bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EAI and SOA: factors and methods influencing the integration of multiple ERP systems (in an SAP environment) to comply with the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act
Authors: Maurizio Amelia , Girolami Louis , Jones Peter 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to review the factors and methods used to integrate multiple ERP systems to comply with the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOA) in an EAI environment focusing on the SAP business warehouse application.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines earlier research, surveys, actual processes and documentation defined in the SAP system as well as information gathered from developers, auditors and compliance experts.FindingsTo comply with the SOA, it is advisable to look to the area of EAI for assistance. The challenge of configuring a landscape to comply with the SOA without EAI means that most of the links for data transfer would be interfaces versus integration, which is not acceptable to compliance groups. For SOA requirements, including internal controls, testing, security, authorisations and consistency and speeds, there are tools to help successfully achieve the goal of IT compliance in the SAP environment.Research limitations/implicationsAs SOA continues to take shape, further review and investigation of how these changes will affect the EAI environment must be undertaken.Practical implicationsThe paper provides the realisation that achieving SOA compliance is not an easy task, and that the available technology must be used to complete this task. IT must structure a governing organisation similar to that found on the applications side of the system to comply with the SOA.Originality/valueWith the passing and implementation of the SOA, companies are experiencing additional pressure to develop the means to constantly audit themselves internally. As technology is the key to achieving this goal, organisations must prepare their IT infrastructures to support compliance and the IT departments to develop strategy.
A change management approach to evaluating ICT investment initiatives
Authors: Williams Michael D. , Williams Janet 
Published: January 2007

PurposeDespite the availability of methods and techniques designed to assist with predictive and retrospective evaluation of ICT initiatives, management continues to struggle to perform meaningful evaluations, and the measurement of ICT investment payoff remains a challenge. A recurring problem associated with failed ICT‐based investment is poor change management. This paper aims to focus on the value of understanding the change management aspects of ICT investments.Design/methodology/approachA framework was developed from a study of the change management literature. An empirical investigation involving a qualitative case study approach was then conducted in order to assess the efficacy of the framework during the evaluation process.FindingsBusiness benefit from ICT is likely only when ICT investment is accompanied by appropriate change management skills. The study highlights the particular importance of communication, championing and change agency, resources, and the project timescale.Research limitations/implicationsResults were generated from a single case study. It is also acknowledged that it is unclear what impact (if any) a parallel project had on the project under investigation.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the value of effective change management, placing particular emphasis on effective communication during all stages of a project.Originality/valueThe paper explicitly employs change management techniques in order to identify potential problem areas. It recommends longitudinal research be conducted in order to employ the framework during both ex ante and ex post evaluation for a single initiative.
Knowledge sharing in Asian public administration sector: the case of Hong Kong
Authors: Yao L.J. , Kam T.H.Y. , Chan S.H. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to investigate how culture, attitudes and barriers affect knowledge sharing in a Hong Kong government department.Design/methodology/approachInterviews and survey instruments were used to collect data for qualitative analysis.FindingsKnowledge management and knowledge sharing were welcome ideas in the Hong Kong government department. Informal and tacit knowledge sharing took place but the Chinese culture remained as a barrier to knowledge sharing.Research limitations/implicationsAs this is a study of one government department in one particular country, the findings may not be sufficiently generalizable.Practical implicationsSenior management in the public administration sector should be made more aware of what knowledge management can do to help improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.Originality/valueThe study is an in‐depth analysis of one large government department's use of knowledge management, which has not been studied before. This study and its findings contribute significantly to the knowledge of how culture will affect knowledge management in the public administration sector.
Software development as a design or a production project
Authors: McBride Tom , Henderson‐Sellers Brian , Zowghi Didar 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to investigate whether project managers regard software development projects as design problems or production problems.Design/methodology/approachProject management literature was examined to determine what evidence there should be to indicate whether a software development project was regarded as a problem to be solved or a product to be produced. Data were then collected through structured interview of project managers currently engaged in managing software development projects. The data were analysed to determine how project managers regarded their projects and whether this matched a theoretical expectation.FindingsThe empirical data indicated that most project managers regard their projects as production problems, where it is assumed that the underlying problem is largely understood, the project encapsulated in a planned schedule of activities and there will be an emphasis on monitoring the project against the planned progress.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the small sample size of fewer than 30 project managers, external validity is weak. More research is needed to confirm these results over a larger sample and to probe more subtle orientation to production or design projects.Practical implicationsThe research developed a simple test to indicate the degree of novelty of the application to be developed. The test indicates whether the application is novel and should be treated as a design problem, or well known and therefore should be treated as a production problem.Originality/valueThe paper draws attention to the need for project managers to evaluate the type of application to be developed and to adopt an appropriate project management approach. The paper also provides a simple test to achieve that objective.
A process‐stakeholder analysis of B2B industry standardisation
Authors: Rodon Juan , Ramis‐Pujol Juan , Christiaanse Ellen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeInteroperability standards are a crucial aspect in the development of B2B e‐business. The aim of this paper is to understand how standardisation evolves by analysing the interplay between activities and stakeholders within the process. Unlike most of the IS research that focuses on the underlying technologies within standards, this study explores the standardisation processes and the interaction between the different participants.Design/methodology/approachThis issue was explored with a case study of the standardisation activity in the Port Community of Barcelona. The primary source of data was semi‐structured interviews with members of the standardisation committee, direct observation in meetings and related documentation. Data coding and analysis, using qualitative methods, proceeded in parallel with data collection.FindingsThe analysis reveals critical success factors in the urgency perceived by the dominant stakeholder and the inclusion of a workgroup manager. Also the workgroup manager can have a significant positive impact by focusing on sense‐making activities during the first steps of the process.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a single organisation and a largely retrospective analysis of two standardisation exercises.Originality/valueThis paper contributes significantly to the literature on vertical B2B standardisation by combining process theories and stakeholder analysis approaches. It demonstrates greater insight into managing successful standards initiatives by taking this holistic approach to the research.
Mastering the art of corroboration
Authors: Ezingeard Jean‐Noël , McFadzean Elspeth , Birchall David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to investigate how the information assurance (IA) efforts of organisations should be aligned with their business strategy. From this analysis, a conceptual model of alignment is presented. This framework shows several organisational factors that can influence alignment.Design/methodology/approachA number of published works on alignment are discussed in order to develop a conceptual model of IA fit. In addition, Venkatraman's six perspectives of alignment are used as a framework to suggest future research in this area.FindingsThe paper presents a definition of information assurance and proposes various reasons why IA is a strategic issue and should be aligned with both IT and corporate strategy. From the literature, a conceptual model illustrating the variables that can influence alignment is presented.Research limitations/implicationsA clear conceptualisation of alignment is needed. Six potential research models and associated research questions are proposed.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with a number of management and research implications. In looking at the implications for managers, it is argued that any alignment framework should include adequate metrics for checking the strategic fit on a continuous basis.Originality/valueThis paper is an initial attempt to fulfil an identified gap in the literature, namely the lack of research undertaken on IA and corporate strategy alignment. It offers practical help for management so that they can improve the fit between IA and business strategy. It also offers several avenues of potential future research using Venkatraman's six perspectives of fit.
Performance management analysis: a case study at a Dutch municipality
Authors: de Waal A.A. , Gerritsen‐Medema G. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeRecently a tool called the performance management analysis (PMA) was developed, which can help an organisation evaluate its degree of performance drive. The purpose of this article is to describe the application of this tool at a Dutch municipality.Design/methodology/approachThis article looks at a study undertaken by the University of Amsterdam which performed a performance management analysis at the city of Lelystad in The Netherlands.FindingsThe results of the analysis offered the municipality a clear insight into the areas that needed attention, which enticed the start of several performance management improvement projects.Originality/valueResearchers are increasingly interested in the relation between behaviour and the use of performance management systems. It is important to study this relation because the use of performance management improves performance driven behaviour, and consequently the results of an organisation.
Enhancing importance‐performance analysis
Authors: Eskildsen Jacob K. , Kristensen Kai 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe interpretation of the importance/performance map is based on an assumption of independence between importance and performance but many studies question the validity of this assumption. The aim of this research is to develop a new typology for job satisfaction attributes as well as a new importance/performance map that can be an aid for organizations when they prioritize their improvement actions based on a job satisfaction study.Design/methodology/approachA typology for possible relationships between importance and performance in job satisfaction studies is developed based on theoretical considerations. This typology is then applied and validated on approximately 10,000 responses from the European Employee Index 2002. Ultimately a new importance/performance map for priority setting in job satisfaction studies is developed based on the new typology for possible relationships between importance and performance.FindingsThe result of this analysis showed that the assumption of independence between the importance and performance is invalid in certain situations.Research limitations/implicationsThe subsets in the analysis are not all independent since a respondent may appear in more than one subset. This is a problem with the data generating process that to some extent might influence the analysis.Practical implicationsProfound impact on the way that the importance/performance map should be interpreted since non‐proportional attributes will move both vertically as well as horizontally in the traditional importance/performance map as performance changes.Originality/valueThis paper gives a theoretical explanation for the presence of non‐proportional satisfiers and develops a new importance/performance map that takes the presence of non‐proportional satisfiers into account.
Reengineering the supply chain in a paint company
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Sahay B.S. , Goyal S.K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the importance and benefits an organisation can achieve through supply chain integration. These benefits are primarily in the area of achieving superior customer service and operating with lower working capital.Design/methodology/approachA three level framework for achieving the integration has been proposed which is in the form of structural integration, process integration and performance integration. The paper also describes in detail the factors influencing an organisations working capital needs and how this integration mechanism allows the organisation to exercise control over these factors. The framework has been described in the form of a case study in a paints company.FindingsThe research findings reveal that most of the Indian organisations have aligned their supply chain objectives with their business objectives. They are now on course for aligning their processes and management focus. Enhanced levels of competitiveness would require Indian organisations to manage the three‐dimensional alignment of achieving the agenda set by the business strategy.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research work should focus on assessing the current level of supply chain integration. It is essential that structure and strategy should be aligned to achieve the business objective of providing superior customer service at the lowest cost.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a detailed study to help supply chain managers improve supply chain efficiency through reengineering. Dramatic improvements have been achieved with the improvement of service levels (OTIF) by more than 20 per cent across all regions. Planning orientation and organisational integration resulted in process optimisation across the supply chain.Originality/valueThe benefits of re‐engineering have increased company's commitment to the integration of the Supply Chain Organisation and it is driving further business improvement initiatives through this organisation. This framework can also be used as a guiding source to carry out organisational transformation process.
A sustainable continuous improvement methodology at an aerospace company
Authors: Bhuiyan Nadia , Baghel Amit , Wilson Jim 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a continuous improvement methodology developed in an aerospace company that is successfully being used by other companies in various industries.Design/methodology/approachA case study was undertaken at a medium‐sized aerospace company for over a span of one year. Data was collected through in‐depth interviews, attendance at formal and informal meetings, observation, and company documentation.FindingsThe paper provides an overview of a continuous improvement methodology known as Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE™), which aims to achieve world‐class quality in products and processes. The paper describes in detail the tools and techniques needed to implement and maintain the methodology. It was found that the company is very successful in addressing a wide range of aspects in the organization, always with the viewpoint that the customer is number one. This methodology is successful to the point that it is being used by other companies in various industries.Practical implicationsThe approach of the ACE™ methodology can be applied to a variety of companies.Originality/valueThis paper presents for the first time the comprehensive Continuous Improvement methodology ACE™. The paper should be of value to practitioners of continuous improvement programs who are interested in a comprehensive approach to achieving excellence.
Trends in the efficiency of Singapore's commercial banking groups
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the long‐term trend in the efficiency of the Singapore banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises the data envelopment analysis (DEA) window analysis methodology, which allows us to distinguish between three different types of efficiency namely, technical, pure technical and scale efficiencies. Given that the sample population is small, the DEA window analysis allows for a greater degree of freedom to the sample. The paper further examines whether the Singapore banking groups were drawn from the same environment during two sub‐periods by performing a series of parametric and non‐parametric tests. Finally, the paper attempts to investigate the consistency of the estimated DEA efficiency scores by examining its relationship with the traditional measures of banks’ performance.FindingsDuring the period of study, the results suggest that the Singapore banking groups have exhibited mean overall or technical efficiency of 88.4 per cent. It was found that the Singapore banking groups’ overall efficiency was on a declining trend during the earlier part of the studies, before increasing dramatically during the later period.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper could be extended to consider the production approach along with the intermediation approach, which has been applied in this paper. Investigation of changes in productivity over time as a result of technical change or technological progress or regress by employing the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index, could be another extension to the paper.Originality/valueThis paper provides new empirical evidence on the long‐term trends in the efficiency of the Singapore banking groups.
Performance of banks in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Ramanathan Ramakrishnan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of banks in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).Design/methodology/approachPerformances of 55 banks operating in countries of the GCC are examined in this study using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist productivity index (MPI). When DEA is used, the bank(s) that registered the highest efficiency is used as benchmark and the performance of other banks are evaluated relative to this benchmark. Two outputs and four inputs are employed for the performance measurement. MPI is used to analyze the patterns of efficiency change over the period 2000‐2004.FindingsDEA efficiencies are calculated for the year 2004. Results show that only 15 of the 55 banks are rated as efficient under constant returns to scale (CRS) assumption, and all the GCC countries have at least one efficient bank. The analysis using MPI has shown that banks in four of the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) registered productivity improvements during 2000‐2004. The selected banks in Bahrain have shown the highest productivity improvements during this period, while the selected banks in Qatar have registered the highest reductions in productivity during this period. Interestingly, all the countries seem to have registered reductions in productivity in terms of technology change.Research limitations/implicationsMore banks could not be considered in this study due to non‐availability of consistent data. Since performance of banks in more than one country have been compared, we have used a common unit of monetary measurement.Originality/valueThis study is first to study the performance of banks in the Middle East, with the exception of a study of selected banks in Kuwait.
Implementing a balanced scorecard framework in a not for profit SME
Authors: Manville G. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of a performance management system using the balanced scorecard (BSC) within a not for profit small and medium sized enterprise (SME).Design/methodology/approachThis is a casebased methodological approach exploring the perceptions of two management stakeholder groups. This ensured that the issues were appraised in both an operational and a strategic context.FindingsThe findings of this research are that balanced scorecards can be implemented within a SME context. However, the motivations for the adoption of the scorecard were both internal and external due to the heavily regulated nature of the organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this research are that only one SME was compared with the body of knowledge relating to larger organizations and this could be viewed as a potential mismatch.Originality/valueCurrently there is a lack of published research on BSC implementations within this sector.
Stormy productivity weather ahead?
Authors: Heap John 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo explore the factors underpinning economic productivity (at a national level) and related concepts such as competitiveness and identify key lessons for governments and organisations.Design/methodology/approachAnalyses published data and identifies internal and external, contemporaneous influences which might help explain those data. Draws general conclusions from the analysis.FindingsIt is possible to identify factors acting on a nation that explain the economic performance of that nation. Some of these factors are internal, such as government policy and action; some are external and “interfere” with current government policy and action. These external factors can act as a catalyst to improved performance.Practical implicationsGovernments must be aware of their role in establishing a “climate” which offers the potential to create high productivity organisations. This is a delicate balance between providing an appropriate productivity infrastructure and over‐regulation. Organisations attempting to improve productivity must be aware of the “productivity infrastructure” and ensure that their approach maximises ways in which it can be exploited.Originality/valueShows the importance of national economic factors in creating a potential for high productivity. Demonstrates the partnership that must exist between government and organisations to ensure competitiveness.