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1 – 10 of 63
Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Hendrik Winzer, Tor Kristian Stevik, Kaspar Akilles Lilja, Therese Seljevold and Joachim Scholderer

Tactical capacity planning is crucial when hospitals must cope with substantial changes in patient requirements, as recently experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. However…

Abstract

Purpose

Tactical capacity planning is crucial when hospitals must cope with substantial changes in patient requirements, as recently experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there is only little understanding of the nature of capacity limitations in a hospital, which is essential for effective tactical capacity planning.

Design/methodology/approach

We report a detailed analysis of capacity limitations at a Norwegian tertiary public hospital and conducted 22 in-depth interviews. The informants participated in capacity planning and decision-making during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data are clustered into categories of capacity limitations and a correspondence analysis provides additional insights.

Findings

Personnel and information were the most mentioned types of capacity limitations, and middle management and organizational functions providing specialized treatment felt most exposed to capacity limitations. Further analysis reveals that capacity limitations are dynamic and vary across hierarchical levels and organizational functions.

Research limitations/implications

Future research on tactical capacity planning should take interdisciplinary patient pathways better into account as capacity limitations are dynamic and systematically different for organizational functions and hierarchical levels.

Practical implications

We argue that our study possesses common characteristics of tertiary public hospitals, including professional silos and fragmentation of responsibilities along patient pathways. Therefore, we recommend operations managers in hospitals to focus more on intra-organizational information flows to increase the agility of their organization.

Originality/value

Our detailed capacity limitation analysis at a tertiary public hospital in Norway during the Covid-19 pandemic provides novel insights into the nature of capacity limitations, which may enhance tactical capacity planning.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 February 2024

Anna-Leena Kurki, Elina Weiste, Hanna Toiviainen, Sari Käpykangas and Hilkka Ylisassi

The involvement of clients in service encounters and service development has become a central principle for contemporary health and social care organizations. However, in…

Abstract

Purpose

The involvement of clients in service encounters and service development has become a central principle for contemporary health and social care organizations. However, in day-to-day work settings, the shift toward client involvement is still in progress. We examined how health and social care professionals, together with clients and managers, co-develop their conceptions of client involvement and search for practical ways in which to implement these in organizational service processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical case of this study was a developmental intervention, the client involvement workshop, conducted in a Finnish municipal social and welfare center. The cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) framework was used to analyze the development of client involvement ideas and the modes of interaction during the intervention.

Findings

Analysis of the collective discussion revealed that the conceptions of client involvement developed through two interconnected object-orientations: Enabling client involvement in service encounters and promoting client involvement in the service system. The predominant mode of interaction in the collective discussion was that of “coordination.” The clients' perspective and contributions were central aspects in the turning points from coordination to cooperation; professionals crossed organizational boundaries, and together with clients, constructed a new client involvement-based object. This suggests that client participation plays an important role in the development of services.

Originality/value

The CHAT-based examination of the modes of interaction clarifies the potential of co-developing client-involvement-based services and highlights the importance of clients' participation in co-development.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 38 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Thomas De Lombaert, Kris Braekers, René De Koster and Katrien Ramaekers

Warehouses are under pressure to operate as efficiently as possible. In pursuit of attaining high efficiency in the order picking process, the warehouse manager must take several…

Abstract

Purpose

Warehouses are under pressure to operate as efficiently as possible. In pursuit of attaining high efficiency in the order picking process, the warehouse manager must take several planning decisions, typically supported by a central planning system. However, highly centralised work erodes the autonomy of warehouse workers, interfering with worker well-being and productivity. This study holistically explores the impact of a work system with more decision autonomy for order pickers.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct a unique field experiment in a real-world warehouse and use a within-subjects design to compare two work systems, one with worker autonomy and one without. 18 permanent employees participate in our study, in which we measure both psychosocial and physical well-being as well as productivity. Post-experimental interviews are conducted to delve deeper into the observed effects.

Findings

Our study illustrates that involving order pickers in operational decisions can benefit their job satisfaction and motivation without compromising productivity. Although we fail to find significance at the conventional level (α = 0.05), we do find marginally significant effects of our treatment on physical well-being aspects. Furthermore, our intervention invoked a highly positive user experience.

Practical implications

We show that slightly loosening tight process control results in organisational and individual benefits without endangering smooth operational flows. The warehouse in this paper acknowledged this and decided to permanently work according to this philosophy.

Originality/value

This study is the first to holistically explore the effects of a participatory work setting in a real-world warehouse.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 May 2024

Mohanad Rezeq, Tarik Aouam and Frederik Gailly

Authorities have set up numerous security checkpoints during times of armed conflict to control the flow of commercial and humanitarian trucks into and out of areas of conflict…

Abstract

Purpose

Authorities have set up numerous security checkpoints during times of armed conflict to control the flow of commercial and humanitarian trucks into and out of areas of conflict. These security checkpoints have become highly utilized because of the complex security procedures and increased truck traffic, which significantly slow the delivery of relief aid. This paper aims to improve the process at security checkpoints by redesigning the current process to reduce processing time and relieve congestion at checkpoint entrance gates.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision-support tool (clearing function distribution model [CFDM]) is used to minimize the effects of security checkpoint congestion on the entire humanitarian supply network using a hybrid simulation-optimization approach. By using a business process simulation, the current and reengineered processes are both simulated, and the simulation output was used to estimate the clearing function (capacity as a function of the workload). For both the AS-IS and TO-BE models, key performance indicators such as distribution costs, backordering and process cycle time were used to compare the results of the CFDM tool. For this, the Kerem Abu Salem security checkpoint south of Gaza was used as a case study.

Findings

The comparison results demonstrate that the CFDM tool performs better when the output of the TO-BE clearing function is used.

Originality/value

The efforts will contribute to improving the planning of any humanitarian network experiencing congestion at security checkpoints by minimizing the impact of congestion on the delivery lead time of relief aid to the final destination.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2024

Sumit Sodhay, Lalit Mohan Kathuria, Tanveen Kaur and Gurpreet Kaur

The study aims to investigate the factors influencing the behavioural intention of bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers in developing economies, such as India, to adopt mobile…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the factors influencing the behavioural intention of bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers in developing economies, such as India, to adopt mobile wallets, drawing upon the framework of the uses and gratification theory. Furthermore, the study also examines the moderating effect of gender.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective, primary data were collected from a sample of 220 respondents using the survey method. The reliability and validity of the survey instrument were demonstrated through confirmatory factor analysis. Subsequently, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The study revealed that only convenience and social influence have a positive significant influence on the behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets whereas, innovativeness, trust and compatibility have no significant relationship with behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets among the BOP consumers. Further, gender moderates the relationship between compatibility and behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets in India.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the underexplored area of research concerning the behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets among BOP consumers in a developing economy. It introduces a novel approach by using the uses and gratifications theory to uncover the underlying motivations behind adoption behaviour.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Noel Nutsugah, Kobby Mensah, Raphael Odoom and Amin Ayarnah

Social networking sites have become breeding grounds for the spread of fake news and misinformation. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the spread of fake news intensified…

Abstract

Purpose

Social networking sites have become breeding grounds for the spread of fake news and misinformation. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the spread of fake news intensified, causing complications for health communicators by drowning authentic information from verifiable official sources. Looking at the impact of this growing phenomenon on people’s attitudes and behaviour during the pandemic, research in the area must be populated to help governments, supranational organisations, non-governmental organisations as well as civil society organisations to formulate policies to curb the menace. This study was therefore undertaken to unravel current gaps and future research avenues to empower academia in achieving the desired scholarly impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the systematic review approach, relying on 56 peer-reviewed articles on social media, fake news and misinformation in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Findings

The study found that the use of social media during the height of the pandemic led to unhelpful information creation and sharing behaviours such that people’s self-awareness reduced drastically, thereby impeding the fight against the pandemic. The study also established that Entertainment motives, Ignorance and Altruism motives were the dominant factors that influenced the spread of fake news. There was evidence of the marginalization of research on the subject matter from contexts such as Africa, South America and Oceania.

Originality/value

This study has established existing gaps in issues and evidence, methodology, theory and context and consequently discussed future research avenues for social media use and the spread of fake news. The study has also provided practical implications for both governmental and non-governmental organisations in curbing the phenomenon of fake news and misinformation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-07-2022-0366.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Andreas Kiky, Apriani Dorkas Rambu Atahau, Linda Ariany Mahastanti and Supatmi Supatmi

This paper aims to explore the development of investment decision tools by understanding the rationality behind the disposition effect. We suspect that not all disposition…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the development of investment decision tools by understanding the rationality behind the disposition effect. We suspect that not all disposition decisions are irrational. The decisions should be evaluated based on the bounded rationality of the individuals’ target and tolerance level, which is not covered in previous literature. Adding the context of individual preference (target and tolerance) in their decision could improve the classic measurement of disposition effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The laboratory web experiment is prepared to collect the responses in holding and selling the stocks within 14 days. Two groups of Gen Z investors are observed. The control group makes a decision based on their judgment without any system recommendation. In contrast, the second group gets help inputting their target and tolerance. Furthermore, the framing effect is also applied as a reminder of their target and tolerance to induce more holding decisions on gain but selling on loss.

Findings

The framing effect is adequate to mitigate the disposition effect but only at the early day of observation. Bounded rationality explains the rationality of liquidating the gain because the participants have reached their goal. The framing effect is not moderated by days to affect the disposition effect; over time, the disposition effect tends to be higher. A new measurement of the disposition effect in the context of bounded rationality is better than the original disposition effect coefficient.

Practical implications

Gen Z investors need a system aid to help their investment decisions set their target and tolerance to mitigate the disposition effect. Investment firms can make a premium feature based on real-time market data for investors to manage their assets rationally in the long run. Bounded rationality theory offers more flexibility in understanding the gap between profit maximization and irrational decisions in behavioral finance. The government can use this finding to develop a suitable policy and ecosystem to help beginner investors understand investment risk and manage their assets based on subjective risk tolerance.

Originality/value

The classic Proportion Gain Realized (PGR) and Proportion Loss Realized (PLR) measurements cannot accommodate several contexts of users’ targets and tolerance in their choices, which we argue need to be re-evaluated with bounded rationality. Therefore, this article proposed new measurements that account for the users’ target and tolerance level to evaluate the rationality of their decision.

Details

Review of Behavioral Finance, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1940-5979

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Ajai Pal Sharma, Slađana (Sladjana) Starčević (Starcevic) and Raiswa Saha

Advances in digital technologies and the growing number of touch points have had a significant impact on the shopping behaviour of omnichannel customers. Several research papers…

Abstract

Purpose

Advances in digital technologies and the growing number of touch points have had a significant impact on the shopping behaviour of omnichannel customers. Several research papers have explored different facets of omnichannel, but only a few have thoroughly explored the literature on showrooming and webrooming simultaneously. This paper aims to identify the key groups of antecedents influencing customer buying behaviour in omnichannel, under the influence of digital technologies, with a particular focus on showrooming and webrooming.

Design/methodology/approach

Our study conducted a systematic literature review to identify the factors influencing customers’ buying behaviour in omnichannel, which have been the subject of academic discussion over the last decade. We finalized 149 articles for the thematic analysis and identified three groups of antecedents: channel-related, product-related and consumer-related with their subgroups.

Findings

Under channel-related antecedents, cost and perceived benefits, search convenience, need for interaction and situational circumstances have been identified as major attributes. The expressiveness of the product, product demonstration and search and experienced products have been identified under product-related antecedents, followed by price consciousness, past experiences, perceived risks and shopping motivations as leading attributes under consumer-related antecedents. The study revealed the multifaceted influence of digital technologies on omnichannel buying behaviour. Digital technologies are shaping the antecedents related to channels, products and consumers. Digital technologies simultaneously mediate between antecedents and the selection of a specific path within an omnichannel environment. Showrooming and webrooming should no longer be seen as general concepts. The rise of digital technologies has led to the development of new consumer journey patterns and the blurring of distinctions between showrooming and webrooming. A conceptual framework has been proposed to understand consumers' omnichannel behaviour, having considered the identified antecedents and the role of digital technologies.

Practical implications

This study advances the academic understanding of consumer behaviour in omnichannel under the influence of digital technologies and provides important implications for omnichannel management. With the advancement of digital technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality, retailers should implement channel integration strategies to bridge the gap between online and offline channels, providing a memorable shopping experience for omnichannel customers.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it identifies and analyses the antecedents of consumer behaviour in omnichannel settings under the influence of digital technologies. It also uncovers new potential combinations of showrooming and webrooming patterns. The proposed framework can help retailers in their future planning of omnichannel strategies.

Details

Journal of Service Theory and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-6225

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Cong Zhao, Abu Hanifa Md. Noman and Mohammad Zoynul Abedin

As opposed to conventional promotional methods, Word-of-Mouth (WOM) communication, especially when negative, significantly shapes customers’ repurchase decisions and preferences…

Abstract

Purpose

As opposed to conventional promotional methods, Word-of-Mouth (WOM) communication, especially when negative, significantly shapes customers’ repurchase decisions and preferences. Therefore, this study aims to examine the interplay between negative WOM and bank service failures, with a focus on the mediating role of customer switching intentions and the moderating role of switching costs in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online semi-structured questionnaire survey, a dataset comprising 411 responses was gathered from retail bank customers in China. This dataset was subsequently analyzed using SPSS PROCESS.

Findings

Consistent with the social exchange theory, our study revealed a significant relationship between service failure and both bank customers’ intention to switch and negative WOM communication. Additionally, we observed that switching intentions significantly influence negative WOM communications, acting as a mediator between service failures and negative WOM. Furthermore, our findings indicated that switching costs moderate the direct effect of service failures on negative WOM and moderate the indirect effect of service failures on negative WOM through switching intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides significant policy implications aimed at minimizing bank service failures and subsequent negative WOM communications among bank customers.

Originality/value

This study empirically investigates the role of service failures in promoting negative WOM communication, demonstrating a partial mediation effect of switching intentions in this relationship. Moreover, the study highlights that switching costs moderate service failures’ impact on customers’ switching intentions.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Ahmad Nadzri Mohamad

This paper aims to explore the extent of open data actualization for start-up entrepreneurs based on affordance theory. The principal interest of the study revolves around the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the extent of open data actualization for start-up entrepreneurs based on affordance theory. The principal interest of the study revolves around the possible actions or actualization of open data for innovation and entrepreneurial benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a qualitative case study as the research design. The author consulted the central public agency that manages open data implementations in Malaysia regarding the research topic. By doing so, the author recognized and interviewed start-up entrepreneurs who actualize open data in businesses. From that exercise, the author conducted a snowball sampling technique to recruit more informants for the research. Start-up entrepreneurs selected for the study must be active in an entrepreneurial project and have at least one year of experience using open data for innovation and entrepreneurship. The author conducted 30 online semistructured interviews with start-up entrepreneurs, representatives from open data providers and a start-up association for triangulation purposes. The author adopted affordance theory as a lens of understanding. Qualitative analysis software was used to generate research findings.

Findings

In this study, start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data in three principal areas: product building with open data, value creation with existing products and open data for business research and strategies. The study came across distinct narratives of local start-ups that build open data products named “a property start-up,” “mechanics on the go” and “peer-to-peer digital charity movement.” Also, the study discovered three unanticipated findings about the research topic. First, the study uncovered two start-ups that used open data to enhance algorithm designs. Second, the study revealed a unique narrative of a start-up that pivoted business ideas based on open data during the Covid-19 pandemic. Third, the study learned about a start-up that initiated strategic partnerships with an agricultural association and smallholder farmers inspired by open data. These findings extend the literature on how start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data for entrepreneurial gains in a developing economy. What is also unique about this study is that there might be an open data misconception among start-up entrepreneurs. The findings advocate that some start-up entrepreneurs believed all data should be shared or opened upon request based on the generic understanding of open data. Clearly, this is a fallacy, and better awareness is required among start-up entrepreneurs regarding open data principles and implementations.

Practical implications

Data providers need to build a credible image of open data as a foundation to drive actualization. This can be achieved through capacity building, awareness campaigns and strategic engagements with start-up entrepreneurs. Open data institutions need to initiate flagship projects with start-up associations in highly valuable sectors to demonstrate commercial applications of open data in certain fields.

Originality/value

Previous research provides limited empirical studies on the commercial application of open data for start-up entrepreneurs. Hence, the novelty of this study lies in understanding how start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data to create value in their respective fields.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

1 – 10 of 63