bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breaking out of the straitjacket of project research: in search of contribution
Authors: Jacobsson Mattias , Söderholm Anders 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate how a different and partly new strategy is needed in order to make research on projects relevant and interesting to a wider scientific community, including organisation and management theory.Design/methodology/approachThe aim is accomplished through a mystery‐focused process that identifies what is not explained and continuously confronts empirical data with theoretical explanations in an interactive manner.FindingsBased on a phenomenology‐stimulated meta‐analysis of the field of project research, the paper outlines an alternative view of the field of project research and four streams of research, each of which is represented by its own scope, focus, audience and “taken‐for‐granted” assumptions. The streams are: in search of best practice, in search of legitimacy, in search of inspiration and in search of contribution.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper suggests that, in order to make an true impact on management and social science theories in general, projects must be redefined as objects of study rather than theraison d'être. The inherent paradox, and the conclusion of the paper is that, in order to become more relevant for a broader research community, projects must be reduced to an empirical illustration, a case among others.Originality/valueThe paper provides a meta‐analysis of the project management research field and offers new insights into challenges that need to be addressed in order to make project management research relevant for a wider management research community.
Providing structural openness to connect with context
Authors: Small Jocelyn , Walker Derek 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to emphasise projects as being part of a social process. It aims to move away from the traditional views that lay emphases on linear and predictable models of project practice to one that better highlights the complex nature of human interrelations.Design/methodology/approachThe work reported upon involved a case study where one of the authors was embedded as a reflective practitioner undertaking action learning and elicitation of knowledge from colleagues using soft systems methodology as a primary research method.FindingsFindings from the doctoral research implemented in the Middle East, indicate that socio‐cultural factors in project contexts affect knowledge creation processes critical to organisational change.Research limitations/implicationsResearch results benefited from viewing the project organization as a “complex adaptive system” with a structurally open project entity facilitating the contextual interconnections necessary for detecting and creating environmental change.Practical implicationsPragmatic knowledge was seen as emergent through movement of human interactions and contributed to the portrayal of the project organisation as a “becoming” cognitive system whose resilience is dependent upon producing meaning as opposed to processing information. When change management is viewed in a multicultural context such as this, within this paradigm, then greater emphasis will likely be placed upon complexity and uncertainty issues arising out of the interplay of culture and the political aspects of managing change in a more empathic way.Originality/valueComplexity in project management and theory has traditionally focussed on technical and structural aspects of project practice; but given the heterogeneous nature of human capital residing in today's organisations, aligning social systems with nature where disorder and uncertainty prevail, provides a more relevant ecological model of social analysis. The paper shows that the challenge today for those working in culturally pluralistic project environments is to make sense of such multiple realities and disparities in language to effectively manage the inherent power relationships that influence project outcomes.
Contracted ERP projects
Authors: Andersson Annika , Wilson Timothy L. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the sequential nature that enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects tend to take and to describe how the buyer typically behaves concerning the need for control and learning in and in‐between ERP projects.Design/methodology/approachResults come from an in‐depth case study of sequential ERP projects. The respondents were a major Swedish retailer and a supplier who undertook upgrading of an ERP system with six separate and sequential projects. The research was framed by independent pre‐ and post‐interviews in three buyer companies' from different areas of business.FindingsResults suggest that success is associated with mutual learning between supplier and buyer organizations that lead to reasonably amicable working relationships. Control considerations run through these projects and conflicts appear minimal in the sequential treatment. Insightful interpretation comes not only from empirical reflection on interactions in an in‐depth case study, but also from concepts available in decision making and project marketing as well.Research limitations/implicationsCase studies present in‐depth understanding but have generalization limitations. Also the case study was accomplished in Sweden and thus knowledge about behaviour in other countries and cultures is needed.Practical implicationsManagers investing in relationships and learning in an initial project probably suffer in terms of satisfaction and profitability at that stage but could accomplish more effective, satisfying and profitable situations over time. In particular, appreciation of the nature of the sequential project development, mutual control, delivery and learning in these projects could be useful in understanding the buyer behaviour in ERP projects.Originality/valueLearning is important in projects but how do the buyers behave? A description of the sequential nature of ERP projects and the learning process both within the buyer's company and within the supplier's company is established. Tables are created that describe how the gap in the mutual learning process decreases in‐between projects in business‐to‐business projects.
Gender empowerment measure in political achievement in selected developed and developing countries
Authors: Ismail Maimunah , Mohd Rasdi Roziah , Nadirah Abd. Jamal Akhmal 
Published: July 2011

PurposeGender empowerment measure (GEM) is an assessment about inequalities between men's and women's opportunities in a country. The concept of empowerment can be explored through three interrelated dimensions: agency, resources and achievements. Agency refers to processes by which choices and abilities are made, resources are the medium through which agency is exercised and achievements are the outcomes of agency. Specifically, this paper seeks to examine an indicator of GEM specifically in the achievements in politics based on data from selected developed and developing countries.Design/methodology/approachA GEM indicator based on percentage of female parliamentarian taken from secondary sources such as United Nations Development Programme was used in the analysis of empowerment. The developed countries were represented by Norway, Australia and Japan; while the developing countries are Malaysia, the Philippines and China.FindingsThere are variations in the achievement indicator in terms of percentage of female parliamentarians in the two groups of countries. Reasons for variations are explained.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the analysis was limited to the secondary data of the selected countries only, the results may have valuable implications to women's studies and human resource development practitioners particularly at institutional and policy‐making levels of the respective countries.Originality/valueGEM is a concept which is lacking in terms of definition. Thus, the study could contribute to a fuller understanding of one of the GEM indicators, inevitably towards constructive solutions to improve the participation of women in public function.
Review, rewriting and impact of Indian takeover code
Authors: Srinivasa Reddy K. , Nangia V.K. , Agarawal Rajat 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the literature and statistical data on the Indian takeover code cum open offers market and break up the historical changes in takeover code into various phases for better understanding and decision making by mergers and acquisitions advisory, legal advisory, merchant bankers, investment bankers, business houses and academia.Design/methodology/approachThe present study describes literature summary on takeover code and evaluates the growth phase of open offers through trend analysis with respect to amendments in Indian takeover code.FindingsSince 14 years of takeover code presence in India, it evidences that there is an empirical support on growth phase in the open offers market.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is developed on the basis of Indian takeover regulations and Securities and Exchange Board of India takeover code to wake up the public shareholding and regulatory bodies, by better conveyance of historical review at one place.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind, dividing the complete history of Indian takeover code into various phases for review and identifying the gaps for future research. Further, the paper investigates and finds various untouched facts and variables in both literature and statistical data on open offers.
Improving the quality of information security management systems with ISO27000
Authors: Gillies Alan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe ISO27001 standard provides a model for “establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS)”. This paper seeks to consider the global adoption of the ISO27000 series of standards, and to compare them with the adoption rates for ISO9000 and ISO14000. The paper aims to compare the barriers to adoption for the different standards.Design/methodology/approachPrevious studies suggest that ISO27001 adoption is slower than for the other standards. The uptake of ISO27001 has been slower than the related management system standards ISO9001 and ISO14001, with approximately half the certifications compared with ISO14001. In response to the issues raised in this analysis, the paper considers how an approach based on a maturity model can be used to help overcome these barriers, especially in smaller companies.FindingsThe 2008 survey of ISO27001‐certificated companies found that 50 per cent of the certificated organisations which responded had fewer than 200 employees, and were therefore in the SME category. Perhaps more surprisingly, around half of these had fewer than 50 employees The framework has used the ISO27002 code of practice to define the elements, which should be considered within the ISMS. Each element is then developed through a maturity model lifecycle to develop processes to the point where an ISO27001‐compliant ISMS can be implemented.Originality/valueThe principal contribution of the paper is a step‐by‐step framework designed to simplify the process for organisations working towards ISO27001 and offer significant benefits at milestones before systems are mature enough to achieve certification.
TALEVAS model: an integrated quality methodology
Authors: Kheradia Amit 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to combine systems thinking, lean management, value methodology and Six Sigma concepts into an integrated quality methodology using the TALEVAS model.Design/methodology/approachTALEVAS is an acronym for Tandem‐Lean‐Value‐Sigma, as each element correlates to a best practice or concept mentioned by intent. The model is based on two theories: “The rising pendulum system” and “The seven rules of quality driving” proposed in this paper.FindingsFour key performance drivers are identified using the model. These are: communication, investigative correction, innovation, and synchronization.Practical implicationsThe integrated methodology can be deployed by any type (product‐or‐service based) or level (small, medium or corporate) of an organization in order to gain a competitive advantage in the market. Further, there is a possibility that recent cases of product recalls could be reduced or avoided by companies through implementing a TALEVAS Quality approach.Originality/valueThe paper displays the interdependence between the quality concepts by model analysis. This reflects a more holistic approach to quality required by organizations to raise the bottom line, reduce costs, promote value, and provide consistent products to customers.
Statistical, technical and sociological dimensions of design of experiments
Authors: Firka Daniel 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight potential issues that often arise during the planning, execution or interpretation of design of experiments (DOE) experiences.Design/methodology/approachIssues are enumerated and analyzed and sources are presented with practical arguments using DOE texts and papers published in peer‐reviewed journals.FindingsThe findings are discussed in relation not only with statistical aspects, but also with how it is critical for paying attention to its methodological and managerial aspects impacting the potential advantages as a continuous improvement tool.Originality/valueThe paper is of interest to DOE practitioners trying to understand potential pitfalls with tips on how to avoid the risk of failures.
Measuring economic effects of quality management systems
Authors: Sedevich Fons Leonardo A. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to discuss methods to quantify, in monetary terms, the effects of having a quality management system that can help to make decision making easier by company managers easier.Design/methodology/approachThere are many different management tools and theories which have been developed in both academic and entrepreneurial environments like the quality management theory, traditional accounting, quality cost measurement and balanced scorecard. The method proposed in this paper takes the form of taking these tools into consideration and analyzing them in detail in order to combine them to form a unique system which can maximize their individual benefits from a holistic point of view of total quality.FindingsThe paper proposes a measurement method that can be put into practice to ascertain the actual economic effects of quality management systems and to help decision makers.Research limitations/implicationsThe method developed must be validated bearing in mind its limitations for implementation in each company in order to prove its benefits.Originality/valueThe method is developed by combining many management tools, which are normally used individually.
Productivity, scale effect and technological catch‐up in Chinese regions
Authors: Özyurt Selin , Guironnet Jean‐Pascal 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the driving forces of China's recent rapid economic growth and its sustainability in the future.Design/methodology/approachA stochastic production frontier approach is employed in order to investigate regional productivity performances of Chinese provinces over the period 1994‐2006.FindingsDespite the general concern of widening regional inequalities in China, the findings show a striking trend of convergence among Chinese provinces over the last decade. The empirical results also reveal a significant contribution of foreign direct investment and foreign trade to economic growth. From a macroeconomic point of view, the strong trend of economic convergence among regions could give evidence on the sustainability of rapid economic growth in China in the near future. In addition, the empirical findings show that Chinese provinces tend to compensate negative scale effects by rising productive efficiency through technological progress.Research limitations/implicationsFurther investigation of the non‐neutrality of technological component can yield a better understanding of the underlying convergence mechanism.Practical implicationsThat is to say, policy makers should pursue their initiative to promote backward regions in western and inland regions and to encourage their economic integration through the free movement of production factors across regional borders. Further investment in physical and human capital construction in backward provinces are also needed to stimulate the catch‐up process.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this methodology is the ability to introduce various returns to scale production technology and to decompose regional productivity scores over time into two major components, namely scale and pure technical efficiencies.
An analysis of the growth and rise of smaller Islamic banks in last decade
Authors: Masood Omar , Shabbir Khan Niazi Ghulam , Ahmad Noryati 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the factors responsible for the rise and growth of smaller Islamic banks in the last decade.Design/methodology/approachZ‐score analysis is used to test the stability of both smaller and larger Islamic banks. The pooled ordinary least square (OLS) regression technique is also employed to examine the factors.FindingsThe results of this paper show higherz‐scores for smaller Islamic banks indicating that the latter have tended to be more stable than larger Islamic banks over the last decade.Z‐scores tend to increase with bank size for large Islamic banks, but decrease with size for the small Islamic banks. The OLS regression results confirm that larger banks have greater income diversity than do the smaller banks.Originality/valueIslamic banking represents a radical departure from conventional banking, and from the viewpoint of corporate governance; it embodies a number of interesting features since equity participation, risk and profit‐and‐loss sharing arrangements form the basis of Islamic financing. Using econometric techniques, this paper provides valuable insights as to the stability of Islamic banks and the factors responsible for the growth of smaller such institutions that has been witnessed in the last decade.
IT‐enabled innovation to prevent infant blindness in rural India: the KIDROP experience
Authors: Vinekar Anand 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the IT‐based experience of the first tele‐ophthalmology initiative in infant blindness prevention set up to serve rural India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the two‐plus years of experience of the “Karnataka Internet Assisted Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (KIDROP) initiative” pioneered by one of the leading private tertiary eye care providers in India, Narayana Nethralaya Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Bangalore. KIDROP was the first tele‐ophthalmology initiative in the world to use trained non‐physicians (“trained technicians”) to capture images of the retinas of infants a few weeks old for a potentially blinding condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and validated them to store, process and analyze those images at the rural centre itself. In addition, these images were uploaded to a specially customized software‐hardware platform that allowed remotely situated experts to view these images and report real time either on a PC or on their smart phones. The success of this private initiative paved the way for the first public‐private partnership in infant blindness prevention in India which is poised for a statewide and subsequent nationwide expansion.FindingsIn a country like India, where experts are few and far between and found mostly in the big cities, the human ability of “image processing” allows non‐physicians to quickly gain the expertise to screen seemingly difficult cases by using the medium of digital images and a logical algorithm of triage. With an increasing caseload of these conditions, the standard of care can be delivered to the most underserved of areas with this little IT‐based innovation served with dollops of passion.Practical implicationsThe experience of KIDROP is being used as a cornerstone for similar tele‐ophthalmology programs in India and other developing countries with similar demographics. A case for propagating the innovation as an example of “reverse innovation” for more developed economies to emulate has also been made.Originality/valueThe project described in the paper was the first that used non‐physicians to report images of infants for ROP screening, the first ROP network to cater to rural India and is currently the world's largest single hospital‐managed tele‐ROP network.
An exploratory investigation into the hierarchical linkages between salespersons' sales call activities and customers' psychosocial benefits and terminal values
Authors: Singh Ramendra 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to extend the current understanding in consumer behavior about plausible theoretical linkages between salespersons' activities, and the psychosocial benefits derived, and terminal values achieved by customers.Design/methodology/approachThe study carries out in‐depth interviews with 49 customers, and apply means‐end chain (MEC) theory to unravel hierarchical linkages between sales call activities and customers' attainment of functional and psychosocial benefits, and terminal values.FindingsThe results suggest that a few significant sales call activities are hierarchically associated with customers' perceived benefits and terminal values.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has a limitation in terms of generalizability of the results, since only a few sales call activities have been studied. Moreover, the methodology followed is exploratory, rather than confirmatory.Practical implicationsThe managerial implications include designing salespersons' sales call activities (or the sales call plan) more effectively to achieve customers' desired psychosocial benefits, and terminal values.Originality/valueAlthough salespersons play an important role in understanding and meeting customers' needs, knowledge of any hierarchical theoretical linkages between sales call activities and customers' perceived benefits and terminal values is largely absent from the current literature. This study uses the MEC theory for the first time to address this research gap.
Trends in regional industrial growth in India
Authors: Suresh Babu M. , Rajesh Raj S.N. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of regional industrial growth in wake of the competition among Indian states to accelerate the pace of industrialization. The results indicate tendency towards concentration of manufacturing activities even in the reform era.Design/methodology/approachThe attempt is to compare trends since 1991 to the earlier decade and decipher the extent of the effectiveness of policy changes in disbursing industrial activity regionally.FindingsThe paper finds that organized manufacturing activity is concentrated in few states. The early movers continue to dominate cornering substantial share of the national industrial investments and production. Even in an era of market reforms the trend continues. This indicates a degree of “path dependence” in industrialization in the economy. There seems to be slight dispersal of activities in the unorganized segment. New forms of organization of production have fostered industrial growth in the unorganized segment. However, regions which dominate in the organized segment have been able to increase their share in the value added of the unorganized segment as well.Originality/valueThere is dearth of studies that examine the extent of the effectiveness of policy changes in disbursing industrial activity regionally.