bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the sponsor's role in project planning
Authors: Kloppenborg Timothy J. , Tesch Debbie , Manolis Chris 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and validate executive sponsor behaviors necessary for successful project implementation during project planning.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 145 executives and managers interested in project management was conducted. Data were analyzed using principal components analyses with varimax rotation for both behavioral‐ and outcome‐based items. Relationships between variables were analyzed via path analysis.FindingsIn total, five sponsor behavior factors were identified including: ensure planning, clarify outputs, stakeholder relationships, support project, and appoint project manager. Additionally, three outcome factors were found: firm's future, meeting agreements (e.g. budgets, scheduling expectations), and customer success. An estimated path model testing the effects of sponsor behaviors on project outcomes indicated six significant paths.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper empirically identifies behaviors sponsors may use during project planning and the impact such behaviors have on project success measures. The exploratory nature of this study suggests further research to confirm findings.Practical implicationsThis paper provides executive sponsors with a focus during the planning stage when various stakeholders are determining many project details.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the limited body of research on the role of project sponsors. The investigation indicates that as sponsors spend more time performing the three behaviors of ensuring planning, managing stakeholder relations, and appointing the project manager; project success increases as measured by outcome factors.
Effects of content class with endorsement and information relevancy on purchase intention
Authors: Wang Alex , Lin Carolyn 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether the insertion of an endorsement – or the lack of it – in conjunction with product information relevancy, have an impact on consumers' purchase intentions related to a particular product.Design/methodology/approachAn experiment was conducted to test the research hypotheses posited by this study. A 3 × 2 factorial design manipulating three product‐communication forms was employed. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two counterbalanced subgroups associated with each of the six experimental conditions, with 12 experimental conditions. The experimental stimuli included two type of product‐performance information, each highlighting either the “superb power” or “superb control” feature of a tennis racquet.FindingsStudy findings indicate that product information relevancy to consumers' desired product characteristics had a significant influence on purchase intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe study described in this paper suffers from the generic limitations of all laboratory studies with forced exposure to stimuli in that the external validity is sacrificed at the cost of the internal validity. A related external validity issue involves the generalizability of the present research findings across different types of products.Practical implicationsEndorsements – while potentially effective in enhancing purchase intention – may elicit different responses from consumers, depending upon the content class and information relevancy. In order to level the playing field, advertisers may wish to consider advertising strategies that not only feature endorsements, but also provide potential consumers with easy access to publicity articles that further substantiate these claims. For promoting products, it is imperative that ease of access to this third‐party information becomes a strategic priority. In addition to prominently displaying and drawing attention to the endorsement in their advertising, advertisers may also want to obtain and manage available endorsements on their own web sites.Originality/valueThe paper compares the effectiveness of three forms of product communication in relation to endorsement and product‐information relevancy on consumers' purchase intentions; it also contributes in expanding the understanding of these relations to the online product promotion context. Given that performance relevancy in product information is rather prevalent in the online environment, the paper's findings can also help inform both researchers and practitioners in this particular area of research inquiries in the future.
Examining the use of knowledge management during issue management
Authors: Wang Wei‐Tsong 
Published: April 2011

PurposeVery few studies specifically address the importance of knowledge management (KM) in the context of issue management. To enhance understanding of this subject, this paper aims to investigate the interrelationship between KM and issue management.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a public protest against the construction of an energy company was conducted to investigate this topic.FindingsThe paper depicts how and why the occurrence of an issue may disturb the balance of an organization's KM practices from the perspectives of process, people, and technology, and how the managerial efforts can be made to counteract the negative effects. The primary findings are summarized in six theoretical propositions.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings were developed with reference to a failure case in which the issue of interest was not resolved. Future studies specifically examining the dynamics of organizations' KM practices during such issues with reference to cases in which the issues are resolved successfully are encouraged.Practical implicationsThe research findings can aid organizations in planning their KM practices with regard to their specific business contexts during their issues in order to resolve such situations in an effective and efficient manner.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into the dynamics of KM in the context of issue management, and enables future researchers to develop a programmed body of research in order to further expand our understanding of the use of KM at such times.
Bounded self‐interest: a basis for constructive organizational politics
Authors: Gotsis George , Kortezi Zoe 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to critically explore the behavioral assumptions of organizational politics, as well as to reconsider and redefine the premises of political behavior in the workplace. The main objective is examination of the presuppositions associated with the possibility of constructive politics in organizational settings.Design/methodology/approachThe deficiencies of explaining managerial activity as solely regulated by self‐interest are discussed, as well as a revised version of self‐interest that may enrich current understanding of workplace politics. Drawing on the respective literature, the authors develop some propositions and suggest, assess and discuss a conceptual framework that integrates self‐interest and constructive politics.FindingsThe paper represents an attempt toward inferring positive political behavior through adopting an alternative view of established behavioral assumptions. This view purports to reduce the existing discrepancy between different types of political behavior in defending the possibility of an inclusive, participative and welfare‐enhancing political process, founded on the pro‐social and reciprocating aspects of human interaction. Boundedly selfish organizational members are expected to demonstrate these qualities that are in position to transform the very nature of political activities to the direction of greater organizational good.Originality/valueThe paper reevaluates the self‐interested nature of organizational politics through the introduction of a bounded self‐interest assumption as more representative of actual human behavior. This new construct embodies those constraints that make trust formation, networking and reciprocities operative in environments effectively embedding political behavior in broader, organizational goal‐oriented processes and structures.
The use of strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in Jordan
Authors: Aldehayyat Jehad S. , Al Khattab Adel A. , Anchor John R. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the use of strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in Jordan and the nature of its relationship with managers' views of the strategic planning process.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature relating to both strategic planning and strategic planning tools and techniques in both developed and emerging markets is provided. The empirical research was conducted via a questionnaire survey of Jordanian hotels in two cities; namely, Petra and Aqaba.FindingsThe main findings of this research are that the Jordanian hotels engage in the strategic planning process by using a number of techniques. The use of strategic planning tools and techniques relates more to the size of hotel and less to age and ownership type. There is a positive relationship between the use of strategic planning techniques and size of hotel. The managers of these hotels have generally positive attitudes towards the strategic planning process. The managers who believe in the benefits of strategic planning engage more in the practice of it.Research limitations/implicationsThe nature of this research is descriptive and the method used is a cross‐sectional survey. Therefore, future research could be conducted on a small number of these hotels by using a more in‐depth approach. Second, the sample was restricted to hotels in two cities in Jordan. Further research should include other regions in Jordan and should analyse the ownership types of hotels (such as independent versus chain) and its star rating.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence about the use of the strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in an emerging market context.
Analysis of part jamming in a feeder of automatic machines
Authors: Usubamatov R. , Usubamatova A. , Muin M.Z.A. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an analysis and practical study of part jamming in the feeder of an automatic machine.Design/methodology/approachThe reliability of the feeder is derived by the probability and reliability theories that consider jamming of the part in a system feeder machine.FindingsThe part jamming in the feeder depends on the deviations of the part and the feeder sizes and the part turn in the feeder, on velocity of part motion, and length of motion.Practical implicationsDerived the methodology for calculating reliability of feeders.Originality/valueOriginality is application of the probability and reliability theories for calculation of feeder's failing and connection with the machines work time.
New modeling and performance evaluation of tool sharing control in FMS using colored Petri nets
Authors: Shah Shaukat Ali , Bohez Erik L.J. , Pisuchpen Roongrat 
Published: April 2011

PurposeA major factor to the success of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is their ability to transport work pieces between different workstations. FMS have now become more advanced and material‐handling systems have become progressively more sophisticated, it is not exceptional to have automated steering of tools to workstations as well. Such system design will improve the tool‐handling capability and the system productivity while holding tool cost to a minimum. Tool cost could represent as much as 25 percent of the operating cost. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new colored Petri net (CPN)‐based approach to the design and development of a tool sharing control system that is intended to help use of the proper and minimal number of tools for a manufacturing system.Design/methodology/approachA new black token timed PN model is first developed, to reduce the complexity of the graphical representation a new CPN model is developed. The new CPN model also allows to find the optimal sequence. The optimal sequence has no effect on the work in process (WIP) but it influences the number of tools used in the system. The main input to the PN model for a manufacturing system is the process plan. Next, all the invariants and total number of possible elementary circuits are determined using the Integrated Net Analyzer (INA) software. Output from the INA software is exported to the Excel spreadsheet. The Excel spreadsheet can be designed to calculate the total number of tokens, processing time, cycle time, etc. of each elementary circuit. Subsequently, the constraints used in Lingo will be created according to critical circuit rules. Finally, linear programming (LP) technique is used to optimize the WIP and tool inventory. Lingo software is used for the LP, the constraints from the Excel sheet will be the input data to the Lingo program, and based on those constraints the Lingo will provide the optimal values for the desired parameters. The output from Lingo will be used to recalculate the cycle time of each elementary circuit in the Excel sheet. The system is then analyzed before and after the implementation of the CPN model.FindingsA new CPN model based on tool‐sharing philosophy for an FMS with N part types and M stations is proposed.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new CPN‐based approach to the design and development of a tool sharing control system, that is, intended to help use of the proper and minimal number of tools for a manufacturing system. The new CPN model also allows to find the optimal sequence. The idea is new and pure and has not been presented before using the methodology adopted in this paper.
Optimal sensor placement for fixture fault diagnosis using Bayesian network
Authors: Liu Yinhua , Jin Sun , Lin Zhongqin , Zheng Cheng , Yu Kuigang 
Published: April 2011

PurposeFixture failures are the main cause of the dimensional variation in the assembly process. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the optimal sensor placement of compliant sheet metal parts for the fixture fault diagnosis.Design/methodology/approachBased on the initial sensor locations and measurement data in launch time of the assembly process, the Bayesian network approach for fixture fault diagnosis is proposed to construct the diagnostic model. Furthermore, given the desired number of sensors, the diagnostic ability of the sensor set is evaluated based on the mutual information of the nodes. Thereby, a new sensor placement method is put forward and validated with a real automotive sheet metal part.FindingsThe new proposed method can be used to perform the fixture fault diagnosis and sensor placement optimization effectively, especially in a data‐rich environment. And it is robust in the presence of measurement noise.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel approach for fixture fault diagnosis and optimal sensor placement in the assembly process.
RFID adoption: a systems thinking perspective through profitability engagement
Authors: Zare Mehrjerdi Yahia 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to deliver a review of the researches conducted on the topic of radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption and the key factors that play a big role in its adoption and second, to develop a systems thinking perspective of RFID adoption through its profitability power generation and engagement. The author illustrates the concepts drawing on the experience of five case studies already presented in the literature, all the way from service industries to highly developed technological industries. Thereafter, a list of key variables from proposed case studies are identified. Then, a causal diagram relating identified variables in some circulars is constructed and modeled.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies key elements of RFID through the review of six case studies. It obtains appropriate data from second sources, for some of these case studies, to make the analysis possible.FindingsTo make management systems functional and successfully operational RFID solutions can be used to reduce operating costs through decreasing the labor costs, including automation, improving tracing and tracking, and preventing the lost of materials under any circumstances. RFID is an appropriate technology for profit generation, efficiency improvement, and productivity enhancement.Originality/valueThe emphasis is put on delivering business values through effective variables and from there RFID can be related to profitability using systems thinking concepts. Since, to the best of this author's knowledge, this is the first paper that relates RFID technology to profitability using systems thinking concepts, it makes a significant contribution to the RFID literature.
Enhancing relationship value between manufacturers and distributors through personal interaction
Authors: Nguyen Tho D. , Nguyen Trang T.M. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeRealizing the importance of personal interaction in business relationships between manufacturers and distributors, this study aims to explore the role of personal interaction in relationship value, and subsequently in distributor performance, in a transition market, Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 472 distributors in the south of Vietnam was surveyed to test the theoretical model. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.FindingsIt was found that personal interaction drives product support, information support, and delivery performance perceived by distributors. In addition, product support, information support, and delivery performance are key factors that nurture the value of relationships between manufacturers and distributors. Finally, relationship value is a determinant of distributor performance.Research limitations/implicationsA key limitation of this study is the heavy reliance on the hypothetico‐deductive approach. Business relationships of firms in transitional economies, due to differences in cultures and economies, might exhibit some differences in value drivers. An inductive approach may be a suitable alternative method to explore relationship value and its determinants in transition economies like Vietnam.Practical implicationsThe results of this study suggest that manufacturers should invest more time and efforts in personal interaction with their key distributors to enhance the value of their relationships with those distributors.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind in Vietnam, which explores the role of personal interaction in relationship value in Vietnam.
A 2009 perspective of HR practices in Australian mining
Authors: Dickie Carolyn , Dwyer Joe 
Published: April 2011

PurposeMining organisations operate with a finite resource, often in remote locations, require specialised skills, with high capital intensity and are subject to political, social and environmental global issues. Mining is among the most technologically advanced of all heavy industries but it relies on both employees and contractors for operational success. The aim of this paper is to focus on the human resource (HR) challenges facing the West Australian mining industry.Design/methodology/approachThis is a discussion paper, detailing the challenges that the HR function in the West Australian mining industry has faced in the recent past and is facing in the years ahead.FindingsThe resource sector of the economy in 2009 had been hit hard with plunging commodity prices and falling demand and most HR challenges identified in earlier years as being relevant during boom years became even more critical. The key HR challenges facing the West Australian mining industry for the next few years are considered to be: replacing retirees; the retention of key talent; growing the talent pool training and development; and keeping staff motivated.Originality/valueThe paper presents HR strategies to tackle the challenges that the mining industry faces in West Australia.
Fostering post‐conventional consciousness in leaders: why and how?
Authors: Baron Charles , Cayer Mario 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify why and how leadership development programs should be used to foster post‐conventional consciousness in their participants.Design/methodology/approachStarting from the observation that current and future organizational challenges may be met with particular efficacy by leaders who operate in the post‐conventional stages of consciousness, this paper offers a comprehensive review of the work on consciousness development, the process by which it occurs, the distinctive abilities of leaders who have reached post‐conventional stages of consciousness and, finally, two practices which favour the emergence of these stages, namely mindfulness meditation and Bohm dialogue.FindingsThe paper shows how these two practices – little‐used in the management field – make it possible to reconcile the two main approaches to consciousness development: the recognition of one's cognitive, affective and operative patterns and their suspension in favour of a more direct contact with reality, in the here and now.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights guiding principles for integrating such practices into leadership and management development programs.Originality/valueAlthough the value of post‐conventional stages of consciousness in management and leadership roles is the subject of increasing discussion, to the authors' knowledge no work has yet thoroughly examined practices that foster post‐conventional development per se.
Modeling managerial promotion decisions using Bayesian networks: an exploratory study
Authors: Lockamy Archie , Service Robert W. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeA review of the academic literature on managerial promotions reveals that there has been a limited number of studies conducted on this subject. This study aims to identify key determinants used by managers in making managerial promotion decisions via Bayesian networks. It also seeks to explore the effects these determinants have on managerial promotion outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers surveyed MBA students with significant work experience to assess the effect levels for 13 managerial promotion factors derived from a research study by Service and Lockamy. The participants were asked to assign a percentage effect level to these factors. Factor analysis was used to determine the most influential factors, and Bayesian networks were constructed to determine the probability of receiving a promotion based on these factors.FindingsThe results indicate that there are five key determinants which have the most influence on managerial promotions. They also indicate that managerial promotion outcomes were not significantly influenced by either the promoting manager's years of work experience, or the number of promotions witnessed.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on managerial and professional career advancement research, managerial promotion processes, and personnel development.