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Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

Principles for innovation management in family firms: An analysis of long-term successful good practices with a practitioner validation of the principles

Hermann Frank, Alexander Kessler, Christine Bachner, Elena Fuetsch and Julia Suess-Reyes

Family firms (FF) reveal a considerable heterogeneity in their innovation behavior. Due to the successful long-term preservation of their innovation capacity via special…

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Abstract

Purpose

Family firms (FF) reveal a considerable heterogeneity in their innovation behavior. Due to the successful long-term preservation of their innovation capacity via special resources and routines, multi-generational FF are of special interest in terms of learning from good practices. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to ascertain principles for successful innovation behavior in long-term successful FF and to contribute to bridging the theory-practice gap.

Design/method/approach

Results are generated by analyzing innovation and innovation processes in five cases of long-term successful FF. On the basis of these good practice cases, the “rules of the game” of innovating are re-constructed using fine and system analyses based on narrative interviews with the FF CEOs.

Findings

Intense reflection on the innovation characteristics of the five good practice cases along with a critical examination of the literature on innovation in FF were used to derive practical suggestions for FF in the form of 11 principles for FF taking a proactive interest in innovation.

Practical implications

The 11 generated principles of successfully innovative FF were validated by FF CEOs who confirmed the practical relevance of these principles as valuable guidelines for successful innovation. Owners and managers may reflect on these principles against the background of the innovation behavior of their firms and adapt them to their contextual conditions.

Originality/value

These principles serve as tangible suggestions for developing adequate innovation management strategies for individual FF. Furthermore, two FF CEOs were invited to comment on the viability of principles based on their comprehensive practical experience.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-09-2018-0049
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

  • Family business
  • Qualitative research
  • Good practices
  • Practitioner validation of principles
  • Principles of successful innovation

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Article
Publication date: 16 August 2013

An instrument for assessing lean service adoption

Malin Malmbrandt and Pär Åhlström

The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate an instrument containing operational measures of lean service. The instrument is intended for use by both…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate an instrument containing operational measures of lean service. The instrument is intended for use by both researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument was developed and validated in an iterative process between theoretical and empirical insights. Drawing on a wide selection of frequently cited papers on lean service, a preliminary list of items was generated. These items were then vetted through four steps in order to achieve high validity. Empirical refinement and validation included workshops and semi‐structured interviews with expert practitioners, as well as testing the instrument's ability to discriminate between high and low adoption of lean and portray changes during lean service adoption.

Findings

The instrument contains 34 items that assess enablers of lean adoption, lean practices, and operational performance. Empirical validation suggested the instrument was able to discriminate between high and low adoption of lean service, as well as portray changes over time during lean adoption.

Practical implications

Practicing managers will be able to use the instrument in order to track progress during lean service adoption, thereby identifying and acting upon deviations from planned progress.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first comprehensive attempt to develop an instrument for assessing lean service adoption. Through this instrument, operational definitions of lean service will allow researchers to measure the level of lean service adoption, and using this information, to develop knowledge of for instance the contingencies to lean service adoption, the problems and pitfalls in lean service adoption and the feasibility of transferring practices to various service settings.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 33 no. 9
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-05-2011-0175
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

  • Performance measurement
  • Lean production
  • Assessment instrument
  • Lean service
  • Service industries

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Article
Publication date: 23 April 2010

Validation of the moral competency inventory measurement instrument: Content, construct, convergent and discriminant approaches

Daniel E. Martin and Benjamin Austin

The purpose of this paper is to introduce practitioners to the appropriate use of measures of unethical behaviour, evaluate the use of integrity‐related assessments for…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce practitioners to the appropriate use of measures of unethical behaviour, evaluate the use of integrity‐related assessments for use in personnel selection, and determine the validity of the moral competency index (MCI) instrument using standard validation procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

Content, construct, convergent and discriminant approaches are applied to establish the relative validity of the assessment tool.

Findings

The results of the MCI purport to align with one's moral values and behaviours. The paper establishes face validity of the MCI measure, but fails to establish an appropriate simple factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and support for the lack of impact of demographic factors on the purported measure of moral intelligence.

Research limitations/implications

An acceptable but constrained (working students) sample was used in the validation.

Practical implications

Researchers and practitioners should be familiar with psychometric principles to ensure the use of valid tools in a predictive and defensible manner. New measures can be developed, but should be validated before being used for developmental or personnel decision‐making purposes.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the lack of validity associated with the MCI instrument; researchers and practitioners are exposed to considerations in the appropriate use of measures of unethical behaviour, and exposed to several previously validated integrity‐related assessments for use in personnel decision‐making.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/01409171011041884
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

  • Ethics
  • Competences
  • Responsibilities
  • Personnel psychology
  • Selection

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2017

Resistance is overcome in one dialogic OD model (Appreciative Inquiry)

Anthony H. Schmidt

This study was launched because practitioners of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) instilled awareness for needed AI outcome research. Therefore, the goal of this research was to…

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Abstract

This study was launched because practitioners of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) instilled awareness for needed AI outcome research. Therefore, the goal of this research was to identify the salient AI processes and levers and the rate of AI success and failure. This study was specific to U.S. municipalities due to a researcher finding AI failure probability therein. In direct opposition, eight U.S. municipalities were identified from the literature as having utilized AI in 14 projects and all were successful even when resistance was present in three applications. A survey revealed 15 AI initiatives identified as successful even when resistance was present in eight, resulting in validation. This study utilized a mixed methods exploratory case study design, sequentially in the mix, consisting of a literature review and application of two unique instruments applied to three populations.

Details

International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOTB-20-01-2017-B001
ISSN: 1093-4537

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Article
Publication date: 3 October 2016

Lean and agile integration within offsite construction using discrete event simulation: A systematic literature review

Sherif Mostafa, Nicholas Chileshe and Tariq Abdelhamid

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyse and synthesise the existing research published on offsite manufacturing/construction. The study aims to highlight…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyse and synthesise the existing research published on offsite manufacturing/construction. The study aims to highlight and associate the core elements for adopting the offsite concept in different construction contexts. This ultimately facilitates the enhancement of the offsite uptake.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study was carried out through a systematic literature review (SLR). The SLR was conducted to identify and understand the existing themes in the offsite research landscape, evaluate contributions and compile knowledge, thereby identifying potential directions of future research. The grand electronic databases were explored to gather literature on the offsite concept, lean and agile principles and simulation. A total of 62 related articles published between 1992 and 2015 have been included in this study. The relevant literature was systematically analysed and synthesised to present the emerging offsite themes.

Findings

The descriptive and thematic analyses presented in this paper have identified related offsite research studies that have contributed to setting a firm foundation of the offsite concept in different construction contexts. Each of the 62 articles was examined for achieving the aim and objectives of this study, the method of data collection and coverage of offsite themes. The results of the analyses revealed that the articles mostly provide information on the offsite concept and its definitions (53 per cent) and offsite barriers and/or drivers (27 per cent). However, limited attention has been paid to the integration of lean and agile principles (13 per cent) and simulation (7 per cent) within the offsite concept, which are therefore more open to research within the offsite concept.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review highlights the main themes and components of the offsite construction concept. This forms a solid basis and motivation for researchers and practitioners to build on to enhance the uptake of the offsite concept in different contexts. This study also presents a research roadmap within the offsite concept, along with a recommendation for further research to be conducted using the research framework proposed in this study. The framework could lead to validation of using simulation to integrate lean and agile principles within the offsite concept.

Originality/value

This paper presents a systematic review of the literature related to offsite construction in different contexts. The emerging components, that is, offsite definitions, drivers and/or barriers, lean and agile principles and simulation have been highlighted and discussed thematically. A research framework that enables pursuit of the integration of lean and agile principles offsite through the lens of simulation has been proposed. The framework is expected to open up new opportunities on the effectiveness of offsite development in different contexts.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-09-2014-0043
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

  • Modelling and simulation
  • Systematic literature review
  • Future roadmap and framework
  • Lean and agile principles
  • Offsite construction
  • Offsite manufacturing

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Article
Publication date: 23 July 2020

An objective hermeneutic approach to qualitative validation

Rafael Borim-de-Souza, Eric Ford Travis, Luciano Munck and Bárbara Galleli

Inspired by objective hermeneutics (Oevermann, 1984, 1996, 1999; Oevermann et al., 1979; Weller, 2010; Wohrab-Sahr, 2003) and qualitative validation (Adcock and Collier…

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Abstract

Purpose

Inspired by objective hermeneutics (Oevermann, 1984, 1996, 1999; Oevermann et al., 1979; Weller, 2010; Wohrab-Sahr, 2003) and qualitative validation (Adcock and Collier, 2001; Martis, 2006; Maxwell, 1992), the authors present this essay with the aim of proposing an objective hermeneutic approach to qualitative validation.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to develop this approach, the authors consider the contributions of Martis (2006) and Maxwell (1992) about theoretical–empirical validity, Adcock and Collier's propositions (2001) regarding the conceptualization and evaluation of phenomena through specific levels, tasks and stages of validation and the principles of objective hermeneutic interpretation proposed by Wohlrab-Sahr (2003).

Findings

Three main contributions are considered: theoretical–empirical validity (Martis, 2006; Maxwell, 1992); levels of validation – theoretical framework, systematized concept, indicators and results (Adcock and Collier, 2001); stages of validation – content validity, convergent validity and nomological validity (Adcock and Collier, 2001); and principles of objective hermeneutic interpretation – sequential interpretation, mental–experimental explanation of possible interpretations, preservation rule, literal character of interpretation, totality, reflection about knowledge used in the analysis and group of interpreters (Wohrab-Sahr, 2003). These contributions were related to establishing a framework that illustrates the proposed objective hermeneutic approach to qualitative validation.

Originality/value

The authors intend to offer to the scope of organization studies an alternative for validation, so that the voices of the researched can be heard. Furthermore, the authors seek to guide researchers as to how to respect and protect what is heard, in order to avoid any invasion of others' discourse.

Details

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-08-2019-1806
ISSN: 1746-5648

Keywords

  • Objective hermeneutics
  • Qualitative validation
  • Organization studies

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Article
Publication date: 13 September 2011

The constructive research approach in project management research

Adekunle Oyegoke

Project management (PM) is a diverse discipline which covers the study of management practices. Different research approaches have been used in the study of PM but not…

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Abstract

Purpose

Project management (PM) is a diverse discipline which covers the study of management practices. Different research approaches have been used in the study of PM but not much emphasis has been given to the constructive approach which is implicitly applied in most cases through managerial constructions. The purpose of this paper is to support the application of the constructive research approach to the construction PM discipline. It is also aimed at showing the rigour of the constructive research approach that satisfies the requirements of applied studies research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out via extensive literature review and a demonstrative example of the development of the Specialist Task Organisation procurement approach through the six stages of the constructive research approach.

Findings

The paper shows the applicability of the constructive research approach to construction and PM. The paper also highlights some criticisms that the constructive approach has not been firmly rooted in PM research and suggests some solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The constructive research approach is applicable to the PM discipline because most research in this field is applied and practical. The paper specifically scrutinises and promotes the constructive research approach.

Originality/value

The paper will provide an additional research tool in the PM discipline that produces innovative solutions which are grounded by valid research instruments. The impact of this paper will increase the popularity of this research methodology, generate and stimulate a debate to further explore its application and the development in the PM discipline.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17538371111164029
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

  • Constructive research
  • Project management
  • Validation
  • Triangulation
  • Task specialization

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Article
Publication date: 15 March 2013

A systematic literature review of semiotics perception in user interfaces

Muhammad Nazrul Islam

The underlying objective of this literature review was to investigate what kinds of semiotics researches have been employed in user interfaces design and usability…

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Abstract

Purpose

The underlying objective of this literature review was to investigate what kinds of semiotics researches have been employed in user interfaces design and usability evaluation, and how were they employed.

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows a systematic literature review process that consists of three key stages: planning the review, conducting the review, and reporting the review. Starting with an initial set of about 1,000 research articles, 65 were selected for this review, using an inclusion and exclusion criteria. Qualitative and quantitative data were extracted from the selected literatures following a data extraction strategy in six themes of data extraction. The extracted data were synthesized to formulate the stated research questions to obtain the review goals.

Findings

This systematic review identified research strengths, gaps, and challenges. Apart from this, further research possibilities were also explored in this review. For research, the review showed clear needs for more researches to increase both the number and the quality of studies that can be focused on the research gaps identified by this systematic review related to: outcome validation; cultural issues consideration; user interfaces of mobile applications and websites; semiotics perception in usability evaluation; and further improve the value and applicability of research ideas. For practice, the review showed the significance of semeiotics in user interface design and usability evaluation to develop users' intuitive interfaces for boosting the system's usability.

Originality/value

Based on a systematic literature review, the paper not only depicts the current status of semiotics research in user interface design and evaluation, but also provides a number of implications for research and practice. Thus, the review contributes to the scientific community of user interface design and evaluation, as well as suggesting the actual advances in the state of the practice in semiotics research on user interface.

Details

Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13287261311322585
ISSN: 1328-7265

Keywords

  • User interfaces
  • Design
  • Character user interfaces
  • Graphical user interfaces
  • Research work
  • Usability
  • Semiotics
  • Human‐computer interaction
  • Interface signs
  • Systematic literature review

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Article
Publication date: 5 January 2015

The collective creativity of academics and practitioners in innovation projects

Torild Alise W. Oddane

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the adequacy of the common individual creativity vs organizatonal innovation dichotomy in a complex real-life context.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the adequacy of the common individual creativity vs organizatonal innovation dichotomy in a complex real-life context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a retrospective case study of a R&D project in a large industrial company.

Findings

The paper shows that understanding the relationship between creativity and innovation as a matter of individual creativity followed by subsequent collective innovation, fails to account for the inherent collective, and improvisational nature of innovation projects. To deal with this weakness, the paper proposes a reconceptualization of the relationship in terms of a capacity/activity distinction which views creativity as an individual and collective integral part of the complex innovation activity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not discuss challenges regarding collaboration between people representing a variety of expertise, interests, and organizational belongings.

Practical implications

The paper points out that continuous collective creativity is more important than initial individual creativity in complex real-life projects. The paper provides specific examples of work forms and approaches encouraging the collective creativity of researchers and practitioners in an innovation project. The work forms and approaches show how people continually deal with complexity, uncertainty and “the unexpected.” As such, the paper may be valuable to managers of complex real life-projects involving people with a great variety of expertise.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a reconceptualization of the relationship between creativity and innovation which forms a contrast to the most common ways to distinquish between the phenomena. The capacity/activity distinction reflects the common assumption of a close relationship between creativity and innovation, but does not restrict creativity to the individual level or initial stage of innovation projects only. As such, the reconceptualization of the relationship between creativity and innovation can form the basis for practice-based theories in project management.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-10-2013-0060
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

  • Innovation
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Academics
  • Practitioners
  • Work forms

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Article
Publication date: 31 August 2012

Exploring lean construction practice, research, and education

Thaís da C., Colin Milberg and Kenneth D. Walsh

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the history of dissemination and use of lean concepts in construction and potential challenges for continued use, as…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the history of dissemination and use of lean concepts in construction and potential challenges for continued use, as application of lean concepts transitions from a small group of first adopters to an industry‐wide community.

Design/methodology/approach

Using insights obtained from a meeting with industry practitioners, literature review, and published cases in which different approaches were used to disseminate lean production/construction, evidence is presented that supports these challenges.

Findings

The authors identify three challenges facing lean construction (LC) practitioners, researchers, and educators. One challenge is lean has many meanings (whether denoted or connoted) when applied to construction. Another challenge is to have academics constantly working with industry practitioners to keep working on the adaptation of concepts/systems and not only tools. The third challenge is that without a sustained effort to engage people in meaningful learning experiences, LC may be viewed as a fad in the construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion presents the authors’ interpretation of facts and existing literature reviewed to support the arguments made. Moreover, while the literature reviewed addresses sources from different parts of the world, the preponderance of the authors’ research activities and experience are limited to two countries, Brazil and the USA.

Practical implications

In the face of overwhelming interest in lean by the construction industry, research on effective methods for disseminating lean concepts is overdue.

Social implications

By partnering with industry practitioners who are already implementing LC or want to start the journey, academics have access to projects (labs in the real world) and can bring back to the classroom examples to educate future generations of professionals who can push for changes in the industry. This partnership also helps the validation of experiments regarding LC implementation, as data can be collected and analyzed in a scientific way, and can be documented for dissemination within the industry.

Originality/value

The paper discusses challenges related to the evolution of LC in the industry, with the aim of forming a basis for an informed discussion on how to promote sustained and informed learning in construction.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09699981211259595
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • United States of America
  • Brazil
  • Construction industry
  • Education
  • Lean construction
  • Construction management

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