bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DoCoMo creates new knowledge
Authors: Beal Brian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article examines the role of knowledge management in the telecommunication industry.Design/methodology/approachProvides a case study on the creation of entirely new digital services for delivery over mobile telephones to the Japanese consumer market by the DoCoMo company, following the formation of a new organization directed by top management.FindingsPoints out that, by producing organizational capabilities as networked strategic communities, one can integrate the core competence of each strategic community, build a new business model, and create new knowledge in the form of successful new product and service development.Practical implicationsShows that community leaders serve an important function in creating networked strategic companies.Originality/valueProvides a new, practical viewpoint regarding the knowledge management and leadership theory of corporate innovation.
Getting personal on the topic of leadership
Authors: Goffee Rob , Jones Gareth 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article describes how effective leaders become aware of what is different about them that makes them attractive to others, and learn to use these differences to their advantage in a leadership role.Design/methodology/approachPresents examples of the use of this technique, including Microsoft's Bill Gates, ICI's John Harvey‐Jones, Sony's Akio Morita, Kimberly‐Clark's Darwin E. Smith, and London mayor Ken Livingstone.FindingsShows that there is an almost endless list of differences that individuals might communicate, but the differences must be authentic to the individual as a leader, and must be significant, real and perceived.Practical implicationsArgues that, in all the examples, leaders are using personal differences that work for them appropriately in context. They convey the right message – and they are real. Ultimately, it is this sense of authentic self‐expression that makes them so convincing.Originality/valueDemonstrates how John Harvey‐Jones built upon his entrepreneurial pizzazz, Bill Gates his technological “geekiness”, Darwin E. Smith his modesty, and Ken Livingstone's identification with Londoners.
An empirical study of information security policy on information security elevation in Taiwan
Authors: Hong Kwo‐Shing , Chi Yen‐Ping , Chao Louis R. , Tang Jih‐Hsing 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWith the popularity of e‐commerce, information security is vital to most organizations. For managers, building and implementing an information security policy (ISP) has long been assumed to be an effective managerial measure to elevate an organization's security level. This paper attempts to investigate the dominant factors for an organization to build an ISP, and whether an ISP may elevate an organization's security level?Design/methodology/approachA survey was designed and the data were collected from 165 chief information officers in Taiwan.FindingsThe empirical results show that some organizational characteristics (business type and MIS/IS department size) might be good predictors for the ISP adoption and that the functions, contents, implementation and procedures of an ISP may significantly contribute to managers' perceived elevation of information security.Practical implicationsBuilding or adopting an ISP is examined empirically to be an effective managerial measure to elevate its security level in Taiwan, and that the building of an information security should focus on the comprehensiveness of its contents, procedures and implementation items, rather than on the documents only.Originality/valueFew empirical studies have been conducted so far to examine the effectiveness of an ISP, thus the value of this paper is high.
Home page usability and credibility
Authors: Brown William , Rahman Mezbahur , Hacker Travis 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the research was to compare web site designs used by the fastest growing companies in the USA to the largest companies in the USA and to benchmark those designs against best practices as defined by a leading consultant in the industry.Design/methodology/approachThis approach surveyed the web site designs by each group of companies against a set of best practices and developed summary data about the observations.FindingsThe largest companies in the USA used designs that are more consistent with the best practices as defined by a leading consultant in the industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe fastest growing companies did not use best practices in their web site design and still maintained very rapid growth as evidenced by their national rankings. A poorly executed design was less of a detractor to the company's success than anticipated. Web site design may have a role (positive or negative) in the company's growth rate but further research is required to understand the scope and nature of the role.Practical implicationsThe reason why a company maintains a rapid growth rate may be dependent on numerous factors and as such, a comprehensive evaluation of why a company sustains a rapid growth rate should be undertaken. The role of the web site in the company's success should be evaluated in more depth.Originality/valueThis paper has value for web site designers, entrepreneurs, IT management, IT consultants, and large company personnel involved with web site design.
The role of curriculum in organizational significant change planning
Authors: Chrusciel Don 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWith significant change as an ongoing challenge, the development and use of a flexible change curriculum is identified as a success factor that will allow an organization to optimize the outcome from change transformations.Design/methodology/approachAfter discussing significant change, this paper will contrast two organizations in support of a flexible curriculum taking into account multiple theories addressing change, learning, planning, utilization of a curriculum, and assessment, all to enhance the change transformation experience.FindingsThe research, investigation, introduction, implementation and refinement of the action plan play a very important role in how the enterprise accommodates change. It is further suggested that at the heart of any action plan is a flexible curriculum by which the organization can use a formulated educational plan to adjust its current mode of operation to incorporate an ongoing change philosophy.Research limitations/implicationsThe intent is to identify benefits in using a curriculum to aid significant change transformations where logic and reality can justify its use.Practical implicationsIt is postulated that a well‐developed yet flexible curriculum with assessment to track the impact of changes throughout the process will serve to enhance the flexibility of the enterprise and its ability to deal with change. The curriculum serves as the means that provides the organizational membership with identified learning and instruction to mix corporate culture with change urgency.Originality/valueTaking into account change and learning theories, an action plan in the form of a flexible curriculum with assessment is recommended to optimize significant change transformations.
KM critical success factors
Authors: Choy Chong Siong 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research examines the level of perception and implementation of 11 identified knowledge management (KM) success factors and their differences among the information and communication technology (ICT) companies operating in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe survey data was obtained from a study of 427 middle managers from 194 ICT companies using a set of structured questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to confirm that the 11 KM variables are valid and are in conformity to the literature review. Pairedt‐test was then used to identify the differences between the KM factors perceived as important and the implementation of those factors.FindingsThe results show that all the 11 factors are perceived as important for successful KM implementation, but there are significant differences between all the factors perceived as important and the level of implementation of those factors.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should include a bigger sample size and from various industries so as to ensure that the results can be generalised. It is also important that the success factors presented can be correlated with organisational performance. Since the study examines the level of implementation of KM factors, a longitudinal study is necessary.Practical implicationsSuch significant findings reinforce the findings of previous researchers on the importance of the various KM success factors proposed. In addition, it provides information on the current level of KM implementation in these companies in Malaysia. Based on the differences between the two, strategies are recommended on how the Malaysian ICT companies can improve their KM practices and thus narrow the gap between the two.Originality/valueThis paper has implications on the Malaysian ICT companies in formulating strategies on how to deploy a full swing KM programme as a strategic weapon for their business success.
Towards a framework for organizational learning
Authors: Small Adrian , Irvine Paul 
Published: July 2006

PurposeMany tools exist to chart the progress of an organisation in its quest to become a learning organization or achieve organizational learning. Aims to expand a tool already developed to include learning organization conditions as they occur through dialogue between individuals within an organisation with an emphasis on social learning theory.Design/methodology/approachLiterature relating to creating learning organizations as well as undertaking organizational learning is reviewed and critiqued. An argument for a tool in identifying learning activity functions as they take place through dialogue is presented along with the argument for expanding the tool to incorporate learning organization conditions that have been identified within the literature. The tool this work expands is the DISCOUNT scheme as developed by Pilkington. The paper closes with a discussion on justifying the use of the scheme and the future work that is to be undertaken.FindingsDemonstrates that a tool can be expanded to take into account learning organization and organizational learning conditions and how they could be identified.Research limitations/implicationsIndividuals who use the tool need a number of hours practice to become familiar with the scheme and its structure.Practical implicationsA tool has been expanded to look at learning activities as they take place within an organisation. By identifying these activities, more successful approaches to learning may be encouraged by looking at an individual's behaviour, personal and cognitive factors and the environment as is stated to apply when viewed through social learning theory.Originality/valueThis paper offers a practical tool that can be used on dialogue and other speech acts to look at learning activities within organizations with a specific focus on organizations wanting to improve organizational learning or try to create learning organizations.
Operationalizing the concept of value – an action research‐based model
Authors: Näslund Dag , Olsson Annika , Karlsson Sture 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWhile the importance of measuring customer satisfaction levels is well established, less research exists on how organizations operationalize such knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to describe an action research (AR) case study resulting in a workshop model to operationalize the concept of value. The model facilitates organizational learning and mindset changes in order to remove both cultural and structural barriers to change.Design/methodology/approachThe model is based on AR in three case organizations. The research, over four years in the primary case organization, included phases of planning, action (implementing), observing (evaluating), and analysis and reflection as a basis for new planning and action. By using secondary case organizations the results and methods from the primary case organization were validated and further developed.FindingsThe model includes methods to help organizations understand and define what customer value is for any given specific organization, tools to change the employee outlook from a functional/feature oriented mindset into a process/values oriented mindset, and tools to help organizations design and manage the value‐adding core processes. The results after implementation clearly indicate that cutting costs and eliminating waste does not necessarily mean that the processes will be less effective. On the contrary, customers are significantly more satisfied than before while the processes cost less and take less time. Furthermore, throughout the project, the employee satisfaction index improved.Originality/valueThe model presented expands the steps of understanding, creating and delivering value by changing internal processes and employee mindsets.
Quantitative assessment of a Senge learning organization intervention
Authors: Kiedrowski P. Jay 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo quantitatively assess a Senge learning organization (LO) intervention to determine if it would result in improved employee satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachA Senge LO intervention in Division 123 of Company ABC was undertaken in 2000. Three employee surveys using likert‐scale questions over five years and correlation analysis were used to compare the impacts in the division, and with the company.FindingsEmployees in Division 123 accepted Senge's concepts more and had improved employee job satisfaction over those five years demonstrated by statistically significant gain scores and positive correlation results. However, the division's gain scores were not statistically better than the bank, and correlation analysis did not show a positive relationship between the intervention and job satisfaction compared to no intervention.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was limited by the survey questions used by the bank, by the difficult conditions in Division 123, and by the implementation approach. Additional research is needed to quantitatively assess another organization undergoing a Senge LO intervention.Practical implicationsAspects of a Senge LO intervention such as team learning, systems thinking, and shared vision were valuable as part of a change effort in an organization. Senge's disciplines appeared insufficient as a total change methodology.Originality/valueThis research meets the need for comprehensive empirical testing of Senge's disciplines which has been lacking here‐to‐fore. It also helps leaders better understand, from a leader's perspective, the tools to use in creating a learning organization.
IT sophistication, performance and progress towards formal electronic communication in the Hong Kong construction industry
Authors: Rowlinson Steve , Croker Norman 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe adoption of computer technology by the construction industry has been driven by the competitive advantages offered by the available technology. The continuing evolution of information technology (IT) in the construction industry has led to widespread e‐mail use for informal project communications but, as yet, only limited use of IT for formal communications. This study aims to address this issueDesign/methodology/approachAn industry survey was conducted to assess the improvement towards IT literacy and increased competitiveness through the use of IT in Hong Kong, by comparison with previous surveys in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong.FindingsThe research found that the Hong Kong construction industry's IT technical maturity and technical infrastructure are well advanced and remain at about the same level as Australia and the UK. Construction professionals commonly perceived benefits in migration to formal electronic communications.Originality/valueThe perceived obstacles to the industry's adoption of formal IT‐based communications were found to be additional cost and security/confidentiality concerns, but there are underlying obstacles in the industry's structure and lack of incentive (and budget) at project level.
Construction craft skills requirements in sub‐Saharan Africa: a focus on Zambia
Authors: Muya Mundia , Price Andrew D.F. , Edum‐Fotwe Francis T. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAs the development agenda for sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA) gains momentum, it has become necessary to refocus attention on effective and sustainable human resource development strategies for the construction sector in the region that include craft skills. Aims to provide insight into the availability and quality of construction craft skills in Zambia, and the SSA region in general.Design/methodology/approachUsing Zambia as a country case study, results of a survey that was designed to assess the construction industry's perceptions of the quality and availability of construction craft skills in Zambia are presented. The surveyed contractors' support for the introduction of a sector‐specific training levy in Zambia was also investigated and is reported.FindingsFindings point to both poor quality and shortage of construction craft skills in Zambia. Results suggest that construction sector‐specific training levy would be the most viable, sustainable and industry‐wide supported option for supplementing government funding in the training of construction craft skills in Zambia, and probably in the SSA region.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was exploratory in nature and depth, and SSA is a vast and diverse region. The results of the case study may not correctly reflect construction skills exigencies across the whole SSA region.Originality/valueThe results provide information and advice for both policy makers and contractors concerned with construction crafts skills issues in Zambia, and SSA in general.
Project management quality and the value of flexible strategies
Authors: Ford David N. , Bhargav Shilpa 
Published: July 2006

PurposeConstruction strategies for competitive bidding and operations are used to avoid the consequences of poor schedule performance such as delay penalties. Flexible strategies in the form of options can increase project value if uncertain conditions cannot be adequately forecast before operations begin. However, project management purposefully manipulates the project performance that drives the use of options and thereby the value added by options. Therefore project management quality may influence option values. Seeks to address this question.Design/methodology/approachThis research investigates the interaction of project management and option value by operationalizing a common use of real options in construction and valuing the option with different levels of project management quality. A simple but realistic dynamic simulation model of a project is described and exercised to reveal some impacts of project management on option value.FindingsThe results support a hypothesis that increased project management quality decreases option value and that real options in managing construction projects can be explained with real options theory. The model structure suggests causal explanations that are consistent with real options theory.Originality/valueThe results suggest that practising managers can significantly increase project value by structuring managerial flexibility and thereby improving their evaluation, development, and use of flexibility. However, ignoring the multiple means of managing uncertainty that are often available can distort valuation. Results also suggest that researchers of strategic flexibility in projects should consider multiple forms of uncertainty in modeling options. Increasing the number of available options or the effectiveness of options in a multiple‐option environment can decrease individual option values.
Innovations in new product development at Universal Pipe and Fittings
Authors: Swan Hobart , Pitta Dennis 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe an innovative practice that has implication for new product developers.Design/methodology/approachThe case describes an approach to building creativity used in an actual company. The name of the organization has been changed at its request. Interviews with company representatives, organizational concept papers and publicly available data were used to write the case study.FindingsProvides information and action approaches to new product developers that may increase the success and accuracy of resulting new products. The subject company applied the mind mapping technique, previously used in project management, to new product development. Their results offer encouraging implications for new product development teams.Research limitations/implicationsAs in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.Practical implicationsThe case depicts an innovative application of the mind mapping technique to the new product development process. Other organizations may find the technique of value in their own efforts.Originality/valueThe case is the first to describe a successful application of the mind mapping technique to the new product development process. It offers the potential of improving the success of new products in the marketplace, increasing company success.
Does the tail wag the dog? Brand personality in brand alliance evaluation
Authors: James David O. , Lyman Madge , Foreman Susan K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to identify and test some strategic elements that consumers use when evaluating brand alliances.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores branding elements previously identified in the literature as being important to understanding brand extensions, and seeks to identify whether these elements apply to brand alliances. Consumer reactions to, and their beliefs and attitudes about, various fictitious brand alliances are explored.FindingsManagers should focus on finding a similarity between brand alliance partners, not only in concrete dimensions but also in areas such as brand personality. Where brands do fit together, the likelihood of consumers purchasing the new product is improvedOriginality/valueWhen looking for brand alliance partners, there are strong consumer‐based brand equity issues that need to be considered. This study shows that there are other ways to measure these variables, and because of their impact on consumers' decisions, they should be investigated along with financial factors when considering an alliance.