bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overall railway infrastructure effectiveness (ORIE)
Authors: Åhrén Thomas , Parida Aditya
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to analyzing the factors influencing the performance of railway infrastructure, to propose an approach to measuring the overall railway infrastructure effectiveness (ORIE), and to test these approaches in a case study to verify their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted here was to develop a concept for measurement of the overall effectiveness of a railway infrastructure similar to that for measurement of the OEE. The concept thus developed was applied on Swedish railway track sections for collecting data and for their ORIE validation, as a case study.

Findings

The findings of the ORIE case study show that the model can be used for other sections of the Swedish railways. It can also be applied to other railways with some modifications.

Practical implications

ORIE can measure the extent to which the railway infrastructure system manages to deliver its agreed performance to the traffic operators. Infrastructure managers can also use the ORIE as a key performance indicator, which can provide important input for effective decision making.

Originality/value

The paper presents a structured way of developing a conceptual ORIE model applied to the railway‐sector. This model can be used by other railways with suitable modifications.
Justification of world‐class maintenance systems using analytic hierarchy constant sum method
Authors: Kodali Rambabu , Prasad Mishra Rajesh , Anand G.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

In recent times, many organizations implementing total productive maintenance (TPM) have been failing in their attempts. Researchers attribute these failures to the shortcomings of TPM and of the implementing organizations. This paper aims to conduct a detailed study in order to understand these shortcomings and seeks to propose various solutions in the form of “best practices”, which leads to the development of world‐class maintenance systems (WMS). However, development of such alterative maintenance systems raises the following question: if an organization is planning to implement and improve their existing maintenance system then how can the manager make a decision between choosing alternative systems such as traditional maintenance systems, TPM and WMS? In the case of TPM or WMS, top management should be involved from the beginning to implement and follow up, as these decisions are complex and involve huge investment in the long term. Before starting implementation, top management should be convinced of the necessary justification, which requires analysis of various qualitative and quantitative factors apart from analyzing various tangible and intangible benefits. In such a situation, the conventional, financial justification techniques alone cannot be used.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper attempts to demonstrate the use of a multi‐attribute decision‐making (MADM) model, namely, the analytic hierarchy constant sum method (AHCSM) for justification of WMS by analyzing the performance measures of an organization.

Findings

The model showed that WMS is the best among the alternatives considered for the given circumstances. From the extensive analysis of the results from the model, implementing WMS would result in overall improvement in the performance of an organization.

Practical implications

The paper attempts to provide an understanding about the TPM shortcomings, WMS and its characteristics, apart from describing the proposed framework in detail. In addition to this, the AHCSM model has been developed for the justification of WMS and the algorithm for the same has been described in a step‐by‐step manner. It is believed that this MADM model will be useful for managers to supplement their strategic decisions.

Originality/value

According to the authors' knowledge, there has been so far no paper in the literature which has demonstrated the application of AHCSM in the field of maintenance management.
When hot and noisy is good
Authors: Warden Clyde A. , Chen Judy F.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend research on metaphors of consumption to a Chinese cultural setting, specifically examining consumer thoughts related the Chinese concept of renao (hot and noisy).

Design/methodology/approach

The Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) was used – a photo elicitation approach and semi‐structured interviews that surfaced metaphors. Field observation and participative techniques were combined with the 14 interviews, in Taiwan, through a grounded theory approach that classified results in categories using the software XSight.

Findings

Five main categories of related concepts consistently arose: food, inexpensive, crowd, marketing communication and servicescape. Respondents closely tied renao with consumption behavior. All five categories resulted in rich descriptions that these consumers, and possibly a wider group, associate with successful retail locations.

Research limitations/implications

This in‐depth approach was limited to 14 respondents and two researchers living in Taiwan. Thus, both the sample and the sample frame are restricted. Although the concept of renao is common in all Chinese cultural settings, its exact interpretation differs in different locations, sub‐cultures and marketing segments.

Originality/value

Consumers expressing their values though consumption is a marketing topic both studied and used in the West. The convergence of consumers' perception of self and consumption is no less important, but certainly different, for consumers in a Chinese cultural setting. Local values heavily influence Chinese consumption in Taiwan, such as the central concept of renao. These local values are rarely discussed in Western literature. Retailers can benefit by incorporating at least some of these metaphors, while marketing researchers can gain an expanded definition of consumer self‐image and values.
The correlates of cognitive ageing and adoption of defensive‐ageing strategies among older adults
Authors: Sim Ong Fon , Lu Yap‐Ying , Abessi Masoud , Phillips David R.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between cognitive age and the adoption of defensive ageing consumption activities and its effect on life satisfaction in an Asian context. The relationship between the antecedent variables of chronological age, biological age and transitional life events and cognitive age is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method. The study was conducted in Malaysia, an Asian country that is characterized as collectivistic. Data collection method used is convenience sampling method, using a sample of adults aged 40 years or older based on previous research. Measures used include cognitive age developed by Barak and Schiffman and validated by Wilkes. Life stage transitional events include a list of ten major life events that respondents experienced in the past 12 months. Biological changes are summated index of the number of biological changes (e.g. lengthy hospitalization or rehabilitation, hearing impairment) adopted from Mathur and Moschis. Defensive ageing consumption activities include skin care products, health supplements, beauty treatment and exercising, that are commonly adopted to fight ageing.

Findings

The paper finds that in the context of an Asian country, consumers view themselves to be several younger than their chronological age, consistent with past research. Biological changes, transitional life events and chronological age had a significant positive relationship with cognitive age, consistent with the findings of past research. To the extent that cognitive age was found to be positively related to transitional life events, regression analysis showed that life event was not a predictor of cognitive age, further contributing to the inconclusive evidence regarding the effect of life events on cognitive age. Research results supported the negative relationship between cognitive age and anti‐ageing consumption behaviour.

Practical implications

Study of this nature will help to shape marketers' approach to attract older consumers. Marketers should shift their focus away from regarding older consumers as old since older consumers tend to view themselves as younger than their chronological age. An understanding of how consumers perceive themselves in terms of their cognitive age is useful for segmentation. Knowing how older adults view “age” is useful for communication strategies.

Originality/value

This paper examines the effect of cognitive age on defensive ageing consumption activities in an Asian country, a collectivist society. The defensive consumption strategies included in this study were a range of products were commonly known but not tested. It extends the research by looking at the effect of defensive ageing consumption activities on life satisfaction.
Enhancing value for money in public private partnership projects
Authors: Cheung Esther , Chan Albert P.C. , Kajewski Stephen
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the measures that enhance value for money (VFM) in public private partnership (PPP) projects from the findings achieved in a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire survey was conducted in Hong Kong (also known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) and Australia, and is compared to the results conducted by other researchers in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents to the questionnaire were asked to rate 18 VFM measures in PPP projects.

Findings

The results found that the top five VFM measures ranked by the respondents from Hong Kong included: efficient risk allocation (allocating the risk to the party best able to manage it); output‐based specification; competitive tender; private management skill; and private sector technical innovation. The first and second of these VFM measures were also found to be ranked high by the respondents from Australia and the UK, indicating that these were true for these jurisdictions.

Practical implications

When the risks are handled well, less pitfalls are experienced and as a result VFM is more achievable. Hence, an efficient risk allocation is vital in determining whether VFM can be achieved in PPP projects. A clear output‐based specification can enable a more obvious project design and concept hence minimizing the possibility of delivering the wrong product for the user. Therefore, this measure is also important in determining whether VFM has been achieved for a PPP venture. Despite the interest in PPP, there is need for more systematic and in‐depth research to examine the measures that enhance VFM in PPP projects in Hong Kong.

Originality/value

In addition, this project also forms a comparative study for the use of PPP in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK.
Determinants of contractors' capital investment finance strategy in Ghana
Authors: Owusu  , Badu E.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of a survey conducted in Ghana and advances knowledge on determinants of contractors' capital investment financing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical investigation was conducted using survey questionnaire. The dataset was obtained from 54 large construction firms operating in Ghana. The consideration of overlapping aspects of the study largely motivated the use of factor analysis to analyse the data which made it possible to make scientific deductions, descriptions and built explanations from the results.

Findings

The study provides fresh contribution to knowledge and fills the empirical research gap by deriving six new brands of uncorrelated variables that better explain contractors' investment financing decisions. These variables were manifested in the financial condition, macro‐economic indicators, bankruptcy cost, financial risk, transaction cost and financial policy. The paper recommends future research to explore the relationship between these explanatory variables and dependent variables, thus, equity and debt using regression models.

Originality/value

The original contribution and value of the paper is the orientation of the paper between conceptual and empirical traditions and the contextual provision of realities contained in the financial underpinnings examined and presentation of operations directions about the ways construction executives can create action plans to improve their financial decisions through a deeper understanding and application of the financial variables.
Criteria influencing debt financing of Indian PPP road projects: a case study
Authors: Boeing Singh Laishram , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Public private partnerships (PPP) projects are characterised by highly leveraged capital structure. Lenders who provide the major portion of financing in the form of debt are more concerned with the downside risks and the measures to mitigate the risks. Lenders, thus, look into the risk factors and mitigating measures that could influence the projects debt servicing capability while making the credit decisions. The purpose of this paper is to identify the various aspects of PPP road projects that lenders look into while making the decisions to extend project finance loans to PPP road projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study research with four Indian lending institutions provides primary evidences from the interviews on the aspects considered during credit decision making. The primary evidences are collaborated with secondary evidences such as loan proposal and information memoranda of the PPP road projects undertaken by the case study organisations.

Findings

The study identifies the various aspects of PPP road projects, categorised into six major dimensions. The aspects and dimensions provide a theoretical framework to measure the risk profile of PPP road projects from debt‐financing perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Additional cases can be undertaken to validate the findings and increase the usefulness of the framework to practitioners and enhance their general application.

Practical implications

The framework can be useful while making debt financing decisions in assessing how desirable the project is from a debt‐financing perspective.

Originality/value

The work is novel providing insights into debt financing of PPP road projects in India and will be of interest to sponsors while structuring the financial package.
A strategic view of ICT supported cost management for green buildings in the quantity surveying practice
Authors: Matipa Wilfred M. , Kelliher Denis , Keane Marcus
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the availability and use of software systems in the Irish construction professional cost consultancy process. Also to gather the views from practising quantity surveying professionals as to how available systems could assist total cost management of green buildings throughout their lifespan.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was given to a number of senior quantity surveyors throughout Ireland to ascertain the extent to which IT systems were being used as part of a total life cycle cost analysis and control procedure. Particular focus of questions related to the extent to which use of IT systems encouraged information sharing. Statistical analyses of results of same are given.

Findings

Quantity surveying practice must adapt and integrate cost management systems within the life cycle cost plan of a building. Use of well‐designed IT systems should complement the existing knowledge base of traditional cost models.

Originality/value

The extent to which life cycle costs become an accepted and integral part of the total cost management package may be determined more by government legislation than client desire for the cost management system. Nevertheless, the quantity surveying profession with its well‐established cost control and planning techniques should consider the use of well‐designed IT systems as part of the future development of the profession.
Events and professional learning: studying educational practitioners
Authors: Fox A. , McCormick R.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

By trailing data collection and analytical methods this study aims to address the dearth of research into the use of attending off‐site events for professional learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Three events, for academics and school leaders, were studied. A range of methods was trailed during 2006‐2007, with the aim of collecting real‐time data. These included shadowing individual delegates, interviews of other delegates, still and moving imagery and a survey questionnaire.

Findings

Collecting evidence of professional activities in real‐time requires sensitivity to minimise its impact on the activities. It is ideal if everyone at such events can be informed fully in advance of data collection. Any assistance, including participating in the research, in reflecting on the benefits of attending an event was appreciated. The most important benefit of attending events was in networking rather than the formal purpose of the event itself. It was found that such interactions are likely to affect the delegates' sense of identity. Individuals also reported that their strategies for using knowledge from events are incompletely developed.

Practical implications

The study raises issues of how best to support learning at events and the use of knowledge and understanding back in the workplace. Raising awareness of the importance of networking at an event to participants could influence how both organisers plan for, and delegates use, such events.

Originality/value

The study is exploratory both in methodological and in conceptual development and highlights key issues and possible avenues for conceptualising the learning from events. Few studies have been carried out on such events.
Interactive research and joint learning for practical contributions
Authors: Holmquist Mats
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether universities can find ways to make more practical contributions through collaboration, collective reflection and joint learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of action research and cooperation in three different development networks in Sweden. Data are analyzed by theories on science in society, organizational learning, dialogue and reflection.

Findings

Results show that the participants in the networks reduced their insecurity and increased their competence to handle change. The dialogue, exchange of experiences and systematic reflections gave ideas, knowledge and contacts that supported them in their work life and inspired them to take development action.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers can contribute to the development process by acting as facilitators and using interactive methods for joint learning. Coming from different cultures and aiming to collaborate under equal and democratic conditions, all involved actors must have an attitude that is humble and free of an assumed prestige.

Practical implications

External development networks with university participation can be a useful tool for internal development.

Originality/value

Interactive research is a possible way for universities to make practical contributions at work. All academics who work with applied research should consider this approach.
Managing skills and knowledge using online tools
Authors: Waller Dave , Holland Tom
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore a structured approach to measuring skills and knowledge, and to outline how such an approach can be beneficial for improving performance and supporting strategy. It also seeks to examine how online tools can help with this process and to look at implications for the wider UK and European skills development environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the practical experience of a learning technology company working with a range of organisations across the private and public sectors.

Findings

The paper concludes that, by developing online tools to guide organisations through the process of mapping and measuring skills and targeting skills gaps, organisations will be able to better support their strategic aims.

Practical implications

The paper is grounded in practical experience, and the methodology that it outlines can be used to target training for better value and better results in organisations of all kinds.

Originality/value

The paper will be of benefit to people looking for practical applications of tools for managing knowledge and skills.
Knowledge and information sharing in a closed information environment
Authors: Hong Telvin Goh Choo , Hooper Val
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The objectives of this research are to ascertain the current status of, and barriers to, knowledge and information sharing; to elicit suggestions for improvement; and to determine whether the situation is different from that experienced by organizations operating in an average business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted was a survey conducted within the New Zealand Defence Force, for the purpose of obtaining a deeper understanding.

Findings

It was found that much similarity existed between the two types of organizations except that the organization operating in a closed information environment presented as an extreme example of an average organization. In particular, the requirement to maintain high security yet encourage the free flow of knowledge and information presents a considerable challenge.

Originality/value

The paper presents some insights into an area about which very little is known and which is, by its nature, difficult to research. It shows how closed information environment organizations could provide insights and examples for those operating in the average business environment. When consequences are more critical, practice will become more finely honed.
Knowledge elicitation in reliability management in the airline industry
Authors: Kwong Erin , Lee W.B.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the appropriate method, demonstrating with a prototype model, of how knowledge in reliability management can be elicited from individuals as well as a team.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to elicit the tacit knowledge of the reliability engineers through narratives and cognitive mapping. With a sufficient number of cognitive maps, patterns are revealed and an aggregate cognitive map for all participating members is produced, which helps to summarize various approaches and procedures that can be taken in handling different reliability management issues.

Findings

The work provides a real‐life example to support the stages of learning from the individual, the group to the organizational level as described in the theoretical Learning Framework.

Research limitations/implications

Many knowledge management programs failed for various reasons. One common pitfall is that they are either too ambitious or too vague in the scope, methodology of their deliverables. To be successful, the project objectives should be linked to the business needs that lead to solving their business problems.

Practical implications

A prototype is developed in the organization of expertise knowledge in a bottom‐up manner in the building of a corporate memory from individuals to team level in the reliability management in an airline company.

Originality/value

This is the first study in the airline industry to capture the know‐how and experience of its reliability engineers in the form of congregate cognitive maps so as to facilitate team learning and the building of organizational memory. It is the first in the airline industry to adopt this methodology for developing its own procedure manuals. The model was implemented successfully in the Engineering Division of an airline business in order to handle their reliability management issues.
Chinese cultural influences on knowledge management practice
Authors: Tong Jin , Mitra Amit
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore national cultural influences on knowledge management (KM) practices within Chinese manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study in four steps was conducted within a Chinese mobile phone company (referred to as Lotus). Data collection was based on observations and in‐depth interviews.

Findings

It was discovered that employees in Chinese manufacturing enterprises like to keep their knowledge implicit and are willing to share it informally. A series of factors derived from Chinese culture such as hierarchy consciousness, fear of losing face, a sense of modesty, competitiveness and a preference for face‐to‐face communication, can act as barriers to KM initiatives within Chinese manufacturing organisations. Trust in intra‐personal relationships among employees can partly mitigate the impact of the above cultural characteristics. However, at a macro organisational level there is still need to share tacit knowledge using explicit/formal KM approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Though knowledge mapping is recommended as a feasible means to promote formal knowledge sharing within Chinese organisations, evidence showing the efficacy of such a method are only grounded in related literature here. Therefore, practical experimental evidence should be collected in future research.

Practical implications

KM strategies proposed for an organisation based in China should take revealed cultural influences into account.

Originality/value

Few studies have explicitly concentrated on KM within Chinese organisations. The present study provides useful information for academics interested in cultural issues in KM and impartial advice for knowledge managers within Chinese enterprises.
Knowledge‐based anti‐money laundering: a software agent bank application
Authors: Gao Shijia , Xu Dongming , Wang Huaiqing , Green Peter
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Criminal elements in today's technology‐driven society are using every means available at their disposal to launder the proceeds from their illegal activities. While many anti‐money laundering (AML) solutions have been in place for some time within the financial community, they face the challenge to adapt to the ever‐changing risk and methods in relation to money laundering (ML). This research seeks to focus on ML control and prevention, which aim to automate the monitoring and diagnosing of ML schemes in order to report suspicious activities to banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted the technology of intelligent agents to provide a more adaptive, flexible, and knowledge‐based solution for AML.

Findings

Based on the analysis of monitoring, diagnosing, and reporting of ML activities occurring in electronic transactions, several types of intelligent agents are proposed and a multi‐agent framework is presented for AML. Furthermore, business knowledge such as business rules and strategies are extracted from AML practice, and applied to the design of individual agents to make them act autonomously and collaboratively to fulfil the goal of ML detection.

Practical implications

The proposed multi‐agent framework is a stand‐alone system, which can be integrated by banks to combat ML. Although it is a uni‐bank framework at present, it can be extended to multi‐bank application in the future.

Originality/value

The research explores the approach of applying an intelligent agent for knowledge‐based AML in an electronic transaction environment for banks. By separating business logic from the business model, such a business‐rules approach can enhance the flexibility and adaptability of the agent‐based AML system.
Knowledge management and knowledge creation in academia: a study based on surveys in a Japanese research university
Authors: Tian Jing , Nakamori Yoshiteru , Wierzbicki Andrzej P.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This study aims to pose one major research question, i.e. why and how to use knowledge management methods in order to enhance knowledge creation in academia – at universities and research institutes?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines KM in academia as any systematic activity related to support and enhancement of the creation of scientific knowledge and achievement of research goals, including both social process and relevant computer technology tools. Two surveys and case studies were carried out to achieve the research purpose at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST). The first survey focused on knowledge management in academia and investigated the current KM situations, special and diverse requirements from researchers. The second survey concentrated on supporting the creative processes of academic research and investigated which aspects of knowledge creation processes should be supported in particular. Based on survey findings, the practical solutions are further presented aimed to improve the creative environment for scientific knowledge creation.

Findings

The findings from the first survey showed that the KM obstacles reflected on various aspects: technological support, the people involved in creation activities, laboratory cultural, and so on. The seven most critical questions and three most important questions were evaluated by responders with respect to academic knowledge creation process in the second survey.

Research limitations/implications

The study advances the belief that knowledge management (KM) is applicable not only in industrial and market organizations, but also in academia.

Practical implications

With respect to the survey results, it is suggested that a creative environment in academia should be enhanced from both “soft” and “hard” aspects under the guidelines of a systems thinking framework for KM in scientific labs. From the soft side, by using personalization strategies, a knowledge‐sharing culture has to be built in labs to facilitate scientific communication, debate and team work. From the hard side, by using technology strategies, a practical example is presented in JAIST concerning the implementation of the hard aspect of creative environment. It is hoped that the research can launch further debate and prompt practical steps to help research institutes or universities improve their management and increase the research efficiency.

Originality/value

An essential point is that the study is based on the feedback from knowledge creators in a typical knowledge creation organization, which makes the analyses and conclusions more comprehensive and persuasive from both the theoretical and practical points of view. The research not only explores some hidden or tacit problems existing in academic knowledge management and scientific knowledge creation, but also proposes solutions for scientific knowledge creation that were found to be valuable by university management.
Using a KM framework to evaluate an ERP system implementation
Authors: Chan Eric W.L. , Walker Derek H.T. , Mills Anthony
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Competitive advantage can be gained in several ways including gaining a knowledge advantage (K‐Adv). This paper sets out to report on the first stage of broad study to assess the effectiveness of implementing an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) from a knowledge management (KM) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey of a small but representative group to gain feedback in their experience of using the ERP system. Results are evaluated using a KM framework, the knowledge advantage (K‐Adv) capability maturity model (CMM) tool that was initially developed for use by construction organisations to assess the impact of leadership and its supporting ICT infrastructure on the ability of people (by effectively creating, sharing, disseminating and using knowledge) operating in a highly dynamic business environment.

Findings

The K‐Adv framework analysis for the study indicates that the ERP system was seen as a useful tool for cost management and that its deployment effectiveness is mainly dependent on human‐to‐human knowledge transfer about how to make the ERP system work. Also, how leaders in organisations facilitate and support people is a critical enabler of the ERP system deployment. The K‐Adv CMM tool was useful in making sense of the degree of organisational maturity from a KM perspective.

Practical implications

The findings first highlight the usefulness of focusing on people‐support in using the ERP adoption in this organisation's context and, second, they illustrate how a CMM tool like the K‐Adv can be used to evaluate KM practices.

Originality/value

The likely effectiveness of use of an ERP is well‐known. However, the originality of the paper is twofold. First, it explains effective ERP application drivers and inhibitors from a KM perspective. Second, it tests and adapts a tool that helps evaluate KM effectiveness and assists better understanding of how these practices are enacted from a cost management business unit perspective.
The processes of knowledge management in professional services firms in the construction industry: a critical assessment of both theory and practice
Authors: Fong Patrick S.W. , Choi Sonia K.Y.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Quantity surveying firms are characterized by their professional identity and knowledge‐driven nature; knowledge is crucial to their success in the competitive and dynamic business environment. As knowledge management is still in its infancy in the construction industry and structured knowledge management processes have not yet been adequately deployed in the surveying discipline, this research seeks to focus on the implicit knowledge management processes being undertaken in professional quantity surveying firms in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of knowledge processes was developed from a detailed literature review in an attempt to enhance the knowledge flow in Hong Kong professional quantity surveying firms. The applicability and validity of the framework were verified by quantitative research methods. Based on the proposed process model, a questionnaire survey was then conducted to study the opinions of professional quantity surveyors on the details of these processes; the questionnaire was returned with a response rate of 42.6 percent out of 260.

Findings

From the findings of the questionnaire survey, the research confirms the six knowledge management processes in quantity surveying firms, namely acquisition, creation, storage, distribution, use, and maintaining. There is a general lack of specifically assigned staff for knowledge acquisition from external sources, knowledge acquisition having an overall mean value marginally below the passing point, and a relatively low reliance on external knowledge by these firms.

Research limitations/implications

The paper unravels some of the mysteries and difficulties of transferring knowledge both within and across projects. The findings can equally be applied in other project‐based industries.

Practical implications

A clear policy/strategy governing the ways in which knowledge should be handled is far from prevalent in Hong Kong quantity surveying firms. The appointment of managers for knowledge aspects was only carried out by one third of the responding quantity surveyors. Despite the absence of such an appointment and policy, nearly half of the responding quantity surveyors can seek the necessary knowledge when they need it.

Originality/value

Although the study applies uniquely to quantity surveying professional services firms and may not yield an evaluation that is comparable with previous studies, it is hoped that the same survey instrument can be applied to other types of project‐based professional services organizations in order to find out whether there are differences among different professions in terms of how they manage their organizational knowledge. In addition, these future studies can offer a benchmarking effect to firms providing customized professional services to clients.
Evaluating web site quality: the value of a multi paradigm approach
Authors: Fink Dieter , Nyaga Casty
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to benchmark the quality of web sites of major public accounting (PA) firms by seeking the opinions of potential clients and analysing the data to establish best quality practice for PA web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting in which potential clients of PA firms used a modified version of the WebQual™ questionnaire to evaluate the web sites of six leading PA firms. Design science provided the guiding paradigm but its weaknesses were ameliorated by drawing on constructivism and pragmatism to provide context and practicality for the research.

Findings

The study established web site quality profiles of six leading PA firms. The interpretation of findings is influenced by axiology and rhetoric and are both unbiased (determined by statistical means) and biased (influenced by the researchers' values). Data analysis clearly showed that the usability construct reflected the highest quality at all levels while riskiness was the construct with the lowest quality level.

Research limitations/implications

The use of multiple paradigms (design science, constructivism, and pragmatism) produced the desired insights to determining web site quality issues for the PA sector for the key reason that they complemented each other rather than being in conflict. However, the usefulness of the approach is dependent on follow‐up research to confirm the findings with the PA firms concerned and to monitor any action taken by them in response to the study's findings.

Practical implications

By benchmarking a number of PA web sites, practices within the sector will be able to learn from the findings and be able to improve the quality of their web sites thereby retaining the competitive edge to meet their clients' needs.

Originality/value

The paper reflects on the value of the multi paradigm approach to web site quality research design and conduct and discussion of findings. It was concluded that design science provided the necessary research rigour while the other two paradigms enabled the researchers to bring their worldviews on ontology, epistemology, axiology and rhetoric to the research.
Scenario planning: a collage construction approach
Authors: Graham Saunders Stephen
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest and recommend an alternative visual technique to collect scenario planning information. This visual technique is known as collage or papier collé.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study example of using collage construction to collect scenario planning information is presented.

Findings

Collage construction was deemed well suited to scenario planning as it overcome some of the problems of verbal communication techniques, providing an additional technique that allows the scenario planner to analyse information from multiple angles and sources. Through using multiple techniques, the scenario planner is able to increase “trustworthiness” of the data and analysis and build confidence that the future scenarios are “authentic”, “believable” and “applicable”.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this study is that only one case study is presented. To ensure “trustworthiness” across a variety of industries and cultural contexts, further replication would be needed.

Practical implications

Collage construction can prove to be a valuable additional tool for the scenario planner when verbal communication is limited or problematic.

Originality/value

This research recommends a scenario planning technique that does not necessarily rely on verbal communication skills.
Developing an e‐learning strategy in higher education
Authors: Tucker Jan P. , Gentry Gary R.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the challenges faced by higher education institutions such as budget cuts and the pressure to offer accessible, affordable anytime/anyplace learning and offer a solution in the form of the development of an e‐learning strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores recent research on higher education and e‐learning strategies in an effort to offer a participatory pedagogy coupled with cost effective technology as a solution to overcoming the increase in market demand and socioeconomic pressures facing higher education institutions.

Findings

The paper provides pragmatic insights about the five stages of developing an e‐learning strategy, including determining the delivery method and technology, making curriculum and development decisions, integrating implementation and roll out strategies and monitoring and evaluating the new e‐programs.

Research limitations/implications

The chosen research offers an approach as a starting point for developing an e‐learning strategy. Further research may be needed to generalize and apply the suggestions to individual higher education institutions.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for higher education institutions and other organizations wishing to explore the option of e‐learning as a delivery system for knowledge, training and instruction.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the implications of technology on learning.
Deciding on exit strategies: using foresight in problem resolution
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show, with concrete cases, how to forgo or substantially moderate strategy that is structured within action plans: moves to alleviate coping with obstacles encountered in programme execution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a series of real‐life examples of planned withdrawal – or not – from situations clearly uneconomic, unable to meet their original purposes, counterproductive, or otherwise a futile allocation of resources and effort.

Findings

The paper finds that studied protection can spell out beforehand, with foresight and determination (and often, due expression of trust), the success of an undertaking.

Research limitations/implications

Getting the future right often seems more difficult than getting it wrong.

Originality/value

Planners, strategists and designers should profit from the types of examples reviewed to confirm the solidity of their own procedural foresight.
An empirical study about the status of business process management
Authors: Neubauer Thomas
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Recently, business process management (BPM) is among the most important managerial topics because it allows companies an agile adaptation to changing business requirements. Consultants and researchers are regularly proposing new methods and concepts based on BPM for further increasing the efficiency of corporate processes. However, from an empirical point of view it is crucial to determine the current status in practice and derive goals for research and technology transfer. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

For this reason the survey “Status Quto Business Process Management” is carried out in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on a yearly basis. This survey aims at identifying current trends and strategic plans of companies as well as its realization in practice and highlights the remaining steps towards the process (‐focused) organization (PFO). The paper summarizes the results of the survey carried out in 2006 among 185 decision makers and shows a comparison with the results of the previous years as well as comparable surveys.

Findings

This paper analyzes the current state of BPM in the market, analyzes the strategic, organizational and technical aspects of BPM in the participating companies. The survey shows that although the majority of the participating companies are involved with BPM initiatives, only a very small number of companies follows holistic approaches and has reached the status of a PFO.

Research limitations/implications

As the survey especially focused on IT‐driven companies a limitation of this survey could be seen in the fact that it does not exactly cover the branch distribution of the population, e.g. the financial sector is over‐represented due to the fact that the survey included branch specific questions for the financial sector (note that these questions are not part of this paper). However, the comparison with the surveys “BP Report” and “State of BPM” shows that these surveys come with similar distributions of the branches.

Practical implications

This paper provides a very useful source for companies in benchmarking their status regarding BPM. It provides them with information that allows to compare their status on the way towards a PFO with their competitors.

Originality/value

This paper provides a very useful source for companies in benchmarking their status regarding BPM. The survey does not only investigate what is being done by the participating companies but also interested in the reasons why it is done. Compared to existing surveys it: investigates connections between processes and business strategy, process risk handling, references models, as well as methods for evaluating the contributions of IT to the business processes; uses statistical methods for measuring the significance of the results and; has a specific focus on companies in the Germany‐speaking countries Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Process redesign: reengineering core process at computer department – a case of SWCC
Authors: Al‐Hudhaif Sulaiman A.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expose and discuss the problems and suggests solutions for software development process in a large organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted in this paper. The case studies reengineering project in computer department at large organization. The structured analysis and design methodology used in this case included dynamic monitoring of qualitative and quantitative performance measures set for this purpose.

Findings

This paper addressed fundamental issues governing analysis and redesign of a software development process. Conceptual breakthroughs of new process were suggested. The success of implementing the project was based on infrastructure requirements for the new process and possible changes including positions and their required job skills. The paper suggests some software tool(s) that can capture the requirements and provide both backward and forward traceability.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this work has implications for both practitioners and researchers. For researchers, the conventional, software development methodology should be amended to take into account the discussed issues in more details. For researchers, there is a need for substantial research into good practice in requirements and software development.

Originality/value

The original work of this project can be considered as detailed guidelines to help business process reengineering team members to successfully complete some critical activities associated with analysis and redesign of software‐development processes.