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Article
Publication date: 22 December 2022

Siw Marita Fosstenløkken

This article expands literature on user innovation by exploring the mechanisms that support user innovations in the context of a public organisation. Research has hitherto…

Abstract

Purpose

This article expands literature on user innovation by exploring the mechanisms that support user innovations in the context of a public organisation. Research has hitherto documented support mechanisms for user innovation in producer companies, where users contribute in early or temporary innovation phases as external non-employees or lead-users engaged by the producer. Complementarily, this paper explores a lesser known area of support mechanisms, those that support internal user innovations in a public sector setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a qualitative study of a Norwegian public hospital at the interface between users (personnel and patients) and organisational support (facilitators who orchestrate user innovations), this article analyses in-house user innovation based on observations, text documentation and interviews over a four-year period.

Findings

In this public hospital, holistic organisational facilitation of “public user innovators” formed the key support mechanism built on “people” (facilitating co-creation), “process” (facilitating ideas, project realisation and implementation) and “coordination” (facilitating systems and communication). The findings show that public and producer organisational mechanisms both resemble and differ in many respects, as illustrated by the framework developed to describe these characteristics, such as that producers insource users, while the public organisation outsources production.

Originality/value

The originality of the article lies in the identification and description of “public user innovation”, a new term developed from this study of a public organisation in contrast to the dominant literature on producer companies. This article contributes new insights by differentiating the roles of user innovators and the mechanisms that support such innovations. New implications are drawn from the public side of organisational support in user innovation research.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2009

Shih‐Kuan Chiu and Kay‐Feng Chang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of organizational structure (OS) of innovation teams and the external support mechanism on the commercialization of a…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of organizational structure (OS) of innovation teams and the external support mechanism on the commercialization of a small‐ and medium‐sized new venture.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the perspective of inter‐organizational cooperation, this paper tries to adopt complementary view of transaction cost economics and resource dependency theory and employ enterprises in incubation centers in Taiwan as the empirical subjects. More specifically, this paper analyzes how organization structure (formalization, decentralization, specialization, and socialization) and the support mechanism (technology support, management training, administrative support, and commercial support) affect commercialization as well as the interactive effectiveness of organization structure and support mechanism for new ventures in incubation centers.

Findings

Based on the results of the empirical investigation of enterprises in incubation centers, three conclusions are drawn. It is apparent that organization structure influences efficiency and competence building. Second, support mechanism has a positive effect on commercialization. Third, if considered the cross effect of OS and support mechanism, it shows positive effect on efficiency but not on competence building; and tech‐support has its positive effect to improve competence building.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the importance of arrangement of governance mechanisms including organization structure of innovation team, external support mechanism, and their cross effect on commercialization of small and medium enterprises.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Serge Ebersold and Cor Meijer

This chapter highlights aspects that are high on the agenda of the financing inclusive education debate: the need to re-think resource allocation mechanisms, the issue of…

Abstract

This chapter highlights aspects that are high on the agenda of the financing inclusive education debate: the need to re-think resource allocation mechanisms, the issue of empowerment, the way funding mechanisms support inclusive education, and the importance of appropriate governance and accountability mechanisms. It focuses on critical factors of financing that support the right to education, as outlined in Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) (United Nations, 2006), in a context of financial constraints and explores issues in the policy-practice gap in relation to both national- and European-level policy priorities and objectives. It draws on existing literature on modes of funding, on past research conducted by the European Agency and on the conceptual framework developed within a new European Agency study on current policy and practice in this field.

Details

Implementing Inclusive Education: Issues in Bridging the Policy-Practice Gap
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-388-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2012

Jing‐Shiuan Hua, Shi‐Ming Huang and David C. Yen

As business globalisation and internet usage continue to grow, the internet‐based version of data warehouse systems (DWS) is expected to improve traditional DWS. However applying…

1952

Abstract

Purpose

As business globalisation and internet usage continue to grow, the internet‐based version of data warehouse systems (DWS) is expected to improve traditional DWS. However applying the web‐based interfaces to client‐server‐based DWS structures may cause problems such as inflexibility, inefficiency, loss of scalability, and threats to security. These arise due to the complexity of manipulation and management of heterogeneous data with various categories of decisional tasks. This paper seeks to develop a flexible mechanism by applying Extensible Markup Language as a foundation for an internet‐based DWS and to overcome the weaknesses of solely client‐server‐based DWS architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

For better control and security the proposed architecture utilises an embedded pull‐push mechanism to propagate the distributed decision information. This research also justifies the feasibility of the proposed mechanism by implementing a prototype, evaluating its performance, and conducting a real business case study.

Findings

The results indicate that the mechanism can not only improve DWS scalability and efficiency, but also enhance security.

Originality/value

The proposed architecture provides a support mechanism for business intelligence to efficiently and flexibly help companies make the right decisions in real time, grasp business opportunities and gain competitive advantage.

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2007

Anne Marie Doherty

International retail companies, and fashion retailers in particular, are increasingly moving into international markets through the franchise mode of operation. Supporting

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Abstract

Purpose

International retail companies, and fashion retailers in particular, are increasingly moving into international markets through the franchise mode of operation. Supporting franchisees is a fundamental aspect of the international retail franchise process and is crucial to its success, yet it remains significantly under‐researched. The current work aims to address this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study analysis of UK‐based fashion retailers' international franchise support mechanisms is provided.

Findings

The paper determines that international retail franchise support mechanisms can be classified on two levels, that is, strategic franchise management support and operational franchise support. The franchise manual, development plans and the monitoring of financial data are identified as the main strategic level support mechanisms, with operational support mechanisms identified as support for initial store opening, visits, merchandise range reviews, marketing and advertising and training. Two factors that facilitate the implementation of support, that is, the size of the international Franchise Division and international franchising experience, are also identified in the conceptual framework offered.

Practical implications

The paper offers very practical guidance to managers of those retail firms considering franchising as an international entry method and those already operating in the international environment. Franchisees can also glean insights on the support they should expect from franchisors.

Originality/value

While support is fundamental to the success of an international retail franchise venture, academic research on the topic is minimal. This paper therefore makes an original contribution to the developing literature on international retail franchising but also takes a very practical perspective on a pivotal element of the international retail franchise process.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 35 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2012

Andreas Schroeder, David Pauleen and Sid Huff

To establish and sustain their KM programs organisations need to establish mechanisms to ensure their governance. KM programs require business integration, senior management

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Abstract

Purpose

To establish and sustain their KM programs organisations need to establish mechanisms to ensure their governance. KM programs require business integration, senior management involvement and decision making authority. The present research aims to investigate the KM governance mechanisms organisations use to guide and control their KM programs. The research seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the governance of KM and to support organisations in the development of their KM programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs multiple case research methodology to analyse the KM governance arrangements of 12 international organisations and identify patterns in their governance configurations.

Findings

The analysis identifies a range of structural, process and relational mechanisms that are critical for governing an organisational KM program. Different patterns among the KM governance mechanisms are identified which lead to the development of generic KM governance typologies.

Research limitations/implications

The development of the KM governance framework allows future research to systematically investigate the KM governance phenomenon. As the present study is based on a configurational analysis, future research should particularly target the performance implications of different KM governance configurations.

Practical implications

The research provides insights into the diversity of KM governance mechanisms and their impact on a KM program. The KM governance framework can assist managers in reviewing their present and prospective KM programs and thereby support benchmarking or re‐organisation efforts.

Originality/value

Building on prior research that has focused on individual KM governance aspects, the present study adopts a comprehensive perspective integrating structural, process and relational governance mechanisms.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2021

Imogen Peebles, Beccy Brown, Emma Juster and Fiona Duffy

Peer support, such as mentorship and befriending, has been found to have a valuable impact on a range of outcomes. There are multiple formats, including face-to-face (individually…

Abstract

Purpose

Peer support, such as mentorship and befriending, has been found to have a valuable impact on a range of outcomes. There are multiple formats, including face-to-face (individually and group), and in online forums. Advancement in technology has enabled online peer support to increase in popularity; however, little is known about mechanisms underpinning individual one to one online peer interactions. The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively explore the mechanisms underpinning email exchanges in an eating disorder peer support service.

Design/methodology/approach

Email transcripts from dyads in a moderated peer-to-peer email support service were analysed using inductive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006).

Findings

The thematic analysis generated five themes as mechanisms of peer support. Relating and reflecting experience was the central superordinate theme. Subthemes included Positive Encouragement, Checking in and Prompting, Being a Confidante and Defining Recovery.

Originality/value

The current findings align with previous research and add new developments. The theme of Defining Recovery added the awareness of the personal perception of recovery, which had not been considered as a mechanism in previous literature and may be specific to this digital platform. This study could assist in the development of training for the provision of further peer support within eating disorder services.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2012

Kevin P. Gallagher, James L. “Jamey” Worrell and Robert M. Mason

For an organization to realize the intended benefits of an enternprise resource planning (ERP) investment, it must integrate both technical expertise and functional area…

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Abstract

Purpose

For an organization to realize the intended benefits of an enternprise resource planning (ERP) investment, it must integrate both technical expertise and functional area knowledge, and it must have continuing support after implementation. The study aims to expand understanding of how organizations ensure the necessary support from functional experts during and after ERP installations. In particular, the study aims to address the question of the type of horizontal support mechanism chosen for this support and how managers make these choices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a replicated case study based on interviews with project leaders in nine universities judged to have successful PeopleSoft ERP implementations. Thematic analysis is applied to identify the factors influencing managerial choices and organizational decisions made to assure post‐implementation ERP support.

Findings

The findings indicate that managers of ERP implementations recognize the necessity for horizontal coordinating mechanisms both during and after implementation. The paper finds no single “best” structure in the cases, nor does it observe that the support structure decision is always based on a deliberate organizational strategy. The findings indicate that selection of post‐implementation support structure is often a negotiated outcome. Ultimately, the paper finds that the outcomes were based on three factors: the situated context of the original implementation project goals; the nature of early commitments made to functional subject matter experts and their departments; and the initial project structure used during the implementation phase.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in research on ERP support structures by examining how localized organizations assure the necessary support from subject matter experts, commencing with project inception and continuing through post‐implementation. The results contribute to theory by illustrating the value of a process‐based approach to understanding the factors that affect the choice of support structures. The findings contribute to practice by highlighting how early management decisions and the methods executives chose to assure commitments from key stakeholders can restrict the range of options for post‐implementation organizational structures.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2019

Dongmin Li, Yuanzhi Zhao, Shiming Zhu and Hengxuan Luan

This paper aims to propose a conceptual scale model of mobile drilling robot according to the actual drilling rig and working conditions to improve the safety and automation of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a conceptual scale model of mobile drilling robot according to the actual drilling rig and working conditions to improve the safety and automation of drilling in tunnel construction and coal mining applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A couple of pinion and rack serves as the support mechanism driven by a motor with low rotation speed at high power, and these components are assembled in the center of the robot to tightly fasten the whole body together. The drilling rod and the sleeve are connected through a hole with screw thread so that the rod feeds and rotates simultaneously along with the sleeve. The robot model is automatically controlled by a single-chip microcomputer, and the anti-disturbance circuit is designed as well. A five-step rule obstacle avoidance method is proposed to ensure safe and reliable movement.

Findings

The results of simulation experiments on drilling operation do indicate that the mechanism and control method are feasible and effective.

Research limitations/implications

The robot is nearly complete but indeed remains only an experimental machine.

Originality/value

The design of the mechanism structure for the conceptual robot is novelty. The method of five-step rule obstacle avoidance can improve reliability of obstacle avoidance according to the experimental results, which can meet the requirements of complex working conditions underground coal mine.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Luis Jimenez-Castillo, Joseph Sarkis, Sara Saberi and Tianchi Yao

The authors explore the impact of an emerging technology, blockchain technology, on diverse governance mechanisms and sustainable supply chain practices and how its relationships…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors explore the impact of an emerging technology, blockchain technology, on diverse governance mechanisms and sustainable supply chain practices and how its relationships with the linkage of these elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology incorporates a literature review and a qualitative empirical analysis of the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standards. Expert opinions from various firms and organizations within the electronics sector are assessed. Through a thematic analysis, the relationships are identified and examined.

Findings

Data immutability, transparency and traceability capabilities of blockchain technology enhance the relationship between environmental standards and ecological supply chain sustainability practices. Although immature, the blockchain can influence the governance of supply chain sustainability practices. Immaturity of technology, lack of expertise, sharing information and trust have delayed adoption.

Originality/value

There is limited empirical evidence regarding blockchain's impact on governance mechanisms, specifically hybrid public-private mechanisms and sustainable supply chain practices. The study further evaluates how particular blockchain features may exert varying influences on these aspects and different sustainable supply chain traits. As an exploratory study, it proposes new areas for further research, including how blockchain's traceability function can improve sustainability standard adoption. Additionally, there is a call for integrating blockchain with technologies like IoT and sensors which may influence supply chain governance mechanisms, standards and sustainability practices.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

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