Using a ‘network of practice’ approach to match grazing decision-support system design with farmer practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1536 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Eastwood ◽  
B. T. Dela Rue ◽  
D. I. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Practice Approach ◽  
Operational Decision Making ◽  
Corporate Farming

The use of pasture measurement tools and decision-support systems (DSS) for grazing management remains limited on New Zealand dairy farms. However, effective use of such tools provides opportunities to optimise pasture grown and pasture harvested. The present study used a mixed-method qualitative research approach to investigate pasture data and technology use for grazing decision making, through interviews and workshops with farmers, rural professionals, commercial software developers and a panel of farming-system specialists. Results suggest that different drivers for use of pasture data and DSS exist between farm owner-operators and corporate farming operations. Larger multi-farm businesses are collecting pasture data for use at a governance level as well as for operational decision making. Understanding the seasonal influences on decision making, and incorporating major regional differences such as pasture growth rates and impact of irrigation use, provides guidance on how to better match DSS to farmer practice. Study participants identified a need for greater integration of software tools to connect in-paddock data capture with real-time feedback. Also, data integration is needed to enable the transfer of information across different platforms for corporate farming operations. Rural professionals used commercial grazing DSS products, but also constructed their own spreadsheets to enable functionality and reporting not available in the DSS products. The research highlighted a need for farmer-orientated tools that are flexible to incorporate differences in user goals, decision making, mobility and desired outputs. Key attributes identified were seasonality, simplicity, ability to trial before purchase, flexibility in application, scalability to match farm systems, and integration with other tools. Future research and design of DSS tools requires a focus on co-creation with farmers, to merge scientific and practical knowledge.

scholarly journals Scheduling and Rescheduling Operations Using Decision Support Systems: Insights From Emotional Influences on Decision-Making

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mélody Mailliez ◽  
Olga Battaïa ◽  
Raphaëlle N. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Support Systems ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Production Scheduling ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Modern Manufacturing

For many years, manufacturers have focused on improving their productivity. Production scheduling operations are critical for this objective. However, in modern manufacturing systems, the original schedule must be regularly updated as it takes places in a dynamic and uncertain environment. The modern manufacturing environment is therefore very stressful for the managers in charge of the production process because they have to cope with many disruptions and uncertainties. To help them in their decision-making process, several decision support systems (DSSs) have been developed. A recent and enormous challenge is the implementation of DSSs to efficiently manage the aforementioned issues. Nowadays, these DSSs are assumed to reduce the users' stress and workload because they automatically (re)schedule the production by applying algorithms. However, to the best of our knowledge, the reciprocal influence of users' mental state (i.e., cognitive and affective states) and the use of these DSSs have received limited attention in the literature. Particularly, the influence of users' unrelated emotions has received even less attention. However, these influences are of particular interest because they can account for explaining the efficiency of DSSs, especially in modulating DSS feedback processing. As a result, we assumed that investigating the reciprocal influences of DSSs and users' mental states could provide useful avenues of investigation. The intention of this article is then to provide recommendations for future research on scheduling and rescheduling operations by suggesting the investigation of users' mental state and encouraging to conduct such research within the neuroergonomic approach.

scholarly journals Big data and connectivity in long-linked supply chains

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1201-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Engelseth ◽  
Hao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to consider the developing of strategic use of big data in association with long-linked physical goods supply focusing on risk management. Design/methodology/approach Analysis is grounded on a case study of organizing the import of machine parts from Shanghai, China, to Norway. An analytical framework is developed through a literature review on long linked supply chains, big data and risk management. Findings Analysis reveals that big data use in this scenario encompasses mainly around handling risks associated with transformations in the supply chain, a data-driven approach. Complexity is founded in transformation – the flows of goods and information. Supply chain dynamics represent an important source for data acquisition for big data analytics. Research limitations/implications The qualitative nature of the study limits the aim of generalization. An alternative view of big data as process is discussed and proposed, adapted to supply chain management and industrial marketing functionality. Originality/value This is the first part in an ongoing research project aimed at developing a research approach to study information technology use in the inherently complex setting and scope of a long linked supply network. This scope of investigation enhances big data associated with operations dynamics providing foundation for future research on how to use big data to mitigate risk in long linked supply chains.

Implementing an integrated ABC and TOC approach to enhance decision making in a Lean context

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 906-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majed Alsmadi ◽  
Ahmad Almani ◽  
Zulfiqar Khan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Product Mix ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to implement an integrated activity-based costing (ABC) and theory of constraints (TOC) approach to enhance decision making in a Lean company. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature, this paper proposes an integrated ABC and TOC approach and applies it to a Lean plastic manufacturing company to improve its product-mix decision. Findings – The results of the case study show that the current conventional product-mix decision used by the company and the proposed integrated approach can give significantly different results concerning the optimal product-mix and the associated bottlenecks. Moreover, the paper suggests that managers who implement Lean production without utilising a supportive management accounting system may experience disappointing financial results. Research limitations/implications – The validation of the suggested method is based on a single case study with an action research approach. For future research, the authors suggest the implementation of the approach in different industries. Practical implications – Overall, the integration of ABC and TOC provides managers with an accurate, timely and reliable tool that can help in making decisions about pricing, production line development, process improvements and product-mix. Originality/value – This paper contributes to Lean and management accounting literature by demonstrating the value of a method of integrating ABC and TOC. Also a case study is chosen for the empirical aspect of the study as there are no case studies available in the literature that illustrate a real life case of integrating ABC and TOC within Lean companies as an alternative to the current used cost accounting systems.

Operational Decision Making

2015 ◽  
pp. 257-271
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Theory ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Additional Material ◽  
Time Compression ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Operational Systems ◽  
Operational Decision Making

Additional material on decision making in operational systems is presented here. This material would be most useful for researchers engaged in the conceptual design of onboard decision support systems. Decision making is a complex process. Over the years much has been written about decision theory but very little attention has been paid to decision making under increased time compression. Also, additional complexity is introduced by having to deal with large-scale dynamic systems and their attendant trajectory and energy management demands. We discuss DODAR and FORDEC and their limitations. Operational decision making is a risk-driven model that triggers pilots' responses, actions, and decisions by changing the aircraft's position within the risk envelope. This material can form the basis of a more complete picture of the state-of-the-art decision theory and what useful aspects and insights we can use operationally.

The Role of Information in Decision Making

2011 ◽  
pp. 776-782
Author(s):  
Edward Shinnick ◽  
Geraldine Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Decision Support Systems ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Nature Of Information ◽  
Effective Decision ◽  
Effective Decision Support ◽  
Effective Decision Making

The advent of the World Wide Web and other communication technologies has significantly changed how we access information, the amount of information available to us, and the cost of collecting that information. Individuals and businesses alike collect and interpret information in their decision-making activities and use this information for personal or economic gain. Underlying this description is the assumption that the information we need exists, is freely available, and easy to interpret. Yet in many instances this may not be the case at all. In some situations, information may be hidden, costly to assimilate, or difficult to interpret to ones own circumstances. In addition, two individuals who look at the same information can reach different conclusions as to its value. One person may see it as just a collection of numbers, another sees a market opportunity. In the latter case, information is used in an entrepreneurial way to create a business opportunity. Advances in technology have created opportunities to do this by creating information systems that can support business decision-making activities. Such decision support systems are playing an increasingly important role in determining not only the efficiency of businesses but also as business opportunities themselves through the design and implementation of such systems for other markets and businesses. However all is not easy as it may first seem. Quality decision making and effective decision support systems require high quality information. The implicit assumption in talking about decision support systems is that the required information is always available. It is somewhere “out there” and must just be collated to make use of it. However, very often this is not the case. Information that is scarce or inaccessible is often more valuable and can be the very reason for many firm’s existence. The importance for firms to process information to do with its business environment on issues such as, market trends, events, competitors, and technological innovations relevant to their success is prevalent in the management and IS literature.1 The theme of this article is to analyse the role information plays in managerial decision making at individual, group, and firm level from an economics perspective. We argue that access to information is essential for effective decision making and look at problems associated with insufficient information; the effects that such information deficits have in shaping and designing markets are then explored. We start by exploring the nature of information and the issue of asymmetric information. We examine the different solutions put forward to address information deficits, such as advertising, licensing, and regulation. Finally we conclude by outlining likely future research in markets with information deficits.

Is It Possible and Useful to Support Commitment Reasoning?

1997 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 193-216
Author(s):  
L. Alaric Lau ◽  
Carson C. Woo
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Decision Support System ◽  
Support System ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Complexity ◽  
Reasoning Process ◽  
Organizational Activities

The concept of commitment has recently been adopted by researchers to model cooperative organizational activities. By defining a commitment as an agreement by an agent to the requesting agent to carry out the requested action, a Commitment Reasoning Support System (CRSS) is proposed in an attempt to support the reasoning process in deciding whether or not to make a commitment. CRSS can be characterized as a specialized decision support system that emphasizes the accountability and the sentimental aspects of decision making. An empirical study was conducted on a CRSS prototype. The findings show that it is useful for commitment requests with high complexity and/or with important implications. The study also suggests possible conceptual insights of commitment reasoning for future research.

Does outsourcing always work? A critical evaluation for project business success

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 2198-2215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maqsood Ahmad Sandhu ◽  
Ahm Shamsuzzoha ◽  
Petri Helo
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Product Development ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outsourcing Strategies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deal with the importance and obstacles of outsourcing strategy in project business in terms of product development perspectives. This strategy is intrinsically analyzed and evaluated with respect to the strategic business environments. Design/methodology/approach The objective of this research is to analyze the advantages and limitations of the outsourcing that have been identified in prior studies. This research has attempted to investigate the performance implications of outsourcing strategies in terms of theoretical considerations and implementation perspectives. Findings In this study, the authors have presented a general overview of outsourcing strategies in terms of both light and dark sides of this approach. Various driving forces of outsourcing strategy along with critical success factors are articulated within project to product development perspectives. Research limitations/implications Future research could be continued to measure various performance variables such as productivity, sales, revenues, career opportunities, manifest in power struggles, change jobs, change organizational cultures, etc. in multiple case companies, which affect with the success or failure of outsourcing arrangements. Practical implications The term outsourcing is nowadays a widely known business strategy, where manufacturing firms share partly or fully of their production process with outside organizations or suppliers. The research approach as articulated within this paper would be beneficial for project business organizations and specially the product designers and project managers for planning and developing their strategic business potentials with respect to outsourcing and in-sourcing decisions. Originality/value In this paper a high-level decision-making model for outsourcing and a cause and effect type framework are demonstrated with a view to ease the decision-making process for the organizations managers.

scholarly journals Unbundling practice: the unbundling of big deal journal packages as an information practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 1051-1067
Author(s):  
Asen O. Ivanov ◽  
Catherine Anne Johnson ◽  
Samuel Cassady
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Studies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Information Practice ◽  
The Cost

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to introduce a theoretical framework and approach for studying the evaluation and decision-making practices through which academic librarians attempt to reduce the cost of electronic journal subscriptions – an organizational practice known as the unbundling of big deal journal packages.Design/methodology/approachThe article presents a literature-based conceptual analysis of several fields to delineate the elements of the practice of unbundling of big deal journal packages. Beyond analysing the prior literature, the discussion is supported by empirical findings from a pilot study on the topic conducted by two of the article's authors.FindingsThe main finding of the article is that the unbundling of big deal packages is a case of what sociologist refers to as decision-making in a social context. By reviewing previous studies, the article identifies the social and material elements constitutive of this practice. This, in turn, allows to develop questions and concepts for future research on the topic and to position it as an area of inquiry within the field of information behaviour/practices.Originality/valueThe article is the first attempt to conceptualize the unbundling of big deal journal packages by highlighting its phenomenological status as a type of information practice. In addition, the article proposes a research approach for studying this type of information practice by drawing on insights from the information behaviour/practice literature and enriching them through practice theory contributions in organizational studies and sociology.

scholarly journals Emerging Technologies (ETs) in Education: A Systematic Review of the Literature Published between 2006 and 2016

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (05) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Andres Sosa Neira ◽  
Jesus Salinas ◽  
Barbara De Benito
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Educational Processes

This study systematically reviews, classifies and synthesizes the research related to Emerging Technologies (ETs) in the field of formal education between 2006 and 2016, aiming to identify areas of uncertainty for future research. In addition, this study is a tool to guide teachers in their decision making when incorporating technologies in the classroom. The research approach was mixed and it analyzed 288 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results show that all the studies aimed to improve and to transform the different educational processes through the incorporation of ETs. The most used methodology was qualitative research; the survey was the most widely used instrument; the most affected population was the students in the context of higher education; the competences to improve was critical thinking, followed by problem solving, collaborative work, creative thinking, and decision-making. Emerging Technologies (ETs) are contextual, adaptable, evolving, ubiquitous, disruptive, innovative, complementary and generate a degree of uncertainty, they can be complex, accessible, functional, easy to use, interactive and it found that Web 2.0 technologies are the most used in the studies.

scholarly journals Involving Citizen-Patients in the Development of Telehealth Services: Qualitative Study of Experts’ and Citizen-Patients’ Perspectives (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassane Alami ◽  
Marie-Pierre Gagnon ◽  
Jean-Paul Fortin
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health System ◽  
Patient Involvement ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Decision Time ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Theoretical Idea

BACKGROUND Decisions regarding telehealth services in Quebec (Canada) have been largely technocratic by nature for the last 15 years, and the involvement of citizen-patients in the development of telehealth services is virtually nonexistent. In view of the societal challenges that telehealth raises, citizen-patient involvement could ensure more balance between evidence from traditional research methodologies and technical experts and the needs and expectations of populations in decisions about telehealth services. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the perception of various stakeholders (decision makers, telehealth program and policy managers, clinicians, researchers, evaluators, and citizen-patients) regarding the involvement of citizen-patients in the development of telehealth services in Quebec. In particular, we explored its potential advantages, added value, obstacles, and challenges it raises for decision making. METHODS We used a qualitative research approach based on semistructured individual interviews, with a total of 29 key actors. Respondents were identified by the contact network method. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A pragmatic content thematic analysis was performed. To increase the capacity for interpretation and analysis, we were guided by the principle of data triangulation. RESULTS Citizen-patient involvement in decision making is perceived more as a theoretical idea than as a practical reality in health care organizations or in the health system. There is very little connection between citizen involvement structures or patient and user groups and telehealth leaders. For the respondents, citizen-patient involvement in telehealth could increase the accountability and transparency of decision making and make it more pragmatic within an innovation-driven health system. This involvement could also make citizen-patients ambassadors and promoters of telehealth and improve the quality and organization of health services while ensuring they are more socially relevant. Challenges and constraints that were reported include the ambiguity of the citizen-patient, who should be involved and how, claimant citizen-patient, the risk of professionalization of citizen-patient involvement, and the gap between decision time versus time to involve the citizen-patient. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a basis for future research on the potential of involving citizen-patients in telehealth. There is a great need for research on the issue of citizen-patient involvement as an organizational innovation (in terms of decision-making model). Research on the organizational predisposition and preparation for such a change becomes central. More efforts to synthesize and translate knowledge on public participation in decision making in the health sector, particularly in the field of technology development, are needed.

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