Showing papers in "Management Research News in 2003"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that case studies represent an important research track in organizational science, not only as a method of generating hypotheses for quantitative studies, but for generating and testing theory.
Abstract: It is commonly asserted that qualitative research in the organizational sciences lacks the rigor and objectivity of the quantitative approach. Case studies, while commonly used for educational purposes, have been viewed in a less favorable light in terms of research. This paper suggests that case studies represent an important research track in organizational science, not only as a method of generating hypotheses for quantitative studies, but for generating and testing theory. The paper will develop arguments in support of case study research, will highlight particular issues and constraints relating to case study research, and will offer recommendations for the use of this method.
437 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that management research should take into account the complex processes of enterprise activity and the inherent contextual issues that effect managerial behaviour, and conclude that grounded theory can be a significant approach to developing management understanding.
Abstract: This article sets forth the argument that management research should take into account the complex processes of enterprise activity and the inherent contextual issues that effect managerial behaviour. Research accounts from other areas of social inquiry have conveyed the worthiness of the grounded theory approach to qualitatively focused studies. This article reviews the central literature, along with author’s experiential reflections, thus highlighting an on‐going debate as to the faithfulness of grounded theory to generate explanations to socially constructed phenomena. It is concluded that grounded theory can be a significant approach to developing management understanding.
158 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a paradox approach to studying co-operation and competition in strategic alliances is proposed, which combines strategic positioning, the resource-based view and game theory to explore the contradictory, interactive and dynamic nature of strategic alliances.
Abstract: Co‐operation and competition characterise the inter‐firm relationships in strategic alliances. This article proposes a paradox approach to studying co‐operation and competition. It explains the paradox perspective and provides an analytic framework for the paradox of co‐operation and competition. In the light of the paradoxical nature, it advocates a multi‐paradigm approach to co‐operative and competitive strategies, which combines strategic positioning, the resource‐based view and game theory. The article suggests that the multi‐paradigms can not only encompass the contradictions of the paradox from the different perspectives, but also emulate the individual ones and provide a holistic picture. The multi‐paradigm approach therefore establishes a better methodology basis than fragmented orthodox theories in exploring the contradictory, interactive and dynamic nature.
127 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the steps that need to be taken when choosing an effective third party logistics provider and the optimal solution for a company choosing a third party logistic provider would be a five-step process.
Abstract: The purpose of this article was to identify the steps that need to be taken when choosing an effective third party logistics provider. Based on the research completed, it was determined that third party logistics are beneficial to many companies. The use of third party logistics provides a competitive advantage in today’s business world. The optimal solution for a company choosing a third party logistic provider would be a five‐step process.
96 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the three main types of downsizing, workforce reduction, organizational redesign, and systematic strategies, are discussed, and the effects of these on morale for the staff left behind are discussed.
Abstract: Concentrates on downsizing, the modern term for redundancy, which is, of course, no longer a short‐term “fix”. Notes that massive downsizing creates more problems than it solves – only rarely achieving its original financial objectives. Lists the three main types of downsizing as: workforce reduction; organizational redesign; and systematic strategies. Discusses the affect (negative) on morale for the staff left behind, who are called “survivors” here and also the displaced (or jobless) workers. Details the correct (less painful) procedures for downsizing within companies.
76 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the necessary tools for effectively managing unpaid volunteers, with a focus on motivation, are discussed, and an in-depth view of volunteerism and how they should be managed, efficiently and with appreciation, by organizations that need to get the best from volunteers.
Abstract: Discusses the necessary tools for effectively managing unpaid volunteers, with a focus on motivation. Emphasizes there are three volunteer types: spot volunteer, casual and targeting specific needs; second comes the more formal type of volunteer service; and third, the “pressured” volunteer from an employer or other area. Gives and in‐depth view of volunteerism and how they should be managed, efficiently and also with appreciation, by organizations that need to get the best from volunteers.
70 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a hybrid accountant that combines IT/IS competencies and mainstream accounting capabilities to meet the requirements of users of financial and other business performance information without using Information Technology tools.
Abstract: Accountants and the accounting profession have always been users of information technology and the claim for enlarging levels of Information Technology/Information Systems (IT/IS) skills/knowledge in practitioners and accounting graduates is more powerful than ever. The use of Information Technology in support of business is widespread and becoming more so. Indeed, it is no longer possible to meet the expectations of users of financial and other business performance information without using Information Technology tools. Both academics and practitioners have recognised the value and importance of IT/IS in the achievement of success in the competitive business world and IT/IS skills/knowledge as being essential to longterm success for accountants. The challenges facing organisations now require the skills of a special kind of accountant, this research called the “Hybrid Accountant” (combining IT/IS competencies and mainstream accounting capabilities). A “hybrid” accountant blends different skills and knowledge of business management and information management. It is generally felt that today’s accounting education process fails to develop accountants who are able to serve in this type of demanding accountant.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the conflict between employees and employers over electronic surveillance and the workplace is highlighted, and the authors stress that between the help that advanced technology has aided firms and workers, has also come the feeling that employees' rights of privacy have been invaded by employers' constant monitoring.
Abstract: Spotlights on the conflict between employees and employers over electronic surveillance and the workplace. Stresses that between the help that advanced technology has aided firms and workers, has also come the feeling that employees’ rights of privacy have been invaded by employers’ constant monitoring. Comments on companies’ liabilities and confidential information, along with employees’ privacy and the effects of monitoring. Concludes that employers need to clearly define to what extent they intend to monitor the workforce.
48 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study is viewed through the eyes of a supplier, undertaking a reverse auction for the first time, and the main outcomes show that the auction vendor and buyer were major winners.
Abstract: In the late 1990’s, online B2B auctions were proliferating and were being adopted in a wide variety of circumstances. The reverse auction tool has evolved to take advantage of internet technology, and online auctions have been identified by many large organisations as a tool to achieve procurement savings. As companies adopt this technology, it is important for them to understand the implications of this type of procurement. This paper adopts a case study approach to identify the issues for both buyers and sellers using this type of B2B application. It describes the conduct of a reverse auction, from the preliminary steps all the way to the final awarding of the contract. The case study is viewed through the eyes of a supplier, undertaking a reverse auction for the first time. The main outcomes show that the auction vendor and buyer were major winners – with the supplier expending considerable time and effort to participate in the auction, only to realise that the auction places cost above all other factors in awarding the contract. The importance of cost over service delivery, customer support and buyer‐supplier relationship was the “bitter pill” the supplier had to swallow.
45 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider retail businesses in a remote, rural area, the Uist chain in the Western Isles of Scotland, and develop a "funnical" model of rural retail strategies.
Abstract: The issue of retailing in rural areas has received relatively little attention in recent years. This article considers retail businesses in a remote, rural area, the Uist chain in the Western Isles of Scotland. Drawing on the marketing and retail strategy literatures, a “funnical” model of rural retail strategies is developed, and examples of independent retail businesses that have adopted both market‐led and product‐led strategies are posited. These have ranged from a situation of “strategic stasis” within some retail organisations, where more “extensive” methods of running retail outlets have been adopted, through to various new development strategies. Overall, it is evident that retailers may mix strategic directions for their business within the specific geographic context that they are located. This appears to contrast with Jussila et.al. (1992: 192), who imply that their strategic alternatives are mutually exclusive and that the individual strategies are “spatially bound”. In the light of these findings, the article considers the implications presented for retailers in other rural areas of the UK.
45 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigates the reasons for downsizing and looks at some of the major companies who have succumbed to it, including: General Motors, Sears, and ATT companies' responses' downsizing impact on wages, staffing; and outsourcing.
Abstract: Argues that although downsizing and mass lay‐offs are a plague, they do not only affect US companies but also other areas in the industrialized world. Stresses they ruin morale, corrode loyalty and, for the displaced workers, cause a lot of heartbreak. Investigates the reasons for downsizing and looks at some of the major companies who have succumbed to it, including: General Motors, Sears, ATT companies’ responses’ downsizing impact on wages, staffing; and outsourcing.
TL;DR: The authors investigates the primary differences between employee motivation in the USA and Japan and concludes that self-actualization is likely to mean different things to employees in both cultures, concluding that Americans are individualists and Japanese are organization-loyal.
Abstract: Investigates primary differences between employee motivation in the USA and Japan. Spotlights how workers in both countries work towards promotion and advancement. Stresses that Americans are individualists and that the Japanese are organization‐loyal. Concludes self‐actualization is likely to mean different things to employees in both cultures.
TL;DR: The authors examined the perceptions of both administrators and faculty relating to the validity of student evaluations and the existence of possible biasing factors, and found that administrators believe student evaluations measure teaching effectiveness to a greater degree than faculty, while faculty members believe their personality is the primary determinant of ratings on student evaluations.
Abstract: This article examines the perceptions of both administrators and faculty relating to the validity of student evaluations and the existence of possible biasing factors. The results indicate that administrators believe student evaluations measure teaching effectiveness to a greater degree than faculty, while faculty members believe their personality is the primary determinant of ratings on student evaluations. Faculty also believe that the type of course, the work load of a course, and the grade distribution of a course have a larger impact on student evaluations when compared with administrators’ beliefs.
TL;DR: In this article, the use of a qualitative approach using cognitive mapping techniques in the study of a decision-making process is analyzed in a public sector and in the context of a performance appraisal system (PAS).
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyse the use of a qualitative approach using cognitive mapping techniques in the study of a decision‐making process. This study takes place in a public sector and in the context of a performance appraisal system (PAS). This is in line with recommendations by scholars and researchers to conduct a management research in a public service context (see Brown, 1999; Bissessar, 2000; Jabroun and Balakrishnan, 2000; O’Donnell and O’Brien, 2000; Redman, Snape and Thompson, 2000). This article also intends to elucidate and justify the methodological approach used, examine the assumptions underlying the use of a particular research design, and provide arguments for the preference of the methodology used. It is hoped that this will contribute to the understanding of the nature and validity of the research undertaken. This article begins by reviewing the theoretical issues of the research framework, the main features of the qualitative methodologies, and finally, the research method applied in this research is determined and justified.
TL;DR: In this article, the attitudes of Master's-level US business students at two different points in time, before and after recent reports of corporate misconduct, are compared to see what changes had occurred, to see whether these changes were linked to the disclosures of unethical corporate conduct, and to examine whether taking a course in ethics had an effect on attitudes.
Abstract: Recent news of corporate misconduct at Arthur Andersen, Enron, WorldCom, etc., has focused attention on ethics in business. Government, business, educational institutions, as well as professional organisations have had to rethink ways of addressing this issue. This article presents the findings of a study of attitudes toward business codes of ethics. The attitudes of Master’s‐level US business students at two different points in time, before and after recent reports of corporate misconduct, are compared to see what changes had occurred, to see whether these changes were linked to the disclosures of unethical corporate conduct, and to examine whether taking a course in ethics had an effect on attitudes.
TL;DR: The Hay Group's Compensation Guide for Chart-profile Method of Job Evaluation, in the early 1950s as mentioned in this paper, is an extremely valuable tool in guiding the organization to sensible pay practices.
Abstract: Charts the Hay Group’s Compensation Guide for Chart‐profile Method of Job Evaluation, in the early 1950s. Looks at the factors involved and itemizes three factor classifications with a total of eight elements, and these were: know‐how; problem solving; and accountability. These are discussed in depth. Summarizes that this system of evaluation gives a specific result with regard to employee motivation. Concludes the Hay System is an extremely valuable tool in guiding the organization to sensible pay practices.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show how technology transfers can be controlled in the first place and how the foreign partner's competitive advantage can be preserved by acquiring the domestic partner's unique knowledge of host country circumstances.
Abstract: The transfer of technology from the foreign partner to the domestic partner has been a problem for international joint ventures throughout the world, but particularly in China. Because of the nature of organisational learning, especially in its tacit forms, such transfers can occur quite subtly without the foreign partner realising what has transpired until it is too late. The problem is complicated by the fact that technology is short‐lived and must be exploited within narrow time frames, the fact that the Chinese partner’s primary interest is in acquiring the foreign partner’s technology, and the fact that the foreign partner typically shows little interest in obtaining the Chinese partner’s unique non‐technical knowledge as an offset. This article attempts to show how technology transfers can be controlled in the first place and how the foreign partner’s competitive advantage can be preserved by acquiring the domestic partner’s unique knowledge of host country circumstances.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of local authority reports and policies on evening and late night economies and the way that they are managed is presented, based on information derived from a web-based survey.
Abstract: Based on information derived from a Web‐based survey of local authority reports and policies, on evening and late night economies and the way that they are managed. Sums up that both the evening and late night economies are very important features of United Kingdom town and city centres.
TL;DR: The authors have made significant progress in understanding human cognitive learning styles, which refer typically to a single capability or preference that possibly enhances learning in some situations and in others hinders learning, and further research should be encouraged to identify the students to become more successful in online courses in the future.
Abstract: Researchers have made significant progress in understanding human cognitive learning styles, which refer typically to a single capability or preference that possibly enhances learning in some situations and in others hinders learning. Sums up further research should be encouraged to identify the students to become more successful in online courses in the future.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the case of a ceramic company and found that the control system of this company was based on large and exhaustive reports that were discussed every month by the board of directors.
Abstract: Simons (1995) identified two main kinds of controls: diagnostic and interactive. Nevertheless he did not study the possibility of the evolution of these concepts from one kind to the other. We have researched the possibility of this evolution and its reasons. We have studied the case of a ceramic company. Before 2000 the control system of this Company was based on large and exhaustive reports that were discussed every month by the board of directors. Simons defined this kind of control as diagnostic. After suffering a crisis in 2000 the board of directors created new reports based on non‐financial indicators. The board of directors monitored these data weekly spending long hours analysing both the outcomes and the questions arising from them. Most of middle managers of the firm were involved in this reporting system. This kind of control is the one defined by Simons as interactive.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a description of the current situation in the Palestinian Territories (PT), particularly the economic and managerial situation, particularly for the SMEs and TPs in the PT.
Abstract: The economy of the Palestinian Territories (PT) is small, poorly developed, and highly dependent on Israel; at the same time, the land is limited, Israel controls 80‐85 per cent of the Palestinian water, and there is large‐scale unemployment Faced with this situation, small and micro‐enterprises have come to play a critical role in the economy of the PT Donors, the Palestinian Authority (PA), and UNRWA have recognised that many of the managers suffer from managerial weaknesses, and training is one of the long‐term keys to promote the development of small and micro‐enterprises and alleviate the problem of persistent unemployment in the PT To support the peace agreement, the International Community promised to support the Palestinian economy Part of this aid has been spent for small and micro‐enterprise development, and for establishing managerial training programmes These programmes aim to encourage economic development of the PT, through supporting small business education and entrepreneurship training These programmes suffered from various problems, such as lack of professional trainers, the majority of the managers did not attend the training programme courses, some of these programmesmissed funding Therefore, some training programmes were closed during the last two years On the other hand, the managers of small businesses still suffer from various managerial problems However, this article presents a description of the current situation in PT Especially, the economic and managerial situation, particularly for the SMEs and TPs in the PT
TL;DR: A general overview of the origins and aims of the Urban Regeneration Companies (URC) can be found in this paper, where specific focuses on city centres within some of the URCs and issues associated with city centre regeneration are discussed.
Abstract: From 1999 onwards a number of Urban Regeneration Companies (URC) to address regeneration agendas. Provides a general introductory outline of the origins and aims of the URCs, examines specific focuses on city centres within some of the URCs and discusses some of the issues associated with city centre regeneration.
TL;DR: Town Centre Management (TCM) schemes as discussed by the authors were established in a growing number of towns and cities from late 1980 onwards (e.g. Jones 1990) to manage the potential of town and city centres by encouraging stakeholders and local businesses to work together in purposeful partnerships to ensure the co-ordination and development of services.
Abstract: Within town and city centres in the UK the challenges of managing public spaces, concerns about crime, the fear of crime, anti‐social behaviour and environmental problems and the desire to maintain and enhance vitality and viability are important and interlinked issues. During the past two decades a number of policy and management initiatives have been introduced in an attempt to address these issues and to promote sustainable town and city centres. Town Centre Management (TCM) schemes, for example, were established in a growing number of towns and cities from late 1980 onwards (e.g. Jones 1990). The basic aim ofTCM has been to regenerate, sustain and develop the well being and to manage the potential of town and city centres by encouraging stakeholders and local businesses to work together in purposeful partnerships to ensure the co‐ordination and development of services. There are a number of variations in the structure and funding regimes of the 250 or so TCM schemes across the UK but they generally involve some kind of public sector/private sector partnership and funding, albeit in varying proportions, a focus on a particular area and co‐ordinated management.
TL;DR: In this paper, the main causes of conflict in academia are discussed, and examples of conflict and ways to handle grievances are discussed. But, the authors do not discuss the role of race relations in conflict.
Abstract: Explores some of the causes of conflict in academia, some examples of conflict, and finally what attempts to deal with conflict are being made. Lists and discusses the main causes of conflict as: faculty‐to‐student; student‐to‐student; faculty‐to‐faculty;and faculty‐to‐administrator. Gives examples of conflict and ways to handle grievances. Concludes, in a conflict situation, both sides must be prepared to bend a little to enable a satisfactory outcome.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on how distrust in the workplace has increased for workers, which breeds dissatisfaction, and discuss the importance of ethical, leadership and responsibility in the business world in the USA today.
Abstract: Concentrates on ethics, leadership and responsibility in the business world in the USA today. Looks at how distrust in the workplace has increased for workers, which breeds dissatisfaction. Comments on ethics courses and pinpoints some of them and the universities involved. Employs tables to aid in explanation and methods. Sums up that educational institutions cannot accomplish the mission alone and students can have a two‐way experience with regard to experiences prior to enrolment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the Toyota automobile company and its status as the third largest car producer, in addition to being the fifth largest industrial company in the world, focusing on the Japanese management system and its value and philosophy.
Abstract: Spotlights the Toyota automobile company and its status as the third largest car producer, in addition to being the fifth largest industrial company in the world. Concentrates on the Japanese management system and its value and philosophy. Delves into the Toyota corporate structure and hiring process, stressing the ethics of the team as being the most important part of the process, with open communication, non‐monetary awards, and the pay/bonus system – which are allied to making the company more successful.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors looked at domestic and international assignment relocation practices and how the expatriation assignments have worked out in recruitment and retention and found that around 70 per cent of all employee relocations fail due to personal or family difficulties.
Abstract: Looks at domestic relocation practices and how the expatriation assignments have worked out in recruitment and retention. States that both domestic and international assignment relocation face similar issues but that there are many extra items in international assignments. Records around 70 per cent of all employee relocations fail due to personal or family difficulties. Concludes that employers now realise that managing the employee’s concerns better will be an advantage to both parties in the long run, with fewer failures for employees in their assignments and for management in cost.
TL;DR: There are many resources available for businesses that need assistance in implementing a preventive retaliation policy, and there are many examples of retaliation that are shown.
Abstract: Showcases workplace retaliation and describes this as when an employer illegally seeks revenge on an employee who has complained of discrimination or some other, allegedly unlawful, act by the employer. Gives examples of retaliation and advises on how companies should aim to avoid this. Concludes there are many resources available for businesses that need assistance in implementing a preventive retaliation policy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used parametric variables to collect a set of data in order to understand competition and niche among organization population and their survivability in the city center hotels of Canakkale in Turkey.
Abstract: Competition and attempts to increase market share between organizations play an important role in business ecology. It has been determined that intensity in the institutions and death among organizations especially are of great importance. Intensity and homogeny among the organizational population are very important in the evolutionary process for them to create modern forms of institution. We have used parametric variables to collect a set of data in order to understand competition and niche among organization population. The study investigates how competition and niche affect the cluster of hotel population and their survivability. The founding of each hotel organization is differently constructed internally and different segments of the hotel population respond heterogeneously to the general process of competition. The findings show how niche and different segments of hotel population affect new organizational establishment and the evolutionary dynamics of modern organization structure, using the city center hotels of Canakkale in Turkey.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a series of select findings of a human resource management audit carried out in 2001-2 and contains extensive data on airlines from nine countries from around the globe.
Abstract: The commercial airline is an extremely competitive, safety‐sensitive, high technology service industry. People, employees and customers, not products and machines, must be the arena of an organisation’s core competence. The implications are vast and pervasive affecting no less than the organisation’s structure, strategy, culture, and numerous operational activities. Completed by 13 respondents (executives), this audit presents a series of select findings of a human resource management audit carried out in 2001‐2 and contains extensive data on airlines from nine countries from around the globe. The conclusion drawn from these three bodies of work is that, with the exception of a handful of high performing airlines, the industry as awhole continues to function as per a traditional, top‐down, highly divisionalised, industrial model of operations and governance. This model is manifestly inappropriate in such a highly knowledge‐based service market as the airline industry. HRM expertise in general and compensation and benefits in particular are required now,more than ever, to spearhead the strategic development of a customer‐centric, learning‐oriented workforce that is capable of adapting quickly to the strategic goals and change imperatives facing the airline industry.