Search results

1 – 10 of over 24000
Article
Publication date: 2 June 2014

Rika Preiser, Patricia Struthers, Suraya Mohamed, Neil Cameron and Estelle Lawrence

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of two higher education institutions in the Western Cape, South Africa, and how their initiatives and collaboration brought about…

428

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of two higher education institutions in the Western Cape, South Africa, and how their initiatives and collaboration brought about a particular health promoting schools (HPS) program in a resource poor setting. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the importance of the role that external systemic actors and stakeholders can play in the process of designing and implementing HPS programs in resource poor settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a complex systems approach is employed to describe two different participatory methods of engagement with HPS by higher education institutions. On the one hand, engagement took place in terms of a formal and funded project, directed at the organizational level of the school, with capacity building as its aim. On the other hand, engagement was initiated informally (as part of a service-learning project) via collaboration with the formal project, directed at the individual level of learners in the school.

Findings

In recognizing the complex nature of planning and implementing HPS programs, the paper demonstrates that HPS approaches could benefit from engaging with resources outside the ambit of institutional health and educational policies and structures.

Originality/value

By acknowledging the systemic nature of implementing HPS strategies, novel collaborations emerge as a result. The paper highlights the important role that external stakeholders such as higher education institutions play in creating and sustaining tailor-made HPS programs for schools based in resource poor settings.

Details

Health Education, vol. 114 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1996

Glenn Bassett and Adrian Carr

Suggests that theories of organization structure since mid‐century have been dominated by a systems view that emphasizes macro‐economics. The potential for further contribution to…

8786

Abstract

Suggests that theories of organization structure since mid‐century have been dominated by a systems view that emphasizes macro‐economics. The potential for further contribution to theory at that level appears sharply limited. Role analysis and the theory of organization as interaction of internal and external roles offers opportunity for expanded depth of theoretical development in the domain of organization structure. Limited application of role analysis at the level of leadership that has progressed must now be carried down into the organization and over into the operating environment, to permit the established disciplines of individual differences, social psychology and psychodynamics to lead in revitalizing theory of organization structure.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2021

Asma Bashir and Vikas Sawhney

The purpose of this paper is to understand various organizational and operational impediments to successful built heritage management at a regional level from the perspective of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand various organizational and operational impediments to successful built heritage management at a regional level from the perspective of stakeholder theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study was conducted in Jammu city of India wherein total of 16 interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire were done with officials (N = 6), organization members (N = 7), local organization heads (N = 3) and 30 local residents. Thematic analysis and stakeholder analysis were used to identify themes and examine the relationships between stakeholders.

Findings

Six themes were derived from thematic analysis. The results from stakeholder attribute analysis and studying stakeholder interactions show that lack of trust, skewed power relation and lack of communication among stakeholders are some of the factors that hinder successful heritage management at the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. The study emphasizes the dimension of “authenticity” be added to existing discourse of heritage management in India ensuring commoditization does not override authenticity and integrity of heritage site.

Originality/value

The results of this study are useful in understanding challenges of heritage management in India at regional level. Using stakeholder analysis the study adds a managerial perspective to the existing heritage management discourse in India by providing empirical insights into developing stakeholder collaboration.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2007

P.W. van der Walt and A.S.A. du Toit

This article aims to address the concept of information architecture as a way of visualising and describing the various information assets and the interaction of these assets…

3701

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to address the concept of information architecture as a way of visualising and describing the various information assets and the interaction of these assets within an enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The establishment of the information architecture is illustrated through a case study within a large conglomeration of companies requiring scaleable information architecture in order to address its information requirements. Executives who are considered influential in the overall management of the group were interviewed.

Findings

The requirements expressed during the interview process, as well as observations made during meetings and general discussions with the various roleplayers within the enterprise, gave the project team the necessary confirmation of the information requirements of the enterprise.

Research limitations/implications

As there is no direct integration between the underlying systems and networks, this had to be taken into consideration for the design of the information architecture.

Originality/value

The information architecture established in the enterprise forms the basis of support in delivering future information requirements for the enterprise.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 59 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Tatiana Anisimova

The purpose of this paper is to use managerial vision of corporate brand in relation to consumers, dealers and frontline employees to generate brand benchmarks. These benchmarks…

1810

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use managerial vision of corporate brand in relation to consumers, dealers and frontline employees to generate brand benchmarks. These benchmarks are sets of perceptions on how managers envision corporate brand to be positioned in minds of consumers, dealers and frontline employees. Additionally, this study explores managerial views concerning the importance of corporate branding in relation to an organization and its stakeholders. One of the most important strategic decisions that managers make concerns positioning of a corporate brand in the minds of key internal and external stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights are drawn from the in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 senior managers from the three car manufacturers based in Australia and engaged in the corporate branding strategy.

Findings

Although managers viewed corporate brand as a “strategic tool” and “the DNA” of an organization, the findings suggest that corporate brand strategy is ultimately driven by consumers rather than multiple stakeholders. Practical (utilitarian) components of the brand value were emphasized by the managers as key brand benefits communicated to consumers and also to dealers and frontline employees. Although managers recognized the importance of being seen as a “trustworthy partner” by dealer principals and customer-facing staff, the idea of dealer networks playing a role of a “supportive mechanism” for enhancing consumer experience, was domineering.

Research limitations/implications

The views expressed by the interviewees in this paper may not fully reflect the views of the whole organization regarding the corporate brand. As this study is conducted in the car manufacturing industry, its findings may not be directly applicable in other industries. As corporate branding a relatively new area, organizations do not always appreciate its scope and what such a branding strategy involves. However, organizations need to move beyond a “product branding thinking” to a strategic perspective as corporate brands build the images formed and held by key external and internal stakeholders.

Practical implications

Generating benchmarks for corporate brands using top management’s aspirations can assist organizations in generating focused and more nuanced understanding of how they wish corporate brand to be perceived by the key stakeholders and effectively build corporate brand.

Originality/value

Managerial vision of corporate brand was used as a starting point in developing reference points (i.e. benchmarks) for the desired brand identity, which may potentially be developed into relevant standards and best practices in corporate branding within an organization.

Details

Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-2752

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2009

Jitesh Thakkar, Arun Kanda and S.G. Deshmukh

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated supply chain performance measurement framework for the case of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) using set of…

7639

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated supply chain performance measurement framework for the case of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) using set of qualitative and quantitative insights gained during the case study research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops the supply chain performance measurement framework using the facts revealed through case study analysis, secondary data specific to various SME clusters in India and detailed contemporary studies reported on supply chain management in SMEs. It integrates the salient features of balanced scorecard (BSC) and supply chain operation reference (SCOR) model to deliver a comprehensive performance measurement framework for SMEs.

Findings

This paper reports set of performance indicators for the supply chain processes like “source,” “make,” and “deliver” in SMEs. It also relates the measures with various supply chain cycles like “procurement,” “manufacturing,” “replenishment,” and “customer order.” As a result, paper delivers an integrated performance measurement framework for supply chain evaluation and planning in SMEs. It also outlines the detailed guideline for the implementation and use of the framework.

Practical implications

This paper is expected that the developed framework: will help SME managers to improve the visibility of their supply chain amongst interacting partners; and will help SME firms to explain the basis of their decisions to the other supply chain partners and specifically, origingal equipment manufacturer organizations where less bargaining power exist.

Originality/value

This paper integrates the spirit of two well‐known contributions in the field of performance measurement namely BSC and SCOR. The proposed framework is deduced using the findings of real life case study research and hence establishes an adequate platform for its application. It would help the managers or decision makers in SMEs to gain a systematic insight into their supply chain problems and hence undertake the necessary improvements.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2008

Martin Spraggon and Virginia Bodolica

The purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge creation processes in small innovative hi‐tech firms operating in the software industry.

3471

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge creation processes in small innovative hi‐tech firms operating in the software industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research framework examines specific action and interaction processes aiming at creating knowledge. This exploratory research is constituted by five case studies, each of them being represented by a small Canadian software firm. Analysis draws upon four sources of data. A total of 15 interviews (three per case) had been conducted and subsequently transcribed and coded using qualitative software – Nvivo 07.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that interaction processes permitting the creation of knowledge in small hi‐tech firms can take place via: formal meetings; informal communities; project teams; external interaction; and information technology‐tools. Rapid prototyping represents the kernel activity of knowledge creation through action. Details of the results, implications of the findings, and conclusions are presented and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a limited number of case studies, therefore empirical results cannot be generalized. Future research on larger samples of small Canadian software firms is needed, using the same eligibility criteria and comparing the same knowledge creation processes as those explored in this study. Other promising avenues of inquiry include such questions as the way small knowledge‐based firms operating in turbulent environments organize internally to create knowledge, the conditions enabling the generation of knowledge, and the particular “spaces” in which knowledge creation occurs in these firms.

Practical implications

The systematic description and comparison of knowledge creation processes in each explored company contribute to the better understanding of specific “interaction” and “action” processes through which knowledge is generated, enabling practitioners in small innovative hi‐tech firms to design appropriate policies and procedures for enhancing knowledge creation behaviors of their employees.

Originality/value

This research is among the first and most exhaustive exploratory and comparative studies carried out in the Canadian context of small firms operating in the software industry.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 31 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2010

R. de Villiers

This paper explores the changing needs of employers and the business community in relation to the balance between technical and soft skills, such as communication skills, business…

5413

Abstract

This paper explores the changing needs of employers and the business community in relation to the balance between technical and soft skills, such as communication skills, business presentation skills and other interpersonal skills. The researcher discusses the importance of soft relational skills for all business graduates, including accountants. The study further explains how soft skills can complement the technical skills taught to ensure that graduates are equipped to deal with the demands of a complex global business environment. The needs of different stakeholders, possible barriers to change and the way in which academic faculty can contribute are reviewed.

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Roberta Toscano, Gavin Price and Caren Scheepers

The purpose of this paper is to test the effects of CEO arrogance on key attitudes of a company’s top management team (TMT).

1369

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the effects of CEO arrogance on key attitudes of a company’s top management team (TMT).

Design/method/approach

An experimental design involving a business simulation is used to test the effects of a CEO’s perceived arrogance and humility on the TMT in a boardroom setting.

Findings

The study finds that, as predicted, arrogant CEOs adversely impacts TMT engagement, cohesiveness, collaboration and consensual decision-making. Thus, the higher the level of CEO arrogance, the lower the levels of positive TMT attitudes. The study intriguingly also finds that CEOs who displayed humility also negatively influenced the attitudes of the TMT.

Research limitations/implications

The study took place in South Africa, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The use of a laboratory experiment may affect the ecological validity of the findings.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate that a “Goldilocks” area of neutrality between arrogance and humility should be sought after by CEOs and recruiters of CEOs. If this is impossible, humble CEOs are preferable to arrogant ones.

Originality/value

This paper empirically demonstrates that arrogant leaders negatively impact their TMT followers in a boardroom environment across a number of attitudes that are keys to the success of effectively managing a corporation. The study also demonstrates that moderation is desired by followers and that CEOs being perceived as overly humble is almost as bad as being perceived as arrogant.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 19 October 2019

Sadaf Taimoor and Mahnoor Hameed

A pitch deck for Girlythings has been provided as a supplementary material for this case. Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain…

Abstract

Supplementary materials

A pitch deck for Girlythings has been provided as a supplementary material for this case. Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes

Learning outcomes

In the light of the case and the accompanying case questions, the students should understand the following: socio-cultural perspectives in adopting the use of taboo products in an emerging economy and a conservative society such as Pakistan; role of government and non-governmental agencies in influencing policy framework; the application of the theory of planned behavior in channeling positive attitudes toward the use of personal hygiene products; peculiarities of formulating an expansion strategy for entrepreneurial ventures; and idiosyncrasies of developing effective business pitches.

Case overview/synopsis

Founded in early 2018, Girlythings was a young startup spearheaded by Tanzila Khan. It aimed at not only improving the availability of sanitary products in the emerging Pakistan market but, over and above, also removing the stigma attached to the topic of menstruation in the society. While the startup was still nestled at an incubation center, the protagonist faced the utmost challenge of deciding the fate of the venture due to the taboo nature of the product. This case is a rich description of the stigma that prevails on the topic of women health in conservative societies like Pakistan. It will help students appreciate the idiosyncrasies of operating in emerging markets and spearheading ventures that deal with sensitive issues.

Complexity academic level

This case is geared toward undergraduate students enrolled in courses of strategy, strategic marketing and entrepreneurship.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 24000