bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing sustainable development indicators: analysis for a case utility
Authors: Searcy Cory , Karapetrovic Stanislav , McCartney Daryl 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and analyze a case study on the design of a system of sustainable development indicators for an electric utility.Design/methodology/approachThe case study is based on collaboration with an electric utility and consultation with external experts. A six‐step process was used to create the indicators: conduct a needs assessment; conduct process planning; develop a draft set of indicators; test and adjust the indicators; implement the indicators; and review and improve the indicators.FindingsThe case study demonstrates how existing projects impact the process of developing indicators. It highlights that any system of indicators must be linked to the business planning process. It shows how this may be accomplished through a design based on a hierarchical approach that also illustrates linkages between the indicators and incorporates existing measures.Research limitations/implicationsThe first three steps of the indicator design process have been completed. Research on the remaining three steps is ongoing.Practical implicationsApplying the principles of sustainable development has become an essential part of doing business. This paper illustrates how sustainable development indicators may be developed and integrated with existing business infrastructure at an electric utility.Originality/valueEven in companies with strong corporate responsibility programs, a key challenge is to construct meaningful indicators that are integrated with mainstream business systems. Although it is recognized that each situation is unique, this paper provides insight into the development of indicators within existing corporate infrastructures.
Turning intentions into outcomes: a quick scorecard to guide implementation
Authors: Faull N. , Fleming P. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeCompanies often fail to take effective action even when they know what to do. Surprisingly, recent research shows that this situation is common. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to ask the question “How can we improve the track record of companies in achieving the outcomes targeted by manufacturing strategy?”Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on case study examples of successful change implementations from the Manufacturing Roundtable which identified implementation as a critical area of research concern.FindingsThe paper identifies eight principles of implementation success and summarises how organisations which successfully implement change comply with these principles.Practical implicationsStrategy execution is becoming much more of a concern than formulation. These examples from manufacturing provide guidance for improving implementation of performance improvements across organisational operations.Originality/valueThe paper provides a scorecard against which to assess your own implementation processes and summarises the practices of more successful implementers.
The development of a model to support synchronous change
Authors: Counsell Redvers , Tennant Charles , Neailey Kevin 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present an investigation of the problems concerned with delivering a variety of differing change programmes in a logically structured, repeatable and measurable manner.Design/methodology/approachCase studies were conducted on a selection of significantly different manufacturing facility programmes at GKN Aerospace where the output was a generic model more explicit and illustrative than previous approaches taken at the company.FindingsThis paper supports the idea that a strategic and tactical planning process with transferable, common key issues, can be managed in an environment of rapid change. Furthermore, discreet tailoring of the model enables differentiation of each programme type to support a standardized, repeatable and synchronous approach to change management.Practical implicationsThis was achieved through the compilation of a single change management process termed the “5 × 5 Model” incorporating a multi‐site working document containing quantifiable, value‐added activities.Originality/valueThe new model presented here has been developed from previous literature and tested in practice, but requires further application to validate its applicability in different industry sectors.
Total performance scorecard: the way to personal integrity and organizational effectiveness
Authors: Rampersad Hubert K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeA new blueprint for creating a learning organization is needed in which personal and organizational performance and learning mutually reinforce each other on a sustainable basis. Traditional business management concepts are insufficiently committed to learning and rarely take the specific personal ambitions of employees into account. In consequence there are many superficial improvements, marked by temporary and cosmetic changes, which are coupled with failing projects that lack sufficient buy‐in by personnel and, in some cases, even have an adverse effect. Sets out to examine this situation.Design/methodology/approachBuilding insight from experience.FindingsThis paper introduces a new business management concept, called total performance scorecard (TPS). It stresses the importance of and need for developing an organizational structure and philosophy that combine the goals and aspirations of the individual with those of the company. It is a melding process, which results in a corporate culture that is both individually and organizationally driven.Practical implicationsThe concepts embodied in this management concept provide solutions to preserving and utilizing individual rights and capabilities while adjusting the organizational structure and philosophy to this new environment. This has been done by expanding and integrating concepts such as the balanced scorecard, total quality management, performance management and competence management into one overall framework.Originality/valueThe resulting framework, TPS, creates a framework and philosophy that combine the goals and aspirations of the individual with those of the organisation. It is a melding process, which results in a corporate culture that is both individually and organizationally driven.
Operationalizing the strategic net benefit (SNB) of HR
Authors: Burke Lisa A. , Hsieh Chengho 
Published: January 2007

PurposeA pressing research question in human resources (HR) is how to determine the value HR adds to a firm. This article seeks to address this issueDesign/methodology/approachAs summarized here, benchmarking techniques, ROI tools, behavioral analyses and other types of quantitative efforts have attempted to provide answers, but such methods also have downsides. In the present paper, the long‐established finance concept of net present value (NPV) is applied in order to determine the value that HR activities provide to an organization's business strategy.FindingsA specific example is used to illustrate how NPV can be used to value the HR activities in a firm pursuing an innovation business strategy. An explanation is also given of how NPV can be used in making decisions related to HR outsourcing.Practical implicationsNPV is used to operationalize the strategic net benefit (SNB) of HR's costs and contributions to a firm's business strategy.Originality/valueThe long‐established finance concept of net present value (NPV) is applied in order to determine the value that HR activities provide to an organization's business strategy.
Accountability in local government: a principal‐agent perspective
Authors: Nyman Caroline , Nilsson Fredrik , Rapp Birger 
Published: January 2007

PurposeIn Sweden there is an ongoing debate on ways to enhance accountability and transparency in order to avoid future scandals both in private companies and local government. Until now the debate has had clear political overtones, and there are no generally accepted methods for analysis of this issue. The purpose of the article is to survey and analyze the chain of accountability to be reviewed by the auditors and through the use of principal‐agent (PA) theory to identify the problems that may arise in holding persons accountable.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows how PA theory can be used to structure and analyse the intricate situation in Swedish local government. The model is particularly suitable in complex systems of accountability. Therefore, the paper explores two cases where the outcomes were discharge from liability. Based on the two case studies, the paper extends the empirical investigation to a list of 63 qualified audit reports in local government for 2002 and 2003.FindingsPA theory facilitated the understanding and structuring of the complex accountability situation and helped to identify important weaknesses in the system. The analysis underscored that neither better accounting nor better auditing systems alone will resolve the dilemma in improving accountability. The link between auditors and elected officials and civil servants needs to be investigated and clarified. Among other things, this means that the focus of today's debate should shift toward the lack of clear responsibilities within local governments.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper explores an area of research where few studies have previously been conducted – therefore, the paper is to some extent exploratory. In the future the number of empirical examples could be increased, and the different problems in the system of accountability in local government could be discussed in more detail.Practical implicationsThis research paper is based on an empirical investigation – as far as we know no such study has previously been performed in Sweden The principle of public access to information in Sweden provides unique opportunities for openly studying the work of auditors in the system.Originality/valueThe research shows that PA theory may be used to structure complex issues of accountability. In addition, the study recommends a new focus for the debate on accountability.
Corporate entrepreneurship and innovation part 2: a role‐ and process‐based approach
Authors: Shaw Elizabeth , O'Loughlin Andrew , McFadzean Elspeth 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo extend the discussion held in part 1, and develop a two‐tier fifth‐generation model of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe components that have been synthesized from a review of the literature in Part 1 are extended using evidence from the literature. These components are used to construct a two‐tier model of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation; a macro model which presents the high‐level environmental drivers of innovation and a micro model that discusses the contextual factors that underpin the corporate entrepreneurship and innovation process.FindingsFrom the analysis conducted in part 1 it is evident that there is a strong relationship between the role of the corporate entrepreneur and the innovation process. It is suggested that by separating the corporate entrepreneur from the innovation process previous models have been overly reductionist in their construction, and their utility has, as a consequence, been severely constrained. The study therefore combines the role and activities of the entrepreneur with the innovation process into a unified framework. In doing so the paper develops a two‐tier fifth‐generation model of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation. The final sections of the paper present the model's implications for management and suggestions for further research.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified gap in the literature, namely the development of a new holistic model of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation, which illustrates the environmental and contextual relationships between the corporate entrepreneur and the innovation process.
Market orientation and innovation: an inter‐relationship analysis
Authors: Aldas‐Manzano Joaquín , Küster Inés , Vila Natalia 
Published: January 2007

PurposeMarket orientation analyses have focused on two broad‐ranging approaches: the behavioural and the philosophical. The concepts of innovation and market orientation are gaining ground steadily in the context of an increasingly competitive and highly volatile environment, subject to the pressures of rapid‐changing customer needs and desires. This premise underlies the general aim of this study, which is to determine to what extent companies operating in the same sector and with similar market orientation are similarly concerned about innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe population for this study comprises the leading 465 textile companies operating in Spain, listed in the ARDAN database. Data were gathered from in‐depth personalised interviews with 17 company directors operating within the textile sector. In order to verify the hypotheses, groups with similar market orientation were identified using a combination of two techniques: multidimensional scaling analysis; and cluster analysis. After this, ANOVA was used to characterise each group.FindingsThis study of the textile sector, and more specifically of its leading companies, enables one to conclude that market orientation and innovation are not isolated fields. First, four groups of firms which differ significantly in their commitment to market orientation have been found. Second, although a direct relationship between market orientation and innovation could not be statistically proved, some tools and policies considered in the innovation scale are more heavily used by the firms more orientated to the market. Third, in the context of the traditional debate in the literature about the market orientation‐performance relationship, the results of this study support a positive relationship between these two concepts.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the sample size should lead one to treat the final results with caution.Originality/valueThe concepts of innovation and market orientation are gaining ground steadily in the context of an increasingly competitive and highly volatile environment, subject to the pressures of rapidly‐changing customer needs and desires. In this sense, through this paper companies can observe how these two concepts are related in a particular industry and obtain some interesting implications.
The validation of a use innovativeness scale
Authors: Girardi Antonia , Soutar Geoffrey N. , Ward Steven 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo validate a measure of use innovativeness, or how existing products are used in a novel and innovative manner. The measure has practical significance for innovation research as it consists of only nine items as opposed to the original 44. The use innovativeness measure derived from research predicts acceptance of new technology (in this case computer technology) and could be adapted to other fields of innovation research.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted and structural equation modelling techniques were used to analyse the data.FindingsEvidence for a unidimensional measure of use innovativeness is provided by structural equation modelling. The nine‐item measure has fewer items than the original 44‐item measure developed by Price and Ridgway (1983) Price and Ridgway and consists of the items of multiple use and creative reuse. The measure was found to be positively correlated with innovativeness and opinion leadership and the acceptance of new information technology. The construct of use innovativeness is thus a practical measurement for use in innovation research.Research limitations/implicationsSome limitations regarding the nature of the sample are discussed. Implications for future research in the diffusion of innovations are also addressed.Originality/valueThe only paper which validates a measure of use innovativeness, so that it has practical and theoretical use in innovation practice and research.
Obstacles to entrepreneurship in a transition business environment: the case of Albania
Authors: Bitzenis Aristidis , Nito Ersanja 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo critically evaluate the obstacles and problems encountered by entrepreneurs while doing business in Albania, which is an economy in a transition.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology incorporates a survey that uses interview and questionnaire techniques. The sample was determined on a stratified basis (probability‐random sampling) involving the random selection of respondents from various strata of the population.FindingsThe most important obstacles faced by entrepreneurs in Albania include unfair competition, changes in taxation procedures, lack of financial resources and problems related to public order. Bureaucracy and corruption do not appear to represent significant barriers to entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsResponses from the selected strata were not distributed proportionally among the targeted sample.Practical implicationsLegislative amendments and new legislation which focus specifically upon small business and enterprise development should be implemented by the Albanian government in order to achieve a transparent fiscal reform and create a more favorable business environment.Originality/valueThis research provides a critical evaluation of entrepreneurial activities and the obstacles that entrepreneurs encounter while operating in the Albanian economy in transition.
Building entrepreneurial knowledge reservoirs
Authors: Øystein Widding Lars 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to add to our understanding of how entrepreneurs can build “knowledge reservoirs” to achieve competitive advantage. The study focus upon the following issues: what kind of actors can be found in various entrepreneurs' knowledge reservoirs, and what business knowledge do these actors possess.Design/methodology/approachThe author employs a longitudinal case study approach, involving a sample of seven entrepreneurs in new technology‐based firms, each interviewed two times during the period from 1999 to 2001.FindingsEvidence suggests that entrepreneurs should build knowledge reservoirs, segmented into internal, semi‐internal and external knowledge reservoirs. These reservoirs should be a means to gain competition advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual model has both empirical and theoretical backing, but the empirical backing is limited to seven cases. It would be useful to test the conceptual model on larger sample sizes.Practical implicationsPractitioners can focus on how to build knowledge reservoirs, while the model helps to increase awareness of the holistic view of entrepreneurial knowledge and which actors can contribute to it. Policy makers should encourage entrepreneurs to build knowledge reservoirs, and support systems could require a plan for this activity before entrepreneurs get access to public funds.Originality/valueThe paper makes four main contributions: model generation, development of terminology, further development of the field of entrepreneurial research, and development of RBT.
Promoting entrepreneurship at the University of Glamorgan through formal and informal learning
Authors: Edwards Louise‐Jayne , Muir Elizabeth J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper is a critique of the “Enterprise in Education” initiative, which has been implemented, supported and developed at the University of Glamorgan. The purpose of the paper is to critique the initiative so that best practice in enterprise education can be identified and embedded in the future.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology for this paper was to review the related literature and use this to identify conceptual frameworks relating to entrepreneurial learning; distinguish between “for” and “about” entrepreneurship courses and better understand the informal learning experience. This was then followed by reflective critical analysis of the formal and informal learning activities at the university.FindingsThe analysis supports the notion that lack of support, resources and finance are barriers to self‐employment and access to entrepreneurial learning. Even with funded support for their learning, undergraduates are likely to face the barrier of lack of work experience and suggest postgraduate study as the space for “for” entrepreneurship courses. But whatever level of study there is a need for a seamless provision of “formal” and “informal” entrepreneurial learning.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst there is a need for longitudinal studies relating entrepreneurial learning with entrepreneurial activity and sustainability, some of the outcomes of this case study have been fed into policy and practice: the continuation and further development of specialist “for” entrepreneurship courses at postgraduate level.Originality/valueThis paper provides a case study of entrepreneurial learning in the university context and as such will be valuable to those developing courses in the field of entrepreneurship and those involved in developing university policy surrounding entrepreneurial learning.
A typology of “best practices” for a benchmarking process
Authors: Maire Jean‐Luc , Bronet Vincent , Pillet Maurice 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to provide guidelines of companies in identifying their best practices with reference to a French example.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes first the evolution of benchmarking, which nowadays is more and more based on the identification of good practices to acquire or transfer. Then we present a typology of best practices which can help a company to discern more effectively what could be relevant to exchange in benchmarking. Finally, we describe the best practice specification (BPS) method, which helps a company to locate and specify its good practices likely to be transferred within the framework of benchmarking.FindingsThe paper underlines the difficulty of a company to clearly define what a “best practice” is and the lack of methods which could help it to identify its best practices.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research will be to develop a method of acquisition and representation of the best practices. In particular, it will be a question of studying if certain models that are currently proposed to represent knowledge (GAMETH, KADS, MKSM, MEREX, …) can be used for the acquisition and the formalization of these best practices.Practical implicationsThe BPS method is presently applied in TECUMSEH Europe on its Cessieu site (France). The company is identifying the best practices currently put into place by the various sectors of manufacturing of the site on the process “To deploy progress effort (SPC and TPM)”. The long term objective of the company is to apply these practices in all of the manufacturing sectors of the site, as well as on those other three sites in the group.Originality/valueThis paper offers practical help to a company to identify and characterize its best practices.