bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences of implementing process management: a multiple‐case study
Authors: Palmberg Klara 
Published: February 2010

PurposeProcess management is becoming an essential part of contemporary organizations in all industries. However, many organizations experience problems during the implementation of a process management approach. The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the organizational implications when implementing process management, how to handle the relationship between the functional organization and a process perspective, and the roles of managers, teams, and individuals.Design/methodology/approachA multiple‐case study approach is used to get an extensive picture of and analyze how three Swedish organizations have worked with process management.FindingsThe studied organizations have introduced a process management structure into their functional organizational structure, including the introduction of new management positions such as process owners and process leaders. A discourse is identified in earlier research between those arguing for a full transformation from a functionally oriented to a fully process‐oriented organizational structure, and those promoting a more moderate transformation where a process management structure is “matrixed onto” the existing organization. The analysis could be interpreted as supporting the second line of reasoning, where the functional and process structures co‐exist in the organization, creating a constructive dynamic.Originality/valueThe paper provides two major contributions. First, the empirical descriptions and analysis of implementing process management contribute to the knowledge and understanding among both practitioners and researchers. The second major contribution is the identified need of co‐existence of a process and functional perspective, and the implication that complexity is created rather than reduced in organizations.
Measurement in business processes: a systematic review
Authors: Sánchez González Laura , García Rubio Félix , Ruiz González Francisco , Piattini Velthuis Mario 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the current state of the art and trends with regard to business process measurement by means of a systematic review of literature.Design/methodology/approachThe results are obtained through a systematic review carried out according to existing relevant guidelines. Additionally, a specific methodology through which to systematically obtain all the most important journals is followed. In total, 19 relevant articles are selected and later analyzed. A subsequent critical analysis of the data obtained is applied to identify the gaps in the current literature.FindingsA considerable effort has been made by researchers in the field of business process measurement, particularly in recent years. Many of the defined measures for business processes have been applied to models (approximately 77 per cent). Most of the initiatives concerning business measurement have been adapted from the software engineering field. A small percentage of the existing business process measures has been empirically validated.Originality/valueThe results presented contribute towards providing an updated overview of the current state of research into business process measurement, in order to identify existing research gaps and concerns on which ongoing and future research efforts on this topic can be focused.
The effects of process orientation: a literature review
Authors: Kohlbacher Markus 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a literature review of studies that have analyzed the effects of process orientation (PO).Design/methodology/approachAn examination of the literature is undertaken to review studies that report about the influence of PO on organizational performance. Studies are classified into statements without straight empirical support, quantitative studies, and case studies.FindingsA total of 26 studies are identified that report about effects of PO on organizational performance. Studies where positive effects are obtained are predominant. The effects most often reported are speed improvements, increase of customer satisfaction, improvement of quality, reduction of cost, and improvement of financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsAccording to the results of the paper, positive effects of PO are clearly more often reported than negative effects. It might be the case that popular press and case studies tend to report positive effects more often than no (or negative) effects. This possible bias towards positive effects is an important limitation of this paper. The paper identifies a lack of quantitative studies investigating the effects of PO on organizational performance.Practical implicationsThe paper offers interesting implications for managers, pointing out that a process‐oriented organizational design may result in a positive influence on organizational performance.Originality/valueThe findings are derived from a comprehensive literature review of studies that have investigated the PO‐organizational performance link. In addition, ideas for improving future research in this field are provided.
Matching service strategies, business models and modular business processes
Authors: Bask Anu H. , Tinnilä Markku , Rajahonka Mervi 
Published: February 2010

PurposeIn recent decades, supply chains have diverged and new types of services and operators have emerged in the logistics sector. The purpose of this paper is to focus on analyzing service strategies and service‐related business models, as well as their modular business processes in logistic services. The aims are to describe these three levels and to match strategic service positioning with business models and modular business processes. Different types of services are analyzed and the analyses are conducted on both the industry and corporate levels.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical focus of the paper illustrates frameworks for service strategy, service positioning, business models, and business processes. The corporate level approach aims to describe the efficiency and quality of services and their processes, while the industry level approach focuses on service strategies in an industry and on the organization of business, i.e. business models. A case study is used to illustrate the strategic level divergence in logistic services and to match this with the business model framework and the business process approach.FindingsThe findings show that a match exists between service strategy, business models, and operational level business processes. Standardization, service productization and modularization of services, and also service production structures are useful tools for efficient service production and output.Originality/valueCompanies are currently examining new roles in supply chains and the logistics market. For management, the frameworks presented facilitate analysis of the different options available for the firm in terms of strategic positioning, structural business model portfolio, and modular business processes. Based on the theoretical frameworks, it is possible to evaluate past developments and also predict the future of services.
Opportunities and constraints: the current struggle with BPMN
Authors: Recker Jan 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe business process modeling notation (BPMN) is an increasingly important standard for process modeling and has enjoyed high levels of attention in business practice. In this paper, experiences are shared from several research projects investigating the uptake and user acceptance of BPMN by analysts world‐wide. This personal viewpoint aims to offer a number of implications for business process management (BPM) practice and seeks to stimulate and guide further research and other developments in this area.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers a personal viewpoint based on the experiences and findings gathered from survey research and interviews on the use of BPMN. While details on research execution are mostly omitted, references are provided to guide the interested reader to the methodology used in the original studies.FindingsFirst, statistics are provided on the usage of BPMN by process modelers world‐wide. Amongst others, it is shown that the high interest in BPMN has created a massive demand for BPM education and training. Second, a number of usage problems related to the practice of process modeling with BPMN are described and suggestions are provided as to how organizations have developed workarounds for these problems. Third, it is suggested that BPMN is over‐engineered and more insights into practical usage are needed for future development.Research limitations/implicationsWhile being based on empirical research, a limitation of this paper is the lack of detail about research execution; however, references are provided. The paper offers a personal viewpoint on the state of current and future practice of process modeling and discusses a range of implications for future research.Practical implicationsThe paper describes a number of commonly encountered pitfalls when modeling processes with BPMN. It also provides directions for the organizational implementation and future development of process modeling as well as implications for various BPMN stakeholders.Originality/valueThis viewpoint is derived from some of very few empirical studies on the usage of BPMN specifically and BPM standards generally.
It's written in the cloud: the hype and promise of cloud computing
Authors: Sharif Amir M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to discuss the emerging IT platform of cloud computing.Design/methodology/approachThis paper identifies where and how this has developed in terms of the collision between internet and enterprise computing paradigms – and hence why cloud computing will be driven not by computing architectures but by more fundamental ICT consumption behaviours. The approach has been based upon the discussion and recent developments of Software as a Service (SaaS) and associated ICT computing metaphors and is largely based on the contemporary discussions surrounding the impact of social, open source and configurable technology services.FindingsIt is suggested that whilst cloud computing and SaaS are indeed innovations within ICT, the real innovation will come when such platforms allow new industries ways of doing business, connecting with and engaging with people to emerge.Originality/valueThe paper brings together some of the recent discussions within the popular as well as business and computing press on social networking, open source and utility computing.
Explaining ERP failure in a developing country: a Jordanian case study
Authors: Hawari Ala'a , Heeks Richard 
Published: February 2010

PurposeEnterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are increasingly being adopted by organisations in developing countries. As in industrialised countries, this adoption seems beset by significant rates of failure, leading to a large waste of investment and other resources. This paper seeks to understand why such ERP failure occurs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper moves beyond factor lists to make use of an overall “design‐reality gap” model. The model is applied to a case study of ERP failure in a Jordanian manufacturing firm, analysing the situation both before and during ERP implementation through a mix of interviews, observation and document analysis.FindingsThe research finds sizeable gaps between the assumptions and requirements built into ERP system design, and the actual realities of the client organisation. It is these gaps – and the failure to close them during implementation – that underlie ERP project failure.Research limitations/implicationsThis study shows the relevance and applicability of the design‐reality gap model to understanding ERP failure. Further research can be undertaken applying the model to other ERP cases, including case studies of success.Practical implicationsThe paper draws conclusions about good practice in ERP implementation relating to both risk identification and risk mitigation, which must be based on closing design‐reality gaps. It offers examples of both specific and generic actions that help to achieve this. But it also notes limitations existing in some developing country contexts that may continue to constrain the effective use of enterprise resource planning systems.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new model for understanding ERP project success and failure, and for practical risk mitigation. The design‐reality gap model aims to be comprehensive but also contingent; sensitive to the specific conditions of any individual client organisation.
Exploring agile methods in construction small and medium enterprises: a case study
Authors: Loforte Ribeiro Francisco , Timóteo Fernandes Manuela 
Published: February 2010

PurposeAgile methods have proven successful in increasing customer satisfaction and decreasing time and cost to market under uncertain conditions. Key characteristics of agile methods are lean, flexibility and highly iterative development with a strong emphasis on stakeholder involvement. Today construction firms in general and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are surviving in a drastic competitive environment in which they are facing more and more challenges. Additional innovation is needed in the construction sector, with increased participation from more competitive SMEs. The main purpose of this paper is to present a model to prioritize available management systems to help SMEs address the challenge of today's market competition more effectively.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology used is that of interpretative case study and grounded theory based on a strong empirical foundation, on which new theoretical insight into knowledge management as an autonomous action is developed. The paper looks at ways by which SMEs are managed, based on the empirical data collected from 12 case studies. It presents the empirical findings drawn from the case studies. Finally, the adoption of agile methods is subjectively assessed as to its potential contribution for improving the business processes of small and medium construction firms.FindingsIt is assessed that agile methods offers considerable potential for application in construction SMEs and that there are significant hurdles to its adoption in the actual phase. Should these be overcome, agile methods offers benefits well beyond any individual company.Practical implicationsConstruction firms need to be aware of the advantages of new management paradigms and practices. The analysis shows that SMEs in the construction sector have to internalize agile values into their business processes to reap the benefits of agile methods. It also reveals that existing practices show some kind of agile flavours.Originality/valueAgile principles and methods are explored, including: philosophy, values, practices and benefits. The management approaches used by construction SMEs are analyzed and discussed. The paper presents recommendations and insights for enhancing the performance and efficiency of SMEs by adopting agile values in their business processes.
A survey on integrated IS and competitive advantage
Authors: Morabito Vincenzo , Themistocleous Marinos , Serrano Alan 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to provide robust evidence of the “IT organizational assimilation capacity” mediating role and to propose a complementary model.Design/methodology/approachBased on theoretical proposition that IT business value is generated by the deployment of IT and complementary organizational resources, a research model was developed and two hypotheses were proposed. These are tested with a survey from 466 top managers in Italian companies. The 466 questionnaires were analyzed in two steps. In the first step, a series construct validation using factor analysis was performed in order to validate the scales. In the second step, a series of analyses using linear regression was performed between the two independent variables and the dependent variable to validate the mediator function of the IT organizational assimilation capacity.FindingsData suggest that most firms have not merged information system (IS) integration with the right complementary organizational resources. The findings also support the notion that competitive advantage does not arise from replicable resources, but from complex, firm‐specific and intangible resources and capabilities. The findings help to explain why some firms struggle while others flourish with the same ITs, and why IT‐based advantages tend to dissipate so rapidly.Research limitations/implicationsThe research suggests that ITs do not merge themselves automatically with human and business resources. Evolving Leavitt's organization diamond and using the paper's data it can be shown that ISs, process, change, flexibility and training are interrelated and mutually adjusting, so when ISs are changed the other components often adjust to dump out the impact of the innovation.Practical implicationsThe proposed model can be used complementary to the requirements methods offered by the IS development methodologies, to mitigate their inherent defects in addressing social, organizational and other non‐technical issues, when developing a new IS.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a model to be used complementary to the requirements methods offered by the IS development methodologies
Changes in presumed motor cortical activity during fatiguing muscle contraction in humans
Authors: Seifert T. , Petersen N. C. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  Changes in sensory information from active muscles accompany fatiguing exercise and the force‐generating capacity deteriorates. The central motor commands therefore must adjust depending on the task performed. Muscle potentials evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) change during the course of fatiguing muscle activity, which demonstrates activity changes in cortical or spinal networks during fatiguing exercise. Here, we investigate cortical mechanisms that are actively involved in driving the contracting muscles.Methods:  During a sustained submaximal contraction (30% of maximal voluntary contraction) of the elbow flexor muscles we applied TMS over the motor cortex. At an intensity below motor threshold, TMS reduced the ongoing muscle activity in biceps brachii. This reduction appears as a suppression at short latency of the stimulus‐triggered average of rectified electromyographic (EMG) activity. The magnitude of the suppression was evaluated relative to the mean EMG activity during the 50 ms prior to the cortical stimulus.Results:  During the first 2 min of the fatiguing muscle contraction the suppression was 10 ± 0.9% of the ongoing EMG activity. At 2 min prior to task failure the suppression had reached 16 ± 2.1%. In control experiments without fatigue we did not find a similar increase in suppression with increasing levels of ongoing EMG activity.Conclusion:  Using a form of TMS which reduces cortical output to motor neurones (and disfacilitates them), this study suggests that neuromuscular fatigue increases this disfacilitatory effect. This finding is consistent with an increase in the excitability of inhibitory circuits controlling corticospinal output.
Utilising the PRECEDE model to predict factors related to self‐care behaviours in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Yazd (Iran)
Authors: Morowatisharifabad Mohammad Ali , Nadrian Haidar , Mazloomy‐Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed , Soleimani‐Salehabadi Hossein , Asgarshahi Mohsen 
Published: February 2010

morowatisharifabad ma, nadrian h, mazloomy‐mahmoodabad ss, soleimani‐salehabadi h & asgarshahi m (2010)
Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness2, 32–40 Utilising the PRECEDE model to predict factors related to self‐care behaviours in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Yazd (Iran)Aim.  To explore the influences of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors on rheumatoid arthritis patients’ self‐care behaviour.Design and methods.  A non‐probability sample of 181 outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis, referring to a rheumatology clinic in the city of Yazd in central Iran, participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the variables of interest (predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors along with self‐care behaviours). Reliability and validity of the instruments were examined and approved.Results.  Attitude and self‐efficacy, as predisposing factors, were related to self‐care behaviour of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Social support as a reinforcing factor and also enabling factors showed significant relationship with self‐care behaviour. All of PRECEDE variables were statistically significant predictors of self‐care behaviour and accounted for 44·3% of the variation.Conclusions.  It was concluded that the PRECEDE model may be used in developing countries, like Iran, as a framework for planning intervention programmes in an attempt to improve the self‐care behaviours of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Relevance to clinical practice.  In order to promote self‐care behaviours of RA patients, it is worth focusing on predisposing and enabling factors by developing stage‐specific intervention programmes based on the PRECEDE model.
Rickettsia felisInfection in a Common Household Insect Pest,Liposcelis bostrychophila(Psocoptera: Liposcelidae)
Authors: Behar Adi , McCormick Laurie J. , Perlman Steve J. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTMany species ofRickettsiaare well-known mammalian pathogens transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods. However, molecular surveys are continually uncovering novelRickettsiaspecies, often in unexpected hosts, including many arthropods that do not feed on blood. This study reports a systematic molecular characterization of aRickettsiainfecting the psocidLiposcelis bostrychophila(Psocoptera: Liposcelidae), a common and cosmopolitan household pest. Surprisingly, the psocidRickettsiais shown to beRickettsia felis, a human pathogen transmitted by fleas that causes serious morbidity and occasional mortality. The plasmid from the psocidR. feliswas sequenced and was found to be virtually identical to the one inR. felisfrom fleas. AsLiposcelisinsects are often intimately associated with humans and other vertebrates, it is speculated that they acquiredR. felisfrom fleas. Whether theR. felisin psocids causes disease in vertebrates is not known and warrants further study.
Two Types of Endosymbiotic Bacteria in the Enigmatic Marine Worm
Xenoturbella
bocki
Authors: Kjeldsen Kasper Urup , Obst Matthias , Nakano Hiroaki , Funch Peter , Schramm Andreas 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Two types of endosymbiotic bacteria were identified in the gastrodermis of the marine invertebrate
Xenoturbella
bocki
(Xenoturbellida, Bilateria). While previously described
Chlamydia
-like endosymbionts were rare,
Gammaproteobacteria
distantly related to other endosymbionts and pathogens were abundant. The endosymbionts should be considered when interpreting the poorly understood ecology and evolution of
Xenoturbella
.