bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the sourcing alternatives in an Indian manufacturing company
Authors: Routroy Srikanta , Pradhan Sudeep Kumar 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the sourcing alternatives (i.e. supplier development (SD), supplier switching (SS) and in‐house production (IP)) in an Indian manufacturing supply chain environment.Design/methodology/approachA total of 14 attributes are identified through an extensive literature review and discussion held with managers/engineers of different Indian manufacturing companies for analyzing the sourcing alternatives. A systematic methodology is proposed and applied, comprising a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) for analyzing the sourcing alternatives followed by the application of classical analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for result verification.FindingsFrom the results obtained from both AHP and FAHP, it is established that the SD is the most preferred alternative in comparison to other two alternatives (i.e. SS and IP) for the considered Indian manufacturing environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe same problem can be extended by incorporating the dynamic behavior of the attributes. The findings cannot be generalized for any other company as it is based on a single Indian manufacturing company.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates a methodology to evaluate the sourcing alternatives considering judgment of multiple experts in a systematic way. It is believed that it will be quite useful for the supply chain manager to analyze sourcing alternatives by capturing his manufacturing environment into priority weights, which can reflect his priority considerations.Originality/valueAlthough SD, SS and IP have been widely researched individually, no study has been reported in the literature to evaluate and rank these three alternatives in any specific Indian manufacturing environment.
Efficiency analysis of UAE banks using data envelopment analysis
Authors: Mohamed Shahwan Tamer , Mohammed Hassan Yousef 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe current study aims to explore and measure the profitability, marketability, and social disclosure efficiency of UAE banks using a nonparametric frontier method – data envelopment analysis (DEA).Design/methodology/approachIn order to estimate the relative efficiency of the Emirati banks based on three different dimensions: profitability, marketability and social disclosure, a sample of 20 listed Emirati banks in 2009 is first selected. Second, a disclosure index to measure the extent of their social disclosure is developed and utilized. Third, the input‐oriented version of DEA model is deployed to estimate their technical and scale efficiency.FindingsBased on nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test, paired‐difference t test and sign test, this study reports significant evidence that the UAE banks are performing much better in profitability and social disclosure activities than marketability activities. The results also provide additional evidence regarding the positive relation observed between the performance of social disclosure and profitability performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is small, although it includes all relevant Emirati banks. Moreover, follow‐up research using panel data derived from the UAE banking sector are required to test and generalize the current results.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its approach by introducing social disclosure as a new empirical dimension to the literatures of banking efficiency analysis using DEA.
An analysis of the telecommunication industry in the Sultanate of Oman using Michael Porter's competitive strategy model
Authors: Rajasekar James , Al Raee Mueid 
Published: May 2013

PurposeMichael Porter's Five Forces Model provides an ideal mechanism and framework to study the Oman telecommunications industry's competitive structure. The purpose of this paper is to use this model to identify the competitive forces that affect it the most.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on empirical research. The data were collected primarily from secondary sources such as published interviews of chief executive officers of the telecommunication companies in Oman, government reports, and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Oman (TRA). The authors then used Michael Porter's five forces model to investigate the competitiveness of the telecommunication industry in Oman.FindingsThe analysis shows that the strongest competitive forces in the industry are rivalry among competitors and threat of substitutes. While the threat of entry and power of buyers also having a significant impact, the power of suppliers is of very limited impact. Hence, the five forces model impacts uniformly on all the players in Oman's telecommunication market and have important strategy implications for them all. The results of this analysis are then used as a critical tool to formulate effective strategies for industry players in the face of the changing dynamics of telecommunication services industry in Oman.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few papers that attempted to study the telecommunication industry in Oman in depth. However, this is the first research study that investigated the competitive landscape of this industry using an established framework such as Michael Porter's five forces model. As such, the study brought to light new insights and paradigms in competing in the telecommunication industry in Oman. This study also suggests new strategic directives to the incumbents, new entrants, buyers and suppliers.
Mirror, indicate, maneuver: changing lanes in research and trying to avoid a crash
Authors: Yelland Nicola 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on what it means to be an academic in contemporary times and particularly how the value associated with being a researcher has changed in currency over time.Design/methodology/approachBased on Cavarerro's work about stories of the narrated self, in which revealing self narratives are viewed as a vehicle for uncovering (self) identities, this paper reveals the pitfalls associated with trying to change focus and direction and attempts to reinvent oneself in times that are characterized by a return to the essentially conservative conventions of educational research. Neo‐liberal, market driven, utilitarian models of education dominate the contemporary research landscape. What constitutes evidence is under debate. How evidence is obtained and analysed is subject to traditional definitions which may not have direct relevance to contemporary phenomena in post‐modern times. Those in positions of power reduce performance to minutiae and constantly want prescriptive teaching to produce observable outcomes. Yet, is this possible in environs that are formed by individuals in a multiplicity of contexts, cultures and locations? What does this mean for research which focuses not only on the lived experiences in classroom but the recognition that no two classrooms are the same and the quest for the identification of a “good teacher” is like that of the holy grail?FindingsThis paper reveals the pitfalls associated with trying to change focus and direction in academic research. The author has reinterpreted the driving procedure – look in the mirror, indicate and then (if it is clear) move – in her career to being reflective and reflexive about where she has come from, signaling that she wants to change or shift her position and then attempting to make the move. This process of change is continuing and not always continuous.Originality/valueThe article reflects a personal story that is intended to resonate with audiences experiencing similar contexts in contemporary academic life.
E‐government adoption in Oman: motivating factors from a government perspective
Authors: Al‐Mamari Qasim , Corbitt Brian , Oyaro Gekara Victor 
Published: May 2013

PurposeSince little research has been done on e‐government initiatives in developing countries from a government perspective, this study aims to contribute towards filling this empirical gap. It also comes at a time when Oman, like many other countries in the region are tackling issues related to transformation of public services and transparent government. E‐government is one of the tools in the process of transition.Design/methodology/approachA theoretically derived and empirically confirmed framework of government motives for implementing e‐government is proposed. This study used a qualitative case study approach with semi‐structured interviews as the main tool of data collection and hermeneutics as the technique for data analysis. Empirical investigation was preceded by a content analysis of research and public official artefacts relating to motivation for engagement with e‐government in 70 developing countries. Identified motives were categorised through the lenses of institutional theory, information quality, and quality of service models and incorporated in a single framework to guide the empirical investigation while keeping it flexible to accommodate for country‐specific factors specific to Oman.FindingsFindings suggest that Oman is motivated by driving forces similar to other developing countries. Specifically, the Government of Oman implemented e‐government projects due to international coercive, mimetic, and normative dynamics of conformance to international standards. Similarly, the government employed e‐government to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of government operations by improving public service quality and quality of information shared between different agencies. Motivating factors were, first, the compelling need to effectively respond to a specific economic crisis of anticipated depletion of oil reserves and, second, institutional dynamics inflicted by the global discourse on e‐government and knowledge‐based economy.Practical implicationsThe framework proposed in this paper represents a view of e‐government objectives conceptualised in a theoretical context. It can be used to assist policy‐makers in formulating successful e‐government implementation strategies. In addition, dimensions of service quality and information quality could form a systematic basis for successful provision of electronic public services.Originality/valueThe research in e‐government lacks a clear definition and theoretical linkage of the different adoption motives from a government perspective especially during the pre‐implementation stage. The proposed framework strives to be both comprehensive and integrative, based on interrelated theoretical elements, as compared to existing frameworks which mostly focus on the end‐user adoption of e‐government services.
Factors affecting e‐government adoption in Pakistan: a citizen's perspective
Authors: Ovais Ahmad Muhammad , Markkula Jouni , Oivo Markku 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that enable end‐user adoption of e‐government services in Pakistan, where these facilities are at a rudimentary stage.Design/methodology/approachFollowing previous research on e‐government services adoption, this study employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to examine the influential factors of the adoption and use of e‐government services in Pakistan from a citizen perspective. An online survey was conducted and a statistical descriptive analysis was performed on the responses received from 115 Pakistani citizens.FindingsIn line with previous research, the findings show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence are the factors that affect the user's adoption of e‐government services in Pakistan. Furthermore, the results show that lack of awareness, user data privacy, lack of appropriate support and assistance hamper the process.Practical implicationsThe findings are useful for policy‐makers and decision‐makers to develop a better understanding of citizens' needs. The adopted model can be used as a guideline for the implementation of e‐government services in Pakistan. This study suggests that government should run extensive advertising campaigns to ensure that people are aware of the services and use them. This implies that government should place emphasis on increasing awareness of the services, show the benefits of citizens, and encouraging confidence in the system.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few to examine what influences citizens adoption of e‐government services in South Asia. This paper is the first step exploring end‐user adoption of the e‐government services of Pakistan using UTAUT model. Corresponding to previous research, this study enforces the significance of particular factors that need to be considered when the goal is to increase e‐government services adoption in developing countries, particularly South Asian.
Proposing a reference process model for the citizen‐centric evaluation of e‐government services
Authors: Tsohou Aggeliki , Lee Habin , Irani Zahir , Weerakkody Vishanth , Osman Ibrahim H. , Anouze Abdel L. , Medeni Tunc 
Published: May 2013

PurposeEvaluating and optimizing e‐government services is imperative for governments especially due to the capacity of e‐services to transform public administrations and assist the interactions of governments with citizens, businesses and other government agencies. Existing widely applied evaluation approaches neglect to incorporate citizens' satisfaction measures. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to contribute to the understanding of citizen‐centric e‐government evaluation and unify existing key performance indicators (KPIs); and to propose a reference process model of a novel evaluation approach that uses the unified KPIs to facilitate the creation of a “know‐how” repository.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt a quantitative research approach for the evaluation of e‐government services that is based on data envelope analysis (DEA). A survey was conducted for the empirical investigation and data were collected from 13 e‐government services in Turkey. Based on the empirical application of the e‐government evaluation method, a reference process model is designed.FindingsThe proposed evaluation method was proved valid and able to provide assessment with richer explanations than traditional statistical measurements. DEA enabled the identification of insufficient e‐government services and the provision of suggested improvements.Research limitations/implicationsThe reference process model is constructed based on the experience gained by applying the method to a sole cultural setting;, i.e. e‐government services in Turkey.Practical implicationsThe proposed evaluation method, in comparison to other user‐oriented ones, provided assessments with richer explanations than traditional statistical measurements, such as structured equation modelling. The reference process model constructed based on the empirical research is expected to accelerate the citizen‐oriented evaluation of e‐government and promote impact‐oriented indicators.Originality/valueThis is the first application of DEA in the e‐government field, although it has been widely applied for performance measurement in other fields, especially operations research. The novelty of DEA is that the assessment results provide suggestions for strategic improvement of the e‐services.
Self‐directed career attitude and retirement intentions
Authors: De Vos Ans , Segers Jesse 
Published: May 2013

PurposeCareer self‐directedness is a concept that has gained widespread attention in the literature on new careers and managerial thinking about contemporary career development. In a related sense, the topic of employee retirement has become popular in both the academic and managerial literature. However, to date, career self‐directedness has not been studied in relationship with older workers' retirement intentions. The purpose of this study is to test a model of the relationship between career self‐directedness and retirement intentions, mediated by career self‐management behaviors and engagement.Design/methodology/approachA survey was completed by 271 employees older than 45 working in five organizations. The average age was 53, and 59 percent were female. Participants had been with their current employer for an average of 16 years, and 58 percent of them worked fulltime. The survey included measures of self‐directed career attitude, career self‐management behaviors, engagement and retirement intention.FindingsResults indicate that engagement and career self‐management behaviors fully mediated the relationship between self‐directed career attitude and retirement intention.Originality/valueThis is the first study to address career self‐directedness in relationship with retirement intentions, thereby considering the mediating role of career self‐management behaviors and engagement. As a result, this study contributes to insights in the validity of career self‐directedness as a predictor of career development using a sample of employees different from the main body of studies using samples of employees in their early career stages. Moreover, it sheds further light on the retirement process by including an individual career attitude and intermediating variables viewed as important to understand contemporary organizational behavior.
Creative professional service firms: aligning strategy and talent
Authors: Canavan Deirdre , Sharkey Scott Pamela , Mangematin Vincent 
Published: May 2013

PurposeReliance on individual talent and motivation renders creative professional service firms (PSFs) highly dependent on their ability to attract and mobilise the right individuals. This paper aims to build an integrated framework showing firstly how creative industry PSFs can differ in their strategy for growth, and secondly how these alternative strategies for growth can influence the firm's approach to organising and the type of talent required.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on a series of interviews with managing directors, senior management and practitioners of architectural organisations in a single country, combined with an extensive literature review.FindingsThe authors' framework illustrates how the proposed growth strategies for creative PSFs are aligned to alternative professional talent profiles – a product portfolio strategy where the firm structures for efficiency aligned to a managerial talent profile, and an artistic competency strategy where the firm structures for creativity aligned to a technical talent profile.Research limitations/implicationsThe usual limitations apply in terms of generalisability of findings from case studies.Practical implicationsThe authors' proposed framework represents a novel attempt to help management of creative PSFs to align their growth strategies with human resource practice to achieve the firm's objectives, and provide valuable practical advice to managers on achieving this “fit”.Originality/valueBy linking the firm's strategy and structure to identify the organisation's human resource requirements, the authors provide a novel framework for how creative PSFs can attract and retain the type of talent profile and motivational characteristics best suited to perform consistently and contribute to achieving the firm objectives.
Gauging performance in the service industry
Authors: Tyagi Rajesh , Gupta Praveen 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTraditional performance measurement models and frameworks fail to take into account the intricacies and specificity of service businesses. The important characteristics of services, role of employees and partners, important of measures and concurrent production and delivery need to be incorporated into the framework. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe research followed a case‐based methodology using semi‐structured interviews. Literature review and case‐based methodology led to the conception of initial deployment framework.FindingsExisting scorecards do not emphasize the deployment aspects of the scorecard and overlook trade‐offs and benchmarking decisions.Practical implicationsThe scorecard provides guidance for successful deployment. The framework incorporates the importance of service innovation and role of employees and partners into the scorecard. Relative decision trade off and benchmarking are an integral part of the deployment process.Originality/valueThe two founding blocks of the scorecard are value maximization theory proposition and Six Sigma methodology. The service scorecard supports stakeholders that drive business performance thus ensuring accountability, innovation and collaboration. The scorecard offers a set of measures that builds upon existing measures.
Event‐aware FRBR and FRAD models: are they useful?
Authors: Taniguchi Shoichi 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present functional requirements for bibliographic records (FRBR)‐based model and functional requirements for authority data (FRAD)‐based model; both of which incorporate an event concept that transforms FRBR and FRAD with minimal modification.Design/methodology/approachRelationships between the entities defined in FRBR/FRAD are transformed into event entities and relationships with other kinds of entities. The cardinality of those relationships is also examined. In addition, a comparison of the proposed FRBR‐based model with the object‐oriented FRBR (FRBROO) is conducted.FindingsIn the proposed event‐aware FRBR model, an event and its output resource are dependent on each other and necessary information about an event can be expressed with information about its output resource, and vice versa. Therefore, the usefulness and expressiveness of the proposed model is limited. In the FRBROO model, dependency between an event and its output resource is not observed, except in a few cases, since a different resource and event modeling was adopted there. The event‐aware FRAD model proposed is useful – but also the scope of its usefulness limited since dependency between an event and its input/output resource is not observed on some event entities.Originality/valueThe proposed models are meaningful in terms of understanding the basic structure and features of a model that incorporates an event concept. The usefulness and limitation of event modeling have been clarified through such model building. The proposed models provide a stable basis for examining FRBR/FRAD further.