bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precisely wrong or roughly right? An evaluation of development viability appraisal modelling
Authors: Byrne Peter , McAllister Pat , Wyatt Peter 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of choices of model structure and scale in development viability appraisal. The paper addresses two questions concerning the application of development appraisal techniques to viability modelling within the UK planning system. The first relates to the extent to which, given intrinsic input uncertainty, the choice of model structure significantly affects model outputs. The second concerns the extent to which, given intrinsic input uncertainty, the level of model complexity significantly affects model outputs.Design/methodology/approachMonte Carlo simulation procedures are applied to a hypothetical development scheme in order to measure the effects of model aggregation and structure on model output variance.FindingsIt is concluded that, given the particular scheme modelled and unavoidably subjective assumptions of input variance, that simple and simplistic models may produce similar outputs to more robust and disaggregated models. Evidence is found of equifinality in the outputs of a simple, aggregated model of development viability relative to more complex, disaggregated models.Originality/valueDevelopment viability appraisal has become increasingly important in the planning system. Consequently, the theory, application and outputs from development appraisal are under intense scrutiny from a wide range of users. However, there has been very little published evaluation of viability models. This paper contributes to the limited literature in this area.
The effects of adding real estate into mixed‐asset portfolios in South Africa
Authors: Olaleye Abel 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of asset classes in the South African investment market and assess the diversification benefits from adding listed property stock into domestic mixed‐asset portfolios.Design/methodology/approachThe data sets comprise of quarterly returns on property listed stock, all share, all bond and 90 day Treasury bill for the period of January, 1999 to December, 2009. Return‐risk performance of all the assets were compared using mean return, standard deviation, mean standard deviation ratio, coefficient of variation and correlation coefficient. To determine return enhancement and risk reduction benefits of property listed stock in mixed‐asset portfolios, 22 naïve portfolios (17 with property stock and five without) were constructed and, their return and risk levels, obtained using Markowitz's mean variance analysis, were compared.FindingsThe results showed that there was evidence of superior return and risk‐adjusted performance of real estate stock over other assets. Also, adding property stock into mixed‐asset portfolios was found to have produced enhanced and statistically significant risk‐adjusted returns but minimal and insignificant risk reduction benefits. These results however are conditional on the percentage allocation to real estate and the asset class replaced.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has implication for investors. They could consider the inclusion of listed property stock in their portfolios with the expectation of a significant risk‐adjusted return enhancement but marginal risk reduction.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the few attempts at assessing the diversification benefits of listed property stock, especially from the perspective of African emerging market.
Knowledge management and value creation in service firms
Authors: Runar Edvardsson Ingi , Kristjan Oskarsson Gudmundur 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of knowledge management (KM) on value creation in Icelandic service firms. The aim is to examine how KM contributes to value creation, and measure the ways in which KM affects intangible assets, such as customer capital, innovation, and human capital.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose a survey approach conducted in 2007 among 222 firms (46.1 percent response rate). Of these firms 97 had KM programmes in place and this paper is based on these firms. Service firms were 60 percent of the firms that had implemented KM.FindingsThe findings of the study show that firms with KM report more value creation in the fields of customer capital, innovation and human capital compared to firms that have not introduced KM. This indicates that KM has a positive impact on intangible assets in firms, but given the few firms involved in the survey, findings need to be interpreted with care.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study have highly practical implications for managers and researchers, as KM programmes seem to enhance the creation of intangible assets so vital for the competitive advantage of firms in a knowledge economy.Originality/valueThe paper analyses the effect on value creation of knowledge management in Icelandic service firms.
Performance management practices and managed performance: the moderating influence of organisational culture and climate in public universities in Uganda
Authors: Kagaari James R.K. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore and explain the existence and implementation of performance management practices in four public universities in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachA mixed‐method study approach (qualitative and quantitative) was adopted. A sample of 900 employees was drawn using a disproportionate stratified purposive sampling approach that yielded a 53 per cent response rate. Of the participants, 12 were purposively selected from top management members and interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. Using Nvivo software and Miles and Huberman approaches, interview data were managed and analysed.FindingsQualitative data results revealed that employees in public universities built relationships, utilised available resources, adapted to external environment, set goals and targets. This was made possible through planning, mobilising resources, problem solving, evaluating performance and adopting ICT to deliver cost‐effective quality services/products. The hypotheses were tested and revealed a significant positive relationship between performance management practices and managed performance (r=0.25, p<0.001). A moderating influence of organisational culture and climate on performance management practices and managed performance was also established and confirmed (ΔR2=0.012) significantly above zero (p =0.015).Research limitations/implicationsCross‐sectional studies by their nature are subject to common method variances; further refinement of the instrument and a replication of the study using a longitudinal approach are recommended. Also, the additional studies should be supplemented with in‐depth interviews or case studies where possible to tap salient issues from the respondents.Practical implicationsPublic universities should have visionary managers who should manage strategic barriers, attract and retain thinkers, and also create result‐oriented relationships to make a dynamic contribution to the development process of Uganda.Originality/valueMass university education in Uganda today calls for new approaches to managing employees in order to balance cost, quality and education access.
Implementing a performance measurement system in Croatia
Authors: Bevanda Vanja , Sinković Giorgio , Currie David M. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe paper's aim is to describe the problems encountered when a performance management system such as the balanced scorecard (BSC) is implemented in the culture of a developing country.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a case study of a government agency in Croatia that initially wanted to purchase information technology software but discovered that it did not have a performance measurement system on which to base the software.FindingsNational and organizational cultures influence the degree of difficulty of implementing performance measurement systems such as the BSC. Exactly which cultural aspects and the degree that they create difficulty have only recently been studied in academic literature. The paper identifies several factors in common with previous studies, but also finds that some factors identified in other studies did not play a significant role in Croatia, while problems occurred in Croatia that have not been mentioned in previous research.Practical implicationsThe authors emphasize the importance of adjusting performance measurement systems to the specific cultures in developing countries as well as modifying performance indicators to include the impact of information technology on performance indicators.Originality/valueThe paper emphasizes the importance of adjusting performance measurement systems to the specific cultures in developing countries as well as modifying performance indicators to include the impact of information technology.
Human resource and knowledge management: best practices identification
Authors: Algorta Marcos , Zeballos Fernando 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe following investigation attempts to identify, describe and analyse the conditions and practices that, as regard to human resources management (HR) and knowledge management (KM), take place in the organisations that have received the National Quality Award in Uruguay. Its aim is to disseminate those “best practices”.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a qualitative methodology analysis, based on the reading of the Extensive Reports presented by the award‐aspiring businesses. This “lengthy account” put forward following the areas proposed by the Continuous Improvement Model. The topic of solving dilemmas has been presented in this investigation using an illustrative square called a “Dilemmometer”.FindingsThe main findings are: the identification of unusual practices, and especially, the way in which they are mutually articulated and integrated. Finally, there is an emphasis on the way these organisations deal with certain classic dilemmas of human resources management and knowledge management respectively.Practical implicationsKnowing good practices would be useful, as well as the description of how they are carried out, and the articulation among them, for other companies that want to compare their practices in the light of high‐performance organisations.Originality/valueFor the first time researches access to the PNC original winner companies information, and try to spread best practices out the market. The way of representing dilemmas of HR and KM can be considered original.
A challenging success: a process audit perspective on change
Authors: Parkes Alison , Davern Michael 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how success emerges in a business process change initiative, given the often conflicting forces and challenges present in a workflow implementation. A detailed reflective analysis provides an opportunity to explore how different process enablers interact to achieve non‐obvious outcomes.Design/methodology/approachData collection entailed semi‐structured interviews, observation of project activities, and analysis of project documentation for a workflow project at a public sector organisation (AustGov). Data collection occurred from project initiation to implementation and is analysed utilizing the process enterprise maturity model.FindingsDespite encountering numerous issues, the process workflow went live as planned; the project was a success. The case demonstrates how project drivers interact in context to provide a coherent explanation of project outcomes. That the project did not fail, despite encountering obstacles and challenges, is attributed to the maturity of critical process enablers within the portfolio.Research limitations/implicationsThe AustGov case study provides an exemplar of how and why interrelationships between process enablers and project context matter. The case analysis provides a rich study of a workflow project, and demonstrates the suitability of the process audit framework to explain outcomes of business process change projects.Practical implicationsThe findings demonstrate the importance of managing interdependencies and competing priorities between process enablers to successfully implement business process change.Originality/valueThe case provides a rich example of the implementation of business process change using workflow software. The authors find that achieving successful outcomes in a challenging environment is best understood when viewed from the perspective of the maturity of a portfolio of project enablers; also, that attention needs to be paid to developing advanced maturity in those enablers most closely related to the specific challenges evident in the project context.
Supply chain management, knowledge management capability, and their linkages towards firm performance
Authors: Peng Wong Wai , Yew Wong Kuan 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how supply chain management (SCM) practices and knowledge management (KM) capabilities affect firm performance. This study was conducted in the Asia Pacific region, which had not been examined before.Design/methodology/approachA three‐phase statistical analysis which comprised phase one (convergent validity, reliability, and discriminant validity), phase two (mediated regression analysis) and phase three (path analysis) was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results from this paper have shown that the implementation of SCM practices will interact with KM capabilities to influence firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model does not consider firm performance from multiple perspectives. In addition, the use of longitudinal data would be more useful to examine how changes in certain variables affect performance.Practical implicationsThese findings provide important insights for managers to understand the disposition of the firm to better leverage internal capability (knowledge), by exploiting relationships with supply chain partners.Social implicationsThis paper has extended knowledge in the mainstream management and provides valuable clues on how to improve organizational effectiveness, which is the crux of management.Originality/valueThe paper is among the first empirical works that specifically investigate the relationships between KM and SCM; thus this paper fills an important gap in the supply chain literature.
Performance of organisations treating lean as an ideology
Authors: Bhasin Sanjay 
Published: November 2011

PurposeBritish empirical research suggests culture and change have contributed to every lean failure. Whilst prevailing research implies that successful lean implementations lead to a profitable organisation, it focuses upon the low numbers of successful lean conversions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of a suitable change strategy resulting in the likelihood of a triumphant lean implementation.Design/methodology/approachPredominantly, results from 68 survey questionnaires and seven case studies consisting of both questionnaires and interview schedules were utilised. Subsequently, extensive lean audits were carried out in 20 companies as a comprehensive validating exercise.FindingsThe significance of change was evident; a high correlation was found within the audits with successful organizations, suggesting that a triumphant implementation requires a systematic and controlled change strategy.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst lean failures are attributable to different causes, the fundamental issues of corporate culture and change are evident. Every company needs to find its own way to implement lean and it should be viewed as a never‐ending journey.Practical implicationsThe implementation of lean cannot be taken nonchalantly, owing to the investment in terms of time and money. Consequently, if an organization pursues the change strategy suggested, the probability of success implementation is improved.Originality/valueThis research, undertaken in British manufacturing organisations, focused on a bespoke change strategy for lean, as there exists a plethora of research focusing at the generic change process.
Process performance indicators in redesigning the patient care process
Authors: Gospodarevskaya Elena , Churilov Leonid 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the regulator's attempt at redesigning the patient care process (PCP) – a core business process in public hospitals – by introducing dichotomous process performance indicators as an innovative management tool intended to align the State health care policy with the everyday management of operations at a hospital ward.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an ethnographic case study of redesigning the PCP according to the strategy originating outside the organization. The study employs competing theories that represent alternative epistemological and ontological views of the world in order to produce a tentative explanation of why the intended redesign of the PCP has not fully eventuated. Observational data and opportunistic interviewing are used to answer the research question of whether and how the information and operational flows on the ward were affected by introduction of process performance indicators. A business process redesign framework was employed for data analysis since it better reflects the objectives of the State‐wide initiative and offers a convenient tool in dealing with data complexity.FindingsIntroduction of the process performance indicators did not result in redesigning of the PCP as intended by health care authorities. Out of four process performance indicators, only one was consistently implemented, which merely produced a duplication of the previously collected information, therefore adding no value to the PCP. On a theoretical level, the results indicate that the emergent theory rather than the rational agent theory demonstrated a greater fidelity to the empirical observations.Originality/valueThe paper assessed the feasibility of using innovative dichotomous process performance indicators as a tool for redesigning the business process at the ward level, in order to achieve macro‐level policy objectives. The failure to successfully implement a top‐down universal approach to redesigning business processes in health care is likely to reflect a lack of appreciation of emergent rationality that characterizes essential aspects of the PCP.
Informal communication of co‐workers: a thematic analysis of messages
Authors: Fay Martha J. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeAlthough informal communication at work has been shown to serve important functions of sociality, little is known about the messages that comprise routine, everyday interaction. The purpose of this paper is to examine two different informal interactions between 100 remote employees and their central office peers to determine the kinds of messages used in informal interaction using thematic analysis.Design/methodology/approachTeleworkers recalled informal interactions with central office peers; interactions were coded using constructivist methodology, then collapsed into dominant themes using a constant comparison approach. Patterns in responses were then related to a literature‐based (constructivist) analysis of how informal communication functions.FindingsFive key themes were identified: personal disclosure, sociality, support giving and getting, commiserating/complaining, and business updates and exchanges. These informal workplace interactions also reflected underlying dimensions of perceived organizational membership: need fulfillment, mattering, and belonging, and suggest ways the framework could be strengthened.Research limitations/implicationsThemes from reported interactions provide message‐level evidence that informal communication serves both instrumental and constitutive functions. Including interactions reported by co‐located employees would have allowed for a comparison.Practical implicationsResults have important implications for how informal communication functions between peers. Managers can use the results to facilitate communication opportunities for remote and co‐located employees.Originality/valueMessage‐level analysis of informal communication between peers has not been considered as important as hierarchical communication within businesses and organizations. Reported interactions illuminate how informal communication functions, and suggest a link between informal interaction and important individual‐ and organizational‐level outcomes, adding to existing knowledge about the understudied population of permanent, high‐intensity teleworkers.
The telephone medium and semi‐structured interviews: a complementary fit
Authors: Cachia Moira , Millward Lynne 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe telephone has been widely used to conduct quantitative research in diverse fields of study, generally using survey methodology. However, comparatively very few qualitative studies opt for this means of data collection. The purpose of this paper is to argue in favour of a medium that has generally been second‐rated in qualitative research. It aims at establishing telephone interviews as an equally viable option to other established methods of qualitative data collection.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is informed by the authors’ experience of using this method, as well as the limited number of previous research articles presented on the topic. It discusses its specific strengths and limitations, drawing on a conducted longitudinal study to illustrate key points. Its application to particular qualitative analysis methods, in view of the acknowledged requirements for each of these approaches, is also presented.FindingsTelephone conversations naturally follow an agenda‐driven format that is initiated by the caller, similar to semi‐structured interviews. The authors propose that the telephone medium and interview modality are complementary. Also, the interview transcripts provide rich textual data that can subsequently be analysed using a range of qualitative data analysis methods.Originality/valueFocus is placed on the methodological strengths of using telephone interviews in qualitative research, rather than convenience factors which have been the most featured element in previous literature. The paper aims at informing researchers who want to consider using the telephone medium for qualitative data collection and analysis.