bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a methodological approach: theorising scenario thinking as a social practice
Authors: Sarpong David 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to draw on the social theory of practice to show scenario thinking as an everyday practice and how the practice could be theorised at the meso‐level.Design/methodology/approachCounterfactual analysis, scenario analysis and peripheral vision are presented as the constituting methodological triad through which scenario thinking comes into representation.FindingsScenario thinking is a temporally emerging everyday organizational practice. By placing emphasis on the mundane and taken for granted activities that come together to form the nexus of the practice, often deep underlying structures of organizational behaviour contributing to scenario thinking can be theorised.Research limitations/implicationsThe practice conceptualisation of scenario thinking inverts and challenges existing management and practitioners' conventional understanding of the practice as an episodic phenomenon in waiting to be facilitated by an expert with specific end points and conformity.Practical implicationsForesight practitioners and researchers can use this as an analytical starting point for the study and theorising of scenario thinking in self organized groups.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new angle of vision to extend understanding of the development and theorising of scenario thinking in autonomous working groups.
Evaluating corporate governance and identifying its formulating factors: the case of Greece
Authors: Lazarides Themistokles , Drimpetas Evaggelos 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to establish a benchmark for the evaluation of the quality of corporate governance (CG) and to detect the factors that affect it in Greece.Design/methodology/approachAn index of corporate governance quality is constructed using binary variables. Data from annual reports are used to identify the mechanisms and practices of corporate governance. An ordinal probit model is used to identify the drivers of corporate governance.FindingsCG quality in Greece is quite low, in terms of international best practices. The main drivers of CG quality are firm size, leadership or power concentration and board characteristics. Greek firms' CG quality depends mainly on the balance of power within the firm, rather than performance or market for corporate control.Research limitations/implicationsData for the constructed index have been collected from the annual reports, and not from questionnaires.Practical implicationsThe study provides evidence that there is a different set of factors that affect CG quality from those in Anglo‐Saxon countries. The paper addresses the issue of the relevance of proposed CG mechanisms to real CG problems. By identifying the factors that have an impact on CG quality, policy makers can focus on them to create a legal‐regulatory framework that can improve the level of CG.Originality/valueThe paper not only measures CG, but pinpoints its formulating factors as well. Furthermore, the need for new benchmarking tools to address the fundamental elements of the corporate environment (i.e. ownership concentration, the lack of a market for corporate control, etc.) in continental Europe is highlighted.
Advances in video networking: standards and applications
Authors: Grecos Christos , Wang Qi 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe interdisciplinary nature of video networking, coupled with various recent developments in standards, proposals and applications, poses great challenges to the research and industrial communities working in this area. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a tutorial and survey on recent advances in video networking from an integrated perspective of both video signal processing and networking.Design/methodology/approachDetailed technical descriptions and insightful analysis are presented for recent and emerging video coding standards, in particular the H.264 family. The applications of selected video coding standards in emerging wireless networks are then introduced with an emphasis on scalable video streaming in multihomed mobile networks. Both research challenges and potential solutions are discussed along the description, and numerical results through simulations or experiments are provided to reveal the performances of selected coding standards and networking algorithms.FindingsThe tutorial helps to clarify the similarities and differences among the considered standards and networking applications. A number of research trends and challenges are identified, and selected promising solutions are discussed. This practice would provoke further thoughts on the development of this area and open up more research and application opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsNot all the concerned video coding standards are complemented with thorough studies of networking application scenarios.Practical implicationsThe discussed video coding standards are either playing or going to play indispensable roles in the video industry; the introduced networking scenarios bring together these standards and various emerging wireless networking paradigms towards innovative application scenarios.Originality/valueThe comprehensive overview and critiques on existing standards and application approaches offer a valuable reference for researchers and system developers in related research and industrial communities.
GeoPointer – approaching tangible augmentation of the real world
Authors: Beer Wolfgang 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present an architecture and prototypical implementation of a context‐sensitive software system which combines the tangible user interface approach with a mobile augmented reality (AR) application.Design/methodology/approachThe work which is described within this paper is based on a creational approach, which means that a prototypical implementation is used to gather further research results. The prototypical approach allows performing ongoing tests concerning the accuracy and different context‐sensitive threshold functions.FindingsWithin this paper, the implementation and practical use of tangible user interfaces for outdoor selection of geographical objects is reported and discussed in detail.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is necessary within the area of context‐sensitive dynamically changing threshold functions, which would allow improving the accuracy of the selected tangible user interface approach.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of using tangible user interfaces within outdoor applications should improve the usability of AR applications.Originality/valueDespite the fact that there exist a multitude of research results within the area of gesture recognition and AR applications, this research work focuses on the pointing gesture to select outdoor geographical objects.
Applicability of the high‐performance organisation framework at an East African university
Authors: de Waal André , Chachage Bukaza 
Published: April 2011

PurposeIn the past few decades, organizations all over the world have been searching for the elements that constitute continuous organizational success. Fuelled by bestsellers such as In Search of Excellence and Good to Great, managers have implemented many different improvement concepts, often with mixed results. The aim of this study is to identify whether the high‐performance organisation (HPO) framework could help an African university to become one of the first high‐performance educational organizations in Africa.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of a meta analysis into high performance and a subsequent worldwide survey, 35 characteristics of a HPO were identified. The resulting HPO framework was applied at Iringa University College (IUCo) in 2007, to identify the HPO status of the university and to determine the required improvement actions. In 2009, the HPO framework was again applied at the university, to evaluate progress.FindingsIn two years, IUCo not only improved its HPO status but also its financial and non‐financial results. Therefore, the HPO framework can actively be used in Africa to improve the performance of African institutions.Originality/valueThe results of the study show that it is possible to identify factors that determine continuous organizational success in Africa, and that managers can be offered a framework that adds focus to improvement.
Consumers' perceptions of online ethics and its effects on satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Limbu Yam B. , Wolf Marco , Lunsford Dale L. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the effects of consumers' perceptions concerning the ethics of online retailers on web site satisfaction and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey instrument was administered to a sample of 220 students who were enrolled in various business undergraduate classes at a mid size university located in the southwestern USA. Participants completed a questionnaire based on their latest online purchase. The measurement model and structural relationships were estimated using AMOS 18.FindingsNon‐deception, fulfillment, and security are significant predictors of web site satisfaction. Only privacy is related directly with loyalty. While direct effects of fulfillment and non‐deception on loyalty are not significant; satisfaction mediates these relationships. Results provide a strong support for the web site satisfaction‐loyalty relationship.Practical implicationsInternet retailers must address ethical issues surrounding their web sites by protecting financial and personal information, delivering accurate products, and avoiding deceptive practices.Originality/valueThe current research is one of few studies in online retailing that examines the relationship between perceived online ethics, satisfaction and loyalty. By offering evidence to prior conflicting results in the literature, a strong association between what consumers perceive as ethical online retailing, their satisfaction and loyalty to online retailers was confirmed.
VidaGás: delivering better health to Northern Mozambique with LPG
Authors: Sprague Courtenay , Woolman Stu 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document the manner in which a pro‐poor company can deliver ongoing health benefits and improve environmental sustainability in a manner that addresses child and maternal mortality (in line with millennium development goals 4, 5 and 7).Design/methodology/approachField research in Mozambique including 12 in‐depth interviews with key personnel from December 2006 to January 2007.FindingsFirst, clear threats to the success of VidaGás' pro‐poor business model encompass insufficient liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply and storage facilities; poor industrial and commercial infrastructure in Northern Mozambique; inadequate training of retailers in LPG use; and inadequate consumer knowledge of the benefits of LPG. Second, key innovations employed by VidaGás to overcome these obstacles consist of the introduction of a novel cold chain to safeguard medicines; a complex supply chain to ensure timely delivery; and the exploitation of local knowledge and expertise to expand the uptake of LPG by Mozambicans.Practical implicationsThe case study focuses on a business problem with significant development implications. The challenge is to ensure a reliable supply of LPG in Northern Mozambique. To meet this challenge, VidaGás must achieve its stated goal of becoming a revenue‐generating entity within three years. In order to create a viable market for LPG, VidaGás must not only increase the uptake of LPG by poor consumers, it must expand LPG market access to commercial consumers, while raising additional capital.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on social entrepreneurship and demonstrates how to link for‐profit business imperatives with development goals.
Specialized banking services for small scale entrepreneurs: the case of Mibanco, Peru
Authors: Franco Concha Pedro P. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe Mibanco's challenges in offering credit to individuals who have never had access to the formal banking system in Peru. The purpose of the case is to explain how Mibanco's innovative products and services have contributed to its success in enabling thousands of Peruvians to gain access to banking services. The paper also describes Mibanco's latest adaptations in response to growing competition to provide banking services to the lower income segments of the market.Design/methodology/approachThe case study research methodology combines primary data from key informant interviews with Mibanco's CEO Rafael Llosa and other senior executives as well as academics and investment professionals familiar with Mibanco's operations. Secondary data were also collected from Mibanco's annual reports and other published sources.FindingsThe paper describes Mibanco's innovations in overcoming constraints in its operating environment. The case also documents the important role that Mibanco has played in transforming the Peruvian financial market through its pioneering development of financial products and services for the poor.Originality/valueThe paper describes Mibanco's role in influencing the Peruvian financial system as a whole and specifies the strategies that Mibanco's executive management has established to overcome the risks and challenges faced by the institution.
The significance of formal training in project‐based companies
Authors: Aramo‐Immonen Heli , Koskinen Kaj U. , Porkka Pasi L. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of formal training in project‐based companies.Design/methodology/approachFirst the discussion deals with the concepts of learning, the learning environment, and the motivation to learn in a way in which special focus is on the project team members' motivation to learn. The hypothesis, “People working for project‐based companies are not interested in formal training” is tested by an empirical study, which was conducted on ten Finnish marine and offshore industry companies. Altogether, 54 project team members and project managers attended the multiple‐case study.FindingsAccording to the results of the study, formal training is not seen as a necessity among the people working for project‐based companies. This seems to mean that nowadays formal training does not play a significant role in the development of project‐based companies. Further, the people do not necessarily have time to reflect because they are being bombarded by urgent problems and pressing deadlines. A lack of time and a feeling of heavy work load seem to be a normal practise.Originality/valueBased upon the paper's findings, further research is suggested that would be focussed first on designing integrated learning environments in project‐based companies' processes, and/or second on the training methods utilized, interaction between trainers and project people, and relevancy and efficiency of formal training offered by training organizations to the project‐based companies.
Development of relationships and relationship competencies in complex projects
Authors: Live Vaagaasar Anne 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase our understanding of how stakeholder relationships develop and how projects can develop the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes required to handle a multitude of stakeholder relationships. The objective is to provide in‐depth descriptions of what makes up these relationship competencies.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal study was made of a complex technology project. The project was followed for a year and a half. The data material includes more than 20 in‐depth interviews with key actors of the project context and more than 300 hours of participant observations.FindingsThe results show that project competencies in stakeholder management are emergent phenomena which develop through trial and error, and how they, over time, appear as cultivated and fine‐tuned capabilities of communicating. This communication involves narrating, differentiated, yet carefully balanced stories. Little by little, the project's interaction patterns become fine‐tuned and sensitive, with regard to the content and framing, not the least of which is the timing of messages.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is suggested on the development and characteristics of relationship competencies in a project context. Especially, the extent it includes narration and also the characteristics of this narration; how and when is it used and what are the effects.Practical implicationsProject teams should be aware of how they can use stories strategically to deal with a multitude of stakeholder relationships.Originality/valueStudies on project behavior have been called for. The orginality in this paper lies in the fine‐grained in‐depth descriptions of how a project actually copes with a multitude of stakeholders.
Post‐project changes: occurrence, causes, and countermeasures
Authors: Andersen Bjørn , Olsson Nils O.E. , Onsøyen Lars E. , Spjelkavik Ingrid 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to investigate the volume and background of changes done shortly after project completion.Design/methodology/approachTo ensure a consistent set of projects, selection criteria were related to project budget, time of completion, and executing institution. Data collection included an initial survey followed by interviews.FindingsThe study identified frequency and extent of changes/alterations within a certain period after project completion as well as the dominating causes for such changes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a limited number of projects and from three specific Norwegian agencies. Future research should include a larger sample, possibly also covering other sectors.Practical implicationsIf acted upon, the suggestions for countermeasures can contribute to reducing or preventing post‐project changes. The findings indicate a need for new performance measures for projects, as the classical parameters provide motivation to project managers and their teams to focus on project cost and timely delivery, rather than the life‐cycle cost.Social implicationsIn sectors experiencing a widespread occurrence of changes after project completion, this could mean that cost overruns or functionality beyond what was sanctioned by the financing bodies are “hidden” in this type of change work. If so, this prevents sponsors and society from seeing the real project cost, and is clearly a misuse of resources.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the limited literature focusing on changes after project completion. The paper includes material that may help project managers and project owners avoid post‐project changes and the costs and inconvenience associated with such changes.
Assuring the managerial capability of public organizations implementing projects
Authors: Fitsilis Panos , Kirytopoulos Konstantinos , Leopoulos Vrassidas 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the requirements for assuring the managerial capability of organisations implementing projects of public interest. It presents the case of Greece, and the family of newly developed set of standards concerning the managerial maturity of public organisations and the management of projects funded by European Union support frameworks.Design/methodology/approachUsing the case study approach, the paper presents the current status in Greek public administration concerning project management. Further, it presents how the new set of standards improves public management and public organization maturity for managing projects.FindingsThe paper presents the problems faced and the drawbacks encountered from the management of large programmes and projects from public bodies in Greece. Further, it presents the structure of a system for assuring managerial capability (SAMC) in Project Management and how its application can improve management efficiency and effectiveness.Originality/valueThe paper presents a newly developed SAMC in project management that can be applied to public bodies and organisations managing projects. This system has been adopted by Hellenic Organization for Standardization as the new standard ELOT‐1429:2008.
University‐industry collaboration in Japan by technology fields
Authors: Kondo Masayuki 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify how university‐industry (U‐I) collaboration differs by technology fields in Japan.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of the research resource allocation in the Japanese national universities in the Japanese national innovation system is followed by the analysis of U‐I collaboration by technology fields. The fields analyzed are life science, information and communication technology (ICT), environment science, nanotechnology and material science, which have been designated as strategically important fields by the Second Japanese Science and Technology Basic Plan. The analysis was conducted in a quantitative way using government data of R&D expenditure, researchers, patent application, joint research, contract research and university spin‐offs.FindingsSome characteristics of U‐I collaboration have been quantitatively found by technology fields. Though the national universities occupy large R&D expenditure shares in life science and nanotechnology/material science in the Japanese national innovation system, their joint research and contract research are fairly active in environment science as well as in life science and in nanotechnology/material science. For university spin‐offs, the national universities are active in life science and ICT.Originality/valueThis paper quantitatively clarifies U‐I collaboration by technology fields showing relative importance of U‐I collaboration by technology fields. The results provide information input to policy makers when they formulate policies to promote U‐I collaboration by technology fields and to corporate managers when they make U‐I collaboration strategies by technology fields as a part of open innovation strategies.