Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 2010"
TL;DR: The results suggest that the perceived benefits and obstacles of e‐business, technology readiness, competitive pressure, and trading partner collaboration are the drivers that are important for both industries.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to investigate the factors that affect the adoption of e‐business by firms belonging to European Union (EU) countries, by comparing the effect across two different industries: telecommunications (telco) and tourism.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 2,459 firms belonging to EU27 countries across two industries. The data were analyzed by employing factorial analysis and relevant hypotheses were derived and tested by logistic regression analysis.Findings – The results suggest that the perceived benefits and obstacles of e‐business, technology readiness, competitive pressure, and trading partner collaboration are the drivers that are important for both industries. Through the comparison of the industries, statistically significant differences between the telco and the tourism industries, i.e. the relative importance of all drivers for e‐business adoption differs between the industries, were found. The only exception is competitive pressure.Research limitations/im...
531 citations
TL;DR: While perceived self‐efficacy and anticipated reciprocal relationships had a positive impact on attitude toward knowledge sharing, expected extrinsic rewards did not show a significant relationship with this variable.
Abstract: – This paper aims to evaluate the influence of different factors on knowledge donation and collection. The examined factors are among those determinants which comprise different aspects of knowledge sharing behaviour in an organisational context., – Based on the widely accepted theory of planned behaviour (TPB), we tried to develop a comprehensive model. The model covered different individual and organisational factors. Responses to a total of 502 questionnaires were considered. Structural equation modelling was then used to test the research model and hypotheses., – This research evaluated the influence of a series of potential factors on knowledge sharing behaviour. While perceived self‐efficacy and anticipated reciprocal relationships had a positive impact on attitude toward knowledge sharing, expected extrinsic rewards did not show a significant relationship with this variable. Organisational climate had a positive impact on subjective norms about knowledge sharing. In addition, the level of information and communication technology usage reflected a positive effect on knowledge sharing behaviour. Finally, significant relationships were found between the TPB elements., – This paper has tried to provide a comprehensive understanding about knowledge sharing facilitators in the oil industry. Since there was a lack of such research in an Iranian context, this paper can provide theoretical basis for future researches as well as practical implications for managers and practitioners.
342 citations
TL;DR: It was found that the mediated model that includes organizational capabilities as mediators between organizational resources and firm performance can better explain the value of IT than the direct‐effect model without organizational capabilities.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to aggregate previous research that adopts the resource‐based view (RBV) to examine whether information technology (IT) and organizational resources have significant effect on firm performanceDesign/methodology/approach – A framework that includes direct and indirect‐effect models is proposed A meta‐analysis was conducted on 42 published empirical studies to examine how different factors in the RBV affect firm performanceFindings – First, it was found that the mediated model that includes organizational capabilities as mediators between organizational resources and firm performance can better explain the value of IT than the direct‐effect model without organizational capabilities Second, technology resources can improve efficiency performance but may not enhance financial performance directly Third, internal capabilities affect performance but it is external capabilities that affect financial performanceResearch limitations/implications – The limitation of meta
335 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that not all CRM activities contribute to innovation programs, which clearly indicates the need for applying other mechanisms, such as supplier integration, to form a complete innovation program.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of various dimensions of customer relationship management (CRM) on innovation capabilities. Five dimensions of CRM (information sharing, customer involvement, long‐term partnership, joint problem‐solving, and technology‐based CRM) and five aspects of innovation capability (product, process, administrative, marketing, and service innovations) are identified. The one‐to‐one associations between the two constructs are developed and verified., – Data from 107 Taiwanese computer manufacturers are collected. Multiple regression analysis is employed to examine the effects of CRM on innovation capabilities., – The following results are offered: computer manufacturers in Taiwan perform various levels of CRM and, consequently, display different levels of effects on each of the five innovation capabilities. Generally, firms are able to increase their innovation capability by ad hoc CRM; the relationship between customer involvement and process innovation; customer involvement and administrative innovation; and long‐term partnership and marketing innovation are not significant; and technology‐based CRM has positive effects on all five types of innovation., – The findings suggest that not all CRM activities contribute to innovation programs, which clearly indicates the need for applying other mechanisms, such as supplier integration, to form a complete innovation program. Managers should align the development of their supplier management and CRM practices with the desired innovation capability., – The one‐to‐one relationships between CRM practices and innovation capabilities have not been properly examined. The findings suggest the need for more research in this area, and the statistical results provide managers with useful guidelines for implementing appropriate CRM practices to develop specific innovation capabilities to respond to enhanced competitiveness.
330 citations
TL;DR: The effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty to be significant and both information quality and system quality significantly affect users' trust and flow experiences, which further determine their loyalty.
Abstract: – The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of flow experience on mobile social networking service (SNS) users' loyalty., – Based on 305 valid responses collected from a survey questionnaire, structural equation modeling (SEM) technology was employed to examine the research model., – The results show that both information quality and system quality significantly affect users' trust and flow experiences, which further determine their loyalty. The results indicate that flow experience is the strongest determinant of users' loyalty., – Mobile SNS providers need to consider user experience when seeking users' loyalty. They should enhance information quality and system quality in order to improve user trust and flow experience., – Although much research has been conducted to explore the effects of extrinsic motivations, such as perceived usefulness, on mobile commerce user behavior, the effect of intrinsic motivations, such as flow experience, is seldom tested. This research found the effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty to be significant.
243 citations
TL;DR: The paper provides procurement system developers and managers with a useful adoption model that demonstrates the significance of perceived usefulness of e‐procurement system in influencing the adoption decision, as well as understanding the importance of both technology‐related aspects and social influence in e‐ procurement adoption.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to predict e‐procurement adoption through integrating the constructs of the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behaviour., – A structural equation modelling is conducted through the analysis of 316 usable questionnaires., – The results show that the proposed model has good explanatory power and confirms its robustness, with a reasonably strong empirical support, in predicting users' intentions to use e‐procurement technology. Behavioural intention toward e‐procurement technology is mainly determined by user's attitude and additionally influenced by perceived usefulness and subjective norm., – The paper provides procurement system developers and managers with a useful adoption model that demonstrates the significance of perceived usefulness of e‐procurement system in influencing the adoption decision. This highlights the importance of maximizing the benefits of e‐procurement system for potential users to facilitate the adoption process., – System developers and procurement managers should also consider the role of social influences, such as these from supply chain partners, in the adoption process and how such influences may facilitate or inhibit e‐procurement adoption process., – The paper is the first study that examines e‐procurement adoption in the United Arab Emirates. Also, the findings allow us to understand the importance of both technology‐related aspects and social influence in e‐procurement adoption.
222 citations
TL;DR: The proposed framework allows the purchasing members to scrutinize key features of SRM before and during the SRM system operation, and verifies the applicability of the framework via a case study.
Abstract: Purpose
– There have been many studies on topics related to supplier relationship management (SRM), namely purchasing strategy, supplier selection and development, and collaboration with suppliers. However, these studies have not suggested a solution based on an integrative concept, as they focus only on domain‐specific problems. To overcome this limitation, the purpose of this present paper is to suggest a framework for an integrative SRM system by analyzing comprehensive approaches to overall SRM functions.
Design/methodology/approach
– The paper reviewed and analyzed studies related to SRM from an integrative viewpoint, proposed a framework for an integrative SRM system, and performed a case study based on the analytical hierarchy process with a field survey.
Findings
– The paper expects that the proposed framework can play a major role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of SRM by adopting an integrative concept because the functions of SRM are highly interrelated. Furthermore, it verifies the applicability of the framework via a case study.
Research limitations/implications
– Not many approaches are available for organizing evaluators or evaluation sheets, which are used for selecting criteria, providing weight, and evaluating supplier performance, that can secure objectivity of the evaluation; thus, when applying this framework to the industry, special consideration is needed.
Practical implications
– The proposed framework allows the purchasing members to scrutinize key features of SRM before and during the SRM system operation.
Originality/value
– The paper provides useful knowledge about the role of SRM systems by holistically approaching SRM‐related processes while suggesting criteria and recommendations to a purchasing manager.
185 citations
TL;DR: A framework to analyze the interactions among the criteria such as competitive pressure, evaluation and certification system, incentives, supplier development programs, inter‐organizational communication, buyer‐supplier relationship, supplier commitment, supplier performance, asset specificity, joint action, trust, long‐term strategic goals, top management support, purchasing performance, and supplier strategic objective for the supplier development using ISM.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to identify and rank the criteria used for the supplier development using interpretative structural modeling (ISM).Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops a framework to analyze the interactions among the criteria such as competitive pressure, evaluation and certification system, incentives, supplier development programs, inter‐organizational communication, buyer‐supplier relationship, supplier commitment, supplier performance, asset specificity, joint action, trust, long‐term strategic goals, top management support, purchasing performance, and supplier strategic objective for the supplier development using ISM. The developed framework is illustrated using a case study taken in an automobile firm.Findings – The paper contributes to research in supply chain management (SCM) and particularly in supplier development. Research in the area of SCM has intensified in recent years for a number of reasons. Managers have now realized that action...
163 citations
TL;DR: The results support the idea that enterprises which obtained higher rates of environmental performance show better financial performance levels in the future and show the usefulness of the multivariate modelling for analysing the environmental and financial performance of businesses.
Abstract: – The aim of this paper is to evaluate the significance of the link between corporate environmental and financial performance in order to show managers how an adequate management of environmental factors could contribute to the financial success of the firm., – The paper analyses the environmental and financial performance of a sample of 230 European companies. Under the stakeholder approach, the commitment to environmental performance is analysed and linked with the firms' financial improvement. The paper proposes a partial least squares model (PLS) for measuring corporate environmental and financial performance that seems to be the first time which has been applied in the field., – The results support the idea that enterprises which obtained higher rates of environmental performance show better financial performance levels in the future., – The lack of a long series of environmental performance data for organisations is an obstacle for a broader analysis. This research shows the usefulness of the multivariate modelling for analysing the environmental and financial performance of businesses., – In practice, this research may show managers the need of taking into account the environmental management factors when configuring the strategic policy of the firm and how environmental management can impact to the financial success of the firms., – The use of PLS modelling for measuring environmental and financial performance theoretical concepts and considering a sample of European companies for the empirical analysis.
162 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that the organizational support is an important factor for perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) in enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation based on the technology acceptance model (TAM).
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to examine the impact of organizational support on behavioral intention (BI) regarding enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation based on the technology acceptance model (TAM)., – A research model is proposed which describes the effects of organizational support, both formal and informal, on factors of TAM. A survey questionnaire is developed to test the proposed model. A total of 700 of questionnaires are distributed to users in small and medium enterprises that have implemented ERP systems in Korea and 209 responses are used for analyses. Structural equation modeling is employed to test the research hypotheses., – The results indicate that the organizational support is an important factor for perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). PU and PEOU seem to lead to a higher level of interest in the ERP system and BI to use the system. The most notable finding of our study is that organizational support is positively associated with factors of TAM., – The survey data used in this paper are collected from small‐ and medium‐sized companies in South Korea. Thus, the respondents in these firms might have been trained at different levels or on different modules of ERP, which would yield diversity in subject experience with different ERP systems., – To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ERP implementation in a real world environment, organizations need to better understand user satisfaction. The TAM model provides a theoretical construct to explain how user satisfaction is affected.
144 citations
TL;DR: The findings of the paper show the key role of IT‐based resources in the development of this type of organizational culture and theoretically and empirically shows how firms can generate business value from IT‐enabled intrapreneurship culture, a topic that has received little attention to date.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationships among two types of information technology (IT) resources (technological IT and managerial IT resources), the intrapreneurship culture and firm performance, – The paper is consistent with the perspective on IT‐enabled organizational capabilities A proposed research model and hypotheses are tested using cross‐sectional survey data from a sample of 203 leading Spanish firms, – Data analysis shows that intrapreneurship culture is a valuable key capability that predicts firm market performance; both technological IT and managerial IT resources have a positive effect on the development of an intrapreneurship culture in the firm, and investment in both technological IT and managerial IT resources influences firm performance positively by means of the capability of intrapreneurship culture, – Among other limitations, the paper uses data provided by only one key informant per firm, and the results can be generalized to only 25 business sectors among Spanish firms, – The research findings have important implications for practising managers First, our results suggest that the deployment of technological IT and managerial IT resources increases firms' ability to develop an innovation‐supportive culture Second, intrapreneurship culture is an important intermediate organizational capability through which the benefits of both technological IT and managerial IT resources are converted into performance effects at the corporate level, – First, this paper reveals how firms can develop an intrapreneurship culture Specifically, the findings of the paper show the key role of IT‐based resources in the development of this type of organizational culture Second, this paper shows theoretically and empirically how firms can generate business value from IT‐enabled intrapreneurship culture, a topic that has received little attention to date
TL;DR: The results indicate that there are significant differences in the users' perceptions of mobile internet usage during its different innovation diffusion stages, and perceived enjoyment is the most important predictor of MIU.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the diffusion process of mobile internet use (MIU) in China and to explore the determinants driving MIU., – A survey was conducted to collect data to empirically assess the research model. In total, 736 usable responses were collected using a questionnaire derived from previous research. Both the structural equation model and partial least squares were used to study the model concerning different user groups., – The results indicate that there are significant differences in the users' perceptions of mobile internet usage during its different innovation diffusion stages. Of the determinants, perceived enjoyment is the most important predictor of MIU., – In addition to motivating users by making services more enjoyable, the findings suggest that practitioners should take the differences of adopter groups into account. Making the mobile internet easy to use and compatible with users' lifestyles would promote the use of technology as well., – Few studies have investigated the differences between user groups when studying mobile internet diffusion, especially in China, which is reaching a critical stage in this regard.
TL;DR: A framework that intends to help organisations achieve the sustainability goal by means of a methodology that integrates sustainability in both the planning and management tasks of the organisation and that serves as a base for the implementation of an information system aligned with the business strategy is proposed.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework that intends to help organisations achieve the sustainability goal by means of a methodology that integrates sustainability in both the planning and management tasks of the organisation and that serves as a base for the implementation of an information system aligned with the business strategy., – After an exhaustive review of literature about corporate social responsibility, strategic planning of organisations and balanced scorecards (BSCs), a methodology has been developed that describes the process of designing and implementing a sustainability BSC for sustainability strategic planning and management., – The methodology can be easily implemented at companies with a minimum of computer resources, but managers play a key role in its success, since they are the responsible for providing the necessary environment for overcoming such an important change., – The methodology has only been applied once and their results will only be able to be analysed after a long time. Meanwhile, more implementations have to be performed to test and improve the different steps und tools until the methodology can be considered definitive., – The methodology could be used by many organisations, improving their social and environmental performance and contributing to their sustainability and the sustainability of all of their stakeholders, specially for society as a whole. Readers of this paper could see a practical application of methodology and its viability by means of the case., – An innovative structure for BSCs which has been developed having in mind the sustainability since the beginning, but not justly adding environmental and social variables to a model designed with economical purposes.
TL;DR: Investigating the adoption of a market orientation coupled with implementation of just‐in‐time (JIT), total quality management (TQM), and agile improvement programs within manufacturing organizations from a macro perspective using systems theory as the theoretical underpinning finds MO directly and positively impacts JIT, TQM, and AM.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of a market orientation (MO) coupled with implementation of just‐in‐time (JIT), total quality management (TQM), and agile improvement programs within manufacturing organizations from a macro perspective using systems theory as the theoretical underpinning. From a systems perspective, this research focuses on MO and its direct relationships with JIT, TQM, and agile manufacturing (AM) and subsequent impact on operational and logistics performance (LP).Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 104 manufacturing managers, supervisors, and quality professionals and analyzed using a path analysis methodology.Findings – MO directly and positively impacts JIT, TQM, and AM. JIT positively and directly impacts TQM which in turn positively and directly impacts AM. AM positively and directly impacts both organizational and LP.Research limitations/implications – Although the sample size is large enough to support path analysis, it is not o...
TL;DR: Through the systematic study of two significant performance measures for a supply chain, it was found that the one could not be supported due to reliability restrictions, while the other requires the development of a complex information system.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the challenges when developing a common performance measurement system (PMS) in the context of a collaborative supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilizes qualitative and quantitative data from a case study. The qualitative data refer to the assessment of collaborative performance measures based on interviews with experts, while the quantitative data demonstrate the use of two performance measures in a collaborative supply chain network.Findings – The development of a collaborative PMS is a challenging task. Through the systematic study of two significant performance measures for a supply chain, it was found that the one could not be supported due to reliability restrictions, while the other requires the development of a complex information system. Based on these, a discussion of specific challenges follows.Research limitations/implications – The paper has the general case study limitations.Practical implications – Companies operati...
TL;DR: Environmental factors that impacted on the adoption of ERP by The Oman Telecommunication Company (Omantel) are examined.
Abstract: Purpose – Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems if successfully implemented bring about competitive advantages. On the other hand, project failure could, in an extreme case, cause an organisation to go out of business. Mapped against existing literature on ERP critical success factors, this paper examines environmental factors that impacted on the adoption of ERP by The Oman Telecommunication Company (Omantel).Design/methodology/approach – A case study methodology is used to study perceptions of the ERP system implementation project in Omantel.Findings – This paper highlights the particular problems of large organisations that operate disparate legacy systems.Research limitations/implications – A single case study is conducted. This provides opportunities for further research in a number of varied settings.Originality/value – It is very important that experiences of ERP projects are shared across countries and sectors. This is because many ERP implementations are rolled out by multi‐national corporat...
TL;DR: The results show that the depth and the breadth of its owner's technical and industrial experiences best explained absorptive capacity of an SME.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between knowledge acquisition, knowledge absorptive capacity, and innovation performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire data were collected from research and development (R&D) managers or owners of 49 SMEs of the bicycle industry in Taiwan. The questionnaire was designed to measure variables including: knowledge absorptive capacity, knowledge acquisition of company, technical and industrial experiences of owner's and the R&D staff, innovation performance measures, and control variables.Findings – The results show that the depth and the breadth of its owner's technical and industrial experiences best explained absorptive capacity of an SME. In turn, the absorptive capacity and the knowledge acquisition activities of an SME affect its innovation performance.Research limitations/implications – The findings show that, first, SME owners' technical and industrial experiences are contributing fa...
TL;DR: A number of barriers and challenges related risk perception, knowledge deficits, trust, firm size, and organisational readiness that moderate the adoption and usage of e‐markets in the sectors are found.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to explore and expound the factors that impinge on the adoption and usage of industrial e‐markets., – A review of the literature on e‐market adoption was followed by in‐depth interviews with senior managers in buyer, supplier, and e‐market organisations. Senior level executives (15) reported barriers and challenges to the adoption and usage of e‐markets operating in the aerospace and defence and higher education sectors. The interview data is transcribed, coded and analysed using the qualitative data analysis programme QSR N6., – The paper found a number of barriers and challenges related risk perception, knowledge deficits, trust, firm size, and organisational readiness that moderate the adoption and usage of e‐markets in the sectors., – There is unequal representation of buyer and supplier organisations between the two e‐market sectors. However, the case material enabled the research question to be answered and did not compromise the aims of the research., – The case material presented in the paper can help academic researchers, managers, practitioners and other professionals better understand the barriers that impinge on e‐market adoption and find practical ways to mitigate those barriers., – Recently, research on the barriers and challenges to e‐markets has been largely anecdotal and patchy with a paucity of studies noting factors that are likely to be conducive to e‐markets success. This study departs from such studies by offering empirical evidence of the factors in moderating the uptake of e‐markets.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore what potential benefits may be achieved by using advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems in the sales and operations planning (SO literature review, Delphi study, and a case study at a company in the chemical industry which uses APS system support in the SO benefits concerning decision support, planning efficiency and learning effects.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to explore what potential benefits may be achieved by using advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems in the sales and operations planning (SO literature review, Delphi study, and a case study at a company in the chemical industry which uses APS system support in the SO benefits concerning decision support, planning efficiency and learning effects. The most common type was decision support benefits according to APS users and APS experts. The results from the case company showed that the benefits perceived in the different S&OP activities differed. In the activities concerning the preparation and generation of delivery plans, the perceived benefits mainly concerned learning effects. In the activities concerning the generation of a production plan, the benefits were foremost found in planning efficiency. In the S&OP meeting decision support benefits were highest valued. The reason for the different results can be explained by the aim of the activity, how APS was used in the activity, the user characteristics and the design of the model and access and quality of planning data., – The focus of this paper is on potential benefits of APS systems in the S&OP process only, not the costs. It has established a typology of potential benefits. No validation in form of statistical analysis has been done. The empirical analysis is mainly based on findings from a single case study., – The findings about the types of APS potential will assist companies in understanding the benefits they can expect from its use in the S&OP process. The case study analysis gives further insight into how APS can be employed and what benefits different APS user categories can expect when it is used in an appropriate way., – The knowledge about which benefits that can be achieved when using APS in the S&OP process is quite unexplored. This paper fills some of these gaps.
TL;DR: The analysis indicates that expert power has a positive influence on the extent of knowledge acquisition and dissemination practices and the impact of coercive, legitimate, and reward power to be contingent on the organizational size.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the key leadership characteristics (in the form of social power) needed in a knowledge‐based firm that can influence knowledge workers (KWs) to participate actively in creating, sharing, and using knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – Data measuring top leaders social power and knowledge management (KM) practices is gathered from 402 KWs representing 180 Multimedia Super Corridor status firms in Malaysia.Findings – The analysis indicates that expert power has a positive influence on the extent of knowledge acquisition and dissemination practices. Legitimate power is found to impede knowledge acquisition practices. Furthermore, reliance on referent power no longer works in a knowledge‐based context. Finally, the paper found the impact of coercive, legitimate, and reward power to be contingent on the organizational size.Research limitations/implications – Besides leaders potential to influence, there may be other factors that could influence the extent of...
TL;DR: Case study evidence suggests that the strategic alliances were successful when partners had been carefully selected, and it is detected that cyclicality in the maritime industry shaped the partner selection process.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the partner selection criteria reported by maritime firms in Norway. The study aims to analyze how a maritime firm's competitive advantage can be enhanced by the selection of the right partner with reference to a strategic alliance.Design/methodology/approach – A multiple‐case study methodology was used. Archival, survey and interview data were explored relating to the partner selection process reported by Norwegian maritime firms. Primary data were gathered from semi‐structured personal interviews with managers of Norwegian maritime firms.Findings – Case study evidence suggests that the strategic alliances were successful when partners had been carefully selected. As detected elsewhere, successful alliances were associated with partners that had managed to build trustful and honest relationships, had common strategic goals, and partners that supplied resources and competencies. Notably, it was detected that cyclicality in the maritime industry...
TL;DR: The paper demonstrates how work redesign indirectly but positively influences employees' work commitment and illustrates the mediate effect of employee empowerment on employee commitment.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to elicit the determinants of information technology (IT) professional work change and investigates the impact of such changes on IT professionals. Specifically, this paper investigates the effect of work redesign on two personal outcomes: self‐perceived psychological empowerment and organizational commitment., – An empirical study is conducted in the field of high‐tech industrial organizations in Taiwan. Data collected from 40 technological companies, located in the Taipei and Hsinchu Science Parks (n=428), are analyzed using structural equation modeling., – The results confirm that both work redesign and empowerment generate positive and direct influence on employees' commitment. Specially, the effect of work redesign is amplified on employee commitment through the implementation of employee empowerment., – The conceptual structural equation model provides useful information for managers to improve employees' commitment towards their work and the organizations through the proper employee empowerment policies., – As technology continues to change at a rapid pace, IT professionals are required to adapt to new tasks and enhanced roles. The paper demonstrates how work redesign indirectly but positively influences employees' work commitment and illustrates the mediate effect of employee empowerment on employee commitment.
TL;DR: The proposed model provides guidelines for supply chain managers to make an informed decision regarding supplier selection and provides a novel approach for ranking of potential suppliers for outsourcing purposes.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision model to help decision makers with selection of the appropriate supplier., – Supplier selection is a multi‐criteria decision‐making process encompassing various tangible and intangible factors. Both risks and benefits of using a vendor in supply chain are identified for inclusion in the evaluation process. Since these factors can be objective and subjective, a hybrid approach that applies to both quantitative and qualitative factors is used in the development of the model. Taguchi loss functions are used to measure performance of each supplier candidate with respect to the risks and benefits. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to determine the relative importance of these factors to the decision maker. The weighted loss scores are then calculated for each supplier by using the relative importance as the weights. The composite weighted loss scores are used for ranking of the suppliers. The supplier with the smallest loss score is recommended for selection., – Inclusion of both risk and benefit categories in the evaluation process provides a comprehensive decision tool., – The proposed model provides guidelines for supply chain managers to make an informed decision regarding supplier selection., – Combining Taguchi loss function and AHP provides a novel approach for ranking of potential suppliers for outsourcing purposes.
TL;DR: Outourcing gives the organisations the opportunity to have better IS services and the possibility to achieve technological improvements and, although cost savings in staff and technology are generally seen as very important, they do not emerge as priority reasons for outsourcing in the present study.
Abstract: Purpose – Outsourcing is currently going through a stage of unstoppable growth. The purpose of this paper is to make a proposal about the main reasons, which may lead firms to adopt outsourcing in information systems (IS) services. It will equally analyse the potential risks that IS clients are likely to face. An additional objective is to assess these reasons and risks in the case of large Spanish firms, while simultaneously examining their evolution over time. This study of outsourcing reasons and risks has been carried out from the client's perspective.Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve these aims, a questionnaire was administered to the IS managers of the largest Spanish firms.Findings – Outsourcing gives the organisations the opportunity to have better IS services and the possibility to achieve technological improvements and, although cost savings in staff and technology are generally seen as very important, they do not emerge as priority reasons for outsourcing in the present study. R...
TL;DR: Examination of issues in context of Indian SSIs such as nature of pressures and constraints, competitive priorities, competencies development, areas of investment, and their relationship with performance finds cost reduction, quality improvement, and delivery in time have emerged as major challenges for SSIs.
Abstract: Purpose – In the present scenario of e‐globalization, small scale industries (SSIs) are considered engine for economic growth all over the world. After markets globalization, SSIs are facing many pressures and constraints to sustain their competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine various issues in context of Indian SSIs such as nature of pressures and constraints, competitive priorities, competencies development, areas of investment, and their relationship with performance.Design/methodology/approach – For collecting data, a questionnaire‐based survey was conducted. In total, 75 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from survey is done by reliability test, t‐test, and correlation analysis.Findings – Cost reduction, quality improvement, and delivery in time have emerged as major challenges for SSIs. Market research, welfare of employees, and research and development are found as major areas for investment. Use of information technology, training of employees, a...
TL;DR: Analysis confirms that customer satisfaction is negatively influenced by service convenience, whereas customer loyalty is positively influenced by customer satisfaction.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper attempts to investigate the casual relationships among service convenience, perceived service value, perceived service guarantee strength, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. Although previous studies have addressed the importance of these variables, the understanding of the mediating effect of customer‐perceived service value and the moderating effect of customer‐perceived service guarantee strength on customer post‐purchasing behaviours still remain key issues.Design/methodology/approach – A statistical analysis of the collected questionnaires was computed based on the 498 usable responses from the four branches of the selected Chinese chain restaurant. Structural equation modelling is the essential analysis methodology used to examine the hypothesised relationships among the variables.Findings – Analysis confirms that customer satisfaction is positively influenced by service convenience, whereas customer loyalty is positively influenced by customer satisfaction. Furthermore, custom...
TL;DR: It is found that managerial perception of munificence in the environment is related positively and significantly to the processes of DC creation; only when managers perceive the environment as highly dynamic and complex do they promote processes for developing DC.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to study empirically the influence of managerial perceptions of the environment on dynamic capabilities (DC) generation. It seeks to identify three dimensions of competitive environment (dynamism, complexity, and munificence) and then use the theoretical model developed by Zollo and Winter to explain DC creation.Design/methodology/approach – The authors use data collected from 200 Spanish firms through a questionnaire to perform multiple and simple regression analyses that examine the relationship between managerial perceptions and DC generation.Findings – It is found that managerial perception of munificence in the environment is related positively and significantly to the processes of DC creation; only when managers perceive the environment as highly dynamic and complex do they promote processes for developing DC.Practical implications – The findings suggest that managerial cognition plays an important role in DC processes. Thus, managers should evaluate their mental m...
TL;DR: A theoretically grounded, practical methodology for initial knowledge capture and ongoing maintenance of this knowledge using “Web 2.0” technologies is provided.
Abstract: Purpose – Knowledge capture from experts is important when that knowledge is of value, scarce, and threatened by loss, as is the case with the expected departure of “baby boomers” from the workforce This paper seeks to provide a theoretically grounded, practical methodology for initial knowledge capture and ongoing maintenance of this knowledge using “Web 20” technologiesDesign/methodology/approach – The paper used a participatory action research project in which a methodology was developed for the capture of knowledge from experts in an organization experiencing both knowledge loss and rapid growth The methodology used simple, affordable technologies such as digital cameras and digital editors, Wikis with a “semantic web” and social taggingFindings – The paper was able to integrate an initial knowledge capture into an ongoing cycle of knowledge organizing, sharing and maintenance It was found that, whilst it is an economical and appropriate solution to problems of knowledge loss and knowledge shari
TL;DR: The findings will enable top management to realize the impact of intangible asset elements on business performance so that long‐term strategies for effective intangible asset management may be emphasized for sustainable competitive advantage of the firm.
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelationships of intangible assets to business performance. The paper reports an empirical evidence for the impact of three elements of intangible assets: learning and growth, internal business process, and external structure on the business performance of the firm. The linkages between intangible asset elements and business performance are investigated in companies of various business sizes, business sectors and establishment ages., – The proposed model was adapted from the balanced scorecard strategy map. The primary data for analyzing and investigating the interrelationships between intangible assets and business performance were gathered by subjective opinion survey questionnaire. In all, 3,084 questionnaires were distributed to the top management. The numbers of qualified responses were 304 and the data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique., – The commonly assumed causal relationships are confirmed, i.e. the element of learning and growth has influence on internal business process, the element of internal process has effect on external structure, and the element of external structure, in turn, has effect on business performance., – Following the research findings, top management in companies of different sizes, business sectors, and establishment ages should understand the nature of interrelationships and recognize the importance of intangible assets. These findings will enable top management to realize the impact of intangible asset elements on business performance so that long‐term strategies for effective intangible asset management may be emphasized for sustainable competitive advantage of the firm.
TL;DR: An overview of the eMarketplace business models linking them with the most relevant CSFs is offered, which must be considered by managers and entrepreneurs launching new eMarketplaces or managing existing ones, in order to define the strategy, the business model, and the value proposition for the company users.
Abstract: Purpose
– The purpose of the paper is to look in depth at the role of business‐to‐business (B2b) eMarketplaces in supporting B2b relationships, identifying the successful business models and the related critical success factors (CSFs), and to propose a new classification framework to classify eMarketplace business models.
Design/methodology/approach
– The paper is based on the analysis of 30 international eMarketplaces through case study methodology.
Findings
– Nine different business models are identified, which can be classified in terms of a service‐provisioning model and supported processes between companies. For each business model, different CSFs are highlighted.
Research limitations/implications
– The study has been conducted on a sample of 30 significant international eMarketplaces. Future studies could apply the framework to other cases in specific industries.
Originality/value
– The paper offers an overview of the eMarketplace business models linking them with the most relevant CSFs. On one hand, the identified CSFs must be considered by managers and entrepreneurs launching new eMarketplaces or managing existing ones, in order to define the strategy, the business model, and the value proposition for the company users. On the other hand, managers facing the problem of adopting internet technology to support a B2b relationship with business partners must learn to distinguish between the different B2b business models, in order to understand their impact on processes and more precisely evaluate the potential value offered by a B2b electronic intermediary.