bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplier perceptions of quick response systems
Authors: Birtwistle Grete , Fiorito Susan S. , Moore Christopher M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore supply chain management issues in the Scottish textile and clothing industry, such as company awareness of automatic replenishment (AR) systems, quick response implementation (QRI), and relationships within the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachFace‐to‐face interviews were undertaken with 33 Scottish suppliers.FindingsResults indicate that less than a third of the companies surveyed in Scotland had implemented AR/QRI systems and that many supply chain members had not fully understood the benefits of implementing information technology (IT) to support an AR/QRI strategy. They perceive it more as a strategy for retailers than as a virtual supply chain strategy.Research limitations/implicationsSince this study was limited to 33 Scottish suppliers, findings can only be used as a guide for further research into the area. The next stage of this research will be to gather more responses from UK and US suppliers of fashion garments, as well as to undertake in‐depth interviews with retail buyers in order to explore the criteria they now use for establishing supplier relationships.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies advantages which manufacturing management could achieve: namely to improve planning, reduce stockholdings, increase production and by improved communication become a preferred supplier.Originality/valueIn order to survive, Scottish suppliers have to sustain competitive advantage by ensuring that they have an efficient stock management system. For manufacturers of fashion goods, speed is a priority that incurs higher production and transportation costs that can be offset against fewer mark‐downs and higher gross margins. Thus, QRI is a must for multiple fashion retailers selling “own brand” merchandise, to provide them with competitive differentiation in the high fashion end of the market. This means that suppliers need to build relationships with these retailers and implement QR systems to stay in business.
A tool to evaluate design performance in SMEs
Authors: Moultrie James , Clarkson P. John , Probert David 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe creation of well‐designed products is widely acknowledged as an important contributor to company success. In principle, an effective design process, as part of the wider new product development (NPD) process, should result in well‐designed products. This paper aims to present a tool to enable a design team to evaluate their design process in a workshop setting, with a view to targeting improvements.Design/methodology/approachThis tool is based on literature and has been iteratively developed using a mixed research approach, including detailed exploratory cases and application in action research mode.FindingsThe resulting tool comprises two main components. A “process audit” based on process maturity principles, which targets the design‐related activities in NPD. The process audit enables a company team to identify improvement opportunities in the design process. A product audit enables perceptions towards product characteristics to be assessed. The audit tool does not seek to be a benchmarking tool, but aims to capture “good design” principles in a form which is accessible and useful to practitioners.Practical implicationsIn use, the tool enabled managers to balance their concern with meeting budget and timescale demands against the importance of producing well‐designed products. By first focusing on the tangible output of the design process – the product – practitioners are better able to understand the way in which design decisions influence product usability, desirability and producibility. Evidence from cases confirms the value and originality of this tool.Originality/valuePrevious tools addressing product development have focused on strategic and managerial concerns. This novel assessment tool focuses explicitly on design issues, within the wider context of NPD.
Measuring knowledge in the new product development process
Authors: Lettice Fiona , Roth Norman , Forstenlechner Ingo 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present a measurement framework to capture the importance of the use of knowledge within the new product development (NPD) process.Design/methodology/approachA literature review enabled 200 product development measures to be compiled. These were categorised into six dimensions: stakeholder contribution, operating context, reuse, invention, exploitation, and NPD performance. Four companies applied selected measures and assessed the cube for its ability to improve measurement and management of their NPD process. This process refined the approach. A web‐based questionnaire (with 130 responses) assessed how a wider population perceived their performance and capability to measure performance in each of the six dimensions.FindingsRespondents consider themselves capable of delivering good products and services, but are less confident in their ability to manage and measure knowledge reuse, invention and exploitation activities.Research limitations/implicationsFull implementation of the measurement cube was not possible. Further research should assess the comprehensiveness, applicability and usefulness of the approach in more detail.Practical implications/implicationsIntroduction of the measurement cube and measures in the six dimensions identified would enable companies to go beyond traditional financial measures for their NPD processes and move towards a more performance‐oriented culture.Originality/valueThis paper synthesises the results from many other isolated studies on NPD metrics. In addition, it focuses on the measurement of the NPD process from a knowledge perspective, providing an integrating framework (the measurement cube), which is unique.
Adaptation of logistic operating curves to one‐piece flow processes
Authors: Nyhuis Peter , Vogel Markus 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a model for precise logistic controlling of one‐piece flow processes and for the description of the interactions between logistic performance measures. The developed method can help manufacturing enterprises to control their production processes and therewith to exploit existing rationalization potentials in their production.Design/methodology/approachThe Institute of Production System and Logistics adapted the logistic operating curve for schedule reliability and the logistic operating curve for mean throughput time to describe the behaviour of one‐piece flow processes. This model‐based method depicts the correlation between the delivery reliability and mean WIP level of single manufacturing systems and enables a goal‐oriented modelling as well as a controlling of single manufacturing processes.FindingsThe derivation, calculation, and fields of application of the logistic operating curves for one‐piece flow processes, that give a functional relationship between mean WIP, mean throughput time and schedule reliability, are presented in this paper. Moreover, the paper presents how the logistic performance measures can be adjusted to target values.Originality/valueThis paper offers practical help to manufacturing enterprises confronted with the task of evaluation and optimization of manufacturing processes within the framework of production controlling. Moreover, the developed method enables manufacturing enterprises to identify bottleneck work systems where action can be taken to optimize their schedule situation and thereby improve the delivery reliability of an entire manufacturing department.
International business and management studies as an orientalist discourse
Authors: Westwood Robert 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to interrogate the international business and management studies (IBMS) discourse via postcolonial theory. It demonstrates the value of applying postcolonial theory as a critical practice with respect to that substantive domain.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to draw on the critical and intellectual resources of postcolonial theory and apply them in an interrogation of IBMS.FindingsThe paper shows the value of applying postcolonial theory to open up the discourse of IBMS, which is revealed to deploy similar types of universalistic, essentialising and exoticising representations to colonial and neo‐colonial discourse. It is revealed to rely on functionalist orthodoxy, realist ontology and neo‐positivist epistemology. Furthermore, it masks its own power effects, fails to make explicit its research commitments, especially its political and ethical ones, and remains deeply unreflexive.Originality/valueThe use of postcolonial theory in relation to organisation studies is in its infancy with only a limited number of studies directly related to that critical practice. This paper, then, is a contribution to an important, but emergent arena of scholarship. The interrogation mounted here points to a radical reconfiguration of the field and indications as to where that might take us are made.
Critical challenges in the emerging global managerial order
Authors: Murphy Jonathan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to contribute to the discussion on criticality in international business by proposing an interconnection between organizational managerialism and the construction of a global managerial order.Design/methodology/approachExplores the theoretical divide within critical management studies and the challenge provided to theory by internationalization/globalization. Using the case study of the World Bank, examines its organic drive to global governmentality. Examines relevance of C. Wright Mills's theory of the power élite to the advent of a global managerial élite.FindingsNeither purely realist nor constructivist accounts offer an adequate framework for critical study of international business. Using an approach acknowledging the interweaving of materiality and discourse in construction of a global order, argues that transnational institutions, including the World Bank, play a key role in implementing networked global managerialism. Updates critical élite theory to accommodate globalization and the rise of organized civil society.Research limitations/implicationsFurther challenges include mapping global managerial élites and their interconnections.Practical implicationsCritical management researchers should pay more attention to the interconnection between organization‐based theories of control and broader human systems.Originality/valueContributes to the application of theories of managerial control beyond the intra‐organizational context.
Psychic distance effects for Russian market: Estonian and western experience
Authors: Babichenko Jekaterina 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper is aimed at providing the theoretical basis and some empirical implications concerning the effect of the psychological (or “psychic”) distance on the enterprise internationalisation process. The main goal is to examine distance components and their dynamics with the focus on the Russian Federation market.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative analysis is based on the range of theoretical and empirical studies focused on expanding of Estonian and foreign enterprises to the Russian Federation market as well as Russian market attractiveness and risk assessment.FindingsAccording to the analysis conducted in the study, the slightly diminishing psychic distance effect between Baltic states and the Russian Federation, as well as the gateway effect could be identified. Uncertainty and discrepancies with the western business techniques are found to be the factors of significant influence.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research of the subject can be dedicated to the distance components estimation through factor or component analysis on the base of macroeconomic data and the data obtained from the questionnaires of selected enterprises.Practical implicationsResearch of the current topic can provide a solid basis for the management strategies interpretation and development in the context of the vulnerability of the Russian Federation market with the goal of establishing effective business operations.Originality/valueThis paper provides a basis for future research and emphasizes the role of the given phenomenon in strategic management.
Air Baltic and SAS – a case study in the European airline industry
Authors: Huettinger Maik 
Published: July 2006

PurposeNo‐frills carriers have revolutionized Europe's aviation market and have changed the airline business in a dramatic way. Having entered most of the countries in Central Europe, the wave has also reached the Baltics. The purpose of this paper is to reveal how a Scandinavian carrier entered the market with a subsidiary airline, by combining elements of low‐cost and traditional carriers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper starts by giving a brief overview of the different airline operating philosophies. It is followed by an introduction into the Nordic airline market. The main focus will be on the operating strategy of Air Baltic and its relation towards the extension policy of Scandinavian Airlines.FindingsThe paper provides an independent and structured analysis about the strategy of Air Baltic. Theory was applied to determine how much the airline was influenced by the “low‐fare wave” of the aviation branch and its implications. The hybrid character of Air Baltic reflects the Central European/Baltic business environment.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is partly limited to the information published by the airline itself. Because international aviation journals have not yet covered Air Baltic, newspapers and popular journals were used as a base of information. To fill this gap, two semi‐structured interviews with Air Baltic executives were carried out.Practical implicationsThe study is a useful source of information for scientists and managers dealing with the airline industry or/and the Baltic Sea region. Lecturers might use the paper for case‐based courses.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first comprehensive publications in the English language about Air Baltic and the Baltic aviation market.
Modeling network growth with network theory and cellular automata
Authors: Kemper Andreas 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAlthough the nonlinear growth of networks, e.g. the diffusion of innovations, is vital for strategic management, it is often treated implicitly in management theory and practice. Partial explanations of this discrepancy are the unintuitive nature and complexity of the required analytical tools. The goal of this research is to assess two possible approaches – the network theory and cellular automata (CA) – and to generate guidelines for their application.Design/methodology/approachAfter having clarified the necessity for a network growth analysis, the network theory and CA are outlined and compared as alternative analytical approaches for its investigation.FindingsResults of the theoretical analysis indicate that the amount of the interacting agents and the complexity of the interaction rules are key determinants for choosing the optimal methodology.Originality/valueGiven that sound research has addressed the implementation handles, the further application guidelines mentioned here can help corroborate and validate the concepts presented and contribute to a further diffusion of the underlying complex systems principles in management theory and practice.
Accountants and economic governance in a dependent country
Authors: Longuenesse Elisabeth 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to sort out what was at stake in the fierce debates that raged after 1995 among Lebanese accountants about the conditions of membership to their new association.Design/methodology/approachIt fits within the recent development of the sociology of professions. But, because of the specific nature of accountants expertise, it is also concerned with broader societal issues and socio‐political negotiation of interests, which underlie professional battles. Finally, to understand what is at stake today, past legacies, struggles and competitions had to be taken into account.FindingsBefore the creation of the LACPA in 1995, there was no unified accounting profession in Lebanon. Two bodies represented two types of work and practice (small offices doing mainly accountancy and fiscal consulting and service v. Anglo‐Saxon‐oriented and English‐speaking audit and accountancy practices). After 1995, although the new body welcomed OECF's advices, it could not adopt its principles. The absence of a high level degree in accountancy (comparable with DESCF), the diversity of academic trainings made it necessary for LACPA to have its own certification exam. But conflicting Anglo‐Saxon and French legacies will soon be absorbed in global change where economic governance is now submitted to the hegemony of financial markets.Research limitations/implicationThe Lebanese case also reveals specific dimensions. The professional field is structured by overlapping conflicts of interest and power struggles which are simultaneously professional, social, cultural, and political.Originality/valueIt gives new insights into the accountancy profession in a non‐industrial country, and has interesting theoretical implications for the sociology of professions and for political economy.
Educating for responsible management: a South African perspective
Authors: Hesketh Janet 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to add a South African perspective to deliberations on educational approaches in order to promote real responsibility in business.Design/methodology/approachThis is achieved by drawing on broad concepts of African philosophy as well as research and experience around a management studies curriculum developed in response to the local and global context of a newly liberated, developing country in a global economy. Realities involve the need to empower learners, including disadvantaged black Africans, as effective students. This raises questions about inequities between developed and developing nations; the power of dominant business approaches to undermine traditional value systems; and the apparent unsustainability of the global status quo.FindingsThe curriculum has promoted free thought and academic/business literacy in students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, inducing criticality; making explicit the links between prior/practical and new/theoretical knowledge; giving access into business discourses and requiring students to argue about businesses' responsibilities to incorporate social and environmental with financial accountability. Similarities and differences between African and western values emerge, indicating lessons that might be learned from Africa, particularly South Africa.Originality/valueSome lessons from African philosophy and from this responsive curriculum might feasibly be relevant to educators for management elsewhere, based on the assumption that the approach would promote more responsible management and that this aim has global significance.
Green products and corporate strategy: an empirical investigation
Authors: D'Souza Clare , Taghian Mehdi , Lamb Peter , Peretiatkos Roman 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine the influence of multiple factors on the green purchase intention of customers in Australia.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model is proposed and was subjected to empirical verification with the use of a survey of metropolitan and regional households in Victoria, Australia. The data were analyzed using both descriptive measures and exploratory factor analysis to identify and validate the items contributing to each component in the model. AMOS structural modeling was used to estimate the measure of respondents' overall perception of green products and their intention to purchase.FindingsThe results indicate that customers' corporate perception with respect to companies placing higher priority on profitability than on reducing pollution and regulatory protection were the significant predictors of customers' negative overall perception toward green products. The only positive contribution to customers' perception was their past experience with the product. Other factors including the perception of green products, product labels, packaging, and product ingredients did not appear to influence customers' perception. The results also indicate that customers are not tolerant of lower quality and higher prices of green products.Research limitations/implicationsThe knowledge of the overall perception formation about green products and its predictors provides management with the facility to identify and implement strategies that may better influence the change of attitude by customers. Corporations can also benefit from the identification of the types of information required to enable management to influence this process of perception formation.Originality/valueThe present findings contributes to an understanding of the antecedents of green purchasing and highlight that green customers rely more on personal experience with the product than the information provided by the marketer.
Culture and transformational change with China's accession to the WTO
Authors: Yolles Maurice , Iles Paul , Guo Kaijun 
Published: July 2006

PurposeChina is passing through transformational change from membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and this requires an understanding of knowledge processes and of how action research approaches to organizational development (OD) can lead to effective knowledge migration. The paper seeks to provide an example of such an approach, based on social viable systems (SVS) theory.Design/methodology/approachIllustration of the problems of WTO will be indicated. Approaches to OD in China based on action research perspectives may be particularly suitable to helping Chinese organisations deal with transformational change.FindingsA new model of action research that draws on SVS theory is discussed, and an illustration of a structured approach to inquiry is provided. It is hypothesised that such an approach may well be compatible with features of Chinese business culture (e.g. long‐term focus, pragmatism, collectivism, moderate masculinity, face, lack of comfort with face‐to‐face criticism).Research/limitations/implicationsThis is a conceptual paper, developing a model for use/testing in the Chinese context. Further empirical research is need to validate the usefulness of the model.Originality/valueSuggests that action research/action learning approaches are particularly useful in China to transfer/migrate knowledge and help organisations deal with transformational change, such as that consequent on globalisation and WTO accession. Approaches based on SVS theory are seen as particularly useful if dialogue is structured to enhance “semantic entanglement”.