bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process approach to supply chain integration
Authors: Trkman Peter , Indihar Štemberger Mojca , Jaklič Jurij , Groznik Aleš 
Published: March 2007

PurposeBusiness renovation, the effective utilisation of information technology and the role of business process modelling and simulation, are all vital in supply chain integration projects. This paper aims to show through a combination of these methods how the performance of the supply chain can be improved with the renovation and integration of processes at various tiers in the chain and by the sharing of information between companies.Design/methodology/approachSimulation‐based methodology for measuring the benefits of the creation and renovation of business process models combines the methodology of developing process models and its simulation with the simulation of supply and demand. A procurement process in the oil/retail petrol industry is examined in a case study.FindingsUsing the proposed methodology, different business process models can be investigated and simulated. The benefits for each company involved in the presented case are substantial and can be estimated through a simulation. Substantial benefits in costs, quality and lead times were identified, however, their distribution is not symmetric. Inter‐organisational IS and applied technology were enablers for supply chain integration. However, organisational changes and new business models were prerequisites for obtaining those benefits.Practical implicationsThe process approach to supply chain integration presents a mechanism that can be applied to any industry. It represents a systematic methodological business renovation approach involving cost cuts, quality improvements and lead‐time improvements. The costs of supply chain integration projects were not studied. The benefits should be measured against the cost of testing the economic feasibility of such projects.Originality/valueThe effective utilisation of business process modelling and a simulation of the necessary business renovation are shown. The novel combination of business process and demand/supply simulation enables an estimation of changes in lead‐times, process execution costs, quality of the process and inventory costs. Although the methodology is presented through a case study of the oil/retail petrol industry, it can also be used to estimate the benefits and monitor supply chain integration projects in other industries.
Integrated production/distribution planning in the supply chain: the Febal case study
Authors: Nonino Fabio , Panizzolo Roberto 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to investigate empirically the criticalities of a production system constrained by distribution, in order to propose a model capable of integrating production and distribution planning for a simultaneous improvement in terms of efficiency and efficacy.Design/methodology/approachStarting from an overview of previous works about integrated analysis of a production‐distribution system, an exploratory case study in the Italian industry of modular kitchens has been used, with multiple levels of analysis and multiple data collection methods.FindingsThree solutions for a better integration of production‐distribution systems are proposed; the solutions are characterized by increasing levels of benefits and complexity. The article focuses on the implementation of the less complex scenario, called “overlapping of selling areas”, proposing a series of algorithms used for the implementation of a software prototype.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study has been chosen because it is representative of the assemble to delivery logic, where production is pulled and constrained by distribution, but it may not necessarily reflect all the firm's experiences in the furniture market.Practical implicationsThe software prototype, developed on the basis of the proposed algorithms, allows a firm with production planning severely constrained by the distribution process to achieve better performance in terms of level of accomplishment in the delivery date promised and reduction of the lead time of delivery.Originality/valueThis paper proposes effective solutions for customer order‐driven‐production constrained by the distribution process, also offering practical help for managing and automatically assigning orders to transport carriers and for informing customers of the product's delivery date.
The darker side of an international academic career
Authors: Richardson Julia , Zikic Jelena 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the “darker side” of what it means to engage in an international academic career. Extending beyond well‐documented themes relating to the difficulties of cross‐cultural adjustment and unfulfilled expectations/opportunities for promotion, this paper seeks to introduce “transience and risk” as two important dimensions of this very specific career choice. The paper draws especially on the contemporary “new” careers literature, including conceptions of career exploration as a framework to understand the research findings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on semi‐structured interviews conductedin situwith 30 expatriate academics in four different countries.FindingsTransience and risk were identified as two important dimensions of the “darker side” of pursuing an international academic career. However, these two dimensions also had further positive aspects, thus signalling the complex and often contradictory nature of this specific career form.Research limitations/implicationsIntroduces a more cautionary note to the contemporary literature on international careers and career exploration more generally.Practical implicationsCareers that evolve across international boundaries require support that extends beyond cross‐cultural training.Originality/valueThe paper contends that in as much as an international academic career offers a broad range of opportunities for fulfilment it also presents significant challenges that should be acknowledged.
Careers in the right beat: US jazz musicians' typical and non‐typical trajectories
Authors: Kirschbaum Charles 
Published: March 2007

PurposeRecent research has shed light on career trajectories outside enclosed organizations and linked individual careers to career fields. This article seeks to explore how individuals' trajectories are affected by structural changes in career fields.Design/methodology/approachBy exploring several jazz musicians' biographies, a typical trajectory is built. In contrast with this typical trajectory, alternative successful trajectories are investigated.FindingsThe typical trajectory entails a successful introduction of a musician into a field, followed by increasing recognition among peers at jam sessions, stream of engagements and among critics. Consecration of one's public persona occurs in tandem with the institutionalization of one's personal style. These higher levels of “symbolic capital” grant continuous streams of engagements, which in turn are translated into higher levels of economic capital. As a musician achieves a dominant position in a field, inertial forces typecast him, impeding innovation, which leaves room for upcoming younger artists. This model is contrasted with deviant careers that proved to be successful due to structural changes in the field. As the legitimacy sources were no longer tightly coupled, musicians were able to undertake choices not prescribed by successful predecessors. The way individuals behave when facing field uncertainty reveals the enduring values underlying the employment and conversion of resources.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on qualitative research on jazz musicians' bios. Future research might further explore interpretative schemata applied by musicians facing career choices.Practical implicationsPractitioners might find controversial and conflictive sources of legitimacy opportunities for taking up alternative career paths. Conversely, structural changes might help analysts to assess endurable patterns of individual strategic choices.Originality/valueThe logics of jazz musicians' trajectories are assumed to be analogous to other industry careers. This analogy adds value to the study of careers in two ways: first, it contributes to understanding career patterns outside formal organizations; and second, it permits a multi‐level analysis, where both individual trajectories and the field dynamics are interwoven.
Work, family, and life interfaces: a selective book review
Authors: Rabinowitz Samuel 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review a group of books focusing on work‐family research and applications.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a summary and critique of recently published books centering on work‐family issues.FindingsSignificantly expanded views of work‐family issues are represented in the multicultural, multidisciplinary perspectives presented in a series of books.Originality/valueBy considering a number of different publications, the researcher, instructor, or practitioner can learn about advances in the work‐family domain.
Corporate real estate and competitive strategy
Authors: Singer Bas P. , Bossink Bart A.G. , Vande Putte Herman J.M. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisations use a corporate real estate strategy to support their competitive strategy. It provides a theoretical and empirical overview and analysis of effective combinations of firms' real estate and competitive strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper constructs a model that integrates three real estate strategies and three types of competitive strategies. Case studies in ten multinational firms in The Netherlands apply the model, and describe and analyse the combinations of the firms' real estate – and competitive strategies.FindingsA standardisation real estate strategy supports all three competitive strategies: lowest costs, differentiation, and focus. A value‐based real estate strategy supports a competitive strategy of differentiation and differentiation‐focus, and does not contribute to a competitive strategy of lowest costs, or lowest costs‐focus. Finally, an incremental real estate strategy is ambiguous, and does not support any of the three competitive strategies.Originality/valueThe paper constructs a literature‐based model that combines real estate strategy and competitive strategy. It applies the model in a study of ten cases. Practitioners can use the model to analyse and reconsider the combination of their organisation's real estate strategy and competitive strategy. Academics can use the qualitative research results to design further research that qualifies and quantifies the relationship between various elements of real estate – and competitive strategy.
Employee quality of life in corporate location decisions
Authors: Rabianski Joseph S. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo provide a method for the corporate real estate director to gather information about the quality of life (QOL) desires of key employees at a new corporate location.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a discussion of a personal survey technique that can be used to gather information about the QOL concerns and needs of key employees regarding new locations the firm might be considering as possible expansion or relocation sites.FindingsThe publicly disseminated QOL rankings in popular magazines about metropolitan areas provides only marginally important information for the corporate officer in charge of making a relocation decision, because the information is not directly linked to the employees who will be affected by the move.Practical implicationsThe discussion of the contents of a personal survey will provide the means to discover the significant benefits perceived by the key employees about the new location and a means to discover any major concerns, issues and problems about moving to a new corporate location.Originality/valueThe paper brings the QOL concept from its position as a newsworthy curiosity about metropolitan areas into the corporate decision process as a way to involve the opinions and desires about QOL of key employees in a corporate relocation decision.
A model for calculating costs of hospital‐acquired infections: an Italian experience
Authors: Gianino M.M. , Vallino A. , Minniti D. , Abbona F. , Mineccia C. , Silvaplana P. , Zotti C.M. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeMany approaches on the economic aspect of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) have two major limitations: first, the lack of distinction between resources attributable to the management of HAI and resources absorbed by the main clinical problem for which the patient was hospitalized, and second, the lack of an adequate method for calculating the relative costs. These assume that the resources used by HAI can be determined by measuring the extra days of length of days (LOS) of infected patients versus non‐infected patients and attribute to extra‐LOS a value to the mean total cost. The aim of the article is to test a cost‐modelling method that could overcome these limitations by applying the appropriateness evaluation protocol to the medical charts of patients with hospital‐acquired symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) or sepsis, and by using cost‐centre accounting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains and tests a model for calculating costs of HAIs.FindingsThe data analysis showed that it is not always true that infections protract LOS: five out of 25 sepsis cases have extra‐LOS and eight out of 25 UTI cases have extra‐LOS, while the cases of sepsis that arose in surgery ward and intensive care units and urinary tract infections in ICU are without prolongation of LOS. The data analysis also showed that, using the mean total cost, the three cases of sepsis in the general surgery and the six in the ICU did not incur costs, nor did the two cases of UTI in ICU, so that they appear to be infections at zero cost. Moreover, the weight of the cost for the bed, or for the diagnostic services, or for the pharmacological treatment, varied widely depending on the site of the HAI and the ward where the patient was hospitalized.Originality/valueThe method can be applied in any hospital.
The impact of research governance in the United Kingdom on research involving a national survey
Authors: Cook Margaret , Cook Glenda , Hodgson Philip , Reed Jan , Clarke Charlotte , Inglis Pamela 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that research governance processes in the National Health Service (NHS) are having on the conduct of research that involves a national survey and to point to ways that existing processes may develop to facilitate such research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the experiences of a research team of seeking approval in 357 NHS organisations to carry out a national postal survey to investigate specialist services and specialist staffing for older people in England in the wake of recent policy developments. Through reflection on this experience, the team propose approaches for the development of existing research governance processes. The national survey was the first stage of the study, which was followed by a detailed investigation of the development of specialist service provision for older people in six case study sites across England. The national survey aimed to map specialist service provision for older people by identifying the range of service models, agency and professional involvements, and nature of the case load in statutory services (health and social care), independent and voluntary sector organisations.FindingsOf the 357 NHS organisations approached for approval to carry out the survey within the organisation, this was achieved only in 247 organisations over 12 months. Many organisations were facilitative of the process; however, protracted and extensive approval processes in others led to long delays and redesigning of the research that was commissioned by the Department of Health.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in that it highlights processes and practices that hinder research and builds on those that work well.
Nineteenth century handmaids or twenty‐first century partners?
Authors: Tosh Karen 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the processes influencing the nature of the relationship between hospital medical and nursing staff.Design/methodology/approachPosits the question “how far has this relationship come?” since the influential Briggs Report of the 1970s declared that the nineteenth‐century handmaid model remained a powerful concept. To address whether this still holds true, a series of potentially influencing factors are explored. These include the differing historical development of medicine and nursing. Also how the relative roles, of nursing in particular, are changing and the effects of the external policy and political influences at play. Gender issues are considered, with particular regard to how care is conceptualised, and not least the contribution to relations by doctors and nurses themselves are explored.FindingsThe paper discusses how three doctor‐nurse relationship models have attempted to account for the way these two groups interact. A fourth perspective is put forward as a potentially revealing way of viewing group relations, taking from the social psychology‐based theory of social identification.Originality/valueThe paper maintains that a frank and open discussion of the problems that may be encountered in developing the doctor‐nurse relationship is a vitally important ingredient for modern health care. By employing a polemic style the key aim of this paper is to stimulate debate between the relevant parties in this area and to attempt to highlight some of the less obvious factors that may represent tangible barriers to effective partnership.
Hedge fund regulation: current trends in the industry
Authors: Lukaj Michael S. , Healy Girard M. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an analysis and report on the current regulatory environment for US hedge funds and explore the latest actions from governmental groups and the private sector.Design/methodology/approachA compilation of the most recent government communications, legislative proposals, industry newsletters and seminars, and other related sources.FindingsUS regulation surrounding hedge funds is in a state of flux. Substantially more pension money being invested in hedge funds has become a very important factor in the discussions. Hedge funds that are already registered are staying so in the vast majority of cases. The consensus is that more regulation is likely; however, what form that regulation will take is still unsettled at this point.Originality/valueBased on first‐hand experience working with hedge funds, the authors have endeavored to present and outline the most up‐to‐date information on this hot‐button issue.
SEC votes to amend and clarify operation of redemption fee rule
Authors: Puretz Jeffrey , Robertson Robert , Rosenblat Alan , Frankfurter Jutta , Scott Cortney 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to summarize amendments to Rule 22c‐2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the “redemption fee rule”, adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 26, 2006.Design/methodology/approachProvides background to the redemption fee rule, defines financial intermediaries and intermediary chains, and discusses how funds are expected to implement the rule and associated frequent trading policies.FindingsUnder the redemption fee rule, the boards of most mutual funds are required to consider whether to implement a fee of up to 2 percent of the value of any shares redeemed by a customer from a fund within a short time after purchase. Amendments to the rule clarify operation of the rule and reduce mutual funds' costs in complying with it.Originality/valueOutlines the requirements of the amendments to Rule 22c‐2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
DOJ's Antitrust Division places opening bid on private equity firm investigation
Authors: Alexis Geraldine , Sauro Troy 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to summarize and discuss the motivation behind an investigation recently begun by the Department of Justice Antitrust Division concerning the practices of private equity firms when they are bidding for control of target companies.Design/methodology/approachDescribes the reasons for the Antitrust Division's interest in private equity firms' auction practices; hypothetical auction scenarios that could raise the Division's interest; additional steps the Division could take such as further letters and Civil Investigative Demands; and possible private equity firm defenses and responses to Division theories.FindingsThe Division appears most interested in the nature of the “clubs” formed by competing private equity firms to place bids. So, the Division's investigation will likely focus on whether it can bring claims against private equity firms for violations of Section One of the Sherman Act (15 U.S.C. § 15), which prohibits “contracts, combinations and conspiracies in restraint of trade”. Private equity firms can respond to the Division's theories by showing that “club” collaborations are beneficial to competition and actually help streamline the process, resulting in better auction bids.Originality/valueA useful explanation and update of an investigation in process.
Agency theory and corporate governance
Authors: Bonazzi Livia , Islam Sardar M.N. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe effect of corporate governance on firm performance has long been of great interest to financiers, economists, behavioural scientists, legal practitioners and business operators. Yet there is no consensus over what constitutes an effective corporate governance mechanism that induces agents or managers to consistently act in the interest of share value optimisation. The purpose of this study is to develop a model to resolve an on‐going issue in financial economics: how can CEOs be effectively monitored by the board of directors?Design/methodology/approachA survey of the literature on corporate governance and the relationship between board composition and financial performance leads to the development of the proposed model, which is based on a framework which takes into account the probability of success representing a CEO's ability, and the active monitoring function (which is represented by the numbers of control visits) carried‐out by the directors.FindingsThe design of the model is aimed at identifying an optimal level of monitoring, which will maximise share value, to guide internal and independent directors.Research limitations/implicationsThe model has limitations: it does not address the input of other directors and it focuses solely on the monitoring function, even though boards also play important roles in providing information and advice to management.Originality/valueThe finding of this study contributes to the Agency Theory debate, in essence that the board monitoring of CEO will improve the performance of the CEO and avoid possible conflict of interests.