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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 February 2019

Patrick Schweighofer, Doris Weitlaner, Martin Ebner and Hannes Rothe

The literature includes several studies that define different critical success factors (CSF) which have to be considered to support the implementation of technology-enhanced…

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Abstract

Purpose

The literature includes several studies that define different critical success factors (CSF) which have to be considered to support the implementation of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) approaches. An analysis of such studies revealed that (1) regional differences seem to determine the CSF for TEL approaches, (2) certain CSF are relevant for TEL approaches in general, and (3) professionals in higher education determine which influential factors they consider when implementing TEL approaches. Thus, the question arises: in general, which influential factors do professionals in Austrian and German institutions of higher education actually consider when implementing TEL approaches?

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a quantitative research approach based on survey data.

Findings

The results show that certain influential factors seem to be generally important, such as the factors of respecting learning success or motivation. However, the outcome of the study also indicated that different moderating variables like experiences and personal relevance affect the professionals’ choices.

Originality/value

The originality and value are in the approach to identify generally important influential factors for the implementation of TEL approaches in Austrian and German institutions of higher education.

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2023

Marek Szwejczewski, Bob Lillis, Valeria Belvedere and Alberto Grando

Previous research has identified factors that enable lean change to be sustained. What remains unknown is how the interaction effects amongst these factors vary as lean change…

Abstract

Purpose

Previous research has identified factors that enable lean change to be sustained. What remains unknown is how the interaction effects amongst these factors vary as lean change programmes mature. When are particular factors at their most influential?

Design/methodology/approach

Using a data and investigator triangulated qualitative research strategy, this paper tests an a priori model of change sustainability factors. In phase one, the research reveals the influence and significance of the model's change sustainability factors within 13 manufacturers. In phase two, four factors (Leadership, Political, Individual and Managerial) were selected for in-depth case study analyses in three manufacturers.

Findings

These point to when in the lean change, certain factors have the most influence on its sustainability. The Leadership factor and political factor are essential at the beginning and remain influential throughout. Employees' individual commitment (Individual factor) is significant in sustaining the change but it is at its most influential in the later stages. The Managerial factor (management approach) is influential in the mature stages of the programme.

Practical implications

Recognising where to put maximum focus during a lean change programme as it matures is crucial for management.

Originality/value

Sustaining lean change has not been studied from the perspective of what factors need to be emphasised at different stages in the programme for successful maturity to occur. Through empirical validation, this study helps address this knowledge gap.

Quick value overview

Interesting because – Researchers have found that the majority of lean implementations fail – changes to structures and working practices are made only to see the gains dissipate. Previous research has suggested that multiple factors including leadership, culture and politics influence the change towards a lean organisation. While studies have shown that such factors play a role, what has not been studied is the time, that is, when the factors influence the change process. This study investigated when 11 factors have the most influence on lean implementation. Theoretical value – The study extends the state-of-the-art understanding of implementation of lean in organisations by adding a time element. It is found that in order to have a change that is sustainable, that is, lasting at least 18 months, factors that indicate the importance to the organisation are influential during the entire implementation process. This includes how central the change is to the organisation, the influence of leadership that sets vision and goals, and the implementation methods. Factors that can set things in motion such as the influence of important stakeholders are important at the beginning of the implementation process but then decline in influence over time. While factors that seem to have to do more with how companies operate have less influence at the start but become more influential over time. These include employees' commitment, the managerial style and approach, the organisational policies and structure, and the organisational culture. Practical value – Introducing lean into an organisation and gaining its sustained benefits is often not successful. While factors have previously been identified that influence the success of lean implementation, this study provides additional practical insight. It helps manufacturers be more effective by pinpointing which factors should be focused on during the various stages of the implementation process.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Rindang Widuri, Brendan O’Connell and Prem W.S. Yapa

This paper aims to identify key factors driving auditors’ adoption of Generalized Audit Software (GAS) in a large developing country, Indonesia, through the lens of the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify key factors driving auditors’ adoption of Generalized Audit Software (GAS) in a large developing country, Indonesia, through the lens of the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Results of this study are based on semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in Indonesia with audit firms of varying sizes.

Findings

Key study findings included the identification of highly influential adoption factors, especially environmental factors, such as availability of information technology-skilled auditors in the local market, client needs and expectations and client size. This study has also identified factors, not identified in previous research, as being influential including the importance of GAS availability in a range of languages and the necessity of a supportive professional and regulatory environment.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions to the literature including that it identifies new influential factors in the TOE framework. This framework has not been widely applied in auditing research and looks beyond the individual perspective to that of the organization as a whole. Moreover, the present study takes a developing country perspective and examines a range of audit firms. In contrast, most studies to date in the area have taken a Western focus and have concentrated on large audit firms. Additionally, this study provides an in-depth analysis through the use of semi-structured interviews, whereas prior studies have relied on surveys.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 31 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2019

Najib Al-Fadhali, Dodo Mansir and Rozlin Zainal

Influential factors attributed to causing project completion delay (PCD) differ because of prevailing variability of local conditions. Construction projects specifically in Yemen…

Abstract

Purpose

Influential factors attributed to causing project completion delay (PCD) differ because of prevailing variability of local conditions. Construction projects specifically in Yemen (and other developing countries) experience devastating effects of PCD which include litigation, cost overrun, arbitration, abandonment and failure. While existing works have investigated the causes and effects of PCD, not much exist on approaches to optimizing its occurrence in Yemen. In a bid to enhance the effects of PCD in Yemen, the integrated influential factors (IIFs), which is a construction-party specific model, was developed to mitigate the effects of PCD in Yemen. As a build up to the development of this model, this paper aims to validate the IIFs model with a view to foster its application to enhance PCD in construction project delivery in Yemen.

Design/methodology/approach

The validation of the IIFs model was done through seeking the opinions of 12 selected construction industry experts. This involved using a structured questionnaire to seek information on the sustainability of implementing the IIFs model.

Findings

The findings revealed that if the IIFs model is vigorously implemented, it would go a long way in curbing delay in the delivery of construction projects, making construction delivery less risky due to the effects of delay.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to only influential factors of internal stakeholders of the construction phase. Similarly, the study was only conducted in the state of Sana'a, Yemen. The implication of the adoption of the IIFs model is that it can hopefully serve as an adaptive controller to construction project delivery relative to the specific parameters and factors investigated in this study.

Originality/value

The IIFs model is a novel approach to optimizing PCD in Yemen specific to both the construction-phase and internal stakeholders. Existing studies on PCD in Yemen, although investigating the causes and effect of PCD, hardly proffer any approach to optimizing PCD for successful construction project delivery.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2015

Fariba Safari, Narges Safari and Alireza Hasanzadeh

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has the potential to provide substantial opportunities for organizations to improve their information technology without cost and management concerns…

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Abstract

Purpose

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has the potential to provide substantial opportunities for organizations to improve their information technology without cost and management concerns. However, organizations have not utilized it to the desired level because it is very challenging for them to completely transform their basic conventional methods of running software into SaaS as a high-tech method. On the other hand, organizations have doubt which factors should be mostly considered if they want to move to SaaS. Therefore, investigating the adoption of SaaS can contribute organizations to benefit from this technology. The purpose of this paper is to provide a good insight into SaaS technology adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering Technology, Organization and Environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory as the basis, 22 university experts expressed their idea about the proposed model of SaaS adoption. Then, 30 IT professional in 15 IT enterprises that had adopted SaaS were asked to fill the questionnaire related to fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on linguistic preference relations (LinPreRa) in order to rank the submitted criteria.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that all attributes of Technology (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability and security and privacy), Organization (IT resource, sharing and collaboration culture) and environment (competitive pressure, social influence) are influential in the adoption of SaaS. Moreover, the top five influential factors are relative advantage, competitive pressure, security and privacy, sharing and collaboration culture and social influence based on adopter’s opinions.

Research limitations/implications

For researchers, this study provides a useful literature, which can help them in related subject. In addition, it applies IT adoption theories in SaaS context that can be extended in future studies. For organizations, this study derives priority of factors by which they can make strong decisions about adoption of SaaS.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the adoption of SaaS technology using well-known IT adoption theories. A version of Fuzzy AHP based on LinPreRa was used in order to cover the limitations of previous methodologies of ranking the criteria.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Tai Wai Kwok, SiWei Chang and Heng Li

The unitized curtain wall system (UCWS), a symbol of modern architecture, is gaining popularity among prefabricated components. Previous studies have focused on both construction…

Abstract

Purpose

The unitized curtain wall system (UCWS), a symbol of modern architecture, is gaining popularity among prefabricated components. Previous studies have focused on both construction technology advances and material selection strategies to facilitate the UCWS. However, the topic of client satisfaction, which drives industry development by targeting clients' demands, has gone unnoticed. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate client satisfaction with UCWS products in Hong Kong by finding its influential factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was employed to first identify the influential factors. A semi-structured interview was employed to validate the reliability of the extracted factors. The machine learning algorithm Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and the Pearson correlation were then employed to rank the importance and correlation of factors based on the 1–5 Likert scale scores obtained through a questionnaire survey.

Findings

The findings revealed that “reduction in construction time” and “reduction in construction waste” are the most important factors and have a strong positive influence on client satisfaction.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, the present study focused on a novel research topic and introduces an objective analysis process using machine learning algorithms. The findings contribute to narrowing the knowledge gap regarding client preference for UCWS products from both individual and collaborative perspectives, providing decision-makers with an objective, quantitative and thorough reference before making investments in the curtain wall management development.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2010

Mostafa Kazemi and Maral Zafar Allahyari

To survive high‐level management needs business intelligent information to efficiently manage corporate operations and support its decision making. Knowledge management (KM) is

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Abstract

Purpose

To survive high‐level management needs business intelligent information to efficiently manage corporate operations and support its decision making. Knowledge management (KM) is recognized as one of the most critical factors for obtaining organizational competitive advantage. A variety of factors determines significant success ingredients for successful implementation of KM in any organization. The primary challenge in KM initiation is how to integrate the above factors with organizational and personnel constraints and capabilities. This paper aims to develop a priority framework based on multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) to help organizations build awareness of the critical influential factors affecting successful implementation of KM.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify critical influential factors, the authors studied and reviewed relevant literature from numerous fields of study associated with the essential issues of KM projects implementation. These cover the factors that affect a KM implementation based on comprehensive analysis of KM literature from numerous research studies. Research methodology used in this study is based on a combination of other methodologies such as action research, group discussion, documentary study and questionnaire research. For this purpose a group of experienced managers were selected and discussion sessions were held to set objectives and road map the study. Finally group analysis hierarchy process (GAHP) was used to analyse questionnaires and prioritize influential factors.

Findings

The conceptual framework presents a roadmap for success of KM programs in the organizations. The paper identifies eight major aspects, 44 influential factors and a conceptual framework to assisting managers to design and implement a KM system in their organizations. The results show top management, executive management and culture have great impact on success of KM implementation among main aspects. The conceptual framework presents guidelines for success of KM implementation in organizations.

Practical implications

The result of this study not only validates theory with reality, but it also provides a reference for the academic as well as the business world. It is hoped that the factors proposed in this study help organizations to manage knowledge activities effectively and implement knowledge projects smoothly in order to maximize benefits from KM projects and returns from knowledge assets.

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide an integrated perspective of critical success factors in KM implementation in Khorasan Science and Technology Park (KSTP). It gives valuable guidelines for top managers and leaders to accomplish KM projects effectively.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2021

Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan, Shahed Alkhatib, Zaina Ammar, Md. Abdul Moktadir and Anil Kumar

Outsourcings always affect crucial supply chain functions concerning flexibility and cost. During the decision to outsource and consider third-party logistics service provider…

Abstract

Purpose

Outsourcings always affect crucial supply chain functions concerning flexibility and cost. During the decision to outsource and consider third-party logistics service provider selection, decision-makers need to pay more attention to certain critical outsourcing factors such as coordination, integration and cooperation as these key factors are essential to improve overall supply chain performance. The main purpose of this work is to identify the inter-relations among outsourcing decision factors to highlight the most important and influential factors that should be considered and carefully thought through when making outsourcing sustainable decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phased methodology has been used in this study. In the first phase, outsourcing decision factors are identified from existing literature and validated by decision-makers from industry and academia. To understand the influential strength and build a sustainable model, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method is used. A courier company in the UAE is considered for implementation.

Findings

All identified and validated factors are segregated into two categories (cause and effect). The result shows that the most influential factors are developing strategic alliances, uncertainty and risk mitigation and deficiency of internal resources for a service.

Practical implications

There are several insights for industry managers and practitioners. The results of the study may help practitioners and logistics managers to make the logistics service sustainable and more efficient for businesses.

Originality/value

This study focusses on a courier company to understand the interdependencies among outsourcing decision factors; this is unique in this field of literature.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Cheri A. Young, David L. Corsun and Karen L. Xie

The purpose of this study was to investigate travelers’ preferences for peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations or hotels when traveling for leisure or business purposes given the rise…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate travelers’ preferences for peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations or hotels when traveling for leisure or business purposes given the rise of P2P accommodations in the form of Airbnb, Vacation Rentals by Owners (VRBO) One Fine Stay, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

VRBO hosts in Denver, Colorado, USA provided contact information for 788 travelers who stayed with them over the prior three years. These travelers received an email survey and the opportunity to be entered in a drawing for one of three US$250 gift cards.

Findings

P2P usage was driven by leisure travel. The most influential factors in the choice of P2P over hotel were price, location, party size, dwelling size and trip length. When choosing a hotel for business travel, the influential factors were location, safety and security, price and knowing what one will receive in the way of facility and services.

Research limitations/implications

The external validity of the findings is limited as the study was conducted in one US city using travelers of only one P2P accommodations platform.

Practical implications

Hotels may want to leverage their loyalty programs and stress the importance of safety and security when traveling as a means of competing with P2P accommodations.

Originality/value

Given limited empirical research on P2P accommodations, this study provides an informative first look at the preferences and behaviors of travelers using P2P accommodations and points to a growing loyalty to P2P accommodations versus hotels in the leisure segment.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Judi Allyn Godsey, Tom Hayes, Clinton Schertzer and Robert Kallmeyer

Nurses have been called to be leaders in the transformation of health care and to help improve health-care access for the nation’s most vulnerable populations. However, to lead…

Abstract

Purpose

Nurses have been called to be leaders in the transformation of health care and to help improve health-care access for the nation’s most vulnerable populations. However, to lead health-care transformation, the profession of nurses must first see themselves as leaders. Unfortunately, nursing has been described as lacking cohesiveness and failing to communicate a consistent brand image. No empirically tested quantitative tools exist to measure the brand identity of nursing, making it difficult to assess where the profession stands in regard to the mantel of leadership. The purpose of this study was to develop empirically sound instruments which could measure nurses’ perceptions of their professional brand image. A total of three scales were developed and then tested: The Nursing Brand Image Scale, Nursing’s Current Brand Position Scale and Nursing’s Desired Brand Position Scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The factor structure and internal consistency reliability of each scale were examined following survey administration to a national sample of registered nurses. Principal component analyses were used to explore the factor structure of each scale. Item reduction was achieved through examination of the loading of items across the factors and the impact of the item on internal consistency reliability.

Findings

Respondents to the survey were nursing alumni who received a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing at a private, mid-western university, and nursing faculty affiliated with a private, collegiate network (n = 286). For all scales, principal component analysis showed no inter-item correlations >0.9 or <0.1. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure for sampling adequacy was high and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p < 0001). The internal consistency reliability of each of the three scales was good to excellent. Current brand position mean scores were highest for the factor “caring advocates for patients/public”, and lowest on “influential leaders”. The most desired brand position mean scores were highest and rated similarly for factorsinfluential leaders” and “patient-centered caregivers”.

Originality/value

This study provides strong preliminary evidence for the factor structure and internal consistency reliability for each of the three scales and represents an important first step toward quantitatively measuring the brand image of nursing. However, results suggest there is work to be done if nursing is to formulate and adopt a brand image that consistently reinforces their role as leaders. Further testing of the scales with other nursing populations, the general public and with larger sample sizes is recommended.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

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