bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Project managers for risk management: case for Japan
Authors: Shimizu Takashi , Won Park Young , Hong Paul 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine complex risk management practices of Japanese firms in a turbulent environment.Design/methodology/approachThe focus of this research is to examine risk management practices based on product accidents in Japanese firms. It examines how firms utilize risk management to respond to various types of risks related to product planning and process designs and how the firms with risk management respond to similar incidents. This focused group research uses surveys and additional interviews.FindingsThe research findings suggest the following: the majority of firms define the scope of product risk management in terms of product quality management, project management, and project management+quality management; firms that have risk managers include the entire supply chain in the scope of risk management; and firms reexamine the systematic risk management processes through actual major accidents (direct learning) or other firms' risk outcomes (indirect learning).Research limitations/implicationsThis article presents a research model that identifies and examines key aspects of risk management practices. This focused group research provides a useful basis for future empirical research on risk management practices.Originality/valueThis is a rare study on the risk management practices of Japanese firms. The risk management framework in this article introduces actual risk management practices of successful Japanese firms.
Building procurement capability for firm performance: a service‐dominant logic view
Authors: Dobrzykowski David D. , Hong Paul C. , Soon Park Jong 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore four integrative supply chain practices – customer information technology (IT) integration, supplier IT integration, customer collaboration, and supplier collaboration – using a service‐dominant logic (SDL) lens to inform their relationships with procurement capability and ultimately firm performance. The study goes on to examine how firms with high and low procurement capability differ in their use of these practices, thus informing curiosity regarding “best practices”.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 711 firms in 23 countries during the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS). Exploratory factor analysis established simple factor structure and construct validity. Stepwise regression was employed to analyze relationships among customer collaboration, supplier collaboration, customer IT integration, supplier IT integration, procurement capability, and firm performance. T‐tests examined differences between the practices employed by firms with high and low procurement capability.FindingsFindings reveal positive relationships among customer collaboration, supplier collaboration, customer IT integration, and procurement capability. Supplier IT integration is not found to be significantly related to procurement capability. Procurement capability is in turn found to be positively associated with firm performance. All four variables emerge as best practices of firm's demonstrating high procurement capability.Originality/valueThis study provides a rare empirical investigation, and rich insights, into SDL for value co‐creation in supply chain management by examining an international sample of manufacturers. This study contributes to the extant understanding of supply chain collaboration and integration by unpacking key practices in the context of a firm's procurement capability. Lastly, “best practices” are provided which should be of great interest for practitioners from around the globe.
Examining alignment between supplier management practices and information systems strategy
Authors: Qrunfleh Sufian , Tarafdar Monideepa , Ragu‐Nathan T.S. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine alignment between supplier management practices and information systems (IS) strategies (i.e. particular IS applications portfolios), and its effects on supply chain integration and supply chain flexibility.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a model and hypotheses suggesting that “lean” supplier practices, when aligned with the “IS for Efficiency” IS strategy, have a positive association with supply chain integration. Similarly, “agile” supplier practices when aligned with the “IS for Flexibility” IS strategy, have a positive association with supply chain flexibility. The paper empirically validates the model using survey data from directors and senior managers in purchasing and supply chain functions from 205 manufacturing firms in the USA. Factor analysis was conducted to test convergent and discriminant validity. Hypotheses testing was done via structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis using SMART Partial Least Square (PLS) software.FindingsThe study finds that lean (agile) supplier management practices are positively associated with supply chain integration (flexibility). Further, alignment of lean supplier practices and IS for Efficiency enhances supply chain integration, as assessed by a positive moderating effect of IS for Efficiency on the relationship between lean supplier practices and supply chain integration.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the supply chain – IS interface literature by developing a theoretical basis for analyzing the benefits of different types of IS applications to particular types of supplier management practices. Limitations are that it considers primarily internal supply chain integration as a representative of the entire supply chain's integration (internal and external), and that it relies on data from one person from each organization responding to the survey.Originality/valueThe paper theoretically develops and empirically examines a framework proposing that the respective fit or alignment between lean and agile supplier practices with efficient and flexible IS application portfolios has implications for the integration and flexibility of the particular supply chain.
Encouraging innovation in small and medium sized businesses: learning matters
Authors: Csath Magdolna 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find out whether any relationship can be found among learning orientation, learning culture in general and innovation achievements in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth research based on questionnaires and interviews was carried out. The sample was analyzed using multivariable correlation.FindingsIt is found that to the majority of SMEs innovation means product or technology innovation, and only a negligible minority think about management‐related innovation. There are few SMEs who encourage learning and act upon building a learning culture, but those who do are far more innovative than the rest. Those with a low interest in learning and building a learning culture perform poorly in innovation.Research limitations/implicationsInternational comparison would have been useful, especially in the region.Practical implicationsThe research has proved that an encouraging external environment and a supporting internal environment are equally important for successful innovation in SMEs. Therefore the government and the EU in general should support SMEs' innovation more successfully, and SMEs should put more emphasis on learning, knowledge creation and building of a learning culture.Social implicationsFor societies suffering from a high unemployment rate it is crucial to find sources for job creation. Innovative SMEs can be the best sources for new jobs.Originality/valueThe importance of learning, learning culture and knowledge creation for innovation in SMEs has been proved.
Interview with Professor M.S. Rao, author of Secrets of Your Leadership Success – The 11 Indispensable E's of a Leader
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Professor M.S. Rao.Design/methodology/approachThe interview is conducted by an independent interviewer.FindingsProfessor M.S. Rao is a leadership development practitioner with over 30 years' experience. He has written 16 books, including Secrets of Your Leadership Success – The 11 Indispensable E's of a Leader, and Smart Leadership: Lessons for Leaders. In his book Soft Leadership: Make Others Feel More Important, Professor Rao advances his model for soft leadership, blending characteristics of soft skills training with traditional leadership theory. This approach is endorsed by management guru David Ulrich, who provided the foreword for the book. Professor Rao also maintains two popular blogs, http://profmsr.blogspot.com (Where Knowledge is Wealth) and http://professormsraoguru.blogspot.com (Knowledge Grows When Shared).Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information from a leading figure regarding soft leadership.
A unified model for implementing lean and CMMI for Services (CMMI‐SVC v1.3) best practices
Authors: Kundu Goutam Kumar , Murali Manohar B. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present a unified model by combining lean and CMMI‐SVC best practices. The model would be very useful for CMMI‐SVC organizations that plan to implement lean best practices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the review of the contemporary literature on lean concepts and the CMMI‐SVC v1.3 model, including books, journal articles and handbooks. A group of practitioners and experts with theoretical and practical expertise on the CMMI framework, software process improvements as well as lean principles and services were involved to find out which lean principles are applicable to service organization and also the compatibility of lean and CMMI‐SVC v1.3 practices.FindingsThe authors have presented a unified model by combining CMMI‐SVC v1.3 and lean best practices which can be applied to service organizations. In the future they would like to implement their unified model within IT service organizations to check its feasibility and effectiveness in real world. It would also provide an opportunity to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the unified model, based on which it can be further refined and matured.Originality/valueThe model has been designed in such a way that lean practices can be plugged‐in to CMMI‐SVC model process areas. By including lean practices to CMMI‐SVC model, the process improvement initiatives will be aligned with the business objectives. The unified model will be useful to the organizations that would like to implement lean concepts within the CMMI‐SVC framework.
Implementing TPM programme as a TQM tool in Indian manufacturing industries
Authors: Prakas Majumdar Jyoti , Murali Manohar B. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeTotal productive maintenance (TPM) is a very powerful program of equipment maintenance in manufacturing industries and is a direct part of total quality management (TQM). In the manufacturing industry, TPM is a very effective tool for improving product quality as well as productivity. A good number of manufacturing industries have so far adopted a TPM program in countries like Japan, as a part of their quality drive. However, in many manufacturing industries in India it has not been successfully implemented. For successful and effective implementation of TPM in manufacturing industries in India, understanding and awareness of the various possible causes behind its failure is essential. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn this general review paper, after reviewing literature the authors consolidate, highlight and classify the probable reasons responsible for the failures of TPM in many Indian manufacturing industries.FindingsIn this paper, the various causes of failure of TPM in a number of manufacturing industries have been classified into three major categories of problems or issues at three different stages: organizational issues during the foundation stage; TPM implementation issues during the formation stage; and operational issues during the TPM running stage.Practical implicationsThe recommended guidelines may definitely contribute to the Indian industry and also industries in other developing countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Consequently, the work has economic and commercial impacts. Economic, because it would allow to improve the productivity of the companies, and commercial, because it would facilitate the interchange and the positioning of products. In addition, it can have a high impact on the industrial relations of the workers and unions.Originality/valueIf management is aware of such probable problems, and becomes careful about them, the TPM programme can also be widely and effectively adopted in many Indian manufacturing industries, and they can achieve improvement in business competitiveness through improved product quality and increased productivity.
A troubled relationship: an exploration of mall retailers and teen shoppers' thoughts, behaviors, and coping strategies as they interact with each other
Authors: Palan Kay M. , Mallalieu Lynnea 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis research aims to examine some of the main sources of frustration in the relationship between retailers and teen shoppers and the coping strategies they use as they interact with each other in a mall environment.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from retailers and teen shoppers via depth interviews and the data were coded using a grounded theory approach.FindingsRetailers in the study expressed frustration with teen shoppers arising from disruptive behavior, and refusal to accept assistance. Retailers attempt to deal with these issues at both the individual and the corporate level. Teens' frustration with retailers stems from being ignored, and/or treated with suspicion. Teens also indicated that retailers attempt to manipulate and persuade them. Teens deal with these issues by neutralizing or proactively coping with the situation.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study provide some significant insights for retailers. Most of the retail informants did not report any specific training with respect to interacting with teenage shoppers. The results of this study, however, suggest that providing retail employees with an understanding of teens' shopping behaviors and perceptions might promote more positive interactions with teen shoppers. This study utilized two independent sets of data to capture informants' perceptions and self‐reported behaviors. Studying actual interactions between retailers and teen shoppers might help to address any potential bias associated with self‐reported data.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that it is not a question of whether or not retailers should interact with teens but rather a question of how to interact with them so they do not feel ignored but also not pressured or treated with suspicion. Retailers should review the current strategies they use when customers first enter the store. By allowing teens to initiate the interaction, they are likely to feel more in control and less pressured.Originality/valueVery little, if any, previous research has combined data from both retailers and teen shoppers in one study. Novel managerial suggestions are made as well as conceptual contributions in the under‐researched area of teen persuasion detection and persuasion coping.
“BeTween two worlds”: critically exploring marketing segmentation and liminal consumers
Authors: Cody Kevina 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper attempts to contribute to an expanding body of literature that critically engages with both the theory and practice of market segmentation. Through the theoretical lens of liminality and its implicit elements, the notion of boundary creation inherent in age‐based market segmentation of the youth market is explored.Design/methodology/approachUsing empirical data collected as part of a longitudinal study on liminal consumers, marketing's attempt at laying down parameters and constructing borders is presented as a strategic exacerbation of liminal zones already replete with tension and ambiguity.FindingsIt is concluded that theoretical consideration of this data highlights the fluidity and porous nature of such constructed boundaries, rendering attempts at creating discernable, knowable segments, potentially futile. Thus by critically viewing this segment, not just as a marketing demographic, but as a liminal zone, an alternative consideration of the theory and practice of age segmentation is presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe longitudinal study spanned a period from midway through the participants' final months of primary education and early stages of secondary education. Research that focused on their completion of a year in secondary education would perhaps have yielded further insights.Practical implicationsThis research offers tangible insights into the social worlds of a burgeoning market segment, albeit a liminal one, offering actionable realities based on the inextricable intertwining of their consumption practices and lived experiences.Social implicationsRather than view children as socio‐cultural non‐descripts who are of interest to marketers purely for their ability to be located along a continuum of cognitive development, this research aims to understand and explore the specific intricasies of the tweens' mediation of their liminal world using consumption practicesOriginality/valueConsumption practices emerged that highlighted the attempted resolution and mediation of such tensions while also pointing to the clear mutability and ambiguity of supposed borders between child, tween and teen segmented groups. Age‐segmentation, conceptualised by marketers as a strategic creation of borders so as to enhance product offerings little reflects the realities of how age is perceived, experienced and acted out by those categorised within the margins and parameters of targeted marketing. By viewing this segment, not just as a marketing demographic but as a liminal zone where liminars “elude or slip through the network of classifications that normally locate states and positions in cultural space”, an alternative consideration of the theory and practice of age‐segmentation is presented.
Prescription drug request and denial
Authors: Lee Doohee , Emmett Dennis 
Published: August 2012

PurposePrescription drug requests and physician denial are important aspects of medical decision making, but little research has been done to identify factors linked to prescription drug request and physician denial. This paper aims to explore factors in relation to patient prescription drug request and provider denial.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a cross‐sectional study in a nationally representative database of 2,988 individuals. Descriptive and multivariate stepwise conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted.FindingsResults of multivariate regression models reveal, after adjusting for personal factors, that heart disease, allergy, anxiety, minor chronic conditions, medical seeking behaviors and direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA) were found to be related to prescription drug request. The denied were individuals with arthritis, less prevalent chronic conditions, the uninsured, and African Americans. It was also found that 27.4 percent of the sample requested a prescription drug and about 24 percent of those who segmented for prescriptions were physicians.Research limitations/implicationsDTCA is positively associated with prescription drug requests but the analysis did not support any effect of DTCA on the refusal status. Patients' requests and physician decision making to refuse are somewhat complicated and vary with different medical conditions.Originality/valueThe paper, using nationally representative data, investigates the factors associated with prescription drug request and denial.
Users' preferred interactive e‐health tools on hospital web sites
Authors: Huang Edgar , Angela Chang Chiu‐chi , Khurana Poonam 
Published: August 2012

PurposeHealthcare is becoming an important part of people's online content consumption, with people searching for information on diseases or medical problems, treatments or procedures, particular doctors or hospitals, or about parking. This paper aims to investigate what users deem essential on patient‐oriented interactive e‐health tools on hospital web sites.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on 242 patients/users from diverse backgrounds in a purposive sample. A modified Delphi technique was used in two rounds of survey to collect and analyze data.FindingsThe respondents highly desire core‐business tools, especially access to medical records and lab results, while discounting hospitals' efforts to connect to social media. Hospitals' e‐health implementation on their web sites has greatly lagged behind the users' needs for interacting with hospitals online. It is concluded that, while continuing to provide traditional functional tools, hospitals should expedite their development in providing core e‐business tools and emerging functional tools in order to accomplish multiple objectives, including service, education, and marketing.Research limitations/implicationsHospitals' e‐health development efforts have been behind the users' expectations at large. Future research should explore whether such lagging has resulted mainly from the lack of technical know‐how, lack of funding, and/or lack of vision on the administrative level.Practical implicationsThe paper provides solid empirical evidence for US hospitals to (re)consider how to prioritize their efforts in implementing e‐health online so as to build a user‐centric web site.Originality/valueMost US hospitals have implemented some form of e‐health online to serve their patients/users, but rarely have researchers studied such efforts. As a result, hospitals have had little evidence to gauge their implementation success. This is the first empirical study that investigates from the patient/user perspective the usefulness of various interactive e‐health tools online.
Brand salience of OTC pharmaceuticals through package appearance
Authors: Kauppinen‐Räisänen Hannele , Owusu Richard A. , Abeeku Bamfo Bylon 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe changing health care market is affecting consumers who are now expected to take greater responsibility for their health. Their means for doing this include purchasing self‐medication and medical self‐service, which coincides neatly with an increase in the number of over‐the‐counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals. Additionally, OTC pharmaceuticals are progressively becoming available in a wider range of stores, where the pharmacists' knowledge of the OTC products is absent. This study aims to examine packaging as media that conveys the product message at the point of purchase, and to explore the impact of its extrinsic verbal and visual product cues.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory conjoint analysis was conducted in Finland, the USA, and Ghana. In total, 89 respondents conducted conjoint tasks for two product types, i.e. a painkiller and sore throat medicine.FindingsThe results showed differences and similarities in the impact of the packaging product cues across Finland, the USA, and Ghana. Differences and similarities were also detected across the two different, but related, product types. The study found that the impact of product cues is contextual, varying across the samples and product types.Practical implicationsThe results are limited by the exploratory nature of the conjoint analysis. They highlight that medical marketers should recognize the varying impact of salient cues on consumers' product preferences and choices.Originality/valueThe study deals with a mostly unexplored issue and provides exploratory insights into the phenomenon.