bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On object modelling for technology management in enterprise
Authors: Chandra Charu , Kumar Sameer
Published: June 2021

Management of technologies requires managing complexity attributed to their conflicting objectives. A system framework with information modelling using object-oriented paradigm is proposed for managing technological complexity in the enterprise. It emphasises interaction among various components of an enterprise by designing solution methods that explicitly recognise domain independent problem solving and modelling, and domain dependent analysis and implementation. The purpose of such an approach is to ascertain characteristics of the problem independent of its environment. Consequently, the approach delivers solution(s) that are intrinsic only to the problem. A cellular manufacturing system enterprise example is utilised in explaining concepts discussed in the paper. A strategy to implement the proposed framework that enables building flexible and configurable enterprises to deliver customised products is presented. Benefits accruing from such framework are improved conceptual modelling, leading up to development of an object-relational database for scalable and extensible uses of enterprise decision modelling tools.
Customer service call centers: managing rapid personnel changes
Authors: Smith William L.
Published: June 2021

This paper examines academic and practitioner literature relative to service quality and the changing personnel requirements for customer service call centers (CSCC). From this review, propositions are developed which (1) may be useful to call center managers in meeting this critical need, and, (2) may be used to direct future academic research in this growth area. This review is organized around eight key human resource management practices consisting of: 1. Recruiting, 2. Selection, 3. Retention, 4. Teamwork, 5. Training and Development, 6. Appraisal, 7. Rewarding Quality, and 8. Employee Involvement. Propositions based on the literature review are developed for each key practice. Conclusions are drawn and implications for managerial and academic implications are discussed.
Autopoiesis (self-production) in SME networks
Authors: Zeleny Milan
Published: June 2021

Small and medium enterprise networks (SME Networks) are becoming an integral part of the Network Economy. From the ‘industrial districts’ of the Terza Italia to the entrepreneurial clusters of the Silicon Valley, SME's are a significant driving force of economic growth, job creation, disinflation and productivity enhancement in most industrial countries. After decades of research, these local industrial systems are still poorly understood in terms of their sustained processes of innovation, network interaction and competitive adjustments. While there could be some external economies due to agglomeration, division of labor, specialization and lowered transaction costs, differential innovation, interaction and adjustment capabilities are not fully explained by these mechanisms. A theoretical construct of local industrial system is missing. However, no mechanical or graph theory model of network architecture can substitute for what actually makes people in the network interact in order to become technologically innovative and capable of ongoing adjustment to their competitors. Counting the nodes and edges of graphs would be a poor substitute for understanding SME networks as dynamic (‘living’) organic systems they are. In this paper we propose a theoretical construct of network production, renewal and adaptation based on autopoiesis (self-production) of living systems.
Self-organizing processes in building entrepreneurial networks: a theoretical and empirical investigation
Authors: Biggiero Lucio
Published: June 2021

Self-organization is a property of social systems, and its recognition can give a remarkable contribution to the theory of entrepreneurship and to the analysis of inter-organizational networks. While literature on the classification of inter-firm networks and on their (dis)advantages is relatively abundant, there is much less on the processes of their formation and development. Since the convenience of building inter-firm networks is often uncertain and ambiguous, it involves social-psychological aspects and is based on personal relationships. This is particularly true in the case of small business networks, where the small firm size makes firm networks coincide with entrepreneurial networks. This characteristic can be extended to industrial districts, which are systems emerging from the interplay between small business networks. Industrial districts are weakly hierarchical organizations, which present the typical dual nature of social systems: the systemic nature, which is manifested more at the unity level, considering the district as a whole, and the subjective behavior of its members, which can play a crucial role either in triggering the district or in its evolutionary patterns. Such a double nature becomes a powerful engine of knowledge creation/transfer when organizations are recursive and self-organizing, and when the emerging values promote cooperation and trust. These co-evolutionary, recursive and self-organizing aspects have been synthesized in Nonaka's concept of ‘ba’. The cases discussed here deal with recursive processes in the formation of entrepreneurial networks in the biomedical district and in the formation of the district itself, which are seen as partially self-organizing processes. In the perspective considering knowledge as embodied in human beings and created by their social interactions, this paper concerns self-organizing and knowledge-creating processes at district and network levels.
Social networks and productive connectance: modeling the organizational form of the industrial district
Authors: Mistri Maurizio , Solari Stefano
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with the modeling of the system of social and economic relations characterizing the industrial district, in the sense of an organizational form based on a set of small enterprises linked together by co-operative and competitive relationships. The authors emphasize the concept of relationship which, in the industrial district, may be of both an industrial and a social nature. The industrial district is seen as a socio-economic entity, and that is why the concept of social networks and graph theory are used to represent the co-operative and competitive relationships between enterprises in the district. The idea of network is amply used in sociological analysis and enables an adequate representation of the relationships between enterprises. Particular importance is attributed to the concept of ‘relational space’, by which the authors mean an application of the space of economic relations on the physical space defined by the system of social relations.

The paper goes on to discuss the organizational form of the district, evaluated on the basis of the concept of connectance and emphasizing the particular position of the industrial district form among the various market forms. The concept of information and knowledge acquires a specific significance in connectance, in relation to which a model proposed by Boisot is used.
Dynamic regions and high-growth SMEs: uncertainty, potential information and weak signal networks
Authors: Julien Pierre-André , Lachance Richard
Published: June 2021

The common elements of dynamic regional development can be summarized under three headings: the existence of absolute advantages such as plentiful mineral resources, large forest or significant tax benefits, etc.. Obviously derived from the absolute advantages: a significant reduction in economic uncertainty for investors. Together, these two elements explain the third, the massive inflow of foreign investments to the region. Many other dynamic regions do not have the same absolute advantages and their development is generated by hundreds of small local businesses and investments. We have therefore formulated a hypothesis to explain their dynamism in spite of their economic uncertainty and lack of absolute advantages. First, investors take advantage of different levels of complicity through networks that allow them to share and hence reduce uncertainty; and second, they increase their ability to innovate through the networks, which help them at least partially exceed their current innovative capacities. The networks – some of which are strong signal networks (usually regional) and others weak signal networks (regional or extra-regional) – promote the multiplication of fast growth SMEs which, in turn, stimulate the regional economy. We review the results of a case study (52 fast growth SMEs), highlighting the importance of potential information and weak signal networks in generating fast growth for SMEs.
The dynamics of corporate change: management's evaluation of stakeholder characteristics
Authors: Solomon Esther
Published: June 2021

In an era of globalization, rapid technological changes and intense competition, new forms of organizational designs and networks have replaced traditional forms of organizations. Interconnections among businesses and their various stakeholders including suppliers, customers providers, employees and others are now more rapid and complex as they are facilitated by advanced information technology and systems.

This research addresses these changes by examining managers' perceptions of the stakeholders that were viewed as responsible for initiating change and innovation in their respective organizations. This paper presents the results of an empirical research project of 218 managers from major companies. Particular focus is placed on identifying which specific groups were critical stakeholders for the changes, and assessing their legitimacy, power and authority in relation to specific change initiatives and outcomes. Implications of the findings are discussed regarding process changes and reengineering within organizations and business networks.
Information technology and the work environment – does IT change the way people interact at work?
Authors: Lau Theresa , Wong Y.H. , Chan K.F. , Law Monica
Published: June 2021

The importance of Information Technology (IT) is increasing. More and more companies are investing in developing IT. Through a survey with the owners/managers of small and medium firms in Hong Kong, it is found that the number of SMEs using IT is increasing in the attempt to gain a more competitive position in the fast-changing business environment. This research focuses on the impact of IT on organizational structure and culture. The variables to be investigated in the areas of organizational structure are complexity, formalization, decentralization, span of control, outsourcing (specialization) and lateral communication. Team working and learning are examined as organization culture. The results prove that IT has significant impacts on formalization, specialization, lateral communication, team working and learning. Also, it is clear that IT can bring numerous improvements to organizations. Daily operations become more productive and manual work is minimized.
The Complete Kit Concept – Implementation in the health care system
Authors: Leshno Moshe , Ronen Boaz
Published: June 2021

One of the fundamentals of good health care management that is rarely discussed in the literature is the ‘complete kit’ concept, which suggests that operations, medical procedures and processes should not start until all the items required for completion of the job are available. These items (the kit) include medical documents, medical tools, information etc. Starting a medical procedure with an incomplete kit means more medical time to finish the procedure, longer lead time, more ‘work in process’, reduction of throughput, poor quality and impairment of due date performance. This paper analyzes the various facets of the complete kit concept in the health care system and suggests how to implement the complete kit concept in a medical process. The paper also incorporates the complete kit concept into the context of well-established managerial philosophies such as TOC and TQM.
An identification of Internet Job Board attributes
Authors: Koong Kai S. , Liu Lai C. , Williams De Lease
Published: June 2021

An increasing number of job seekers and corporate recruiters are using Internet Job Boards to look for job opportunities or to communicate job openings to prospective candidates around the globe. However, there are hundreds of Internet Job Boards in the e-recruiting sector. Each Internet Job Board provider has common as well as unique resources and attributes. This research examines the resources or attributes that are provided to job seekers and corporate recruiters by Internet Job Boards. Specifically, the objective of this study is to identify and classify the resources or attributes contained in the top five revenue generating Internet Job Boards in the world. New graduates looking for jobs, persons interested in advancement opportunities, faculty advisors, and career counselors will find this study useful. Human resource managers, corporate recruiters, software engineers, systems designers, scholars interested in online research, and Job Board Providers will find the reported outcomes interesting.
Applying benchmarking: an organizational learning perspective
Authors: Ellis Shmuel , Elnathan Dan , Raz Tzvi
Published: June 2021

We report the results of a field study that examined the application of benchmarking and the nature of its relationship to organizational learning practices. The study addresses two issues: the relationship between familiarity with the concept of benchmarking and the application of the elements of the benchmarking methodology (which are also, for the most part, organizational learning mechanisms), and the relationship between the prevalence of applying these elements and organizational characteristics. The main findings indicate that for the most part managers associate benchmarking with competition, and that most of its elements are applied intuitively, and not as part of a structured methodology.
E-mail communication and supervisor-subordinate exchange quality: an empirical study
Authors: Huang Albert H.
Published: June 2021

The impact of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on organizational cultures and users has been the focus of many previous studies. In their attempts to explain the effects of CMC in organizational communications, particularly the effects of e-mail, information systems researchers have tested theories that originated in a number of disciplines. Among the effects of CMC, one potentially important issue is the relationship between subordinates and their supervisors. This study empirically examines the impact of e-mail usage on the quality of these exchanges, and attempts to measure the resulting depth of the interpersonal relationships established between knowledge workers and their immediate superiors. The results show that among several usage factors investigated, e-mail communication frequency has a more direct correlation to exchange quality than other factors, among them communication richness, which did not have significant correlation. A path diagram was developed to illustrate the relationships of the variables.
Designing high-leverage strategies and tactics
Authors: Georgantzas Nicholas C. , Ritchie-Dunham James L.
Published: June 2021

Shingo's breakthrough improves the way strategy researchers and managers talk about and design high-leverage strategies and tactics. Seeing production as a concatenated net of operations and processes not only negates the dysfunctional effects of Anthony's paradigm, but also leads to a framework for strategic management (SM) as a well-specified net of strategies and tactics that deliver direct, dynamic and structural leverage. Anchored in system dynamics, systemic leverage (SL) analysis and synthesis can help managers align multiple, system goal aiming tactics that mix pure action with communication in corporate-, business- and functional-level strategy. The insight gained from SM's net view with SL analysis brings modern management a step closer to the tradeoffs-free synthesis to direct managerial attention to the combined effects of direct, dynamic and structural leverage in strategy making.
An empirical study of corporate Web site usability
Authors: Huang Albert H.
Published: June 2021

Although corporate Web sites play many important roles in the modern business world, there is a surprising lack of empirical studies on their user interface. This study collected data from 50 Web sites owned by large international organizations. Analysis of the study's data: (1) provides an overview of the trends in corporate Web site design, (2) shows that many Web developers voluntarily adopt certain design conventions, and (3) indicates that most corporate Web sites do not make good use of multimedia capability. It further shows that, although some usability principles have been implemented, there is much room for improvement.
The impact of gender bias on job satisfaction
Authors: Pook Laszlo A. , Füstös János , Marian Liviu
Published: June 2021

Businesses in advanced economies are rapidly expanding into Central and Eastern Europe. First world managers working in foreign cultures are often surprised by contradictions, which do not fit the rational norms they are used to observing. This paper examines such traditional factors as age, tenure, gender, education, and position at the organization as predictors of job satisfaction in three countries, Hungary, Poland and Romania, emerging from the command economies of the communist era, the significance of employees' beliefs regarding the consequence of the quality of the work they perform on their promotions, and the role played by gender in promotions and other rewards offered to employees. Results suggest that in the countries examined here tenure, gender and position occupied, rather than age, play significantly in predicting job satisfaction and advancement, that beliefs about the quality of one's work do not result in advancement, that managers often do not play significant roles in promoting their employees, and that job satisfaction on one factor does not necessarily imply job satisfaction on other factors. Significant gender bias was evident in some of these countries. The authors offer recommendations for managers to follow in these country cultures.
Strategy and recursivity1
Authors: Singer Alan E.
Published: June 2021

Conceptual models of strategy can be depicted and described in a variety of ways, such as objects-of-choice in a meta-modelling decision, as end states of a transition process, or as patterns that replicate in managers' minds. Thus, discussions of the models and their uses typically invoke the same categories of meaning that are found in the general discourse on strategy. In this sense, recursivity and self-reference are pervasive. Accordingly, a conceptual framework is set out that indicates a potential synthesis of strategic thinking with ecological thinking.
Effects of Information Technology on the Business World
Authors: Alkadi Ihssan , Alkadi Ghassan , Totaro Mike
Published: June 2021

This paper will address the effects of Information Technology on the business world. Technology is increasingly playing a crucial role in the success of organizations in the information age. The impact of Information Technology on business has been enormous. Computers and the information they process and store have permeated every aspect of the business world. The fundamental role of Information Technology is to enable businesses to find new ways to drive down the costs of products, processes, and improve performance. We use examples from five different companies/industries to show the different and dramatic effects that IT can have on a business. The television industry is using high-speed Internet to send digital dailies from location to directors and producers in Hollywood. The use of this technology eliminates the old method of dubbing tapes and then sending them via FedEx back to L.A. General Motors has used aggressive outsourcing and web-based services to increase production time. Where it used to take up to four years to get a vehicle on the market, it now takes less than two. With new management and a greater focus on quality and customer satisfaction, an aircraft company has seen its $ 15 million in debt turn into $ 243 million in revenues. These increased revenues were attained by using new software to help it get better organized. AT&T, the once Titan of the phone industry, utilized IT to get out of debt. Specifically, AT&T used web-services to allow all of its different systems to communicate. By using new software to translate three different business processes into one usable code, Cybex International used IT to fix its supply-chain mess.
The use of Web-based information systems for non-work activities: An empirical study
Authors: Klaus Tim , Gyires Tibor , Joseph Wen H.
Published: June 2021

Much of research has applied the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to organizational information systems (OIS) for work-related activities. The Web essentially is a large information system (IS) and is often used for non-work activities. Yet, few studies have related the TTF model and the TAM to the use of Web-based information systems for non-work activities. This paper synthesizes TTF and TAM models and tests whether they are applicable to the Web. The results show that the TAM applies very well to predict the Web user's performance, but the TTF model just produces a weak relationship. The study suggests that the performance of the Web users can be improved through (1) improving the perceived usefulness, (2) improving the perceived ease of use, and (3) having a more aligned task-technology fit.
Energy conservation through structured audits: A quantitative approach
Authors: Bubshait Khaled A. , Ali Zulfqar
Published: June 2021

Conservation of energy is one of the most important ways to achieve increased productivity in today's competitive business environment. Conservation of energy is achievable through a system design to control the use of energy and monitoring and maintenance of this control system. Maintenance management can play a key role in this regard which is the subject of this article. In order to prepare an energy management program, an organization needs to identify areas with potential for improvement and audit them periodically in a structured manner to continuously evaluate for improvements. This paper provides a framework for structured audits for energy conservation. These audits will help in assessing the current status of the energy conservation quantitatively and identify major opportunities for continuous improvement.
Internet dependency: Its impact on online behavioral patterns in E-commerce
Authors: Chen Kuanchin , Tarn J. Michael , Han Bernard T.
Published: June 2021

Delivering the right Internet service to the right person has been a major challenge to E-commerce strategies. Developers of E-commerce and online services have constantly faced the issue of scarce design guidelines to model their customers' online behavioral patterns. This has called for new research on the characteristics of Internet users so that appropriate E-commerce website design strategies can be developed. This study attempts to investigate the possibility of the non-detrimental effects of Internet dependency and proposes an instrument to measure both positive and negative Internet dependency. The authors further assess the effects of these two types of dependency on several online activities to delineate the characteristics of Internet users. This article is concluded with the managerial implications of the findings and the suggested E-commerce website design guidelines.
Expert knowledge and the role of consultants in an emerging knowledge-based economy
Authors: Evers Hans-Dieter , Menkhoff Thomas
Published: June 2021

In the emerging globalised knowledge society/economy, a group of professionals, namely experts and consultants gain in importance. The paper discusses the following issues: Who are these experts and consultants? Why is this group of knowledge workers strategically important and why is their importance – socially in terms of number of persons and economically in terms of output or turnover – growing? How can we explain the increasing professionalisation of consultants? How do they gain their expertise and which role does academic knowledge play in professional attainment? How do consultants package and apply expert knowledge? What are the challenges experts and consultants are facing in the new economy? Data from a survey of local consultancy firms are used to construct a profile of the Singapore consulting industry, their staff and their professional organisations. International consultants are more aggressive in advertising and selling their expertise than local consultants. They tend to distance themselves from academics as the producers of innovative knowledge, but stress their own experience. Finally we discuss the new situation under which consultants have to operate in the new economy.
Curing strategic myopia: drug pricing & health care
Authors: Singer Alan E.
Published: June 2021

Many elements of pharmaceutical corporate strategies can be re-described and re-evaluated from a perspective that sees dialectical tensions at all levels of economic and social systems. Whilst dialectical reason is applicable to the formulation and evaluation of corporate strategies in general, it is especially relevant to strategies involving health, where it highlights the potential of business-government partnerships. Several ways of augmenting corporate and industry strategy and communications are indicated, in accordance with this perspective.
Intelligence strategy: The integrated 3C-OK framework of intelligent human organizations
Authors: Liang T.Y.
Published: June 2021

As humanity immerses deeper into the knowledge-intensive era, the mindset for leading, managing and structuring human organizations has to be transformed. Attention has been shifting from tangible to intangible assets. Human thinking systems, the sources where the world's most intense intrinsic intelligence originates become the key focal center. Intelligence and its dynamic are nonlinear. Arising from human consciousness are the two vital mental functions of awareness and mindfulness. These functions determine the quality of the mental state of the interacting agents. In addition, a high level of intelligence facilitates faster learning. All competitive human beings learn continuously to enhance the quality of their knowledge structures. Consequently, the bio-logic and human decision-making process improve. These activities constitute a critical component of the evolution dynamic. Similar to any intelligent biological organisms, all human organizations as composite complex adaptive systems must also nurture their own orgmind and collective intelligence to ensure their relevance and survival in the new context. Concurrently, activities such as continuous organizational learning, facilitating effective knowledge management processes, and building quality corporate knowledge structures must be cultivated. A mindful culture manifesting collaborative and sharing characteristic is crucial for sustaining the integrated dynamic. Recognizing the interdependency of the attributes involved is a key requirement. The 3C-OK framework to be conceptualized in this analysis is an attempt to enhance the new mindset.
Exploring dotcom failure: A mediator modeling approach
Authors: Razi Muhammad A. , Tarn J. Michael
Published: June 2021

In this research, the vital factors responsible for the demise of many dotcoms are identified and investigated. A mediator model is presented to explore possible relationships among the exogenous and endogenous variables in accordance with business and technology strategies. Two major analyses are conducted to examine the primary causes for dotcom failure. The first analysis examines the relationships between exogenous and endogenous variables based on the quasi-empirical findings from 50 failed dotcoms. The second analysis conducts a non-parametric correlation analysis of the variables. The results indicate that exogenous variables, fund and competition, influence the endogenous variables, staff, front-end operation, back-end operation, and business strategy. The practical implication of this study is to provide current and future dotcoms with another angle of view for assessing and adjusting their strategic position by evaluating those critical determinants and their inter-relationships so that a robust business model can be implemented.
Significant enhancement of academic achievement through application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC)
Authors: Goldratt Rami , Weiss Nava
Published: June 2021

Changes in the administration of matriculation examinations in Israel (based on the Theory of Constraints), has produced a marked improvement in the high school graduation rate of underprivileged students, without the need for additional manpower or resources and without changing the pedagogical way teachers are asked to teach the relevant knowledge. Because of changes made within the educational system in the early 1990's, the high school diploma has become the prime measure of success also for underprivileged students, within the vocational/technological high school track. This article presents a case study of the “Reut” school, where adoption of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) has led to a continuous increase in the number of students eligible for high school diplomas. The article describes the two-phase process of applying the principles of TOC in the administration of matriculation exams. The first phase employs operational flow principles to align the allocation of academic resources according to the weakest link (constraint); the second phase uses TOC project management principles to streamline resource utilization. The improvement achieved at each phase is described together with an analysis of the results. The article ends with conclusions drawn from an analysis of the processes.
Applying the TOC Thinking Process: A case study in the government sector
Authors: Shoemaker Thomas E. , Reid Richard A.
Published: June 2021

In the past, the TOC Thinking Process (TP) has been primarily applied to address managerial challenges in private sector manufacturing, logistics, and project-oriented organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present an application of the TOC TP in a public sector service organization, namely, the Water Utility Division Maintenance System (WUDMS) within the Albuquerque Public Works Department. The two necessary conditions for meeting the WUDMS's goal of effective management are (1) completing work in a waste-free manner and (2) responding promptly to customer requests for service. Although seven undesirable effects (UDEs) were identified by the improvement team, UDEs from three diverse areas were selected for creating the requisite conflict clouds, namely, (1) much repair work is not completed promptly, (2) WUDMS has some wasteful practices, and (3) managers are unable to schedule repair work effectively. Entities from these conflict clouds were synthesized into a core conflict cloud that revolved around the issue of dedicating more human resources to repair work or improvement efforts and that formed the base of the Current Reality Tree. By surfacing assumptions underlying entity pair relationships within the core conflict, a strategic direction for change was identified as: expansion of WUDMS capacity through the use of non-traditional resources. This injection was logically validated via a Future Reality Tree. Initial results from its implementation demonstrate that the direction of the solution is correct.
A case of personal productivity: Illustrating methodological developments in TOC
Authors: Cox James F. , Mabin Victoria J. , Davies John
Published: June 2021

This paper provides a constructive illustration of ongoing methodological developments in the use of TOC Thinking Processes and logic tools. In particular, the paper outlines a new approach to using the Evaporating Cloud, Current Reality Branch and Future Reality Branch, and demonstrates how that approach can be used to construct a comprehensive problem solution to a common problem, that of personal productivity.
Conceptual foundations for The Theory of Constraints
Authors: Berry Rik , Smith Lola Belle
Published: June 2021

A number of companies credit their enculturation of The Theory of Constraints (TOC) as the reason for significant improvements. Ties are discussed between the literature, the traditional models it has spawned, and the characteristics that underlie and explain the rational embodied in TOC. Literature supports for the theoretical basis of TOC exist in (1) system theory, (2) metrics, and (3) culture-based change management. The three are important to a process of successful long-term improvement. An overview of a TOC-based model embodies the new approach.
Incentive reward with organizational life cycle from competitive advantage viewpoint
Authors: Chen Hai-Ming , Hsieh Yi-Hua
Published: June 2021

This paper develops a framework of incentive reward match to organizational life cycle from the viewpoint of competitive advantage. Different strategy, such as differentiation, overall cost leadership and focus, can create different competitive advantage in each stage of organizational life cycle. Implementing different types of incentive reward strategy to motive unique human resources to execute the corresponding strategy and then competitive advantage can be built. Three types of incentive reward strategy, human capital, output and position, are proposed respectively in each stage of organizational life cycle to attract, nurture, and retain distinctive manpower. It will create and sustain competitive advantage in the long run.
Equipment management in higher education using a WLAN framework
Authors: Chen Shun-Hsing , Yang Ching-Chow , Shiau Jiun-Yan
Published: June 2021

This study establishes a comprehensive management information system (MIS) by using not only the real-time characteristics of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology for data reading and writing, but also the convenient data input/output provided by PDA's. This system is then applied in equipment management in higher education organizations, and a centralized center is used to manage the equipment of numerous departments. This wireless equipment management system, which was established to access data instantly, increases system performance in providing real-time service. Furthermore, the integration of bar code facility and real-time equipment management function via web-based technology for managing department equipment solves accuracy problems during the data gathering process. This system increases equipment management efficiency and reduces manpower costs.
The impact of Guanxi on Chinese managers' transactional decisions: A study of Taiwanese SMEs
Authors: Chang William Li , Lii Peirchyi
Published: June 2021

Guanxi is an important source of competitive advantage; managers in Chinese enterprises have especially placed enormous emphasis on it. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between managers' initiative toward a Guanxi formation and their transactional decisions within the network. Findings of this study suggest that managers' initiative in setting up a Guanxi network has important impact on their perceptions toward members in the network; and in turn, the perception has an impact on their transactional decisions within the Guanxi network. More specifically, managers would employ relational mark-down and compensatory mark-up to differentiate Guanxi members from non-Guanxi members in making transactional decisions.
Designing a Virtual Enterprise Architecture using Structured System Dynamics
Authors: Assimakopoulos Nikitas A. , Riggas Anastasios N.
Published: June 2021

The starting point for establishing a Virtual Enterprise is a set of existing enterprises which might contribute with some of their functionalities (core competencies) to the formation of the virtual entity. The most important issue, in this formation, is the rapid integration of the business processes of the participating companies. The architecture of the VE must assist companies desiring to enter into a virtual relationship by defining the functions and interfaces of critical business processes, thus allowing for a more rapid and efficient integration of the expertise which will be contributed by each partner in the virtual enterprise. While the integration of computer and communication technologies are no doubt critical issues, the successful attainment of the business goals of the virtual enterprise often depends on its ability to align the business processes and practices of partner enterprises. Focus of this paper, is the presentation of Structured System Dynamics (SSPS) multi-methodology for the design and the evaluation of a Virtual Enterprise Architecture. SSPS uses Systems Thinking and System Dynamics principles as launch pad for its approach. The Systemic Methodologies of Problem Structuring Methodology (PSM) and SAST are also integrated in this new Multi-Methodology. SSPS is a new practical and scientific tool in designing and evaluating a VE architecture providing the ability to determine the impact, reliability, success of the Architectures' models created, refine them and identify potential process improvements. A framework for the rapid and efficient integration of the business processes of the participating companies in the virtual enterprise is provided. For this multi-methodology, a real-life application is also presented for a Virtual Enterprise that constructs Wireless Payment Mechanisms.
Grid Computing: The past, now, and future
Authors: Alkadi Ihssan , Alkadi Ghassan
Published: June 2021

With the speed of changing technology in our time, staying up to date is very hard, and sometimes impossible for companies. Companies have to constantly update computers, servers, databases, and applications, among other things. Even though computers need to be updated to handle sophisticated software and complex problems, there is still vast amounts of power going to waste by computers sitting idle. A new technology has been formed out of this idea to take advantage of the amount of power being unused to allow companies to make use of it, saving vast amounts of much needed company funds. Grid Computing is a relatively new approach to sharing and accessing resources such as, computers, storage devices, and peripherals, which goes far beyond distributed computing. Accomplishing the goals of Grid Computing, however, present many challenges as well as opportunities. Some of these challenges include (a) security, (b) programming, (c) proper allocation of resources, and (d) inter process/system communication, to name a few. Currently, most successful deployment of Grid Computing exists in the areas of Physics and Scientific research; however, very little has been done in business and organizations. In this paper, we discuss issues and exploit possibilities for grid deployment in organizations, with a special emphasis on how such deployment may help to improve efficiency as well as determining an acceptable on return on the required level of investment in this new technology.
The influence of the Internet in the internationalization of SMEs in Taiwan
Authors: Jaw Yi-Long , Chen Chun-Liang
Published: June 2021

This paper examines internationalization processes in the context of the Internet economy and presents some exploratory insights; it is based on case studies, supplemented by a preliminary quantitative study from a developing economy context, concerning the role of the Internet in enhancing the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Three main points are made in this paper. First, the Internet holds great promise in facilitating the internationalization of SMEs – especially as a marketing tool, and the communications. And the degree of internationalization (DOI) is positively correlated with the degree of electronic commerce (DOEC). Second, Internet technology has little influence on the SMEs' choice of entry mode. Third, stage-based theories do not reflect company experience in Internet economy; a preliminary study suggests that this notion is worthy of further study on a larger scale. These findings have implications for future research, practice and policy-making in terms of taking a holistic view of the use of Internet technology.
Low knowledge in cyberspace: Abduction, tacit knowledge, aura, and the mobility of knowledge
Authors: Patokorpi Erkki
Published: June 2021

In the same way as traditional classroom teaching sets boundaries to what and how learners can learn there seem to be some limitations to Information Society Technologies (IST) enhanced and mobile learning, that is, limitations or constraints set by the special epistemological conditions of digital interaction and culture. The essay at hand examines especially the limitations to human knowledge in cyberspace. It does so with the help of three well-known philosophical concepts: abduction, tacit knowledge and aura. Abduction, tacit knowledge and aura have some similarities which seem to justify in treating them under a common denominator of low knowledge. Low knowledge is a personal yet democratic form of knowing that focuses on differences and details, treating individuals as whole universes. It is suggested that low knowledge may be a key to a better understanding of the mobility and immobility of knowledge.
Enabling social networks in an R&D organization
Authors: Hellström Tomas
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a qualitative study of mechanisms enabling social network formation in the R&D unit of a large technology-based organization. Drawing on interviews with 37 high-level technical and administrative unit members, a number of social network enablers could be discerned, which related to the need for effective location mechanisms, special “enrolment spaces”, and mechanisms for forging contacts. It was also possible to identify a number of higher-order factors for facilitation of network formation, namely hierarchical enablers and communicative and assimilative factors. Based on these results, the paper makes suggestions as to the theoretical and practical significance of social network enabling mechanisms in R&D organizations.
An integrated frame-of-reference for modelling management systems
Authors: Sice Petia , French Ian , Mosekilde Erik
Published: June 2021

The application of any modelling method without reflection on the underpinning assumptions is flawed. What is more, such an approach is bound to lead us to an incomplete understanding of the situation under consideration, since it places “restrictions” on the ways we question the validity of the knowledge unearthed in the application of the method. Thus, creative interpretation becomes limited.

The paper considers this problem. It draws on insights from cognitive science, autopoiesis, management cybernetics and non-linear dynamics and outlines a philosophical frame-of-reference for modelling management systems. It emphasises the importance of epistemological reflection and the need to consider modelling as a cognitive act that requires the inclusion of the observer as part of the inquiry and the development and use of a systemic language within the situation of concern.
Establishment of a customer-oriented model for demand chain management
Authors: Hwang Ming-Hon , Rau Hsin
Published: June 2021

This study attempts to solve problems encountered in traditional supply chain design, including: products not being designed or manufactured according to customer needs; low profit or over-crowded competitors in the chosen target market, and conflicts between the objectives for each member of the supply chain. Moreover, this study recommends a model for calculating the objectives for the overall demand chain and for each member. This model maximizes the overall demand chain performance by satisfying customer needs. It not only gives demand chain members for value adding direction, but also monitors the members during execution. The proposed model provides immediate corrective action if any members of the demand chain deviate from the objectives.
Decision tools to benefit children needing adoption
Authors: Whalen Thomas , Pollack Daniel
Published: June 2021

Millions of children worldwide need permanent families. But traditional paper based methods, disagreements between agencies, and excessive nationalistic restrictions keep many children apart from potential parents able and eager to nurture them. This paper focuses on the use of Weighted Ordered Weighted Averages and linear assignment programming for matching orphaned or abandoned children with adoptive families. Traditional paper based, one-child-at-a-time approaches are slow, and speed matters, because of the well documented harm done when children spend too much time waiting. Our focus is on simultaneous matching in which a pool of potential families is viewed as a resource to be used of the benefit for a pool of children in a global way rather than one at a time. A special case of the Weighted Ordered Weighted Average, designed to be transparent to social workers with little or no mathematical training or inclination, is used to aggregate criteria. The United States Department of Health and Human Services estimates that over 500,000 children are in foster care with 130,000 available for adoption [6]. In sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, a joint report by the UN/AIDS/UNICEF/USAID estimates that in 2003 there were 143 million orphans [24]. Negative experiences with the foster care system also lead to more children available for adoption [8,10,15,16]. Furthermore, with the rapid increase in drug dependency, AIDS, child maltreatment, and homelessness, the number of children available for adoption increases concomitantly [1]. It is universally agreed that a more efficient and swifter system needs to be developed in order to place these children in permanent homes [2,14,17]. This paper focuses on the use of Weighted Ordered Weighted Averages [21] and linear assignment programming for matching orphaned or abandoned children with adoptive families. We begin by reviewing traditional paper based, one-child-at-a-time approaches using unaided human judgment or human judgment aided by semi-automated systems for preliminary screening and short-listing. The primary focus is on simultaneous matching in which a pool of potential families is viewed as a resource to be used for the benefit of a pool of children in a global way rather than one at a time. A special case of the Weighted Ordered Weighted Average, designed to be transparent to social workers with little or no mathematical training or inclination, is used to aggregate criteria.