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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2002

Michael J. Tippins, Kathleen M. Rassuli and Stanley C. Hollander

The authors examine issues related to farm‐to‐table direct marketing. We consider motivations and drawbacks associated with participating in farm‐to‐table from both the consumer…

3216

Abstract

The authors examine issues related to farm‐to‐table direct marketing. We consider motivations and drawbacks associated with participating in farm‐to‐table from both the consumer and farmer perspectives. While we find a significant amount of advocacy for the restoration of nostalgic methods of food distribution that remove all intermediaries from direct farmer‐consumer interaction, we conclude that farm‐to‐table direct marketing plays, and is likely to continue to play, a very minor role in US food distribution.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Michael J. Tippins

The ability to acquire, share, and utilize knowledge has become a critical organizational capability as businesses attempt to cope with a rapidly changing environment. Colleges of…

1773

Abstract

The ability to acquire, share, and utilize knowledge has become a critical organizational capability as businesses attempt to cope with a rapidly changing environment. Colleges of business, the critical suppliers of future business managers, are not immune to such environmental changes. As such, many academics have come to realize that they must adopt cultures that embrace continuous learning so that college programs can be periodically updated to meet changing demands. Unfortunately, given the nature of academia, the implementation of many knowledge management (KM) processes is often difficult. To address such difficulties, this paper first identifies several barriers that inhibit KM within the college context and then presents a multi‐step framework that can be used to identify the boundaries of a college’s knowledge base so that it can be reconciled with the body of knowledge and skills currently needed in industry. The paper also offers some general concluding remarks as to the importance of KM and its role in helping colleges of business remain relevant in the educational supply chain.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 17 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 July 2002

Adelina Broadbridge

190

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2011

Michael J. Zhang

This paper seeks to assess the bottom‐line (profitability) impact of information systems support for product innovation at the firm level, based on the current resource‐based view…

2805

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to assess the bottom‐line (profitability) impact of information systems support for product innovation at the firm level, based on the current resource‐based view of the competitive role of information systems (IS). The paper also explores the role of firm‐specific information and knowledge that complement IS support for product innovation in moderating the performance impact of the IS support.

Design/methodology/approach

Both survey and archival data were used to assess the profitability impact of IS support for product innovation. Data tapping IS support for product innovation and firm‐specific, complementary information and knowledge were collected from a survey of senior IS executives from 760 large companies operating in different industries in the United States. The profitability data were obtained from the Research Insight database. Hierarchical regression analyses were employed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Providing IS support for product innovation alone did not improve profitability as measured by return on sales and return on assets. Only when complemented by firm‐specific information and knowledge would IS support for product innovation lead to profitability gains. Research limitations/implications – the use of cross‐sectional data collected from single informants and the coarse scales to measure the key variables may limit the usefulness of the research findings.

Practical implications

It is not sufficient for a firm to simply focus on selecting or designing IS that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its product development process. Rather, the firm and its managers need to pay equal attention to the deployment of firm‐specific information and knowledge resources which would not only facilitate the use and implementation of IS for production innovation, but also make such IS less susceptible to imitation by competitors.

Originality/value

This article provides further evidence for the positive influence of IS‐based product innovation on the bottom‐line performance of firms and uses the resource‐based view of the strategic impact of IS to identify one condition under which such influence may occur. Unlike prior research that gauges the performance effects of IS support for product innovation at the project or department level, this research generates evidence for profitability gains accruing from IS support at the firm level.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Laura Lucia-Palacios, Victoria Bordonaba-Juste, Yolanda Polo-Redondo and Marko Grünhagen

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of e-business implementation (in terms of internal integration and external diffusion) on organizational performance through the…

2280

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of e-business implementation (in terms of internal integration and external diffusion) on organizational performance through the mediating effects of differentiation, enterprise agility, customer relationship development and partner attraction.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of franchisors was conducted across the USA and Spain. Before running the model, the paper tests for measurement invariance across the two country samples. The paper uses structural equation modeling to test the conceptual model.

Findings

The results of the measurement invariance suggest that all the constructs supported this characteristic, except for internal integration. External diffusion leads to differentiation, enterprise agility, relationship development and partner attraction for American and Spanish firms. However, internal integration has no impact on any outcome in the USA while, for Spanish firms, it has a positive and direct effect on economic performance. The full mediating role of non-financial performance between external diffusion and organizational performance depends on the country analyzed. While differentiation and relationship development fully mediate this relationship in the US sample, in the Spanish sample, the advantages of external diffusion are transferred through differentiation, enterprise agility and partner attraction.

Practical implications

–The paper suggests that franchise firms should not focus on the direct effect of e-business implementation on performance. Instead, franchisors should consider that its effect on performance is achieved through greater differentiation, relationship development, enterprise agility and partner attraction. So, the paper suggests that franchisors should think about the long-term effects of the advantages obtained from implementing e-business.

Originality/value

This study contributes to IS research by identifying the link between internal integration and external diffusion and organizational performance through the examination of the mediating role of non-financial performance measures in two countries. Compared with previous research, the paper first analyzes measurement invariance across countries to provide unbiased results.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2007

James R. Van Scotter, Karen Moustafa, Jennifer R. Burnett and Paul G. Michael

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of acquaintance on performance rating accuracy and halo.

1098

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of acquaintance on performance rating accuracy and halo.

Design/methodology/approach

After expert ratings were obtained, US Air Force Officers (n=104) with an average of six years experience rated the performance of four officers who delivered 6‐7 minute briefings on their research projects; 26 raters reported being acquainted with one or more of the briefers. Raters were randomly assigned to use a rating format designed to encourage between‐ratee comparisons on each dimension or a format in which each ratee was separately rated on all dimensions.

Findings

Ratings made by acquainted raters were more accurate than ratings by unacquainted raters. Accuracy was positively correlated with halo for both sets of ratings. Rating format had no discernible effect on accuracy or halo.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that the measure of acquaintance was not designed as a surrogate for familiarity. Development of a multi‐item, psychometrically‐valid measure of acquaintance should be the first step in pursuing this research. The use of a laboratory design where only a small percentage of the sample was acquainted with those being rated also limits the study's generalizability.

Practical implications

The results show that prior acquaintance with the ratee results in more accurate ratings. Ratings were also more positive when raters had prior contact with the person they rated.

Originality/value

The hypothesis is that the cognitive processes used to produce ratings are different for raters who have had no prior contact with a ratee and raters who are in some manner acquainted with a ratee. In the past, a positive halo effect from acquaintance between raters and ratees has been a concern. However, this limited study indicates that acquaintance may actually result in more accurate ratings.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 26 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 June 2019

Balakrishnan V Nair and Chandramalar Munusami

The purpose of this paper is to investigate KM practices that may be in place in the higher education institutions (HEIs) and whether the KM practices are made known to the…

9766

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate KM practices that may be in place in the higher education institutions (HEIs) and whether the KM practices are made known to the employees for improving the teaching and learning environment provided at the Malaysian higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a personal administrated method made available to private higher education institutions academic members in five states with 30 or more employees. A total of 1,100 survey questionnaires were handed out, out of which 273 were collected and were usable (24.8 per cent response rate). The sample was checked for response and non-response bias. Results were tested using SPSS application and questionnaire tools.

Findings

It was essential to establish the knowledge management (KM) capacity in key areas such as the ability to recognise experts within the institution, leadership’s innovation, knowledge sharing and knowledge acquiring work culture, and technology usage. KM tools and techniques would help the institutions to meet their competitive goals; therefore, it is vital for HEIs to create KM awareness among the employees.

Research limitations/implications

Similar to most studies, it is anticipated that the participants’ awareness of KM practices at their HEIs is very high. The samples were collected to evaluate the general view of KM awareness and how participants perceived KM practices. The total samples received for this study were expected; however, they were sufficient to study the impact.

Practical implications

This paper provides support for the importance of KM practices and employees awareness at HEIs to enhance innovation and performance teaching and learning environment.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first papers to find empirical support for the role of KM practices at HEIs. Further, the positioning of KM practices as a competitive tool can be considered as an influential factor to competitive advantage.

Details

Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-7604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2012

Michael Sony and Subhash Naik

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between Six Sigma, organizational learning and innovation performance. Also, whether organizational learning advance…

3250

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between Six Sigma, organizational learning and innovation performance. Also, whether organizational learning advance innovation performance by playing a mediating role between Six Sigma and innovation performance, probing the moderating effects of organizational types between six sigma and organizational learning, and also testing a proposed model to explain the relationships among Six Sigma, organizational type organizational learning, and innovation performance through an empirical examination in the Indian industry context.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlations are used to analyze the degree of relationship between constructs and to further understand the direct and indirect effects, as well as the moderating and mediating effects among the constructs in model, structural equation modeling is conducted using AMOS 6.0 on data collected from Indian industries.

Findings

This study proves the positive relationship between Six Sigma and organizational learning. It also confirms that Six Sigma role structure and Six Sigma focus on metrics contributes positively to organizational innovation, however, Six Sigma structured improvement procedure was found to be negatively related to organizational innovation, thus contributing to Six Sigma‐Innovation Paradox. This study also rejects moderating effects of organizational type between Six Sigma and organizational learning.

Research limitations/implications

Cultural context is a critical factor not only on Six Sigma, but also organizational learning, and organization innovation for investigating hence future study should consider this aspect. This research suggests the need for more intensive research to explore in more depth the relationship between Six Sigma structured improvement procedure, and the administrative and the technical innovation to identify the existence of potentially mediating variables in order to understand what is named the Six Sigma‐Innovation Paradox.

Practical implications

The findings are useful for business managers in developing countries such as India, who want to enhance business performance through implementing Six Sigma practices that support their firm's product and services innovation efforts.

Originality/value

The study has contributed to establishing an empirical research between Six Sigma, organizational learning and organizational innovations that facilitates more quality management research in developing countries. It has contributed to clarifying the disputed relationship between Six Sigma practices and the firm's learning and innovativeness, and shows empirical evidence in India to confirm that the Six Sigma practices deployed by a firm has a positive impact on its organizational learning. Six Sigma focuses on role structure and metrics contributed positively to innovation, however the Six Sigma effect of procedure on organizational innovation is negatively related, thus opening new areas of Six Sigma‐Innovation Paradox.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Changiz Valmohammadi

This study aims to provide reliable and valid constructs of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a measurement instrument in the context of Iranian organizations based on the…

4177

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide reliable and valid constructs of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a measurement instrument in the context of Iranian organizations based on the seven core subjects of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26000 standard. It also examines the effects of these seven CSR criteria, namely, organizational governance, human rights, labor practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues and community involvement, and development on the organizational performance of Iranian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive study of literature review, the related items of these core subjects were identified. Data for the study were collected from 207 Iranian manufacturing and service firms. The research model was tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Statistical analysis revealed that a number of significant relationships between CSR practices and organizational performance of Iranian organizations. The result found that community involvement and development plays an important role in enhancing organizational performance of organizations.

Research limitations/implications

First, the time sequence of the association between the variables could not be concluded, given that cross-sectional data were used. A future study is suggested to conduct a longitudinal research design to present the evidence of causation which cannot be achieved through cross-sectional designs. Second, this study was limited to Iran. Hence, the findings and conclusions drawn from this research are representative of the Iranian context only. Hence, final results should be considered with caution.

Practical implications

This study offers a number of implications for Iranian managers and policy-makers. First, this study identified that there is a relationship between CSR practices based on the seven core subjects of ISO 26000 and firm performance in the context of Iran. Second, the instrument developed, in this research, will be very useful to policy-makers in various industries of Iran as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of their current CSR practices and initiatives. Third, decision-makers can also prioritize the CSR practices on which their firms should focus to improve their organizational performance.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is to determine the related items of the core subjects of ISO 26000 as the main factors and offer an instrument to measure the effects of various CSR practices on organizational performance of Iranian firms in the context of Iran.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 July 2018

Samuel Fosso Wamba, Shahriar Akter, Laura Trinchera and Marc De Bourmont

Big data analytics (BDA) increasingly provide value to firms for robust decision making and solving business problems. The purpose of this paper is to explore information quality…

1956

Abstract

Purpose

Big data analytics (BDA) increasingly provide value to firms for robust decision making and solving business problems. The purpose of this paper is to explore information quality dynamics in big data environment linking business value, user satisfaction and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the appraisal-emotional response-coping framework, the authors propose a theory on information quality dynamics that helps in achieving business value, user satisfaction and firm performance with big data strategy and implementation. Information quality from BDA is conceptualized as the antecedent to the emotional response (e.g. value and satisfaction) and coping (performance). Proposed information quality dynamics are tested using data collected from 302 business analysts across various organizations in France and the USA.

Findings

The findings suggest that information quality in BDA reflects four significant dimensions: completeness, currency, format and accuracy. The overall information quality has significant, positive impact on firm performance which is mediated by business value (e.g. transactional, strategic and transformational) and user satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

On the one hand, this paper shows how to operationalize information quality, business value, satisfaction and firm performance in BDA using PLS-SEM. On the other hand, it proposes an REBUS-PLS algorithm to automatically detect three groups of users sharing the same behaviors when determining the information quality perceptions of BDA.

Practical implications

The study offers a set of determinants for information quality and business value in BDA projects, in order to support managers in their decision to enhance user satisfaction and firm performance.

Originality/value

The paper extends big data literature by offering an appraisal-emotional response-coping framework that is well fitted for information quality modeling on firm performance. The methodological novelty lies in embracing REBUS-PLS to handle unobserved heterogeneity in the sample.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 57 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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