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Article
Publication date: 3 August 2021

Densil A. Williams

Executives who are engaged in strategic planning for higher education generally complain about the process and the lack of clear outcomes from the strategic plan. They generally…

Abstract

Purpose

Executives who are engaged in strategic planning for higher education generally complain about the process and the lack of clear outcomes from the strategic plan. They generally argue that the process is complex and sometimes confusing and the end result does not justify the time spent in preparing the plan. The extant literature on strategic planning in higher educational institutions (HEIs) is replete with these types of complaints. The work undertaken in this paper provides a solution to this problem. This paper proposes a simplified and efficient strategic planning model which executives can use to facilitate strategic planning in HEIs. This model takes into consideration, all the elements of previous models and synthesize them into a manageable, simplified framework that can be adapted to meet the planning needs of senior executives in any HEI.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the action research framework to ground the solution to the problem identified. The action research framework is a sound research method that assists in resolving some of the practical problems executives in HEIs encounter as they move towards strategic planning. The researcher and a client in the higher educational sector, the UWI, engaged in collaborative problem-solving to develop a strategic plan for the client. To derive the solution, the researcher drew on the experience of the strategic planning process at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and also a number of selected universities in North American, Europe, Asia and Africa. The researcher then synthesized the outcomes from the deliberations and consultations with the client, the UWI and drew on theoretical knowledge in strategic management to derive the simplified model for strategic planning in higher education.

Findings

The research presented in this paper found that the existing strategic planning models used in higher education are generally complex, mostly designed specifically for an individual institution and lacks clarity regarding the implementation process. To overcome these problems for strategic planners in higher education, this paper proposes a simplified model that can be adapted by any HEI to assist with their strategic planning process. The Brainstoming- Visioning Action Results (B-VAR), the solution to the problem, presents the various elements of the strategic planning process that will need to be in place in order to develop a workable strategic plan and one that is implementable and will deliver tangible results for the HEI.

Originality/value

Besides adding to our knowledge in strategic management and specifically, strategic management in higher education, the greatest value from this paper is the solution it presents to solve the long-standing problem of having complex and ineffective planning models to lead strategic plan development in HEIs. The added value is that the model is integrative as it draws on elements of previous planning models but simplified them for their adaptation to any HEI.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2013

Nancy Bocken, Samuel Short, Padmakshi Rana and Steve Evans

Although business models that deliver sustainability are increasingly popular in the literature, few tools that assist in sustainable business modelling have been identified. This

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Abstract

Purpose

Although business models that deliver sustainability are increasingly popular in the literature, few tools that assist in sustainable business modelling have been identified. This paper investigates how businesses might create balanced social, environmental and economic value through integrating sustainability more fully into the core of their business. A value mapping tool is developed to help firms create value propositions better suited for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to a literature review, six sustainable companies were interviewed to understand their approaches to business modelling, using a case study approach. Building on the literature and practice, a tool was developed which was pilot tested through use in a workshop. The resulting improved tool and process was subsequently refined through use in 13 workshops.

Findings

A novel value mapping tool was developed to support sustainable business modelling, which introduces three forms of value (value captured, missed/destroyed or wasted, and opportunity) and four major stakeholder groups (environment, society, customer, and network actors).

Practical implications

This tool intends to support business modelling for sustainability by assisting firms in better understanding their overall value proposition, both positive and negative, for all relevant stakeholders in the value network.

Originality/value

The tool adopts a multiple stakeholder view of value, a network rather than firm centric perspective, and introduces a novel way of conceptualising value that specifically introduces value destroyed or wasted/ missed, in addition to the current value proposition and new opportunities for value creation.

Details

Corporate Governance, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Ahmad Mohammad Ahmad, Shimaa Abdelkarim, Maryam Al-Nuaimi, Nancy Makhoul, Lizmol Mathew and Shaibu Garba

Globally, there is a growing proportion of disabled people as a result of different circumstances. This growth generates attention and leads to ways to integrate the affected…

Abstract

Purpose

Globally, there is a growing proportion of disabled people as a result of different circumstances. This growth generates attention and leads to ways to integrate the affected population into society. Addressing such disability and integration is particularly important at buildings level, enabling and expanding the scope of activities for people with disabilities (PWDs). The rising number of PWDs and the need to integrate them into society create a need for action to improve their living condition and integration into society. This study aims to examine the issue of accessibility for PWDs in higher education facilities in Qatar.

Design/methodology/approach

Addressing accessibility at buildings level is particularly important in higher education because it enables inclusion in training and education and increases the potential for productive engagement in society. The study aims to develop an objective tool to assess and measure accessibility in educational institutions. Five selected buildings were examined and evaluated at Qatar University based on proximity, multi-use, vertical and horizontal circulation availability. The survey respondents were randomly selected. An existing assessment method was used in surveying respondents, including those with and without disabilities.

Findings

A comparative study was conducted to explore the discrepancy between facility users with and without disability, indicating the gap in existing tools.

Originality/value

The developed tool generates the same outcome when conducted by different assessors, indicating the level of compliance and percentage met as a benefit, not a focus. It allows professionals and non-professionals with minimal experience to conduct the assessment.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2022

David Špaček and Zuzana Špačková

Scholarly research on e-procurement has been limited and, like e-government, e-procurement has been researched primarily from the perspective of adoption/non-adoption. This paper…

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Abstract

Purpose

Scholarly research on e-procurement has been limited and, like e-government, e-procurement has been researched primarily from the perspective of adoption/non-adoption. This paper aims to focus on public administration employees’ perceptions of the quality of národní elektronický nástroj (NEN) – the Czech national e-procurement tool they are required to use.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based primarily on statistical analysis of data obtained through two questionnaire surveys addressed to contacts from of all Czech central state administration bodies using NEN; 175 completed questionnaires were gathered in 2020 and 128 in 2022 and subjected to statistical analysis in SPSS.

Findings

NEN was launched as fully operational in August 2015. The research indicates that in 2022 there were still important gaps in the quality of NEN as perceived by public employees.

Social implications

The paper has important practical implications for e-procurement policymakers. It shows that making the e-procurement system compulsory is not sufficient. The government needs to guarantee that it would be competitive with tools that would otherwise be preferred. Otherwise, the application of the digital-by-default principle may lead to institutionalisation of services that are not user-friendly. This has important implications for e-government/e-procurement management and change management.

Originality/value

Little is known about public employees’ perceptions of the quality of e-government and e-procurement. Although e-procurement is an area where the digital-by-default principle was implemented rather early, the quality of e-procurement has still received limited attention in research.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1986

A Yamazaki H22 power centre has reduced overall lead time for the production of certain aero engine components from 20–24 weeks using conventional methods, to just six weeks.

Abstract

A Yamazaki H22 power centre has reduced overall lead time for the production of certain aero engine components from 20–24 weeks using conventional methods, to just six weeks.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 58 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1998

Brian Rooks

Ken Young, head of the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s Automation section, gave members of the BRA attending the 1998 AGM an account of the group’s activities. This article reports…

Abstract

Ken Young, head of the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s Automation section, gave members of the BRA attending the 1998 AGM an account of the group’s activities. This article reports on that account, outlining the unique approach of the Warwick Manufacturing Group to training in engineering and process business management and the R&D activities of the Automation Group. Detailed reference is made to the SALVO (Strategic Advanced Lightweight Vehicle Operations) programme, in which the group is heavily involved. This project assumes the concept of an aluminium spaceframe with composite material panels to achieve a lightweight construction vehicle, which, it is argued, meets the market demands for a cleaner environment and customer satisfaction. A key element of the programme is an agile manufacturing approach in which robotics plays a critical role. Developments being undertaken in the group’s workshops on agile tooling, adhesive injection, MIG welding and self‐pierce riveting are described.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2018

Felipe Alberto Bastos Siaudzionis Filho, Heráclito Lopes Jaguaribe Pontes, Marcos Ronaldo Albertin, Raphael Luiz Maia de Lima and Thais de Castro Moraes

The management of materials consists of an important analysis for industries as there are factors in several areas that should be considered. For this, it should take into account…

Abstract

Purpose

The management of materials consists of an important analysis for industries as there are factors in several areas that should be considered. For this, it should take into account logistical factors, quality and production, because one piece delivered in a large lead time or outside the technical quality standards, imply delays in the project or rework. In this context, the importance of creating a control method of input and output of tools in an aviation industry in the city of Toulouse, France, was seen due to the amount of many incomplete arrivals or inappropriate material for use. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a philosophy of lean manufacturing tools and visual management (VM). A VM panel with information documents of all tools used in an assembly station of a model airplane was applied. With all data collected to carry out the project, the panel was created with the most relevant information of each tool and applied to an assembly station. That done, the production supervisors, mechanical and electrical supervisors were trained in the operation. Despite a change of management, it was realized that all supported the change due to the ease of understanding of the method and a good VM.

Findings

At the end of the work, materials management became more simplified, operators were more satisfied because of the non-occurrence of tools mistakes and the control time decreased from 120 to 15 minutes.

Research limitations/implications

The application of this project has begun in an assembly station; however, it has been validated to be applied throughout the facility and its applications are being studied for other industries with different models.

Practical implications

This project developed a visual panel for support visual communication of the airplane assembly line. Its usage eliminates tools lost, inefficiencies and decreases lost time with tools selection.

Originality/value

This work proposes a way to simplify the management tools for assembly station plane using a VM panel based on the lean philosophy. The study was conducted at the Final Assembly Line of an aircraft model from a unit of an aircraft company.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 67 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1949

Harry Wilkin Perry

TIME spent and expense incurred in making jigs, fixtures and some other production tools have been reduced substantially during a tooling simplification programme conducted for…

Abstract

TIME spent and expense incurred in making jigs, fixtures and some other production tools have been reduced substantially during a tooling simplification programme conducted for more than five years by the Republic Aviation Corporation, of Farmingdale, NY, USA.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2023

Malindu Sasanka Sandanayake, Zora Vrcelj, Yanni Bouras, Hing-Wah Chau and Patrick Hastings

The present study aims to inform the requirements for developing a sustainable rating tool for small-scale infrastructure projects (SSIPs) through research findings.

Abstract

Purpose

The present study aims to inform the requirements for developing a sustainable rating tool for small-scale infrastructure projects (SSIPs) through research findings.

Design/methodology/approach

A review-based comparative study of existing infrastructure sustainability (IS) rating tools for assessment of SSIPs is presented. Key stakeholder participants of the existing IS rating tools, are interviewed to identify existing barriers and requirements for sustainability rating. The study further presents possible rating tool options to optimise the sustainable performance evaluation of SSIPs.

Findings

Findings of this study indicated that prevalent IS rating tools are majorly applied to large-scale infrastructure projects and sustainability of SSIPs are seldom assessed. Based on a literature review and series of interviews, it was found that user friendliness, efficient structure, training and technical support, cost effectiveness and stakeholder recognition are the five key requirements of a sustainability rating tool for SSIPs. Additionally, six sustainability assessment options were proposed for SSIPs which range from pathways for existing tools through to new, customisable tools. Upon comparison, a new modified tool with verification process and revised tool with defined grouping of sustainable criteria was more effective for evaluation of SSIPs.

Research limitations/implications

Use of case specific information for validation and framework development may lack generalisation. However, methodology can be used for future decision-making by making necessary adjustments to suit different local regional requirements.

Originality/value

Despite lack of generalisation, the findings can lead to future general studies on sustainability of SSIPs. Findings of the study provide foundation knowledge and awareness for sustainability evaluation of SSIPs.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2016

Stefania Imperatore, Angelo Leonardi and Zila Rinaldi

Corrosion of reinforcement, and mainly the one induced by chloride attack, is one of the leading causes of deterioration in reinforced concrete structures. Then, it is very…

Abstract

Purpose

Corrosion of reinforcement, and mainly the one induced by chloride attack, is one of the leading causes of deterioration in reinforced concrete structures. Then, it is very important to develop a simplified analytical tool, able to simulate the corrosion processes and the consequences for the structural safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Aim of this paper is the definition of a simplified integrated procedure, able to predict the decay with the time of the bending moment and axial force resistance of a reinforced concrete section, exposed to a chloride attack. Starting from various literature findings, the rebar mass loss in time is evaluated and related to the chloride distribution and content in time. Then the mechanical properties of the corroded rebars are evaluated by means of strength decay laws developed by the authors. Finally, moment curvature relationships and bending moment – axial force (M-N) interaction envelopes are defined.

Findings

The strength variation with the time can be easily evaluated and then the life cycle and the timing of repair or rehabilitation strategies can be estimated.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology can be considered a very simple, but useful tool for a first analysis of the strength reduction in time, due to chloride pitting corrosion, before performing more complex and time-spending analyses.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

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