bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Good and simple – a dilemma in analytical processes?
Authors: Jonny Klakegg Ole , Torp Olav , Austeng Kjell 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the transfer of experiences to improve the basis for overcoming the dilemma of trying to achieve analyses and systems that are both good and simple. The quality of decisions relating to projects depends on how well the assumed basis for the project actually fit the reality of the situation in which the consequences occur. Good value and cost estimations support good decisions about projects insofar as the assumptions on which they are based mirror the reality, and the decision makers can understand the analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a longitudinal case study and qualitative analysis. Data relating to a large number of cases have become available to the authors through many years of research and consulting activities. Through joint experience and discussion the patterns are analysed. This paper is descriptive with respect to the challenges and empirical examples. The analysis itself ends with a rather normative conclusion.FindingsThere is a dilemma embedded in the processes used to analyse uncertainty and risks associated with projects. On the one hand, an important task is to reduce the complexity of a given situation to render the issues sufficiently simple for them to be understood and assessed. On the other hand, the models and assumptions upon which an analysis is based have to be sufficiently precise and detailed in order to make sense. The same dilemma is found when considering actions to address risks and uncertainties, as well as in designing management systems. It is concluded that the dilemma is real. Solutions have to be found among both good and simple options.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not answer questions on “how to” and does not dig deep into theoretical perspectives on the current dilemma. More research to understand all aspects of the issue is needed.Practical implicationsUncertainty analysis and management systems have to be good (precise enough) and at the same time simple (practical). There is no value unless it is used. Practical examples in the paper are intended to help practitioners identify alternative options.Originality/valueThe dilemma of good and simple has not been explicitly addressed before in light of practical experience and theory. The value added is increased awareness of an important problem in analytical processes.
Flexibility in contract terms and contracting processes
Authors: Nystén‐Haarala Soili , Lee Nari , Lehto Jukka 
Published: June 2010

PurposeNew business models, such as life‐cycle contracting, challenge the narrow and static understanding of contracts with hard and precise terms. The aim of this paper is to examine how flexibility could be incorporated into contracting processes.Design/methodology/approachThe data of the paper have been gathered applying the triangular method; first, by interviewing key personnel participating in contracting at eight Finnish firms; second, examining contract and other documents of those companies; and third, studying earlier research on contracting practices. Theoretically, the paper is based on relational contract and proactive approaches to law on the one hand and on organizational studies based on new institutional economics on the other.FindingsFlexibility is often introduced to contracts with relational methods, relying on good personal relationships between business partners or negotiation power and negotiation skills. Contract documents often do not contain mechanisms for dealing with contingencies, or “soft” contract terms. The paper finds the following reasons that may explain this. First, firms heavily rely on model contracts to develop their own templates and the lack of contract models in new business areas hinders firms to develop their templates. Second, unfamiliarity with using soft elements makes it difficult to use them. Additionally, in some cases firms may prefer using relational capability.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings need verification from further multidisciplinary empirical research.Practical implicationsThe findings support firms in developing their contracting capabilities to meet the requirements of the changing business environment and gain competitive advantage from well‐organized contracting.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first empirical studies comprising also the legal approach.
Enhancing creative knowledge‐work: challenges and points of leverage
Authors: Björklund Tua A. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore critical success factors in knowledge‐intensive creative project work, using product development as an example field.Design/methodology/approachCritical‐incident based in‐depth interviews of 11 product development experts (chosen based on their recommendations and length of experience) were carried out. The results were categorized into thematic classes of critical factors.FindingsMost challenges are embedded in the context of the product development projects. Collaboration and cognitive‐motivational factors such as trust, attitude, and intrinsic motivation‐related issues formed the most common classes of discovered critical factors behind product development project success, along with the mediating categories of goal and autonomy‐related factors. Furthermore, product development specific skills or knowledge accounted only for a small minority of the identified factors.Practical implicationsThe most pressing learning objective becomes not updating product development knowledge, but that of increasing motivation, initiative, trust, and collaboration. As the discovered challenges are embedded in the context of work, addressing them ultimately requires project managers to master some of the personnel development aspects traditionally left for human resources management. Training efforts need to be tailored to the project context if they are to have a lasting impact on behavior.Originality/valueIn addition to providing further support for the importance of climate factors, this paper suggests that special attention should be directed towards goal setting and autonomy, as they play a significant role in many of the climate and cognitive‐motivational constructs increasing creativity.
Coping with an unexpected event
Authors: Tukiainen Sampo , Aaltonen Kirsi , Murtonen Mervi 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the sensemaking processes leading to project managers' responses to an unexpected event in an international project setting. High uncertainty and unexpected events are prevalent in international projects conducted in challenging and complex environments. The paper analyzes how an unexpected event and the ways to cope with it were made sense of by a Finnish and a Chinese project manager in a system supplier's delivery project in China.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds on a qualitative case study of the two project managers' sensemaking processes in the face of a single unexpected event. Narrative interviews were used as the method for data collection. The actantial framework by Greimas was used in analyzing the interview narratives.FindingsThe paper shows how the project managers' sensemaking processes, even within the same project management team, are highly subjective, leading to the coexistence of multiple, and highly divergent responses to the unexpected event. The paper also highlights how these sensemaking processes create the coexistence of multiple, divergent systems of project structures and boundaries for coping with the unexpected event.Originality/valueWhile the existing project management literature has distinguished various tactics used by project managers for responding to unexpected events, of lesser attention have been the actual sensemaking processes underlying and producing these responses. The paper especially stresses how the sensemaking processes between project managers coming from culturally different backgrounds can yield highly contrasting interpretations and responses to the same event.
Are Saudi banks productive and efficient?
Authors: Hanif Akhtar Mohammad 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate the data envelopment analysis (DEA) efficiency scores and Malmquist productivity indices of banks in Saudi Arabia, an economy that is heavily dependant on the hydrocarbon sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts the intermediation approach of banking services where financial institutions like banks are perceived to be manufacturing units, employing inputs such as interest and non‐interest expenses to produce outputs such as net interest and non‐interest incomes. The research methodology is comprised of the DEA and Malmquist productivity index (MPI) as a measure of change in total factor productivity, reflecting industry's performance over time.FindingsThe results on MPI reflect an improvement in average productivity of banks. However, the major increase in productivity gains emerged through technological change relative to the efficiency change. The banks across the Kingdom appear to have succeeded in catching up with the best practices, even though the average scores on technical efficiency (TE) stood beyond optimal levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe question, whether small banks are more productive and efficientvis‐à‐vislarge banks, remains unanswered. Likewise, to what extent the changes in oil prices and revenues affect the efficiency and productivity of banks, a second‐stage regression of efficiency on oil prices and revenues along with other variables would help in calculating the degree of impact. However, these are the agenda for subsequent research.Practical implicationsThe banks in Saudi Arabia need to rationalize their costs to line up across the efficiency frontiers.Originality/valueThe paper manages to explore the critical issues of TE and productivity changes across the banking sector in Saudi Arabia. It provides valuable insights to both the bank executives and public policy makers, who are seeking for improvements in efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness across the banking sector in the Kingdom.
Correlates of work‐family conflicts among managers in Egypt
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , El‐Kot Ghada 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe work‐family interface has received considerable attention during the past two decades but inconsistent findings have been reported. Reasons for this include the use of different work‐family conflict (WFC) measures, samples, outcomes, and countries and cultures. Carlsonet al.developed and provided an initial validation of a new comprehensive measure of bi‐directional WFC having three forms: time‐, strain‐, and behavior‐based conflict. The purpose of this paper is to replicate and extended their work employing a large sample of managers working in various organizations and industries in Egypt, a large Muslim country, and including additional correlates.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 242 respondents, 146 males and 96 females, using anonymously completed questionnaires, a 48 percent response rate. Measures included three forms of WFC, personal demographic and work situation characteristics, stable individual difference personality factors, job behaviors, work outcomes, after‐work recovery experiences, indicators of quality of life (e.g. WFC, life satisfaction) and psychological well‐being.FindingsThe three measures of WFC were acceptably reliable and inter‐correlated to the same extent as reported by Carlson and her colleagues in their US study. The mean values in the Egyptian sample were higher than those in the US study indicating more WFC, and the gender differences reported by Carlsonet al.were not found in the Egyptian sample. Both stable personality characteristics (e.g. need for achievement) and job demands (e.g. perceptions of work intensity) were positively associated with WFC. Use of recovery experiences after work had limited and mixed effects on levels of WFC. WFC generally had negative relationships with work outcomes and indicators of psychological well‐being.Research limitations/implicationsThe presence of country differences suggests the need for more cross‐cultural research involving participants in the same occupations.Practical implicationsResults suggest that both individual characteristics and job demands are associated with levels of WFC. Efforts to reduce levels of WFC need to address both.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the understanding of work experiences of managers in Egypt and replicates and extends earlier work.
Shariah parameters reconsidered
Authors: Azhar Rosly Saiful 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain three additional parameters, namelymaqasid al‐Shariah, financial reporting, and legal documentation of contract for determining Shariah legitimacy of financial instruments in Islamic financial institutions. Currently, contract ('aqd) is the only parameter recognized by Shariah scholars at the supervisory level.Design/methodology/approachThis analysis begins with examining the pitfalls of the contract approach and proceeds to present themaqasid, financial reporting and legal documentation approaches in ascertaining absolute Shariah compliant of financial products.FindingsThe paper argues that the four approaches must be applied in package in determining Shariah compliant status to avoid costly errors that might lead to litigations and loss of competitiveness in the Islamic financing business.Originality/valueThe paper provides new insights and integrated analysis of Shariah auditing where knowledge clusters concerning the Shariah, economics, finance and accountancy, and law are algamated to ascertain wholesome Shariah viewpoint.
Who needs gender research and what is its role in the twenty‐first century? A personal reflection
Authors: McGregor Judy 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the following questions: who needs gender? Can there possibly be any intelligence left to share? What is the role of gender researchers in 2010 and in the twenty‐first century?Design/methodology/approachThis reflective piece considers these issues against the author's own personal experience as Gender in Management's Regional Editor: Australasia, as the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner in the New Zealand, as an occasional gender researcher, and as a woman.FindingsGender in Management has, and continues to act, as a catalyst for authentic, lived collegiality among its networks.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into some of the big questions which spill out from commemorating 25 years of publication for Gender in Management, previously Women in Management Review.
Gender‐typicality of economic sectors and gender‐composition of working groups as moderating variables in leadership research
Authors: Wolfram Hans‐Joachim , Mohr Gisela 
Published: June 2010

PurposeMeta‐analytic evidence exists that the numerical dominance of one gender group among employees can affect the behaviour of female and male leaders. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesis that leaders will show more transformational behaviour when they hold a minority status. Transformational behaviour might help to mitigate discrepancies between male leaders' gender and the feminine context, as well as between female leaders' gender and the masculine leadership role.Design/methodology/approachN1=455 team members answered questionnaires about their work satisfaction and their team leaders' transformational leadership, whilst N2=142 team leaders answered questions regarding their teams' goal fulfillment.FindingsFemale and male leaders are rated more transformational in economic sectors and working groups where they hold a minority status. The paper finds a positive interrelation between transformational leadership and followers' work satisfaction for male leaders, but not for female leaders.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should compare female and male leaders from extremely gender‐typed economic sectors and from higher levels of the organisational hierarchy. This would provide evidence whether the findings could be generalised to other samples.Practical implicationsThe findings point to the potential advantage of being a high‐transformational male leader in female‐dominated contexts. Irrespective of the numerical dominance of one gender group, followers of low‐transformational female leaders are more satisfied than those of low‐transformational male leaders.Originality/valueThe paper uses sector‐level (gender‐typicality of economic sectors) as well as group‐level data (gender‐composition of working groups) to account for the numerical dominance of female and male employees.
Systems thinking in quality management
Authors: Conti Tito 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the ongoing developments of quality management systems theories and to summarize results of experiments that the author has been conducting since 2003 on convergence of quality thinking and systems thinking and the value generation process in the systems perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the ongoing developments of quality management systems theories and summarizes results of experiments on convergence of quality thinking and systems thinking and the value generation process in the systems perspective.FindingsThe first finding is the real incorporation of the modern systems view into quality management; the second is the key role of joint quality and systems thinking in value generation. Techniques and technology are absolutely necessary, but they will not produce the necessary changes. Among the competitive factors, they are no longer the most critical. The fragmented view of management is not just a quality management problem, but also a general management problem. At the roots of the problem of approach and tool fragmentation there is a strategic fragmentation, the lack of systemic perspective, silos‐type organizations, excessive specialization.Originality/valueThe paper consequently focuses on the value creation process and on how to revisit managing for quality in the systems perspective.
Process management as a lever for managing social problems
Authors: Steketee Erik F. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeIn The Netherlands it has become apparent that disruptive dysfunctional families do not receive the treatment and support they need. This has forced a breakthrough in critical social problems and creeping bureaucratic paralysis. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper illustrates how process management can be used successfully as a methodology to lever a social problem, namely with dysfunctional families with disruptive behaviour. In Amsterdam a revolutionary approach has been implemented in a pilot of five severely multi‐problem families.FindingsIt was found that the system of family care itself is responsible for dramatic family problems and low effectiveness of the programs. The pilot was evaluated and it was concluded that the model is successful. Families get a well‐managed and engaged supply of care, coaching and supervision. Waiting queues are by‐passed, evidence‐based family therapy is available, the process is consistent and binding to both parties involved.Social implicationsThe model is being implemented throughout the city since the (Board of) Mayor and Aldermen invited other boroughs to adopt this approach and improve cooperation in the care supply chain.Originality/valueThe case study suggests that process management can have a large beneficial impact on managing various current social problems.
The global theme park industry
Authors: Milman Ady 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the dimensions and practices that have shaped the present global theme park industry. The reader is first introduced to the characteristics of the global theme park industry. Following a historical review of the evolution of theme parks, the paper reports on the scope of the global theme park industry, according to major geographical regions. The overview continues with an explanation of how themes are created and communicated to guests and finally, addresses the impact of theme parks on the economic sustainability of destinations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview and historical examination of key concepts and phenomena. The paper is more descriptive than analytical.FindingsThe paper concludes that continuous growth of the global theme park industry will be influenced by the quality and amount of marketing and advertising campaigns, development of new products and guest experiences, as well as external variables that the parks have no control over like competitors' strategies, weather, economic conditions, gasoline prices, government regulations, and so on.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reports on several secondary research, scholarly as well as industry and government publications. Some of the original research quoted is conducted by the author.Practical implicationsThe theme park industry has generated a wide circle of social, economic, and political influences ranging from town planning, historic preservation, building architecture, shopping mall design, and landscaping. Its impact extends further to video and computer‐assisted education, home and office design, exhibit design, and crowd management.Originality/valueThe paper provides a general overview of the theme park and attraction industry.
New visitor attractions in Singapore and sustainable destination development
Authors: Henderson Joan C. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the characteristics of new style visitor attractions and their role in sustainable destination development with specific reference to two projects in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a case study approach and is based on the analysis of information in the public domain obtained from a variety of print and electronic media sources.FindingsLarge scale purpose built facilities are seen to typify the new style of visitor attraction preferred by some officials and investors. They have the potential to be successful and contribute to sustainable destination development, but there are also some limitations to consider.Originality/valueThe paper illuminates the destination development strategies favoured by authorities and the challenges confronting those responsible for opening and operating new attractions.