bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ERP system and implementation‐process benefits
Authors: Bendoly Elliot , Schoenherr Tobias 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to empirically demonstrate the synergistic implications of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and emerging intra‐organizational technologies.Design/methodology/approachUsing established operational theory as a foundation, the article analyzes the history of ERP use and its impact on gains from business‐to‐business (B2B) purchasing technologies.FindingsThe findings reveal that the extent to which firms witness maintenance‐repair‐operating (MRO) savings through such procurement is dependent not only on the presence of an ERP system, but also on the length of time systems have been in use.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough limited to the analysis of B2B “success” cases, the results provide strong implications for the importance of ERP as a key infrastructure for B2B activities.Practical implicationsManagers seeking to benefit from B2B economies, should ensure that they possess an adequate IT infrastructure (e.g. ERP) to realize all such potential gains.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first works to demonstrate the link between ERP and B2B benefits solely through the use of objective secondary data.
Measuring and managing performance in extended enterprises
Authors: Bititci Umit S. , Mendibil Kepa , Martinez Veronica , Albores Pavel 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to demonstrate how existing performance measurement may be adopted to measure and manage performance in extended enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the literature in performance measurement and extended enterprises. It explains the collaborative architecture of an extended enterprise and demonstrates this architecture through a case study. A model for measuring and managing performance in extended enterprises is developed using the case study.FindingsThe research found that due to structural differences between traditional and extended enterprises, the systems required to measure and manage the performance of extended enterprises, whilst being based upon existing performance measurement frameworks, would be structurally and operationally different. Based on this, a model for measuring and managing performance in extended enterprises is proposed which includes intrinsic and extrinsic inter‐enterprise coordinating measures.Research limitations/implicationsThere are two limitations this research. First, the evidence is based on a single case, thus further cases should be studied to establish the generalisibility of the presented results. Second, the practical limitations of the EE performance measurement model should be established through longitudinal action research.Practical implicationsIn practice the model proposed requires collaborating organisations to be more open and share critical performance information with one another. This will require change in practices and attitudes.Originality/valueThe main contribution this paper makes is that it highlights the structural differences between traditional and collaborative enterprises and specifies performance measurement and management requirements of these collaborative organisations.
JIT implementation in Egyptian manufacturing firms: some empirical evidence
Authors: Ismail Salaheldin Salaheldin 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis study aims to delineate the major human modifications to be undertaken prior to just‐in‐time (JIT) implementation in Egyptian manufacturing firms; to discern the benefits obtained from JIT implementation; to identify the problems that Egyptian manufacturing companies typically encounter in implementing JIT philosophy; and to explore the relationship between human modification efforts to be undertaken prior to JIT implementation and JIT success.Design/methodology/approachThe data analyzed in this article was collected from a mail questionnaire sent to 200 manufacturing firms in Egypt. The findings of this study indicate that JIT success is significantly associated with human resources modification efforts undertaken in preparation for JIT implementation.FindingsJIT philosophy can be successfully implemented in Egyptian manufacturing companies; just like their peers in developed countries including Japan, USA and the Far East; with thoughtful attention applied to each individual company. Implementation of JIT can greatly improve the operations performance of Egyptian manufacturing firms.Practical implicationsA very significant managerial implication of the current study is that the Egyptian manufacturing companies can use JIT as a strategic philosophy, rather than as a temporary solution for operations obstacles. Another managerial implication of this study is that manufacturing firms are advised to be aware of the meticulous relationship between human modification efforts and the successful implementation of JIT philosophy.Originality/valueThis study contributes to what is a very limited amount of empirical studies of JIT implementation in LDCs in general and in Egypt in particular.
Customer relationship management: the case of a European bank
Authors: Lindgreen Adam , Antioco Michael 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo convert the principle of customer relationship management (CRM) into practical guidelines for best practice in the implementation of a CRM programme in the real world.Design/methodology/approachThe findings of an extensive review of the literature provide the foundations for a general CRM paradigm, which is applied to a case study of a large European bank's specification, development and implementation of CRM over a five‐year period. Data for the case study were collected in 1‐2 h long depth interviews with executives of the bank and a consultancy firm collaborating in the design of the programme, and were analysed by a formal coding procedure.FindingsThe design and implementation phases of CRM programme development are described in detail, the latter organised into 18 initiatives in five categories: testing, founding, building doing and ongoing.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the stage of development of the bank's programme at the time of writing, it was not possible to report meaningfully on an obvious sixth phase: evaluation. The paper considers shortcomings of CRM implementation and proposes avenues for further research.Practical implicationsA shortage of practically grounded templates for the design and implementation of CRM programmes has left marketing managers struggling to apply the widely advocated principle to their own situations. By adding empirical evidence to prescriptions for best practice, this paper begins the process of bridging that gap between theory and practice.Originality/valueThe unique case study reported here will therefore be of definite interest and potential value to managers responsible for developing market intelligence into formal plans for a CRM strategy, beyond the specific context of financial services.
A positioning strategy for a tourist destination, based on analysis of customers' perceptions and satisfactions
Authors: Ibrahim Essam E. , Gill Jacqueline 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe objectives of this research study were to measure the perception and satisfactions of consumers of the tourism product of Barbados, and to identify potential niche markets that could be used in the development of the destination's positioning strategy.Design/methodology/approachSelf‐completion questionnaires were distributed to tourists visiting the island at the peak of the 2003 tourism season. The scales used were adapted from two authoritative sources. Data from 400 completed questionnaires were analysed quantitatively by a variety of statistical techniques, including factor analysis and multiple regression. Answers to open‐ended questions were also used where necessary to explain top‐of‐mind attitudes to the tourism products consumed.FindingsFour possible niche markets are identified that can inform the development of the destination's repositioning strategy: recreational, sports, culture and eco‐tourism.Research limitations/implicationsThe time frame of the study was two winter months in one year, and only actual visitors completed the questionnaire. The study did not assess their evaluation of the quality of the services provided and consumed.Practical implications/originality/valueThe overall conclusions and discussion of the findings should provide a case‐based framework for the practical planning and implementation of positioning strategies in the tourism context.
An internet‐based approach to environmental scanning in marketing planning
Authors: Decker Reinhold , Wagner Ralf , Scholz Sören W. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper introduces a new approach for autonomous internet‐based environmental scanning, which combines concept of weak signals with “information foraging theory”.Design/methodology/approachEarly detection and rapid action with respect to developments in the operating environment is a prerequisite for successful marketing planning. Accordingly, this paper proposes a three‐stage process for overcoming practical obstacles to the detection and use of weak signals from the operating environment, in particular how to identify relevant and useful documents in harsh information environments such as the internet. Its functionality is demonstrated by means of a human‐machine experiment.FindingsA framework based on information foraging theory is well suited to the task of determining the relevance of documents and facilitates the automation of information search processes. A prototype environmental scanning system of this type outperformed human experts in a typical scanning task.Research limitations/implicationsEmbedding the detection of weak signals in a formal process permits intelligence gatherers to step beyond anecdotal evidence, and complements the current literature on weak signal detection with formal and systematic procedural guidelines.Practical implicationsThe presented methodology facilitates both the selection and the structuring of information sources. This unburdens the managers and leaves time for important tasks such as the development of concrete marketing plans reacting to detected developments.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comprehensive framework for web‐based weak signal detection in business environments, and can be used as a starting point for the development of practicable environmental scanning systems.
The influence of export information use on export knowledge and performance
Authors: Toften Kjell 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo test empirical relationships between export market information use and export knowledge and export performance.Design/methodology/approachConfirmatory factor analysis, using LISREL 8.50, based on a postal survey. The setting selected was the Norwegian seafood industry, mainly consisting of a number of small and medium‐sized firms with a strong export dependency.FindingsThe results indicate that “instrumental/conceptual” use of information positively affects both export knowledge and export performance, while “symbolic” use does not affect either. Export knowledge is found to have no direct influence on export performance in this study.Research limitations/implicationsFor generalisation purposes, longitudinal studies in multiple settings would be preferable to this cross‐sectional survey in a specific setting.Practical implicationsFirms accumulate knowledge and expertise by integrating and incorporating information that has been processed, interpreted and used. This study underscores the importance, for success in export markets, of a commitment to systematically generating, disseminating and responding to export market information. There are clear implications for the management of market intelligence and planning, to enhance the firm's performance.Originality/valueProvides a better understanding of export market information use and its consequences, by integrating it with the concepts of export knowledge and export performance, and testing their structural relations.
Shoppers' satisfaction levels are not the only key to store loyalty
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Kónya László , Havrila Inka 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo identify the factors that influence shoppers' satisfaction with their “primary” grocery store, and those that encourage them to continue patronising it despite being presented with a significant inducement to shop elsewhere.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire containing 31 variables relating to shopping behaviour and satisfaction was administered to 934 shoppers leaving a number of grocery stores in an Australian city during a two‐week period. Results were used to construct two mathematical models predicting customer satisfaction and store loyalty, from which two research hypotheses were derived.FindingsThe results of model estimation show that factors with a significant influence on store satisfaction have little in common with others that impel shoppers to remain loyal to one store. Indeed, there was no evidence in this study that shoppers' overall satisfaction was by itself a significant influence on continued patronage.Research limitations/implicationsThe questionnaire did not ask questions, judged to be intrusive, relating to respondents' income level, education background, employment status or household size – characteristics known to have a bearing on perception of risk associated with switching to an unfamiliar store and hence potentially to inhibit action. It would be instructive in future research to assess the extent to which demographic characteristics mediate perceptions of financial, psychological and social risk, and their influence on satisfaction and loyalty.Practical implicationsRetailers often do not recognise that what influences customer satisfaction is not the same as what engenders store loyalty, and consequently do not allocate scarce resources systematically among tactics influencing one or the other. Unless they are vigilant to changing consumer behaviour patterns, they will not be able to isolate in their strategy the elements of the retail mix that could insulate their loyal customers from responding to competitors' special offers.Originality/valueThis study introduces intelligence gatherers and strategic planners in the retail context to an important distinction between general satisfaction and specific loyalty.
Critical success factors for implementing knowledge management in small and medium enterprises
Authors: Yew Wong Kuan 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo date, critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing knowledge management (KM) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have not been systematically investigated. Existing studies have derived their CSFs from large companies' perspectives and have not considered the needs of smaller businesses. This paper is aimed to bridge this gap.Design/methodology/approachExisting studies on CSFs were reviewed and their limitations were identified. By integrating insights drawn from these studies as well as adding some new factors, the author proposed a set of 11 CSFs which is believed to be more suitable for SMEs. The importance of the proposed CSFs was theoretically discussed and justified. In addition, an empirical assessment was conducted to evaluate the extent of success of this proposition.FindingsThe overall results from the empirical assessment were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed CSFs.Practical implicationsThe set of CSFs can act as a list of items for SMEs to address when adopting KM. This helps to ensure that the essential issues and factors are covered during implementation. For academics, it provides a common language for them to discuss and study the factors crucial for the success of KM in SMEs.Originality/valueThis study is probably the first to provide an integrative perspective of CSFs for implementing KM in the SME sector. It gives valuable information, which hopefully will help this business sector to accomplish KM.
Impact of product structure on order review/evaluation procedures
Authors: Bragg Daniel J. , Duplaga Edward A. , Penlesky Richard J. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo investigate the impact of number of components (NC) and component commonality (CC) (i.e. product structure characteristics) on the effectiveness of component reservation methods and partial order releases (i.e. order review and evaluation (ORE) procedures).Design/methodology/approachSimulation experiments were conducted using a multistage production‐inventory system with MRP for planning. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance.FindingsThe results indicate that: in the presence of component availability problems, partial order release is a more effective ORE procedure than component reservation; product structure characteristics should be considered when selecting partial order release proportions; and high levels of shop congestion (SC) mitigate the influence of ORE procedures, regardless of product structure characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used fixed lot sizes and two factors to characterize product structures (NC and CC). Thus, studies that investigate the impact of alternative lot sizing strategies and a wider range of product structure factors could provide additional insight into the order release process.Practical implicationsThe results provide a useful source of information for managers to consider when addressing problem orders related to material availability.Originality/valueAlthough the literature on order review/release (ORR) recognizes the possibility of material availability problems, very little guidance is provided on how managers should react to the situation. This paper fulfils an identified information need by integrating and extending the research streams on product structure and ORE activities.
The effects of business operation mode on market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness
Authors: Lee Tien‐Shang , Tsai Hsin‐Ju 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the interrelationships between market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness. The effects of business operation mode on learning orientation and innovativeness are also investigated.Design/methodology/approachA 65‐item survey questionnaire was developed and 700 manufacturing and service firms in Taiwan were selected as the samples of this study. Mail survey was conducted and respondents were asked to express the opinions related to the effects of business operation modes on market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness of their firms.FindingsThe results conclude that: the emphasis of market orientation, including intelligence generation, intelligence dissemination, and responsiveness, is associated with the levels of learning orientation and organizational innovativeness; the emphasis of learning orientation is associated with the levels of business innovation; and a participate, power sharing, and collaborative business operation mode may enhance a firm to promote innovativeness and business performance.Originality/valueAs the management environment has become more dynamic, the emphasis of market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness are some of the important issues that executives need to follow. Since very limited studies have concentrated on above issues, the results of this study can provide important references to academicians and practitioners in the developing of business innovativeness.
Impact of relational differences on supervisor/subordinate dyad
Authors: Green Kenneth W. , Whitten Dwayne , Medlin Bobby 
Published: April 2005

PurposePrior research indicates that workplace diversity negatively impacts the job satisfaction and organizational commitment levels of minority workers. This study investigates the impact of age and gender diversity between human resources (HR) professionals and their supervisors on the satisfaction and commitment levels of the professionals.Design/methodology/approachData from 279 HR professionals employed by large US manufacturers were collected using a traditional mail methodology and were analyzed using ANOVA.FindingsNeither age differential, gender differential nor age and gender differential interaction were found to impact the job satisfaction and organizational commitment levels of HR professionals.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough it appears that the number of females and, in particular, female supervisors is under represented in the sample, it is likely that the sample accurately reflects the current status of the manufacturing labor force.Practical implicationsThe negative impact on supervisor/subordinate relationships of demographic differences may be mitigated through the implementation of diversity management strategies, such as those adopted by HR professionals.Originality/valueThese unexpected findings may be attributed to the heightened awareness of diversity‐related legislation and regulation on the part of HR professionals. Additionally, HR professionals as a group are likely more attuned to the potential negative impact of workplace diversity and more skilled in applying workplace strategies to minimize the negative impact of such diversity.
Defining, developing, and implementing a new design for the technology component of a human resource development undergraduate program
Authors: Byers Celina 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo describe an approach to course redesign that may provide others in the field with a “template” to follow or modify when course redesign is necessary.Design/methodology/approachAction research implies making a change and then observing and responding to the consequences of that change. Making the change in this course involved: defining the knowledge and skills that would best enable program graduates to satisfy the requirements of the marketplace, and identifying and including those elements that would best enable students to learn the material. Data came from interviews with faculty, personnel from companies that hire program graduates, and the students themselves. After the change, data was continuously compiled and utilized to refine the course as it progressed.FindingsThe data show that the revised course was perceived as a definite improvement, although adjustment was required over a period of several semesters to make this perception uniform and general.Research limitations/implicationsOne course at one university was involved by this project, so caution must be used when drawing generalizations from its results.Practical implicationsThis approach, based on information provided both by academia and industry, links theoretical and practical learning. Students should find strong motivation in the fact that what they are learning is in demand.Originality/valueThis paper provides a step‐by‐step process by which to redesign a course in a systematic way, taking into account how both graduates of the program and their employers may profit from the end product of the learning.