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1 – 10 of over 1000Christopher Miller, Brychan Celfyn Thomas and Michael Roeller
This study attempts to create new insights into innovation management through the integration of innovation management processes and sustainable, iterative circles. Through the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study attempts to create new insights into innovation management through the integration of innovation management processes and sustainable, iterative circles. Through the exploration of the use of sustainable, iterative circles in a manufacturing environment, this paper explores their role in facilitating customer-focused innovation practices. Other supporting antecedences for innovative behavior are reviewed, and their combined effect upon delivering cost-effective product developments are assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in manufacturing organizations from the automotive industry. Interviews were conducted with senior functional managers to interpret the application of sustainable, iterative development circles. Analysis of the data was undertaken via thematic analysis based upon pertinent and emergent themes.
Findings
Sustainable, iterative development circles overcame the inherent path-dependency of traditional linear development approaches, whereas, traditional approaches structure the involvement of key business functions, iterative circles facilitate more flexible approaches to product development that more closely met the requirements of the customer, especially when those requirements are in a state of flux.
Practical implications
This iterative, customer-centric approach to product development reflects the increasingly dynamic market environments in which manufacturing organizations operate. Using this approach helps to focus the organization’s attention upon customer requirements rather than the challenges of adhering to the rigid dogma of a chosen development methodology.
Originality/value
This study proposes a new approach toward the development of innovations in manufacturing organizations utilizing the sustainable, iterative circles, and therefore, contrasts with the traditional, linear development methodologies that are usually employed.
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Alvaro A. Rodriguez, Chelsea N. Monty, Christopher M. Miller, Hongbo Cong and Evan K. Wujcik
The purpose of this study is to develop laboratory techniques to evaluate the inhibition efficiency of salt neutralizer (SN) solutions in the corrosion protection of metal alloys…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop laboratory techniques to evaluate the inhibition efficiency of salt neutralizer (SN) solutions in the corrosion protection of metal alloys associated with winter maintenance equipment.
Design/methodology/approach
The corrosion resistance of alloys A36, B36 and B152 treated with SNs was evaluated by accelerated corrosion testing (ASTM B117) and electrochemical polarization curves. Characterization of inhibition solutions was performed by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Findings
Salt neutralizer systems act as mixed inhibitors in acidic media by changing the corrosion resistance ability of metal alloys because of the adsorption of surfactant molecules through their hydrophilic heads. The correlation of the corrosion rate of metal alloys and the inhibitor efficiency showed the influence of the SN type, its concentration, its effective adsorption constant and its contact angle on the alloy surface. Salt neutralizers with higher manufacturer’s recommended wash concentrations (MRWC) to critical wash concentration ratio, lower contact angle on the alloy surface and higher Keff were more successful at preventing corrosion on the alloys tested.
Originality/value
The results of this work provide, for the first time, both quantitative and qualitative information of the properties of washing techniques in the use of effective cleaning strategies for protecting winter maintenance equipment from corrosion. Other state departments of transportation facing similar weather conditions will be benefited by identifying measures and techniques to increase the corrosion resistance of their equipment assets.
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To offer a conference report on the Enriching Indigenous Southeast Asian Collections in Libraries Conference held in Makati City, Manila, Philippines, 20‐21 April 2005.
Abstract
Purpose
To offer a conference report on the Enriching Indigenous Southeast Asian Collections in Libraries Conference held in Makati City, Manila, Philippines, 20‐21 April 2005.
Design/methodology/approach
introduction and description of conference overview and specific paper presentations.
Findings
Southeast Asian librarianship and information retrieval both within the region and abroad is expanding to include the widespread collection of ephemeral, local indigenous materials, which presents certain challenges that are the focus of the conference.
Practical implications
Increasing the reach of a network of highly trained Southeast Asian librarians and information professionals.
Originality/value
Librarians, scholars, and students of Southeast Asian studies, equipped with increasingly peripheral materials, will possess the tools necessary for continued research beyond the confines of the traditional center and majority populations. Local librarians are becoming empowered with the knowledge and technical skills to better preserve and supply access to indigenous materials.
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Garry D. Carnegie and Christopher J. Napier
The purpose of this paper is to examine the origins and development of the “Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal (AAAJ) Community”, a flourishing international…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the origins and development of the “Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal (AAAJ) Community”, a flourishing international interdisciplinary accounting research community. This scholarly community has emerged over some 30 years from the publication in 1988 of the inaugural issue of AAAJ under the joint editorship of James Guthrie and Lee Parker. This historical account discusses the motivation for establishing the journal and the important publishing initiatives, developments and trends across this period. The study positions the journal as a key thought leader, the catalyst for other Community activities such as the Asia-Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting conference.
Design/methodology/approach
The investigation involved a selective review of the contents of AAAJ, particularly the annual editorials published since inception, and other relevant literature, analysis of the main research themes and the most cited papers, and oral history interviews with the joint editors. The future prospects for the AAAJ Community are addressed.
Findings
The AAAJ Community has shaped and led developments in interdisciplinary accounting research. Recognised for innovation and with a reputation for nurturing scholars, AAAJ continues to grow in stature as one of the world’s leading accounting journals, challenging the status quo and fostering inclusive scholarship.
Research limitations/implications
The study does not examine the journal’s publication patterns nor assess in detail the research studies that have been published in the journal.
Originality/value
The study recognises AAAJ as central to the development of an interdisciplinary accounting research community, firmly located in the sociological, critical and interpretative tradition also associated with some other leading accounting journals.
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Christopher Humphrey, Peter Miller and Robert W. Scapens
Seeks to promote discussion of the pursuit of accountablemanagement in public sector organizations by providing a commentary onpost‐1979 experiences with such reforms in the UK…
Abstract
Seeks to promote discussion of the pursuit of accountable management in public sector organizations by providing a commentary on post‐1979 experiences with such reforms in the UK public sector. Particular attention is given to the nature and impact on the UK public sector of the neoliberal agenda which took particular charge during the Thatcher years, the position of accountable management reforms in this agenda, and some of the factors underlying the promotion, implementation, acceptance and resistance of such reforms. Explores the paradoxical nature of both neoliberalism and the accountable management reforms promoted in its name. Gives consideration to the construction and pursuit of alternative agendas and approaches regarding the provision of public services.
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Angela Powers and Jingyan Zhao
This study provided a unique opportunity to analyze five generations of a small but continually evolving family-owned media organization with multiple media outlets operating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study provided a unique opportunity to analyze five generations of a small but continually evolving family-owned media organization with multiple media outlets operating across delivery platforms. The purpose of this paper is to identify variables that contributed to entrepreneurship and sustainability, holding the family business intact for more than 100 years.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used organizational ecology in a qualitative case study to interview entrepreneurs from three of five generations. Additionally, current employees, family and friends, along with letters, cards, published articles and financial data were included in the analysis. Entrepreneurial themes based on organizational ecology were identified including variation, selection, retention, as well as values, innovation, service and adaptability.
Findings
The company in this study began with the purchase of newspapers and start-up of a news service in 1904. By the third generation, entrepreneurial initiatives included additional newspapers, as well as a television start-up. In the fourth and fifth generations, the company evolved into what the family termed a “media development company” with a mix of revenue platforms including electronic newspapers, websites, radio stations, live events and syndicated programs.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations included sample size and focus on the perspectives of family members. More research is needed to identify the struggles within the family media firm and the more troubling aspects of a family company as indicated in the literature and their possible downside to both employees and family members who work for the short term or long haul in smaller, family-owned companies.
Practical implications
Sustainability of family-owned media organizations occurred through a balance of entrepreneurial activities and family values. Revenue flows resulted from adapting business models from selling advertising in local newspapers to providing funding and other support to local businesses gaining footholds. Market innovation, risk and community-minded solutions resulted in survival through stages of variation, selection and retention.
Social implications
For family media companies to thrive, entrepreneurship and adaptability are key. Significant contributions to theory from this study indicated organizational ecology is a useful tool in analyzing the evolution of a media company through stages of variation, selection and retention. After almost 80 years of operation in the retention stage, the company started over in the variation stage with new products including radio, internet, live events and community business ventures. Timely diversification was key as media and community landscapes changed.
Originality/value
Unique findings indicated sustainability came through a family-oriented approach to business that carried on throughout generations: a long-term view with a commitment to family values, the promotion of entrepreneurial opportunities for family and non-family members and an external focus as media development companies on the success of local businesses and communities in which they operated.
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JOHN ALLEN, PHILIP HEPWORTH, K LI PLUMRIDGE, KD MILLER, CHRISTOPHER DYER, TERRY HOUGHTON, ARTHUR MALTBY, JS BURDEN, GEORGE BERRIMAN and SETH MANAKA
THERE ARE something like 4,700 qualified librarians in the local government service in this country and for most of us April 1 1974 is a date seldom far from our thoughts.
Nothing is more fundamental to a company’s well‐being than a meaningfully differentiated product that is valued by a significant set of customers. Healthy companies focus on…
Abstract
Nothing is more fundamental to a company’s well‐being than a meaningfully differentiated product that is valued by a significant set of customers. Healthy companies focus on growth from new products. Product is consumer need merging with organizational ability. The creation of new products requires that these essential components be pulled apart and looked at separately. A new product focus directs an organization toward its customers and its technology and away from internal issues. This article includes specific guidelines for making meaningful product innovation happen.
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Brychan Thomas, Gary Packham, Christopher Miller and David Brooksbank
To stay at the forefront of new technology, small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can be assisted through Internet and Web sites providing innovation and technology support…
Abstract
To stay at the forefront of new technology, small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can be assisted through Internet and Web sites providing innovation and technology support services. The cost of the latest technology, including hardware, training and personnel, however, can be insurmountable for SMEs with limited financial and technological resources. The business support community in Wales is continually evolving its own Internet and Web site offerings to make sure that businesses, especially SMEs, are kept abreast of the latest innovations, most productive methods and provision of support services. Considers the provision of Web‐based innovation and technology support in Wales and examines its coverage in relation to Welsh SMEs. Utilises a range of data collection techniques including interviews with policy makers and the analysis of reports and Internet sites.
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Gary Packham, Paul Jones, Brychan Thomas and Christopher Miller
The on‐line tutor or e‐moderator faces a diversity of new challenges, including instructional design, organisation, direct instruction and facilitating discourse. This study aims…
Abstract
Purpose
The on‐line tutor or e‐moderator faces a diversity of new challenges, including instructional design, organisation, direct instruction and facilitating discourse. This study aims to contrast the views of students and tutors regarding what factors constitute effective e‐moderation in order to identify key attributes of an on‐line tutor.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology was adopted. The research utilised a semi‐structured interview technique to collect data contrasting and comparing the views of 35 students and 35 tutors on the constituents of effective e‐moderation.
Findings
The paper finds that from a student perspective the quality of feedback, student support and module management were key attributes of an effective e‐moderator. In contrast tutors argued that motivating students, including the provision of constructive feedback and developing an engaging on‐line persona were critical to successful e‐moderation. Comparison revealed that students and tutors have a broadly similar view to what constitutes effective on‐line moderation and any disparities related to how these groups tended to interact with the learning environment. Students were concerned primarily with how moderation enabled them to engage with the learning environment whereas tutors tended to discuss effective moderation in terms of factors that facilitated the learning process.
Originality/value
The study recognises the key attributes of an effective e‐moderator that should inform course design and tutor training.
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