bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of client requirements for design and build projects in the construction industry of Hong Kong
Authors: Yu Ann T.W. , Chan Edwin H.W. , Chan Daniel W.M. , Lam Patrick T.I. , Tang Peony W.L. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the prevailing practice of managing client requirements for design and build (D&B) construction projects in Hong Kong. It attempts to evaluate the limitations and addresses the need for a practical framework for facilitating the implementation of client requirements management within the industry.Design/methodology/approachTwo research instruments were used in this paper: semi‐structured interviews and case studies.FindingsThe study revealed that the limitations of the current practice included the lack of a comprehensive client's project brief, inadequate involvement of client in the briefing process, the lack of impartial agents, the controversy caused by the uncertain legal status of end‐users and the improper timing of raising requirements by key project stakeholders. Recommendations are given that an inclusive project brief is necessary in clarifying the goals and covering all‐rounded perspectives. A practical framework is needed to improve the client requirements management practice within the construction industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe D&B procurement system adopted in Hong Kong actually exists in various forms within the construction industry, which differ from the prototype that has long been recognized. Therefore, a more detailed study into D&B projects covering a broader area is necessary in the future.Originality/valueLittle research work has been undertaken on the study of client requirements management, especially for D&B construction projects. This paper has improved the comprehension of the nature of client requirements and has provided valuable insights into the prevailing problems associated with the management of client requirements.
Pursuing “relational integration” and “overall value” through “RIVANS”
Authors: Kumaraswamy Mohan M. , Anvuur Aaron M. , Smyth Hedley J. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper seeks to consider relational integration across a network of organisational members. To this end, “relationally integrated value networks” (RIVANS) are conceptualised to engage and empower network members towards well‐focused collaboration that adds value. The aim is to identify the routes towards achieving the desirable integration together with the desired “overall value” that includes the hitherto often neglected “whole life” and end‐user priorities.Design/methodology/approachTwo case studies of enlightened team working are used to examine the power of RIVANS to add value. Deliberations at two subsequent workshops identified the potential for furthering the RIVANS approach and operationalising the value propositions.FindingsRelational integration in networks adds considerable value to projects. Cross‐fertilisation benefits accrue when RIVANS members also participate in other value networks that also include other facilities managers.Research limitations/implicationsRelational agendas have grown steadily over the last 15 years. There is scope for further development for benefits of clients and the supply network. This is despite an apparent retreat from a focus on differentiation to a re‐emerging cost focus.Practical implicationsEach network can benefit from healthy inputs from, and benchmarking against, other networks. The strengths of each network will be enhanced by the steady development of each of its members, mutual feedback and collaborative learning opportunities.Originality/valueThe need for, and potential impact of RIVANS are heightened in the present major economic downturn. Relationally integrated networks can be more resilient, while adding value and building market share through collaborative efficiencies throughout the life cycles of built assets.
Understanding performance drivers of third‐party logistics providers in mainland China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Huo Baofeng , Lai Fujun , Chu Zhaofang 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper's aim is to replicate and compare Huo et al.'s study to better understand performance drivers of third‐party logistics (3PL) in mainland China and to disseminate Hong Kong 3PL providers' experience to mainland China's peers.Design/methodology/approachA structural model is estimated to test the construct relationships using data collected from 105 mainland China's 3PL providers. The results are compared with the results of Huo et al.'s study of Hong Kong 3PL providers.FindingsWhile the operations emphasis of low cost may still be effective for mainland China's 3PL providers, it may result in worse financial performance for Hong Kong 3PL providers. In mainland China, low‐ cost emphasis is affected by local competition, but not by operational challenges, while it is influenced by both local competition and operational challenges in Hong Kong. Operational challenges have a positive impact on low‐cost emphasis in Hong Kong, but no impact in mainland China.Originality/valueThe study enriches the literature on China's logistics and provides mainland China's 3PL managers valuable insights from the business practices of their Hong Kong peers.
Collaborative performance measurement in supply chain
Authors: Papakiriakopoulos Dimitris , Pramatari Katerina 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to demonstrate the challenges when developing a common performance measurement system (PMS) in the context of a collaborative supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes qualitative and quantitative data from a case study. The qualitative data refer to the assessment of collaborative performance measures based on interviews with experts, while the quantitative data demonstrate the use of two performance measures in a collaborative supply chain network.FindingsThe development of a collaborative PMS is a challenging task. Through the systematic study of two significant performance measures for a supply chain, it was found that the one could not be supported due to reliability restrictions, while the other requires the development of a complex information system. Based on these, a discussion of specific challenges follows.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has the general case study limitations.Practical implicationsCompanies operating in supply chain networks need to synchronize existing business processes and data before the design of a new PMS. Selecting the measures and the measurement method is not a trivial task. Important challenges reveal when dealing with, underlying data, business processes and the evaluation method of a PMS in supply chains.Originality/valueThe management control function usually focuses on the design and development of PMSs for a single organization. Limited knowledge exists when more than two companies require the development of a PMS for a jointly agreed business process.
An examination of strategies under the financial tsunami
Authors: Ho G.T.S. , Choy K.L. , Chung S.H. , Lam C.H.Y. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors, such as the different strategies adopted and the size of the company, that have a significant determining impact on the financial performance of companies in extreme circumstances.Design/methodology/approachThe research target of this paper is the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong. This is quantitative research and it is done on a survey basis, which includes hypothesis setting and statistical analysis. In addition, constructive suggestions are given to companies after analyzing the current situation.FindingsIn total, ten factors from four dimensions are determined as the critical strategies for the company to adopt in an uncertain financial situation. The result shows the influence of different factors on return on investment for the companies with different backgrounds.Practical implicationsThe business environment today is full of turbulence and uncertainties; this, along with the fierce global competition, means that manufacturers are all struggling to survive. The financial tsunami that has swept across the global economy is believed to be the most catastrophic in living memory. Therefore, this research will be especially valuable and useful to companies which wish to achieve excellence in business performance in spite of such a global disaster.Originality/valueManufacturers worldwide have suffered badly from the impact of the financial tsunami. The SMEs in Hong Kong are certainly not an exception. However, under the same adverse conditions, some have been able to maintain their stability or even thrive. The findings suggest some specific corporate strategies which will enable companies to survive and remain competitive.
Managerial perceptions of the competitive environment and dynamic capabilities generation
Authors: Barrales‐Molina Vanesa , Benitez‐Amado Jose , Perez‐Arostegui María N. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to study empirically the influence of managerial perceptions of the environment on dynamic capabilities (DC) generation. It seeks to identify three dimensions of competitive environment (dynamism, complexity, and munificence) and then use the theoretical model developed by Zollo and Winter to explain DC creation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use data collected from 200 Spanish firms through a questionnaire to perform multiple and simple regression analyses that examine the relationship between managerial perceptions and DC generation.FindingsIt is found that managerial perception of munificence in the environment is related positively and significantly to the processes of DC creation; only when managers perceive the environment as highly dynamic and complex do they promote processes for developing DC.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that managerial cognition plays an important role in DC processes. Thus, managers should evaluate their mental models and value systems to determine whether they provide an accurate understanding of the environment.Originality/valueThe understanding of DC must be developed though empirical papers, as unresolved theoretical inconsistencies create many challenges in this area. The proliferation of theoretical papers has produced a disconnected body of research.
Effects of information sharing on customer relationship intention
Authors: Tai Yi‐Ming , Ho Chin‐Fu 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the effects of information sharing on customer relationship intention (CRI) based on the characteristics of different trading relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis research was conducted in two phases to explore the effects of information sharing on relationship intention of different customer segments. The objective of phase one was to segment different customer groups according to two criteria: customer relationship value and customer responsiveness. The objective of phase two was to analyze the impact of information sharing on these segmented customer groups.FindingsData from 239 customers of a large steel supplier indicate that information sharing positively influences CRI and that the characteristics of the trading relationship moderate the effects of information sharing. These findings suggest that, while information sharing is an important means of enhancing a customer relationship, not all types of customer should be treated the same way.Research limitations/implicationsAssessment of customer intention depends on the structure of the buyer‐supplier network. Other extraneous variables such as branding, industrial position and bargaining power may influence customer attitudes towards information sharing‐induced changes.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the understanding of the effects of different levels of information sharing on different customer clusters differentiated by trading relationship characteristics.
Applying social network analysis on customer complaint handling
Authors: Sitko‐Lutek Agnieszka , Chuancharoen Supakij , Sukpitikul Arkhom , Phusavat Kongkiti 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to examine existing information flows formally and informally within a customer complaint handling process, and to identify possible improvement areas to strengthen the effectiveness of this process in the workplace. These objectives are derived from the fact more than 80 percent of complaints have taken longer than the targeted timeframe during the past two years at the plant under study. The study is part of the plant's overall efforts in improving quality and customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involves document reviews (i.e. a customer complaint handling procedure), discussion groups and interviews, and the use of the UCInet software for the social network analysis or SNA formulation. Key features such as connection strength, point connectivity, and degree centrality are examined.FindingsThe SNA shows that everybody associated with this process is connected. For a potential downside, customer service and quality assurance engineers appear to be critical. Their roles and responsibilities imply that, in addition to becoming technical experts, they have to be responsive and active in disseminating information to other staffs. Furthermore, if an engineer in charge of process engineering is absent or does not pass along information, at least four staffs will be disconnected from the network. Process engineering leader is also viewed as critical. He should actively participate and constantly engage in resolving a customer complaint.Research limitations/implicationsThe SNA can compliment process improvement by focusing on the roles and the importance of key persons within a process. The reason is that an improvement should focus on both a procedure (i.e. step‐by‐step activities and tasks) and persons (e.g. connectivity, interaction, and information bottleneck position). In other words, the paper underlines potential applications of the SNA on strengthening a quality management system (i.e. ISO 9001:2008). Therefore, the SNA, given its flexible applications, can emerge as an important management tool in the areas of quality management.Practical implicationsAll top executives from the quality and reliability, and manufacturing functions view the SNA positively. The findings help them visualize the current practices at all levels when dealing with a customer complaint and identify the areas in which more attentions have to be made for a more effective process on complaint handling. For example, customer service engineer should be in the contact with all persons dealing with the complaint handling process. Process engineer leader needs to become more proactive in sharing a complaint and in checking its status more constantly.Originality/valueThe case study highlights the importance of the SNA when attempting to improve an operational process that requires two or more functions working together.
Enabling quality management systems in the maquiladoras
Authors: Dowlatshahi Shad , Hooshangi Soheil 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe maquiladora industry is a manufacturing system that utilizes the Mexican workforce and foreign investment and technology on the border region between the USA and Mexico. This study seeks to explore managerial support and employee involvement as well as quality processes (internal enablers) and supplier selection criteria (external factors) in the maquiladora industry with respect to ISO 9000 certification.Design/methodology/approachThe enablers of ISO certification were studied through a survey instrument and extensive field interviews with experts of maquiladora plants in El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Based on a 78 percent response rate (171 usable questionnaires) and 11 in‐depth interviews of quality experts in eight industries, statistical analyses including reliability and validity analyses, factor analyses, tests of hypothesis, and ANOVA were performed.FindingsThe four hypotheses developed were verified. Based on the analyses, ISO‐certified companies exemplified better and longer‐term relationships with main/core suppliers, greater top managerial support and employee involvement and communication, and more effective quality processes than those of non ISO‐certified companies.Practical implicationsThe results of the study could assist maquiladoras to improve their internal and external enablers in order to have a better chance of achieving ISO certification. Likewise, the headquarters of the maquiladoras could benefit from the identification and recognition of these internal and external enablers.Originality/valueThe quality of products manufactured in maquiladoras should be congruent with the parts and products produced in their headquarters. The paper addresses the role and importance of ISO certification for both maquiladoras and their headquarters. The headquarters could provide the necessary support and resources for achievement or ISO certification in maquiladoras.
Certification intensity level of the leading nations in ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards
Authors: Marimon Frederic , Casadesús Marti , Heras Iñaki 
Published: October 2010

PurposeAs the process of standardisation in all aspects of business management has accelerated in recent years in an environment characterised by economic globalisation and integration, two series of standards issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) stand out: the ISO 9000 series, related to the implementation of quality systems; and the ISO 14000 series, related to the implementation of environmental management systems. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and compare the evolution of both standards in the leading countries in these certifications.Design/methodology/approachIt is noteworthy that the same few nations consistently occupy the highest rankings in both the number of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series certifications. These countries are also those with highest growth rates in certifications. The present study examines these phenomena in terms of: a proposed new index for measuring the “certification intensity”; and a proposed model to analyse how standards are disseminated in a given country.FindingsThe leading nations in ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series certifications have a common spreading pattern. All of them are increasing in both standards, not only in absolute number of certifications, but also in its certification intensity. On the other hand, the logistic curve is a good pattern to forecast the trend of these intensities.Originality/valueThe paper concludes with some forecasts and trends for the immediate future in the most successful countries. Some suggestions are also made for future research.
A study of quality management practices in TQM and non‐TQM firms
Authors: Punnakitikashem Prattana , Laosirihongthong Tritos , Adebanjo Dotun , McLean Michael W. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe primary objective of this research is to explore whether total quality management (TQM) firms execute various quality management practices significantly differently from non‐TQM firms in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) automotive supply chain. The study also aims to analyze differences between different tiers of this supply chain and to examine the relationship between the implementation of quality management systems and adoption of TQM.Design/methodology/approachA total of 165 datasets collected from ASEAN automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their tier 1 and 2 suppliers in five ASEAN countries were tested by using cross‐tabulation analysis and ANOVA with post hoc test.FindingsThe results show that firms that have successfully implemented the concept of work standardization or process‐approach through quality management systems (QMS) certification have tended to pursue TQM as the subsequent stage in their quality journey. In addition, the study found that all seven TQM practices – leadership; strategy and planning; customer focus; information and analysis; people management; process management; and supplier involvement – were significantly higher in TQM firms than in non‐TQM firms. Finally, the study found that tier 3 suppliers were less likely to implement TQM practices compared with higher tiers (1 and 2), except in supplier involvement.Originality/valueThe study presents an insight into TQM constructs evolution in the ASEAN region, which has gained increased prominence and world impact as a result of international outsourcing. It therefore addresses a significant gap in the literature about how quality management is deployed in this important region of the world.
A four‐fold regional‐specific approach to TQM
Authors: Psychogios Alexandros G. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to increase understanding of the application of total quality management (TQM) initiatives in business environments that differ from those where it emerged. Organisations within such environments, which are often less developed, may wish to adopt relatively sophisticated initiatives such as TQM. The adoption of TQM programmes by a variety of private and public sector organisations in South Eastern Europe (SEE) is a prime example. Little has been said about the awareness and applicability of TQM in this region.Design/methodology/approachA combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches was used. The quantitative results emerged from the investigation of 782 managers working in 123 service organisations in public and private sectors (51 and 72 respectively) in four major SEE countries, namely Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece. Subsequently, for triangulation and to provide richer data, 34 follow‐up semi‐structured interviews were conducted with managers from these four countries.FindingsAfter having carried out quantitative and qualitative analyses, a four‐fold model emerged, through which key features of the application of TQM practices in the SEE region could be explained. The components of the model are categorised in two major groups; first, the influences of the business/management culture and modernisation pressures, and second, two key aspects of the business systems – the education level of managers and the sector of employment.Research limitations/implicationsBoth cultural and structural features of the business systems in SEE create pressures either promoting or retarding TQM adoption within organisations. The paper provides a four‐fold factors model that aims to explain key regional‐specific issues related to TQM adoption. This approach provides insights into the region studied, but also provides a prototype for similar studies in other regions.Practical implicationsIn the SEE context, the tension between traditional business/management culture and modernisation logic is the key to the evolution of TQM. SEE managers adopt a more pragmatic view of TQM application through the use of “hard” quality management systems and practices, while placing less importance on concepts such as empowerment and employee involvement.Originality/valueThe study argues for the adoption of a regional‐specific view of TQM, applicable to particular regional business systems.