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1 – 10 of over 143000This 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.
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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…
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.
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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.
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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…
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.
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International retail companies, and fashion retailers in particular, are increasingly moving into international markets through the franchise mode of operation. Supporting…
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.
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Luca Pietrantoni, Greta Mazzetti, Mabel San Román Niaves, Rudolf Kubik, Davide Giusino and Marco De Angelis
Although the literature on the effectiveness of team interventions is constantly expanding, there has been a strong focus on the process mechanisms that could explain their…
Abstract
Purpose
Although the literature on the effectiveness of team interventions is constantly expanding, there has been a strong focus on the process mechanisms that could explain their success, often overlooking the contextual aspects in which these interventions are carried out. Based on the Context-Mechanism-Outcome framework, this study aims to investigate the influence of contextual factors on the effectiveness of digital team coaching interventions that use social network visualisation to enhance team coordination and reduce interpersonal conflicts.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a multi-wave, longitudinal design, this research analysed 38 work teams from three organisations over three-time points. Data collection focused on manager and peer support, the mechanisms of training transfer and action plan implementation and the outcomes of these interventions. Surveys were administered in three organisations, involving 317 respondents across different phases. The intervention spanned six to eight months, incorporating three to four structured online group sessions. Each session involved a multi-stage process, concluding with a result-oriented action plan about work-related goals. The intervention included social network visualisation, discussions, coaching and continuous refinement of action plans.
Findings
The analysis highlights how manager support significantly correlates with team coordination and performance, mainly when teams are less engaged in implementing action plans. Peer support did not show a mediating effect on training transfer or outcomes but had direct positive impacts on team coordination and performance.
Practical implications
Teams actively implementing action plans may require less immediate managerial support for effective coordination and high performance. The manager’s role becomes crucial, particularly in the early stages of the intervention or in those teams where online coordination alone may not be adequate for action plan implementation. Peer support for training transfer could enhance the effectiveness of the intervention in achieving desired team outcomes; therefore, cultivating a supportive peer environment is crucial for the success of such interventions. Monitoring and assessing team dynamics are vital to maximise the benefits of digital team coaching interventions.
Originality/value
This study stands out for its innovative exploration of the interplay between managerial and peer support in the context of digital team coaching, using social network visualisation as a novel approach to enhancing team dynamics.
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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…
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.
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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.
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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…
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.
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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.
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