bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning on lean: a review of thinking and research
Authors: Moyano‐Fuentes José , Sacristán‐Díaz Macarena 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of research on lean production (LP) since the concept was developed at the end of the 1980s with the aim of developing a model that permits an extended and comprehensive understanding of LP.Design/methodology/approachA literature survey of peer reviewed journal articles and paradigmatic books with managerial impact is employed as the research methodology.FindingsThe findings derived from the evaluation of the publications analysed have led to the creation of an extended model of LP. Specifically, two new groups of factors to be taken into account in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of LP are presented. Apart from internal aspects at the shop floor level and value chain elements, the model provided includes work organisation and the impact that the geographical context has on LP. In addition, the critical assessment of publications has allowed a number of specific aspects to be identified for which there is no empirical evidence.Originality/valueThis paper puts forward a new classification of literature identifying key aspects that should be included for LP development and management. It might represent new opportunities for rigorous and relevant research that would contribute to more transparent knowledge of LP being gained.
The role of training and empowerment in environmental performance
Authors: Daily Bonnie F. , Bishop John W. , Massoud Jacob A. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study to propose a model that links the following human resource (HR) factors: employee environmental empowerment, employee environmental training, employee environmental teamwork, managerial environmental empowerment and managerial environmental training, to environmental performance as perceived by managers.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to 220 manufacturing organizations in Mexico. The survey instrument was self‐report format with attitudinal variables. Items were adopted from previously published scales. A hypothesized model of the variable relationships with structural equation modelling analysis was tested.FindingsThe results suggest that managers perceive that both environmental training and environmental empowerment are important to themselves and employees. In this study, overall environmental training had a stronger relationship with the dependent variables than environmental empowerment. In the case of the employee level, the effects were mediated through environmental teamwork.Originality/valueThis study contributes to both theory and praxis. First, it extends the literature related to environmental management and HR management. Second, it examines managerial perceptions of the HR role within the firm for both manager/supervisors and hourly/direct workers. Third, the study is one of the first to investigate the relationships between HR factors and environmental issues in Mexican manufacturing firms. Finally, the study has important implications for practitioners in the manufacturing sector.
How to create a thriving workplace: reaping the benefits of employee satisfaction
Authors: Hellawell Martin 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the significance of employee satisfaction to creating a successful business.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a case study of the author's experience as Managing Director of Softcat.FindingsThe paper offers eight ways in which leaders can engage employees, increase job satisfaction, and aid employee retention. They are: keep employees in the loop; be democratic; give credit where it is due; offer progression; provide training; build your culture around teams; use your imagination; and remember the little things.Originality/valueThe paper presents the arguments in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Interview with Marshall Sponder, author of Social Media Analytics
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an interview with the former web analytics guru, Marshall Sponder.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an interview with Marshall Sponder, author of Social Media Analytics.FindingsThis special issue concludes with an interview with web analytics guru, Marshall Sponder. For over a decade, Marshall has been at the forefront of this growing field, influencing and advising large companies on how to determine ROI from their web‐based activity. His book, Social Media Analytics, proffers strategies for getting the most out of social media, as well as predicting the direction this field is likely to take in future, something Sponder is perfectly placed to do. In this interview he discusses at length the importance of a tactical approach to social media, the tools needed for measuring ROI, and emerging trends in social media.Originality/valueThe interview provides an insightful look at the emerging trends in social media analytics from the leading analyst in the field.
Communications management for upgrading public housing projects in Singapore
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Xiaopeng Deng , Lye Laura 
Published: April 2012

PurposeIt is recognised that upgrading programmes are imperative components of public housing in Singapore. In order to keep pace with the ever‐continuing rise in affluence and hence expectations of the residents, these upgrading programmes need to be carried out with a complete understanding of residents’ needs and perceptions, which may change over time. Good communications between the residents and those managing upgrading projects is therefore important to ensure that what is provided is what the residents need and want. The purpose of this paper is to understand the project management issues involved in upgrading programmes in public housing in Singapore, with particular focus on communications management.Design/methodology/approachThe study included a questionnaire survey of 30 residents of a public housing estate undergoing upgrading works in Singapore. The fieldwork evaluates how these residents perceived the importance of and their satisfaction with various communications issues identified from the literature review.FindingsIt was observed that much effort was invested to foster good relationships with the residents, and also to ensure that they are kept informed about the progress of the upgrading works. However, the survey findings revealed that the satisfaction levels of the residents generally still fall short of their expectations, which suggests that communications management of upgrading projects in public housing estates remains an area that needs to be improved and enhanced in the near future.Practical implicationsUpgrading programmes for Singapore's public housing estates was started in 1989 by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to bridge the gap between the standards of the older estates and that of the newer towns. Today, some two decades later, the upgrading programmes are still in place, but now with increased focus on flexibility and resident consultation. The engagement of residents in decision‐making of matters affecting their immediate neighbourhood can be found in many of the upgrading programmes.Originality/valueThe paper assesses the management of communications during different stages of a typical upgrading project in the HDB estates, and also the various communications channels employed by the relevant authorities to disseminate information to the residents. It is important to note that communication is not simply concerned with the sending of messages, but also with whether the intended recipients receive them as intended.
Identifying and eradicating Japanese knotweed in the UK built environment
Authors: Payne Thomas , Hoxley Mike 
Published: April 2012

PurposeIn the UK, Japanese knotweed is an invasive, non‐native plant that has the potential to cause significant damage to buildings, foundations and development sites if left to establish. The plant's bamboo‐like stems can push their way through tarmac and expose weaknesses or cracks in concrete. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current problems caused by Japanese knotweed within the UK and to ascertain the extent to which the knotweed legislation provides clear enough guidelines and measures, and, if not, how this could be addressed.Design/methodology/approachA literature review and interviews have investigated the current and future eradication and control techniques available for Japanese knotweed. The primary and secondary research conducted has incorporated the views and opinions of experienced Japanese knotweed experts. Case studies of sites infested with knotweed have also been carried out.FindingsThe study has identified and recommended that both public and professional awareness of Japanese knotweed still needs to be increased, throughout the UK. A detailed identification card has therefore been produced as part of this study, in order to show the different growth stages of the invasive plant, throughout the year. The study has demonstrated that an eradication technique must be carefully chosen and tailored to suit each infested site after a full site survey. The semi‐structured interviews have established that the current legislation, guidance notes and also the “Knotweed Code of Practice” produced by the Environmental Agency, provide adequate guidance on controlling Japanese knotweed. The research highlighted that knotweed spreading from neighbouring properties was a potential problem, but in practice, neighbours usually reach mutual agreement to avoid high legal costs.Originality/valueJapanese knotweed is an increasing problem in the UK and this research will increase the awareness of those instructed to inspect property or development sites where infestation may have occurred. Professionals within the construction industry including surveyors, estate agents, developers and project managers will all find this paper of benefit.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Authors: Antino Philip 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the procedures under section 17 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (“The Act”) for enforcement proceedings to recover an awarded sum. This paper will demonstrate that the procedure is unclear and confusing to the party wall surveyors, the magistrates, the county court officers and the legal profession who express conflicting views on the appropriate method of enforcement. The intent of this paper is to examine and explain the procedures that will allow the recovery of costs and other contingencies, as a civil debt within the Magistrates’ Court, with a comparison of the more traditional route of the County Court.Design/methodology/approachThe author has reviewed the relevant sections of the statutory acts and the limited publications that discuss and promote various methods of enforcement of actions that have been awarded and are recoverable summarily as a civil debt. Accordingly, the options to enforce payment within the magistrates’ and county courts will be considered, explained, and discussed within this paper.FindingsThis paper makes a contribution to the limited existing literature and theoretical interpretation of section 17 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, to provide a framework for considering the procedures and principles necessary to enforce payment of costs awarded under the Act. The paper makes a comparative analysis of the differences between the two recognised approaches and explains why a particular method (the Magistrates’ Court) will normally be the preferred option.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that there is confusion surrounding the appropriate method of enforcement, and provides a structured and detailed explanation of the appropriate method of enforcement.
Simulation of new product development and engineering changes
Authors: Reddi Krishna R. , Moon Young B. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the interactions between new product development (NPD) and engineering change management (ECM) processes in terms of their impact on organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachA system dynamics model of the NPD and ECM processes within an organization has been built and simulated for a range of parameter values to investigate the interactions between the two processes.FindingsThe effect of various parameters on the lead‐time of the NPD process varies with different process environments. No single process management policy is advantageous for most if not all process operating conditions, thus it is important to change the critical parameters of the process every time.Research limitations/implicationsThe accuracy of the estimated effect of parameters on the lead‐time depends on the accuracy of estimated parameter values.Practical implicationsThe insights developed from the results would be useful for managers in planning their process management policies under various circumstances.Originality/valueThe study of interactions between the ECM and NPD processes has been scarce. This research would be very helpful to managers who plan the process managing strategies given various circumstances such as limited resources.
An integrated framework for outsourcing risk management
Authors: Lee C.K.M. , Ching Yeung Yu , Hong Zhen 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a generic framework to assess and simulate outsourcing risks in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThis combination approach involves a qualitative risk analysis methodology termed as the supply chain risk‐failure mode and effect analysis (SCR‐FMEA) which integrates risk identification, analysis and mitigation actions together to evaluate supply chain outsourcing risk. The qualitative risk assessment will allow risk manager to provide a visual presentation of imminent risks using the risk map. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) on the imminent risks of delivery outsourcing using the Milk‐Run system is adopted.FindingsWith basic statistical concepts, key performance variables and the risk of delivery outsourcing are analyzed. It is found that a newly implemented delivery outsourcing arrangement on the Milk‐Run system reduces the average customer lead‐time and total cost. However, a certain extent of risk or uncertainty can still be detected due to the presence of variation.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper reveals that company can manage the risk by adopting a systematic method for identifying the potential risks before outsourcing and MCS can be applied for examining the quantifiable risks such as lead time and cost.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a generic guideline for practitioners to assess logistics outsourcing, especially for logistics management consultants and professionals for evaluating the risk and impact of outsourcing. It is believed that the proposed risk assessment framework can help to analyze the operational cost uncertainty and ensure the stability of the supply chain. However, the limitation of this research is that the full spectrum of outsourcing risk, especially the non‐quantifiable risk may not be analyzed by MCS.Originality/valueThis paper proposed an integrated framework which combines qualitative and quantitative method together for managing outsourcing risk. This research provides a standardized metric to quantify risk in the supply chain so as to determine the effectiveness of outsourcing.
Using IS/IT to enhance service delivery
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to contribute to ongoing research which emphasises the expanding role of information systems and information technology (IS/IT) as an enhancer of service delivery.Design/methodology/approachIn order to explore the practical utilisation of IS/IT in the enhancement of service delivery, a case study was adopted as the preferred research methodology. The case focused on one of the biggest telecommunications IS/IT service providers in the UK.FindingsThe study shows that the delivery of service experiences to customers by firms operating in service provider‐intensive environments is challenged by the multi‐dimensional nature of service.Practical implicationsThe interest lies in the question of the “true” role of IS/IT in service delivery. In particular, the paper explores key thematic elements that underlie enhanced IS/IT delivery.Originality/valueExploration of the utilisation of IS/IT to enhance service delivery is framed within extant services science and service research literature.
Perception variability for categorised risk factors
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu , Papadopoulos Thanos , Thumborisuthi Chonnikarn , Fan Yang Yun 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how project managers frame variability for categorised risk factors on enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects.Design/methodology/approachWeighting and selection of the risk factors was undertaken based on an analysis of data (using PASW17), obtained from a random sample of 307 ERP project managers working in Thailand.FindingsThe findings suggest that: framing of variability for categorised risk factors in ERP projects is not necessarily culturally bound; both “internal” and “external” risk factors did have a strong impact on ERP project success; and the impact of the degree of inter‐relationships between critical risk and success factors may influence the success of a ERP project.Practical implicationsThe authors anticipate that the results will stimulate future research in this area as well as raise the profile of critical success factors for ERP implementation, particularly in developing countries.Originality/valueThe study contributes to a better understanding of the viewpoint of consultants on critical success factors for ERP implementation in the context of a developing country.
Understanding blog continuance: a model comparison approach
Authors: Shiau Wen‐Lung , Chau Patrick Y.K. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand blog continuance. Specifically, this paper aims to compare two theoretical models and an integrated model to identify which theoretical models best predicts blog continuance intention.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted through an online survey. Data collected from six famous blogs in Taiwan (n=361) were analyzed using structural equation modeling and pairwise nested F‐tests.FindingsResults show that the ECT‐IS model and the integrated model have greater explanatory power of blog continuance intention than the technology acceptance model (TAM). The results of pairwise nested F‐tests show that the ECT‐IS model exhibits statistically significant R2 improvement compared to TAM. However, the R2 improvement in the integrated model is not statistically different from that in the ECT‐IS model. The ECT‐IS model is also more parsimonious than the integrated model. Thus, the ECT‐IS is a preferable model. Confirmation and satisfaction are salient factors influencing this intention.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide useful information for blogging service providers (BSPs) to enhance and develop useful blog functions for user satisfaction. By revealing the differences and comparisons among these three models, this study can help BSPs promote the benefits of their blogs to strengthen the continuance intentions of their customers.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first studies to examine of influence change of variables and compare the relative ability of two competing theories, ECT‐IS and TAM, and an integrated model in explaining blog continuance intention. The results confirm that the ECT‐IS is a better model than the other two for explaining blog continuance intention.
Brand as credible commitment in embedded licensing: a transaction cost perspective
Authors: Jiang Marshall S. , Menguc Bulent 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study brand embedded licensing (technology licensing and brand licensing combined) and its theoretical difference from standard licensing (technology licensing only). The following research questions are asked: What makes embedded licensing theoretically different from standard licensing, and what determines a licensor's decision to select brand embedded licensing over standard licensing?Design/methodology/approachThis paper compares brand embedded licensing to standard licensing and argues that brand embedded licensing is a quasi‐hierarchical organizational structure, while standard licensing is a market‐based structure. Brand embeddedness in licensing serves as a credible commitment from the licensor and induces the licensee to invest sufficiently in complementary assets. Drawing on the transaction cost perspective, the determinants of embedded licensing are examined.FindingsEmbedded licensing is determined by both the licensee's characteristics and the licensor's brand characteristics. The licensor is more likely to utilize embedded licensing or the licensee is more willing to demand embedded licensing when: the licensee's specific complementary investment is high; the licensee's complementary capacity is high; the market entry is at a late stage; the licensor uses separate branding; the extent of product differentiation is high; and the stage of brand globalization is advanced. A strong intellectual property rights regime and a fast pace of technology change enhance the effects of these six determining factors on the licensor's selection of embedded licensing.Originality/valueThis paper challenges the classical view that licensing is a market‐based relationship by revealing that embedded licensing is a quasi‐hierarchical organizational structure.
Korean international joint ventures: how the exchange climate affects tacit knowledge transfer from foreign parents
Authors: Park Chansoo , Vertinsky Ilan , Lee Chol 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical model to examine how exchange climate attributes and contextual factors between two parent firms in an international joint venture (IJV) affect tacit knowledge transfer. The authors investigate how this tacit knowledge, which comprises international marketing expertise, knowledge about foreign cultures and tastes and managerial practices, impacts IJV performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on data from a survey of IJV managers in 326 Korean firms from a variety of industries, structural equation modeling (AMOS 18.0) is used to test the authors’ hypotheses.FindingsThe findings show that conflict resolution and cooperation positively affect tacit knowledge transfer, but communication does not. It was found that the difference in the relative levels of economic development in the environments of partners significantly influences tacit knowledge acquisition, but cultural distance does not. Tacit knowledge acquisition positively influences IJV performance.Originality/valueThe paper fills a gap in the literature by articulating the relationships between exchange climate attributes and tacit knowledge acquisition. Exchange climate, characterized by behavioral processes that directly impact knowledge transfer, constitutes an important missing link in prior research about tacit knowledge transfer. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the dynamic relationships among relational capital, exchange climate and tacit knowledge transfers. The model the authors develop and test has important implications for the design of organizational processes that facilitate tacit knowledge transfer.