bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inimitable outsider: contracting out public affairs from a consultant's perspective
Authors: Hoffmann Jochen , Steiner Adrian , Jarren Otfried
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Academic research on public affairs which aims to reconstruct the rationale for the involvement in public affairs, and the possible outsourcing thereof, focuses mainly on the perspective of the principal. Even though consultants are undoubtedly increasing in importance, their relevance as agents is often downplayed. This study seeks to empirically supplement the perspective of the consultant in order to identify potential inimitable functions that could explain why public affairs work is often contracted‐out.

Design/methodology/approach

A nation‐wide survey about public affairs consultants in Switzerland is based on an inductive empirical research design, which facilitates questions regarding which services consultants actually perform and what indispensable functions they claim to provide.

Findings

The results highlight lobbying, political PR, and [referendums and election] campaigns as the main areas of service. These services are associated with different functions. Lobbyists in particular define themselves as partisan players closely involved in political decision making. In contrast, political PR and campaigning are understood in terms of horizontal or vertical boundary‐spanning. A somewhat technical justification for contracting out, referring to a special infrastructure and costs issues, is downplayed. Instead, the independent outside view facilitating innovation forms the most important generalizable frame when explaining the unique added value consultants have to offer.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the real or supposed independence of the consultantvis‐à‐visthe client constitutes an inimitable resource. The outsider‐status facilitates the successful fulfilment of public affairs functions such as innovation, boundary‐spanning, access and legitimising. Thus, it is vitally important for consultants to build up a reputation. When it comes to contracting‐out decisions, impression management theories are capable of enriching public affairs theories that focus on cost‐benefit‐calculations.
Managing issues in the face of risk uncertainty: lessons 20 years after the Alar controversy
Authors: Jaques Tony
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to take a 20‐year perspective to revisit the Alar controversy, one of the most hotly argued public issues of the late 1980s, and to explore what fresh conclusions can be drawn for modern risk and issue managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews contemporary reports and analysis, along with subsequent retrospective opinions from some key participants and commentators, and examines those conclusions in the context of current communication practice.

Findings

The Alar case triggered a major reassessment of risk communication and the role of activists and the news media in amplifying issues. But even today some facts of the case remain in dispute and some of the purported lessons have been blurred by history or appear to have had little lasting impact.

Practical implications

Issue managers increasingly find themselves defending reputation in the face of public issues which focus on scientific uncertainty, and the Alar case provides vivid examples of both what to do and what not to do.

Originality/value

While most scholarship on the case discusses the implications for scientists, regulators and journalists, this paper throws fresh light on the case from the corporate perspective of the manufacturer of Alar, and the apple growers who found themselves in the eye of the storm.
Experiential learning in public relations education in South Africa
Authors: René Benecke Dalien , Bezuidenhout Rose‐Marie
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a view on the experiential learning practices in public relations education in South Africa. The focus of the study on which the article is based is to identify the view of the educators on experiential learning and the different experiential learning methods used in the education and training of public relations learners in South Africa. Kolb's theory of experiential learning (1984) is used as a point of departure.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach supported by quantitative research techniques was used to determine the perception, interpretation and implementation of experiential learning by higher education institutions as service providers of public relations qualifications.

Findings

In summary the findings of the study indicated a shared opinion of the importance of experiential learning but that experiential learning as a learning approach is not followed.

Originality/value

The proposed framework uses experiential learning principles as a basis for the education and training of public relations learners.
Level of crisis responsibility and crisis response strategies of the media
Authors: An Seon‐Kyoung , Gower Karla K. , Ho Cho Seung
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to identify how the news media cover organizational crisis responsibility and crisis response strategies and, if at all, how they differ by crisis types.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a content analysis of level of responsibility (individual versus organizational level) and organizational response strategies in news coverage of major crisis events during 2006 in three newspapers.

Findings

Significant differences were found between preventable crises and accidental crises: most preventable crises news coverage focused more on the individual level of responsibility, while accidental crises news used the organizational level of responsibility. The significant differences of organizational response strategies indicated that preventable crises news coverage frequently reported denial strategies, while accidental crisis news covered deal with strategies more.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the samples of the three newspapers and the period 2006.

Practical implications

This study suggests that crisis managers should always check the crisis news coverage, and media bias and orientation, and try to have good relations with the media to deliver the right message to the public during a crisis.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of the media's role in the public's perception of crisis responsibility, there is a lack of systematic analysis of level of crisis responsibility.
Understanding e‐mail overload
Authors: Vidgen R. , Sims J. , Powell P.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the impact of e‐mail on individuals and organizations and to provide a framework that frames e‐mail management as a complex and multi‐stranded issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a multi‐dimensional appraisal of e‐mail use in organisations and introduces a management framework as a practical tool to enact change and organisational learning. The approach uses Lee's five central concepts for understanding hermeneutics: distanciation; autonomization; appropriation; social construction; and enactment, applying these to the problem of e‐mail overload.

Findings

This paper contributes to the theoretical understanding of e‐mail use in organisations, and develops a practitioner toolkit for enacting change in e‐mail use. This work uses hermeneutics and an interpretive framework to investigate the impact of e‐mail on organisations, employing concepts from Ricoeur, Gadamer, Habermas, and Klein.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could evaluate the effectiveness of e‐mail performance improvement programmes using a mix of research methods including surveys of e‐mail attitudes and analysis of e‐mail readability and language analysis.

Practical implications

The paper introduces an e‐mail management framework that is a practical tool that can be used to enact change and organisational learning

Social implications

Implementation could lead to improved communication; improved visibility of the informal organizational network, knowledge sharing, and action network; business process improvement; improved knowledge management; and increased employee morale.

Originality/value

The paper shows how actors may choose to enact emancipation from e‐mail oppression by taking deliberate action to reconstruct the environment in which they exist in an inquiry‐change cycle of organisational learning by implementing an e‐mail management framework.
Leadership: a matter of perception
Authors: Marques Joan F.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Discusses the criteria for contemporary leadership as perceived by 200 working business and management students.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the multiple, sometimes contradicting perspectives that exist about leadership, after which it presents the findings from a collection of assessment feedback from 200 working business and management students on what leadership should entail, what is indispensable for leaders, and what the main differences are between leaders and managers.

Findings

Leadership is an evolving phenomenon: not only as a research subject, but even more as an experience in our own lives.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are presented as a viewpoint in this article, even though the data were gathered over the course of three years (nine course sessions). The fact that the study participants were all residing and working in the Los Angeles area should be considered in reviewing the findings.

Practical implications

Leadership is no longer a characteristic of a precious few, but is now more commonly understood as a way of living for all of us.

Social implications

When everyone starts perceiving him‐ or herself as a leader, the general sense of responsibility may get elevated.

Originality/value

The paper presents leadership as a quality that we all can harbor and understand.
The future of management education: why I decided to create my own management school
Authors: Gray Harry
Published: February 2011

Purpose

In this paper the author gives reasons for his discontent with current management education, particularly its over‐bureaucratization and its concentration on the professional careers of academics instead of its usefulness in the field. It offers a coherent but historically based view of management learning that tends to be overlooked as institutions race to compete in international rankings.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study based on the work in progress of creating a new management school.

Findings

Ways of learning about management and the dynamics of business and business organizations are not all the same, and some are valid but contradictory. The essential and common quality is that learning the skills of management must be through experience and reflection. But governments like procedures that are measurable and quantifiable, which personal learning can never be. In fact, the urge to measure is the most destructive influence of governments and bureaucrats on education at all levels.

Practical implications

Others interested in alternative, person‐centered modes of education will be able to copy this model of learning.

Originality/value

Describes the creation of an innovative management school in the UK where students will learn the skills of management through experience and reflection rather than in a classroom. Will be of use to anyone involved as a supplier/buyer of management education.
Learning in conflict: revisiting the role of perception
Authors: Bokeno R. Michael
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Highlights the importance of the perception process in interest‐based negotiation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint paper.

Findings

Perception determines what counts as goals, rewards and interference in the conflict process.

Practical implications

Conflict management practitioners must understand that perception determines conflict reality for the participants, rather than just a version of reality.

Originality/value

The author highlights the importance of the perception process in interest‐based negotiation.
Reaping the benefits of environmental awareness: how organizations are engaging their employees
Authors: Golds Catherine
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to lay out a series of approaches that organizations can take to build enthusiasm and engagement for an environmental awareness program.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses case study examples and real‐world evidence to demonstrate how a number of organizations have implemented a holistic approach to environmental performance.

Findings

The paper finds that organizations that engage all members of staff in environmental learning and development will be able to institute a change in the company culture and enhance the environmental performance.

Originality/value

This viewpoint article demonstrates the benefit of organization wide learning and training to develop effective environmental management strategies.
Proposal of a New Process Capability Index Based on Dollar Loss by Defects
Authors: Park Seungwook
Published: February 2011

The process capability indices have been widely used to measure process capability and performance. In this paper, we proposed a new process capability index which is based on an actual dollar loss by defects. The new index is similar to the Taguchi’s loss function and fully incorporates the distribution of quality attribute in a process. The strength of the index is to apply itself to non‐normal or asymmetric distributions. Numerical examples were presented to show superiority of the new index against Cp, Cpk, and Cpm which are the most widely used process capability indices.
Corporate Social Responsibility for Charity or for Service Business?
Authors: Enquist Bo , Edvardsson Bo , Petros Sebhatu Samuel
Published: February 2011

Following this introduction, this paper presents two conceptual and theoretical analyses – (i) CSR and its relation to profit and charity (ii) CSR as part of a service business model. The paper then illustrates these concepts using a comparative study of four service firms, with particular emphasis on their different CSR activities and how these affect the mission of each company. All four of the service companies are global actors with strong Service Brands (Edvardsson, Enquist and Hay, 2006) and a leading position in using CSR as a driving force for doing business: IKEA, Starbucks, H&M and the Body Shop. The paper then draws together the conceptual analysis and the case studies in a discussion of how CSR can be a proactive driver in the service business. Because of the limit space for a QMOD paper the focus is on the conceptual and theoretical analysis part and the empirical part and discussion/conclusion has to be further developed.
Applying Theory of Constraint on Logistic Management in Large Scale Construction Sites – A Case Study of Steel Bar in TFT‐LCD Factory Build‐Up
Authors: Huang Chih‐Yao , Chen Ching‐Piao , Li Rong‐Kwei , Tsai Chih‐Hung
Published: February 2011

The steel bars account for a high percentage of material costs for the current construction projects. At the present time, most of the construction projects for the factories of thin‐film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) complete the transactions of steel bars when the suppliers ship the steel bars to the temporary storage/processing sites. This paper applies the buy‐in concept in the Theory of Constraint (TOC) on the supply chain of steel bars. In this study, suppliers are required to establish warehouses at the construction sites and complete the transactions when the formed and processed steel bars are shipped into the factory sites. The aim is to find a win‐win solution to meet with the expectations from constructors as they hope that there is no need to build up inventories but supply is ready at any time. Also, this paper compares and analyzes the traditional supply/inventory model of steel bars and the Demand‐Pull (D‐P) model under the TOC framework. It is proved that Vendor Management Inventory (VMI) in the D‐P model is able to more effectively manage steel bars as a material.
Research on Using Six Sigma Tool to Reduce the Core Process Time
Authors: Chung Yi‐Chan , Yen Tieh‐Min , Hsu Yau‐Wen , Tsai Chih‐Hung , Chen Ching‐Piao
Published: February 2011

When facing the global severe competition, the enterprises all try their best to upgrade the quality, reduce the costs to reach the goal of customer satisfaction. Motorola was the earliest firm creating the term Six Sigma (6 σ); GE was the enterprise successfully fulfilling Six Sigma. The success of these two firms revealed the prominent effects and became the worldclass model enterprises. The main purpose of promoting Six Sigma activity was to reduce the possible defects in the business process to the least through designing and monitoring business process in order to reach the goals such as the best quality and efficiency, the lowest costs, the shortest circular process time, maximum profits and customer satisfaction. This research used the Six Sigma technique to improve the business process of ceramics manufacturing plant and find out the major factors of slower core task time by the analytical process of Process Mapping, Pareto Chart, Simul8 simulation software and figures and proposed the improvement measures. Through the confirmation of the case companies, it successfully reduced the core process time and the organizational costs and increased the capacity.
A Study of R&D Investment Framework and Success Factors
Authors: Park Young H.
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a framework for implementing R&D project. Fundamental R&D investment process framework and success factors while considering risks and uncertainties of project will be described to illustrate an efficient and effective R&D management system in a firm.
A Study of General Reducing Criteria of Customer‐Oriented Perceived Gap for Hotel Service Quality
Authors: Chen Ching‐Piao , Deng Wei‐Jaw , Chung Yi‐Chan , Tsai Chih‐Hung
Published: February 2011

In recent years, speedy development of Taiwan’s hotel industry intensifies market competition, customers’ demands on hotel services quality also increase with the increase of their consumption consciousness, and their demands on hotel types diversify, therefore hotel industry should concern on their unique management services quality brought by their different hotel types. The current designed service system or service transmission process may fail to meet customers’ demands owing to emphasizing degree gap in service quality. What is worse, it is difficult for hotel industry to actualize complete customer segregation and to provide customized services, therefore comprehensive understanding of customers’ demands on the service quality of different types hotels would contribute to operating management improvement of Taiwan hotel industry. This paper divides Taiwan hotels into three types: international tourism commercial type, holiday type and motel, the general hotels. It studies the emphasize degree gap in service quality between the industry and the customers. Data analysis shows that service quality gap (perceived gap) of hotels of different types exists in several quality aspects; what’s more, the perceived gaps, service quality aspects, and its items of different types of hotel are also different. After an integrated analysis, this paper puts forward a general and customer‐oriented quality item suitable for hotel industry to shorten the perceived gap of service quality, so that the hotel industry could design a service system and service transfer system, which could meet most lodging customers’ demands in the context of pluralized customer sources.
Factors Affecting HACCP Practices in the Food Sectors: A Review of Literature 1994‐2007
Authors: Fai Pun Kit , Bhairo‐Beekhoo Patricia
Published: February 2011

Almost every country around the world has been focusing on food safety in intense and multifaceted ways. The use of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is widely accepted as a food safety management system. This paper investigates the success factors of HACCP practices with reference to the domains of food production, processing and delivery. A literature review of food safety and management articles was conducted. Using the keywords search, the online Emerald Database was used and a total of 102 journal articles were identified between 1994 and 2007. The study examined a list of 20 success factors. Results show that “food regulations”, “role of the industry”, “government policies and interventions”, “training on food safety and hygiene”, and “food contamination and/or poisoning” share the spotlight as being the most critical factors for HACCP practices in organisations. Future research could investigate a holistic paradigm that incorporates the success factors and aligns HACCP measures for attaining safety performance goals.
A Comparative Analysis of the National Innovation Systems of China and Australia
Authors: Akpolat Hasan , Chang Linzhao
Published: February 2011

This paper presents the findings of a visiting scholarship research that was carried out at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Australia. Based on the extensive literature review, government databases and international statistics, it introduces an analytical framework for comparison of the national innovation systems (NIS) of China and Australia in regards to their strengths and weaknesses. This is done through individual examination and comparison of functions of typical institutions involved in innovation to reveal the structural characteristics and performances of the two systems. The interactions among these institutions are then analysed to illustrate their dynamics and efficiency. The comparison has shown clearly that China’s NIS has several weaknesses and gaps due to its developing and transition stage. There are positive signs that Chinese Government has recognised the nature and scope of the problem and seems to work in the right direction. This paper aims to support this process by providing some recommendations that could help bridge the gaps between the NISs of China and Australia. Due to the fact that both, China’s and Australia’s NISs, have their unique characteristics but share numerous complementary features, there is a large potential for further cooperation between the two national innovation systems.
What Companies do not Know About Self‐assessment: Self‐assessment in Germany
Authors: Burkhard Carina
Published: February 2011

In Germany Quality Management awards and thus self‐assessment are well known and popular – at least amongst quality management professionals. About 2000 companies have carried out self‐assessment using the EFQM Model as a framework (DGQ, 2005). This is at least approximately the number of participants in German regional and national quality awards. Since 1992, with the first call for the national Ludwig‐Erhard‐Preis, about 1953 companies have taken part in a quality award, see figure (1). The number of participants varies from state to state. This difference may be caused by the application format: There are many applicants where the application is done by the means of a questionnaire, as it is the case of Bavaria (910), Thuringia (402), Northrhein‐Westphalia (267) and Saxony‐Anhalt (60). Fewer applications were received in Berlin‐Brandenburg (65), Saxony (84), Schleswig‐Holstein (40), and with the national quality award (125), where a demanding application brochure is needed. Number of participants and type of application format in quality awards of different federal states of Germany. Information on number of participants was collected from quality award offices.
Child Care Service Quality Management Through the Evaluation of Efficiency at Child Care Centers: An Evaluation with Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Song Seung‐Min
Published: February 2011

This paper proposes a scheme to estimate the technical efficiency at child care centers for the less‐than‐three‐year‐old infants by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and to manage the quality of care service through implementing flexible and efficient government subsidy system. The result of technical efficiency estimation shows that there exists the heterogeneity in technical efficiency a substantial opportunity for improvement in technical efficiency across child care centers. This result implies that government may bring up the competition by giving subsidy differentially based on efficiency and use the money which has been used inefficiently other purposes. Both can improve the quality of child care service.
An Exploratory Study on the Balanced Scorecard Model of Social Enterprise
Authors: Lee Yoeng‐Taak , Moon Jae‐Young
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study is to develop BSC model of social enterprise. Performance analysis tool of BSC have been brought over from the business world, designed and created from the perspectives of profit‐based businesses. The BSC is a strategic performance measurement and management tool designed for the private sector acting as a communication/information and learning system, to measure “where we are now” and “where to aim for next”. It prescribes a plan for translating “vision” and “strategy” into concrete action across four perspectives at different stages, depending on the business. These perspectives are “financial”, “customer”, “internal processes” and “learning and growth”, each of which is connected by cause‐and‐effect relationships that reflect the firm’s strategy. Social aims of social enterprise are to accomplish desired outcomes which are to employ vulnerable people and to provide social services. The measurement factors of financial perspective are stable funding, efficiency of budgeting, stakeholders’ financial supports, and trade profit. The measurement factors of customer perspective are government, social service users, employees, local communities, supplier, social activity company, and partnership with external organizations. The measurement factors of internal process perspective are organizational culture, organizational structure/management, internal/external communication, quality of products and services, information sharing. The measurement factors of learning and growth perspective are training and development, management participation, knowledge sharing, leadership of CEO and manager, and learning culture.
An Investigation and Analysis of the Product Liability of Manufacturers in Shenzhen
Authors: LAN Zhi‐ming , Zhen HE
Published: February 2011

Product liability refers to the liability of producers, distributors and suppliers for consumers’ property losses or personal injury caused by that product. This paper conducted a survey related to product liability issues in Shenzhen City, and did an in‐depth analysis of current problems. Finally, the paper puts forward corresponding suggestions for improvement of Shenzhen City product liability status.
The Critical Success Factors of Six Sigma in China Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Yi‐zhong Ma , Gang Yue , Li‐lin Wang , Ree Sangbok
Published: February 2011

Six Sigma has been one of main quality improvement approaches since Motorola first invented Six Sigma in 1987. Many scholars and consult experts have discussed the critical success factors of implementing Six Sigma management, but most of them are based on related theories or qualitative analyses. In the paper, we first review critical success factor of Six Sigma status quo based on literature. Then we design the questionnaire and survey China manufacturing enterprises that have introduced Six Sigma management. And finally, we analyze the critical success factors of China manufacturing industry implementing Six Sigma management by using structural equation model and find that leadership and Six Sigma strategy, focus on market and customer, evaluation and motivation, selecting, managing and implementing Six Sigma projects are four critical success factors of China manufacturing enterprises implementing Six Sigma management. At the same time, the paper also presents the relationships between the critical success factors. The results are of important role in China manufacturing industry locating resources, eliminating waste and improving Six
Sigma performance.
A Study of Environmental Management Investment Allocation
Authors: Tien Shiaw‐Wen , Chang Ting‐Ting , Chung Yi‐Chan , Chen Ching‐Piao , Tsai Chih‐Hung
Published: February 2011

The 21st century is a new century of environmental protection. Environmental protection is one of the most important subject matters yet to come. Moreover, as the public pays more attention to environmental problems, enterprises should increase their investment in environmental management. Therefore, determining the investment level for environmental management and allocating the investment to associated environmental management activities has become a major task. The principal and agent theory and sales response functions are used for analysis in this research. The allocation of capital investment in environmental management is found to have significant impact on the aggregate sales response, aggregate profit and investment level. Therefore, in preparing the budget for environmental management, enterprises should focus on investment allocation decisions, determine the investment level and allocation method using integrated means, and apply submarket data in the allocation decision‐making process. In other words, in setting the investment level, executive management should take managers’ willingness into consideration. In allocating capital investment, managers should identify the optimal allocation method based on submarket characteristics.
Research on Recognition of Graphic Symbols in Amusement Park: A Case Study of Taiwan’s Theme Amusement Park
Authors: Hsu Yao‐Wen , Chung Yi‐Chan , Chen Ching‐Piao , Tsai Chih‐Hung
Published: February 2011

Each amusement park has a wayfinding system, while symbols are important mediums to guide tourists to find their destinations. It is very important that whether the meanings of symbols recognized by tourists immediately. This paper mainly discusses the recognition of graphic symbols in amusement park, and proposes the improvement suggestions. Materials for this study were drawn from 20 different graphic symbols of a theme amusement park in Taiwan. The testees were required to evaluate the design of graphic symbols based on symbolic meaning and graphics recognition to summarize the confusion matrix. The results show that there are three groups of graphic symbols easy to be confused, and five symbols not meeting a criterion of 67 per cent correct responses. The reasons were discussed, and improvement and relevant suggestions have been proposed, which may be helpful to redesign of symbols.
A Sustainable Strategy and Action Plan of Social Enterprise in Korea
Authors: Kim Gye‐Soo
Published: February 2011

Social Enterprise (SE) has a vital role to play in helping meet some main commitments for Korea‐growing economy; supporting stronger communities; closing opportunity gap‐together with the developing a vibrant third sector. The Strategy and action plan is intend to grow and develop us of social enterprise business model in Korea. The sustainable strategy and action plan will be useful for Korea’s Social enterprise. This paper will suggest that from the sustainable strategy to action plan of social enterprise in Korea.
Using Analytic Network Process to Construct Evaluation Indicators of Knowledge Sharing Effectiveness in Taiwan’s High‐tech Industries
Authors: Liu Pang‐Lo , Tsai Chih‐Hung
Published: February 2011

High‐tech industry has been the principal economic source for Taiwan in recent years. The characteristics of high‐tech industries in Taiwan are changeable product markets, short product life cycles and high company attrition rate. In the globalization trend, the high‐tech industry has gradually increased corporate competitiveness and reached the goal of sustainable operations through knowledge management, knowledge sharing and new product research and development. Firms have aggressively strengthened and integrated their internal and external resources and enhanced knowledge sharing to increase industry operational performance. Effectively strengthening the knowledge management operation and performance evaluation of knowledge sharing in Taiwan’s high‐tech industry has become a critical issue. In the selection of knowledge sharing Key Performance Indicators (KPI), this research divided the knowledge sharing indicators into representative strategic indicators such as organizational knowledge learning, organizational knowledge resources, organizational information capacity and organizational knowledge performance through screening using Factor Analysis. The characteristics of the constructs were interdependent. This research calculated and adjusted the correlation among the key performance knowledge sharing indicators using ANP and determined the relative weight of knowledge sharing.
Comparison Analyses of Implementing 6 Sigma Management between China and Korea Companies: Korea side
Authors: Ree Sangbok , Ma Yizhong
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we survey Six Sigma in Korea company real fields. Six Sigma itself are developed depend on each company culture and strategy. Our country has been more than 10 years since introduced Six Sigma in our country. Each company which work six Sigma are developed differ way depending on his company situation. Our country Six Sigma in our country is necessary to survey and analysis. Firstly, we survey how to use Six Sigma. Next, we survey to find success factor and failure factor by reports published by company and papers by published in journals.
A Study on the Effect of the Improvement of Investment Environment with Investment Incentive on National Economy
Authors: Moon Jae‐Young , Lee Won‐Hee , Choi Pyeong‐Rak , Suh Yung‐Ho
Published: February 2011

This research is to investigate the effect of the improvement of investment environments with investment incentive on Korean national economy by looking into the foreign investment support system in Korea. To this end, first research model was set up based on our literary study and case study was conducted on 150 foreign companies that were located in industrial complex for foreign companies, received the tax benefit and government subsidization. And it was found that even though the foreign companies were contributing to the national economy in general such as in the area of production, export, employment, development of technology, there was no significant contributory difference between the investment incentive beneficiary and non‐beneficiary foreign companies. Therefore it deemed reasonable to reconsider the way Korean government supports foreign companies in Korea and to reinforce foreign companies’ relevance to national policy agenda with additional incentives to foreign companies located in comparatively less developed areas. As a way to promote foreign investment, promotion of investment infra such as improvement of follow‐up services, openness to foreign investment, industrial deregulations in capital area, revitalization of free economic zone, efficient system to promote foreign investment and the reinforcement of public relations were considered necessary, especially the upgrading of economic structure and the integrated management of domestic and foreign investors deemed necessary for the optimal distribution of the industries.
Opportunities and challenges for context‐aware systems in aerospace industry
Authors: Xie Yifan , Culley Steve , Weber Frithjof
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current research and development status and future directions of context‐aware systems (CAS) in the aerospace industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a layered framework to analyse the current status of research and development of CAS in the aerospace industry from the perspectives of middleware, applications and business users. The approach is based on discussion and recent development of CAS in the general research domain. The resulting discussion is based on the authors' knowledge in both academic and industrial research.

Findings

It is suggested that the key challenges for a wider adaptation of CAS in the aerospace industry are the high cost of context modelling and a lack of understanding of their potential business value. The paper proposes future research to invest in the development of a more systematic research, to focus on a modular‐based technology configuration and to investigate how to evaluate CAS performance in the aerospace industrial setting.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight on issues that are preventing the wider adaptation of CAS in an industrial setting and outlines potential future research to resolve these issues.
Investment decision making under fuzziness
Authors: Kahraman Cengiz
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the applicability of investment decision‐making techniques under fuzziness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains how fuzzy sets can be used in investment decision making.

Findings

It was found that any classical investment analysis technique can be converted easily to a fuzzy case.

Originality/value

The paper indicates the necessity for usage of the fuzzy set theory in case of incomplete information.
Factors influencing ERP implementation in Indian manufacturing organisations
Authors: Upadhyay Parijat , Jahanyan Saeed , Dan Pranab K.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study which is based on the results of a comprehensive compilation of literature and subsequent analysis of ERP implementation success factors in the context of Indian micro, small and medium‐scale enterprises (MSMEs). The paper attempts to assess empirically which factors are most critical in the ERP implementation process from the perspective of the Indian MSMEs. This research is potentially aimed at being useful to MSMEs as a guideline, so as to ensure a positive outcome of the implementation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tries to explore the factors affecting implementation across the stages of ERP implementations using the responses from 98 MSMEs engaged in manufacturing activities. The minimum number of factors explaining the maximum variance in data is determined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The factor analysis is performed on SPSS with the principal component method using the Varimax rotation technique.

Findings

The results of this study highlights four crucial factors that influence the ERP implementation process in the Indian MSME segment. Broadly, they may be summed up under the following heads: project execution competency; product and vendor perspective; organizational climate; and technical perspective.

Originality/value

The findings will be beneficial for MSMEs for proper utilization of their limited resources and to pay adequate attention to those factors that are most likely to have an impact on the implementation of the ERP system.
The policy‐practice nexus of electronic health records adoption in the UK NHS
Authors: Currie Wendy L. , Finnegan David J.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to report the findings from a seven‐year study on the UK National Health Service on the introduction of an electronic health record for 50 million citizens. It explores the relationship between policy and practice in the introduction of a large‐scale national ICT programme at an estimated value of £12.4bn.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a longitudinal research method, data are collected on the policy‐practice nexus. The paper applies institutional theory using a conceptual model by Tolbert and Zucker on the component processes of institutionalisation.

Findings

The findings suggest that institutional forces act as a driver and an inhibitor to introducing enabling technologies in the health‐care environment. A process analysis shows that, as electronic health records force disruptive change on clinicians, healthcare managers and patients, culturally embedded norms, values and behavioural patterns serve to impede the implementation process.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited in its generalisability to national, regional and local ICT implementations due to the complexity of the policy and practical issues at stake. Despite the longitudinal research approach, the use of institutional theory can only offer a flavour of how institutionalised values, norms and behaviours influence health IT policy and practice.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates the complexity of translating centralised ICT policy in healthcare to practical solutions for clinicians and other stakeholders. It shows how a large‐scale ICT programme based on procurement of technology is unlikely to succeed where important issues of user engagement and a sound “business case” have not been achieved.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the theoretical literature on institutionalism by addressing the dichotomy between institutional and technical environments. While technology is often discussed in isolation of an institutional process, it may become embedded in organisational practices, reaching a process of sedimentation (institutionalisation) or fail to take hold and fade from view.
Exploring the complexities of e‐government implementation and diffusion in a developing country
Authors: Weerakkody Vishanth , El‐Haddadeh Ramzi , Al‐Shafi Shafi
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically the complexities of e‐government implementation and diffusion from a developing country perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical case study using an interview‐based research agenda is adopted. After reviewing the extant literature on e‐government, the paper first proposes a conceptual model, which is consequently used to explore empirically, within the State of Qatar, the key challenges influencing e‐government implementation and diffusion from organisational, technological, social and political perspectives.

Findings

The conceptual model proposed in this study offers a comprehensive overview of the implementation and diffusion challenges of e‐government through identifying various factors associated with organisational, technological, social and political perspectives from the literature. Through adopting an empirical research strategy focusing on developing countries that are not in an advanced state of e‐government development, this study offers a holistic view in understanding e‐government implementation and diffusion complexities for the benefit of similar countries.

Research limitations/implications

This research only focuses on exploring empirically the implementation and diffusion challenges facing e‐government in one developing country and does not investigate how these challenges may influence citizens' adoption of these services in that country or in a wider context.

Practical implications

The conceptual model in this study offers practitioners, policy makers and researchers a comprehensive overview of the implementation and diffusion challenges of e‐government projects, particularly in developing countries. The key findings of this study show that, irrespective of strong financial support and resources, governments must be prepared to tackle a number of challenges related to the complexity of e‐government implementation and diffusion. In addition, the study indicates that better alignment of national ICT strategies with various local level e‐government projects, clear legislation, implementation guidelines and standards are imperative for e‐government success.

Originality/value

The core contribution of this research adds to the growing body of knowledge concerning the implementation and diffusion of e‐government in developing countries. In particular, the conceptual model formulated through the synthesis of extant literature offers researchers and practitioners a lens to better appreciate the key challenges that require consideration when implementing and diffusing e‐government.
Anthropogenic CO2 emissions from fossil fuels
Authors: El Ouahrani Abdeltif , Molero Mesa Joaquin , Merzouki Abderrahmane
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the drivers and trends of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels of 21 Mediterranean countries, and suggest some policy recommendations to help mitigate them and fostering energy partnership within the studied area.

Design/methodology/approach

Simplified Kaya identity was used to analyse the drivers and trends of CO2 emission from fossil fuels. Data used were retrieved from the US Energy Information Administration and Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Centre. The analysis considers Northern rim countries and Southern‐Eastern rim countries (SERCs) as separate groups, as well as all together.

Findings

The total fossil fuel emissions between 1980 and 2005, the emissions growth rate in 1980s, 1990s, and 2000‐2006 were assessed. The findings put emphasis on the drivers and trends of fuel emissions considering per capita emission, gross domestic product and carbon intensity.

Originality/value

Despite their low contribution to global anthropogenic CO2 emissions (∼7 percent), the growing energy demands in the Mediterranean countries – especially in the SERCs – shows that there is an urgent and tremendous effort that needs to be addressed at national and regional levels in order to slow down the increasing emissions without impacting the development growth. This paper puts special emphasis on the importance of regional energy and climate‐related frameworks as a systematic approach to endure the impacts of climate change through sustainable ways.
Climate change, vulnerability, and risk linkages
Authors: Cuevas Sining C.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This research aims to develop a model that may be used to determine the effective adaptive measures to implement in a system affected by climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

The three primary dimensions of the model were individually investigated and then the linkages among them were developed. Specifically, the nature of climate change was examined and the issues emerging from the changes were analyzed. Next, an intensive study of system vulnerabilities was conducted, and the third factor in the model, risk, is then explored. Afterwards, the conceptual framework, which is the foundation of the climate change vulnerability risk model, was devised and the model created.

Findings

The model is a three‐dimensional matrix with the nature of climate change, vulnerabilities, and risks as its chief dimensions. It identifies the four natures of climate change, namely: variability, intensity, frequency, and quantity and the vulnerability types to be socio‐economic, biophysical, technological, and institutional. Meanwhile, risks are classified as income, biodiversity, health, mortality, and infrastructure risks.

Research limitations/implications

The research is the first phase of a three‐stage study on the linkages among climate change, vulnerability, and risks. It is the development stage of the framework that exemplifies the interrelationships among these variables and is the basis of the statistical and econometric analyses in the later stages.

Originality/value

The climate change vulnerability risk model was developed to act as an analytical guide in understanding the effects of climate change to systems. The model may be used to determine the effective adaptive measures to apply in the system, through a comparative analysis of the variables in the matrix.