Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 May 2020

Alessandro Stefanini, Davide Aloini and Peter Gloor

This study investigates the relationships between team dynamics and performance in healthcare operations. Specifically, it explores, through wearable sensors, how team…

1829

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the relationships between team dynamics and performance in healthcare operations. Specifically, it explores, through wearable sensors, how team coordination mechanisms can influence the likelihood of surgical glitches during routine surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

Breast surgeries of a large Italian university hospital were monitored using Sociometric Badges – wearable sensors developed at MIT Media Lab – for collecting objective and systematic measures of individual and group behaviors in real time. Data retrieved were used to analyze team coordination mechanisms, as it evolved in the real settings, and finally to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Findings highlight that a relevant portion of glitches in routine surgery is caused by improper team coordination practices. In particular, results show that the likelihood of glitches decreases when practitioners adopt implicit coordination mechanisms rather than explicit ones. In addition, team cohesion appears to be positively related with the surgical performance.

Originality/value

For the first time, direct, objective and real time measurements of team behaviors have enabled an in-depth evaluation of the team coordination mechanisms in surgery and the impact on surgical glitches. From a methodological perspective, this research also represents an early attempt to investigate coordination behaviors in dynamic and complex operating environments using wearable sensor tools.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 40 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Renata Konrad, Solomiya Sorokotyaha and Daniel Walker

Conflict and violence are the main drivers of globally escalating humanitarian needs. Local grassroots initiatives are pivotal in distributing humanitarian supplies in the acute…

Abstract

Purpose

Conflict and violence are the main drivers of globally escalating humanitarian needs. Local grassroots initiatives are pivotal in distributing humanitarian supplies in the acute response phase until more established humanitarian aid organizations can enter. Nevertheless, scant research exists regarding the role of grassroots associations in providing humanitarian assistance during a military conflict. The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of grassroots associations and identify important themes for effective operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a case-study approach of three Ukrainian grassroots associations that began operating in the immediate days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The findings are based on analyzing primary sources, including interviews with Ukrainian volunteers, and are supported by secondary sources.

Findings

Grassroots associations have local contacts and a contextual understanding of population needs and can respond more rapidly and effectively than large intergovernmental agencies. Four critical themes regarding the operations of grassroots associations emerged: information management, inventory management, coordination and performance measurement. Grassroots humanitarian response operations during conflict are challenged by personal security risks, the unpredictability of unsolicited supplies, emerging volunteer roles, dynamic transportation routes and shifting demands.

Originality/value

Grassroots responses are central to humanitarian responses during the acute phase of a military conflict. By examining the operations of grassroots associations in the early months of the 2022 war in Ukraine, the authors provide a unique perspective on humanitarian logistics. Nonetheless, more inclusive models of humanitarian responses are needed to harness the capacities and resilience of grassroots operations in practice.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 December 2020

Erik Flores-Garcia, Jessica Bruch, Magnus Wiktorsson and Mats Jackson

The purpose of this paper is to explore the selection of decision-making approaches at manufacturing companies when implementing process innovations.

11564

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the selection of decision-making approaches at manufacturing companies when implementing process innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the current understanding of decision structuredness for determining a decision-making approach and conducts a case study based on an interactive research approach at a global manufacturer.

Findings

The findings show the correspondence of intuitive, normative and combined intuitive and normative decision-making approaches in relation to varying degrees of equivocality and analyzability. Accordingly, the conditions for determining a decision-making choice when implementing process innovations are revealed.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to increased understanding of the combined use of intuitive and normative decision making in production system design.

Practical implications

Empirical data are drawn from two projects in the heavy-vehicle industry. The study describes decisions, from start to finish, and the corresponding decision-making approaches when implementing process innovations. These findings are of value to staff responsible for the design of production systems.

Originality/value

Unlike prior conceptual studies, this study considers normative, intuitive and combined intuitive and normative decision making. In addition, this study extends the current understanding of decision structuredness and discloses the correspondence of decision-making approaches to varying degrees of equivocality and analyzability.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 32 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 June 2019

Maria Luce Lupetti, Maria Franca Norese, Xiaolu Wu and Haipeng Mi

The purpose of this paper is to conduct research with children, who have different abilities from adults, in terms of language understanding and level of attention, is a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct research with children, who have different abilities from adults, in terms of language understanding and level of attention, is a challenging task, especially concerning novel interactive systems such as social robots. Consequently, self-reporting methods are often replaced or supplemented by observational methods that are usually carried out taking advantage of video recordings. However, some limitations make this approach challenging for studies conducted with groups of children in real-world environments, whose relevance is being addressed more and more frequently in human-robot interaction (HRI) research. Thus, there is a growing need for rigorous observation approaches in unstructured test environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an alternative analysis approach, in relation to an experimental child-robot interaction (CRI) application, which was developed at the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, China. The proposed methodology is based on the analysis of video recordings of in-wild activities of children with a robot. The methodology has the aim of providing a framework to facilitate knowledge identification and structuring. It was implemented for experiment evaluation and validation purposes and to propose a reference structure for the organization of new experiments and the stimulation of new ideas and activities in the design process.

Findings

This methodology provides a logical structure, which can be used to identify the effectiveness or limits of design choices, pertaining to such aspects as the morphology or movement of robots or the choice of their specific role in education, all of which play crucial roles in the design process and could be improved to achieve better results. This structured identification is a practical implication for the design process, above all when it is oriented toward social robots and their interaction with children or elderly senile people. In this case, the outcomes were the identification of important elements of an experiment (psychological profiles of the involved children and possible problems or risks) and their impact on the design process.

Originality/value

The methodological approach, which structures and uses cognitive maps to elaborate multicriteria evaluation models, is not new to the operations research field (where it is defined as a multimethodology application of Soft OR), but it has not yet been applied in the field of HRI studies, to analyze children’s perception of a robot and to identify the factors that can affect a good CRI or to structure knowledge that can be shared to guide the design process of robots for the experience of children playing.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 June 2021

Radu Atanasiu

This paper proposes a theory-based process model for the generation, articulation, sharing and application of managerial heuristics, from their origin as unspoken insight, to…

1634

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes a theory-based process model for the generation, articulation, sharing and application of managerial heuristics, from their origin as unspoken insight, to proverbialization, to formal or informal sharing, and to their adoption as optional guidelines or policy.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual paper is built using systematic and non-systematic review of literature. This paper employs a three-step approach to propose a process model for the emergence of managerial heuristics. Step one uses a systematic review of empirical studies on heuristics in order to map extant research on four key criteria and to obtain, by flicking through this sample in a moving-pictures style, the static stages of the process; step two adapts a knowledge management framework to yield the dynamic aspect; step three assembles these findings into a graphical process model and uses insights from literature to enrich its description and to synthesize four propositions.

Findings

The paper provides insights into how heuristics originate from experienced managers confronted with negative situations and are firstly expressed as an inequality with a threshold. Further articulation is done by proverbialization, refining and adapting. Sharing is done either in an informal way, through socialization, or in a formal way, through regular meetings. Soft adoption as guidelines is based on expert authority, while hard adoption as policy is based on hierarchical authority or on collective authority.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are theory-based, and the model must be empirically refined.

Practical implications

Practical advice for managers on how to develop and share their portfolio of heuristics makes this paper valuable for practitioners.

Originality/value

This study addresses the less-researched aspect of heuristics creation, transforms static insights from literature into a dynamic process model, and, in a blended-theory approach, considers insights from a distant, but relevant literature – paremiology (the science of proverbs).

Details

Management Decision, vol. 59 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 June 2019

Weihua Liu, Di Wang, Shangsong Long, Xinran Shen and Victor Shi

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evolution of service supply chain management from a behavioural operations perspective, pointing out future research

17566

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evolution of service supply chain management from a behavioural operations perspective, pointing out future research directions for scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

This study searched five databases for relevant literature published between 2009 and 2018, selecting 64 papers for this review. The selected literature was categorised according to two dimensions: a service supply chain link perspective and a behavioural factor perspective. Comparative analysis was used to identify gaps in the literature, and five future research agendas were proposed.

Findings

In terms of the perspective of service supply chain link, extant literature primarily focuses on service supply and service co-ordination management, and less on service demand and integration management. In terms of the behavioural factor’s perspective, most focus on classic behaviour factors, with less attention paid to emerging behaviour factors. This paper thus proposes five research agendas: demand-oriented management and integrated supply chain-oriented behavioural research; broadening the understanding of the scope of behavioural operations; integrating the latest backgrounds and trends of service industry into the research; greater attention to behavioural operations in service sub-industries; and multimethod combination is encouraged to be used to dig into the interesting research problems.

Originality/value

This study constitutes the first systematic review of service supply chain research from a behavioural perspective. By categorising the literature into two dimensions, the state of existing research is evaluated with an eye towards future research avenues.

Details

Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3871

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 April 2021

Patrick Holzmann, Christian Wankmüller, Dietfried Globocnik and Erich J. Schwarz

Mountaineering and related activities are increasingly becoming popular and are accompanied by an increase in medical incidents. Emergency operations in mountainous terrain are…

3397

Abstract

Purpose

Mountaineering and related activities are increasingly becoming popular and are accompanied by an increase in medical incidents. Emergency operations in mountainous terrain are time-critical and often pose major logistical challenges for rescuers. Drones are expected to improve the operational performance of mountain rescuers. However, they are not yet widely used in mountain rescue missions. This paper examines the determinants that drive the behavioral intention of mountain rescuers to adopt drones in rescue missions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a behavioral study that builds upon an extended model of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and investigates the relationship between individual attitudes, perceptions, and intentions for drone adoption. Original survey data of 146 mountain rescuers were analyzed using moderated ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that the behavioral intention to use drones in mountain rescue missions is driven by the expected performance gains and facilitating conditions. Favorable supporting conditions and experience with drones further moderate the relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention. The effects for effort expectancy, social influence, and demonstrations were not significant.

Practical implications

Rescue organizations and stakeholders are recommended to consider the identified determinants in the implementation of drones in emergency logistics. Drone manufacturers targeting mountain rescue organizations are advised to focus on operational performance, provide sufficient support and training, and promote the gathering of practical experience.

Originality/value

A tailored-model that provides first empirical results on the relevance of personal and environmental factors for the acceptance of drones in emergency logistics is presented.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 51 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Robert E. Overstreet, Joseph B. Skipper, Joseph R. Huscroft, Matt J. Cherry and Andrew L. Cooper

The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the relationship between learning culture, workforce level, human capital and operational performance in two diverse supply…

2447

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the relationship between learning culture, workforce level, human capital and operational performance in two diverse supply chain populations, aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon competence-based view of the firm and human capital theory, this paper analyzes data from two studies.

Findings

The results provide support for the hypothesized model. Workforce level moderates the relationship between learning culture and human capital, and human capital partially mediates the relationship between learning culture and operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have implications for behavioral supply chain management research and implications for educating and training the supply chain management workforce. While the populations represent a diverse set of logistics functions and responsibilities, the participants are all military members, which may limit generalizability.

Practical implications

This study should help leaders understand the importance of learning culture and the perceived differences in its effect on human capital based upon workforce level.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to investigate the role of workforce level and answers a multitude of calls for research into the human side of supply chain management.

Details

Journal of Defense Analytics and Logistics, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-6439

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 10 April 2024

Ji Shi, Minwoo Lee, V.G. Girish, Guangyu Xiao and Choong-Ki Lee

This study aims to investigate tourists attitudes and intentions regarding the usage of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) for accessing tourism information…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate tourists attitudes and intentions regarding the usage of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) for accessing tourism information. Furthermore, by integrating the perceived risks associated with ChatGPT and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this research examines the impact of three types of perceived risks, such as privacy risk, accuracy risk and overreliance risk, on tourists behavioral intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered for this study by using two online survey platforms, thus resulting in a sample of 536 respondents. The online survey questionnaire assessed tourists perceived risks, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention and demographic information related to their usage of ChatGPT.

Findings

The structural equation modeling analysis revealed that tourists express concerns about the associated risks of using ChatGPT to search for tourism information, specifically privacy risk, accuracy risk and overreliance risk. It was found that perceived risks significantly influence tourists attitude and intention toward the usage of ChatGPT, which is consistent with the hypotheses proposed in previous literature regarding tourists perceived risks of ChatGPT.

Research limitations/implications

This work is a preliminary empirical study that assesses tourists behavioral intention toward the use of ChatGPT in the field of tourism. Previous research has remained at the hypothetical level, speculating about the impact of ChatGPT on the tourism industry. This study investigates the behavioral intention of tourists who have used ChatGPT to search for travel information. Furthermore, this study provides evidence based on the outcome of this research and offers theoretical foundations for the sustainable development of generative AI in the tourism domain. This study has limitations in that it primarily focused on exploring the risks associated with ChatGPT and did not extensively investigate its range of benefits.

Practical implications

First, to address privacy concerns that pose significant challenges for chatbots various measures, such as data encryption, secure storage and obtaining user consent, are crucial. Second, despite concerns and uncertainties, the introduction of ChatGPT holds promising prospects for the tourism industry. By offering personalized recommendations and enhancing operational efficiency, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize travel experiences. Finally, recognizing the potential of ChatGPT in enhancing customer service and operational efficiency is crucial for tourism enterprises.

Social implications

Recognizing the potential of ChatGPT in enhancing customer service and operational efficiency is crucial for tourism enterprises. As their interest in adopting ChatGPT grows, increased investments and resources will be dedicated to developing and implementing ChatGPT solutions. This enhancement may involve creating customized ChatGPT solutions and actively engaging in training and development programs to empower employees in effectively using ChatGPTs capabilities. Such initiatives can contribute to improved customer service and overall operations within the tourism industry.

Originality/value

This study integrates TPB with perceived risks in ChatGPT, thus providing empirical evidence. It highlights the importance of considering perceived risks in tourists intentions and contributes to the sustainable development of generative AI in tourism. As such, it provides valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers.

研究目的

本研究旨在调查游客对使用ChatGPT获取旅游信息的态度和意向。此外, 通过将与ChatGPT相关的感知风险与计划行为理论(TPB)相结合, 本研究探讨了三种感知风险(隐私风险、准确性风险和过度依赖风险)对游客行为意向的影响。

研究方法

本研究通过两个在线调查平台收集了536名受访者的数据。在线调查问卷评估了游客对ChatGPT使用的感知风险、态度、主观规范、感知行为控制、行为意向以及与其使用ChatGPT相关的人口统计信息。

研究发现

结构方程建模分析显示, 游客对使用ChatGPT搜索旅游信息的相关风险表示关切, 特别是隐私风险、准确性风险和过度依赖风险。发现感知风险显著影响游客对使用ChatGPT的态度和意向, 与先前有关游客对ChatGPT感知风险的文献中提出的假设一致。

研究创新

本研究将TPB与ChatGPT中的感知风险相结合, 提供了实证证据。它强调了在考虑游客意向时考虑感知风险的重要性, 并为旅游中生成AI的可持续发展提供了贡献。因此, 它为从业者和政策制定者提供了宝贵的见解。

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Anthony Alexander, Helen Walker and Mohamed Naim

– This study aims to aid theory building, the use of decision theory (DT) concepts in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) research is examined.

26031

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to aid theory building, the use of decision theory (DT) concepts in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) research is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

An abductive approach considers two DT concepts, Snowden’s Cynefin framework for sense-making and Keeney’s value-focussed decision analysis, in a systematic literature review of 160 peer-reviewed papers in English.

Findings

Around 60 per cent of the papers on decision-making in SSCM come from operational research (OR), which makes explicit use of DT. These are almost all normative and rationalist and focussed on structured decision contexts. Some exceptions seek to address unstructured decision contexts via Complex Adaptive Systems or Soft Systems Methodology. Meanwhile, a second set, around 16 per cent, comes from business ethics and are empirical, behavioural decision research. Although this set does not explicitly refer to DT, the empirical evidence here supports Keeney’s value-focussed analysis.

Research limitations/implications

There is potential for theory building in SSCM using DT, but the research only addresses SSCM research (including corporate responsibility and ethics) and not DT in SCM or wider sustainable development research.

Practical implications

Use of particular decision analysis methods for SSCM may be improved by better understanding different decision contexts.

Social implications

The research shows potential synthesis with ethical DT absent from DT and SCM research.

Originality/value

Empirical behavioural decision analysis for SSCM is considered alongside normative, rational analysis for the first time. Value-focussed DT appears useful for unstructured decision contexts found in SSCM.

Originality/value

Empirical, behavioural decision analysis for SSCM is considered alongside normative rational analysis for the first time. Value-focussed DT appears useful for unstructured decision contexts found in SSCM.

1 – 10 of over 2000