bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ERP for SMEs – is proprietary software an alternative?
Authors: Olsen Kai A. , Sætre Per 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo show that developing proprietary software is the best alternative for many small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Full control of the software makes it possible to remain flexible and dynamic, and to conform to the need of the customer at any time.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is case based.FindingsModern development tools make in‐house development feasible. Costs are often comparable to that of using standard ERP systems. In‐house development does not need to encompass all functions, as it is easy to integrate off‐the‐shelf systems with proprietary development. Being in control of core software is important for the day‐to‐day activities of a company, and also for gaining a strategic advantage.Practical implicationsIn‐house development will be most useful for niche companies. Further, SMEs will have an advantage as they more easily can integrate standard systems with proprietary software.Originality/valueMany managers have excluded the possibility of developing their own software, based on experience with time consuming and expensive projects in the past. Thus, implementing standard ERP systems is often viewed as the only solution. However, these systems may impose a rigid structure on a company, threatening the dynamic nature of many SMEs. We show that many companies have a better alternative.
Business process reengineering: critical success factors in higher education
Authors: Ahmad Hartini , Francis Arthur , Zairi Mohamed 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the critical success factors of business process reengineering (BPR) in higher education (HE).Design/methodology/approachEmpirical case studies collected from three private higher education institutions in Malaysia, which have embarked on BPR successfully.FindingsSeven factors were found to be critical to BPR implementation success. The factors are teamwork and quality culture, quality management system and satisfactory rewards, effective change management, less bureaucratic and participative, information technology/information system, effective project management and adequate financial resources.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a framework for future research to explore organisational development in making BPR happen successfully.Originality/valueThis research contributes to studies of BPR in HE context, by considering the soft issues in its implementation.
An appraisal of social aspects in project and technology life cycle management in the process industry
Authors: Brent Alan C. , Labuschagne Carin 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce methods that have been developed to consider social sustainability aspects in the initial phases of projects in industry, i.e. in the design stage of technological systems, whereby a proactive approach in industry can be ensured. The inclusion of social aspects in both the sustainability debate and practice has been marginal compared with the focus on the other two dimensions of sustainable development, i.e. economic and environmental performances, especially from a business perspective. The tools that have focused on social business sustainability aspects have mainly addressed business sustainable development reporting, operational conditions, and product social life cycle assessments.Design/methodology/approachThe first method builds on a framework of social sustainability criteria that has been introduced for the South African process industry. A Social Impact Indicator (SII) calculation procedure has been developed based on a previously introduced Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) calculation procedure for environmental Resource Impact Indicators (RIIs). The second method applies questionnaires and checklists following more traditional risk approaches.FindingsInformation availability and standardisation of social criteria are problematic for quantitative approaches at present. It is therefore proposed that social sustainability should be incorporated into project and technology management methodologies in phases, commencing with the questionnaires and checklists. In future, the proposed indicator method can be implemented when information is more readily available.Originality/valueThe questionnaires and checklists provide practical means for project and technology developers to assess and communicate potential social risk associated with technological systems to decision‐makers.
Supplier performance evaluation: lessons from a large multinational organisation
Authors: Cormican Kathryn , Cunningham Michael 
Published: June 2007

PurposeProgressive organisations are developing proactive supplier‐based strategies in order to integrate key suppliers into their processes and systems. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach that helps to identify best performing suppliers and eliminate those that do not add value in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the materials supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThis case study focuses on the development of a supplier performance rating tool for a large multinational organisation. The paper presents a profile of the organisation, the problems encountered, the development and implementation of the supplier rating tool and the lessons learned.FindingsThe implementation of the tool resulted in a 2.9 fold reduction in the number of suppliers from 23,225 to 8,024 and a 2.6 fold reduction in the value of inventory held from $15.24 million to just over $5.86 million.Practical implicationsReducing the number and improving the quality of suppliers resulted in increased quality, reduced lead time and a reduction in the number of errors and defects. Best performing suppliers are more closely integrated and can add their knowledge and experience to development initiatives, potential problems can be anticipated in advance and process changes and modifications can be made earlier.Originality/valueThe paper presents a successful application of a supplier performing rating tool in a complex and demanding environment.
Delivery reliability, manufacturing capabilities and new models of manufacturing efficiency
Authors: Sarmiento Roberto , Byrne Mike , Rene Contreras Luis , Rich Nick 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo provide a selective bibliography on reported empirical evidence regarding the compatibility/trade‐offs relationships between delivery reliability and other manufacturing capabilities, and also identify specific areas for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper conceptually examines published studies which have reported a trade‐off/compatibility situation between delivery reliability and other manufacturing capabilities such as internal quality, external quality, manufacturing costs, inventory costs, etc. Some different aspects of delivery reliability are also discussed.FindingsPrincipally, the paper identifies a need to study in more detail the different variables (manufacturing capabilities, contextual variables and manufacturing practices) that could be potentially associated with the achievement of high manufacturing efficiency (high levels of outputs/low levels of inputs) in terms of delivery reliability, materials inventory and safety resources.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature review in the paper is intended to be exhaustive. Nevertheless, it is probable that scientific papers that report related/relevant material are involuntarily omitted.Practical implicationsBy means of a detailed review of the literature, the paper identifies specific themes for future research. The paper also should be of help to practitioners as it gathers the empirical evidence regarding the compatibility/trade‐off situation between delivery reliability and other areas of manufacturing.Originality/valueSome papers have dealt with literature reviews on manufacturing strategy as a whole. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that offers a literature review on delivery reliability. This paper also suggests a novel model of manufacturing efficiency and also proposes a methodology (data envelopment analysis) with which this approach can be examined in more detail.
The role of federal government funding on the outreach programs of independent industrial R&D establishments in Canada
Authors: Tesfayohannes Mengsteab 
Published: June 2007

PurposeProperly nurtured and financially supported independent industrial R&D institutions (IRDIs) can play a pivotal role in converting knowledge into commercially exploitable applications in manufacturing industries particularly in the small and medium ones. The purpose of this paper is to present various evidence to enhance government awareness that Canadian R&D funding agenda should be streamlined as the way to strengthen the outreach capacity of Canadian IRDIs.Design/methodology/approachUsing a variety of evidence, the position and role of IRDIs in Germany, Japan, the USA and Canada are highlighted. This is done to reveal the current position and outreach of IRDIs in each country and through that to recommend helpful strategies to strengthen the Canadian IRDIs and foster their contribution to the manufacturing technology development.FindingsThe study revealed the weak position of Canadian IRDIs in comparison with their counterparts in the USA, Japan and Germany. The paper proposed strategies and approaches on how IRDIs should be financially and technically supported to expand their outreach in the Canadian manufacturing sector.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides secondary data‐based evidence intended to serve as a background for more focused case supported future research.Practical implicationsStakeholders at both government and industrial sectors may find the recommendations given in the paper as helpful inputs for formulating suitable policies and strategies in this area.Originality/valueThe paper presents vital background information on the important but neglected role of IRDIs in the application and commercialization of knowledge in manufacturing technology and the need to strengthen their position by granting the necessary financial assistance.
Planning, justifying and installing advanced manufacturing technology: a managerial framework
Authors: Small Michael H. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of an investigation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) implementation practices and performance at 82 discrete‐parts durable goods manufacturing plants in the USA.Design/methodology/approachA mail survey was used to gather information about: the types of AMT that the plants were using; the planning, justification and installation activities that were used to support the adoption of these technologies; and changes in plant performance that could be attributed to the AMT adoptions. Several propositions that were derived from the AMT literature are tested.FindingsOur results indicate that firms that are desirous of adopting integrated technologies should be prepared to exert considerable effort on: fostering a supportive planning environment; integrating investment justification; engendering human and technology resource consistency; and promoting team‐based project planning and installation. Additionally, our analysis indicates that effort on three of these components contribute to explaining improvements in firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this research unveiled some significant findings, there is a need for testing of the propositions on a larger scale.Practical implicationsThe managerial framework that is developed in this paper will be particularly useful to firms that are in the pre‐planning stages of AMT adoption or that are considering adding new AMT to their existing technology portfolio.Originality/valueWhile most AMT research studies simply report, discuss and explain their findings, this paper goes further by harnessing the findings into a simple managerial framework for the adoption of AMT that is easy to understand and implement.
Space, place and the colonies: re‐reading the Starbucks' story
Authors: Rippin Ann 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to re‐examine a celebrity CEO account using a variety of literary forms to uncover discourses of colonisation. Focuses on theprobanza de méritoand the wonder tale or traveller's tale. Ideas of Non‐Place (Augé) and spatial practices (Lefebvre) conclude the analysis.Design/methodology/approachA close reading of the account of the building of the Starbucks retail empire, given in the CEO account:Pour Your Heart into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Timeagainst the text, gives insights into the strategy and internal logic of the company founder which might otherwise be missed.FindingsThe account reveals the nature of the published account of the growth of the company as analogous to many of the accounts of the colonisation of the new world. The analysis of spatial practices at the company is used to explain some of the most successful resistance to its expansion.Originality/valueUses a wide range of theory to unpack celebrity success narrative and reveal counter‐narrative of practice.
The internationalization of family SME
Authors: Basly Sami 
Published: June 2007

PurposeOwing to its specificities, the family small and medium enterprise (SME) shows a particular behavior as for the creation, development, sharing, protection and transmission of knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to study the specificities of the processes of knowledge creation and development in family firms.Design/methodology/approachThrough a questionnaire, hypotheses of the model were tested. The study is based on 118 firms belonging to various industries. After evaluating the reliability and validity of the items through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the model was tested through structural equation modeling (LISREL).FindingsThe model retained induces the following conclusions. Internationalization knowledge positively influences internationalization degree of the firm. The conservatism of family SME does not directly influence the level of internationalization knowledge. The influence of conservatism on internationalization knowledge is exerted only through the decisional dimension of independence orientation. The independence orientation of family SME, then with its two dimensions simultaneously (decisional and resource independence), does not significantly influence internationalization knowledge. Contrary to decisional independence which influences indirectly the degree of internationalization (through the intermediation of internationalization knowledge), resource independence influences directly the dependant variable. The mediation of internationalization knowledge is thus not totally proven. Social networking positively influences the amount of internationalization knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsA major weakness is the absence of a synchronic approach as the dependent and independent variables are measured at the same moment. A more longitudinal approach would be valuable to analyze the causal relationships between the independent variables and internationalization knowledge and internationalization degree. A second limitation is that the characteristics of the sample may limit the generalizability of the results.Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind to examine the knowledge‐based processes in family businesses.
Marketing of tourism: a paradigm shift toward sustainability
Authors: Jamrozy Ute 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest a shift in the tourism marketing paradigm away from economic profit priorities toward sustainability. The sustainability approach adopts a holistic, integrated view of marketing, considering social equity, environmental protection, and economic livability. The paper seeks to examine the evolving model for the tourism marketing environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paradigm shift naturally occurs by tracing the evolution of marketing approaches from production, sales, and a consumer orientation toward marketing alternatives such as societal, causal, green, responsible, and relationship marketing. Adapting a living system theory to tourism marketing, a sustainable tourism marketing model integrates tourism into a larger holistic context and focuses on marketing a quality of life for all stakeholders in the system.FindingsWhile alternative approaches to tourism marketing include societal consideration such as tourism impacts and environmental segmentation strategies, this paper considers the triple bottom line as more sustainable objectives in tourism marketing and adopts an integrated view on tourism marketing.Research limitations/implicationsThe model suggests a paradigm shift that needs to be explored further.Practical implicationsThe paper illustrates how tourism marketing can be integrated into more sustainable urban marketing strategies.Originality/valueInstead of viewing tourism as a separate for profit industry, the model suggests an integration of tourism into a holistic, sustainable, quality of life marketing approach of living communities.
Ifa, the deity of wisdom, and importance of work among the Yoruba people
Authors: Olurode Lai 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo provide a background examination of the role of work and self‐employment, and their relationship with religious beliefs for the Yoruba people of Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth discussion regarding the Yoruba world view and the key components of the Yoruba peoples' religion is provided. In particular, these elements are discussed within the context of the Yoruba's historical attitudes regarding work, self‐employment, markets, investment, and social support.FindingsFor the Yoruba people, work always has a supernatural dimension to it, and the chosen profession is rarely left to chance. Hard work is valued and encouraged, from childhood to death. In order to obtain tangible rewards, an individual must match his ori with his chosen field of work. The Yoruba believe in a gentle rise to wealth, and that success is based upon consultation with deities, ancestors, and religious intermediaries. Under Yoruba tradition, successful individuals should sponsor, hard‐working, but less fortunate people, but reciprocity is highly valued. For the Yoruba, the highest form of employment is self‐employment. A combination of these factors has resulted in a well established and historically successful market‐based system.Research limitations/implicationsYoruba traditions have been important in framing modern culture in Nigeria, and parts of many other African nations. Yoruba immigrants are also well established in other countries through out the world, including Brazil, Cuba, and the USA. Although many modern Yoruba are now Christian or Moslem, the Yoruba culture and historical attitudes about work, markets, and self‐employment are still critically important in framing our understanding of the economic structure of these communities.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few efforts that specifically examines economic forces within the broader context of religion for the Yoruba people.
The industrial revolution and beyond
Authors: Honig Benson , Leslie Black Elizabeth 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo examine empirically a previously overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship: community “dis‐entrepreneurship”. Through the lens of political and historical theory, the authors propose learning from unusual circumstances of failure in order to inform social policy regarding factors that facilitate community entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on political and economic theory, formulating propositions that are tested using interpretive methods.FindingsStrong patron‐client relations were found to negatively impact the formation of diversity and meritocracy necessary for entrepreneurial environments to thrive. They also account for an inward orientation that negatively influenced investments in infrastructure. Path dependent processes were found to hold sway regarding the stability of political/social norms.Originality/valueThis is the first paper of which the authors are aware that considers issues related to community dis‐entrepreneurship. The paper highlights the importance of effective community leadership.
Disclosure in the annual reports of Australian government departments
Authors: Herawaty Merry , Hoque Zahirul 
Published: June 2007

PurposeAnnual reports are perceived to be important sources of information about government departments' performance, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness. This paper aims to report on an empirical study that explores the current disclosure practices by Australian government departments.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the research aim, the paper assesses the 2005‐2006 annual reports of 56 Australia Government departments. It analyses 47 mandatory disclosures and 20 voluntary disclosures reported by the subject organizations. It employs a disclosure index to calculate the level of disclosures.FindingsThe findings reveal that the voluntary disclosure level is higher than the mandatory disclosure in the subject departments. Further, it is found that the annual reports of government departments reveal a low level of disclosures in the areas of human resources, asset management, external scrutiny, purchasing, and contracting.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on published annual reports only. Therefore, it provides little in‐depth insights into the current disclosure practice within the subject organizations.Originality/valueThe findings reported in this paper will be of value to both theoretical and empirical studies of how organizational and institutional forces may affect the level of disclosure in the annual reports of public sector organizations. The study will provide basis for further research into this area in various international settings. Practically, this study will assist government departmental management to continue improving their quality of reporting.
Baobabs and elephants in Kruger National Park: nowhere to hide
Authors: Edkins M. T. , Kruger L. M. , Harris K. , Midgley J. J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBaobab size class distributions were surveyed in the Limpopo National Park (LNP), Mozambique, and the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. There are very few elephants in the LNP and the baobab population there had a reverse J‐shaped size class distribution with many small baobabs. In contrast, the elephant‐impacted baobab population of KNP displayed a mono‐modal size‐class distribution, with a lack in recruitment. Within KNP, elephant impact (percentage bark stripped up to the height of 3 m) decreased with increasing rockiness and slope steepness. We interpret this to suggest that steep rocky slopes are inaccessible to elephants and therefore these sites may act as a refuge for baobabs. In such inaccessible areas, the baobab population has a similar size‐class distribution to that of the populations in the LNP. However, these baobab refugia are restricted in the northern KNP landscape and are therefore probably not large enough to sustain a viable baobab population.