Showing papers by "Cranfield University published in 2000"
TL;DR: The authors argue that the source of new use values is the labour performed by organizational members, and that firm profits can be attributed to this labour, and profit differences between competing firms derive from labour performing heterogeneously across firms.
Abstract: Resource-based theory has tended to focus on the development and protection of valuable resources. What determines a valuable resource has received less attention. This paper addresses three related issues concerning value and valuable resources: what is value? how is it created? and who captures it? We have tried here to integrate different strands of the literature to address these questions. First, we argue that a distinction needs to be made between use value, which is subjectively assessed by customers, and exchange value, which is only realized at the point of sale. Second, we argue that the source of new use values is the labour performed by organizational members, and that firm profits can be attributed to this labour. Profit differences between competing firms derive from labour performing heterogeneously across firms. Finally, we argue that value capture is determined by the perceived power relationships between buyers and sellers.
1,272 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that specific processes are required to continuously align the performance measurement system with strategy and when these processes are combined with a well defined model of strategic success, the measurement system can enhance the strategic management process by challenging the assumptions and the strategy itself.
Abstract: This paper addresses issues met when designing, implementing, using and continuously updating performance measurement systems in manufacturing companies. The paper develops, from theory, a framework for analysing the implementation of a performance measurement system and uses this framework to interpret three longitudinal case studies. The paper concludes that specific processes are required to continuously align the performance measurement system with strategy. When these processes are combined with a well defined model of strategic success, the measurement system can enhance the strategic management process by challenging the assumptions and the strategy itself.
1,130 citations
TL;DR: Following a wide ranging review of the performance measurement literature, a framework identifying the desirable characteristics of a performance measurement system design process is developed and provided guidelines which were subsequently used to inform the development of a process‐based approach to performance measurementSystem design.
Abstract: Describes the development and testing of a structured methodology for the design of performance measurement systems. Frameworks, such as the balanced scorecard and the performance prism, have been proposed, but until recently little attention has been devoted to the question of how these frameworks can be populated, i.e. how managers can decide specifically which measures to adopt. Following a wide ranging review of the performance measurement literature, a framework identifying the desirable characteristics of a performance measurement system design process is developed. This framework provided guidelines which were subsequently used to inform the development of a process‐based approach to performance measurement system design. The process was enhanced and refined during application in three action research projects, involving major UK automotive and aerospace companies. The revised process was then formally documented and tested through six further industrial applications. Finally the process was written up in the form of a workbook and made publicly available.
919 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a cyclic migratory model which describes the PC supply chain attributes during its evolution from traditional to its present customised "leagile" operation.
Abstract: Shows how the lean and agile paradigms may be selected according to marketplace requirements. These are distinctly different, since in the first case the market winner is cost, whereas in the second case the market winner is availability. Agile supply chains are required to be market sensitive and hence nimble. This means that the definition of waste is different from that appropriate to lean supply. The proper location of decoupling points for material flow and information flow enable a hybrid supply chain to be engineered. This encourages lean (efficient) supply upstream and agile (effective) supply downstream, thus bringing together the best of both paradigms. The paper concludes by proposing a cyclic migratory model which describes the PC supply chain attributes during its evolution from traditional to its present customised “leagile” operation.
840 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship of performance with product and international diversification on Japanese multinational firms from 1977 to 1993 and found that while diversity strategies vary between keiretsu and non-keirettsu firms, performance is not much different.
Abstract: This paper examines the relationship of performance with product and international diversification on Japanese multinational firms from 1977 to 1993. We show the relationships between diversification and performance change over time through the use of multiple time periods and accounting for keiretsu membership. Results show that while diversity strategies vary between keiretsu and non-keiretsu firms, performance is not much different. Across time periods, performance varies considerably, but strategies are less variable. Product diversity has weak effects on firm performance only in one time period, while international diversification has negative profitability and positive growth consequences in in some periods. These results suggest first that diversification strategies and their effects on performance vary across time periods and generally produce some unexpected findings. We do not find strong interactive diversity effects. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
598 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present new information on this largely unstudied group, drawn from graduate engineers from Finland, identifying similarities with the more traditional expatriate forms and some important differences.
543 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework is presented which is based on incorporating ebusiness activities, channel management, relationship management and back-office/front-office integration within a customer centric strategy.
519 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether the firm's discretionary narrative disclosures measure its financial risk of bankruptcy and found that these statements are closely associated with financial performance, reinforcing the argument that such unaudited disclosures contain important information.
Abstract: Explores whether the firm’s discretionary narrative disclosures measure its financial risk of bankruptcy. Specifically examines the existence of an association between the content of the chairman’s statement and firm failure. Show that these statements are closely associated with financial performance, reinforcing the argument that such unaudited disclosures contain important information. The results have implications both for the form and content of future narrative disclosures by management.
464 citations
TL;DR: Turner as discussed by the authors gives a tour of historical developments and the latest innovations in biosensor research, showing how biological molecules and microelectronics can be used to measure blood glucose levels, pollutants in the environment or food-borne pathogens in the food supply.
Abstract: Biosensors are a cunning combination of biological molecules and microelectronics that can be used to measure blood glucose levels, pollutants in the environment or food-borne pathogens in the food supply. In a comprehensive TechView, Anthony Turner takes us on a tour of historical developments and the latest innovations in biosensor research.
427 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of various MBRs is appraised with reference to (i) fouling propensity, and (ii) removal of organics and microorganisms, and the two process configurations for MBRs, submerged and side-stream, are reported with particular attention paid to aeration and recycle pumping costs.
391 citations
Book•
25 Sep 2000TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the value of storyteller, reputation, and strategy in the context of organizing as a business and discuss the importance of storytelling in storytelling.
Abstract: PART I: RETHINKING IDENTITY PART II: THE SYMBOLIC MARKETPLACE PART III: REPUTATION AND STRATEGY PART IV: ORGANIZATIONS AS BRANDS PART V: THE VALUE OF STORYTELLING PART VI: COMMUNICATING ORGANIZATIONS
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the two main reasons for the failure of measurement systems, namely poor design and difficulty of implementation, and suggest that the challenge for the twenty-first century is how to extract maximum value from our performance measurement data.
Abstract: Noting the claim that 70 per cent of balanced scorecard implementations fail, sets out to explore the two main reasons for the failure of measurement systems – namely poor design and difficulty of implementation Considers the measurement revolution over the past 20 years noting developments such as the early budgetary control measures in DuPont and General Motors during the early 1990s Looks at the appropriate design of measurement systems and suggests that companies should start with a “success map” – a cause and affect diagram which shows how the company operates Points to three causes of implementation failure – political, infrastructural and focus and details of each of these Suggests that the challenge for the twenty‐first century is how to extract maximum value from our performance measurement data
TL;DR: Three generic membrane processes within bioreactors: for separation and recycle of solids; for bubbleless aeration of the bioreactor; and for extraction of priority organic pollutants from hostile industrial wastewaters are developed.
Abstract: Combining membrane technology with biological reactors for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters has led to the development of three generic membrane processes within bioreactors: for separation and recycle of solids; for bubbleless aeration of the bioreactor; and for extraction of priority organic pollutants from hostile industrial wastewaters. Commercial aerobic and anaerobic membrane separation bioreactors already provides a small footprint alternative to conventional biological treatment methods, producing a high-quality effluent at high organic loading rates. Both the bubbleless aeration and extractive membrane bioreactors are in the development stages. The former uses gas-permeable membranes to improve the mass transfer of oxygen to the bioreactor by providing bubbleless oxygen. By using a silicon membrane process, extractive membrane bioreactors transfer organic pollutants from chemically hostile wastewaters to a nutrient medium for subsequent biodegradation. All three membrane bioreactor (MBR) processes are comparatively and critically reviewed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors bring together two key theoretical perspectives on joint ventures, the asymmetric information perspective and the indigestibility view, and present new evidence on the firm valuation effects of joint ventures in domestic and international investment contexts.
Abstract: The increased number of perspectives on joint ventures (JVs) raises important issues for theory development on interfirm collaboration. In this paper, we bring together two key theoretical perspectives on joint ventures—the asymmetric information perspective and the indigestibility view. On a theoretical level, we focus on the relationship between these two different explanations of joint ventures. We also present new evidence on the firm valuation effects of JVs in domestic and international investment contexts. The findings lend support to the asymmetric information perspective on resource combination through joint ventures. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Emission of nitrogen oxide and dinitrogen oxide from wastewater treatment plants and fertilized soils is well documented; however, only recently have the contributions from such environments to the global nitrogen and d Initrogen oxide budget been considered.
TL;DR: The range of volatiles produced by spoilage fungi in vitro and on grain are described, and the key volatile groups indicative of spoilage are identified.
TL;DR: The lack of water quality standards and the poor understanding of the nature of grey water have led to the development of a plethora of technologies for recycling application as discussed by the authors, and the relative merits of different options and describes the current situation within the UK.
TL;DR: In this paper, the historical development of high-temperature, oxidation- and corrosion-resistant coatings is examined, demonstrating how diffusion surface treatments, modified diffusion coatings, and the design of M-Cr-Al-X corrosion resistant overlay coatings can be used to reduce the scaling (oxidation) rate of coated components.
Abstract: This article examines the historical development of high-temperature, oxidation- and corrosion-resistant coatings, demonstrating how diffusion surface treatments, modified diffusion coatings, the design of M-Cr-Al-X corrosion-resistant overlay coatings, and the application of thermal-barrier coatings can be used to reduce the scaling (oxidation) rate of coated components. Future trends in high-temperature coating design are also reviewed, including the custom design of corrosion-resistant alloys, smart overlay coating concepts, diffusion barriers, and the use of layered thermal-barrier coating structures.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that an effective approach must be developed to support decisions on initiatives aimed at promoting customisation and preventing escalating costs and complexity in manufacturing, and propose a cost-effective solution for customised manufacturing is yet to emerge.
TL;DR: In this article, the explosion of knowledge production within business and other organizations poses a critical challenge to current modes of teaching and research within our business schools and we need to consider new strategic positions closer to the knowledge production being carried on within the organizations we study, without assuming that immediate relevance is our primary objective.
Abstract: The explosion of knowledge production within business and other organizations poses a critical challenge to current modes of teaching and research within our business schools. We need to consider new strategic positions closer to the knowledge production being carried on within the organizations we study, without assuming that immediate relevance is our primary objective. The academic advantage, in the authors opinion, still lies in generalization and abstraction.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline a framework for considering the strategic decisions for entering into an alliance and some of the key issues involving the management process of alliances, which will work to raise the odds of a successful strategic alliance.
TL;DR: The objective of this study was to perform a feasibility study of the use of Raman spectroscopy for early diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy.
Abstract: Objective Raman spectroscopy, the analysis of scattered photons after monochromatic laser excitation, is well established in nonbiological sciences. Recently this method has been used to differentiate premalignant and malignant lesions from normal tissue. Its application for early diagnosis has been explored in a variety of sites (e.g., esophagus, cervix), but not, to date, in laryngeal cancer. The objective of this study was to perform a feasibility study of the use of Raman spectroscopy for early diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy.
Methods Biopsy specimens were snap-frozen, and top sections were sent for histopathological analysis. Only homogenous samples with clearly defined pathological findings were used in this study: seven histologically normal samples, four exhibiting dysplasia, and four with carcinoma. Samples were defrosted and placed under a Renishaw (Wotton-Under-Edge, UK) System 1000 Raman microspectrometer for analysis. Between 5 and 12 spectra were acquired from each sample, with an excitation wavelength of 830 nm. Average characteristic spectra for each disease or condition were compared. Further multivariate statistical analysis of the data was carried out to evaluate and maximize the differences in the spectra for each disease or condition.
Results The most visible differences in the spectra occur between 850 and 950 cm−1 and 1200 and 1350 cm−1. The later peaks are directly related to protein conformation and C-H bond stretch in nucleic acid bases. The relative intensity of the nucleic acid peak increases with progression to malignancy. Use of linear discriminant analysis made it possible to separate the spectra with disease to a greater degree of accuracy than using empirical peak ratio methods alone. Classification results obtained from cross-validation of the discriminant model showed prediction sensitivities of 83%, 76%, and 92% and specificities of 94%, 91%, and 90% for normal, dysplastic, and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, respectively.
Conclusions There was strong evidence to support spectral identification of malignancy and earlier abnormal changes. More substantive studies of the spectral differences between malignant and non-neoplastic tissue are warranted. Raman spectroscopy may become a useful adjunct to pathological diagnosis allowing directed or guided biopsies and assessment of adequacy of resection margins.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe some current practices in several industries with respect to managing supply chain relationships and identify six salient content themes to provide guidance to the increasing number of organizations that are now seeking to manage integrated supply chains.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the formation of cellular structures during spherical gaseous explosions using natural light and high-speed cine photography, as well as single-shot planar laser-induced fluorescence from the OH radical.
TL;DR: In this paper, a structured approach to grounded theory-building is presented aimed at "mode 2" management researchers, in particular those who analyse recollections of past events, often recorded in interview data, to develop explanations of management action.
Abstract: This paper presents a structured approach to grounded theory-building. It is aimed at ‘mode 2’ (Gibbons et al., 1994) management researchers, in particular those who analyse recollections of past events, often recorded in interview data, to develop explanations of management action. Two characteristics of mode 2 enquiry ‐ transdisciplinarity and an emphasis on tacit knowledge ‐ make grounded theory potentially attractive to mode 2 researchers. However, the approach offered here differs in two important ways from the much-cited universal grounded theory model originated by Glaser and Strauss (1967) and later proceduralized by Strauss and Corbin (1990). First, it acknowledges that the form of theories of management action which will satisfy the contemporary demands of mode 2 research is different from the form of integrated sociological theory for which the original grounded theory approach was developed. Second, it takes account of differences between the ontological assumptions underlying the use of retrospective data for analysing management action, and those associated with participant observation, the pivotal strategy of grounded theory’s symbolic interactionist roots. The result is a simplified, more direct approach which works for the specific purpose of generating useful, consensually valid theory.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present some significant empirical findings about store loyalty and consumer spending in the United Kingdom across five retail sectors, and highlight the importance of developing a corporate approach to managing customer loyalty in retailing.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw on the related literature of institutional theory and script development to explore the interactive effects of actors' behavioral scripts and institutional templates and address micro-level aspects of the macroinstitutional change of privatization and advance their understanding of the role of public sector managers in the privatization process.
Abstract: Conceptualizing privatization as the shift from one institutional template to another, we draw on the related literature of institutional theory and script development to explore the interactive effects of actors' behavioral scripts and institutional templates. In so doing, we address microlevel aspects of the macroinstitutional change of privatization and advance our understanding of the role of public sector managers in the privatization process.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the spatial and temporal trends of a 7-ha field growing winter wheat and oil seed rape over six years (1993-1998) and found that the single crop was more stable than those in the multiple crops.
TL;DR: In this article, it is suggested that the chain conformation in solution at low pH is predominantly threefold with, therefore, little conformational change on adoption of the ordered, intermolecular structure, whereas at high pH the solution conformation is predominantly two-fold, with only limited conversion to the threefold (acid) form on cooling.