bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic alliance of small firms in knowledge industries
Authors: Chung Q.B. , Luo Wenhong , Wagner William P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo propose a framework with which to study the efficacy of strategic alliances of small firms in knowledge industries, with an emphasis on research design to examine the issues surrounding the phenomena.Design/methodology/approachA framework is developed that consists of four constructs, namely conditions, roles and contributions, learning, and efficacy. Details of the constructs are explained.FindingsManagement consulting industry proves to be a fertile research ground to study strategic alliances with regard to firm size. Through an illustration, it is shown that the proposed framework can be put into practice to investigate relevant research questions.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework has limited generalizability to situations where the clients of the knowledge‐intensive service are not clearly defined up front.Practical implicationsKnowledge industries will benefit from developing taxonomy of expertise. Client firms may benefit from encouraging small firm to form strategic alliances.Originality/valueThe contribution is threefold; identification of the interplay of firm size and the practice of alliance formation in knowledge industries as a viable research topic; a framework with which to examine the efficacy of strategic alliances of small firms in knowledge industries; and proposing to expand the knowledge management research beyond intra‐firm learning.
Six sigma for service processes
Authors: Antony Jiju 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper attempts to demonstrate the power of six sigma, a disciplined approach to improving product, process or service quality, in the service industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the basic features that characterize six sigma followed by a simple methodology for six sigma applied to service operations. The paper also illustrates a set of tools and techniques used within six sigma for service process performance improvement. Key success factors for the implementation of six sigma in service organisations and the factors for selection of winning projects are also addressed.FindingsThe paper draws the point that six sigma is not same as other quality initiatives such as TQM due to various misconceptions among many quality practitioners with these two philosophies. There are also limitations of six sigma and these are outlined and discussed.Originality/valueAlthough six sigma has been successfully implemented in many manufacturing industries, its application in the service sector is still comparatively limited due to various constraints. This paper presents the potential areas where six sigma could be exploited in service functions.
Potential pitfalls of process modeling: part A
Authors: Rosemann Michael 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper summarizes typical pitfalls as they can be observed in larger process modeling projects.Design/methodology/approachThe identified pitfalls have been derived from a series of focus groups and semi‐structured interviews with business process analysts and managers of process management and modeling projects.FindingsThe paper provides a list of typical characteristics of unsuccessful process modeling. It covers six pitfalls related to strategy and governance (1‐3) and the involved stakeholders (4‐6). Further issues related to tools and related requirements (7‐10), the practice of modeling (11‐16), the way we design to‐be models (17‐19), and how we deal with success of modeling and maintenance issues (19‐21) will be discussed in the second part of this paper.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is a personal viewpoint, and does not report on the outcomes of a structured qualitative research project.Practical implicationsThe provided list of total 22 pitfalls increases the awareness for the main challenges related to process modeling and helps to identify common mistakes.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the very few contributions in the area of challenges related to process modeling.
An international comparison of operator‐driven business models
Authors: Kallio Jukka , Tinnilä Markku , Tseng Anne 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to understand the success factors of mobile operators.Design/methodology/approachExplores the business practices of leading carriers in Japan, South Korea, China, Europe and the USA.FindingsThe paper finds several common characteristics in the more successful markets including a handset design and quality of service that are aligned with the operators' service concepts, effective billing systems, reasonable prices, and targeted marketing strategies. While these internal factors can be easily copied by a mobile operator, it is found that there are additional, external factors such as the existing customer base and its preferences, government policy, technological constraints and value chain dynamics that can greatly affect the transferability of a mobile operator's business model to another market.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings present opportunities for further research including the possibility of developing a new theory into which factors are more difficult to transfer and why.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this paper are that operators who wish to pursue profitable business models need to take into account the factors of a successful business model and which ones are easily transferable in their respective markets and which ones are not.Originality/valueThe paper is unique in that we compare the business models of mobile operators across five different countries.
A collaborative supply chain management framework
Authors: Mohamed Udin Zulkifli , Khan Mohammad K. , Zairi Mohamed 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper presents issues associated with the needs of collaborative supply chain management (CSCM) and proposes a planning stage of a CSCM framework.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed planning stage of a CSCM framework incorporates issues of organisation profile, internal functional strategy and supplier‐customer strategy. The gauging absence of prerequisites (GAP) analysis technique which embedded in the knowledge‐based system is proposed in the planning stage to analyse the gap between the current and the desirable position (benchmark) for an effective implementation in organisation.FindingsThe planning stage framework provides information specifically for designing a CSCM by focusing on the organisation capability and business processes and discussed the important issues in planning a CSCM for business organisations, specifically for a manufacturing environment.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research could be carried out to capitalise the framework for improving the CSCM.Practical implicationsThe proposed planning stage of a CSCM framework enables the chain members to identify key factors or issues for CSCM development.Originality/valueThe new aspects of the proposed CSCM are firstly, the proposed planning stage model is supported by a KBS approach. Secondly, the use of GAP analysis technique and finally, the planning stage framework provides information and issues for the design stage of CSCM framework.
The new library user in Sweden
Authors: Kyrillidou Martha , Persson Ann‐Christin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine how the library user emerges in the context of the LibQUAL+™ application in Sweden in 2004.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the following aspects: how the information control dimension is depicted in the results of the Swedish participants; how the information control dimension compares between the Swedish implementation and other libraries; the ”new user” as he emerges from the comments that support the notion of the self‐sufficient, independent, and autonomous information seeker at Lund University; and the new users as reflected in the linguistic translation issues of the LibQUAL+™ survey instrument in Swedish.FindingsLibrary users in Sweden have indicated that the information control dimension is an important one to them and this is the one dimension where libraries are not faring well. This finding is replicated in other non‐Swedish libraries. In terms of the comments provided, 372 LibQUAL+™ comments (most of them in Swedish) were analyzed and they all show the importance of self‐sufficiency. Last, the LibQUAL+™ translation in Swedish revealed that the “new” library user wants a library survey that articulates library issues in a more modern language and not the traditional and more conservative Swedish diction – in other words, the expectation for modernization is also reflected in the actual phrases used in the survey instrument.Originality/valueContributes to the field of in‐depth cultural studies and qualitative analysis in the different contexts where the “new library” users are encountered, to understand both the similarities of the “new” users across contexts and the unique aspects and circumstances they face in the context of their traditional encounters with the library.
Cognitive map‐based web site design: empirical analysis approach
Authors: Chang Lee Kun , Chung Namho 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study proposes a new approach to an adaptive web site design using the cognitive map (CM).Design/methodology/approachThe responses from 134 questionnaires were used in order to compute the causality coefficients of the CM objectively. In addition, using the evaluations of 64 college students with regard to three typical web sites, reference criteria were built that could be used by web site designers to determine the best web site design, given constraints and requirements. On the basis of the CM and two scenarios, a web site design simulation was performed.FindingsThe results showed that the proposed approach could be used effectively to analyze web site design in an adaptive and practical manner when the market situation is constantly changing.Originality/valueThe implications of this article will help decision makers predict the chain of effects that could result from changes in part of the web site design factors, before actually making those changes to a web site. Also, since the CM permits all related web site design factors to be viewed in a single interrelated diagram and organized into an adjacency matrix, decision makers can perform a number of what‐if simulations in accordance with changes in the intended design factors to see whether such changes would lead to maximal objectives (or target nodes).
Design and implementation of an online information literacy module
Authors: Mutula Stephen , Kalusopa Trywell , Moahi Kgomotso , Wamukoya Justus 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first‐year students at the University of Botswana.Design/methodology/approachThe study population consisted of 103 first‐year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two‐hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer.FindingsFindings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students' competencies perhaps more than the face‐to‐face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other's work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross‐disciplinary perspective.Practical implicationsThe major outcome of the study is a re‐usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses.Originality/valueInformation literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of e‐learning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002.
Evaluating authoritative sources using social networks: an insight from Wikipedia
Authors: Korfiatis Nikolaos Th. , Poulos Marios , Bokos George 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an approach to evaluating contributions in collaborative authoring environments, and in particular, Wikis using social network measures.Design/methodology/approachA social network model for Wikipedia has been constructed, and metrics of importance such as centrality have been defined. Data has been gathered from articles belonging to the same topic using a web crawler, in order to evaluate the outcome of the social network measures in the articles.FindingsFinds that the question of the reliability regarding Wikipedia content is a challenging one and as Wikipedia grows, the problem becomes more demanding, especially for topics with controversial views such as politics or history.Practical implicationsIt is believed that the approach presented here could be used to improve the authoritativeness of content found in Wikipedia and similar sources.Originality/valueThis work tries to develop a network approach to the evaluation of Wiki contributions, and approaches the problem of quality Wikipedia content from a social network point of view.
Measuring and analysing intellectual assets: an integrative approach
Authors: Litschka Michael , Markom Andreas , Schunder Susanne 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative assessment model for intellectual capital in companies.Design/methodology/approachA brief historical review of former approaches to evaluate intellectual capital construction of a new formula for an intellectual capital value. A possible empirical survey of influence factors on intellectual capital is suggested. Both, taken together, are the grounding of an integrative management model for intellectual capital still to be developed.FindingsShows that a quantitative figure for intellectual capital can be found and that such a figure is needed to convince managers and the public of the usefulness of activities to promote intellectual (and especially human) capital.Research limitations/implicationsA quantitative measure can never picture the complete interrelations of organizational development, influence factors on intellectual capital, and performance of employees. The formula can only be a starting‐point for management and further research. Possible management tools are only touched on briefly.Practical implicationsGives the manager a tool to argue his decisions regarding the promotion of human and intellectual capital. Managers talk about figures and often dislike purely philosophical arguments. Their awareness of the topic can be raised.Originality/valueEven though there is a growing scientific body of quantitative models for measuring intellectual capital, this paper uses a new approach: the usage of approximation factors for motivation, commitment and job satisfaction in one formula.
A new framework to understand the technological innovation process
Authors: Narvekar Rajiv S. , Jain Karuna 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a conceptual framework to understand the complex technological innovation process from a cognitive perspective.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐disciplinary literature survey from multiple academic disciplines such as business management, philosophy, and psychology coupled with professional experience was employed to conceive the framework.FindingsThe framework can be a starting‐point for researchers to initiate research in the design of technological innovation systems, change management and organizational restructuring.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this paper is that the framework has been qualitatively validated in two publicly held R&D intensive organizations in India.Practical implicationsSenior managers from industry can initiate competence building using the managerial concepts employed in the framework. By leveraging the intellectual capital of the organization, intellectual property, including new products and processes, can be developed, which in turn improves business performance.Originality/valueThis paper introduced a framework to describe the innovation process. Two new constructs are introduced to account for the complexity and the uncertainty in the innovation process.
Evidence of systematic approaches to innovation in facilities management
Authors: Cardellino Paula , Finch Edward 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the nature of “service innovation” in the facilities management (FM) context. It reviews recent thinking on “service innovation” as distinct from “product innovation”. Applying these contemporary perspectives it describes UK case studies of 11 innovations in different FM organisations. These include both in‐house client‐based innovations and third‐party innovations.Design/methodology/approachThe study described in the paper encompasses 11 different innovations that constitute a mix of process, product and practice innovations. All of the innovations stem from UK‐based organisations that were subject to in‐depth interviews regarding the identification, screening, commitment of resources and implementation of the selected innovations.FindingsThe research suggested that service innovation is highly active in the UK FM sector. However, the process of innovation rarely followed a common formalized path. Generally, the innovations were one‐shot commitments at the early stage. None of the innovations studied failed to proceed to full adoption stage. This was either due to the reluctance of participating organisations to volunteer “tested but unsuccessful” innovations or the absence of any trial methods that might have exposed an innovations shortcomings.Research limitations/implicationsThe selection of innovations was restricted to the UK context. Moreover, the choice of innovations was partly determined by the innovating organisation. This selection process appeared to emphasise “one‐shot” high profile technological innovations, typically associated with software. This may have been at the expense of less resource intensive, bottom‐up innovations.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests that there is a role for “research and innovation” teams within larger FM organisations, whether they are client‐based or third‐party. Central to this philosophy is an approach that is open to the possibility of failure. The innovations studied were risk averse with a firm commitment to proceed at the early stage.Originality/valueThis paper introduces new thinking on the subject of “service innovation” to the context of FM. It presents research and development as a planned solution to innovation. This approach will enable service organisations to fully test and exploit service innovations.
Using research to inform design solutions
Authors: Martin Caren S. , Guerin Denise A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide information for facility managers, building owners, and designers to increase their knowledge of research vocabulary and methods. Using evidence‐based design criteria to add value to the workplace via facility management and design, and determine how to apply evidence‐based design criteria using the searchable database of InformeDesign® are presented and discussed.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive paper developed from literature related to research strategies and referenced sources about using research in the design process.FindingsThe paper provides a brief tutorial on research strategies for those readers who do not have a background in research strategies. Additionally, research summaries (RS) from InformeDesign are used to show how research can be integrated into the design process.Research limitations/implicationsThe information contained in this paper is an overview of research processes and uses only one source for readers to access research articles.Practical implicationsResearch findings are available from InformeDesign, an innovative web site that provides design and human behavior research transformed into RS from hundreds of research sources. At this time, there are over 1,300 RS in the searchable database; all are written in user‐friendly language.Originality/valueIncreased knowledge of basic research principles and analysis of research findings can enhance facility managers' understanding and evaluation and design consultants' creation of evidence‐based design solutions. Understanding the benefits of incorporating research into the decision‐making process is an additional outcome of this action.
Maintaining industrial water supplies in Jordan
Authors: Pitt Michael , Alkhaddar Rafid M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide background and insight into the maintenance of water supplies to Jordan including policy initiatives and solutions.Design/methodology/approachA case study style examination of recent articles and policy initiatives which provide a practical oversight of the real issues that impact upon Jordanian industry enabling the reader to grasp the significance of the water issue in the country.FindingsProvides information on a variety of solutions to the water problem in Jordan. This paper concludes that water transfer via pipeline is the best solution but does not reach conclusions on the best route.Research limitations/implicationsNot an exhaustive examination and does not reach conclusions concerning an optimum pipeline route.Practical implicationsA useful overview for potential investors and/or facilities managers in the region. Useful as an examination of an extreme regional problem for both academics and practitioners.Originality/valueProvides information on a region where economic growth is anticipated. Supplies information on water resource problems for industry.