bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoption of cloud computing technologies in supply chains
Authors: Cegielski Casey G. , Allison Jones‐Farmer L. , Wu Yun , Hazen Benjamin T. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to employ organizational information processing theory to assess how a firm's information processing requirements and capabilities combine to affect the intention to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of electronic supply chain management systems. Specifically, the paper examines the extent to which task uncertainty, environmental uncertainty, and inter‐organizational uncertainty affect intention to adopt cloud computing technology and how information processing capability may moderate these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a multiple method approach, thus examining the hypothesized model with both quantitative and qualitative methods. To begin, the paper incorporates a Delphi study as a way in which to choose a practically relevant characterization of the moderating variable, information processing capability. The authors then use a survey method and hierarchical linear regression to quantitatively test their hypotheses. Finally, the authors employ interviews to gather additional qualitative data, which they examine via use of content analysis in order to provide additional insight into the tenability of the proposed model.FindingsThe quantitative analysis suggests that significant two‐way interactions exist between each independent variable and the moderating variable; each of these interactions is significantly related to intention to adopt cloud computing. The qualitative results support the assertion that information processing requirements and information processing capability affect intention to adopt cloud computing. These findings support the relationships addressed in the hypothesized model and suggest that the decision to adopt cloud computing is based upon complex circumstances.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited by the use of single key informants for both the quantitative and qualitative portions of the study. Nonetheless, this study enhances understanding of electronic supply chain management systems, and specifically cloud computing, through the application of organizational information processing theory. The authors’ mixed‐methods approach allowed them to draw more substantive conclusions; the findings provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for future research in this area, and also suggest the use of additional theoretical perspectives.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight that can help supply chain managers to better understand how requirements, when coupled with capabilities, may influence the decision to adopt cloud computing as an enabler of supply chain management systems.Originality/valueAs an emerging technology, cloud computing is changing the form and function of information technology infrastructures. This study enhances the understanding of how this technology may diffuse within the supply chain.
Performance management benefits organizations and their employees
Authors: Sahoo C.K. , Mishra Sukanta 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how high‐performing organizations require effective performance‐management systems to promote and develop the necessary values, principles and competencies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains, in the context of performance management, the importance of clear job descriptions, employee‐improvement plans and 360‐degree feedback.FindingsThe paper reveals how to make performance management a source of competitive advantage.Practical implicationsThe paper urges that a performance management system be used not only as an evaluation and documentation tool, but also as a strategic tool.Social implicationsThe paper explains how performance management can benefit both individuals and employers and, through them, society as a whole.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of holistic analysis of performance at organizational, process and individual levels for individual satisfaction, commitment and goal attainment.
To manage change, manage the big picture
Authors: Denton D. Keith 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to emphasize that the best way to implement change is not to micro‐manage but rather focus on a bigger picture.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the importance of change, considers the best ways of achieving it, and looks at its implementation at document company Xerox.FindingsThe paper describes how managers typically spend 90 percent of their time making rules, regulations and procedures, when it would be better if they spent 90 percent of their time keeping people focused.Practical implicationsThe paper stresses the need to keep it simple and remember that there is no way to control every detail or accurately to predict the future. It argues that, if managers make a constant effort to teach the big picture, there will be less risk of change going badly.Social implicationsThe paper highlights ways of improving the chances of achieving successful change in any organization, and so has wide application across society.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward a seven‐step process for staying focused on essential change.
Enterprise 2.0: bringing social media inside your organization
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Monika Wencek.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an interview with Monika Wencek, Senior Customer Success Manager at Yammer,FindingsWencek speaks of the value of Enterprise 2.0 technology for businesses, and, in particular, ways in which Yammer can be utilized by human resource departments, and for the provision of e‐learning.Originality/valueThe paper looks at Yammer, which is one of the leading providers of enterprise social networking, and has recently been acquired by Microsoft for $1.2 billion.
HR holds back economic development in Kazakhstan
Authors: Davis Paul J. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how the under‐developed state of human resource management (HRM) seems likely to thwart the economic and social development behind Kazakhstan's ambition to be a top 50 nation by 2020.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the background to Kazakhstan's Vision 2020, the current state of HRM in the country and the progress HRM specialists need to make if they are to be able to support the nation's rapid economic and social development.FindingsThe paper reveals that Kazakhstan needs quickly to develop a labor force with the skills and knowledge capable of delivering Vision 2020 while at the same time radically accelerating the competence, connectedness and co‐ordination of HRM specialists across the nation so that they can develop a shared practice.Practical implicationsThe paper urges the need for these specialists to implement the modern policies and practices that organizations rely on to maximize and strategically deploy their human capital.Social implicationsThe paper highlights how HRM can support a nation's entire economic and social development.Originality/valueThe paper describes the state of HRM in a little‐discussed country.
Critical strategies for Chinese architectural, engineering and construction firms to achieve profitability
Authors: Li Shan , Ling Florence Y.Y. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeAn appropriate choice of strategies helps firms to survive and develop in a turbulent economic environment. The problem is that there are many strategies that can be adopted, but it is not clear which ones would boost profitability. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how architectural, engineering and construction (A/E/C) firms headquartered in mainland China (Chinese A/E/C firms) can achieve profitability in China; specifically, to uncover the critical strategies and practices adopted by Chinese A/E/C firms to achieve profitability using Porter's generic competitive strategies, Sun Tzu's Art of War, and the networking approach.Design/methodology/approachThe data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire. The data collection methods were mail survey and face‐to‐face interviews. The population comprised all A/E/C firms headquartered in China. Samples were randomly drawn from the China Construction Industry Association's database. Stratified sampling was adopted to select only firms that operated in Shanghai or Beijing.FindingsThe finding is that profitable Chinese A/E/C firms are more likely to adopt practices that differentiate them from competitors instead of pursuing a low‐cost strategy or focus strategy. In addition, they adopt practices that make them adaptable and flexible. Also, practices that involve collaboration, knowledge sharing, and obtaining resources from firms in the network are adopted by profitable firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe data gathered might not be easily generalized to Chinese A/E/C firms operating in other parts of China because interviews were conducted with Chinese A/E/C firms operating in Beijing and Shanghai which are members of China's Construction Industry Association.Practical implicationsThe paper is to inform practitioners of the practices and strategies that lead to profitability. Foreign firms that are planning to partner with Chinese A/E/C firms may also use the findings to assess whether their prospective Chinese partners are adopting some of these practices, so that they would be profitable and not face financial difficulties in the course of the partnership.Originality/valueThe paper shows that profitability could be achieved by certain critical practices, which are underpinned by Porter's generic competitive strategies, Sun Tzu's Art of War based on military tactics, and Granovetter's network approach based on social network theory.
Analysis of factors critical to construction project success in Malaysia
Authors: Cheong Yong Yee , Emma Mustaffa Nur 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the principal factors that are critical to the success of a construction project in Malaysia, and determine their relative importance as perceived by different respondents. The findings of this study will provide the researcher with up‐to‐date information in formulating appropriate strategies to address the challenges brought about by human‐related issues. The paper will only discuss the first part of the ongoing research based on the pilot survey.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a thorough literature search, a total of 37 factors were consolidated and grouped into seven major categories. These factors were assembled into a questionnaire survey and distributed to clients, consultants and contractors. The respondents represent a wide range of professions, including those who are involved in design, construction, engineering, project management and quantity surveying. An analysis of the responses identified 15 factors to be accepted as critical to the success of construction projects.FindingsThe results suggest a strong consistency in perception between respondents in recognising the significance of human‐related factors such as competence, commitment, communication and cooperation towards the success of a construction project. These factors being the core element in relationship‐based procurement reinforced the need and viability of such procurement methods to the Malaysian construction industry.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used to facilitate the analysis of performance of various procurement systems, as well as identifying critical elements crucial to the development of a relationship‐based procurement in Malaysia.Originality/valueThis paper captures the perception of construction participants regarding the critical success factors of construction projects in Malaysia and fulfils an identified need to study the critical elements vital to the development of a new procurement approach in Malaysia.
Web‐based learning design tool
Authors: Bruno F.B. , Silva T.L.K. , Silva R.P. , Teixeira F.G. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a web‐based tool that enables the development and provision of learning designs and its reuse and re‐contextualization as generative learning objects, aimed at developing educational materials.Design/methodology/approachThe use of learning objects can facilitate the process of production and delivering of educational material and their reuse and re‐contextualization in different scenarios – such process is due to the current development stage of information and communication technologies (ICTs), which allow easy access to products and services related to them. ICTs combined with instructional design theories, lead to the emergence of new generations of distance learning, which add educational content to web‐based services. From this combination rises a hybrid mode of education, which combines tools for face‐to‐face and distance learning (blended learning).FindingsThe use of the web as a platform for production and management of learning objects comes as a solution for storage and sharing. The utilization of objects is justified when its reusability is facilitated. This gives rise to possibilities in a client‐server environment, where information is centralized and available anywhere in the network.Research limitations/implicationsThe combination of ICT and instructional design theories has potential and could result in hybrids which are yet to be fully understood and explored. This can enhance blended learning provision.Originality/valueThe paper presents a tool in which the learning designs work as structures built on XML, based on concept maps, which act as an interaction layer between the learning objects, organizing the content to be available.
An international collaboration to promote inquiry‐based learning in undergraduate engineering classrooms
Authors: Randall D'Arcy C. , Moore Christy , Carvalho Isabel S. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe specific techniques of “inquiry‐based learning” employed by three instructors in Engineering schools, one in Europe and two in the USA.Design/methodology/approachTheorists such as Bransford et al. argue that twenty‐first century educators need to teach students to do more than simply remember and repeat information. Engineering educators Prince and Felder critique traditional methods of teaching in which instructors focus on mathematics and theory, but fail to convey practical applications of that knowledge. They advocate moving students to a higher level of learning – past the stage of memorizing and reciting data – to more sophisticated methods of analysis, synthesis, and application of knowledge. To enact such transformations, Prince and Felder recommend “inductive teaching methods,” including “inquiry‐based learning,” in which students learn through engaging with challenges and a series of questions. The paper provides examples of inquiry‐based learning activities from each of the authors. The paper then discusses the cross‐pollination of ideas and describes how the authors have shared inquiry‐based teaching strategies and collaborated to develop new and relevant assignments and approaches to teaching.FindingsThe willingness of learners to discuss a range of pedagogical topics, from specific practices to shared experiences and readings, led to an exchange of ideas, and also to deeper reflections on current practices. The cross‐pollination of assignments and techniques resulted in well‐structured, stimulating, and relevant research projects that engage engineering students from Texas to Portugal, and from communication to technical classes.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of inquiry‐based learning activities and the sharing of resources across continents aimed at improving learning and teaching requires expanding upon and further development.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the use of cross‐pollination of ideas, development of assignments and improved approaches to teaching.
Understanding challenges of qualitative research: rhetorical issues and reality traps
Authors: Kapoulas Alexandros , Mitic Miljana 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of qualitative research in marketing and the challenges faced by researchers in justifying the need and the quality of interpretive research. The paper reviews the fluctuating trends in employing qualitative research to build marketing theories, and touches on the subject of paradigm shift in research approaches in marketing. It further reviews main rhetorical and practical challenges researchers face in qualitative inquiry in marketing.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper discussing the role of qualitative research in marketing discipline and its challenges.FindingsOne of the main topics discussed in this paper is understanding the nature of qualitative research and its inherent weaknesses and how to overcome them. Some of the challenges highlighted in the paper include: contextually embedded findings, vague standards for data analysis, presentation of voluminous amount of qualitative data and theoretical criteria for judging the quality of studies. Insights from real‐life experiences in conducing qualitative research in bank marketing reveal practical issues such as participant recruitment and engagement, ethical soundness, triangulation, and perpetual assurance of research quality.Originality/valueThe paper provides personal commentaries on the experiences of a researcher in conducting purely qualitative academic study in marketing. It offers insights into practical difficulties encountered when performing qualitative studies and offers a glimpse into solutions and alternatives incorporated by the researcher, which could be of use to aspiring marketing researchers.
The increasing dynamics between consumers, social groups and brands
Authors: Ruediger Kaufmann Hans , Correia Loureiro Sandra Maria , Basile Gianpaolo , Vrontis Demetris 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a contribution to advancing knowledge on the more recent phenomenon of social brand community.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an extensive interdisciplinary literature review in areas such as sociology, management, and marketing. Three interrelated and consecutively developed conceptualizations resulting from a co‐operation of the researchers over the last three years are presented to explain the influence of the evolution of current social trends on the relationship between consumers and brands in different contexts (socio‐demographic aspects and culture). The conceptualizations have been applied to a qualitative case study on Cypriot consumers, which conducted in‐depth expert interviews and focus groups. The research project has been designed in three stages: the first stage elicited thenature of relationships between consumer, brands and social groups; the second stage was concerned with differentiating consumer behaviour and segmentation patterns in the various stages; finally, the last one conceptualized the influence of culture on the brand‐consumer relationship and benefited from a progressive knowledge of the researchers in the field of embedded learning and human branding.FindingsThe first conceptualization (Siano and Basile) explains the various stages of the evolution of the relationship between the consumer and the brand. The second conceptualization proposes a new segmentation and categorization pattern of brand consumers and their respective behaviors derived from the different stages of the consumer‐brand relationship development (Siano and Basile; Siano, Kaufmann and Basile). The third conceptualization has been developed from the findings of an exploratory study on Cypriot brand related consumer behavior (Kitsios and Kaufmann), which had expanded the previous two conceptualizations by integrating cultural aspects. Beyond that, the third conceptualization integrates the influence of embedded learning and stimulant experience on the consumer‐brand relationship.Originality/valueThe paper provides innovative knowledge on a new quality, even new paradigm, of consumer‐brand‐social group relations leading to newly arising segmentation patterns and socially responsible marketing.
The role of maintenance in energy saving in commercial refrigeration
Authors: Knowles Michael , Baglee David 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between maintenance and energy saving in a commercial refrigeration setting.Design/methodology/approachSince there is little data available from within the industrial sector, the authors have surveyed the literature for evidence of a link.FindingsMaintenance procedures play a major role in ensuring refrigeration equipment operates at maximum efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsLittle real world data is available and this is a major problem at present. Improved maintenance policies can only be developed.Practical implicationsSubstantial energy savings can be achieved if maintenance procedures are improved based on detailed measurement of energy usage. Monitoring the condition and performance of individual parts of a system are found to be crucial aspects in obtaining optimal performance.Originality/valueThis paper highlights a neglected area in both energy saving and in maintenance planning.
Factors influencing implementation of reverse logistics: a survey among Hong Kong businesses
Authors: Ho G.T.S. , Choy K.L. , Lam C.H.Y. , Wong David W.C. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine the major factors that may influence industries to implement reverse logistics. Thus, the practice of reverse logistics can be promoted by suggestions provided for businesses to eliminate the identified barriers.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a questionnaire is developed and the survey is conducted among Hong Kong businesses to collect data on the perception of companies on reverse logistics implementation. Nine hypotheses are set to investigate its influence on company background information, recognition, and perception on reverse logistics, as well as the internal and external factors. Statistical analysis is carried out to test the data collected. Managerial implications are presented to encourage industries to implement reverse logistics.FindingsThe result of the statistical analysis shows that internal and external factors significantly influence reverse logistics. Financial and human resources play an important role in companies' implementation of reverse logistics, whereas tangible resources do not have much influence on the practice. Companies with good cooperation and relationship with other business partners can implement reverse logistics.Practical implicationsThere has been increasing concern on environmentally friendly activities worldwide to protect the environment. Therefore, the concept of reverse logistics should be focused on for the return of goods for remanufacturing.Originality/valuePrevious studies have been conducted to explore the barriers that may hinder industries from implementing reverse logistics in specific industries. Only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the internal and external measures that influence its implementation.