scholarly journals Global text project: new horizons in textbook marketing

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leyland F. Pitt ◽  
Deon Nel ◽  
Gene van Heerden ◽  
Anthony Chan
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Horizons ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Original Product ◽  
The Many

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the global text project (GTP) case. The unique developments of the case provide insight of the many challenges and opportunities created within the open source movement.Design/methodology/approachA case study was used to illustrate some of the most pertinent and interesting developments in the field of marketing, alluding to the open source environment. A Wikibook was created in collaboration with all the participants of a graduate course and the development of this offering initiated a project called the GTP.FindingsThe open source movement has created new ways of thinking and acting. The contributions, modifications and improvements by all users to the original product provide a platform of continuous improvement and development.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the lessons and challenges learnt from the case especially by those managing the GTP.

Building insurance through an NGO

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Christine Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Crop Insurance ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Agricultural Insurance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Purpose – This paper is based on a crop insurance implementation currently undergoing in Haiti. The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a program tailored to rice production in the Artibonite Valley, the challenges and opportunities that are arising from the exercise as well as pitfalls and ways to avoid them. Design/methodology/approach – The Système de Financement et d’Assurances Agricoles en Haïti’s approach for the development of crop insurance is in accordance with 13 concepts considered essential in the implementation of agricultural insurance programs. The case study is presented through each of these 13 fundamental concepts. Findings – The paper provides an insight on challenges any organization will face when implementing crop insurance for smallholder farmers. It points out notably that close collaboration of executing agencies with local partners is essential from data collection through insurance development and delivery and that all participants should receive a specific training tailored to their level of education and understanding. Social implications – Haiti is one of the poorest countries on the planet. Smallholder farmers could benefit a lot from crop insurance. It could help them stabilize their income when facing crop losses due to natural hazards or uncontrollable natural events. Originality/value – This paper fulfills an identified need to share real case studies exposing challenges faced when implementing crop insurance for smallholder farmers.

Library automation with cloud based ILMS Librarika: case study of Central University of South Bihar

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Yuvaraj
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Management ◽  
Library Automation ◽  
Evaluative Study ◽  
Data Ownership ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to carry out an evaluative study of the cloud-based integrated library management solution (ILMS): Librarika. Design/methodology/approach An evaluation checklist was designed from the review of existing ILMSs as well as literature review. The checklist was distributed to the library staff of the Central University of South Bihar. Findings Librarika was found to be comparable with existing open-source ILMSs but lacked transparency of data. Librarika had all the features of the commonly available open-source ILMSs, like KOHA. However, respondents pointed out that Librarika had a better circulation module and online public access catalogue (OPAC) features compared to other ILMSs. Concerns over data ownership, migration and portability in the cloud were considered as the major bottlenecks in its adoption. Practical implications The study will help other libraries in decision-making who are considering Librarika for their ILMSs. Originality/value Till date, no evaluative study has been carried out on any cloud-based ILMS.

How to visualize performance measures in a manufacturing SME

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Larsson ◽  
Anna Syberfeldt ◽  
Kristina Säfsten
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Oral Presentation ◽  
Visual Communication ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the communication of performance measures and propose guidelines for the visualization of performance measures supporting continuous improvement (CI) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to help manufacturing SMEs improve their communication of performance measures, thereby improving performance, and strengthening the company. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. It begins with a literature review of theoretical guidelines for the visualization of performance measures. This theoretical information is then supplemented with a case study and a survey, both carried out at the Vara plant, a manufacturing SME with well-developed communication of performance measures. The case study involved all organizational levels in the company and focused on identifying strengths and weaknesses in visual communication of performance measures supporting CI. The information acquired from the literature survey and the case study was then used as the basis for a survey of the employees in one department as regards their perception, understanding and opinion of visual communication of performance measures. The analysis of the results led to the development of guidelines and a substantive proposal improving visualization of performance measures in this specific company, and in manufacturing SMEs in general. Findings A model for the visualization of performance measures supporting CI in the company was carried out. The guidelines proposed for all such visualizations are as follows: keep the visualization as simple as possible without compromising understanding, use symbols and colors consistently, use simple words and do not include too much information in the visualization. The study also shows that it is important to support a written visualization with an oral presentation to explain the results. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in its focus on the visualization of performance measures in manufacturing SMEs and the guidelines and proposals developed.

The impact of a readiness program for implementing and sustaining continuous improvement processes

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 869-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Jaca ◽  
Luis Paipa-Galeano ◽  
Elisabeth Viles ◽  
Ricardo Mateo
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structured Activities ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Motivation To Participate ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a readiness programme designed to increase employees’ awareness of order and cleanliness as a way of building the necessary foundation for implementing and sustaining continuous improvement processes. In this paper, the authors propose a new readiness programme based on the principles of 5S, with the aim of strengthening employees’ motivation and involvement prior to 5S being implemented. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on case study methodology, followed by a programme of four structured activities. The validity of the programme is shown through the implementation of the activities in two different organizations. Findings The readiness programme was applied before 5S was successfully implemented. The degree of awareness and motivation of the programme participants improved as a result of these activities. Moreover, the activities increased people’s motivation to participate in improvement activities. Originality/value Applying a readiness programme before implementing 5S can help organizations to achieve and sustain improvement activities, thus increasing worker commitment and motivation.

A systemic approach to processes of power in learning organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 344-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Flood ◽  
Norma R.A. Romm
Keyword(s):  
Learning Organization ◽  
Social Transformation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Systemic Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Many ◽  
Life On Earth ◽  
Original Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to give practical insights into the systemic approach to organizational learning “triple loop learning” (TLL; introduced in Part I) by reflecting on a facilitated research-and-intervention undertaken in South Africa as part of the “500 Schools Project”. Design/methodology/approach The authors reflect on one of the many researcher-assisted interventions in the “500 Schools Project” by retrospectively reflecting on the case through the principles of TLL. Findings The authors show that researcher-assisted intervention can be genuinely transformative given two conditions: The principles of TLL are embraced, and researchers are committed to such principles and passionate about social transformation. In particular, the case study illustrates how we might address processes of power in processes of design and in processes of debate. The focus on power arguably helped to shift “power over” (power as domination) to “power to” enact empowering designs, “power to” co-develop responsible decision-making and “power to” transform relations with each other and with life on Earth. Originality/value The authors introduce an original approach to TLL that directly addresses issues relating to processes of power. The value of the TLL is that it encourages researchers, learning facilitators and practitioners of the learning organization to engage with processes of power without neglecting other important organizational and environmental issues.

Layers of difference: a cancer center’s approach to minimizing cancer health disparity

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 289-295
Author(s):  
Desiree Chachula ◽  
Cathy Grant ◽  
Prado Antolino ◽  
Jenna Davis ◽  
Desiree Hanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Health Disparity ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cancer Health Disparities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Approach ◽  
Cancer Health Disparity ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a multifaceted institutional approach to minimizing cancer health disparities, presenting a novel organizational framework entitled, “A.C.C.E.S.S.” to guide those efforts. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case study of an organization that operates under the theory that cancer health disparities are a result of the cumulative incongruence of differences that exist between people in various contexts and interactions over time. Consequently, the A.C.C.E.S.S. framework is used to demonstrate the range of opportunities within an organization to intervene and mitigate gaps that result in inequality. Findings Addressing A.C.C.E.S.S. in various interactions and contexts over a sustained period of time results in a continuous improvement cycle that attenuates cancer health disparity. Originality/value The antecedents and impacts of cancer health disparities are well documented. However, there is a dearth of directionality for institutions and organizations in achieving equality in cancer treatment and care. This paper provides a framework to consider in organizing such endeavors.

TalkBox: a DIY communication board case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Foad Hamidi ◽  
Melanie Baljko ◽  
Toni Kunic ◽  
Ray Feraday
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Community Partner ◽  
Community Partners ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Board

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present TalkBox, an affordable and open-source communication board for users with communication or speech disorders. Making and tinkering methods are combined with community engagement and participatory design to create a democratic and accessible approach to assistive technology design. Design/methodology/approach – The authors employed a community-engaged participatory design methodology where we incorporated input from stakeholders into the design of the interface. Close collaboration with our community partner allowed us to make informed decisions on different aspects of the design from sourcing of the material to testing the prototype. Findings – Through describing TalkBox, the paper presents a concrete example of how assistive technology can be designed and deployed more democratically, how collaborations between academia and community partners can be established, and how the design reflects different aspects of the methodology used. Originality/value – This paper explores the question of how can open-source technology and making methods contribute to the development of more affordable and inclusive designs through a concrete example.

Australian silo art: creative placemaking in regional communities

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Green
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Creative Placemaking ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Current Impact ◽  
The Many

Purpose This paper aims to explore the capacity of Australian silo art from a creative placemaking perspective. The paper also takes up this case as fertile ground for probing into the complexity of creative placemaking. Design/methodology/approach The case study approach is exploratory, drawing on public documents and media sources to thematically (i.e. qualitatively) analyse the factors, actors and processes that pertain to how Australian silo art can contribute towards empowering communities, activating everyday spaces and, ultimately, making socially connected and resilient places. Findings Each theme encapsulates a particular interplay: (1) physical space – social place, (2) past – present – future place, (3) bottom-up – top-down energies, (4) residents – tourists, (5) urban – nonurban place and (6) material – digital place. Research limitations/implications Rather than proffering conclusions about the current impact of silo art on local communities, the paper illuminates the practical workings of silo art as a potential form of creative placemaking. Additionally, thinking of creative placemaking in terms of ongoing interplays could stimulate and expand knowledge and practice in this domain. Originality/value This paper initiates and charts a course for a rigorous and critical investigation into silo art as a substantive cultural and artistic phenomenon and a meaningful chapter in regional arts and creative placemaking in Australia. The interplays distinguished provide an additional basis for probing further into the many layers and overall complexity of creative placemaking.

scholarly journals Implementation obstacles and strategy implementation failure

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos J.F. Cândido ◽  
Sérgio P. Santos
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Strategy Implementation ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Implementation Failure ◽  
The Many

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the following question: How do strategy implementation obstacles relate to each other and affect strategy implementation? Design/methodology/approach The research methodology is qualitative and based on an extensive review of the literature and on an in-depth case study analysis. Findings This paper draws two main conclusions. The first is that the many obstacles that impact the strategy implementation process can interact and be strongly interrelated in dynamic and complex manners. The second is that obstacles can lead to and reinforce other obstacles, eventually forming long chains of blockages. Originality/value Strategy implementation remains a difficult task with improbable success. This paper provides a contribution to an explanation on why so many strategy implementation efforts fail. It is one of the very few papers addressing the issue of the relationships between strategy implementation obstacles.

An open source solution to a common collection problem: the Africa image and map portal

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-9
Author(s):  
Mia Partlow ◽  
Theresa Quill ◽  
Mireille Djenno
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Open Source Software ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
African Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Licensing ◽  
Index Maps

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Africa image and map portal (AIMP) project’s origins and development, along with its applications to date. This paper includes methods and a step-by-step appendix so that the project can be reproduced at other institutions. Design/methodology/approach AIMP was created with a suite of free and open source software, including QGIS, Mapbox.js and GitHub. Built around the concept of an interactive index map, AIMP allows for geographic searching of maps, posters and images from Indiana University’s (IU) African Studies collections. This paper presents a case study for the use of this geographic discovery tool at an academic library. Findings AIMP has allowed comparison of collection strengths with research interests of IU African Studies affiliates and to make strategic collection development decisions that will best serve the authors’ patrons. The instruction applications of AIMP are also full of potential. To date, the Librarian for African Studies has used the portal to familiarize faculty, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, with the range of image and map resources available to them, in a variety of settings. Social implications AIMP allows researchers around the world to discover materials through a geographic search, dramatically connecting and increasing access to and discoverability of these important collections. The use of free and open source geospatial software (foss4g) means that the interface does not rely on an institution’s proprietary software-licensing agreements, making it replicable for other institutions. This use of foss4g widens access to maps, spatial data, images and posters of Africa held by IUL to a global audience. Originality/value While interactive index maps are popular among map libraries, AIMP uniquely acts as a discovery portal for a variety of media, including images and posters. In this way, AIMP works to overcome institutional silos and increase discoverability of these important collections to a global audience.

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