bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does successful recovery mitigate failure severity?
Authors: Balaji M.S. , Sarkar Aditi 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine the role of level of failure severity and recovery efforts in customer response behavior. Specifically, the paper investigates how severity of failure influence the relationship between recovery efforts and outcome variables of recovery disconfirmation, satisfaction, loyalty and negative word‐of‐mouth.Design/methodology/approachA 2×2 between subjects experimental design was carried out. Written scenarios were used to manipulate the level of severity and recovery efforts. Responses were collected from 103 participants on pre‐validated scale measures.FindingsThe results of the study yield significant findings of impact of failure severity and recovery effort on dependent variables in the Indian context. The findings indicate significant interaction effects on satisfaction, loyalty and negative word‐of‐mouth.Originality/valuePrior studies on failure and recovery have mostly kept failure constant even though the magnitude of failure can range from low to high. This study examines the effect of level of failure severity and recovery efforts in customer response behavior. Further, this study extends prior research in recovery by investigating the variables of interest in the eastern cultural context such as India.
The establishment of legitimacy: the case of international projects
Authors: Aaltonen Kirsi 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe establishment of legitimacy is one of the critical issues faced by international projects that involve a host of stakeholders and are implemented in challenging institutional environments. The purpose of this paper is to examine the establishment of legitimacy and factors that affect this process in the context of international projects.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, multiple case study of three international projects conducted in challenging institutional environments.FindingsBased on a theoretical and empirical analysis of three case projects, the article identifies different strategies that may be enacted to gain project legitimacy in international projects. Furthermore, a set of propositions that describe the effects of different factors (the project's external environment, the project network, the process of legitimation) that explain the extent of the challenge faced by international projects in establishing legitimacy are developed.Originality/valueThe article sets the scene for theory development on project legitimacy. A better understanding of legitimation strategies and of the factors that affect the establishment of legitimacy in international projects advances research on project‐environment interaction and supports managers in proactively managing project legitimacy.
Sustainable development and project stakeholder management: what standards say
Authors: Eskerod Pernille , Huemann Martina 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze how various approaches to stakeholder management, as well as sustainable development principles, are included in internationally‐used project management standards; and to consider the demands these approaches and principles place on project stakeholder management.Design/methodology/approachAn analytical framework was developed based on stakeholder theory within general management, as well as on sustainability research. Desk research was carried out by applying the analytical framework to three project management standards: ICB, PMBOK and PRINCE2.FindingsThe research findings suggest that stakeholder issues are treated superficially in the project management standards, while putting stakeholder management in the context of sustainable development would ask for a paradigm shift in the underpinning values. The current project stakeholder practices represent mainly a management‐of‐stakeholders approach, i.e. making stakeholders comply to project needs, whereas a management‐for‐stakeholders approach may be beneficial.Research limitations/implicationsAs the analysis is based on document studies of bodies of knowledge, the authors cannot be sure to what extent the standards represent real‐life practices. However, the standards are developed by practitioners agreeing on common practices. Further, they are used to certify project managers worldwide. Therefore, the authors find it safe to claim that the findings are relevant when discussing project management practices.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in the enrichment of the understanding of project stakeholder management by applying concepts from general stakeholder theory and sustainable development research.
That is not how we brought you up: how is the strategy of a project formed?
Authors: Vuori Elisa , Mutka Sanna , Aaltonen Pertti , Artto Karlos 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe requirements of various participants of a project may conflict with the strategy of the project's parent organization and, consequently, the project may form its individual strategy independently, to better align with the factors in its environment. The purpose of this paper is to describe the formation of the strategy of a project as a response to the project's environment, providing insight into a project's strategy formation, where the project does not merely reflect the strategy of the parent but where the parent is only one influential actor (of many) in the project's environment.Design/methodology/approachTo increase understanding of the relationship between the project's environment, the strategy of the project‐based firm and the strategy formation of a project, the authors analyze a project of a metallurgy firm in an empirical case study. The authors use project literature and corporate venturing literature, look for the dimensions of project strategy and the factors in the project's environment and study how the factors in the environment shape the project's strategy.FindingsThe analysis suggests that factors in the internal and external environments affect the strategy formation with varying strength. The strategy of the case project was formed in micro‐level iterative processes, in interaction between dimensions of strategy of the project and factors in environment. The empirical case study suggests that a project initiated with strong influence of external factors has to face contradiction between the strategy and related influential factors in the parent organization of the project.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to our understanding of how the strategy of an individual project is formed through micro‐level processes that are related to external and internal factors that affect the strategy formation.
Decoupling and standardization in the projectification of a company
Authors: Bergman Inger , Gunnarson Sven , Räisänen Christine 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the change trajectory in a large, global, project‐oriented company, with focus on standardization of project work, and on how the company's structure, processes and employment‐base changed in line with the company's increasing volume of projects.Design/methodology/approachThe stance taken is to define firm‐based projects as temporary organisations embedded in, and coupled to their parent company. Narratives of employees' working history were combined with historical company data. The outcome is a trajectory of the company's history from four different perspectives, shown in parallel with the development of the company's project operations.FindingsThe projectification history was found to be connected with two parallel movements: a push towards project decoupling countered by a pull towards standardization of project management practices to tighten the coupling. The direction of the movements was influenced from current project management trends.Research limitations/implicationsThe model of a projectified company as a loosely‐coupled system provides a novel way of analysing an organisation and its interfaces to its projects. Even though the work focuses on a unique company's projectification history, the intention is to provide a means to better understand the forces impacting the transformation of organisations increasingly using projects as a work‐form.Originality/valueAdding the notion of coupling gives a new dimension to the transformation of project‐oriented companies. The model for analysing projects by means of their patterns of loose and tight coupling provides arguments for the shift in focus from the individual project to the interplay between structure, people and processes in the project‐oriented company.
Managing project portfolios: balancing flexibility and structure by improvising
Authors: Jerbrant Anna , Karrbom Gustavsson Tina 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to situate project portfolio management practice and explore its improvisational nature. The overall aim is to deepen the knowledge of what project portfolio managers do when they manage portfolios based on an organizational theory perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis research explores the situated actions of project portfolio managers managing project portfolios and is based on two different case studies. The approach is qualitative and interpretative, with the aim of gradually developing an understanding.FindingsThe primary contributions in this paper are insights that enhance the understanding of project portfolio management practice, and the differences in practice between portfolio managers and project managers when creating “action space” and improvising. This knowledge is important for both project theory and project practice, for example when developing managerial competences and sense making structures as well as organizational design in order to increase competitiveness. The findings also contribute to project theory in relation to research on the “Practice Turn” and the literature on re‐situating projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe research implications emphasize the need for a better understanding of project portfolio management in practice, and an awareness of the need of uncertainty management executed by the portfolio managers situated actions (i.e. fulfilled by walk‐tour and circle communication).Practical implicationsThe practical implications are an awareness of the fact that project‐based organizational settings have to emphasize a holistic approach and acknowledge the need for situated leadership (in particular for their project portfolio managers).Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to study situated project portfolio management practice.
Improvement of Sigma level of a foundry: a case study
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Satsangi P.S. , Prajapati D.R. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore Six Sigma practices in a casting industry, that could improve the green sand casting process in a foundry by reducing the casting defects. The goal was to determine which variables influenced this evolution and the relative weight of critical success factors as the methodology developed.Design/methodology/approachThe DMAIC (Define, Measurement, Analyze, Improve, and Control)‐based Six Sigma approach is implemented to improve the green sand casting process and has made the process more robust to quality variations. Analysis of various critical process parameters of the melt shop is also carried out with the help of Taguchi's method of experimental design.FindingsThe proposed techniques optimized control factors, resulting in superior quality and stability of the green sand castings process, which contributes to minimizing the casting defects and improving the Sigma level of the industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was carried out with some boundaries such as the number of castings of differential housings, available resources, time constraints, etc.Practical implicationsThis paper is most valuable for the foundry industry, which can avail the direct benefit of Six Sigma results from the reduction in the number of defects due to improved casting processes and dispels the myths concerning the hardly ever use of Six Sigma in the casting industry.Originality/valueThe novelty of the paper lies in conducting a comparative study on the performance of a Six Sigma project. The paper will be valuable for quality professionals and management personnel in the casting industry.
Sustainable value creation in SMEs: a case study
Authors: Vincenza Ciasullo Maria , Troisi Orlando 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study how a small to medium‐size enterprise (SME) in Campania (Italy) integrated sustainability into its corporate strategy, and how its sustainable corporate strategies reflect on intangible assets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper, an exploratory study based on grounded theory, analyzes are interviews with the entrepreneurial team and top and middle management. Findings are integrated with documentary analysis, internal process data and archival material.FindingsEthics and value systems play a significant role in devising sustainable corporate strategy. Competitive strategies, innovation, quality and responsibility are reflected in management procedures and the supply network system involving partners in sustainable innovation processes.Research limitations/implicationsA single case study obviously limits the generalizing of the findings.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurs and managers can benefit from the study to build a relational network for sustainable development.Originality/valueThe process of sustainable value creation, sharing and the co‐creation of knowledge emerges fully in the case study analyzed. The study pivots on issues of innovation and eco‐sustainability as drivers for corporate sustainability and business ethics.
Selected proposals and possibilities of trust development within the TQM concept
Authors: Bugdol Marek 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define the meaning of trust in the total quality management (TQM) concept and to present the practical possibilities of its development.Design/methodology/approachThe basic research method was a study of the literature on the subject. First, the author carried out a detailed analysis of the literature on the subject and distinguished several thematic aspects comprising, among other things, the role and meaning of organizational values in management, the role of trust and its relation to other organizational values, and recommendations concerning trust development. The following stage was classification and categorization. Most of the issues were arranged in order and particular contents were ascribed to predetermined research aspects. The system approach and, indirectly, the hermeneutic interpretation were used in the article.FindingsThe research confirmed the possibility of trust development, taking into consideration a specific character of TQM. On the basis of previously developed concepts, the author proposes three methods of trust development in the TQM environment: taking into consideration an organizational values system; applying various trust types; and applying the key elements of TQM.Practical implicationsOn the basis of the presented methods of TQM development, trust development programmes can be created. This is what some organizations have already been doing (e.g. Boeing‐Seattle).Originality/valueThe article is the first attempt to present the methods of trust development within the context of the specific character of TQM.
Support workers' knowledge about dementia: a vignette study
Authors: Herron Daniel L. , Priest Helena M. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeIt is widely acknowledged that people with intellectual disabilities are highly likely to experience mental health problems, but that support workers' knowledge and skill in this area is sometimes lacking. There is little research explicitly exploring knowledge about the mental health of older people with intellectual disabilities and the purpose of this paper is to attempt to fill this gap.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 14 support workers completed a questionnaire in which three vignettes presented progressively worsening indicators of dementia in an older person with intellectual disabilities. Participants explained what they thought was happening and what action they would take. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework.FindingsFew participants had undertaken any mental health training, and only one in relation to older people. They were generally poor at judging early and intermediate indicators of dementia, but were able to identify more overt later signs. However, they believed these advanced indicators to be the onset of dementia. Nonetheless, they would generally take appropriate action, such as observation and referral. Abuse was often considered as a causal factor.Practical implicationsThe most significant implication is the need for training in the mental health needs of older people and in particular, the general and specific indicators and expected trajectory of dementia in this population.Originality/valueThe study adds to the limited research on staff knowledge about older people with intellectual disabilities and dementia, using a novel methodology.
How Japanese schools build a professional learning community by lesson study
Authors: Chichibu Toshiya , Kihara Toshiyuki 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the lesson study (LS) processes and evaluate their effectiveness in Japanese elementary and secondary (middle and high) schools, through a school survey by the National Institute for Educational Policy Research of Japan (NIER).Design/methodology/approachThe authors randomly selected 1,000 elementary schools and 1,000 middle schools and 500 high schools in Japan. Survey items are methods of LS, and indicators of building professional learning communities (PLC) through LSs, close communication between teachers, high quality instruction by teachers, and test scores of students of the school.FindingsBased on the school survey in elementary and middle schools, almost all schools set up a school‐wide committee, a research theme, and a schedule for LS, and LSs were implemented as part of a school‐wide lesson study from which an action research report is produced. On the other hand, in high schools, almost all the schools implemented LSs, but each LS is independent and implemented specifically for the professional development of the individual teacher who undertakes the research lesson. The authors consider LS as a way to facilitate a PLC in the school. There are correlations between the methods of LS and the indicators of a PLC in elementary and middle schools. However, the effectiveness of LS differs between elementary and middle schools. With respect to the research theme and the organization and discussion of lesson plans, LS methods in middle schools are developed into LS methods in elementary schools. The LS methods may be developed gradually both in elementary and middle schools.Originality/valueStatistical data of LS in Japanese elementary and secondary schools are presented for the first time, demonstrating the effectiveness of LS.
Infusing inquiry‐based learning skills in curriculum implementation
Authors: Laxman Kumar 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the pedagogical implications of implementing inquiry‐based learning within the context of a problem‐solving oriented curriculum in a polytechnic institution in Singapore. An interventionist study examines the impact of developing questioning skills on students’ problem‐solving abilities.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was adopted as the key research methodology for this course. The students who participated in this study came from a class of 25 first‐year students and they were assigned to five groups consisting of five members in each group. These students ranged in ages from 17 to 19 and were an even mix in terms of gender distribution.FindingsIt was found in the study that inquiry‐based learning as an educational process of active learning encouraged students to discover new knowledge on their own and enhanced their problem‐solving abilities. By generating their own questions and evidence‐supported explanations, students were also able to engage in higher levels of cognitive reasoning in the classroom.Originality/valueThe findings of this study will inform curriculum designers and educators who wish to implement alternative pedagogies on how they can develop inquiry‐based lessons for their classes.
Effects of phosphorus starvation versus limitation on the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus MED4 I: uptake physiology
Authors: Krumhardt Kristen M. , Callnan Kate , Roache‐Johnson Kathryn , Swett Tammy , Robinson Daniela , Reistetter Emily Nahas , Saunders Jaclyn K. , Rocap Gabrielle , Moore Lisa R. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryRecent measurements of natural populations of the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus indicate this numerically dominant phototroph assimilates phosphorus (P) at significant rates in P‐limited oceanic regions. To better understand uptake capabilities of Prochlorococcus under different P stress conditions, uptake kinetic experiments were performed on Prochlorococcus MED4 grown in P‐limited chemostats and batch cultures. Our results indicate that MED4 has a small cell‐specific Vmax but a high specific affinity (αP) for P, making it competitive with other marine cyanobacteria at low P concentrations. Additionally, MED4 regulates its uptake kinetics in response to P stress by significantly increasing Vmax and αP for both inorganic and organic P (PO4 and ATP). The Michaelis–Menten constant, KM, for PO4 remained constant under different P stress conditions, whereas the KM for ATP was higher when cells were stressed for PO4, pointing to additional processes involved in uptake of ATP. MED4 cleaves the PO4 moieties from ATP, likely with a 5′‐nucleotidase‐like enzyme rather than alkaline phosphatase. MED4 exhibited distinct physiological differences between cells under steady‐state P limitation versus those transitioning from P‐replete to P‐starved conditions. Thus, MED4 employs a variety of strategies to deal with changing P sources in the oceans and displays complexity in P stress acclimation and regulatory mechanisms.
Laser microdissection and microarray analysis of Tuber melanosporum ectomycorrhizas reveal functional heterogeneity between mantle and Hartig net compartments
Authors: Hacquard Stéphane , Tisserant Emilie , Brun Annick , Legué Valérie , Martin Francis , Kohler Annegret 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis, a mutualistic plant–fungus association, plays a fundamental role in forest ecosystems by enhancing plant growth and by providing host protection from root diseases. The cellular complexity of the symbiotic organ, characterized by the differentiation of structurally specialized tissues (i.e. the fungal mantle and the Hartig net), is the major limitation to study fungal gene expression in such specific compartments. We investigated the transcriptional landscape of the ECM fungus Tuber melanosporum during the major stages of its life cycle and we particularly focused on the complex symbiotic stage by combining the use of laser capture microdissection and microarray gene expression analysis. We isolated the fungal/soil (i.e. the mantle) and the fungal/plant (i.e. the Hartig net) interfaces from transverse sections of T. melanosporum/Corylus avellana ectomycorrhizas and identified the distinct genetic programmes associated with each compartment. Particularly, nitrogen and water acquisition from soil, synthesis of secondary metabolites and detoxification mechanisms appear to be important processes in the fungal mantle. In contrast, transport activity is enhanced in the Hartig net and we identified carbohydrate and nitrogen‐derived transporters that might play a key role in the reciprocal resources' transfer between the host and the symbiont.