bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring how garment firms choose international sourcing‐ and sales‐country markets
Authors: Swoboda Bernhard , Foscht Thomas , Maloles Cesar , Schramm‐Klein Hanna 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how firms that do both sourcing and selling choose which countries to source from and to which countries to sell. It also looked at the role of competitive strategy, vertical integration, and foreign involvement in the decision‐making.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument that was designed based on personal interviews with 20 German garment industry executives was administered to 750 German, Austrian and Swiss garment manufacturers. In total, 93 questionnaires were usable. Factor analysis was employed in evaluating the data.FindingsThe results indicate that firms that both source and sell at the same time have more complex decision making than normative models suggest. These decisions tend not to be isolated decisions. The factors that are considered in sourcing are different in the decision as to where to sell. Foreign involvement, competitive strategy, and vertical integration influence the firms' decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is exploratory in nature and it is limited in its application. Moreover, the disproportionately large number of German respondents may skew the results. In addition, the total number of respondents is relatively small. The study may also suffer from any or all of the following deficiencies: lack of reliability and validity test, having only one executive per firm respond to the survey, not considering country‐specific characteristics, and lack of control for the market‐entry strategy and market size variables.Originality/valueMost research in this area focuses on either the sourcing or the selling side. This study looks at how sourcing and selling decisions are made by firms engaged in both activities. Additionally, the roles of competitive strategy, vertical integration, and foreign involvement in relation to the decision making are investigated.
An investigation on the cost implications of methodology of sub‐contract work pricing
Authors: Dow Ian , Sertyesilisik Begum , Ross Andrew David 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify how much particular variables influence the cost differences between order values and final accounts for certain trade subcontractors.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of a literature survey and a case study. A sample of 33 projects, undertaken by a contracting organisation, are analysed as a basis for testing their significance.FindingsFor highly asset specific transactions the research suggests that the level of variables which can affect their performance is greatest, suggesting integration within the contracting firm to mitigate the threat of opportunistic behaviour. Procurement route utilised on a project was strongly linked to outturn cost performance, as is inclusion in the tender bid, suggesting earlier subcontractor involvement through design and build and partnering arrangements is significantly better at managing subcontractor cost performance than traditional routes.Originality/valueThe market volatility of the construction industry has meant the procurement of subcontractors has long been established as an important part of the project coalition. Transaction cost economic theory has recently become popular within the construction research industry. Much of this research has examined the vertical boundaries to which a construction firm is subjected when considering integration of trades or continued use of subcontractors. Empirical data on the cost performance of subcontractors within a project environment are not widely available. For this reason, this research aids practitioners and researchers by identifying why particular variables influence the cost differences between order values and final accounts for certain trade subcontractors.
SWOT analysis of domestic private enterprises in developing infrastructure projects in China
Authors: Ke Yongjian , Zhao Xinbo , Wang Yingying , Wang ShouQing 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help domestic private enterprises (DPEs) identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) in developing infrastructure projects in China.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on extensive literature reviews coupled with brainstorming and interviews methodologies to compile a list of SWOT factors for DPEs in developing infrastructures. To validate the significance of the identified SWOT list, a questionnaire survey is thus carried out.FindingsThe paper identifies 16 strengths, 15 weaknesses, 16 opportunities, and 21 threats for DPEs in developing infrastructure projects in China. The opinions of respondents from different sectors are sought and evaluated to obtain the relative significance of these factors. A set of major SWOT hypotheses is then derived using factor analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to identifying SWOT factors in common, therefore the next step should be proposing an adjustment framework to support decision marking.Practical implicationsThese findings should provide a valuable reference not only for DPEs but also for foreign investors who are planning to invest in infrastructure projects in China.Originality/valueThe investors in both rounds of infrastructure investments in China in the last two decades have limitations. Foreign investors acting as the major player in the first round usually charge higher and prefer operating projects in more developed regions, while state‐owned enterprises as the principal player in the second round are inefficient in the operation and management, which largely restrained the advantages of public‐private partnership model. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the potential of DPEs, another potential major player in developing infrastructure projects. To this end, this paper provides valuable information through a comprehensive SWOT analysis to the DPEs.
Harmonisation of knowledge management – comparing 160 KM frameworks around the globe
Authors: Heisig Peter 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at how knowledge management (KM) has entered into a new phase where consolidation and harmonisation of concepts is required. Some first standards have been published in Europe and Australia in order to foster a common understanding of terms and concepts. The aim of this study was to analyse KM frameworks from research and practice regarding their model elements and try to discover differences and correspondences.Design/methodology/approachA total of 160 KM frameworks from science, practice, associations and standardization bodies have been collected worldwide. These frameworks have been analysed regarding the use and understanding of the term knowledge, the terms used to describe the knowledge process activities and the factors influencing the success of knowledge management. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods have been applied.FindingsThe result shows that despite the wide range of terms used in the KM frameworks an underlying consensus was detected regarding the basic categories used to describe the knowledge management activities and the critical success factors of KM. Nevertheless regarding the core term knowledge there is still a need to develop an improved understanding in research and practice.Originality/valueThe first quantitative and qualitative analysis of 160 KM frameworks from different origin worldwide.
The dark side of successful knowledge management initiatives
Authors: Chua Alton Y.K. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to cast the spotlight on a class of KM initiatives whose very success has ironically bred negative consequences not usually detected in the short‐term or on the surface.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory approach was adopted in this paper since there is a lack of prior research in this area. Data was collected primarily through face‐to‐face interviews with personnel using purposive sampling. In addition to the interviews, archival data in the form of annual reports, web sites, in‐house publications and e‐mail correspondences were collected.FindingsA typological framework which identifies four archetypes of KM initiatives, their success and dark side is developed. In particular, the dark sides include competency trap hyperbolic discounting dogmatism and social alienation and opportunistic behaviors and ethically‐questionable practices.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the exploratory nature of this study and the limited cases involved, the findings may likely be influenced by the peculiarities of the case, including the nature of the organizations, the state of the KM initiatives and the sentiments of the stakeholders at the point of data collection.Practical implicationsThe message of this paper for practitioners is not to be easily contented with the early and outward form of success, but be cognizant and pre‐empt the dysfunctional outcomes as the KM initiative progresses.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the earliest efforts to examine the dark side of successful KM initiatives, a subtle KM implementation issue that receives little attention from practitioner and scholars alike.
Knowledge criteria for organization design
Authors: Mahesh Kavi , Suresh J.K. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual and practical basis for developing new organization structures by augmenting the old through virtual knowledge based structures. While organization structure has a major impact on knowledge exchange, its design nevertheless continues to be governed by criteria that are often in conflict with the needs of knowledge management. In an era where knowledge is increasingly acknowledged to be a central factor of production in the modern enterprise, the resulting deficiencies in the design often lead to sub‐optimal capability for organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachBorrowing from Drucker's elucidation of the characteristics and determinants of a successful organization in the new economy, the consequences of the transition from an economy of goods to that of knowledge are analyzed briefly in the background of KM. The study highlights an enduring deficiency in present day organizations, wherein structure is relatively uninfluenced by knowledge considerations even as organizational functions have come to depend more on knowledge exchange. A design approach that addresses this lacuna is elaborated and illustrated through a case study.FindingsThis paper explores knowledge criteria for designing organization structure, proposes a hybrid solution with knowledge units (KUs) superimposed on a conventional structure and illustrates its practical application in developing KUs to create sustainable drivers for organizational value, performance and growth.Originality/valueProvides knowledge criteria for the design of organization structure to aid organizational growth, responsiveness and performance. For theorists, provides a conceptual base for efficient organizational design; for practitioners in the areas of planning, knowledge management and organizational effectiveness, provides design criteria for optimal performance.
Research on knowledge transfer in organizations: a morphology
Authors: Ajith Kumar J. , Ganesh L.S. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and describe a morphology of the research literature on knowledge transfer in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis morphology, which is a comprehensive framework characterizing the knowledge transfer literature in terms of dimensions and options, was developed by an extensive scanning of the pertinent literature.FindingsEight dimensions were found suitable to characterize the knowledge transfer research literature. Corresponding to each dimension, two to six options were found.Research limitations/implicationsThe morphology demonstrates the extensiveness and variety of knowledge transfer research. To academics, the morphology can serve as a map of the knowledge transfer territory. Using the morphology, researchers can easily assess how an existing study fits in with the entire body of knowledge transfer research. Secondly, they can discern areas that have received less attention in comparison to others and thus identify gaps they may wish to address in a new study. KM practitioners can use the morphology to assess their knowledge transfer strategies in terms of the dimensions it currently has/lacks, and take appropriate decisions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, a morphological approach has not been attempted so far to characterize KM research literature. The approach used can be applied to other areas of management as well, for similar purposes.
The use of knowledge management by German innovators
Authors: Cantner Uwe , Joel Kristin , Schmidt Tobias 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to uncover factors that influence a firm's decision to implement knowledge management practices. The focus is on knowledge management practices implemented to increase collaboration on innovation activities between actors within a firm.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical analysis (probit estimations) of survey data on over 1,500 innovative German firms from the Mannheim Innovation Panel of 2003.FindingsThe paper finds that an innovation strategy targeted at consumers and continuous R&D activities are positively related to knowledge management usage by innovative German firms. In addition, more general characteristics like the size and the industry of a firm also influence the decision to use knowledge management.Research limitations/implicationsGiven data restrictions the paper only analyses the collaborative aspects of knowledge management in firms. Future research should also take into account knowledge transfer, creativity, storage efforts in firms and IT related aspects of knowledge management and investigate the determinants of and complementarities between all of these different techniques. The paper is limited in both the time period it analyses and regional scope. Further research is necessary to investigate whether the results also hold for other countries and other periods.Originality/valueThe analysis in this paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating the determinants of firms' decisions to engage in knowledge management activities using a large‐scale survey of firms from a variety of different industries. The data used grant a unique insight into the innovation activities of firms and knowledge management approaches connected to these activities.
Foresight for smart globalization
Authors: Jhirad David , Juech Claudia , Michelson Evan S. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the concept of smart globalization and identify links with the Rockefeller Foundation's philanthropic activities in a number of areas, including health, climate change, urbanization, economic insecurities, and basic survival needs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses how a new conceptualization of globalization intersects with the field of foresight by describing the Rockefeller Foundation's approach to addressing complex issues of human development.FindingsA forward looking research component is a valuable organizational structure that can add value by tracking and monitoring current and emerging trends relevant to the Foundation's strategic framework, operational initiatives, and areas of work.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests a closer interaction of foresight and development experts and practitioners by suggesting that individuals in both disciplines need to work more closely together to coherently address the multitude, interlocking global challenges of the 21st century.Originality/valueThe paper introduces the notion of “smart globalization” to the foresight community and details how this mindset has influenced and directed the ongoing work of the Rockefeller Foundation.
Conclusion: “Foresight for smart globalization” synthesis statement and recommendations
Authors: Bezold Clement , Juech Claudia , Michelson Evan S. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conclude the special issue on the topic of pro‐poor foresight.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a draft synthesis statement and selected recommendations to emerge from the “Foresight for smart globalization” workshop.FindingsThere is a need for change at all levels of governance to address the challenges of global poverty, and efforts are needed to foster and improve national foresight capacities.Originality/valueAdding poverty as an explicit dimension of existing and future foresight activities is a key component of fostering pro‐poor decision making.
The application situation and determinants of postponement
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ying , Li Shyh‐Jane 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe concept of postponement has been developed over many years. Past empirical research has been conducted almost entirely in Western countries. This paper aims to investigate the current status of postponement applications in Greater China (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) to ascertain the effects of some determinants (i.e. environmental uncertainty, production techniques, and information system (IS) maturity) on postponement application.Design/methodology/approachA field survey of big manufacturers of electronic/information technology, clothing, and electric appliances is conducted. A total of 106 usable responses are received from 411 surveys yielding a satisfactory response rate of 25.8 percent.FindingsThe result indicates that the number of applications of postponement in Greater China is growing and the incidence of postponement applications is higher than in the Western countries. Environmental uncertainty, production techniques, and ISs maturity have have positive effects on applications of postponement techniques. Some specific postponement strategies for the three industries studied are noted.Originality/valueFrom an exploratory perspective, the findings present in this paper may be useful in the sense that they give a broad and general picture of the current situation of the use of postponement in certain industries in Greater China.
Information sharing versus order aggregation strategies in supply chains
Authors: Schmidt Roman 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how differently aggregated order data may affect inventories and service levels in a serial supply chain and compares the results against various levels of information sharing. By performing sensitivity analysis, critical parameters are identified and conjectures for explaining the divergent results on the value of information sharing in prior literature are given.Design/methodology/approachBy using discrete event simulation, the paper analyses various approaches of differently aggregated order data compared to shared demand information.FindingsThe experiments show that suppliers cannot accurately estimate demand means and variances because of time‐depending order quantities and biasing effects of order inter‐arrival times. This may lead to inappropriate computations of reorder points and safety stocks. The aggregation of order data can improve the calculations resulting in lower inventories with almost identical service levels. The mean inventory can also be reduced by sharing information but may lead to considerably lower service levels.Research limitations/implicationsAs discovered in this paper, simplifications in the supply chain structure may have large effects on the experimental results. Therefore, the value of information sharing and order aggregation strategies should be analyzed in a more complex supply chain network.Practical implicationsSome ordering mechanisms have the effect of increasing the demand variance for upstream companies. This amplification may lead to inefficiencies throughout the entire supply chain. The paper proposes solutions to managers on how they can benefit from order data aggregation and information sharing. The per period variances may be reduced leading to smaller safety stocks and lower costs for the entire supply chain.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the performance of a supply chain may be improved by aggregating order data and compares the results with improvements derived from information sharing strategies.
Enabling lean procurement: a consolidation model for small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Wilson Mark M.J. , Roy Ram N. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeGaining access to the cost savings and production efficiencies derived from lowering inventories in the supply chain is as vital for small‐to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) as they are for larger manufacturing firms. Lean procurement as a concept has been advanced as a method for achieving this. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a method of addressing some of the critical barriers to implementing lean procurement methodologies in an SME environment through the application of procurement consolidation techniques.Design/methodology/approachFirst the relevant theoretical and practitioner literature is reviewed, a theoretical consolidation model is developed, and a worked example is presented.FindingsThe barriers face by SMEs trying to implement a lean procurement philosophy are significant. Low volumes, small lot sizes and high frequency purchases incur significant additional distribution costs. The paper argues that the use of a double freight consolidation model (DFCM) is useful to SMEs for maximising the trade‐offs between volume and frequency in an international supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst this research suggests that SMEs can indeed use the DFCM for lean procurement, the next step is to apply the model in practice.Originality/valueThis paper synthesises consolidation modelling and lean procurement principles. This synthesis is further enhanced by applying a simulated example to the challenging SME environment. The application of the categorisation of both buyers and vendors to the consolidation model is novel.