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Article
Publication date: 22 December 2022

Humera Amin, Helana Scheepers and Mohsin Malik

This paper aims to examine the role of project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in international development (ID) project stakeholders' relationships. This study draws on agency…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in international development (ID) project stakeholders' relationships. This study draws on agency theory to examine the specific role M&E plays in improving ID project impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data comprising of in-depth interviews were collected from ID project stakeholders such as project donors, implementing partners and steering committee members.

Findings

Results of the study show that project M&E activities can serve multiple purposes including the collection of data for the assessment of inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact. This information is shared with stakeholders to assist in evidence-based decision-making to improve project impact on community. This study shows that M&E activities strengthen the relationship between stakeholders by involving multiple stakeholders at different stages of ID projects to identify community needs and to demonstrate the positive community impact. Agency issues such as goal incongruence, information asymmetry and risk-sharing affect the relationship between the stakeholders. Investing in different M&E activities can reduce these issues, ultimately leading to a positive impact at the community level.

Originality/value

There has been limited research that explores the principal-agent relationship between project stakeholders of ID projects through the lens of agency theory. The role of M&E to collect project data and address agency issues between project stakeholders to improve project impact is the novel contribution of this paper.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Ina Fourie

94

Abstract

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 July 2021

Dominique Santini and Holly Henderson

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consolidate knowledge and benchmark the progress being made across the 32 International Federations (IFs) in the Summer Olympic…

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consolidate knowledge and benchmark the progress being made across the 32 International Federations (IFs) in the Summer Olympic Programme.

Design/methodology/approach: A website content analysis, analytical hierarchy of information, and social media research was conducted to triangulate the barriers and drivers of environmental sustainability (ES) progress. This data was then analysed to empirically substantiate the findings of previous methods by exploring potential drivers of IF ES progress and communication and refining the ranking of IF ES progress.

Results and findings: World Sailing is by far the most advanced IF in terms of ES progress, followed by World Athletics. Only 4 out of 32 have any sort of strategic ES plans. Only golf, surfing, football, sailing, and hockey have received any academic attention. There is a significant lack of understanding of environmental practices across sport, and their drivers/barriers. There is limited accountability with regards to ES progress and activities throughout the Olympic Movement. This has resulted in uneven diffusion of environmental activities.

Originality: This paper is a new contribution to sport management and ES literature. It provides a benchmark of understanding for ES in the Summer Olympic Programme for the first time using a hierarchy of information to ground results. The exploration and comparison of the perspectives of separate sports adds to the paper's originality.

Details

Emerald Open Research, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3952

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2019

Wantao Yu, Roberto Chavez, Mark Jacobs, Chee Yew Wong and Chunlin Yuan

It remains unclear how environmental scanning (ES) can generate firm performance through supply chain management (SCM) practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the…

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Abstract

Purpose

It remains unclear how environmental scanning (ES) can generate firm performance through supply chain management (SCM) practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of ES on operational performance through supply chain integration (SCI) and supply chain responsiveness (SCR).

Design/methodology/approach

The scanning–interpretation–action–performance (SIAP) model and organization information processing theory (OIPT) are used to explain the ES–SCI–SCR–performance (S–I–A–P) relationships, which were tested by structural equation modeling of survey data of 329 manufacturing firms in China.

Findings

The results indicate that ES has a significant positive effect on SCI and SCR. SCI is significantly and positively related to SCR. SCR partially mediates the relationship between ES and operational performance, and fully mediates the relationship between SCI and operational performance.

Practical implications

Supply chain managers should collaborate with senior executives to obtain signals from ES activities, as input for building SCI and SCR and use SCI as a joint interpretation mechanism of ES signals for developing SCR to reap operational advantages in the rapidly changing business environment.

Originality/value

Strategic management academics and practitioners have explicitly emphasized the importance of ES in developing strategic plans but are unsure about the role of SCM in creating operational advantages through ES. Using the SIAP model, this study theorizes and demonstrates how SCI and SCR transform signals from ES into operational performance. In doing so, a more precise application of OIPT is explicated in the supply chain context.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2008

James Castiglione

This article aims to highlight important aspects of environmental scanning (ES). As a managerial tool of high utility, ES may assist library professionals – at all levels …

3211

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to highlight important aspects of environmental scanning (ES). As a managerial tool of high utility, ES may assist library professionals – at all levels – proactively assess and respond to change in the technological, demographic, economic and social environments that may have a future impact on the library profession and stakeholder services.

Design/methodology/approach

This article deepens the library literature related to the methodology of ES with concepts and ideas derived from the relevant management literature.

Findings

Based on an in‐depth review of the library literature, the evidence suggests that librarians have not the used ES techniques consistently or systematically to manage change.

Research limitations/implications

While the results of this literature review imply that ES is underutilized as a tool to manage change in the library environment, it is entirely possible that practicing librarians actually utilize ES far more frequently than a review of the library literature suggests. Additional survey‐studies addressing this concern will be required to resolve this important question.

Originality/value

This article provides useful information related to the importance of ES and the related methodology required to build a comprehensive ES initiative. In addition, the paper introduces the reader to the innovative goal of coordinating ES initiatives on a global scale. This is presented with a view toward developing cooperative programs and approaches that may increase the viability of our profession and strengthen our collective ability to increase stakeholder satisfaction.

Details

Library Review, vol. 57 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Michael W. Obal and Wen Lv

The purpose of this exploratory, data-driven study is to identify the optimal banner advertising strategies for achieving different business metric goals, such as effective cost…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory, data-driven study is to identify the optimal banner advertising strategies for achieving different business metric goals, such as effective cost per activity, via unique predictive modelling methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The k-fold cross-validation method is used to build predictive models to analyze 18,956 online banner advertising records.

Findings

Banner ads with high visual complexity and attractive offers tend to draw users to participate in online activities, whereas voluntary banner ads with low visual complexity tend to draw user clicks. Further, banner ads with lower visual complexity tend to have lower costs. Finally, the third quarter of a year is the most important period for online advertising campaigns in terms of achieving the optimal effectiveness and cost for running internet banner ads.

Research limitations/implications

As only visual and temporal characteristics of internet banner ads are covered in this study, future research should concentrate on the specific language within each banner ad message. Further, this study does not specifically tie internet-specific metrics, such as activities, costs and clicks to business metrics, such as revenue and profit.

Practical implications

Advertisers can use the findings from this study to create an effective and cost-efficient banner advertising strategy. Specifically, firms should use larger banner ads with features and offers, advertise at the end of the year and use caution with rich media expandable banners and banner ad videos as they can significantly increase costs.

Originality/value

This is one of the first exploratory studies to use the k-fold cross-validation method to build predictive models to identify visual and temporal factors that significantly impact the effectiveness and cost of internet banner ads.

Details

Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2007

Rupert Eales‐White

The purpose of part 1 of this paper is to provide the reader with the definition of the preferences on the four Jungian dimensions and the nature of suppressions and repressions

895

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of part 1 of this paper is to provide the reader with the definition of the preferences on the four Jungian dimensions and the nature of suppressions and repressions so that they can determine their true preferences and hence psychological profile.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper defines each of the preferences in the four dimensions “obtaining energy and focus”, “gathering and using information”, “taking decisions”, “ operating in the outside world”. It details each preference in each dimension: extrovert and introvert, practical and concept, logical and harmony, structured and flexible, and set out the beliefs and behaviors flowing from each preference. It is indicated that suppressions occur with the Extrovert/Introvert and Logical/Harmony preferences and result in the individual believing in and behaving as the opposite preference. The paper provides case studies to assist the reader in identifying any suppressions they may have. Advise that repressions occur with the Practical/Concept and Structure/Flexible preferences and result in abilities not being developed, but no migration to the opposite preference. The paper sets out the profiles that summarize key characteristics and the profiles detailing strengths and weaknesses. It details the benefits to the individual and the organization that result from employees knowing what their real psychological profiles are.

Findings

Unrecognized suppressions and repressions result in individuals following job choices that do not play to their natural strengths, causing stress and demotivation, as well as having a negative impact on relationships and career management. The process of self‐discovery is superior to the use of questionnaires, as they do not determine suppressions until they have become dominant in the consciousness of the individual.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concepts of suppression and repression, enabling the reader to determine where their natural preferences and strengths lie, thus helping them make better choices for careers and improve their relationship and career management.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2011

Chian‐Son Yu

The purpose of this paper is to construct and validate an e‐lifestyle scale.

3051

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct and validate an e‐lifestyle scale.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a two‐step approach of exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the generated two EFA solutions reveal the adequacy of the generated seven components underlying the 1,135 responses. By using the other 793 respondents sampling from the same population, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examines and supports the fitness of the overall structure.

Findings

The empirical results show that the 39 items of the e‐lifestyle scale were grouped into seven distinct components. These components represented seven principal factors that significantly influence and shape individual e‐lifestyles.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation merely represents a starting point in e‐lifestyle research. To enhance the validity and generalization of the scale proposed in this study, further cross‐cultural validation is necessary.

Practical implications

Beyond constructing and validating an e‐lifestyle instrument, this study could provide marketers with insights about how to integrate e‐lifestyles into marketing strategies.

Originality/value

This research contributes to advance current knowledge on what factors influence e‐lifestyle and relative influences of main factors shaping e‐lifestyle, and pave a way for marketers to execute more elaborate marketing research with the proposed e‐lifestyle scale.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 April 2014

Nathalie Fabbe-Costes, Christine Roussat, Margaret Taylor and Andrew Taylor

The purpose of this paper is to explore the empirical reality of environmental scanning (ES) practices in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) contexts. In particular it…

4760

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the empirical reality of environmental scanning (ES) practices in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) contexts. In particular it tests a conceptual framework proposed in 2011 by Fabbe-Costes et al.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data for this research were obtained from 45 semi-structured interviews with key informants, combined with a discussion of the main results with a focus group of supply chain experts. These data are compared with the literature and brought to bear on the framework.

Findings

The research finds both breadth and depth in the scope of sustainability scanning practices of the respondent group and provides evidence of multi-level scanning, with all respondents describing scanning activity at the societal level. It further demonstrates the adoption of multiple and diverse scanning targets at all levels in the conceptual framework. The articulation and ranking of scanning targets for SSCM at all levels informs the development of priorities for practice. The paper also makes some observations about the boundaries of the scanning process.

Practical implications

The results provide managers with concrete guidance about what to scan in sustainable supply chain contexts. The validated framework can serve as a practical tool to assist managers with the organization and prioritization of their ES activities.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to address the role of ES in sustainable supply chain contexts. It highlights the need for a multi-level framework for such scanning activities and opens up a debate about their implementation.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2009

P. Bacelar‐Nicolau, S. Caeiro, A.P. Martinho, U.M. Azeiteiro and F. Amador

In recent decades, there has been an increase of public awareness about environmental problems. A simultaneous effort to increase educational course offerings in this area has…

1030

Abstract

Purpose

In recent decades, there has been an increase of public awareness about environmental problems. A simultaneous effort to increase educational course offerings in this area has been made. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the first edition of the blended learning MSc in Environmental Citizenship and Participation that is offered by Universidade Aberta, Lisbon, Portugal. This is the first and only MSc offered in the distance learning mode in Portugal in this scientific area. The Master's programme includes environmental and social sciences contents. Also the programme includes tools and methodologies designed to help the students put into practice their expanded awareness, and knowledge within educational and public participation processes, within environment projects, programs or plans.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluation is performed with the students using three data sources: a questionnaire survey, personal interviews and assessment materials produced by the students. These data are designed to evaluate course performance in terms of: student motivation, student‐content interaction, student‐student interaction, student‐teacher interaction, learning activities, type of evaluation, and student's environmental citizenship attitudes and behaviours.

Findings

The qualitative analysis indicates a very high level of student motivation and satisfaction with the programme. The course contents, organisation and learning regime allow students to change their attitudes about environmental domains and to feel they will contribute to others change of attitudes and behaviours.

Originality/value

E‐learning brings new dimensions (to traditional education when it comes to adult learning) and increases the motivation to learn about environmental issues (if the e‐learning for environment course allows for new ways of exploring and solving environmental problems in an interactive way). Moreover, it may increase the readiness to learn if the students are allowed to move into new social roles through the course.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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