bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organising project‐based companies
Authors: Jerbrant Anna 
Published: April 2013

PurposeWith the purpose of enhancing the understanding of multi‐project management, this paper is based on the findings of a doctoral thesis that focuses on the management and organisation of project‐based companies.Design/methodology/approachThe research presented here is based on an inductive and qualitative case study approach, characterised by an exploratory purpose and based on an in depth analysis of two individual cases.FindingsThe study sheds light on several important aspects for managing and organising the special dynamics that characterise project‐based organisations. The thesis discusses how the balance between structuring mechanisms and the ability to handle the ever‐present uncertainty in project‐based organisations (PBOs) can be understood. This balance is necessary in order to handle the amount of changing requirements – both operational and contextual – during a certain period of time, thereby, being given the opportunity to encourage the organisation's dynamic capability.Practical implicationsThis research proposes that the traditional theoretical focus of “How to … ” in project portfolio management is neither adequately efficient, nor sufficient. This view must be complemented with active individual and situated management actions, and the findings encapsulate the importance of the multi‐project management to focus on the balance between creativity, flexibility, and structure.Originality/valueThe profound theoretical ambition with this work is to complement the literature on project‐based organisations with an empirically‐based understanding inspired by organising theory, for both the research and practical execution of multi‐project management from a project‐as‐practice perspective. This research expands the conceptual view on the balance between structuring mechanisms and the ability to handle the ever‐present uncertainty in PBOs.
Ambidexterity in managing business projects – an intellectual capital perspective
Authors: Turner Neil , Maylor Harvey , Swart Juani 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a doctoral thesis aimed at identifying how project managers orchestrate ambidexterity (the achievement of both exploitation of existing knowledge and exploration of new knowledge) at the level of the project.Design/methodology/approachThe research reported on here initially involved a systematic literature review of the theoretical and empirical work on ambidexterity. This was followed by a two‐stage empirical investigation. The first stage involved a set of interviews with project managers in a global IT‐services firm to identify the nature of ambidexterity in their work using the lens of intellectual capital. The second stage comprised eight case studies of projects to determine the practices by which project‐level ambidexterity could be achieved.FindingsThe research showed that at the working level, project ambidexterity is a more complex concept than the existing high‐level theorisations would suggest. The key findings of the research reported on here were that the resources used to enable ambidexterity (human, social and project capital) were interwoven with one another and also with the processes of exploitation and exploration. Two configurations of ambidexterity (“distributed” and “point”) were identified, together with five managerial practices that underpin the attainment of project‐level ambidexterity. These were investigated using “parallel‐coding” of the data to gain greater insight.Practical implicationsThis identifies the “how” of ambidexterity in project environments, and offers managers a new way of conceptualising their work in terms of exploitation and exploration in their day‐to‐day activities.Originality/valuePrevious empirical studies of ambidexterity have been focused mostly at the organisational level, using primarily quantitative techniques. This qualitative study has revealed the nature of ambidexterity in complex, working project environments.
Planning for competitive customer value
Authors: Conti Tito 
Published: April 2013

PurposeGood quality planning methodologies were developed in the last decades of the twentieth century that are still widely used. But competition is getting harsher and harsher and the search for more effective approaches to planning for competitive customer value can never stop. The purpose of this paper is to offer an alternative method for planning for customer value that is the result of his long experience with large organizations, both in manufacturing and service.Design/methodology/approachThe paper summarizes the approaches followed and the results reached. It also rationalizes such experience with the support of figures. Such process may require mental efforts to overcome conventional thinking in managing for quality, which should be accepted. A preliminary condition is understanding the author's quality vision, which quite often is at odds with traditional visions. For that reason the first part of the paper is dedicated to the illustration of the quality‐related concepts that are at the basis of the following discussions. Such concepts are based on the systems view of the organization, on a definition of quality as both doing the right things and doing things right, on accepting that the word quality is neutral and acquires a positive or negative meaning only when associated with the concept of value. The above concepts are not accepted by all quality experts today.FindingsThe following are the most significant conclusions: the “customer‐perceived value vs, performance” curves look rather different from those that are mostly used today; consequently, the “quality life‐cycle” presents some significant differences if compared with the Kano Model; extensive use should be made of time‐related curves, which happen to be the most significant in relation to planning; proximity to users (not just own customers) is more important than questionnaires in relation to critical planning decision; both satisfiers and dissatisfiers are important to understand customer/stakeholder perception; the proposed combination algorithm for the two may look conceptually difficult to those who look for simple solutions; but sometimes difficulties look unavoidable.Originality/valueThe paper is original inasmuch as it challenges conventional wisdom in this area. But, if the experience of the author finds confirmation in a wider context, it can be of significant value for those companies that operate in high competitive sectors. It can also stimulate organizational innovation in the fundamental area of value creation.
Application of Six Sigma to improve the quality of the road for wind turbine installation
Authors: Gijo E.V. , Sarkar Ashok 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply Six Sigma methodology, a systematic and structured approach for quality improvement in wind energy sector. This paper discusses the development of sustainable wind farm roads for an organization engaged in manufacturing, installation and servicing of windmills in India.Design/methodology/approachThis paper illustrates the Six Sigma DMAIC approach and its application for development of sustainable wind farm roads.FindingsThe systematic and data driven approach of Six Sigma methodology identified many root causes for road damages and solutions were implemented to ensure sustainable wind farm roads.Originality/valueSix Sigma has been successfully implemented world over in different business processes ranging from manufacturing to service and health care. However its application is very uncommon in areas like road construction. This article demonstrates the applicability of Six Sigma methodology in uncommon areas.
Assessing continual improvement of South African meat safety systems
Authors: Govender Reuben 
Published: April 2013

PurposeContinual improvement within management systems is essential to ensure the continued relevance of implemented systems and to mitigate stagnant and ineffective systems. South African abattoir managers utilise a regulated food safety system called the hygiene management system (HMS) to manage the safe processing of meat. The extent to which the HMS supports continual improvement is not clear as there is no specific requirement to demonstrate continual improvement within implemented systems. The aim of this paper is to provide this clarification by developing a framework of compliance criteria for continual improvement (CI) benchmarking the ISO 9000 series.Design/methodology/approachThis study attempted to provide this clarification by developing a framework of compliance criteria for continual improvement (CI) benchmarking the ISO 9000 series. Thereafter the HMS requirements were assessed against these criteria to determine whether or not any gaps existed within the HMS requirements in support of continual improvement. This study adopted a qualitative approach where a review of standards formed the basis of the study.FindingsThis study demonstrates that the HMS is designed to support process stability. Further, the HMS requirements are sufficient to facilitate management of meat safety at abattoirs. However there are important gaps within the HMS in support of prevention as a means of continual improvement. The author postulates likely consequences of such gaps during implementation and management of the HMS.Originality/valueThis study emphasises the importance of fundamental principles in quality management underpinning basic improvement mechanisms of corrective and preventative action towards improvement. It also provides a basis for further empirical research into the extent to which improvement is made within implemented HMSs at abattoirs.
Developing a scale to measure students’ perception of service quality in the Indian context
Authors: Jain Rajani , Sahney Sangeeta , Sinha Gautam 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe changes in social and cultural framework, and even more in the economic order, have pushed the education system and higher education in particular, into a new environment in which quality plays an important role. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to develop a multidimensional scale to measure service quality in higher education in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThe study, descriptive, diagnostic, and causal in nature, has been conducted on students of higher education, particularly technical education in India. A questionnaire consisting of 26 items was developed to measure the service quality construct and its dimensions. Construct validation using exploratory factor analysis showed an interpretable latent structure consisting of seven dimensions.FindingsIt was observed that service quality in higher education setting comprises seven dimensions viz., input quality, curriculum, academic facilities, industry interaction, interaction quality, support facilities and non academic processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study holds implications for institutes of technical education in India that seek to improve the quality of service that they provide. The scale developed can be used by practitioners as a diagnostic tool for identifying poor and/or excellent service performance.Originality/valueWhile studies in quality management for education have been conducted, this study lays emphasis on the student as a customer of education, and proposes to develop a scale to measure their perception of service quality. The study is an attempt towards developing and empirically validating a measurement scale for service quality in higher education in the Indian context.
Identifying and prioritizing of effective constructs in readiness of knowledge management implementation by using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
Authors: Reza Sadeghi Mohammad , Mohammad Moghimi Seyed , Ramezan Majid 
Published: April 2013

PurposeIn recent decades, many managers have conceived the radical role of knowledge in acquiring a competitive advantage and pursuing organizational strategic goals. Therefore, knowledge management is now a competitive requirement in organizations. However, if proper infrastructures and necessary prerequisites are not provided for executing such a process, the result will be nothing except failure and resource waste. Therefore, it is necessary that organizations identify effective factors for their readiness in executing knowledge management. The purpose of this study is identifying and prioritizing of effective constructs in readiness of knowledge management implementation by using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP).Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, the relevant literature is initially reviewed and then seven factors and 19 affecting indicators on knowledge management readiness are identified by using a questionnaire for knowledge management elites which also constitute the research conceptual model. Finally, the weight of each factor is determined by fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and the readiness priority and preference of each factor are discussed.FindingsThe results of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process show that the management factor is recognized as the most effective factor in knowledge management execution readiness.Research limitations/implicationsThe model proposed in this study is applicable to the academic culture. Modification of the proposed model may be needed in applying this model to other environments.Originality/valueAs limited studies have been carried out on identifying and prioritizing of effective constructs in readiness of knowledge management implementation by using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, the findings of this study will be useful in identifying and assessing the main components in readiness of knowledge management implementation in the research and training centers.
Research into the influence factors of knowledge workers sharing residual claims rights
Authors: Lei Hongzhen , Lan Juanli 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to prove the validity and necessity of knowledge stickiness and knowledge investment level.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical study method is taken in this investigation which focuses on knowledge‐related industries' workers and proves the validity and necessity of knowledge stickiness and knowledge investment level with SPSS13.0 software.FindingsThe authors confirm the positive correlation between knowledge contribution and sharing residual claims based on management, and also confirm the positive correlation between knowledge stickiness, knowledge investment level and sharing residual claims based on technology. However, a negative correlation on management is also confirmed.Originality/valueAfter an analysis on the incentive distortion caused by the information asymmetry between the principal and agent in the traditional incentive mode, a residual claims sharing structure containing knowledge contract is put forward.
Regulating public/private interests in town and village greens
Authors: Bogusz Barbara 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how public law regulates the relationship between private landowners and users of town and village greens. It explores the scope of the public law which permits the exercise of customary rights of recreation over private property, and considers the limits that exist within the current regulatory framework. In particular the paper explores how subsidiary considerations such as protection of the environment have become increasingly relevant to the disputes involving town and village greens.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a critical appraisal of recent judgments, academic literature and policy papers which address the regulation of town and village greens.FindingsThe paper determines that the current regulatory framework fails to sufficiently protect landowners against opportunistic claims for registration of a town and village green. Specifically the paper identifies that gaps exist both in the substance of the statute and the judicial application of these provisions, and that the Human Rights Act 1998 offers insufficient protection for landowners.Originality/valueThe paper examines recent case law where there is evident judicial conflict on the scope and application of the legislative provisions. The paper considers this judicial debate within the context of the DEFRA consultation document 2011 and the Growth and Insfrastructure Bill 2012.
Cooperation and competition in complex construction projects
Authors: Marique Yseult 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that technical complexity in construction projects is intensified by complexity in public decision making. Public authorities need to build on the conflicting imperatives of fostering cooperation with their (potential) contractors and following strict procurement regulations to enhance competition.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a comparative analysis of the English and Belgian legal systems. The comparison is based on traditional legal analysis of the primary sources, cases and their scholarly comments. It is supplemented, when appropriate, by project management concepts.FindingsThe analysis in the paper suggests that awarding authorities do not always resolve the conflict between cooperation and competition for themselves. There is a range of alternative techniques embedded in the legal system.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that developing tools for successful construction processes requires perspectives building in both law and project management, taking into account the institutional contexts in which projects are carried out.Originality/valueThe ways in which the implementation of EU procurement directives interacts with the dynamics particular to legal systems, and therefore diverges in their actual results, are often overlooked as the literature more often studies the harmonizing effects of these EU directives within the internal market.
Social media and policing: matching the message to the audience
Authors: Ruddell Rick , Jones Nicholas 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis research aimed to explore the characteristics of respondents who accessed a municipal police service's webpage or social media (Facebook or Twitter). Perceptions about the usefulness of social media in policing were solicited from the respondents.Design/methodology/approachSeveral survey items about social media were included in a study of trust and confidence in policing that was collected in two waves: a random telephone sample of 504 community residents and 314 university students.FindingsOne in five respondents had accessed the police service's webpage, while 6.9 percent had accessed their Twitter feed and 5.4 percent had viewed their Facebook site. Social media users tended to be younger and better educated while respondents over 65 years of age rarely accessed these tools. Younger respondents reported that computer‐based methods of communication were useful whether they had accessed these services or not. Older non‐users, by contrast, saw little future value in social media. Chi‐square analyses revealed that users of social media had more confidence in the police as well as greater overall satisfaction with the police.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants were from a medium‐sized Canadian city and the results might not be generalizable to other populations.Practical implicationsSocial media campaigns should be planned and target demographic groups likely to receive the intended message. Younger and better educated residents are the highest users of these services. Computer‐based media campaigns targeting senior citizens will likely be ineffective given their low participation in accessing social media and lack of interest in these methods of communication.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to examine the recipients of social media and their perceptions of the usefulness of computer‐based communication for law enforcement.
Security, respect and culture in British teenagers' discourses of knife‐carrying
Authors: Palasinski Marek 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to provide an overview of English adolescents' views on knife‐carrying and offer a potential framework for challenging their implicit tolerance of the phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 25 adolescents from three large English cities (London, Birmingham and Manchester) was interviewed about knife‐carrying at seven youth community centers and their narratives were analyzed by drawing on the classical discourse analysis and the concept of narrative repertoires.FindingsThe adolescents constructed the social and legal consequences of knife‐carrying as normal, trivial and inevitable.Research limitations/implicationsTalking to a stranger with a voice recorder about the sensitive subject of knife‐carrying appeared to be problematic, which probably had an inhibitory effect despite the conversational warm‐up and assured anonymity.Practical implicationsCautioning against creating common sense associations between knife‐carrying and irresponsibility or deviance, the paper emphasizes the need for the focus on the low controllability and unpredictability of the knife.Originality/valueThe paper presents scholars and outreach workers with an intimate glimpse of how personal responsibility for knife‐carrying and its potential consequences could be diminished by removing the agency from the carrier and rhetorically placing it in society.
Is crime a question of health?
Authors: Schuller Nina 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to encourage greater cross‐disciplinary understanding of the development of crime prevention and public health approaches, by using a wider framework of analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe findings of this paper are based on the scanning of a range of papers and developments across both the crime prevention and public health fields. The concept of convergence (which can be found in various fields of science and social science) provides a wider framework for analysis.FindingsThe resulting analysis suggests an increasing convergence between crime prevention and public health approaches, in terms of theory, policy and practice. It is also suggested that wider political and socio‐demographic trends could lead to the enforced integration.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper does not draw on primary research.Practical implicationsThose working in each field are then left to choose whether to support such convergence, or alternatively argue for why the two areas should remain distinctive.Social implicationsThis paper argues for greater consideration across the disciplines of the likely consequences of convergence.Originality/valueThere have been a number of previous papers on various intersections between crime prevention and public health. This paper seeks to draw on these, and offer a broader viewpoint on the development of the two disciplines within a wider framework of analysis.