Innovative sustainable methodology for managing in-house software development in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 1085-1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Tarhini ◽  
Manal Yunis ◽  
Abdul-Nasser El-Kassar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Development Process ◽  
System Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agile Methodology ◽  
The Past ◽  
Database Technology ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative agile methodology that proposes fundamental changes in managing the development of in-house information systems in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and benchmarks it with one of two database technologies enabling these systems to be both efficient and competitive. Design/methodology/approach The objectives are achieved by presenting an elaborated design of the agile methodology that manages the system development process by addressing three basic components: roles played by system players, process needed to fulfill the system development, and artifacts to document the project. A case study is conducted as a proof of the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and measures whether the selection of the database technology affects the effectiveness of the system development process. Findings Results show that, compared with traditional methodologies, the proposed methodology reduced the cost of system development and testing by 30 percent and enhanced the IT – business alliance. Further, this work found that the selection of a suitable database technology is strongly related to the complexity and interrelationships between the data used. Originality/value Such research did not receive the needed attention (Hunter, 2004) even in the past decade. Successful adoption of IT by companies could be in the form of customized IS which could be expensive for SMEs to adopt due to a lack in technical expertise and financial resources. The proposed methodology has the potential to promote sustainable development through helping SMEs in reducing the time and cost of IT project development.

scholarly journals Exploring sustainability of affordability initiatives: a library case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-456
Author(s):  
Jeanne Hoover ◽  
Cindy Shirkey ◽  
Lisa Sheets Barricella
Keyword(s):  
Student Success ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Streaming Video ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Analysis ◽  
Grant Program ◽  
The Cost ◽  
East Carolina University

Purpose The cost of textbooks continues to rise for college students along with the cost of tuition. These costs can impact student success. In response to the rising costs, higher education institutions have started affordability initiatives. These initiatives are frequently housed in academic libraries. Joyner Library at East Carolina University (ECU) addresses affordability through three initiatives: Course-Adopted Textbook program, Alternative Textbook Mini-Grant program and Streaming Video licensing. Design/methodology/approach This paper will explore the above-mentioned three programs in-depth and perform a sustainability analysis on each program. Findings After reviewing the affordability initiatives discussed in the case study, the authors found that there were varying degrees of sustainability for the programs. Originality/value ECU is not alone in addressing affordability through multiple initiatives, and this case study paper will address long-term sustainability of these initiatives, especially during a time when libraries are experiencing shrinking budgets.

Accounting for the cost of sports-related violence

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1956-1981
Author(s):  
Jane Baxter ◽  
Martin Carlsson-Wall ◽  
Wai Fong Chua ◽  
Kalle Kraus
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Football Clubs ◽  
Market State ◽  
The Cost

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of “the” accounting entity, demonstrating how it is a contestable socio-political construction informed by a nexus of market, state and community actors. Design/methodology/approach A case study method is utilised to follow debate relating to Swedish football clubs’ responsibility for the payment/non-payment of policing costs between 1999 and 2014. The case study uses documentary and interview data, focusing on one of the high-risk Stockholm clubs. Findings The paper makes four main contributions: first, demonstrating how the accounting entity is a changeable and contestable construction; second, outlining how distinctions informing contests about the accounting arena are materialised through accounting calculations and other devices; third, showing the importance of community in a coordinated sense in mediating accounting practices; and fourth, contributing to the literature on accounting and sport, highlighting the importance of state actors in this arena. Originality/value This research draws on original empirical data providing unique insights into debates regarding the responsibility for the payment of police costs in the context of sports-related violence. The authors show the importance of characterising accounting for sporting organisations as a shifting and contestable nexus of market, state and community actors.

Embracing the future while storing the past: the Joint Library Facility story

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 420-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyoma vanDuinkerken ◽  
Joanne Romano
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Electronic Materials ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Storage Facility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Future ◽  
Print Materials

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the Joint Library Facility services and how Medical Science Libraries have embraced the Resource in Common model to save service copies for their patron’s use while allowing libraries to reclaim critically needed space and develop library services that better meet the needs of their patrons. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins with a description of the Joint Library Facility and its targeted users. It will discuss how this unique library storage facility shares ownership of its material with other libraries to reduce duplication of low-use print items on library shelves. Findings Although electronic materials are more popular with library patrons, there is still scholarly value in keeping low-use print materials as service copies. Originality/value This paper is a case study of a unique library storage facility that shares ownership of its material with other libraries. Its findings will help other libraries plan and implement their own shared print repository.

scholarly journals The design process of corporate universities: a stakeholder approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 304-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Stefano Patrucco ◽  
Elena Pellizzoni ◽  
Tommaso Buganza
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Corporate Universities ◽  
Company Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Development And Management

Purpose Corporate universities (CUs) have been experiencing tremendous growth during the past years and can represent a real driving force for structured organizations. The paper aims to define the process of CU design shaped around company strategy. For each step, the authors propose specific roles, activities and methods. Design/methodology/approach The paper exploits some managerial theories and past research on CUs to draw a two-step framework for their design and development process, then tests (and validating) it through action research and applies its guidelines to two different case studies. Findings The authors conclude the CU design process can be divided into two steps (development and management), with specific roles assigned to the different activities, and this allocation represents a prerequisite for the CU project success. Moreover, flexibility and potential recycles should be considered when configuring the process. Originality/value The paper is original in two ways: it proposes a framework for CU design and development (which is unique in its type) and an application of this framework to two real cases, discussing its benefits, criticalities and limitations (thus ensuring generalizability).

scholarly journals Economic growth and poverty alleviation in Africa – linking hard and soft economics

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Kuada
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Development Economics ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Present Volume ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of this editorial is to provide a quick glance at the dominant issues that have characterized the developing economics debate during the past five decades. It seeks to offer a backdrop for the papers in the present volume of AJEMS. Design/methodology/approach – It is based on a review of a selection of literature that highlights the dominant perspectives in development economics. Findings – It draws a distinction between soft and hard economics, arguing that economic growth must be converted into social change that benefits poor for it to be described as development-oriented. Originality/value – It provides a direction for future research into issues of economic growth and poverty alleviation in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Why well-being in the workplace matters

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate O’Neil
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Employee Benefits ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ageing Workforce ◽  
The Past

Purpose Over the past few years, there has been a groundswell of interest in corporate employee well-being programmes. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons why companies should invest in well-being programmes and advise on how to implement one. Design/methodology/approach This study refers to in-depth research carried out by Punter Southall Health and Protection and Reward and Employee Benefits Association (REBA) and also includes a case study. Findings This study finds that poor health has an impact on work productivity, and that with the general population’s health in decline and an increasingly ageing workforce, it is essential for companies to have a defined well-being strategy. Originality/value This study provides HR departments and senior managers with sound examples and advice on how to ensure that their employee well-being programmes are implemented and run successfully.

Big Macs and a three-legged stool

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 25-27
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Internationalization Strategy ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The case study and interview offers a unique insight into factors contributing to McDonald’s unprecedented success (it has paid an increased dividend for the past 37 years). It also sheds light on its successful internationalization strategy. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Balancing between thick and thin regional identities

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk Hofstede
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrative Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hybrid Nature ◽  
Thin Elements ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to assess the thinning notion in a case study while acknowledging the hybrid nature of regional identities with the past. In The Netherlands, a process can be observed in which regions actively claim their uniqueness to ensure their development and relevance. It seems that regions adopt similar modern labels in their regional marketing, suggesting a so-called thinning of identities away from traditional thick identities. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a content analysis of promotional texts and interviews with politicians to analyse the context, aims and perceptions of the regional marketing. It stresses an approach which sees identities as balanced between the present and the past. Findings – In line with the thinning notion, this case study shows indeed a creation of new thin elements and an exclusion of traditional thick elements in the regional marketing. However, it was also found that the marketing entails creative links between both characteristics, which suggest a tempering of the thinning notion. Practical implications – The results show that linking traditional with utilitarian elements might capacitate traditional regions to allocate the resources for regional marketing more effectively. Originality/value – Despite the fact that studies acknowledge identities as neither thick nor thin, the thinning notion seems to examine both elements as a dichotomy within regions, which does not follow the nature of identities as interconnected in time. Then, the value of this study must be found in the way it goes behind such a dichotomy by presenting an integrative analysis of thin and thick characteristics.

Premises recovery through adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-80
Author(s):  
Daramola Thompson Olapade ◽  
Biodun Olapade ◽  
Bioye Tajudeen Aluko
Keyword(s):  
Dispute Resolution ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Alternative Dispute Resolution ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Property Markets

Purpose This paper aims to explore the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques as a legitimate means of ejection of recalcitrant tenant in property. This is with a view of providing information that will improve property investment and management. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a case study approach using five selected case studies where ADR approach was used to recover premises. Findings The experience from the case studies shows that the use of ADR in premises recovery is effective but has its challenges. In the five case studies, consent judgment, mediation and negotiation were used to recover premises in less than three months compared to an average of 18 months using litigation. Also, the cost in all the cases were lower where they exist at all than when litigation are used. The paper provides useful information to practitioners on the use of the effective alternative approach to recover premises from recalcitrant tenants. Originality/value The paper provides practical ways through which recovery of premises could be achieved through non-adversarial technique in developing property markets, which hitherto was not available in literature.

Assessment of a reconfigurable manufacturing system

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Durga Prasad ◽  
S.C. Jayswal
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Product Family ◽  
Part Family ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Space Cost ◽  
Utilization Cost ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the methodology which can facilitate the concept of reconfiguration in the manufacturing system. Design/methodology/approach Design methodology includes the calculation of similarity matrix, formation of part family, and selection of part family. ALC algorithm has been used for part family formation and three criteria have been considered for the selection of part family. These criteria are reconfiguration effort, under-utilization cost, and floor space cost. AHP has been used to calculate the weights of criteria and reference ideal method has been used for the selection of alternatives. Findings In the manufacturing system, machines should be grouped on the basis of reconfiguration cost. When the time period is less, light machines and Group 1 machines are added and removed. In the case study, the concept of reconfiguration is useful for families (A, B, C, D). Machines can be reused by adding/removing some modules of machines. The concept of reconfiguration becomes more useful when it is implemented with lean manufacturing. Lean manufacturing techniques Jidoka and Poka-yoke are used to increase the diagnosability of the system. Practical implications Industrial case study has been considered. Social implications Market competition is increasing rapidly and it increases the demand and variety of products, due to which manufacturing enterprises are forced to adapt a manufacturing system which can adjust its capacity and functionality quickly at low cost. To reconfigure manufacturing system from one product/product family to another product/product family, changes can be done in hardware and/or software components in response to sudden changes in the market or in regulatory requirements. Originality/value An integrated approach for reconfiguration has been proposed considering the industrial application. It includes weighted Jaccard function, ALCA, AHP, RIM. The methodology for calculation of reconfiguration effort, under-utilization cost, and floor space cost has been presented for industrial case.

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