bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating and selecting key performance indicators: an ANP‐based model
Authors: Carlucci Daniela 
Published: May 2010

PurposeSelecting the most meaningful performance indicators, i.e. key performance indicators (KPIs), represents one of the major challenges that companies have to face for developing an effective performance measurement system (PMS). Selecting KPIs can be interpreted as a multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) problem, involving a number of factors and related interdependencies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model, based on the analytic network process (ANP), for driving managers in the selection of KIPs. The model draws upon the consideration that KPIs can be evaluated and selected on the basis of a set of criteria, theoretically founded, and the feedback dependencies between the criteria and performance indicators as well as among indicators.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of management literature regarding the information quality required by performance measures, the paper identifies a set of criteria for selecting KIPs. The criteria form the building blocks of the proposed ANP model. The feasibility of the model is proved through its application to a real case.FindingsThe paper proposes and illustrates the practical application of an ANP‐based model for selecting KPIs. The use of the ANP makes it possible to extracts weights for setting the priorities among indicators, by taking account of mutual dependencies among indicators and criteria. This enhances the quality of the selection process.Originality/valueOften managers choose KPIs without an accurate approach. The paper offers a novel model for driving managers towards the choice of KPIs through a rigorous approach, based on the ANP method. The model draws on a solid theoretical foundation and has been proven in practice.
The performance impact of strategic corporate real estate in franchise organizations
Authors: Park Abraham , Glascock John L. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of corporate real estate (CRE) asset ownership on the performances of franchise organizations.Design/methodology/approachUsing data on all available US public franchise companies, the paper measured the effect of CRE ownership on the risk and return characteristics of franchise firms.FindingsUnlike previous findings that show negative performance effects of CRE ownership in general, the paper shows positive effects for franchise organizations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the paper includes all available public franchises in the sample, the sample size is still limited.Practical implicationsThe results show how CRE ownership can impact the long‐term performances of franchise organizations.Originality/valueWhile most of the CRE literature focuses on theory, the paper offers positive empirical evidence of the importance of CRE ownership.
Corporate real estate performance
Authors: Stadlhofer Georg 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and quantify the impact of corporate real estate (CRE) performance on shareholder value and its contribution to core business competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe selected approach intended first to identify CRE performance in global industrial corporations by using a questionnaire, focussing on pharmaceutical companies. The results then were evaluated to classify the participating companies into CRE outperformers and CRE underperformers. Finally, the participants were compared based on three selected financial measures: share price performance, expense ratio and asset intensity.FindingsSummarising the findings, no evidence could be found that companies outperforming in corporate real estate management (CREM) perform better in terms of share price performance. The same holds true for asset intensity where no difference is identified when comparing asset intensity between both groups. Looking at the expense ration per EUR sales, CRE outperformers perform better, indicating that CREM is able to manage and optimise cost.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is the introduction of a questionnaire producing a single indicator to rate companies according to their CRE performance. Furthermore, it aims to quantify the impact of CRE performance on the firm combining qualitative and quantitative measures. Finally, it provides insight into CRE practices in global pharmaceutical companies.
Evaluating corporate real estate management decision support software solutions
Authors: Gibler Karen M. , Gibler Robert R. , Anderson Derek 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to enable real estate managers to identify and evaluate appropriate information technology (IT) solutions from the array of options available.Design/methodology/approachThe authors explain the main components of IT solutions and provide a systematic approach for evaluating, selecting, and maintaining a cost‐effective IT solution, empowering corporate real estate managers to make informed IT decisions.FindingsCorporate real estate managers can use a systematic approach to evaluating hardware and software options to select a solution that better serves business needs.Practical implicationsCorporate real estate managers can use the models in this paper to change how they approach the selection of IT solutions for their business.Originality/valueThe paper fills a void by providing IT assistance specifically for corporate real estate managers using business rather than technical language.
Comparing functional and cellular layouts using simulation and Taguchi method
Authors: Jerbi Abdessalem , Chtourou Hédi , Maalej Aref Y. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeA number of simulation studies were conducted by several researchers in order to compare performances of cellular and functional layouts. The methodologies used by these studies either present several objectivity lacks or are highly time‐consuming. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel and objective methodology, based on the coupling of simulation and the Taguchi method.Design/methodology/approachSimulation models for both layouts are first developed. Simulations are then conducted following a standard Taguchi orthogonal array. Subsequently, the obtained results are analyzed using the analysis of variance technique. Finally, a mathematical model is built, and validated by the confirmation test.FindingsThe proposed comparison method permitted to obtain a valid mathematical model used to predict the superiority rank of the two layouts within the scope of the paper.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel objective methodology for comparing functional and cellular layouts.
A stochastic approach to measure performance of the Indian electronics hardware industry after liberalisation
Authors: Majumdar Rumki 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on contribution of technical efficiency change (TEC) and technological progress (TP) to output growth (OG) and addresses the issue of poor total factor productivity growth of electronics hardware industry during liberalization. Inter‐sector differences in productivity have been explained from the perspective of management decision making and their performances.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is primarily based on 81 electronics hardware firms with incessant operations from 1993 to 2004. The firms have been categorized into four homogenous sub‐sectors and the years into two periods.FindingsThe industry, in general, emphasized more on TP than TEC as the industry moved to a greater liberalization regime. The industry lacked the efforts to develop indigenous technology. It catered to huge domestic demand by importing technology without proper adaptation leading to poor TEC.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited database prevented us from exploring the impact of the entry of multi‐national companies, foreign direct investment and foreign investments on the productivity of the electronics firms. The inconsistent and missing data on tariff or duty rates for item‐wise products further limited their scope.Practical implicationsThe differences in TEC and TP among sub‐sectors has been due to the differences in managerial decision making and management performance which are firm specific in nature.Originality/valueThis paper has applied a novel approach of combining two established but independent theories of estimating stochastic production function and then estimating OG as a function of IG, TEC and TP. This paper provides a valuable reference for Indian electronics hardware industry not only in reviewing their efficiency, but also focusing on enhancing their management performance.
Capturing and evaluating process information for high‐performance complex manufacturing operations
Authors: Tiwari Ashutosh , Younis Kieron , Turner Chris , Sackett Peter , Cebrian Bautista Miguel 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for rapidly and reliably capturing, representing and analysing process systems to facilitate the potential for operations performance improvement within a complex product design and manufacturing facility operating in a high‐performance business environment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper demonstrates the proposed methodology within an electro‐mechanical design and manufacturing environment producing complex non‐standard products for a global market. The technique has national and international application for a wide spectrum of design and manufacturing facilities.FindingsThe authors also demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in capturing, representing and analysing processes to assess the feasibility of and identify the issues involved in realising further performance improvements in an existing complex product, high variety, design and manufacturing facility.Practical implicationsThrough the enhanced level of understanding of business processes and knowledge intensive operations, the design and manufacturing facilities managers can now realise the next level of performance enhancement by fully exploiting the potential of performance improvement initiatives. Since the proposed methodology creates an environment in which risks inherent in new techniques are controlled, the facilities managers can also gain competitive advantage by becoming the early adopters of radical performance enhancement approaches.Originality/valueMost major and many smaller manufacturing companies have adopted the popular performance improvement initiatives. These companies are now striving to achieve the next level of performance enhancement at the system or enterprise level and require a better understanding of their business processes and knowledge intensive operations. This understanding needs to be achieved rapidly, cost effectively and in a readily communicable and quantifiable form to allow analysis and ongoing re‐analysis within the volatile industrial environment. The proposed methodology achieves this through the identification, communication, understanding and analysis of the internal and external interactions and dependencies of the facility.
Achieving agility in manufacturing through finite element mould analysis
Authors: Vinodh S. , Sundararaj G. , Devadasan S.R. , Kuttalingam D. , Rajanayagam D. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a research which is carried out to examine the possibility of applying finite element analysis (FEA) and computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) concepts in a typical organisational environment to acquire the characteristics of agile manufacturing (AM).Design/methodology/approachOne of the components of a model of electronic switch manufactured by a company was chosen as the candidate of this research. Five new models of this component incorporated with agile characteristics were developed in electronic environment using Moldflow Plastics Insight software.FindingsThe experiences of conducting this research being reported in this paper indicate the possibility of adopting FEA‐integrated CAD/CAM concept for achieving agility. However, certain hindrances have to be overcome to pursue deeper journey by the contemporary organisations in this direction.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is conducted on one component of a product manufactured by a company. The typical scenario prevailing in the company is similar that is seen in many companies situated in other parts of the worlds. Hence, the contributions of this research, particularly the roadmap would be useful for adopting FEA and CAD/CAM concepts to achieve agility in contemporary organisations.Practical implicationsThe research reported in this paper has shown the way of focusing FEA‐integrated CAD/CAM utilities towards enhancing AM capabilities of contemporary organisations.Originality/valueThe literature survey conducted in the beginning of this research indicated that deeper research in the direction of applying FEA‐integrated CAD/CAM concept for acquiring agile characteristics is yet to start. Hence, the research reported in this paper is original and valuable.
Internationalization of technology development in China: an evaluation using patent data
Authors: Chakrabarti Alok K. , Bhaumik Pradip K. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeIncreased globalization of the world's economies, along with accelerated technological changes are transforming research and development (R&D) activities around the world. The purpose of this paper is to study the technology development in China, particularly in the light of the globalization of R&D activities.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a detailed analysis of all US patents granted between 1979 and 2007 in which at least one inventor was a resident of China. US patents have been used as a surrogate measure of technology development and a patent developed with a resident Chinese inventor has been assumed to have been developed in China.FindingsThe paper identifies four phases of technical development in China: growth rate of patenting, extent of inventor collaboration, ownership pattern, concentration on technology trajectory and changing role of MNCs characterize each phase. While along the relatively new electrical and ICT technology trajectories, Chinese entities have benefited from the pioneering lead of foreign entities, along the traditional mechanical and chemical trajectories, foreign entities have followed the early work of Chinese entities.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study include the validity of using US patents as the sole measure of technology development. Other measures of technology development may be necessary to validate the findings reported here.Practical implicationsThe study provides a rich source of information about different aspects of technology development in China and the challenges it faces in its internationalization.Originality/valueThe identification of four distinct phases have highlighted the pioneering role of foreign entities in opening up some technology trajectories as well as the increasing maturity and competence of all‐Chinese researcher teams.
Exploring the influence of cultural elements on Chinese manufacturing quality
Authors: Fenwick David , Daim Tugrul U. , Iskin Ibrahim , Dahlawi Yasser 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to identify the reasons behind the recent issues of Chinese manufacturing quality. This paper aims to discuss the influence of American managers as well as Chinese business cultural effects on Chinese manufacturing quality.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, two survey questionnaires have been prepared for the study based on literature review. Survey instruments were sent to American and Chinese business owners and managers who have a considerable amount of professional experience in the manufacturing area.FindingsIt is found that both American managers and Chinese business culture have influence on Chinese manufacturing quality.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to an understanding of the reasons behind the recent quality issues in Chinese manufacturing.
Knowledge management in China: a review
Authors: Peng Jian , Moffett Sandra , McAdam Rodney 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the development of knowledge management (KM) in China and its Western origins.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is developed by exploring the existing KM survey results in China. Discussions from KM surveys into Chinese KM practices and the Chinese economy are presented. A discussion of KM in the Chinese service sector provides a set of KM research reviews to examine the current issues and status of KM studies in this area. To understand KM and its importance to people, technology and process for innovation and knowledge sharing on different levels in the service sector in China, this paper is divided into seven distinct parts, which addresses three main KM issues in China, i.e. development and challenges for Chinese economy and service industry, KM research and practice in China and knowledge sharing and innovation with cultural factors. This paper offers guidance to researchers and managers involved in KM efforts to understand how KM is developed in China and what kind of research model is required for Chinese KM studies.FindingsKM surveys in China were based on different purposes and scopes. While Western KM theories did provide a foundation for the KM studies in China, the unique Chinese culture environment requires the Chinese research models. The development of KM in China is still at its early stage. Limitations of the current Chinese KM studies are revealed and the KM status of the Chinese service sector also discussed.Research limitations/implicationsA research model that is suitable for the Chinese KM practices is yet to be formally established.Practical implicationsThis paper contrasts the development of KM in China by examining different KM survey results from China. For practitioners, findings provide understanding on how KM is developing. For KM researchers, the understanding of culture and analytic directions of KM studies from the Chinese service sector are discussed.Originality/valueIn this paper, KM development in China revealed, that can provide guidance to researches involved in KM efforts and directing the future path of KM analytic model with a cultural perspective.
The overseas Taiwanese in Belize
Authors: Popma Marissa , Roessingh Carel 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to give an account to describe the way the South‐South development programme is realized between Taiwan and Belize.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is the result of ethnographic fieldwork research combined with a literature study.FindingsThe development of the newly industrialized country Taiwan can be characterized by a drastic transformation from an impoverished agrarian society towards an affluent industrial economy. Now, Taiwan is aiming to help other developing countries to walk the same path by drawing lessons from their so‐called “Taiwan experience”. In order to transfer their experience, Taiwan has established an overseas development organization, the International Cooperation and Development Fund. This organization offers development assistance to countries of which Taiwan receives political recognition. Central and South America are the regions where most of Taiwan's diplomatic ties exist. One of the recipients of Taiwanese assistance in this area is Belize, a small English speaking, Central American country in the Caribbean Sea, with a multi‐ethnic, densely populated, relatively poor population.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research might examine the ways in which these Taiwanese farmers have integrated in Belize and how their entrepreneurial activities contribute in this process.Practical implicationsAfter visiting Taiwan's project sites in Belize and interviewing government officials, Taiwanese‐Belizeans, Belizean farmers, and non‐farmers, it was found that much of what the Taiwanese brought was indeed considered beneficial, although incomplete. The links between the Taiwanese development organization and the wider society, Belize, were not clearly developed at the time, not least because of the problems in communicating with the Taiwanese development workers(for instance due to language issues). It would be wrong to suggest, however, that Taiwan's development project was only perceived as raising problems for it did have a positive impact.Originality/valueAlthough the first Taiwanese project in Belize was launched in 1989 it has until recently received little attention. This paper explores the social impact of this development project from the Taiwanese in Belize.
Role of linkages and diversity of partnerships in a Mexican community‐based forest enterprise
Authors: Orozco‐Quintero Alejandra , Berkes Fikret 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the pervasiveness and importance of various types of institutional and organizational interactions across multiple levels for the management of a community forest enterprise.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes a long‐standing case in Michoacán, Mexico, the San Juan Nuevo (SJN) enterprise, a community‐based system with a multiplicity of actors, objectives, and partners. Information was collected through 100 semi‐structured interviews. By presenting and discussing the main community‐based development strategy within the overall socio‐political context and achievements of the case, the authors attempt to understand the complexity of cross‐scale institutional and organizational linkages and their role in sustainable resource management.FindingsSJN enterprise had linkages with some 22 major partners over the years across four levels of organization: local, state, federal, and international. Cross‐scale partnerships were not merely important, but essential for the overall success of the enterprise in the face of uncertainty over resource ownership and lack of legal jurisdiction. These diverse partnerships and interactions enabled robust institutional structures, making possible the development of linkages to help conserve the resource base and create grassroots socio‐economic development for the comuneros.Research limitations/implicationsFurther understanding of the importance of partnerships and linkages for the development and maintenance of community‐based initiatives will require the analysis of, and comparison between, several long‐standing case studies.Practical implicationsThere is the need to recognize the multiple roles of partnerships, from business networking to research and training, thus unpacking different kinds of capacity building. Actors at various levels can influence management practices in diverse ways, helping to find a balance between local livelihoods and larger conservation needs.Originality/valueThe paper brings a new approach to analyze how indigenous and other rural communities are “opting‐in” to the global economy, through a diversity of partnerships and a complexity of interactions across organizational levels.
The Aivilingmiut people of Repulse Bay (Naujaat), Canada
Authors: Paul Dana Leo , Manitok Pujjuut , Brent Anderson Robert 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an account of the enterprising Aivilingmiut people of Repulse Bay (Naujaat), formerly a hub of the now‐defunct whaling industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on literature spanning 185 years from 1825 to 2009.FindingsThroughout history, the Aivilingmiut people appear to have been an enterprising community, adapting well to change. Nowadays, however, the absence of business infrastructure may be a significant barrier to the development of small business opportunities in Repulse Bay.Practical implicationsRegardless of how enterprising a community is, the absence of business infrastructure can impede entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThere is no similar paper about the Aivilingmiut people of Repulse Bay.