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11 – 20 of over 22000This paper sets out to empirically investigate whether a “project champion” can have an undue influence at the project selection stage and, if so, how this can be both identified…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets out to empirically investigate whether a “project champion” can have an undue influence at the project selection stage and, if so, how this can be both identified and controlled.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is based on a single case study and is part of a much wider research investigation.
Findings
The case clearly shows that a “project champion” can have a biased influence on project selection. It was shown that in this particular case the “project champion” deemed the project‐specific risks to be lower than that suggested by other appraisal team members and that the strategic benefits to be derived from the project to be higher. Both these influences make the project look more attractive and can result in a project being accepted, which may not be in the best interests of the organisation. By using the financial appraisal profile (FAP) model the organisation was able to identify this bias and reduce its influence.
Research limitations/implications
Generalisability is an issue with case studies. It is believed that this paper not only provides empirical evidence confirming what may have intuitively been suspected, but also provides a solution to the problem.
Practical implications
By empirically identifying the adverse influence a project champion may have at the project selection stage will allow practitioners to take account of this bias.
Originality/value
This paper presents a model and case study that shows how project champions play a role and how this role may be used in evaluation of projects. Project champion roles in this environment have been only rarely studied.
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Harjit Singh and Nikunj Aggarwal
The purpose of this study is to examine the financial and operating performance of Saraswati Sugar Mills Limited and its impact on the society in the employment generation and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the financial and operating performance of Saraswati Sugar Mills Limited and its impact on the society in the employment generation and upliftment of the socio‐economic status. The study also aimed at finding out the factors responsible for low performance (if any). It helped in comparison of changes in static data from years 1995‐1996 to 2010‐2011.
Design/methodology/approach
Ratio analysis and quantitative techniques such as discrete and continuous time approach has been used to analyze the data. To do financial appraisal, five financial ratios namely working capital turnover ratio, percentage of net sales to capital employed, percentage of gross profit to capital employed, cost output ratio, and value added per man/month were calculated and analyzed to understand the changes in financial and operating position of the company.
Findings
The findings revealed the mixed trends of profit and losses. Net sales and capital employed showed an increasing trend while percentage of net profit to capital employed and cost output ratio declined from 1995‐1996 to 2010‐2011. Working capital was utilised effectively. Value added per man/month also registered an increase of 120.11 percent. In nutshell, the financial and operational performance analysis shows the efficiency of the Saraswati Sugar Mills Private Limited and its contribution towards sustainable development of its immediate society.
Research limitations/implications
The ideal situation could have one if a comparative analysis of both private as well as co‐operative sugar mills can lead to a better analysis and therefore, to a better practical approach.
Originality/value
This study provides a framework for performance evaluation when both discretionary and non‐discretionary variables are to be taken into consideration.
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Reports the results of a study carried out using interviews, household surveys, physical surveys, economic appraisal and observations of agencies’ contacts with residents, to…
Abstract
Reports the results of a study carried out using interviews, household surveys, physical surveys, economic appraisal and observations of agencies’ contacts with residents, to investigate whether rebuilding grants are viable as a complementary approach to urban renewal. Gives a detailed example of how to calculate a rebuilding grant. Concludes that rebuilding grants are a very valuable complement to urban renewal, with very few amendments required.
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Examines the issue of how facilities departments should approachthe potential benefits of computer‐aided facilities management, and howthey can decide whether the implementation…
Abstract
Examines the issue of how facilities departments should approach the potential benefits of computer‐aided facilities management, and how they can decide whether the implementation of a CAFM system will be of value. Considers a wide variety of the facilities that CAFM can offer: CAD, space utilization, asset management, IT/data services, lease/property management, cost/benefit analysis and financial control systems, as well as the benefits CAFM can confer. Concludes that the major benefit of IT investment is the creative power it can deliver.
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Overview All organisations are, in one sense or another, involved in operations; an activity implying transformation or transfer. The major portion of the body of knowledge…
Abstract
Overview All organisations are, in one sense or another, involved in operations; an activity implying transformation or transfer. The major portion of the body of knowledge concerning operations relates to production in manufacturing industry but, increasingly, similar problems are to be found confronting managers in service industry. It is only in the last decade or so that new technology, involving, in particular, the computer, has encouraged an integrated view to be taken of the total business. This has led to greater recognition being given to the strategic potential of the operations function. In order to provide greater insight into operations a number of classifications have been proposed. One of these, which places operations into categories termed factory, job shop, mass service and professional service, is examined. The elements of operations management are introduced under the headings of product, plant, process, procedures and people.
Albert Barreda, Kevin Murphy, Amy Gregory and Dipendra Singh
This paper aims to examine the value proposition of developing a vacation ownership project in Florida and Hawaii by analyzing actual company data.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the value proposition of developing a vacation ownership project in Florida and Hawaii by analyzing actual company data.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a net present value model approach that was used for analysis of the company financial data.
Findings
Results suggest that the vacation ownership alternative produces better financial performance than traditional hotel development.
Research limitations/implications
Research is limited to the case of a company in two main destinations.
Practical implications
The paper helps practitioners by presenting a current approach to consider in their understanding and perception of vacation ownership.
Social implications
Research is limited to the case of a company in two main destinations.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few investigations about applying real company data and comparing the main timeshare markets.
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Sarel Lavy, John A. Garcia and Manish K. Dixit
The purpose of this paper is to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and categorize them based on specific aspects of facility performance measurement in order to facilitate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and categorize them based on specific aspects of facility performance measurement in order to facilitate a holistic performance assessment.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach, based on the literature, is adopted. This approach relies on an extensive literature search of extant research papers, assessment reports, surveys and presentations to identify KPIs. The KPIs are arranged in appropriate categories based on their purpose and content.
Findings
The paper identifies indicators for performance measurement and classifies them into four major categories: financial, physical, functional, and survey‐based. Indicators are arranged from general to the most specific indicators. The list presents indicators with their description, units of measurement, and literature sources.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could focus on further analysis of the list of KPIs in order to generate a more concise list of easily measurable indicators that exhibit wide applicability and valid categorization.
Practical implications
The lack of proper categorization hampers frequent and widespread use of performance metrics by the industry. This study proposes a list of KPIs and presents it in appropriate categories so it can be used more practically by facility management practitioners.
Originality/value
The list of KPIs generated covers aspects of facility performance assessment and shows wider applicability; thus, it could be utilized by practitioners for a holistic assessment of a wide range of facilities.
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Gordon R. Foxall, Adrian F. Payne, James W. Taylor and Grady D. Bruce
The hypothesis that broadly defined managerial functions can besubdivided on the basis of their members′ internal and external taskorientations, and that the resulting…
Abstract
The hypothesis that broadly defined managerial functions can be subdivided on the basis of their members′ internal and external task orientations, and that the resulting subfunctions are, respectively, predominantly “adaptive” or “innovative” in terms of Kirton′s adaption‐innovation theory, was tested. Data from samples of British (N = 115), Australian (N = 123) and American (N = 131) mid‐career managers undertaking MBA programmes who completed the Kirton Adaption‐Innovation Inventory (KAI) and provided employment histories displayed the expected patterns of task orientation and cognitive style. Implications for adaption‐innovation theory and the management of organisational change are briefly discussed.
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Rakesh Narain, R.C. Yadav and Jiju Antony
Over the past two decades, interest in the use of flexible manufacturing as a competitive weapon has increased significantly. Globalization and liberalization have forced Indian…
Abstract
Over the past two decades, interest in the use of flexible manufacturing as a competitive weapon has increased significantly. Globalization and liberalization have forced Indian organizations to aim for globally competitiveness through the use of advanced technology, technical manpower, and innovative research and development. This paper reports the findings of case studies carried out in two large Indian manufacturing organization, and highlights the status of adoption of FMS. These organizations deal in the manufacture of shoes and railway coaches. The studies pay particular attention to the methods used to justify the investment involved. The experience of these firms’ can provide useful insight to other firms interested in implementing FMS.
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