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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2018

Katharina Löhr, Michelle Bonatti, Larissa Hery Ito Ribeiro Homem, Sandro Luis Schlindwein and Stefan Sieber

Collaborative research projects are highly complex organizational settings with specific needs and inherent risks that can endanger project success if not managed well. The…

Abstract

Purpose

Collaborative research projects are highly complex organizational settings with specific needs and inherent risks that can endanger project success if not managed well. The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the knowledge of operational challenges in collaborative research projects to improve both project and conflict management.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the concept of systemic conflict, this study conducts a conflict analysis of a collaborative research project on food security to establish how multiple conflict drivers interact.

Findings

The results show that multiple conflict drivers affect the operation of collaborative research projects and the drivers also interact and do not function in isolation. The study also finds that the importance of some drivers differs when comparing project members’ perceptions with the number of interlinkages between drivers. A conflict map is provided to visualize the results.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence provided in this study is limited because it relies on a single case study and on project members’ perceptions.

Practical implications

The research can help not only the research community and, in particular, project management but also funding bodies in dealing with the unpredictability of outcomes created by project dynamics. In addition, the results can feed into future research, project design and management strategies.

Originality/value

The study applies multidimensional conflict analysis to a field that is understudied.

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Katharina Löhr, Frieder Graef, Michelle Bonatti, Henry F. Mahoo, Jane Wambura and Stefan Sieber

This paper aims to analyze the transferability of a conflict management model developed for business organizations to a temporary and international research project to serve as a…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the transferability of a conflict management model developed for business organizations to a temporary and international research project to serve as a support tool for internal communication and in case of conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the transferability of a conflict management model that was initially developed for business organizations to an international, inter-organizational and temporary research project that is third-party funded. Using a case study, a participatory approach is applied with both qualitative and quantitative methods used.

Findings

The transferability is possible but only with the adaption of conflict prevention. The project’s international and inter-organizational structure further results in a need for decentralization of conflict management responsibilities and diversification of conflict management approaches. Time, financial resources and a high autonomy of cooperation partners limit the degree of participation in the design process.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a case study. Research on comparative design processes are needed to verify or extrapolate findings and to help assess the impact of conflict management systems in other large research projects.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on conflict management systems. By implementing a conflict management system in a temporary, international and scientific project environment, this case study identifies contextual factors relevant for the system design and provides initial test results. As conflict management systems in research projects are not yet prominent, this adapted model of conflict prevention and management can benefit similar projects.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Irene R.R. Lu, Louise A. Heslop, D. Roland Thomas and Ernest Kwan

Country image (CI) has been one of the most studied topics in international business, marketing, and consumer behaviour of the past five decades. Nevertheless, there has been no…

1732

Abstract

Purpose

Country image (CI) has been one of the most studied topics in international business, marketing, and consumer behaviour of the past five decades. Nevertheless, there has been no critical assessment of this field of research. The purpose of this paper is to understand the status and evolution of CI research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review 554 articles published in academic journals over 35 years. The authors examine publication, authorship, and research procedure trends in these articles as an empirical and quantitative assessment of the field. The authors identify weaknesses and strengths, and the authors address disconcerting and encouraging trends.

Findings

The authors find a number of laudatory trends: CI research is becoming less US-centric, more theory driven, more sophisticated in methodology, evaluating more diverse product categories, and making use of multiple cue studies. There are, however, two major methodological concerns: poor replication and questionable generalizability of findings. The authors also noted the influence of CI articles has been decreasing, as well as their rate of publication in top tier journals.

Originality/value

Since the authors present data that reflect actual practices in the field and how such practices have changed across time, the authors believe the study is of substantial value to CI researchers, journal editors, and instructors whose curriculum includes CI. The critical assessment and subsequent recommendations are accordingly empirically justified.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

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