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Article
Publication date: 1 November 1995

Jeretta Horn Nord and G. Daryl Nord

Software technology designed to provide managers with thecapability to access internal and external information that is relevantto decision making and other managerial…

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Abstract

Software technology designed to provide managers with the capability to access internal and external information that is relevant to decision making and other managerial responsibilities is referred to as executive support systems. Reports the findings of a study conducted among managers in major US corporations regarding the use of executive support systems including specific products, features, and the strategic impact of using this technology. In addition, interviews were conducted among executive support systems commercial software vendors and data obtained from these interviews are presented in tabular form. Finally, discusses the future of the utilization of executive support systems for strategic advantage.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 95 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 5 November 2021

Etiënne A. J. A. Rouwette and L. Alberto Franco

This chapter focuses on techniques and technologies to aid groups in making decisions, with an emphasis on computer-based support. Many office workers regularly meet colleagues…

Abstract

This chapter focuses on techniques and technologies to aid groups in making decisions, with an emphasis on computer-based support. Many office workers regularly meet colleagues and clients in virtual meetings using videoconferencing platforms, which enable participants to carry out tasks in a manner similar to a face-to-face meeting. The development of computer-based platforms to facilitate group tasks can be traced back to the 1960s, and while they support group communication, they do not directly support group decision making. In this chapter we distinguish four technologies developed to provide support to group decisions, clustered into two main traditions. Technologies in the task-oriented tradition are mainly concerned with enabling participants to complete tasks to solve the group's decision problem via computer-supported communications. Group Decision Support Systems and social software technologies comprise the task-oriented tradition. Alternately, in the model-driven tradition, participants use computers to build and use a model that acts as a referent to communicate, mostly verbally, about the group's decision problem. System modeling and decision-modeling technologies constitute the model-driven tradition. This chapter sketches the history and guiding ideas of both traditions, and describes their associated technologies. The chapter concludes with questioning if increased availability of online tools will lead to increased use of group decision support technologies, and the differential impact of communication support versus decision support.

Details

The Emerald Handbook of Group and Team Communication Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-501-8

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 8 December 2016

John Robinson

This is a case study on the opportunities provided by Open Source library systems and the experience of delivering these systems through a shared service.

Abstract

Purpose

This is a case study on the opportunities provided by Open Source library systems and the experience of delivering these systems through a shared service.

Methodology/approach

This chapter derives from desk research, interviews, and direct involvement in the project. The format is a case study, setting out a detailed timeline of events with information that can be applied in other settings.

Findings

This chapter presents reflections on the value and limitations of collaboration amongst libraries and librarians on an innovative approach to library systems and technologies. It also presents reflections on lessons learned from the processes and detailed discussion of the success factors for shared services and the reasons why such initiatives may not result in the outcomes predicted at the start.

Practical implications

Libraries and IT services considering Open Source and shared service approaches to provision will find material in this study useful when planning their projects.

Social implications

The nature of collaboration and collaborative working is studied and observations made about the way that outcomes cannot always be predicted or controlled. In a genuine collaboration, the outcome is determined by the interactions between the partners and is unique to the specifics of that collaboration.

Originality/value

The case study derives from interviews, written material and direct observation not generally in the public domain, providing a strong insider’s view of the activity.

Details

Innovation in Libraries and Information Services
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-730-1

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 25 February 2021

Els-Marie Anbäcken, Anna-Lena Almqvist, Carl Johansson, Kazushige Kinugasa, Miho Obata, Jinhee Hyun, Jinsook Lee and Young Joon Park

Purpose: The aim is to explore how family relations are affected by societal changes in relation to informal and formal caregiving and self-determination of older adults…

Abstract

Purpose: The aim is to explore how family relations are affected by societal changes in relation to informal and formal caregiving and self-determination of older adults.

Design/methodology/approach: Care managers (CMs)/social workers (SWs) (N = 124) participated in a comparative vignette study including Japan, South Korea, and Sweden. Systems theory was used.

Findings: Japanese CMs/SWs clearly describe their efforts to create networks in a relational way between formal and informal actors in the community. South Korean CMs/SWs balance between suggesting interventions to support daily life at home or a move to a nursing home, often acknowledging the family as the main caregiver. In Sweden, CMs/SWs highlight the juridical element in meeting the older adult and the interventions offered, and families primarily give social support. Regarding self-determination, the Japanese priority is for CMs/SWs to harmonize within the family and the community. South Korean CMs/SWs express ambivalent attitudes to older adults’ capability for self-determination in the intersection between formal and family care. Swedish CMs/SWs adhere to the older adult’s self-determination, while acknowledging the role of the family in persuading the older adult to accept interventions. The results suggest emerging defamilialization in South Korea, while tendencies to refamilialization are noticed in Japan and Sweden, albeit in different ways.

Research limitations/implications: In translation, nuances may be lost. A focus on changing families shows that country-specific details in care services have been reduced. For future research, perspectives of “care” need to be studied on different levels.

Originality/value: Using one vignette in three countries with different welfare regimes, discussing changing views on families’, communities’ and societal caregiving is unique. This captures changes in policy, influencing re- and defamilialization.

Details

Aging and the Family: Understanding Changes in Structural and Relationship Dynamics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-491-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2022

Kok Keong Choong, Fatimah De’nan, Seen Hooi Chew and Nor Salwani Hashim

Recently, the utilization of cold-formed steel (CFS) roof truss systems and different types of other combination structural support systems, such as concrete or hot-rolled steel…

Abstract

Purpose

Recently, the utilization of cold-formed steel (CFS) roof truss systems and different types of other combination structural support systems, such as concrete or hot-rolled steel support, becomes more frequently used. This paper aims to identify the load transfer characteristics of three different design details for cold-formed truss to supporting system connections and to propose simplified modelling approach for practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Simplification modelling of connection design could be proposed for practical purpose based on the load transfer characteristics obtained from detailed study using finite element method. A cold-formed roof truss system with connection is modelled using line elements. However, the supporting system is not modelled in this work. Three types of connection involve, which are five pieces of CFS L-angle brackets, one-piece of CFS L-angle brackets and three types of bolts connection are modelled.

Findings

The results of analysis show that the connections located on the loaded side experienced higher reactions than those far from loaded side. From the result, it is also found that the option of “Fixed But” support condition in STAAD.Pro with translational degree of freedom being restrained is the most suitable way to represent the CFS L-angle brackets design for Type 1 connection for use in truss modelled using line elements.

Originality/value

Such increase in usage necessitates an appropriate connection detailing depending on the behaviour of the connection.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1997

Bill Doolin

Traditional definitions of decision support systems emphasise their support role in individual decision making and utilise notions of rational choice. By considering decisions as…

Abstract

Traditional definitions of decision support systems emphasise their support role in individual decision making and utilise notions of rational choice. By considering decisions as an organisational activity, the interpretation of decision support systems use in organisations can move beyond this technical rational understanding, to include potential political and legitimating roles for these systems. These three possible interpretations are discussed in relation to the implementation of a large decision support system in a local government context described by Dutton (1981). In its technical role, the system was used as part of a rational planning agenda. However, the system was clearly also used politically, to promote particular interests and as a lever in negotiations between various groups. Part of the appeal of the decision support system was the appearance of rationality and technical neutrality that it gave to the planning and decision making process, and the legitimation it provided with external constituents. The paper concludes that an unquestioning acceptance of the technical received view of decision support system use is limiting, and that a more reflective approach to their development, implementation and use is required.

Details

Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1328-7265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2014

Linea Kjellsdotter Ivert and Patrik Jonsson

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the context affects successful use of advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems in sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes…

3093

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the context affects successful use of advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems in sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes, and how individual, technological, and organizational (ITO) dimensions affect this procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative case study of two APS system-supported S&OP processes. The work aims to generate propositions concerning the relationships among the use of APS system, the context, ITO dimensions, and fulfillment of S&OP aims.

Findings

Use of APS systems was especially appropriate in support of S&OP processes in complex planning environments and when S&OP aims were ambitious. ITO dimensions were important influences on successful APS system use in most contexts. APS systems were not considered appropriate when having S&OP processes with ambitious aims and low individual and organizational maturities. Use of APS systems was also inappropriate when the extent of technological maturity was minimal. S&OP processes with ambitious aims, operating within a complex planning environment, are difficult if not impossible to implement without the support of APS systems.

Practical implications

The suggestions on when APS systems should be used in different S&OP environments will be useful to companies implementing or about to implement APS systems.

Originality/value

APS systems offer great potential if they are effectively used to support S&OP, still the use of APS system in S&OP is unexplored. The paper shows how the context and the ITO dimensions affect the successful use of APS systems in S&OP processes.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 34 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Roozbeh Hesamamiri and Atieh Bourouni

Customer support has always been considered a competitive advantage in many industries. In recent years, firms have begun to provide customers with a high-quality service…

Abstract

Purpose

Customer support has always been considered a competitive advantage in many industries. In recent years, firms have begun to provide customers with a high-quality service experience, in order to attract more customers and achieve higher customer satisfaction. Although customer service and satisfaction have been discussed by other researchers, to the knowledge, there has been no dynamic and intelligent way to model and optimize customer support systems for product and service providers. The purpose of this paper is to develop a modeling method for customer support optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a system dynamics (SD) model has been formulated to investigate the dynamic characteristics of customer support in an IT service provider. The proposed simulation model considers the dynamic, non-linear, and asymmetric interactions among its components, and allows study of the behavior of the customer support system under controlled conditions. Furthermore, a particle swarm optimization method was developed to investigate the proper combination of parameters and strategy development of the support center.

Findings

This paper proposes a novel modeling, simulation, and optimization approach for complex customer support systems of information and communications technology (ICT) service providers. This method helps managers improve their customer support systems. Moreover, the simulation results of the case study show that ICT service providers can gain benefit by managing their customer service dynamically over time using the proposed artificial intelligent multi-parameter modeling and optimization method.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed holistic modeling approach and multi-parameter optimization method will greatly help managers and researchers understand the factors influencing customer support. Moreover, it facilitates the process of making new improvement strategies based on provided insights.

Originality/value

The paper shows how SD simulation and multi-parameter optimization can provide insights into the field of customer support. However, the existing literature lacks a holistic view of these kinds of simulation systems, as well as a multi-parameter optimization method for SD methodology.

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2013

Felix Requena

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis of factors that affect support networks among retirees in 13 countries.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis of factors that affect support networks among retirees in 13 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

It examines two propositions drawing from support network theory and the classification of countries by welfare systems. It uses fixed‐effect causal models to examine how retirement and socio‐demographic variables influence kinship and friendship support networks. Data are drawn from the Social Relations and Support Systems module of the International Social Survey Programme 2001.

Findings

The results show that retirees' friendship‐based support networks are almost one‐third smaller than those of working persons. Furthermore, this difference is greater in welfare systems that spend more on social well‐being.

Research limitations/implications

However, the relationship between informal support networks and welfare systems is complex, which indicates a need to further the debate on the co‐existence of formal and informal aid systems.

Originality/value

This study's main sociological confirmation is that the relationship between the size of support networks and the type of welfare system is irregular and complex. The results make a significant contribution to the debate on the relationship between formal and informal care among a group of people during a critical life‐cycle phase, such as retirement.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 33 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2007

Yi‐Chan Chung, Chih‐Hung Tsai, Shiaw‐Wen Tien and Lin‐Yi Lin

Customer Support Knowledge of Customer Support Organization is one of the important assets of enterprises and “Customer Support Knowledge Management” is also the critical aspect of

Abstract

Customer Support Knowledge of Customer Support Organization is one of the important assets of enterprises and “Customer Support Knowledge Management” is also the critical aspect of Business Knowledge Management; however, the attributes of Customer Support Knowledge are complicated, diverse, renewed rapidly and difficult to be managed. Thus, in order to design a successful Customer Support Knowledge Management System, apart from the consideration of “human” and “information technology” aspects, the concerns of attributes and Customer Support Knowledge and industry characteristics should be involved for meeting the requirements of Customer Support Organization and allowing the organization to acquire the competitive advantage of “Differentiation Service”. This research used the “Customer Support Knowledge Management System” in a high‐tech industry as an example and treated the end users of medical instruments in different types of hospitals in Taiwan which have received the support service of our company in recent six months as the population. The end users were mostly the nursing executives or ultrasonic wave technical personnel in intensive care unit and they had similar educational background and incomes and adopted the medical instruments such as physical supervision system, ultrasonic wave system, heart start or ECG machine produced by our company; the research method was to randomly treat the investigation results of the telephone customers’ satisfaction from respective 30 end users in the population three months before and after this system execution as the samples and use hypotheses to validate if the end users’ customer satisfaction significantly improved in terms of “Remote Support,” “On‐site Support,” “Service Turn Around time,” “Technical Competence” and “Service Manner” in order to understand the influence and managerial significance of execution of “Customer Support Knowledge Management System” on Customer Support Organization.

Details

Asian Journal on Quality, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1598-2688

Keywords

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