Search results

1 – 10 of over 53000
Article
Publication date: 20 July 2010

Hobart Swan and Dennis Pitta

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a tool to aid new product development.

1426

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a tool to aid new product development.

Design/methodology/approach

The case describes how an organization solved the problem of managing the new product development process in a way that integrates the perceptions and values of the variety of professionals on the typical cross‐functional team.

Findings

Cross‐functional product teams are designed to include the input of different team members with different areas of expertise and thinking styles. Some work effectively, using lists to organize their thinking. Others are more effective using graphic tools that present a picture that allows them to make connections among a group of concepts and tasks. The company featured in the case, developed a tool that maximizes the effectiveness of both styles.

Research limitations/implications

As in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. However, the solution portrayed in the case has widespread application.

Practical implications

The case depicts the processes that underlie new product development and a tool that can be used to manage the process. Other companies may find that attending to each type of user learning style can improve the effectiveness of their development efforts.

Originality/value

The case describes how a software product that collects and integrates the insights of decision makers and experts who possess different perceptual styles can enhance the productivity and effectiveness of a product team.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2022

Wei Zong, Songtao Lin, Yuxing Gao and Yanying Yan

This paper aims to provide a process-driven scientific data quality (DQ) monitoring framework by information product map (IP-Map) in identifying the root causes of poor DQ issues…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a process-driven scientific data quality (DQ) monitoring framework by information product map (IP-Map) in identifying the root causes of poor DQ issues so as to assure the quality of scientific data.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a general scientific data life cycle model is constructed based on eight classical models and 37 researchers’ experience. Then, the IP-Map is constructed to visualize the scientific data manufacturing process. After that, the potential deficiencies that may arise and DQ issues are examined from the aspects of process and data stakeholders. Finally, the corresponding strategies for improving scientific DQ are put forward.

Findings

The scientific data manufacturing process and data stakeholders’ responsibilities could be clearly visualized by the IP-Map. The proposed process-driven framework is helpful in clarifying the root causes of DQ vulnerabilities in scientific data.

Research limitations/implications

As for the implications for researchers, the process-driven framework proposed in this paper provides a better understanding of scientific DQ issues during implementing a research project as well as providing a useful method to analyse those DQ issues based on IP-Map approach from the aspects of process and data stakeholders.

Practical implications

The process-driven framework is beneficial for the research institutions, scientific data management centres and researchers to better manage the scientific data manufacturing process and solve the scientific DQ issues.

Originality/value

This research proposes a general scientific data life cycle model and further provides a process-driven scientific DQ monitoring framework for identifying the root causes of poor data issues from the aspects of process and stakeholders which have been ignored by existing information technology-driven solutions. This study is likely to lead to an improved approach to assuring the scientific DQ and is applicable in different research fields.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

John A. Brierley, Christopher J. Cowton and Colin Drury

Reports the findings of a pilot survey into how product costs are calculated and how they are used in decision making in manufacturing industry in the UK. The survey examines how…

4523

Abstract

Reports the findings of a pilot survey into how product costs are calculated and how they are used in decision making in manufacturing industry in the UK. The survey examines how many accounting systems firms use, blanket overhead rates in product costing; the bases used to calculate overhead rates; the application of product costs in decision making; and profitability maps. The results show that a variety of methods are used to calculate product costs and that they are used to a significant extent in decision making.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2014

Christopher Durugbo

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of using the business network channel (Bunch) approach for modelling business networks and studying the business network…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of using the business network channel (Bunch) approach for modelling business networks and studying the business network evolution. Business network models put the structures of process models into context by visualising roles and communication channels for social interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies a case study-based approach involving the creation of business network visualisations to capture snapshots of an industrial firm's business network over a three-year period. A questionnaire-based study was also conducted with 18 key informants to evaluate the Bunch approach against existing business network modelling techniques.

Findings

This study shows that when business networks – as opposed to business processes – are diagrammatically modelled, patterns of relations between individuals can also be visualised and factored into how information systems are (re)designed and deployed. The study also finds that as business networks evolve, the ability to offer complementary channels of communication and coordinate business/technological information is vital to how upturns in process times improves overall business effectiveness and efficiency.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this paper is an exposition on how the Bunch approach could serve as a pedagogical tool for gaining clarity on their roles and links within the business and as an analytical tool for studying the evolution of business networks in relation to roles, links, information technologies, business strategies and business network anomalies.

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2022

Pipatpong Fakfare and Noppadol Manosuthi

The main objectives of this study are to (1) explore underlying components and attributes of travel applications that influence traveler usage intention and (2) investigate which…

963

Abstract

Purpose

The main objectives of this study are to (1) explore underlying components and attributes of travel applications that influence traveler usage intention and (2) investigate which contents should be prioritized to increase the efficiency of travel apps.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses importance–performance map analysis (IPMA) with an innovative approach (i.e. generalized structured component analysis [GSCA]) to identify components and attributes that have relatively high and low significance for the target construct (i.e. travel app's usage intention).

Findings

An integrated model influenced by three components (i.e. entertainment, travel review and medical and emergency information is proposed to have an impact on travelers' intention to use travel apps). The IPMA results indicate that restaurant and shopping receive the utmost emphasis from Thai domestic tourists who use travel apps, and sports and attraction are regarded as less critical attributes.

Practical implications

The app content scales identified in this study can be used as a basic framework for app developers, service providers and tourism authorities to design a travel app. The IPMA results also help concerned practitioners to make decisions on which contents/attributes should be incorporated and improved.

Originality/value

This study implements IPMA using a GSCA estimator to present the standard results reporting on the path coefficients of each of the attributes of travel app services. The results not only contribute to the improvement of app features and services, but also suggest an innovative approach for generating pertinent IPMA results with GSCA, thus contributing to the theoretical and methodological advancement in hospitality and tourism areas.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2012

Martin H. Ofner, Boris Otto and Hubert Österle

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize data quality (DQ) in the context of business process management and to propose a DQ oriented approach for business process modeling…

2793

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize data quality (DQ) in the context of business process management and to propose a DQ oriented approach for business process modeling. The approach is based on key concepts and metrics from the data quality management domain and supports decision‐making in process re‐design projects on the basis of process models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a design oriented research approach, in the course of which a modeling method is developed as a design artifact. To do so, method engineering is used as a design technique. The artifact is theoretically founded and incorporates DQ considerations into process re‐design. Furthermore, the paper uses a case study to evaluate the suggested approach.

Findings

The paper shows that the DQ oriented process modeling approach facilitates and improves managerial decision‐making in the context of process re‐design. Data quality is considered as a success factor for business processes and is conceptualized using a rule‐based approach.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents design research and a case study. More research is needed to triangulate the findings and to allow generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The paper supports decision‐makers in enterprises in taking a DQ perspective in business process re‐design initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper reports on integrating DQ considerations into business process management in general and into process modeling in particular, in order to provide more comprehensive decision‐making support in process re‐design projects. The paper represents one of the first contributions to literature regarding a contemporary phenomenon of high practical and scientific relevance.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1983

John Ganly

Business activities generate a vast amount of diversified information products. The volume and variation in format, regularity, availability, and content of business information

Abstract

Business activities generate a vast amount of diversified information products. The volume and variation in format, regularity, availability, and content of business information products presents the librarian with a unique collection development situation. To further complicate matters, much of this information is poorly documented and only fleetingly available.

Details

Collection Building, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0160-4953

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2016

Graham C. Stevens and Mark Johnson

Twenty-five years ago IJPDLM published “Integrating the Supply Chain” (Stevens, 1989). The purpose of that original work was to examine the state-of-the-art in supply chain…

13025

Abstract

Purpose

Twenty-five years ago IJPDLM published “Integrating the Supply Chain” (Stevens, 1989). The purpose of that original work was to examine the state-of-the-art in supply chain management (SCM). There have been substantial changes to the landscape within which supply chains function and changes to supply chains themselves. Given these changes it is appropriate to re-visit what is the new state-of-the art and determine whether the 1989 conceptualization requires extending. The authors also attempt to assess whether the evolution of SCM is associated with improved financial performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors take a conceptual approach to suggest that SCM is undergoing a transition to devolved, collaborative supply chain clusters. In addition, the authors consider imperatives and models for supply chain change and development. In line with the 1989 work, many of the observations in this invited paper are based on the primary author’s experience. The authors use a selection of financial data from leading firms to assess whether benefits attributed to SCM and changes in supply chain operating models have affected financial performance.

Findings

The authors formalize a model for the dynamics of SCM change. The authors also synthesize a number of models of SCM that extend the original, highly cited work. These include goal-oriented networks and devolved, collaborative supply chain clusters. The authors also find the associations between the evolution of SCM and measures of firm financial performance over time to be equivocal.

Practical implications

This work proposes two additional operating models that firms can implement in order to improve the efficacy of their supply chains.

Originality/value

The authors extend Stevens (1989) original work by synthesizing a number of additional models for SCI.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 46 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Nancy M. Levenburg

The importance of using the internet to achieve competitive advantage has been well‐documented. An ever‐expanding array of technologies exist that enable firms to accomplish…

2477

Abstract

Purpose

The importance of using the internet to achieve competitive advantage has been well‐documented. An ever‐expanding array of technologies exist that enable firms to accomplish customer service online. Yet for many firms, determining which applications to employ can be perplexing. This study purports to examine the practices of service sector market leaders and measure performance results of adopting selected customer service applications. The aim was to identify inspirational targets and internet applications benchmarks among family owned businesses since for them, the importance of reputation may well hinge on providing outstanding customer service to the local community.

Design/methodology/approach

A six‐page self‐administered survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 374 family firms in West Michigan.

Findings

Findings suggest that while over 75 percent of firms use e‐mail to communicate with current customers and for customer service purposes, what distinguishes best practices is e‐mailing with prospective customers, targeting small or hard‐to‐reach markets, and adopting more sophisticated applications, including online product demonstration, ordering, delivery, and order tracking.

Research limitations/implications

Since, this study focused on family firms in the service sector, future research opportunities could come from examination of the impact of family business‐related characteristics on customer service strategy and practices, and comparison across industry sectors or markets served (B2B versus B2C).

Originality/value

The paper should be useful for academic researchers and business practitioners seeking guidance in terms of which e‐business applications to employ.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2018

Yu Nie, John Talburt, Serhan Dagtas and Taiwen Feng

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the chief data officer’s (CDO) presence and firm performance, and the moderating effect of firm size.

1055

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the chief data officer’s (CDO) presence and firm performance, and the moderating effect of firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance data for 64 treatment firms with CDOs and 64 control firms without CDOs is collected from Compustat database. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test is used to analyze the performance differences between treatment firms and control firms. Hierarchical regression method is used to test the moderating effect of firm size.

Findings

The results indicate that the profit ratios of treatment firms are significantly improved after the appointment of CDOs, and the profit ratios of treatment firms are significantly higher than that of the control firms. For the cost ratios, the findings provide some empirical evidence revealing two of the cost ratios are lower and only one ratio is higher for the treatment firms after CDOs’ appointment. Firm size moderates the relationship between the CDO’s presence and firm performance indicator, ROS, in the same direction. Firm size has no moderating effect on relationships between CDO’s presence and other performance indicators.

Practical implications

The findings provide practical insights that will help managers to realize the importance of CDOs and their work. CDOs would bring some cost to the firms, but they would bring more profit to firms. In addition, if for large firms, the CDO’s presence would bring more ROS.

Originality/value

The study explores the relationship between the CDO’s presence and firm performance. It is the first attempt to explore the CDO’s presence and the cost performance in the specific time period, and the study is also the first attempt to analyze the moderating effect of the firm size on the relationship between the CDO’s presence and firm performance.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 119 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 53000