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Aims to show that, by using a simple step‐by‐step approach to cost‐benefit analysis, we can deal with “soft” items (such as the restructuring of organizations) so that they are integrated within the overall business policy. The conceptual exercise is illustrated on the basis of a case study on the implementation of socio‐technical work groups in a Dutch factory. First, socio‐technical work groups are defined as an example of a “soft” investment. Next, the step‐by‐step approach is described, showing that qualitative considerations can be reworked into financial figures such as those used in traditional investment analysis. Subsequently, this approach is applied to the illustrative case study. In the randomly selected case study it appeared that the decision to implement socio‐technical work groups could be dealt with as an investment. Using traditional techniques, the investment was analysed as risky but profitable. In the casuistic step‐by‐step approach, management, with or without the help of a consultant, reworks qualitative considerations into financial figures. The transparency of this approach enables them to prove the reliability of the process as well as the validity of the conclusions drawn from the calculations based on their situation. Management’s discussion of the qualitative considerations and financial figures provides a description of the future situation that is as complete and clear as possible.

The purpose of this research is to find out to what extent older workers make use of ICT and to what extent this influences their job performance.

Workers of various age groups are surveyed in two sectors: printing industry and wholesale trade. The use of (various types of) ICT is compared for a number of age groups, controlling the influence of other explanatory variables and correcting the fact that older users are a selective group. In the next step, the use of ICT is one of the factors explaining performance.

The results show that, compared with younger workers, older workers make less use of ICT in their job, use less complicated applications and have more difficulties in using ICT. This is to their disadvantage as the use of ICT and particularly the level of use appear to affect performance positively.

The research is concentrated on two specific sectors which are forerunners in the field of ICT. A generalization of the results is therefore most applicable to industries and jobs in which ICT plays an important role.

The results suggest that company policies can be of help in dealing with the problem. However, the provision of formal training in ICT has no significant effect.

Contrary to what is often done in this type of study, the level on which ICT is used is taken into account. Moreover, direct indicators for performance are used instead of wages. Particularly for older workers wages may not reflect productivity.

Contracts and trust are mechanisms to coordinate processes in supply chains. However, contracts are incomplete and trust takes time to develop. The aim of this paper is to show how Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) can help to manage supply chains (in particular small and medium‐sized companies as its partners) by solving the problem of incomplete contracts as well as replacing trust in new partnerships, especially with respect to intangible performance indicators.

Supply chain management (with an emphasis on coordination) and corporate social responsibility (with an emphasis on codes, especially SA8000) are briefly described, based on a literature review. These descriptions led to three research propositions. In the second part, four cases describe the practice of SA8000. The richness of the cases provides both literal and theoretical replication. Finally, the theoretical and empirical results are compared, with specific regard to the research propositions.

Codes facilitate coordination between immediate partners in a supply chain, especially when the most powerful one enforces the code. However, indirect coordination with second‐ or third‐tier partners is hardly influenced. Chain directors can impose SA8000 certification in the supply chain and the latter can benefit from reduced information asymmetry. Transaction costs are reduced without a loss in flexibility.

The three propositions introduced are supported. Further research could further strengthen the validity of the propositions or show the need for refinements in them. The results show managers that certification can facilitate coordination of intangible aspects of performance to reduce information asymmetry with at least no negative results.

Firms that use SA8000 should take more advantage of it because it reduces information asymmetry and transaction costs, not only between direct partners but also further up‐ and downstream in the chain. Chain directors can use codes to complement incomplete contracts. Third‐party monitoring should be strengthened, especially with respect to second‐ and third‐tier partners.

The originality of the paper is in the analysis of the position of the second‐ and third‐tier participants in the chain, questioning whether codes like SA8000 are a sufficient instrument to make them real partners in the chain. SA8000 increases traceability of proper processes by customers and partners in the chain, which facilitates the coordination and the management of the chain.

The objective of this study is to assess the applicability of Fine's three‐dimensional modularity concept as a tool to describe and to analyze the alignment of product, process, and supply chain architectures. Fine claims that the degree of modularity in the final output product has a one‐to‐one correspondence with the degree of modularity in transformation processes and supply chains.

An exploratory three‐company case study is used to investigate Fine's three‐dimensional modularity concept.

Empirical research shows that Fine's three‐dimensional modularity concept works well for descriptive purposes. However, the concept needs refinement when it is used for analytical purposes. For process modularity, the spatial aspect can be related to the concept of the territorial economy of firms, while the time aspect can be elaborated using a product life‐cycle perspective and the concept of interface reversibility. With respect to supply chain modularity, the concept of modular production networks, which specifies combinations of different degrees of geographic, organizational, cultural, and electronic proximity, is appropriate. In the specific setting of the building industry, a methodology for developing product platform architectures would refine the dimension of product modularity.

Starting from the above‐mentioned concepts, several strands of research are outlined for a further elaboration of product (developing a methodology for developing product platform architectures), process (taking a life‐cycle perspective on module development), and supply chain modularity (analyzing conditions for the application of modular networks).

The application of systematic engineering design methods, interface reversibility, and interorganizational ICT allows firms to align product, process, and supply chain modularity.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the risk factors in homeowners from the individual household’s perspectives within the owner-occupied housing sector of The Netherlands. Risk in home ownership from mortgage providers’ perspectives has received tremendous attention than individual home owner’s perspectives in existing literature following the financial crisis in 2007/2008 within the euro zone.

The paper adopted a broader review of extent literature on the different concepts and views on risk in homeownership. These concepts are unified into a framework that enhances our understanding of the perceived sophisticated risk in owner-occupier with focus on The Netherlands.

From the perspective of the homeowner, two main types of risks were identified: default payment and property price risk. The paper has unearthed a quantum number of factors which underline the above risks. These factors relate to the initial amount of mortgage loan taken out, the future housing expenses and the income development of the owner-occupier. Family disintegration is identified, as one of the main causes of mortgage default and that of property price risk are mainly influenced by income levels, interest rates and conditions in the social and private rental sectors.

Findings of the paper are based on review of the extant literature in the context of the Dutch housing market. Possible rigorous situational analysis using other tools are recommended for further research.

This paper contributes to the much needed body of knowledge in the owner-occupied sector and provides a better understanding of risk in home ownership from the individual perspectives.

Gender differences in leadership and issues around differential progression of male and female leaders are receiving more attention in the fields of human resource and leadership development. However, little is known about how interventions designed to support female leaders are being experienced within real-world contexts of global organizations. There is limited research and discussion on how such interventions are experienced at a more systemic level. This study aims to contribute at this very level.

This study reports on a predominantly coaching-based development program that was designed to further the careers of female leaders within a complex multi-national organization. The study was conducted in a large, global health-care corporation employing 100,000 people based in over 120 countries. The qualitative research design for this study was exploratory, involving a reflexive process at each of the two stages.

The findings from this qualitative research take the debate on “the gendered organization” further by including the voices of female leaders. They demonstrate that whilst theoretically the concept of the “ideal worker” may inhibit progression, this is not necessarily a barrier to career advancement. Coaching, both individual and group, is shown to have a powerful effect on promoting reflection, self-confidence and focus.

There are two research limitations. While confidentiality was promised, the responses of some interviewees were nevertheless still guarded. Other limitations relate to the extent to which this study can be generalized to other contexts, as it was conducted inside a single global corporation.

The study addresses the complex and urgent topic of differential progression and makes a broader contribution by offering a systemic perspective on gender and development in global organizations.