impact, but that this is generally a highly subjective experience. As this paper shows, in the light of new research into the wider context of music in society, it also presents opportunities as a catalyst for the pursuit of deeper levels of learning with value to be accrued at both corporate and personal level.
Pointing your way to success through metaphorming
Authors: Siler Todd
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Our innovation work involves unlocking the potential of individuals, teams, groups and organizations by tapping peoples' creativity and critical thinking powers through a process called Metaphorming. This paper describes how Metaphorming works to continually inspire innovative thinking. Facilitators guide participants in making and exploring symbolic models that show and describe their ideas, plans, and goals, while pointing out possibilities for achieving them.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on our work with businesses as diverse as building supplies, computers, consumer packaging goods, energy, environmental studies, finance, government, healthcare, insurance, lawyers & law enforcement, telecommunications, and technology‐oriented venture capital organizations, we've found that every business can benefit from all‐purpose creativity and communication tools. They help improve human communication by fostering understanding. The tools our company provides include facilitated, hands‐on workshops that incorporate arts‐based and science‐based innovation techniques to help organizations realize their goals as they “learn by doing.”

Findings

This article relates some of the tangible results our clients gained from using our tools and methods to catalyze innovations, generate new products, and develop new business solutions.

Originality/value

Metaphorming offers the next generation of brainstorming tools for all aspects of business development. It enables everyone to freely create and communicate ideas, utilizing the versatile, dynamic, symbolic models they make; essentially, they “show‐n‐tell‐n‐share” their stories in effective, memorable and productive ways.
What does beauty have to do with business?
Authors: Merritt Suzanne
Published: May 2010

Purpose

To examine how an interest in art can be harnessed to accelerate one's success as a leader of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The introduction of eight patterns of beauty as a framework for observation and insight were found have the potential to change the way people see the world, leading to new possibilities and new business opportunities. Anecdotal evidence is drawn from case studies for consumer products organizations, such as Polaroid, public relations firms, and technology companies, participating in arts‐based training and engaging in innovation initiatives. Follow up interviews conducted by the writer confirmed new vantage points and connections acquired, as a result of the training, fostered continuous improvement in creative leadership practices.

Findings

After five to ten years leaders continue to use methods learned in the art‐based training to generate imaginative business ideas.

Originality/value

The writer's experiential learning indicates potential and lasting impact of arts‐based training. This calls for diligent consideration of beauty as part one's professional development as a future leader of innovation in business.
Trade union strategy in Sydney's construction union: a Roman Catholic perspective
Authors: Kwai‐Sim Leung Jenny , James Kieran , Mustata Razvan V. , Giorgiana Bonaci Carmen
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document key elements of union strategy at Sydney (Lidcombe) branch of Australia's Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in an attempt to document and critique its branch level strategy in the year immediately after the removal of the Howard‐Costello Government.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is used in analysing data obtained from internal CFMEU documents and correspondence; interviews with the New South Wales State Secretary of the CFMEU Andrew Ferguson, union organisers, one former organiser who worked for a number of years at Western Sydney but is now with a white‐collar union in the education sector, and construction workers; CFMEU official publications; news media stories and a series of building site visits. The authors use a theory framework of Roman Catholic social teaching to frame the discussions and analyze the case study findings.

Findings

In focus groups with construction workers, the authors find one challenging external constraint for the CFMEU: reaching out to and meeting effectively the needs of younger workers especially those from families hostile to unionism. However, younger workers seem to hold a mix of individualistic and collectivist philosophies. The final case shows the CFMEU organiser Tulloch to be adaptable and flexible in the heat of industrial disputation. Finally, the fact that building workers brought the asbestos issue to CFMEU's attention in the final case study shows union willingness to pursue issues not initiated by the union.

Originality/value

The paper documents the fact that the CFMEU has the ability and potential to rebuild its influence on building sites in Sydney and win further favourable outcomes for exploited and vulnerable workers within its sphere of influence. Through the theoretical framework, the authors point that as it does so it will assist in bringing to fruition the Roman Catholic social teaching that presents strong trade unions as a valid form of collective voice for workers and a way for collective and individual labour to retain in practice the dignity that God has already clothed them with.