Examining buyer‐supplier relationships within a service sector context

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desmond Doran ◽  
Peter Thomas ◽  
Nigel Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insurance Sector ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Cash Compensation ◽  
Compensation Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe primary aim of this research is to explore buyer‐supplier relationships within a service sector context.Design/methodology/approachTo address the primary aim, both quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilised. A questionnaire was issued to selected buyer and supplier groups in order to determine relationship issues associated with insurance claims. The questionnaire was complemented by a number of semi‐structured interviews with buyers and suppliers across each spend category.FindingsThe results of this research indicate that there are significant gaps between buyer and supplier expectations concerning how relationships should evolve and that the issues of power and trust will need to be explored in greater depth if relationships are to be optimised.Practical implicationsThis research is of practical use to service sector companies attempting to examine how to develop effective buyer‐supplier relationships. It is of particular use to service buyer operations within the insurance sector, that is moving from the traditional cash compensation approach to a replacement goods approach.Originality/valueVery little has been written about buyer‐supplier relationships in the insurance sector and as such this paper provides an insight into issues relating to such relationships within this unique service sector context.

Role reflections of police reservists: a study of volunteer reserve officers in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phaik Kin Cheah ◽  
N. Prabha Unnithan ◽  
Suresh Suppiah
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Role Orientations ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the work roles of the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve officers.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory approach was utilized for the generation and analysis of the data. Data were collected through interviews, observations and follow-ups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 male and female volunteer reserve officers and 5 regular police officers aged between 24 and 58 years of mixed socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities and ranking in the Royal Malaysia Police force. Two civilian respondents (spouses of the Police Volunteer Reserve officers) were also interviewed for this study for the purpose of theory sampling.FindingsThe data were analyzed qualitatively resulting in a model of Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve officer roles consisting of four orientations.Research limitations/implicationsStudy outcomes are discussed theoretically and administratively. The four role orientations identified will assist researchers studying police reserve volunteerism.Practical implicationsStudy outcomes allow administrators to utilize and deploy police reservists in consonance with the four role orientations identified.Social implicationsThis study provides insight into how police reservists conceive of and execute their roles as they negotiate them in relation to the regular police officers they work with and the public from which they are drawn.Originality/valueThis is the first study of police volunteerism in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Practitioner perspectives of multi-agency safeguarding hubs (MASH)

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-20
Author(s):  
Sarah Shorrock ◽  
Michelle M. McManus ◽  
Stuart Kirby
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Everyday Practices ◽  
Agency Practices ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The challenges of transferring the theoretical requirements of an effective multi-agency partnership into everyday practices are often overlooked, particularly within safeguarding practices. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore practitioner perspectives of working within a multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) and those factors that encourage or hinder a multi-agency approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews with 23 practitioners from one MASH location in the North of England were conducted, with a thematic analysis being used to analyse findings. Findings The interviews with practitioners illustrated the complexity of establishing a multi-agency approach to safeguarding. It was inferred that whilst information sharing and trust between agencies had improved, the absence of a common governance structure, unified management system, formalisation of practices and procedures and shared pool of resources limited the degree to which MASH could be considered a multi-agency approach to safeguarding. Practical implications Establishing a multi-agency approach to safeguarding is complex and does not occur automatically. Rather, the transition to collaborative practices needs to be planned, with agreed practices and processes implemented from the beginning and reviewed regularly. Originality/value Few studies have investigated the implementation of MASH into safeguarding practices, with this paper providing a unique insight into practitioner opinions regarding the transition to multi-agency practices. Whilst there is a focus on MASH, the challenges to arise from the research may be reflective of other multi-agency partnerships, providing a foundation for best practice to emerge.

The utility of relationships in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna M. Kelly ◽  
Sheranne Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Strategic Goals ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Event portfolios promote synergies among events and stakeholders within a destination in order to maximise resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of relationships in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio using the four stages of Parvatiyar and Sheth’s (2000) process model of relationship marketing: formation, management and governance, performance evaluation, and evolution. Design/methodology/approach Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with tourism and government stakeholders involved in the creation and maintenance of an event portfolio within a single destination. Findings The destination outlined clear strategic goals through an event strategy. An Events Board was established to bring together key stakeholders from tourism, events, and government to oversee the development of an event portfolio. The Events Board gave advice to relevant tourism and government stakeholders on which events they should provide funding. Developing relationships was not a stated objective, but the Events Board realised the importance of relationships to create and maintain the destination’s event portfolio. Long-term funding contracts were used as a mechanism to establish relationships and were an impetus for interaction. Relationships were also maintained through dedicated staff who managed the relationships between the destination stakeholders and the events. Practical implications Understanding factors that contribute to the successful creation and maintenance of event portfolios can inform destination stakeholders who are responsible for generating tourism through events. Originality/value Limited research has examined the creation and maintenance of event portfolios. This study provides insight into the central importance of relationships in creating and maintaining an event portfolio.

scholarly journals Tensions and territoriality: the dark side of servitization

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Wagstaff ◽  
Jamie Burton ◽  
Judith Zolkiewski
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Intent ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper focusses on the darker side of the dynamics of servitization by exploring the tensions and territoriality that emerge between manufacturers and customers during the servitization process in the oil industry. Design/methodology/approach The Delphi method is used to explore the perspectives of three management tiers in oil organisations and the manufacturers who work with them. The views of these managers were synthesized over three iterations: semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire and resolution/explanation, where consensus was not obtained. Findings The findings of the study highlight perceptions of change, resulting tensions and territoriality and the impact of management commitment, resources and strategy. They reveal significant differences between customers and their suppliers and different management levels and highlight territorial behaviour and the negative impact this has on buyer supplier relationships during the implementation of servitization. Research limitations/implications Further research is required to explore why there is a variation in understanding and commitment at different managerial levels and the causes of tensions and territoriality. Practical implications Servitization is not a “quick fix” and management support is essential. A fundamental element of this planning is to anticipate and plan for tensions and territoriality caused by the disruption servitization creates. Originality/value The research provides empirical evidence of tensions and territoriality relating to servitization that potentially can damage supplier–buyer relationships and suggest that there is a darker side to servitization. It also shows that differences in strategic intent across organizations and between different managerial layers impedes to servitization efforts.

scholarly journals A more promising architecture? Commissioners’ perspectives on the reconfiguration of personality disorder services under the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Trebilcock ◽  
Manuela Jarrett ◽  
Tim Weaver ◽  
Colin Campbell ◽  
Andrew Forrester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Probation Service ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Severe Personality Disorder ◽  
Health Field ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of NHS England (NHSE) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) commissioners about the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway. Design/methodology/approach A thematic analysis of four semi-structured interviews with NHSE and HMPPS commissioners is conducted. Findings Commissioners offered a cautious but confident assessment of the potential effectiveness of the OPD pathway, drawing particular attention to its potential to enhance the confidence and competency of staff, offer better value for money and provide enhanced progression routes for offenders with personality disorders. Additionally, commissioners identified a number of potential risks for the pathway including wider system flux, funding availability, multi-agency working, offender engagement and the need to evidence effectiveness. Research limitations/implications The analysis is based on a small number of interviews. However, there are only a limited number of commissioners involved with the OPD pathway. Practical implications While the stronger focus on progression in the OPD pathway is a welcome departure from a narrow focus on high security Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) services, the foundations of the OPD pathway ultimately lie with the DSPD programme and similar challenges are likely to follow. The system within which the pathway operates is subject to a great deal of flux and this inevitably poses significant challenges for pathway services, staff and offenders, as well as for those of us charged with its evaluation. Originality/value There has been limited empirical work with commissioners in the mental health field. The paper offers a unique insight into the perspectives of those responsible for commissioning the OPD pathway.

You’re not a normal student. The meaning of wellbeing for student nurses

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Oates ◽  
Timothy Worth ◽  
Sam Coster
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This study aims to explore how student nurses conceptualise their well-being and their views on how to improve student nurses’ well-being. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative inquiry using semi-structured interviews with 17 final year students. Tran-scripts were thematically analysed using Braun and Clark’s six-phase approach. Findings Three themes were identified as follows: “student nurses” “experience of the university”, “the meaning of student nurse well-being” and “how the faculty could improve student well-being”. The findings are interpreted with reference to notions of social capital and a sense of belonging. Practical implications University nursing programmes should embed approaches to student well-being. Higher education institutions should ensure that their social and pastoral offer is accessible and relevant to nursing students. Originality/value The study offers unique insight into student nurses’ self-concept as “university students” in the context of their well-being.

The challenges of adopting new engineering contract: a Hong Kong study

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2389-2409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung Him Lau ◽  
Jayantha Wadu Mesthrige ◽  
Patrick T.I. Lam ◽  
Arshad Ali Javed
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Public Works ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Project delays and cost over-runs are few common major problems arising from conventional contracts. To overcome these issues, the Hong Kong Government has been practicing the use of the New Engineering Contract (NEC) forms in several public works projects. However, despite the successful outcomes and the positive signs of adopting NEC, it appears that NEC forms of contracts are not widely adopted in the Hong Kong construction industry even after 25 years of their first introduction. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges and barriers for not implementing NEC widely in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach Based on a questionnaire survey data collected from 45 senior industry professionals, and six semi-structured interviews, the study evaluated the perceptions of construction professionals as to why NEC is still not popular in the industry and reported the relative importance of challenges in the implementation of NEC in Hong Kong. Findings The results reveal that “People are not willing to change,” “Limited number of trained professionals” and “Insufficient case law and adjudication experience” are the most significant challenges and barriers in adopting NEC. These findings are also supported by the opinions of construction professionals through semi-structured interviews. Practical implications The findings are relevant and would benefit to the industry stakeholders for adopting NEC contracts by informing them of the most significant challenges so that proper strategies may be devised to overcoming them for early contractors’ involvement, controlling cost and time overruns in infrastructure projects. Originality/value The empirical evidence of the study provides an insight into the challenges faced by the construction industry of Hong Kong. NEC form of contract is the way forward in order to create a better working environment conducive for all the parties that would result in better construction project performance and productivity.

Long hospitality careers – a contradiction in terms?

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 2589-2608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelagh K. Mooney ◽  
Candice Harris ◽  
Irene Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Professional Identity ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Social Constructionist ◽  
Service Work ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Career Trajectory ◽  
Career Longevity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore why workers remain in long hospitality careers and to challenge the frequent portrayal of careers in the sector as temporary and unsatisfactory. Design/methodology/approach The study took an interpretative social constructionist approach. Methods used were memory-work, semi-structured interviews and intersectional analysis. Findings A key finding in this study is that career longevity in hospitality is not solely dependent on career progression. Strong social connection, a professional self-identity and complex interesting work contribute to long careers. Research limitations/implications The study contributes detailed empirical knowledge about hospitality career paths in New Zealand. Conclusions should be generalised outside the specific context with caution. Practical implications The findings that hospitality jobs can be complex and satisfying at all hierarchical ranks hold practical implications for Human Resource Managers in the service sector. To increase career longevity, hospitality employers should improve induction and socialisation processes and recognise their employees’ professional identity. Social implications This paper significantly extends the notion of belonging and social connection in service work. “Social connection” is distinctly different from social and networking career competencies. Strong social connection is created by a fusion of complex social relationships with managers, co-workers and guests, ultimately creating the sense of a respected professional identity and satisfying career. Originality/value The contemporary concept of a successful hospitality career is associated with an upwards career trajectory; however, this paper suggests that at the lower hierarchical levels of service work, many individuals enjoy complex satisfying careers with no desire for further advancement.

The evaluation of core competencies in networks: the network competence report

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Francioli ◽  
Massimo Albanese
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Network Competence ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to disclose, report, and manage intellectual capital (IC) in a network of companies. To this end, it provides a monetary evaluation of core competencies (CCs), which may be defined as a bundle of various types of intangibles, aggregating their value into a network statement, called a network competence report (NCR). Design/methodology/approach The paper utilises the interventionist approach. The intervention was conducted by the authors and studied through joint reflections on documentation from meetings and individual, semi-structured interviews. Findings The NCR makes IC more transparent, thereby allowing companies and network managers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of CCs with a consequent potential insight into their potential earnings. Research limitations/implications This method is labour-intensive, especially in its first application, and the data collection requires considerable company involvement. The interventionist approach may have influenced the empirical results, which may be affected by subjectivity. As the paper involves a single network, care should be taken in generalising its empirical evidence. Practical implications In making IC management more effective, the NCR is valuable for academics, management, political authorities and, more generally, for a network’s stakeholders. The NCR is a tool for internal and external communication purposes, creating the conditions to mobilise IC. The proposed model supports the diagnosis of networks by providing CC maps and assessments relevant to their governance and competitiveness. The NCR depicts company and network CCs, allowing intertemporal comparisons that facilitate understanding of the effectiveness of the network’s actions and the importance of belonging to it. Originality/value This paper represents a first attempt to evaluate, in monetary terms, CCs in a network. Its value lies in its practical implications. Moreover, the paper investigates IC in applied terms, contributing to reducing the gap between theory and practice.

Gender culture and Malawian women’s reconciliation of work and family responsibilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiyesere Mercy Chikapa
Keyword(s):  
Work And Family ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Insurance Sector ◽  
Gender Culture ◽  
Cultural Systems ◽  
Formal Employment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine how cultural systems shape spousal attitudes and the expectations placed upon women. This is based on the assumption that cultural systems shaping spousal attitudes and expectations on women makes their reconciliation of work and family responsibilities difficult despite sorting out childcare challenges and support with domestic work. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on 55 semi-structured interviews with Malawian women working in formal employment. From the 55 women interviewed, 31 worked in the public education sector and the remainder in the private sector’s financial and insurance sector. However, for comparison, 24 men from the same sectors were also engaged in the interviews. These were drawn from education and finance and insurance industries. Findings Analysis reveals that contrary to extant literature, childcare is not all or even always the main focus of family responsibilities potentially affecting Malawian women’s work life. Their experiences with reconciling work and family responsibilities were influenced by gender culture, which shapes spousal attitudes and community expectations. Research limitations/implications This study has not generated results suitable for statistical generalisation, but it may still allow for theoretical generalisation to similar contexts. Practical implications Managers need to recognise that women may be coming from homes and communities that place demanding expectations on them. Social implications There is need for promotion of gender equal social norms that enable women, just as men, to focus on their careers. Originality/value This paper contributes to limited literature about women’s experiences with reconciliation of work and family responsibilities in the contexts of a developing country where women have access to relatively affordable childcare support.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document