Journal articles on the topic 'Law firms – Personnel management – Case studies'
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Chohan, Dr Rozina, Engr Murk Chohan, Irfan Mir Chohan, and Farhana Mir Chohan. "Overcoming Trusting Barriers in Inter-organizational Identity Theft Prevention in Knowledge Sharing: A Case of UK Retailing Industry." Revista Gestão Inovação e Tecnologias 11, no. 4 (August 24, 2021): 4946–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.47059/revistageintec.v11i4.2515.
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Inter-organizational knowledge sharing basically connects two or more firms with one another in exchange relationship for skills, expertise and knowledgeable personnel. Knowledge plays a key role in organizational performance but it is given a very little attention in terms of information security and requires addressing security concerns due to following reasons: First, because retailing is the most victimized channel due to online trade. Second, if organizational criminal wings can compromise the information system of one firm, they can attack other firms too. Hence, identity theft is a collective problem. A security breach is among the top three business stories and identity theft is the key reason why it occurs in online retailing. Identity theft is a serious issue of society at a large and its prevention requires knowledge sharing by several actors. Through different case studies, interviews and theoretical and empirical analysis, this study highlights some unknown side of prevention collaboration in the retail industry in the United Kingdom (UK) which is of theoretical and practical importance. This paper theoretically furthers our understanding of how communication of organizations with comparable goals is handled differently in information security management. Practically, it evaluates relationships of retailing firms, online fraud forums and law enforcement departments in the fraud prevention process. Our research outlines how retailers' partnerships with different stakeholders will help them solve and reduce identity theft by presenting a structure for inter-organizational fraud prevention in retailing organizations.
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Okada, Masaki, and Kunio Shirahada. "Organizational Learning for Sustainable Semiconductor Supply Chain Operation: A Case Study of a Japanese Company in Cross Border M&A." Sustainability 14, no. 22 (November 18, 2022): 15316. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su142215316.
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As semiconductor usage is prevailing, sustainable growth is deemed highly dependent on the semiconductor supply chain. Accordingly, it is essential to establish robust supply chain capability for a semiconductor company. Especially for Japanese semiconductor manufacturers, it is critical to secure robust and flexible supply chain operation with the background of the experience of supply chain disruption caused by the East Japan Earthquake. So far, we identified that Japanese semiconductor manufacturers and Japanese automotive manufacturers have been in cooperation to secure the semiconductor supply chain. However, the global electronic industry environment has been significantly changed and it is not enough just to consider natural disasters. With this perspective, it is not yet fully studied how Japanese semiconductor manufacturers adapted to global operation through organizational learning. This paper examines how a Japanese semiconductor firm conducted organizational learning and adapted to environmental changes in cross-border M&A transactions. Traditionally, Japanese firms have established organizational routines for the management control systems of their overseas subsidiaries by relying on the expatriates’ transactive memory systems (TMS), which is based on their personnel experiences over the countries and cultural background understanding. Japanese firms have used TMS of expats to manage their global organizations. Recently, however, not a small number of Japanese companies have accelerated their globalization through cross-border M&A, which requires organizational capabilities different from those of conventional TMS formation. In this paper, we studied a case of cross-border M&A of a Japanese semiconductor company by modeling the organizational learning structure throughout the extracted concepts summarizing semi-structure interview outcome. As a result, it has been found out that, by shifting from Japanese cultural norms to more global values in terms of management systems, benefits can be achieved. The company unlearned organizational routines that relied on TMS and created new organizational routines. This study provides direction from a practical perspective on how Japanese firms can transform their global organizations and adapt to changes in the environment for sustainable growth.
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Hosokawa, Masafumi. "Research and Development Efforts in Fire Safety and Disaster Preparedness." Journal of Disaster Research 10, no. 4 (August 1, 2015): 584–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.20965/jdr.2015.p0584.
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Fire departments are expected to respond quickly and effectively to disasters by extinguishing fires and rescuing those in harm’s way, for example. They are also required to prevent fires and disasters by enforcing fire-prevention measures at hotels and care facilities and to monitor safety measures in facilities storing hazardous materials. Concerns have arisen that destructive disasters may occur due to environmental changes in local communities or due to the Tokyo Metropolitan earthquake or Nankai Trough earthquake. To ensure that fire departments use their firefighters, materials and equipment effectively to prevent or control fires and reduce damage of disasters, research and development (R&D) on fire safety and disaster preparedness must be conducted actively and resulting findings must be applied in advanced fire safety and disaster preparedness activities. Fire safety R&D in Japan is undertaken by the National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster,which is the research organ of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Here R&D is being conducted on safety measures for facilities storing hazardous materials, fire-fighting robot technology, and fire extinguishing techniques. Fire departments in major cities also study firefighting operations and advanced materials and equipment. Although the number of institutions directly conducting fire safety R&D is limited and allotted research and development budget is extremely small. Private-sector R&D in fire safety unfortunately cannot be described as vigorous because it focuses on equipment used by fire department personnel and fire-safety facilities required by law, such as fire engines and rescue materials and equipment, fire sensors, fire extinguishing systems, etc., whose market is limited. To conduct innovative fire extinguishing R&D on equipment that could dramatically improve fire-fighting efficiency, it is important to inform research institutions and private firms of the issues and needs in fire safety rather than to make efforts solely among organizations involved in fire safety and to conduct research by engaging a wide range of researchers from the pure sciences in practical technologies. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications set up a competitive research funding effort in fiscal 2003 called Promoting Program for Scientific Fire and Disaster Prevention Technologies (Competitive Research Funding Program) to promote R&D based on the collaboration of industry, academia, and the national government. This competitive research program solicits research proposals for promoting advances in fire safety and disaster preparedness science and technology and achieving safe and secure society. It involves researchers in industry, academia, and government and provides funding for proposals considered worth promoting. Some 104 studies had been completed under this program by fiscal 2014. The Kitakyushu municipal fire department, for instance, proposed developing a fire extinguishing composition able to extinguish fires using only a small amount of water. After building a system for collaboration with the University of Kitakyushu and local industries, they developed such a composition based on a natural surfactant whose use has greatly reduced the environmental load and whose performance meets the needs of fire-fighting operations conducted by fire department personnel in general fires. The team earned the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award in the Fifth Merit Awards for Industry/Academia/Government Collaboration in fiscal 2007. In publishing the special issue on Fire and Disaster Prevention Technologies edited by Prof.Tomonori Kawano, Prof. Kazuya Uezu, and Prof. Takaaki Kato of the Research and Development Center of Fire and Environmental Safety, the University of Kitakyushu, it is shown that fire safety and disaster preparedness R&D undertaken by universities, local industries, and fire departments in Kitakyushu is proceeding on in an expanded scale. It is hoped that such undertakings and their findings will be extended to other areas, thus further promoting R&D in fire safety.
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Solon, Gary, Warren Whatley, and Ann Huff Stevens. "Wage Changes and Intrafirm Job Mobility over the Business Cycle: Two Case Studies." ILR Review 50, no. 3 (April 1997): 402–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/001979399705000302.
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Despite the many reasons to expect sluggish wage adjustment, recent evidence suggests that real wages are quite procyclical (growing more rapidly during economic expansions than during recessions) and that this wage procyclicality pertains even to workers who stay with the same employer. One possible explanation for these findings is the old hypothesis that a portion of firms' cyclical adjustment of labor costs is achieved not by changing the wages paid in particular jobs, but by changing the quality of labor assigned to those jobs. The authors' analysis of interwar personnel data from the Ford Motor Company and the A.M. Byers Company supports that hypothesis. The authors recognize that case studies of only two firms cannot be definitive, but they conclude that cyclicality in workers' job assignments deserves further attention.
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PAASI, JAAKKO, TUIJA LUOMA, KATRI VALKOKARI, and NARI LEE. "KNOWLEDGE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT IN CUSTOMER–SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS." International Journal of Innovation Management 14, no. 04 (August 2010): 629–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s1363919610002805.
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The purpose of the paper is to empirically study firms' practises of knowledge and intellectual property (IP) management in customer–supplier relationships. The work applies the qualitative methodology of multiple case studies, and the material was collected in semi-structured interviews with management personnel at 36 organisations in Finland and in the Netherlands. Almost every firm had innovation relationships with their customers and suppliers, but the forms these relationships took, and the kinds of practices they involved, varied greatly. As a result, the firms considered the management of knowledge and IP in these relationships very challenging. We argue that by distinguishing knowledge management in the exploration phase of new business from knowledge management in the exploitation phase of innovation outcome, the firms could manage the knowledge and IP better. Accordingly, the paper introduces three propositions to support the knowledge and IP management in customer–supplier relationships.
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Cooper, David J., Bob Hinings, Royston Greenwood, John L. Brown, David J. Cooper, Bob Hinings, Royston Greenwood, and John L. Brown. "Sedimentation and Transformation in Organizational Change: The Case of Canadian Law Firms." Organization Studies 17, no. 4 (July 1996): 623–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/017084069601700404.
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This paper identifies two archetypes in large Canadian law firms to show how ideas of professionalism and partnership are changing, due in part to shifts in discourses in the wider institutional context. These changes in discourse themselves alter the interpretation of organizational structures and systems. This theme is explored through the concept of tracks and sedimentation. We explore the emergence of an organizational archetype that appears not to be secure, and which results in sedimented structures with competitive commit ments. The geological metaphor of sedimentation allows us to consider a dia lectical rather than a linear view of change. Case studies of two law firms show how one archetype is layered on the other, rather than representing a distinct transformation where one archetype sweeps away the residues of the other.
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Oduro, Stephen, and Kwamena Minta Nyarku. "Incremental Innovations in Ghanaian SMEs: Propensity, Types, Performance and Management Challenges." Asia-Pacific Journal of Management Research and Innovation 14, no. 1-2 (March 2018): 10–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2319510x18810034.
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Incremental innovation has been recognised as a key factor to SMEs’ survival and growth in today’s hyper-competitive business world. Notwithstanding this inspired recognition, analytical and empirical studies on SMEs’ incremental innovation practices are still measly in emerging economies. Drawing from the dynamic capabilities theory, the present study sought to examine SMEs’ incremental innovation practices in Accra, Ghana. The study followed a multiple-case qualitative methodology using a semi-structured interview and a simple random sampling method to select 17 SMEs for the study while an inductive approach was used to analyse the transcribed data from the informants. The findings disclosed that the incremental innovation propensity and innovation types in the SMEs differ from small firms to medium firms and from manufacturing firms to service firms. It was further disclosed that the incremental innovation practices have improved the performance of the SMEs in terms of increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, sales growth, competitiveness, and global market reach, while their paramount innovation management challenges were lack of financial resources, infrastructure, specialized personnel, and information on technology. These findings add to SMEs theory and practice and offer novel theoretical insights for researchers and valuable managerial implications for SMEs’ managers in emerging economies.
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Park, Young Won, and Paul Hong. "A Research Framework for Sustainable Digital Innovation: Case Studies of Japanese Firms." Sustainability 14, no. 15 (July 27, 2022): 9218. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14159218.
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Today’s competitive and highly volatile environment calls for a new kind of flexibility and adaptability. Limited studies are available that examine how firms achieve both speed and creativity requirements in this digital era. In view of the rare empirical studies on real-world cases that apply rigorous research methods for sustainable digital innovation (SDI), this research investigates the key strategic requirements of organizational agility and flexibility for SDI. The research framework defines four types of innovators. This study used the benchmark tool to assess the status of their innovation effectiveness. This research framework is useful for firms to classify, assess, and evaluate their innovation type. The study’s findings also suggest the road map for future strategic goals. This theoretical framework illustrates the causal relationship between Japanese-style digital innovation and the firms’ sustainable competitive advantage. This model might be extended to other firms in different contexts (e.g., Korea, India, USA, Brazil, and a host of other countries). The theoretical and practical implications are discussed for future research.
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Vincent A, Onodugo, and Nwoji Stanley C. "Widening the Breadth of Knowledge Diffusion among Nigerian Employees: The Upsides of Globalization." International Journal of Management and Sustainability 2, no. 6 (July 16, 2021): 113–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.18488/journal.11/2013.2.6/11.6.113.126.
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Many scholars from the developing world argue that globalization is a weapon of imperialism used to perpetuate the income and welfare gap between developing and developed countries. This study joins an emerging stream of studies calling for a holistic re-examination of the impact of globalization on developing countries to understand both the positive and negative contributions instead of have a one-sided view of globalization. Employing a quantitative design with a survey strategy, data for this study was collected from 130 human resources personnel across six multinational firms spanning: oil, banking, and manufacturing sectors of the Nigerian economy. Inferential analysis of collected data found significant positive contributions of globalization towards personnel training and development. In particular, findings show that globalization has increased the frequency and methods of trainings, increased use of e-trainings and certifications, and uniform design of training programmes across the subsidiaries of MNCs globally. All these were found to reduce the physical incidence of personnel going abroad to study reducing both brain-drain and expenses to domestic companies and governments.
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Ruiz-Coupeau, Stephane, Jaime Rodas-Monge, Raquel Florez-Lopez, and Juan Manuel Ramon-Jeronimo. "Impact of Regional Public Agencies on Firms’ Internationalization Processes: Evidence from Case Studies." Sustainability 11, no. 10 (May 16, 2019): 2813. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11102813.
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To achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the support for the internationalization of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) for inclusive and sustainable growth needs improvement. Decided to accomplish these global goals, many regional governments have established regional public agencies aiming at increasing MSME competitiveness. In the area of internationalization, regional governments have created Regional Export Promotion Agencies (REPA), which are a type of Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) that has been implemented, for instance, in all Spanish regions. However, we found a gap in the literature since there is not enough evidence on the utility of the services provided by TPOs. Thus, the aim of this paper is to explore how a REPA interacts with firms when they internationalize and cooperates with the corresponding Regional Development Agency (RDA) during this process. The preliminary findings suggest that a better coordination between both Regional Agencies is required. In addition, further financial measures to support firms in the first stages of the internationalization processes as well as an improvement of communication activities to increase awareness of the services offered are demanded by the firms.
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Bergmann, Alexander, and Peter Posch. "Mandatory Sustainability Reporting in Germany: Does Size Matter?" Sustainability 10, no. 11 (October 26, 2018): 3904. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su10113904.
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This article studies how German firms evaluate a recent national corporate social responsibility (CSR) law based on a European Union directive and the burden they expect regarding their organizational responsibilities due to mandatory sustainability reporting. One hundred and fifty-one firms of different sizes directly or indirectly affected by the law are included in the survey and their responses empirically analyzed using two-tailed t-tests and simple linear regression. Anchoring the discussion in stakeholder theory and the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) literature while considering large-firm idiosyncrasies, the results show differing effects on SMEs and large firms as well as firms which are directly and indirectly affected. Findings show that firm size only matters for the evaluation of the law by directly affected firms, while size does not matter in the case of indirectly affected firms. Possible moderators of this evaluation are grounded in the resource-based theory and formalization of CSR. This article contributes to the understanding of when firm size matters in the case of mandatory sustainability reporting and underlines the role of organizational resources and capabilities as well as the special position of SMEs.
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Agovino, Massimiliano, Katia Marchesano, and Antonio Garofalo. "Policies based on mandatory employment quotas for disabled workers: the case of Italy." Modern Italy 24, no. 3 (May 20, 2019): 295–315. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/mit.2019.14.
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This article examines the Italian policy framework on the employment of disabled people. It discusses the strengths and limitations of Law 68 of 12 March 1999 (Regulation on the right to work of disabled people). Despite it having been enacted 16 years after being passed, Law 68/99 still faces problems in its implementation. The data analysis shows the propensity of firms to flout their obligations with regard to the recruitment of disabled people, preferring instead the risk of being sanctioned. In order for Law 68/99 to have a positive effect on the employment of disabled people, higher incentives (including subsidies for labour costs) must be introduced for employers, especially to enable the adaptation and adjustment of the workplace. With these inducements, firms would be encouraged to recruit disabled people and avoid penalties. In addition, disability management policies (still rarely implemented in the Italian workplace) and comprehensive training programmes can play a crucial role in overcoming discriminatory constraints regarding skills and physical ability, so as to increase the employability of disabled people in the labour market.
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Subramanian, Nachiappan, Angappa Gunasekaran, Muhammad D. Abdulrahman, Chang Liu, and Danwei Su. "Reverse logistics in the Chinese auto-parts firms: implementation framework development through multiple case studies." International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology 21, no. 3 (April 22, 2014): 223–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2014.907216.
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Jeong, Harry, and Kwangsoo Shin. "Exploring Factors Affecting Sustainable Innovation Performance of Food Firms. A Case of Korean Food Industry." Sustainability 12, no. 23 (December 4, 2020): 10157. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su122310157.
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This study examines the influence of government support, research and development (R&D) investment and cooperation networks on sustainable innovation performance of the medium-sized food firms in South Korea. Climate change, population growth, lifestyle change and consumer demands for new products allow firms to explore innovation for sustainable growth. In the food industry, where various stakeholders are involved in the value chain, government support, R&D investment and cooperation are affecting firms’ sustainable performance. However, there are few empirical studies that examine the relationship among them, especially regarding medium-sized food firms. This study aimed to analyze data regarding Korean food firms through a structural equation model. To overcome data scarcity, this study collected new data for 67 medium-sized food firms. The data is matched with the firms’ 10-year data on management, innovation performance, and cooperation networks. This study can contribute to filling the literature gap by exploring what innovation strategies should be used to improve food SMEs’ innovation performance in the latecomer countries, which have developed their food industries relatively recently.
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Lee, Dongheun, Sejoong Lee, and Na-Eun Cho. "Voluntary Disclosure and Market Valuation of Sustainability Reports in Korea: The Case of Chaebols." Sustainability 11, no. 13 (June 28, 2019): 3577. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11133577.
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This paper investigates whether chaebol firms tend to issue corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports more than non-chaebol firms. Based on previous studies documenting chaebols’ tunneling activities at the expense of other shareholders, we anticipate that chaebol firms are more likely to voluntarily disclose their CSR reports even if investors may discount their values because CSR disclosure is an effective means of window dressing. The empirical results support our expectations. We find that chaebol firms are more likely to disclose CSR reports and a chaebol firm’s CSR report disclosure is less evaluated than a non-chaebol firm in the capital market. The result indicates that even if CSR report disclosure may have positive effect on firm value in general, investors may discount the value of chaebol firms’ CSR reports.
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Bianchi, Nicola, Umberto Filotto, and Xenia Scimone. "Credit intermediaries’ regulation and profitability: The Italian case of D.Lgs. No. 141/2010." Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions 10, no. 2 (2020): 71–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.22495/rgcv10i2p6.
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This work studies the effect of Italian regulation D.Lgs. No. 141/2010 (Law 141), introduced to transpose Directive 2008/48/EC of the European Parliament into the performance of credit intermediaries. Law 141’s entry into force provides an opportunity to study the effect of greater market entry barriers on sector profitability. The Italian case is particularly significant because it is characterized by strict application of the directive, a low level of financial literacy, and a distribution model that, for some kinds of personal loans, allows agents and brokers a significant role (Canales & Nanda, 2012). We study a panel of Italian agents and credit brokers, using a panel and difference-in-differences regression. The results show that, from 2009 to 2017, firm profitability was driven not by the increase in market entry requirements introduced by Law 141 but, rather, by firms’ size, efficiency, and business model.
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Li, Zherui, and Zhen Feng. "Mapping Urban Networks through Inter-Firm Investment Linkages: The Case of Listed Companies in Jiangsu, China." Sustainability 12, no. 1 (December 21, 2019): 89. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12010089.
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Recently, literature on urban network research from the perspective of firm networks has been increasing. Focusing on firms’ multi-location distribution, existing studies use mainly the internal organization structural information of firms to portray one-type industry or all-industry networks, and there are deficiencies in reflecting the authenticity of networks and comparing the differences across industries. In contrast to studies applying intra-firm networks, this study collects real investment data of all listed firms in Jiangsu Province and studies urban networks through quantifying inter-firm linkages. Based on inter-firm investment linkages, this study provides fresh insights on inter-city connections in China. The results show that Nanjing, Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen are the constant network centers across different industries. Particularly, Shenzhen has been favored by more investment inflows far beyond its GDP. In China’s unique institutional context, state power, geographical location, market and other factors jointly affect the flow of investment, and the role of state power deserves special attention. Since real economic connections are used to describe urban networks, the findings might contribute to ongoing debates regarding economic centers in China and bring further implications for policy making in investment environment improvement. It enriches the research of urban networks based on real inter-firm connections, and provides ideas for the wider regional study and the combination of econometric techniques and social network analysis.
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Shine, Beau James. "Documenting current practices in the management of deaf suspects in the USA." Policing: An International Journal 42, no. 3 (June 10, 2019): 347–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pijpsm-02-2018-0026.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to combine previous research on deaf suspects with the findings from data gathered from law enforcement personnel nationwide to gain an understanding of the common practices of US law enforcement when arresting, interrogating and communicating with deaf suspects. Design/methodology/approach In light of the limited amount of research available on handling deaf suspects, a two-part sampling approach was used. Using critical case sampling, the author surveyed law enforcement via open-ended surveys designed to solicit information about their involvement with deaf suspects and any related questions and concerns. Guided by the Wave 1 data, Wave 2 surveys were administered to law enforcement nationwide (using expert sampling). Findings An analysis of the two waves of data collected was used to assemble the list of current practices. Originality/value This study combines previous research on deaf suspects, which has been published largely through the framework of deaf studies, with the insight of practitioners to identify a list of current practices used by US law enforcement when handling deaf suspects.
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Yoon, Yeohyun, and Kyoung Cheon Cha. "A Qualitative Review of Cruise Service Quality: Case Studies from Asia." Sustainability 12, no. 19 (September 30, 2020): 8073. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12198073.
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Although the cruise sector is considered an ‘unreplaceable’ form of tourism, with the cruise industry recording steady growth over the years, there is a lack of research and analysis on cruise ships themselves. Accordingly, this study sought to determine whether service quality differences among ships operating in the Asian market could suggest broader implications for the sustainability of the cruise industry. We chose the SERVQUAL framework for the analysis; we also employed the multiple case study method and topic synthesis to compare the service quality of three ships. Of the ships investigated—the Costa Victoria, Diamond Princess, and Superstar Virgo—the Diamond Princess had the highest service quality. Based on the results, we outlined suggestions for improving the quality of cruise services, including introducing the latest large ships and high-tech facilities, complying with the departure and arrival times of sailing schedules, improving the ratio of crew members per passenger, establishing a cruise personnel training system, and expanding membership program operations.
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Fujimoto, Takahiro, Mitsuhiro Fukuzawa, Young Won Park, and Paul Hong. "Developing Effective Measures of Organizational Capability of Manufacturing Firms: An Exploratory Case Study of Japanese Manufacturing Firms." Sustainability 14, no. 22 (November 10, 2022): 14811. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su142214811.
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The present article explores the flow-oriented and routine-based concept of organizational capability in manufacturing and proposes a practical method of measuring it by using the flow map of material and information (FMMI), including the value stream map (VSM). The environment surrounding manufacturing companies is becoming increasingly turbulent, making it increasingly difficult for them to survive and prosper. For example, global companies face challenges on multiple fronts such as international trade tensions, pandemic lockdowns, and competitive challenges from firms in emerging economies. In addition, in digital markets, supply chain transparency and resiliency require visualizing the flow of materials and information across a wide range of global activities. Business activities are conceived as flows of design and control information from across functions for value creation and transfer. A high level of value creation is built on the excellence of vital function. In this context, this study aims to identify key characteristics of high-performance firms. In particular, the flow map of material and information (FMMI) assumes simultaneous execution of capability-building and capability-measuring. This research team reports the series of workshops and survey results based on (1) the work of the industry-university consortium, (2) the collaborative learning process through trust and information sharing among participating companies, (3) sharing improvement activities, and (4) identifying areas of poor flow (issues for each company). In addition, several selected case studies of Japanese firms highlight the impact of using FMMI for improving multiple performance outcomes and measuring their manufacturing capabilities at the same time. The lessons and implications are discussed.
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Giotis, Georgios, and Evangelia Papadionysiou. "The Role of Managerial and Technological Innovations in the Tourism Industry: A Review of the Empirical Literature." Sustainability 14, no. 9 (April 25, 2022): 5182. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14095182.
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The constant changes typically present in the market along with intense competition force companies to be flexible and adaptable. Firms that operate in the tourism industry need to be well prepared and ready to face challenges that arise on different levels. Managerial and technological innovations can play a significant role in the profitability, sustainable development and longevity of a company. In this respect, this paper aims to analyze the role of innovation, as well as the key elements that affect the capability of a firm to manage innovation (as corporate strategy, organizational structure, management style, employee management, innovation process and knowledge management). To this end, it highlights the importance of the way that a firm is directed in order to enhance its performance and maintain its competitive advantage in the market. Some of the results show that the proper style of management, appropriate personnel and a pleasant working environment characterized by collaboration among employees and managers enhance the possibilities of a firm to increase innovation. Moreover, some managerial implications are also proposed to assist managers of firms in the tourist industry to create appropriate strategies. Since managers are positive and support innovation in all aspects of the firm, this may also enhance the use of technology, which will give tourism firms increased opportunity to enlarge their market share. In addition, our study accentuates the roles of ICT, social media, mobile phones and smartphones, websites, as well as multimedia, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and several other technological advances in the tourism industry, which have helped to develop operations and transform the process of travelling to a much more pleasant and efficient experience. Within this framework of the essential role of managerial and technological innovations in tourism, our study aims to provide an extensive review of the empirical studies that have been conducted to investigate these issues.
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Giotis, Georgios, and Evangelia Papadionysiou. "The Role of Managerial and Technological Innovations in the Tourism Industry: A Review of the Empirical Literature." Sustainability 14, no. 9 (April 25, 2022): 5182. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14095182.
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The constant changes typically present in the market along with intense competition force companies to be flexible and adaptable. Firms that operate in the tourism industry need to be well prepared and ready to face challenges that arise on different levels. Managerial and technological innovations can play a significant role in the profitability, sustainable development and longevity of a company. In this respect, this paper aims to analyze the role of innovation, as well as the key elements that affect the capability of a firm to manage innovation (as corporate strategy, organizational structure, management style, employee management, innovation process and knowledge management). To this end, it highlights the importance of the way that a firm is directed in order to enhance its performance and maintain its competitive advantage in the market. Some of the results show that the proper style of management, appropriate personnel and a pleasant working environment characterized by collaboration among employees and managers enhance the possibilities of a firm to increase innovation. Moreover, some managerial implications are also proposed to assist managers of firms in the tourist industry to create appropriate strategies. Since managers are positive and support innovation in all aspects of the firm, this may also enhance the use of technology, which will give tourism firms increased opportunity to enlarge their market share. In addition, our study accentuates the roles of ICT, social media, mobile phones and smartphones, websites, as well as multimedia, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and several other technological advances in the tourism industry, which have helped to develop operations and transform the process of travelling to a much more pleasant and efficient experience. Within this framework of the essential role of managerial and technological innovations in tourism, our study aims to provide an extensive review of the empirical studies that have been conducted to investigate these issues.
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Cole, Graham. "A positive focus to lessen the stigma." Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal 29, no. 4 (June 1, 2015): 25–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dlo-04-2015-0038.
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Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – It is often stated that the workforce is a company’s most important asset. Many organizations seem to recognize this. That is perhaps why finding effective ways to develop employees occupies a prominent place on growth agendas. Various options are available where training and development is concerned. Coaching is among those growing in popularity both within firms and business education courses such as Master of Business Administration programs. It typically involves a one-to-one relationship whereby a professional coach seeks to enhance the capabilities of key personnel to benefit both individual and organizational performance. Firms clearly reap the rewards when the experience is able to help top-performers reach even greater heights. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
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West III, G. Page, and Ian M. Taplin. "Making wine and making successful wineries: resource development in new ventures." International Journal of Organizational Analysis 24, no. 1 (March 14, 2016): 123–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijoa-02-2014-0741.
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Purpose – Most research on new organizations drawing on resource-based theory examines firms in discrete development stages with resources that already exist. The purpose of this paper is to articulate a broader view of changing resource requirements over the life of new organizations. The authors propose four phases of resources development, arguing that new resources and capabilities must develop as new strategic challenges emerge. The paper identifies salient resources in these phases and finds that internal resource development is context dependent, interacting with the external stage of industry development. Design/methodology/approach – After developing the theoretical model, the authors use an exploratory qualitative study involving extensive case studies of new ventures in the wine industry. Key personnel at a sample of firms were interviewed, supplemented with secondary data from published reports. Findings – The paper finds that a linear stage development model for new organizational ventures is inappropriate. The various combinations of early/later new ventures in a formative/developed industry suggest that some may proceed rapidly in a linear fashion through phases of development, while others may find progress slow, difficult, stalled or occasionally regressive. A combination of resources developed simultaneously in a non-linear pattern appears to be critical to the success of new ventures. In other words, combinations must evolve as the strategic challenges evolve, thus bringing an important contextual view to the examination of dynamic resource development efforts for new organizations. Attempts to focus in a piecemeal fashion on individual aspects of resource development, without accounting for resource interactions at a systemic level or the nature of the strategic demands, is likely to leave researchers and practitioners with incomplete insights. Originality/value – Existing studies have failed to grasp the dynamic and interactive process of resource development as organizations evolve in a new industry setting. The model presented in this paper provides a heuristic device for conceptualizing these changes.
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Belkhodja, Omar. "Managing Knowledge Resources in Family Firms: Opportunity or Challenge?" Sustainability 14, no. 9 (April 23, 2022): 5087. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14095087.
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The purpose of this study was to explore the specificities of the relationship between knowledge management (KM) processes and the potential and realized absorptive capacities in the context of a knowledge-based view. The paper advances our understanding of the contributions of knowledge management processes and the potential and realized absorptive capacities in small- and medium-sized family firms. We draw on case studies of two small- and medium-sized family businesses operating in different industries. Our results show that the choice of the KM approach and the family business characteristics determine the extent to which a family firm is successful in managing its knowledge processes and absorptive capacity. Moreover, the results indicate that family businesses are impacted by their own characteristics, such as the fact that they do not dissociate between the personalities of the owners and the business, and are context-specific. Since the focus of this research was limited to KM processes and absorptive capacity, it would be beneficial for future research to investigate the mechanisms that enable firms to manage their potential and realized absorptive capacities and the extent to which they generate dynamic capabilities through KM processes. Further studies of the impacts of family business characteristics on the firm’s success in managing knowledge resources are also recommended.
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Jürgens, Ulrich, Larissa Klinzing, and Lowell Turner. "The Transformation of Industrial Relations in Eastern Germany." ILR Review 46, no. 2 (January 1993): 229–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/001979399304600202.
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Citing case studies based on interviews they conducted in 1991 and 1992 with labor representatives and managers at six eastern German manufacturing firms, the authors argue that the future could hold either vigor and growth or stagnation and permanent second-class status for the economy and labor movement in eastern Germany, depending largely on actor strategy and choice. The rapid spread of privatization and open markets is tending to undermine unions' influence, on the one hand; but on the other hand, institutional transfer from former West Germany (especially of codetermination law and centralized, regional-level collective bargaining) is giving unions and works councils increased possibilities for leverage.
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Lindgren, Charlie, Asif M. Huq, and Kenneth Carling. "Who Are the Intended Users of CSR Reports? Insights from a Data-Driven Approach." Sustainability 13, no. 3 (January 21, 2021): 1070. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13031070.
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There is extant research on theorization, conceptualization, determinants, and consequences of corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, what firms include in their CSR or sustainability reports are much less covered and are predominantly covered in case studies of individual firms. In this paper, we instead take a holistic view and simultaneously explore what firms around the globe currently disclose in these reports, more specifically we investigate if firms are shareholder or stakeholder focused. In this investigation, we check the alignment of the reports to the materiality framework of Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) which was developed having shareholders as the intended user. To estimate what firms disclose in CSR reports we used the unsupervised Bayesian machine learning approach latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) developed by Blei et al. We conclude that firms target shareholders as the intended users of these reports, even in environments where stakeholder approach of management is argued to be more dominant. Methodologically, we contribute by demonstrating that topic modeling can enhance the objectivity in reviewing CSR-reports.
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Tsutsui, Yusuke, Yuya Mitake, Yuki Funami, and Yoshiki Shimomura. "A Strategic Double-Loop Learning Method for Organisational Decision-Making toward Servitisation." Sustainability 14, no. 2 (January 13, 2022): 901. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14020901.
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In recent years, manufacturing industries have been expected to achieve servitisation—namely, a shift from product sales to product-service systems—in order to achieve sustainable production and consumption patterns. In order to achieve servitisation, manufacturing firms should grasp the business environment and encourage organisational learning to develop the knowledge for servitisation in their environment. The existing knowledge management studies enable the empirical acquisition and reuse of knowledge from past case studies and make efforts to support organisational learning. However, they do not cover the guiding of firms engaged in servitisation to learn appropriately for their business environment. The learning required for manufacturing firms engaged in servitisation is learning that focuses on questioning and modifying existing product-oriented premises—double-loop learning. This paper proposes a method to support strategic double-loop learning within manufacturing companies engaged in servitisation. This method evaluates the compatibility between the implicit premises that manufacturers refer to as the rationale for their decision toward servitisation and the external environment and enables to formulate a practical strategy for double-loop learning. The proposed method was applied to the case of a cassette tape music player to demonstrate its usefulness. This study suggests theoretical foundations for future research into knowledge management for traditional manufacturing companies’ decisions concerning servitisation, and suggests that these should be carried out dynamically according to the business environment.
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Sahoo, Saumyaranjan. "An empirical exploration of TQM, TPM and their integration from Indian manufacturing industry." Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management 29, no. 7 (November 5, 2018): 1188–210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-03-2018-0075.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to comparatively assess the contributions of total quality management (TQM) and total productive maintenance (TPM) practices, exclusively and collectively, on manufacturing business performance. Design/methodology/approach Responses to survey questionnaires were collected using multiple modes of data collection. A total of 269 filled responses were collected and analyzed to ascertain the contribution made by exclusive and collective implementation of TQM and TPM practices on business performance. The respondent firms were grouped into three clusters based on early, in-transition and advanced stages of implementation of either or both TQM and TPM manufacturing practices. Comparative assessment of the impact of standalone TQM, standalone TPM and combined TQM–TPM manufacturing methods on business performance parameters have been evaluated using statistical tools within each cluster. Findings Evidences were found to support the supposition that integrated implementation of both TQM and TPM practices over a reasonable period of time contributes in delivering better business performance as compared to the standalone implementation strategy. Research limitations/implications The study has its own limitations because of its chosen research approach. As the data in this study were collected from production management personnel on the basis of their subjective evaluations, more comprehensive objective performance indicators shall be employed for comparative assessment of manufacturing practices in future studies. In-depth case studies are needed to further validate the findings of the research study. Practical implications The analytical results reveal that an integrated TQM–TPM strategic implementation can systematically contribute toward realization of significant improvement in manufacturing business performance parameters. The results of this study are vital for production managers and senior management personnel of manufacturing firms that have implemented TQM and are considering introducing TPM in their organization (or vice-versa). Originality/value This empirical study signifies the need for strategically aligning and managing various production improvement ideologies for realization of an organization’s growth and sustainability in a long run. In particular, this paper invigorates the discussion about improving the synergy between maintenance and quality functions in the organization for meeting the challenges of highly competitive market environment.
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Monteiro de Carvalho, Marly. "An investigation of the role of communication in IT projects." International Journal of Operations & Production Management 34, no. 1 (December 20, 2013): 36–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijopm-11-2011-0439.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore communication management in information technology (IT) projects and to identify barriers to communication, from both individual and organisational standpoints, and from distinctive stakeholders' points of view (project management office (PMO), project manager, IT and business personnel). Design/methodology/approach – A case-based research in a large IT service provider was conducted, mixing qualitative and quantitative data. A literature review shed light on different epistemological fields, and different aspects of communication in IT projects were analysed and different perspectives were brought together in a communication integrated framework (CIF). Several data collection methods were combined. Structured and unstructured interviews of 78 participants (PMO, IT and business personnel), PMO archival data, and survey-based research were performed in order to achieve triangulation. Findings – The contribution of the CIF to project communication management theory can be summarized as follows. First, the framework considers different perspectives, from the individual to the organisational, which affect communication during IT projects in the form of an integrated system approach. Second, the contingency perspective of different stakeholders are explored, particularly as regards the PMO, IT and business personnel. The case revealed an inconsistency: on the one hand, the importance of communication is exalted by all the analysed stakeholders, and on the other hand, the communication processes and practices proposed by the PMO and formalised in the company's project management (PM) methodology are neither followed nor prioritised by project managers. Research limitations/implications – This study was dependent on self-reported perceptions. It embraced IT projects, and new studies should be done for other types of projects. The focus is within a specific organisation and its characteristics conditioned the findings. Practical implications – CIF allows improving the assessment of the communication area in projects. An important managerial implication of this study is that the adoption of a standardised PM framework is not sufficient for the elimination of barriers to communication. The study suggests that firms should consider manners of developing the communication management process, as well as increasing the efficient use of performance report and communication tools to reduce detrimental conflict. Originality/value – The paper proposes a framework. CIF allows to considering different perspectives, from the individual to the organisational level that affect communication in IT projects.
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Kim, Heiseung, Changhyun Park, and Heesang Lee. "The Effect of Incremental Innovation and Switching-Over to Architectural Innovation on the Sustainable Performance of Firms: The Case of the NAND Flash Memory Industry." Sustainability 11, no. 24 (December 11, 2019): 7105. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11247105.
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This paper presents an empirical study that shows the relationship between innovation activities and the sustainable performance of firms in terms of market share and profit. While previous studies of innovation effects have focused on one type of innovation in the industry, such as incremental or radical innovations, the study of both incremental and architectural innovations in the same industry would enrich our understanding of innovation. This study discusses and emphasizes the importance of continuous incremental innovation and how switching-over to architectural innovation affects the sustainable performance of firms in the NAND flash memory industry. A systematic content analysis, comparing the changes in market and profit leadership in terms of continuous incremental innovation and an introduction of architectural innovation, was performed, and it was concluded that both continuous incremental innovation and switching-over to architectural innovation positively affects the sustainable market and profit leadership of firms. Additionally, architectural innovation reframes the technological lifecycle in the industry and gives a firm a chance to retain and continue its technological leadership by establishing new dominant designs. This study suggests that continuous incremental innovation is very important for high-tech firms, and firms should consider the option of switching-over to architectural innovation instead of the incremental development of current dominant design when the complexity of technology and market is increased in order to have a sustainable advantage.
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Park, Young Won, and Junjiro Shintaku. "Sustainable Human–Machine Collaborations in Digital Transformation Technologies Adoption: A Comparative Case Study of Japan and Germany." Sustainability 14, no. 17 (August 25, 2022): 10583. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su141710583.
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The Digital Transformation (DX) megatrend is fundamentally disrupting and changing the nature of work, business, and industry at a rapid pace. Although the notion of DX has garnered much research interest from practitioners, scholarship on this topic is somehow lagging behind, possibly because of the lack of theoretical frameworks on DX. Recently, most Japanese firms have begun to use diverse digital technologies to sustain their competitive advantages. However, the return of investment on digital technologies has not been as high as expected for some firms. Furthermore, as the visions of Industry 5.0 describe sustainable, resilient, and human-centered future factories that will require smart and resilient capabilities both from next-generation manufacturing systems and human operators, it is necessary to design resilient human–machine collaborations within factories. To this end, this paper presents a research model between DX technologies and scientific problem-solving in terms of deduction, induction, and abduction inference structures as an approach to resilient human–machine collaborations. The purpose of this research is to analyze the difference in the utilization pattern of the digital technology of American, German, and Japanese firms based on three types of decision-making methods. Next, we apply this framework in a comparative case study of two Japanese firms and one German firm, where we find that there is a difference in DX technologies utilization among the Japanese and German firms. We assert that the utilization of IoT technology in the United States and Germany is pursuing IoT with the aim of autonomous control, whereas Japanese firms prioritize robot–human collaboration. Finally, we discuss how our findings contribute to the burgeoning field of resilient human–machine collaborations by showing the distinct roles of deduction, induction, and abduction inference structures. Furthermore, our research contributes to international comparative studies to identify the difference in national IT utilization. Lessons and implications are discussed.
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Fulgencio, Harry. "Social value of an innovation ecosystem: the case of Leiden Bioscience Park, The Netherlands." International Journal of Innovation Science 9, no. 4 (December 4, 2017): 355–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijis-09-2017-0098.
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Purpose Science parks are business clusters situated in a particular geographical location, originally conceptualized by local universities, local government and businesses. In recent times, science park stakeholders and tenants are starting to pursue social value and even how to manage. This study aims to clarify the understanding of social value in an innovation ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach This study combines existing literature studies and concepts, observations in a real-life innovation ecosystem – a Bioscience Park – and interviews of key personnel managing the science park. Findings Science Park Social Value (SPSV) is a value resulting from interaction among groups and not just the pursuit of a single firm-level goal. SPSV emanates from the firms within the science park in reaction to the demands of the actors or entities within and outside the innovation ecosystem of the science park: internal operations, external stakeholders and infexternal or broader societal impact. In addition to this, the author has conceptualized a framework for social value of an innovation ecosystem, which will require further research. Research limitations/implications This paper creates a link between concepts about social value, innovation ecosystem (e.g. science park) and stakeholder theory. Practical implications SPSV will be useful for science park orchestrators or managers to manage expectations of social and non-social actors. Social implications Social value of a science park will bring a new light on the stigma that science parks are only money-making ventures and are not in touch with social issues. Originality value This study theorized and researched previously unrelated concepts.
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Chu, Irene, and Geoff Moore. "From Harmony to Conflict: MacIntyrean Virtue Ethics in a Confucian Tradition." Journal of Business Ethics 165, no. 2 (November 21, 2019): 221–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04305-6.
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AbstractThis paper explores whether MacIntyrean virtue ethics concepts are applicable in non-Western business contexts, specifically in SMEs in Taiwan, a country strongly influenced by the Confucian tradition. It also explores what differences exist between different polities in this respect, and specifically interprets observed differences between the Taiwanese study and previous studies conducted in Europe and Asia. Based on case study research, the findings support the generalizability of the MacIntyrean framework. Drawing on the institutional logics perspective and synthesizing this with MacIntyrean concepts, the paper explains the differences between the studies largely by reference to the Confucian tradition operating at both the micro-level within firms and at the macro-level as a means of harmonizing the potentially competing institutional logics to which firms are subject. The recent weakening of this tradition, however, suggests that increased conflict may characterize the future.
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Gil-Marques, Maria, and Maria D. Moreno-Luzon. "Building Sustainable Contextual Ambidexterity through Routines: A Case Study from Information Technology Firms." Sustainability 12, no. 24 (December 19, 2020): 10638. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su122410638.
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The purpose of this paper is to explain the role that routines play in achieving sustainable organisational ambidexterity in information technology (IT) firms. Our exploratory analysis of four case studies reveals the key importance of routines in setting the context for sustainable ambidexterity. Companies build up contextual ambidexterity through routines derived from normalization of processes, normalization of skills, and normalization of results. The findings of the study show that routines support IT professionals to decide whether to exploit or explore in each particular case. Firstly, the enabling character of explicit routines as a result of the normalisation of work processes and the freedom that IT professionals have when implementing them, allows IT professionals to balance exploitation and exploration. Secondly, companies build up contextual ambidexterity through normalisation of skills. Hence, IT professionals develop embedded implicit routines as a result of training. Thirdly, the findings of the study reveal how routines are settled through the normalisation of results that orientates performance towards satisfying customer demands, as well as supporting professionals in their efforts to balance between exploitation and exploration which is necessary to achieve sustainable ambidexterity in IT firms.
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Boubaker, Leila, Mebarek Djebabra, and Saadia Saadi. "Contribution of stakeholder theory in the management of environmental quality of Algerian firms." Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal 25, no. 3 (April 8, 2014): 335–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/meq-01-2013-0003.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the environmental behaviour of the Algerian firms, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, showing how the involvement of stakeholders may change this behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – In order to set the environmental quality management (EQM), the paper has first been inspired by a mobilisation grid which has allowed the authors to evaluate the degree of dialogue between the stakeholders and the SONATRACH Group which constitutes the case study. Then, the various interviews held at the six sites of this group have allowed to determine the percentage rate of the stakeholders’ mobilisation. Findings – The suggested approach highlights two field studies. First, the aim was to check the mobilisation of the stakeholders of the SONATRACH Group. Then, in order to confirm the importance of mobilising the stakeholders for a better environmental integration, the authors had to evaluate the EQM by measuring the response rate of these stakeholders in percentages. Research limitations/implications – The contribution makes it possible to emphasise the contribution of stakeholder theory in environmental construction based on the mobilisation of stakeholders. Practical implications – In Algeria, some production sites are ranked as polluting. For this research work, the paper has chosen the sites of the SONATRACH multinational. Being conscious of the importance of integrating the environmental dimension, the group has carried out real changes by involving all stakeholders. Originality/value – The objective of this paper is to show the importance of mobilising the stakeholders who play a role in resolving economic and/or environmental issues to help the Algerian firms improve their environmental situation.
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Keenan, Jesse M. "Adaptive capacity of commercial real estate firms in New York City to urban flooding." Journal of Water and Climate Change 6, no. 3 (April 10, 2015): 486–500. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2015.097.
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This article examines the adaptive capacities of real estate firms in New York City in light of the increased risks of urban flooding. This exploratory research attempts to shed light on how and why firms of varying risk profiles are strategically adapting to these risks – if at all. Through the lens of a qualitative multi-criteria adaptive capacity framework, the results of six case studies are analyzed to identify what influences are shaping the actions and strategies of firms. The article examines the propositions that: (A) firms with observable strategies have undertaken ex post strategies which are principally driven by the firms’ financial bottom line; (B) firm strategies attribute little to no influence in their decisions to external or delayed costs and/or impacts relating to social and environmental influences; and, (C) firms with the comparatively most robust adaptive capacities will be those who: (i) are most aware of their vulnerabilities; and (ii) are themselves comparatively more vulnerable to the immediate risks associated with urban flooding. While the evidence largely supports the propositions, the results of this research can help shape the development of intelligence and strategic units within firms as they develop a capacity to adapt to ever changing conditions.
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Ram, Monder, Mark Gilman, James Arrowsmith, and Paul Edwards. "Once More into the Sunset? Asian Clothing Firms after the National Minimum Wage." Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 21, no. 1 (February 2003): 71–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1068/c0136.
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Intense global competition and the advent of a raft of employment regulations (notably, the national minimum wage, or NMW) have placed the UK garment industry under severe pressure. The prospects for a significant segment of this sector—ethnic-minority-owned businesses—appear to be extremely gloomy, although earlier predictions of its demise proved to be unduly pessimistic. Drawing on case studies of eighteen firms, we present an examination of longitudinal change in the Asian-dominated West Midlands clothing industry. In particular, the aim is to examine the responses of manufacturers to market and regulatory change (in particular, the NMW). The findings clearly illustrate that the sector is in decline, with firms finding it increasingly difficult to cope with cheap imports, labour shortages, and employment regulations. A range of responses was evident and included firms that resorted to operating in ‘grey’ markets; manufacturers that ‘retrenched’ their operations; ‘work intensification’; and businesses that attempted to move ‘up-market’. Finally, potential policy responses are considered. In particular, the case of the Coventry Clothing Centre is examined. The Centre worked with the grain of employment legislation, and appeared to have experienced some success in encouraging local firms to accommodate the NMW and improve working practices.
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Gifford, Ethan, and Maureen McKelvey. "Knowledge-Intensive Entrepreneurship and S3: Conceptualizing Strategies for Sustainability." Sustainability 11, no. 18 (September 4, 2019): 4824. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11184824.
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Smart specialization strategies represent public policy initiatives to develop regions based on new combinations of knowledge and industries. The aim of this article is to enrich the theory and practice of smart specialization strategies (S3) by integrating the conceptualization of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship (KIE). We propose that knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship is necessary in order to specify how public and private support of KIE firms can be beneficial to develop new knowledge relevant to the fulfillment of specific sustainable development goals. We did so by further developing a conceptual model of innovation governance routines by integrating sustainability goals. We also illustrated our conceptual model through two case studies from the Swedish maritime cluster. By extrapolating from the combination of the conceptual model and two case studies, we make three propositions about the different strategic roles that KIE firms can play within a broader S3 policy setting, and in such a way as to promote sustainability-related outcomes.
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Tobón Perilla, Luz Natalia, Elena Urquía Grande, and Elisa Isabel Cano Montero. "Economic and Organizational Impact of COVID-19 on Colombia’s Tourism Sector." Sustainability 14, no. 20 (October 17, 2022): 13350. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su142013350.
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The global COVID-19 crisis has strongly affected tourism. In an emerging economy like Colombia’s, however, the pandemic’s effects may differ from those experienced in more advanced countries. Building on prior studies, this investigation aims to determine the economic and organizational impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in the areas of lodging, travel agencies, clubs, and restaurants by identifying indicators relevant to the business tourism sector. We contrast data obtained empirically from a survey administered to a sample of 289 Colombian tourism SMEs. The model, developed with structural equations, enables identification of the factors with the greatest influence. The results indicate a high impact on sales and personnel expenses, leading to a decrease in management and innovation capability. In the gradual recovery process, internal measures taken by business owners to face the crisis have been more effective than measures taken by the government. Moreover, firms have prioritized financial strategies and innovation in marketing and services.
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López-López, Vicente, Susana Iglesias-Antelo, and Esteban Fernández. "Is Sustainable Performance Explained by Firm Effect in Small Business?" Sustainability 12, no. 23 (December 1, 2020): 10028. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su122310028.
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To what extent a firm’s resources (firm effect) and the structure of the sector (industry effect) are sources of a firm’s competitiveness has been debated for years in strategic management. Most of the empirical studies carried out have focused on large firms and have used static performance measures, and in them the firm effect generally outweighs the industry effect. This research contributes to this debate in trying to verify whether the competitive advantage that relies on the firm’s resources is sustainable, especially in small firms. We used a sample of almost 15,000 Spanish firms to test the impact that the firm and the industry effects have on sustainable performance, for both small and large firms, applying hierarchical linear modelling with a variable measured through time-varying parameters. Our results confirm the absolute importance of the firm effect on sustainable organizational performance, regardless the firm size, and show that, even though the industry effect has little weight in explaining sustainability, it is significantly higher in the case of small firms. This means that managers must concentrate efforts on providing their firm with the necessary resources to achieve a competitive advantage while choosing a good sector to position itself.
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Veronez, Fernanda Aparecida, Fabrício Raig Dias Lima, and Ghislain Mwamba Tshibangu. "Environmental impacts of hydropower plants in Brazil: an identification guide." Sustainability in Debate 13, no. 1 (April 29, 2022): 210. http://dx.doi.org/10.18472/sustdeb.v13n1.2022.40635.
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This paper presents a guide for identifying the environmental impacts of hydroelectric enterprises. The qualitative research used the following methods: case studies, systematic literature review (SLR), content analysis, and consultation with expe ts. Four sources of information were used, including Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), scientific articles, best practice guides, and expert consultation. All EISs of hydroelectric plants submitted to the Brazilian federal Environmental Licensing between 2010 and 2020 (8 EISs) were analysed. RSL identified 68 scientific papers eligible for analysis and collection of impacts. The results were compared with Canadian practice and discussed in a virtual workshop of 15 expe ts. The guide has 90 impacts and can be used by environmental consulting firms and environmental agencies in the preliminary identification of environmental impacts of hydroelectric dams, contributing to the improvement of planning carried out in the EIA scoping stage of future environmental studies of this type.
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Shin, Kwangsoo, Minkyung Choy, Chul Lee, and Gunno Park. "Government R&D Subsidy and Additionality of Biotechnology Firms: The Case of the South Korean Biotechnology Industry." Sustainability 11, no. 6 (March 15, 2019): 1583. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11061583.
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Government research and development (R&D) subsidies are more important in countries that are latecomers to the biotechnology industry, where venture capital has not been developed, and the ratio of start-ups is high. Previous studies have mostly focused on the additionality of the input and output through government R&D subsidies, such as private R&D investment, technological innovation, and financial performance. In addition, some studies have focused on the behavioral additionality (the change in a firm’s behavior) of firms through government R&D subsidies. However, each study is fragmented and does not provide integrated results and implications. Therefore, this study comprehensively investigated the effects of government R&D subsidies on the multifaceted aspects of input, output, and behavioral additionality based on data from South Korean biotechnology companies. This study used the propensity score matching (PSM) method to prevent selection bias. The results showed that firms benefiting from government R&D subsidies had a markedly higher R&D investment in terms of input additionality, and they produced more technological innovation within a shorter period in terms of output additionality, though financial performance was not determined. Moreover, government R&D subsidies have accelerated strategic alliances and suppressed external financing (debt financing) in terms of behavioral additionality.
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Beu, Dorin, Calin Ciugudeanu, and Mircea Buzdugan. "Circular Economy Aspects Regarding LED Lighting Retrofit—from Case Studies to Vision." Sustainability 10, no. 10 (October 14, 2018): 3674. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su10103674.
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The lighting industry is still a linear economy, despite the extensive use of light-emitting diode (LED) and the ban of incandescent/halogen lamps, claiming to be greener and more human centered. Light-emitting diode has changed radically the whole lighting industry with an increased luminaire efficacy more than four times higher compared with fluorescent lamps and their new opportunities for modern control systems. In the years to come, millions of fluorescent luminaires will become waste and will be replaced by LED luminaires. According to the Cost European Cooperation in Science & Technology Program the next step will be from sustainability to regenerative (enabling social and ecological systems to maintain a healthy state and to evolve) and to get there, circular economy is essential. In order to reduce even further the carbon footprint, the retrofit of existing luminaires and additional modern control systems should be the solution. Circular economy aspects for the lighting area were identified using the university adopted lighting retrofit solutions as case studies. For an LED retrofitted recessed luminaire 4 × T8 18 W studies showed a major installed power reduction, a good lighting distribution, but also revealed some problems: the retrofit luminaire has no certification, necessity of qualified personnel, high labor costs, etc. A major issue is the fact that luminaire design did not take into consideration circular economy aspects like the possibility of future retrofit solutions. It is important that from now on a different approach should be foreseen for the LED luminaire design. There is a section about vision, which plays an important role in preparing new luminaire generations with circular economy in mind.
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Astoni-Sena, Gabriel, Nina Rosa da Silveira-Cunha, Magnus Luiz Emmendoerfer, and Luiz Rodrigo Cunha-Moura. "Competency-based management in Brazilian public administration: an analysis of electoral justice." Revista Científica General José María Córdova 20, no. 39 (October 31, 2022): 527–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.21830/19006586.834.
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This research analyzes competency-based management (CNM) in Brazilian electoral justice courts’ personnel management (PM). This qualitative study is based on the integrated multiple case study method using data collected from documents and interviews from six courts. It applies the thematic content analysis technique, resulting in five CBM and main PM-related practices in the courts studied. It contends that despite the norms and studies’ efforts to make CBM plausible in public organizations, its assimilation has been slow and fragmented. Thus, it evidences the need to expand research and actions in CBM evaluation programs in Public Administration that provide theoretical and practical recommendations for the strategic improvement of PM in the Judiciary System.
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Cantele, Silvia, Silvia Vernizzi, and Bettina Campedelli. "Untangling the Origins of Sustainable Commitment: New Insights on the Small vs. Large Firms’ Debate." Sustainability 12, no. 2 (January 16, 2020): 671. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12020671.
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The sustainable development challenge is increasingly being included in entrepreneurs’ agendas. Firms are considered responsible for social and environmental effects but are also considered as social actors that can effectively incorporate sustainability solutions into market transactions. The literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in small business has depicted these firms as less involved in sustainability management implementation owing to resource constraints and limited perception of the business case for sustainability. Further, studies on both small business and sustainable entrepreneurship have highlighted the pivotal role of entrepreneurs’ values in motivating a more sustainable way of conducting business while, large companies, driven by external pressures, are more focused on a strategic CSR approach than small firms. Starting from these premises, the paper aims to identify the main drivers or barriers of sustainability implementation and to verify any significant differences between small and large-sized companies in their approach to sustainability practices implementation. The study adopts a qualitative research method based on semi-structured interviews addressing 22 participants from Italian firms of different sizes selected for their social and environmental commitment. The findings of the study highlight the existence of some common features among small and large firms, in particular, regarding motivations, entrepreneur values, and business vision, contributing new perspectives to the sustainable entrepreneurship debate.
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Kamall Khan, Yasmin, Jati Kasuma, and Azrin Ali. "The Challenges of Small and Medium Businesses in Managing Human Capital towards SMEs Performance – A Qualitative Study." Asian Journal of Business and Accounting 15, no. 1 (June 30, 2022): 311–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.22452/ajba.vol15no1.10.
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Manuscript type: Research paper Research aims: Currently, machinery is replacing most human capital to save cost, but the value of human capital that contributes to the performance of SMEs is invaluable. SMEs were used to explain the connection between human capital and SMEs performance in South Australia. Design/Methodology/Approach: Five case studies on SMEs in South Australia were used in this study. The analysis of qualitative data entailed data coding, within-case analysis, and cross-case analysis. Research findings: The cross-case analysis result is unsurprising considering that all five firms depend on their employees to work and keep the firm in operation. The cross-case analysis results are mixed in respect to the connection between human capital and the several types of performance measurement. The results, therefore, need to be interpreted with caution. SMEs perform solely through the skills, experience, and knowledge of their employees. This distinction occurs when the knowledge and information that employees gain are focused directly on the employee’s initiative, decision-making and critical thinking skills. Investment in human capital should be done carefully based on the limited resources of SMEs. Theoretical contribution/Originality: Most research has shown the link between human capital and firm performance. However, the degree to which investment in human capital contributes to the type of performance is yet to be explored based on qualitative data especially regarding SMEs in South Australia. Practitioner/policy implication: The sustainable development goal (SDG) entails a steady improvement in people’s well-being in a good environment. Thus, decisions about investment in human capital and the use of temporary workers should be taken jointly by personnel managers, in accordance with the size of the firm. If this holistic view is ignored, a full understanding of the impact of human capital on the firm’s performance will be obscured. On the other hand, a common feature that large and small firms share is an incompatibility between human capital and temporary employment. Research limitation/implications: The main limitation of this study was the sample of the study that comprised solely of South Australia SMEs. Thus, this study outcome may not be generalisable to the whole Australia as a country. Further investigation across different states would expand knowledge of the complicated patterns of HC. Keywords: Human capital, SME, Productivity, Profitability, South Australia JEL Classification: M12
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Joseph, R. A. "Technology Parks and Their Contribution to the Development of Technology-Oriented Complexes in Australia." Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 7, no. 2 (June 1989): 173–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1068/c070173.
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One of the features that Australia has in common with other countries has been the encouragement of clusters of high-technology firms or technology-oriented complexes (TOCs). In Australia, the primary mechanism for promoting TOCs has been technology parks. In this paper the purpose is to review technology park developments in Australia from a perspective which emphasises some key conceptual features of the literature in this area: Agglomeration economies of high-technology firms and firm–university interaction; the creation of new high-technology complexes; and locational factors which make technology parks attractive to high-technology companies. Three Australian case studies, based on interviews with high-technology firms, are reported. One of the key findings from the research is that if Australian technology parks are aiming to establish TOCs that exhibit a high level of interaction between the park and a host university, then the present situation in Australia is far removed from this goal.
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CONEN, WIETEKE, KÈNE HENKENS, and JOOP SCHIPPERS. "Ageing Organisations and the Extension of Working Lives: A Case Study Approach." Journal of Social Policy 43, no. 4 (June 2, 2014): 773–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0047279414000336.
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AbstractThis paper examines how the economic climate and policy changes at national level have been affecting organisational practices, aimed at the extension of working lives of older workers, over the last decade. We analyse case studies conducted among Dutch organisations. Our findings show that personnel policies are typically short-term oriented and vary in their existence and content congruous to the economic climate. Policy changes in retirement arrangements, and the debate about raising the official retirement age, have made both employees and employers realise that the extension of working lives has become an unavoidable fact, although both parties still seem intrinsically opposed to it. Changes to safety regulations and the increase in costs for employers if employees drop out of work due to ill health have led to an increasing focus on health-related measures in professions with intense physical work over the last decade. We conclude that, while national level policy changes in areas like health and safety do percolate down and begin to affect organisational practice, it is at the organisational level that they still need to be worked through.
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Kim, Sang-soo, Woo-yeul Baek, Kevin K. Byon, and Sung-bum Ju. "Creating Shared Value to Enhance Customer Loyalty: A Case of a Sporting Goods Company in Korean Athletic Shoe Market." Sustainability 13, no. 13 (June 23, 2021): 7031. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13137031.
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Despite the efforts of academia on exploring the merits of creating shared value, prior relevant literature seems to have a limitation that overlooks the environmental contribution suggested as a crucial component of creating shared value program by Porter and Kramer. More importantly, since most of the existing creating shared value-related studies have focused on firms in the general marketing field, there is a lack of research on the efficacy of creating shared value programs that are implemented by sporting goods companies. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine the influence of consumers’ perceived creating shared value activities of sporting goods firm on brand image and customer loyalty in the context of the Korean sporting goods market. A total of 187 Korean sport consumers participated in the present study. Results indicated that sporting goods consumers’ perceived economic, social, and environmental values had significant impacts on brand image and, in turn, brand image positively affected customer loyalty. Consequently, the current study’s findings provide sporting goods firms with practical implications for launching creating shared value programs.