bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small firm‐large firm experiences in managing NPD projects
Authors: Ledwith Ann , Richardson Ita , Sheahan Ann 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to present a modified framework for the waves of change of new product development of McGrath.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study of new product development (NPD) in four electronic firms (two small indigenous/two large multinational) was conducted. In‐depth interviews were held with employees, including the founding entrepreneur in each of the small firms.FindingsAnalysis of strategic, organisational and development factors shows that firms face different challenges during their NPD process – some related to size. Also, as firms grow, NPD learning may be lost.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are stated as a result of four cases studies – two in large firms and two in small firms. Further research will establish the generalisability of these findings.Practical implicationsThe electronics industry is renowned for its aggressive competitive environment where successful entrepreneurs continuously innovate product and process development. The framework presented will be of use to entrepreneurs who focus on NPD.Originality/vlaueA modified version of McGrath's framework, showing separate categories for small and large firms, is presented. These modifications recognise that there are differences between NPD in small and NPD in large firms.
Internal manufacturing strategy audit: the first step in integrated strategic benchmarking
Authors: Meybodi Mohammad 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how auditing internal manufacturing can improve the effectiveness of the benchmarking process. It is the intent of this study to provide a set of internal auditing guidelines and recommendations for organizations committed to benchmarking.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based mailed survey was used to the audit manufacturing process. The questionnaire is a modified version of manufacturing futures survey. The survey contains a series of questions that managers need to answer about themselves and their competitors, covering the following categories. The questionnaire contains the following categories: corporate strategy and competitive priorities, and manufacturing performance objectives and action plans.FindingsThe proposed integrated strategic benchmarking (ISB) requires the benchmarking organization to conduct a thorough auditing of corporate strategy and deployment of the strategy into manufacturing strategy and action plans before committing resources to external benchmarking. Statistical results indicate evidence of misalignments and lack of consensus at various levels of the organizations. Lack of proactive strategy to develop organizational core competencies, miscommunication among managers, inadequate employee training, inconsistent short term and long‐term decisions, and inconsistent employee evaluation and reward system are the primary causes for such misalignments. Successful resolution of such inconsistencies in internal corporate and manufacturing strategies is the critical first step in an ISB.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates how auditing internal manufacturing strategy can improve the effectiveness of the benchmarking process.
Natural vacancy rates in global office markets
Authors: Sanderson Ben , Farrelly Kieran , Thoday Corin 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to contribute to knowledge of the dynamics of global office markets with an assessment of the interaction of rental growth and vacancy rates across a sample of the world's leading office markets.Design/methodology/approachEconometric methods are used to estimate the relationship between rental growth and vacancy rates (taking into account the possible simultaneity between the two variables) and these equations are then used to estimate the natural vacancy rate at an individual city level and collectively for the three regions assessed (Europe, Asia Pacific and North America). An estimate is also made of the global natural vacancy rate.FindingsThe results suggest that estimates of natural vacancy rates vary significantly across the world but these estimates can be helpful to those seeking to understand global office markets. European markets in general have lower natural vacancy rates than those in North America. In Asia Pacific markets there is a greater variation between markets. In general developed markets have lower natural vacancy rates than developing ones. In developing markets the concept of a natural vacancy rate is one that should be applied with care, given the weakness of data and the speed with which they are undergoing structural change. When examining the differences in natural vacancy rates between markets, it is clear that fundamental supply and demand factors are key in driving those differences.Practical implications“Rule of thumb” estimates of natural vacancy rates are relatively common. However, a robust methodology for calculating natural vacancy rates is a powerful analytical tool for investors, occupiers and real estate advisors, as it enables a judgement of what supply/demand balance will trigger rental growth.Originality/valueIn estimating the natural vacancy rate across a sample of the world's leading office markets the paper makes an original contribution to the understanding of global office markets and in particular delivers an appreciation of how rental growth and vacancy rates interact.
Futures studies and public advisory work in Ireland
Authors: Mareuge Céline 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper is intended to provide a detailed account of foresight activities in Ireland, their methods, means, topics of research, and impact on public debate, together with links to the main web sites.Design/methodology/approachThis paper surveys the institutions and agencies that contribute to futures studies in connection with public policies in Ireland.FindingsThe Irish system of raising and producing futures studies resources is thus characterized by a proliferation of authorities with the disadvantage of resources splitting up, but with the advantage of diversity.Originality/valueProvides an insight into the state of futures research in Ireland.
Imagining sustainability: the added value of transition scenarios in transition management
Authors: Sondeijker Saartje , Geurts Jac , Rotmans Jan , Tukker Arnold 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo address lessons that specify the impact and contribution of current scenario methods when focused on facilitating transition management processes.Design/methodology/approachComparative literature review based on transition management and scenario development.Research limitations/implicationsNeed of further systemic thought about the required criteria of transition scenarios and the embedding of scenario use in transition management processes.Practical implicationsProcesses of transition management are in need of transition specific scenarios.Originality/valueBecause transition management implies a complex and long‐term steering paradigm with which current scenario applications are not familiar, conclusions are drawn on the (changing) requirements of scenario development processes in transition management and on the need to innovate current scenario methods in the context of transition management.
Exploring total quality management for information systems in Indian firms
Authors: Rahman Z. , Siddiqui J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeConsidering IS as an integral part of the Indian firms under the purview of this study the paper seeks to investigate the TQM‐IS relationship. Describing total quality management (TQM) on the basis of five principles: top management commitment, customer‐centric advancements, benchmarking, relentless improvement and strengthening the employee base, it aims to analyze the realization of pragmatic goals by Indian firms through TQM for IS.Design/methodology/approachData collection was done by mail survey questionnaires. The data set was intended to represent a large variance in their annual turnovers, worth of assets, IS budgets and the segment of the industry to which they catered. Addressed to the top executive In charge of the IS department the survey questionnaire was mailed to 300 Indian companies assumed to be making use of TQM in their information systems department. The questionnaire recipients were selected from a wide array of business areas and the firms belonged to different classes such as insurance, banking, software, manufacturers, etc.FindingsIt was found to be catching fast in India as a synergy between TQM and IS accrues benefits for improving the quality of products and services – the most common ones being greater customer satisfaction, increased productivity of IS personnel and enhanced quality of services and products. However, the other benefits such as cost and time cutting on production and optimization of human resources too are rated well. Best implementation success was received in the principles of customer‐centric advancements and employee enrichment by strengthening the employee base.Practical implicationsThis shows that TQM has the capability to entice the primary as well as the secondary customer. It was found that the most important factor on which TQM implementation benefits rely is the top management support. The key influencers of TQM benefits were customer‐centric advancements and top management's support.Originality/valueDespite the limitations of respondent bias in the methodology the findings are in compliance with other relevant studies and it is argued that the study is of global applicability.
Total quality management for sustainable development
Authors: Isaksson Raine 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo highlight possible synergies between total quality management (TQM) and sustainable development (SD).Design/methodology/approachThese synergies are viewed based on a management system framework consisting of values, methodologies and tools. Based on common values the methodology of process management is identified as a good base for describing organisational synergies of TQM and SD. Also, process management for improved sustainability is reviewed. Here, organisational sustainability is viewed as performance based on the triple bottom line (TBL) of economy, environment and social responsibility.FindingsFindings were that process models can be used to structure the large number of indicators used to describe the TBL. This should improve the system understanding. To integrate TQM and SD, quality indicators should be added to the economic dimension. The system‐based process models can be used to describe synergies between TQM and SD. The proposed framework forms a basis for further research of the possible synergies of TQM and SD.Research limitations/implicationsThe research on synergies is limited on organisational sustainability.Practical implicationsImportant practical implications are to introduce the process view into sustainability reporting and to include quality indicators in the economic dimension.Originality/valueThe paper highlights good possibilities for synergy in combining theory from TQM and SD which should have both a research and a practical interest.
Goldratt's thinking process applied to employee retention
Authors: Taylor Lloyd J. , Murphy Becki , Price William 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis study seeks to investigate the nature and extent of employee retention and turnover for metropolitan police and fire departments.Design/methodology/approachIn order to maximize the system production, the weakest link must be improved and all other links in the processes regulated to the speed of the weakest link. The weakest link is the constraint. In the case of public safety employee retention, there are several reasons given why employment is terminated. In order to increase the number of public safety personnel that are retained, all steps must be examined together to determine the constraint; the core problem for termination. Since the constraint is not always obvious, Goldratt developed the thinking process. This is a series of steps used to locate the constraint, determine the solution, and how to implement the solution. These steps are actually referred to as the thinking process.FindingsFindings suggest that a proper cause and effect process will produce a desired path to change. It was determined how one type of organization could contain employee turnover by using the logic of Goldratt's thinking process.Research limitations/implicationsThis procedure is practical and can be applied to any problem anywhere at any time. This allows further research into other settings.Practical implicationsThis process underscores the importance for a systematic process of problem‐solving by pin‐pointing the problem, determining a workable solution, and implementing the solution. The key is to begin by looking for the underlying causes of the problem which produces an undesirable effect. Using this structured cause and effect process, a future reality tree is then developed with the desired effect. This research reveals how the Goldratt thinking process can be applied to business problems with multiple variables.Originality/valueThis research is based on an actual situation in which employee retention was a problem for five years. By improving employee retention, additional human resource expenses are significantly reduced.
The implementation of environmental management towards sustainable universities and education for sustainable development as an ethical imperative
Authors: Nicolaides Angelo 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo show that the practices, processes and resources for the management of the university environment should be aligned to meet the ever‐growing demands of sustainability and its motivations should be clearly spelt out to all stakeholders. Universities should also strive to become leaders in the development of effective environmental programmes and work to overcome the barriers that may exist in this regard.Design/methodology/approachThe general focus of this inquiry was based on the qualitative research paradigm. Information was gathered from a wide variety of formats, both printed and online databases which was used to build a foundation for analysis, consideration, description, explanation and prediction. It is maintained that universities – which arguably have played a significant role in bringing mankind to its current position – must practice, demonstrate and educate on the path to sustainability.FindingsEffective environmental management systems (EMSs), must be adopted so as to manage and assess a university's impacts on the environment and education for sustainable development (ESD) should become common practice in all higher education institutions.Practical implicationsTwo of the most essential tools for achieving sustainability are undoubtedly policy and education. In this regard, a number of universities across the globe have signed accords that partly make them responsible for adapting their curricula so that students in all faculties become conversant with issues of sustainability. A concerted effort to create public awareness and to educate and train about the concept of sustainability is necessary in the programme of a university which is concerned about the environment.Originality/valueUnfortunately, many higher education signatories to international agreements on sustainability, while purporting to be concerned about environmental issues are in essence not implementing measures quickly enough. This paper fulfils the need of sensitizing higher education institutions to the need for action on environmental issues and builds on previous knowledge. A knowledge of environmental consequences should be fostered urgently by universities and there should be a firm commitment on the part of the hierarchies in a university to assume more responsible approaches to the management of environmental performance enhancement, which is also a non‐negotiable.
Campus sustainability audit research in Atlantic Canada: pioneering the campus sustainability assessment framework
Authors: Beringer Almut 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo introduce the campus sustainability assessment framework (CSAF) as a campus sustainability audit methodology; to share student campus sustainability audit research; to reflect on using the CSAF for pedagogy; to review the usefulness of the CSAF as an action research instrument; to encourage other faculty/sustainability educators to incorporate the CSAF into their curriculum; to present the Sierra Youth Coalition, Canada Sustainable Campuses project as a campaign worth emulating in other countries; to build the body of knowledge in using sustainability audits to integrate research, education, and campus operations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the Sierra Youth Coalition Sustainable Campuses project, a national student campus sustainability campaign in Canada, and how its campaign tool, the CSAF, was implemented at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to facilitate project‐based sustainability education. The paper shares the author's rationale and experience of using the CSAF to conduct UPEI's first campus sustainability audit, and of offering the CSAF for course credit.FindingsThe UPEI CSAF experience suggests the CSAF is a constructive tool for post‐secondary sustainability education; that it is possible to assess the ten CSAF sections (water, materials, air, energy, land; health and wellbeing, community, knowledge, governance, economy and wealth) and the total of 169 indicators in less than one academic year; and that students value the hands‐on learning, practical outcomes, and national recognition afforded by conducting a campus sustainability audit using the CSAF.Practical implicationsThe UPEI experience can encourage other universities and colleges, in particular post‐secondary institutions in Canada, in synergizing sustainability research, education, and campus operations.Originality/valueThe paper will help Canadian faculty to evaluate the CSAF as a pedagogical tool and as an audit instrument. Non‐Canadian readers may glean insights for integrating student activism into higher education for sustainability. Researchers, educators, and university administrators keen to improve the sustainability performance of their institution can benefit by learning from UPEI's integrative approach.
Benchmarking and library quality maturity
Authors: Wilson Frankie , Stephen Town J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeIt remains unresolved from the literature whether benchmarking is a useful and appropriate tool for the library and information services sector. The aim of this research is to gather evidence to establish whether benchmarking provides a real and lasting benefit to library and information services.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigated the long‐term effects of a benchmarking exercise on the quality level of three UK academic libraries. However, an appropriate framework for assessing the quality level of libraries is not present in the literature, and it was therefore necessary for such a framework to be developed. This article describes and provides initial characterisation of the framework developed – the Quality Maturity Model (QMM).FindingsThe evidence from the investigation showed that the two libraries which were at stage one on the QMM before the benchmarking exercise remained there; and the library which scored at the penultimate level, level four, before benchmarking, was, four years afterwards, at level five. The tentative conclusion drawn was that benchmarking may only be appropriate for organisations with a existing high level of quality maturity. Much further work is proposed.Originality/valueThe research provides evidence which establishes whether benchmarking provides a real and lasting benefit to library and information services.
Operationalising the Focus/Values/Purpose Matrix
Authors: Cullen Rowena 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the Focus/Values/Purpose Matrix, first presented at the 2nd Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement which attempts to define three significant factors that contribute to the extent to which a library and information service organisation has a “culture of assessment” that informs its strategic planning, allocation of resources, and the use it makes of evaluation in these activities.Design/methodology/approachThe underlying assumption is that the ability of a library to understand customer requirements, and deliver high quality service is influenced by its commitment to a “culture of assessment”. This assumption, and the matrix itself have been tested empirically, and positive placement on each of the axes was shown to correlate with an enhanced ability to deliver customer satisfaction, as assessed by a SERVQUAL type gap analysis. In that research each organisation's placement on the axes was assessed using documentary evidence and interview data from each library. An attempt to determine placement on the axes using survey data was unsuccessful. Other instruments to evaluate an organisation's culture of assessment have been developed, but they are developed from a management perspective, and take a top‐down approach to organisational culture.FindingsThe study finds that a new survey instrument is being developed and tested, that attempts to translate the theoretical model of the matrix into a workable instrument which would measure these factors in a wider range of institutions, using an approach that is more integrated with the perspectives of staff at all organisational levels on the understanding that a culture of assessment must permeate all staff levels to be translated into service quality.Originality/valueThe newly developed instrument is intended to be administered to an organisation's staff, and attempts to capture the views, practice and culture of the organisation using statements about the personal and organisational value placed on evaluation, and knowledge of activities that demonstrate that measurement is incorporated into planning procedures. The instrument, which has been developed through a series of focus groups, and testing in six university libraries, and which has inbuilt checks for construct validity, and consistency, is now ready for testing in a larger range of libraries, and correlating with scores of customer satisfaction.
In their own words
Authors: Stein Joan , Bright Alice , George Carole , Hurlbert Terry , Linke Erika , St Clair Gloriana 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to give a presentation of a rich dataset to illuminate graduate students' rating of their satisfaction with library collections and services.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a qualitative investigation based on focus groups.FindingsThe paper finds that, although rich detail is provided, the study is part way through and data need more analysis for trends to emerge.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is a research project which is ongoing.Practical implicationsRich data collected are indicating areas for improvement in service, which will be synthesized as the research progresses.Originality/valueIt is rare for data of this richness to be offered to readers. It will help others by confirming or illuminating their own investigations.