bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic vendor selection based on fuzzy AHP
Authors: Koul Saroj , Verma Rakesh 
Published: October 2011

PurposeIn the ever‐changing world, vendor selection and evaluation are very important in supply chain management. Recently, there has been extensive research in the areas of vendor selection and evaluation under certainty/uncertainty without time axis, but there has been very little research in the selection of vendor with time axis. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the research.Design/methodology/approachTraditional approaches have been neglecting multi‐period planning horizon for vendor selection, and many decision makers or experts select vendors based on their practice and intuition. To overcome these problems, a dynamic model supporting vendors with time axis has been developed which is not always crisp, rather it involves a high degree of fuzziness and uncertainty. The authors use fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to propose the decision model.FindingsThe research provides a mathematical system that captures the uncertainties associated with human cognitive processes in order to select the vendor. The findings of this study provide meaningful and advanced knowledge to decision makers by demonstrating a simple, efficient method to enhance the ability to predict an appropriate vendor period wise.Originality/valueThis research provides detailed step‐by‐step procedures to choose the best vendor selection and evaluation under uncertainty with time axis in a supply chain. It will be of value to other researchers and the department members in any firm who are responsible for selecting the vendor.
Real‐time inbound decision support system for enhancing the performance of a food warehouse
Authors: Lao S.I. , Choy K.L. , Ho G.T.S. , Tsim Y.C. , Lee C.K.H. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeWith the increasing concerns about food management, attention is placed on the monitoring of different potential risk factors for food handling. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose a system that helps facilitate and improve the quality of decision making, reduces the level of substandard goods, and facilitates data capturing and manipulation, to help a warehouses improve quality assurance in the inventory‐receiving process with the support of technology.Design/methodology/approachThis system consists of three modules, which integrate the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, case‐based reasoning (CBR), and fuzzy reasoning (FR) technique to help monitor food quality assurance activities. In the first module, the data collection module, raw warehouse and work station information are collected. In the second module, the data sorting module, the collected data are stored in a database. In this module, data are decoded, and the coding stored in the RFID tags are transformed into meaningful information. The last module is the decision‐making module, through which the operation guidelines and optimal storage conditions are determined.FindingsTo validate the feasibility of the proposed system, a case study was conducted in food manufacturing companies. A pilot run of the system revealed that the performance of the receiving operation assignment and food quality assurance activities improved significantly.Originality/valueIn summary, the major contribution of this paper is to develop an effective infrastructure for managing food‐receiving process and facilitating decision making in quality assurance. Integrating CBR and FR techniques to improve the quality of decision making on food inventories is an emerging idea. The system development roadmap demonstrates the way to future research opportunities for managing food inventories in the receiving operations and implementing artificial intelligent techniques in the logistics industry.
Critical success factors in gaining user customer satisfaction in outsourced IT services
Authors: Bairi Jayachandra , Murali Manohar B. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors in gaining user customer satisfaction in IT outsourced services and find how it helps in the competitive advantage and customer retention for the service provider. Improving the service quality and customer satisfaction of outsourced IT service is the main rationale behind pursuing this research.Design/methodology/approachThree firms were selected for studying primarily because a large part of their IT support work is outsourced to multiple vendors and support work is carried out, both on site and offshore. A structured, open‐ended interview was conducted because of the exploratory nature of this case study. The primary data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews, with 12 senior managers. Extensive secondary data were provided by the interviewees.FindingsThe paper provides evidence that by following critical success factors there are few expected outcomes to client and service provider organizations, like user satisfaction for the client, and competitive advantage and customer retention in IT service‐providing organizations. As evident from the interview with the three companies, from their experience over the years of outsourcing the IT services, the service providers are able to sustain better employee retention. Customers have seen improved employee attitude and morale, increased productivity of the service provider, which resulted in reduced costs to customers over the years.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were based solely on oil and gas organizations from North America and UK. Also, service providers for these organizations have the majority of their operations out of India, and again, the feedback from the customers may be focused only on these service providers, and may not reflect service practices in other geographic, economic or cultural settings. The implication of this research on theory is, by following these critical success factors, user customer satisfaction is likely to improve with outsourced IT services.Practical implicationsThis research may help in reducing service provider burn‐out and improve employee retention. Lessons learned are that to be a successful IT service provider in a long‐run, one needs to understand the end user and executives of client, and also its own knowledge workers. Also, the findings may provide valuable insights for practitioners.Originality/valueIT outsourcing is ultimately a people‐centric business. Many client and service provider companies make the error of assuming that it's a process‐centric event, or a simple business transaction. The best outsource service providers focus on morale, resistance, retention, and cultural evolution. Implementing effective service management will pay back in terms of better service and improved business performance, and result in stronger long‐term relationships between suppliers and recipients.
Auditing in enterprise system environment: a synthesis
Authors: Kanellou Alexandra , Spathis Charalambos 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a selective and comprehensive literature review based on previous research within auditing and enterprise systems (ES). This is done to identify research gaps, propose directions for future research and guide researchers and practitioners on how to better synthesize these two areas. Interaction between ES and auditing is in need of more academic research and practical investigation, which may lead to the development of better solutions, guidelines and frameworks.Design/methodology/approachA total of 31 academic studies from 2000 to 2010 were included in this study. After reading these studies, different areas had been selected and were addressed in five categories: the future of audit in ES environment, modern audit tools and techniques, changes of auditors' role, differences in perceptions between financial auditors and IT auditors, ERP and compliance with regulations.FindingsES implementation results in audit process reengineering and increases the need of continuous monitoring of transactions. The presence of IT auditors becomes critical, while financial auditors are asked to enhance their skills in order to be able to conduct effective audit tests. Modern audit tools and techniques must be used so that internal control processes will be appropriate for an ES.Research limitations/implicationsIt is not an exhaustive list and some relevant publications might have been overlooked. Much literature has been scanned by reading the title only. In order to conduct a comprehensive review the topical focus was kept relatively narrow on auditing and ES.Practical implicationsResearchers and practitioners must take into consideration the interaction between ES and auditing in order to advance research in this area. Companies must understand the changes that occur in the audit procedure due to ES implementation, so that they will design efficient audit tests and auditors must enhance their knowledge in order to be able to conduct these tests effectively.Originality/valueThis study uncovers and classifies current research within auditing and ES (focusing mostly on ERP systems).
The productivity potential assessment method
Authors: Almström Peter , Kinnander Anders 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe paper's aim is to focus on the productivity potential assessment (PPA) method which has been developed to measure and assess the productivity potentials at shop‐floor level in Swedish manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachA study was carried out in one day by two certified analysts using a highly standardised work process. The focus is on a selected bottleneck area of a factory. Measurement from the selected area is combined with a broad data collection to make an assessment of the potential for increasing the productivity in the factory. The results were fed back to the factory management orally on the same day and in a written report.FindingsThe paper shows that the PPA method was not designed to be a research method. It is a practical method that is based on a systems perspective where as many factors affecting the productivity and productivity development are gathered in one day.Research limitations/implicationsA consecutive article will present the result from the studies.Practical implicationsThe method has been applied in over 70 cases and has had an impact on all these cases for the factories studied.Social implicationsProductivity is of utmost importance for society. Productivity development has been neglected in many companies during recent decades.Originality/valueThe PPA method is unique in its combination of scope, analysis methods, and public availability. There are similar methods but no others found that make this combination.
R&D subsidiary embedment: a resource dependence perspective
Authors: Williams Christopher , Ecker Brigitte 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate researchers' operationalization of the construct of embedment of overseas R&D subsidiaries.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper provides a systematic literature review of subsidiary embedment research. Second, it draws on resource dependence theory (RDT) and argues how embedment of overseas R&D subsidiaries should be treated as a more multi‐faceted and complex phenomenon than has been apparent in the literature to date.FindingsThe authors find a large variation in the operationalization of embedment (e.g. frequency of communication versus depth of integration versus direction of communication). They also find scant attention to the nature of differences between external actors (types of actors, including local and international). These represent weaknesses that inhibit the advancement of theory and policy within the context of the globalization of innovation.Research limitations/implicationsResearchers should treat R&D subsidiary embedment as a multi‐level phenomenon consisting of resource‐dependence interactions between collective entities internal and external to the subsidiary. R&D subsidiary embedment research design can be improved by being: formative; multiple‐actor; bi‐directional; and longitudinal.Practical implicationsManagers should treat external R&D subsidiary embedment as pattern of resource dependencies in which the actors that matter most to R&D subsidiary performance are a function of the importance and availability of the innovation‐specific resources they contain. This involves building a capability in multi‐level networking with R&D resource providers in the external environment.Originality/valueThe contribution of the current paper is to provide a critical evaluation of scholarly treatment of the construct of R&D subsidiary embedment, and to develop a foundation for operationalizing and analyzing the external embedment of R&D subsidiaries.
“Not with the mind alone”
Authors: Holden Nigel J. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide an invited response to the Michailova/Jormanainen paper (CPoIB, Vol. 7 No. 3).Design/methodology/approachThe author adopts a subjective approach to respond to the Michailova/Jormanainen paper and challenge/develop further some of the authors' findings.FindingsThe author: suggests that a striking capacity for improvisation applied to virtually every human activity in the USSR; agrees with Michailova and Jormanainen that the Soviet Union's knowledge legacy is a far more important resource for Western firms than is usually appreciated, but believes it is very difficult for the latter to use this resource “in a more nuanced manner”; posits that Russia is learning a new language both literally and metaphorically; and concludes that Russians prefer asymmetrical relationships with the West.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for more research into Soviet history and even earlier periods of Russian history to explain contemporary Russian management and the Russian style of interaction with foreign business partners.Practical implicationsForeign firms dealing with Russia must learn to live with asymmetry in their relationships with Russian business partners; knowing sharing operates in a zone of severe terminological and attitudinal mismatches.Originality/valueHistorical approach; use of Russian language sources, including Tolstoy; first reference in English‐language management literature of Russia's firstHandbook of Knowledge Management.
A commentary on “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?” by Snejina Michailova and Irina Jormanainen
Authors: Vlachoutsicos Charalambos 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide a commentary on Michailova and Jormanainen's viewpoint entitled “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?”(CPoIB, Vol. 7 No. 3).Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a critical analysis of issues regarding knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity in the context of business interactions between Russian and Western firms.FindingsBased on the author's 25 years of experience in knowledge transfer between Western and Russian counterparts (managers, companies and researchers), the generic concepts “knowledge”, “Western” and “Russian” no longer provide meaningful points of reference for actual knowledge transfer.Research limitations/implicationsResearch so far has failed to develop the tools for realistic assessment of current Russian and Western absorptive capacity and has provided inadequate explanations for the hurdles, resistances and other barriers still entailed in the process of knowledge transfer between the two sides. This commentary suggests that the basic assumptions behind the scholarly literature about knowledge transfer between Western and Russian interactants should be examined carefully and that research should focus on identifying the factors that facilitate as well as the factors that impede effective knowledge transfer. The scholarly conversation on the topic needs to continue, particularly through genuine collaboration between Russians and Westerners and between researchers and practitioners.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that a system is needed for establishing and sustaining effective knowledge transfer which would both enrich understanding of how such transfer actually works and articulate specific behavorial guidelines that will help each side to transfer their relevant knowledge and increase their own absorptive capacity more effectively.Originality/valueThe commentary challenges some existing views and practices and outlines new directions in relation to both research and practice regarding knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms.
Knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity in Russian‐Western business settings
Authors: Michailova Snejina 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a response to four commentaries on the original viewpoint entitled “Knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms: whose absorptive capacity is in question?” (CPoIB, Vol. 7 No. 3). As a response, the paper reflects on several points put forward in the critique by the four commentators.Design/methodology/approachThe paper engages in a debate and critically reflects on issues regarding knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity in the context of business interactions between Russian and Western firms.FindingsThe paper revisits the notions of “knowledge”, “knowledge transfer” and “absorptive capacity” and argues that moving away from a functionalist framework is useful when analyzing these terms in the context of Russian‐Western business settings. The paper also discusses the applicability and relevance of some Soviet management practices in contemporary Russia and in conducting business with Western partners. The role of Russian business schools in reproducing, generating and disseminating knowledge is also discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a continuation of the discussion on issues and questions related to knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms. It outlines research directions worth pursuing in the future.Practical implicationsWestern managers are advised to treat knowledge transfer as a two‐way learning process rather than seeing themselves merely as a source of superior knowledge that needs to be transferred to Russian business partners. Russian managers will benefit from understanding the dynamics of knowledge transfer processes and refining their view on absorptive capacity.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the ongoing academic conversation on issues of knowledge transfer between Russian and Western firms. It engages in a critical reflection on issues put forward in the original paper on this topic and on four commentaries, published in this issue of CPoIB.
Examining the technology acceptance model in the adoption of social networks
Authors: Carlos Martins Rodrigues Pinho José , Soares Ana Maria 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the process of new technology adoption, notably social networks (SN), relying on a specific model, the technology acceptance model (TAM).Design/methodology/approachThe study applies a quantitative methodological approach by using a survey method. The data are collected from a sample of 150 university students. In order to test the proposed relationships, structural equation modelling was employed.FindingsThe results of this empirical study demonstrate that SN are relatively easy to use, as respondents quickly become skillful at using these technologies, finding them quite flexible to interact with. In terms of their attitudes, respondents find SN fun to use and enjoy using them. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness impact on attitude towards SN. Attitude, in turn, impacts on behavioral intention to use SN. Thus, the authors confirm the explanatory power of TAM in the adoption of SN.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on the parsimonious TAM model and its applicability to SN adoption. Another drawback pertains to the size of the sample.Practical implicationsA lot remains to be done to maximise the use of SN within a firm's context. For instance, a specific brand could target a specific group of users on Facebook and those potential customers who want to find detailed information about their products as services could be directed to the firm's official web site.Originality/valueThe relevance of this study is set against a lack of consistent, detailed research on the factors influencing the adoption of SNs.
Managing motives and design to influence web site revisits
Authors: Kabadayi Sertan , Gupta Reetika 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand the relationship between web site design characteristics and revisit intention by examining the roles of satisfaction and consumer motives, thus providing managers with strategies that they can adopt to secure revisiting consumers at their web sites.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses survey method to collect data from 238 respondents and mediation hypotheses are tested with structural equation modelling using LISREL.FindingsThe results indicate that for goal‐directed consumers web site content and customization play a more significant role in influencing their satisfaction and revisit intentions than convenience. However, for experiential consumers, content and convenience play a more significant role in satisfaction and revisit intentions than customization options at a web site.Research limitations/implicationsOne type of online business is used as a stimulus in this study. Future studies may include different types of web sites. Also, researchers in the future may use actual behavior, instead of intention, to increase the validity of the results.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests that marketers interested in revisiting consumers should focus on web site characteristics that lead to satisfaction during their web visit. Also, marketers need to pay attention to the consumer motives at the web site, so that the web site characteristics can be tailored to the motives and would ultimately lead to positive consumer outcomes.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that investigates the moderating effect of consumer motives and mediating effect of web site satisfaction on web site characteristics and revisit intention relationship.
Product type and word of mouth: a dyadic perspective
Authors: Fang Cheng‐Hsi , Lin Tom M.Y. , Liu Fangyi , Hsiang Lin Yu 
Published: October 2011

PurposeStrong evidence suggests that word‐of‐mouth (WOM) communication varies in its influence according to product type; however, empirical research remains deficient. The purpose of this paper is to propose a procedural model to examine the influence of product type on both the effect and spread of related WOM information at the same time.Design/methodology/approachUsing a self‐administered questionnaire, a sample of 895 consumers across 16 different products was collected; results were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsWOM was found to be more influential and more widely spread for services than for goods. In addition, although the level of receivers' perceived risk (PR) is generally assumed to be a significant antecedent of WOM influence (WI), the results of the study indicate that PR is not a direct function of WI. Instead, WOM request (WR) mediates the effect of PR on WI.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between product type and WOM from a dyadic perspective. Moreover, the authors introduced two important mediators – namely, PR and WR – in the model in order to identify different potential effects of WOM in a seeker‐initiated context. The results of this study will enhance knowledge about the influences of WOM information.