bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A decomposition of total productivity growth
Authors: Kumar Surender 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo measure total factor productivity (TFP) growth in industrial manufacturing for 15 major Indian states for the period 1982‐1983 to 2000‐2001.Design/methodology/approachUses non‐parametric linear programming methods; TFP growth is decomposed into efficiency and technological changes and also measures for the bias in technical change. The resulting information is used to examine whether the post‐reform period shows any improvement in productivity and efficiency in comparison with the pre‐reform period.FindingsFindings of the present exercise indicate the improvement in TFP. The recent change in TFP is governed by the technical progress in contrast with similar gain caused by the improvement in technical efficiency in the pre‐reform regime. The technological progress in state manufacturing exhibited a capital‐using bias during the study period. Regional differences in TFP persist, although the magnitude of variation has declined in the post‐reform period. Moreover, it is also found that there is a tendency for convergence in terms of TFP growth rate among Indian states during the post‐reform years and only the states that were technically efficient at the beginning of the reforms remain innovative.Originality/valueDecomposing state level data on manufacturing into technical change and efficiency change helps in identifying the directions biases in favour of labour or capital. Also, this analysis demonstrates the richness of linear programming technique that allows for an investigation of important research questions on the underlying processes that influence TFP growth.
Performance measurement in the value chain: manufacturing v. tourism
Authors: Yilmaz Yildirim , Bititci Umit 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis is a conceptual paper. Its purpose is to compare the performance measurement of manufacturing and tourism industries from a value chain perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper achieves its objective by reviewing the relevant literature from both manufacturing and tourism fields. It compares and contrasts the particular characteristics of both industries as well as the work done in these fields with respect to performance measurement and management in their value chains.FindingsThe paper finds that in the manufacturing industry the latest thinking in supply chain management, and consequently value chain management, has led to the development of performance measurement frameworks for the entire supply chain – such as the SCOR model. The tourism industry, on the other hand, consists of various players and tourism demand is met by the joint efforts of these players. Consequently, the interdependency of tourism organizations is high. Although recent works demonstrate an increasing interest towards performance measurement in the tourism industry, it is still an immature area. The paper demonstrates the usability of SCOR‐like frameworks in the tourism industry to manage and measure the value chain processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows mapping of existing thinking on performance measurement against the proposed tourism value chain model reveals gaps for further research, such as: the need to study the tourism industry as an end‐to‐end value chain; the need for understanding and measuring the performance of front‐end win‐order and pre‐delivery‐support processes; and the need for managing the delivery process as a whole, rather than as two or three unrelated services.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the potential benefits of taking a value‐chain approach to the tourism industry as well as conceptually demonstrating how performance of such a value chain may be managed through a framework of performance measures.
Objective and self‐report work performance measures: a comparative analysis
Authors: Pransky Glenn , Finkelstein Stan , Berndt Ernst , Kyle Margaret , Mackell Joan , Tortorice Dan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility and comparability of daily self‐report and objective measures of work performance in complex office tasks, and factors affecting the correlation between these measures.Design/methodology/approachMedical bill auditors provided daily information for 12 weeks through interactive voice response (IVR) on their speed, concentration and accuracy at work, compared to their best job performance.FindingsThe paper found that 124 of 142 recruited subjects (87 percent) completed > 50 percent of daily IVR reports. Concentration, speed and accuracy were highly inter‐correlated (R=0.75), and right‐skewed (mean speed=7.7, SD=1.5). Mean adjusted daily productivity rate (MAP) was 34 bills/hour (range 4.7 to 111, SD12.6, 61 percent within‐person variation). Subject‐specific speed – MAP correlation varied from R=−0.20 to +0.75 (mean, 0.28). Health status, years on job, age, IVR completion rate, site, month of study, or total hours worked were not associated with these variations.Originality/valueThis paper provides an unprecedented level of detail in the comparison of self‐reported and objective daily measures of work performance, demonstrates the feasibility of data collection and analysis, and identified significant inconsistencies among workers in the correlation between the two types of measures. Results demonstrated that daily self‐reports cannot be used as a direct surrogate for objective performance measures.
Enhancing performance through the introduction of customer orientation into the building components industry
Authors: Karvinen Kauko , Bennett David 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to describe an investigation into how company performance can be improved by integrating internal and external customers and technology. The approach was developed, implemented and evaluated in the operations of the building components industry. The research was carried out in the precast concrete division of a Singapore company.Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of undertaking the investigation an exploratory case study approach was used. This was divided into conceptual and action research stages. The action research was also used to implement the changes in the company. Questionnaire surveys were carried out among company employees and external customers to assess the effect of these changes. Results of the investigation were derived using content and statistical analysis. Triangulation between three sources was used for validating the data.FindingsThe exploratory case study strategy resulted in rich research data, which provided evidence of the changes taking place and integration happening, leading to improved performance. The action research approach proved a powerful tool where the uncertainty of outcomes makes it near impossible to make accurate forecasts. Another output of the research was the development of an “integrated customer orientation” (ICO) model.Research limitations/implicationsThe research in this paper used a single site action research investigation so should be interpreted within the specific company and industry context. There are implications for theory and practice in a number of areas of production and marketing as well as contributions to understanding about productivity improvement and organisational development. The investigation also fulfils the dual objectives of action research by contributing to both knowledge and practice.Originality/valueThe paper describes a unique approach towards improving productivity, quality and service through the use of action research to implement changes, as well as providing the research evidence to evaluate both the process of implementation and results achieved.
What's your big picture?
Authors: Denton D. Keith 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to provide the reader with a perspective for keeping the critical aspects of their job in focus, despite an endless sea of details.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the research on “high performance work practices” and highlights the importance of establishing effective work systems.FindingsThe paper shows that the system of work you design dictates how successful you will be. Department of Labor notes many innovative work practices are not systematically applied.Practical implicationsThe paper provides information about how to create effective work systems. This includes clarifying “who you are” and “where you are going”. Explains the difference between having a purpose and having constraints.Originality/valueThis paper specifically shows show each individual can clarify their “big picture” by using descriptive statements and use of relevant feedback. American Express is used as an example of how to incorporate some of the features.
Motivation model for improving productivity in a manufacturing unit – a success story
Authors: Prasada Rao Y.V.S.S.S.V. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a useful motivational scheme for a practicing manager to improve the performance of a manufacturing unit.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the main causes for the present low productivity of the manufacturing unit are analysed and a multi‐factor group incentive scheme is designed for motivating the employees in order to improve the productivity of a manufacturing unit.FindingsThis paper provides information about various factors having a bearing on productivity and performance‐reward relationship in a practical way.Practical implicationsThe paper is a very useful source of information for practicing managers to motivate the employees for improving the productivity in a manufacturing environment.Originality/valueThe model presented in this paper may be of immense help to a practicing manager to improve the productivity of a manufacturing unit by motivating the employees.
What it means to be “critical” in relation to international business
Authors: Carr Adrian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the usage of the word critical in the social sciences, to review how being critical is a process through which criticism is a positive act, and to highlight the relevance of such a perspective in relation to international business.Design/methodology/approachInternational business is viewed through the critical optic of the work of a group of scholars, collectively known as the Frankfurt School. Critical logic is shown to be a “destructive” and “disrobing” act to reveal buried presuppositions. It is argued that a form of negation occurs that carries an important reflective function through a modality of estrangement – it is destructive, but the destruction is revealed to re‐emerge in a positive act.FindingsThe term critical is revealed as a constructive processual activity. The pretentious nature of positivism that seems to pervade thinking in international business is disrobed as being some kind of science and instead revealed to be a discourse firmly in the realm of values.Originality/valueA paper that is among few that rigorously interrogates the meaning of being critical in relation to international business.
Global business beyond modernity
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh , Fuat Fırat A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to provide global business managers and researchers with perspectives, concepts, and some tools to deal with emergent late modern conditions.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical discourse is employed to outline the post‐enlightenment rise of modernity and rational economics. The paper critiques the nature of business institutions and practices under modernity, and points to the new conditions of waning and late modernity. Indications and guidelines are provided about the nature of new, emergent forms of global business under conditions of waning and eclipsing modernity.FindingsThe paper finds that the membrane separating global business organizations and their consumers is dissolving, and the new “post‐consumers” exhibit increasing levels of competence in terms of business practices. The paper reveals several aspects of global business under conditions of waning, late, and eclipsing modernity: transformation of business from and arcane, professional practice to an embedded everyday cultural practice; erosion of central control and business becoming diffused; imperative for collaborative forms where business managers work alongside post‐consumers; and breakdown of hierarchic order and rise of complexity and fluidity in business practices.Originality/valueThe main contribution is a cogent set of concepts that enable managers and researchers to understand, examine in detail, and deal with global business practices and organizational forms under conditions of waning modernity and emerging postmodern contexts.
Operating characteristics, risk, and performance of born‐global firms
Authors: Gleason Kimberly C. , Madura Jeff , Wiggenhorn Joan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo determine what characteristics distinguish firms that conduct international business within three years of going public and six years from founding, and how these firms perform.Design/methodology/approachA logistic regression analysis is used to identify characteristics that distinguish firms that are international at the time they go public, versus those that are not. The paper also assesses post‐IPO performance and apply multivariate analysis to determine how performance varies among these firms.FindingsCompared to firms of similar age who do not pursue rapid internationalization, born‐global firms are generally larger, more diversified, and have more venture capital backing. Their founders, board members and managers exhibit more international experience. The returns 12 and 18 months post‐IPO are significantly higher for born‐global firms than for a control sample of firms who do not engage in rapid internationalization. Furthermore, those born‐global firms with joint ventures or acquisitions in several countries perform better than those that only export within the first six years since their inception.Research limitations/implicationsManagerial implications include having a board of directors with sound international business experience as well as using a venture capital firm to provide monitoring and oversight of operations at home and in the foreign market.Originality/valueThis paper is original in that it is the first to provide a financial markets‐oriented empirical investigation of the “born‐global” phenomenon using a sample of newly public American firms.
Intangible assets and firm diversification
Authors: Malone Christopher B. , Rose Lawrence C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo re‐examine empirically internalisation and transaction cost theories of firm FDI.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical analysis based on cross sectional multivariate regressions and the Fama‐French three factor event study procedure. In addition to the key explanatory variables the paper introduces and models several important control variables.FindingsThe paper finds evidence consistent with the internalisation and transaction cost hypotheses. Firms classified with internalisation advantages earn event period abnormal returns of 6.84 percent above firms that are classified without such advantages. In support of transaction cost theory the paper finds that FDIs generate an average abnormal event period return of −2.36 percent. Further, in line with transaction cost theory firms classified with intangible asset advantages also tend to engage in the more complex forms of foreign and industrial diversification.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not determined if the effect linked to the possession of intangible asset advantages is temporary or permanent. FDI is costly, but firms that enjoy high market valuations tend to do well in M&A or FDI activity.Originality/valueThe study provides new and strengthened support for internalisation theory. The study provides new evidence in support of transactions cost theory.
Exploring project success
Authors: Andersen Erling S. , Birchall David , Arne Jessen Svein , Money Arthur H. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between project success factors and actual project success. It reports on an investigation into those factors within the direct influence of project managers that can make a real difference to the outcome of project endeavours.Design/methodology/approachUsing principal components analysis (PCA) on 60 questions about actual project work performance collected from four culturally different regions (UK, France, Norway and China), nine distinctively different critical success factors were found. Similarly, using PCA on ten project success items, three distinctively different project success criteria were extracted.FindingsThe most important factors in improving managerial ability to deliver results in time and at cost were strong project commitment, early stakeholder influence, stakeholder endorsement of project plans and rich project communications. To secure project impact, strong project commitment and rich project communications were the main contributors. A well‐structured and formal project approach and well understood and accepted project purpose, implying high quality management, also scored high. Captured experience was best supported by a well‐structured and formal project approach and rich project communications.Practical implicationsAs the project approach increases as a means for implementing strategic goals, project managers should devote increasing energies into rich communication both within the project and towards the project environment.Originality/valueThe study is cross‐cultural. It shows that successful project management, regardless of cultural differences, still depends on “hard features” such as professional planning and cost control, but that “soft skills” such as rich communication and learning from experience are prerequisites for project management to achieve superior project success.
Analysis of the Russian retail sector
Authors: Lorentz Harri , Häkkinen Lotta , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper aims at providing a contemporary analysis of Russia's developing retail sector. Of special interest is the internationalization of this market through cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This is done by identifying major trends in this sector and providing projections concerning forthcoming acquisition activity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds primarily on second‐hand data. In addition to the analysis of macro‐economic indicators, the paper also provides three case‐based analyses of leading firms in the Russian market.FindingsPrevious research has shown that the retail industry is gradually saturating and further growth is sought through acquisitions and expanding into emerging markets. As the findings shows, Russia's two largest cities represent basically the driver of the economy, and constitute the platform for the growth of modern retail concepts. The Russian retail sector is currently experiencing gradual internal restructuring, and leading retailers have started to carry out domestic acquisitions and become listed in the stock exchanges. Furthermore, cross‐border M&A statistics show that Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have been attractive targets for cross‐border M&A, while Russia is still following behind.Practical implicationsThe paper presents recent data and related insights for global retailers planning expansion to the Russian market. Findings suggest that it will take approximately 3‐5 years until the market is developed enough for the global retail business.Originality/valueThe paper is a seminal study of Russia's retail sector and related M&A prospects, and can be considered a valuable platform for further empirical research in this field.
Taking qualitative methods in organization and management research seriously
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Symon Gillian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the new journal and outline the rationale and aims and objectives ofQualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal(QROM).Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers why there is a necessity for a journal likeQROM, outlines the scope of the new journal, and introduces the articles in the first issue. An invitation for further contributions to the journal is also given.FindingsThere is still a need for an outlet that both provides a showcase for the diverse range of qualitative techniques in use and promotes high quality qualitative research.Originality/valueThis paper is of use to those new readers of the journal, and those who wish to submit to the journal, in that it clearly outlines editorial policy and processes.
The error term in formative measurement models: interpretation and modeling implications
Authors: Diamantopoulos Adamantios 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo clarify the nature of the error term in formative measurement models, as it had been misinterpreted in prior research.Design/methodology/approachThe error term in formative measurement models is analytically contrasted with the measurement errors typically found in reflective measurement models.FindingsIt is demonstrated that, unlike in reflective measurement, the error term in formative models is not measurement error but rather a disturbance representing non‐modeled causes. It is also shown that, under certain circumstances, the inclusion of an error term is not necessary/appropriate.Research limitations/implicationsFocus is only on first‐order measurement models; higher‐order specifications are not considered.Originality/valueThe paper helps researchers in their initial specification of formative measurement models as well as their evaluation of the subsequent model estimates, leading to better specifications for formative constructs.
Generalizability modeling of the foundations of customer delight
Authors: Finn Adam 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research seeks to present a methodology for investigating the generalizability of a theory‐testing model. The methodology is used to examine the generalizability of a model of the antecedents and consequences of customer delight.Design/methodology/approachTheory testing of models in the marketing often fails to define an intended universe of generalization. This paper shows how multivariate generalizability theory can be used to estimate construct covariance components for specific sources of variance. These components can then be used to assess the generalizability of a structural equation model of a marketing phenomenon.FindingsThe parameters of a model of customer delight obtained from data that sample customers of a service or data that confound sources of variance do not generalize to data that capture variation across services or variation across raters. The relative impact of customer delight and satisfaction on behavioral intention varies with the source of variation being studied.Practical implicationsPrevious research suggests that after controlling for customer satisfaction, customer delight accounts for very little variation in behavioral intention. But, for the source of variation of most relevance to managers, namely web sites, it is customer delight, not customer satisfaction, that is strongly associated with behavioral intention.Originality/valueThe methodology can be applied and can produce model parameters having substantially different managerial implications for the management of customer satisfaction and customer delight.