scholarly journals Difficulty in implementing continuous improvement – Rasch measurement analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1228-1250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidia Sanchez-Ruiz ◽  
Beatriz Blanco ◽  
Emma Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Measurement Theory ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Rasch Measurement ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Difficulty ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to define a general and common construct in order to measure the level of difficulty companies experience when they implement continuous improvement (CI). Additionally, a rank of barriers is obtained together with a rank of companies. Design/methodology/approach In order to achieve the objective, first, a literature review is carried out to specify the domain of the construct; second, a sample of items is selected; third a survey is carried out in companies that have already implemented CI initiatives, the results being thus limited to this population; fourth, measures are purified by analysing the reliability and validity of the measurements, and finally results are obtained. The Rasch measurement theory will be used to provide a new perspective on a mature research topic. Findings It can be concluded that a new valid construct has been defined together with a rank of CI barriers, being lack of time the main barrier. A rank of companies is also obtained which is a first step in the development of future research studies. Practical implications Managers are provided with a better understanding of the barriers that can obstruct CI implementation. Thus, the rank of CI barriers guides managers through the most common and important obstacles so that they will be able to plan better CI strategies. In addition, the rank of companies allows each company to undertake a benchmarking exercise. Originality/value This work proposes a new way of analysing the difficulty in implementing CI as a continuum, rather than as independent barriers. From a theoretical point of view, it defines a new construct and offers a rank of CI barriers together with a rank of companies based on their level of difficulty when implementing CI initiatives. This is something new, as previous studies were mainly focussed on the items side. From a practical point of view, this study offers the surveyed companies the opportunity to see how they are positioned with respect to the other companies. Moreover, this rank of companies is the foundation on which to develop further studies with a practical orientation in the future.

Exclusive corporate philanthropy: rethinking the nexus of CSR and corporate philanthropy

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 280-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georg von Schnurbein ◽  
Peter Seele ◽  
Irina Lock
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Philanthropy ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to add to a better understanding of relationship of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate philanthropy. The authors argue that corporate philanthropy is exclusive to CSR because of their different characteristics. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a profound literature review and discusses the relationship of CSR and corporate philanthropy from a theoretical point of view. By conceptually combining the CSR pyramid and the triple bottom line approach, the authors show that corporate philanthropy has a special role outside of the classical CSR concept. Findings Four fundaments of corporate philanthropy – economic, motivational, creative and moral – are described that illustrate the importance and outstanding role of corporate philanthropy for today’s businesses. Based on these, the authors formulate three new forms of corporate giving, volunteering and foundations, which the authors subsume under the novel notion of “exclusive corporate philanthropy”. Research limitations/implications The main contribution of this paper for future research is to regard corporate philanthropy as exclusive to CSR. Future studies might, therefore, consider the different characteristics of corporate philanthropy and engage in an empirical investigation of this new type. Practical implications The model of exclusive corporate philanthropy presented in this paper provides practitioners with a better understanding of how corporate philanthropy can be rolled out today. Originality/value This paper offers a new perspective on the relationship of CSR and corporate philanthropy. Based on the economic, motivational, creative and moral characteristics of corporate philanthropy, the authors establish a clear distinction between the two concepts.

A review on in-tire sensor systems for tire-road interaction studies

Sensor Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Xiong ◽  
Xiaoguang Yang
Keyword(s):  
Optical Sensors ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Autonomous Driving ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sensor Systems ◽  
Vehicle Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sensing Systems ◽  
Sensing Technology

Purpose The aim of this paper is threefold: first, to review the technological state of the art on tire sensor systems; second, to summarize basic methodologies and explore the potential of tire sensing for intelligent vehicle developments and third, to address challenges in the development of tire sensing systems and inspire future research in this field. Design/methodology/approach Nowadays, automotive industry is moving toward an intelligent and autonomous driving era with the assistance of sensing technology development, whereas tire-road conditions sensing and utilization are of great interest from the point of view of vehicle dynamics control, vehicle safety and vehicle performance evaluation. Findings Tire sensing is an emerging technology whereby sensor systems are installed on the tire to provide fundamental insights into tire-road interactions for ground vehicles and wheel robots. In the past two decades, tire sensing systems based on various sensor types have been proposed to offer the possibility to investigate tire-road interactions. Originality/value Instrumenting the tire with sensors, especially accelerometers and optical sensors, can sense the tire-road interactions and enhance the vehicle performance. The harsh environment inside tire cavity requires reliable, accurate, low weight, modularized and inexpensive sensors. Challenges, such as the data transmission, power management, lack of physics-based tire models need to be solved before the tire sensor becomes commercially viable for production vehicles.

Discursive turns and critical junctures

2020 ◽  
pp. 198-213
Author(s):  
Donatella della Porta ◽  
Pietro Castelli Gattinara ◽  
Konstantinos Eleftheriadis ◽  
Andrea Felicetti
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Political Debate ◽  
Citizenship Rights ◽  
Public Spheres ◽  
Critical Junctures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Up

The concluding chapter goes back to the theoretical debates presented in chapter 1, synthetizing the main empirical results of the various parts of our analysis as well as reflecting on the theoretical implications. From the theoretical point of view, the aim has been to analyze transformative events in order to trace their effects on the content and form of the debate in multiple public spheres. The research addressed discursive turns during a critical juncture that changed in the political debate. Empirically, the Charlie Hebdo controversy represented a most important moment in the assessment of collective understandings of citizenship, broadly understood as setting the boundaries of who is inside and who is outside. Opening up to future research in the field, the chapter speculates on the impact of the debate we have addressed in structuring the evolving debate over citizenship and citizenship rights.

Peer and informal learning among hospital doctors

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-301
Author(s):  
Carlota Riera Claret ◽  
Miguel Ángel Sahagún ◽  
Clara Selva
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Peer Learning ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse everyday interactions in a workplace from the point of view of organisational learning, informal learning and peer learning, as well as the possible relationships that can be established between all three. Design/methodology/approach Insights from nine months of ethnographic study provided an operational definition of equality in an organisation, a better understanding of interactions and informal learning between peers, and about psycho-social determining factors or contexts that favour the exchange of knowledge in an organisation. Findings The findings demonstrate the importance of articulating the three elements (organisational learning, informal learning and peer learning) in a joint interpretative framework. With the results generated, it is proposed to move away from the traditional organisational learning based on knowledge and know-how, to a new perspective focused on sharing and participatory opportunities. In other words, without opportunities to participate, without the support and equal access, the fostering of informal learning can be debatable in terms of democracy. Originality/value The results bring the authors closer to being able to design workplace learning strategies that carefully includes the value of participation opportunities and the influence of a dynamic concept of equality. The ethnography in a hospital setting has allowed the authors to gain a better understanding of the contribution of informal learning to the organisation. The focus on the social context and the roles of relationships in informal learning offers new insights into a complex phenomenon.

The effect of product complexity and communication quality on IOCM and OBA in buyer– supplier relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bakil DhaifAllah ◽  
Sofiah Md-Auzair ◽  
Ruhanita Maelah ◽  
Md Daud Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Cost Management ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Communication Quality ◽  
Product Complexity ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of product complexity and communication quality on inter-organizational cost management (IOCM) and open book accounting (OBA) practices in buyer–supplier relationships in Malaysian manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was administrated to CFOs or accounting managers of Malaysian suppliers. Exploratory factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling procedures were applied to test convergent and discriminant validity of the measurement model and examine the relationships among the latent constructs in the structural model. Findings The results suggest that IOCM and OBA scales show acceptable reliability and validity. The findings also report that both product complexity and communication quality have a positive effect on IOCM and OBA in buyer–supplier relationships. However, the results suggest that IOCM does not influence OBA practice. Research limitations/implications Although IOCM and OBA constructs exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity, future research is required to refine and further validate these constructs. The data were only collected from the supplier’s perspective. Thus, future research is invited to benefit from matched data from both suppliers and buyers to generate additional insights on IOCM and OBA. Practical implications This study may assist suppliers and buyers in relationships by suggesting that complex products require the adoption of IOCM and OBA practices to reduce information asymmetries and manage costs. Furthermore, emphasizing quality of communication may enhance the implementation of these practices. Originality/value Theoretically, this study contributes to the academic stream of management accounting and cost management as it enhances an understanding of contributions introduced in prior literature on IOCM and OBA. It uses a complementary approach of transaction cost theory (TCT) and social exchange theory (SET) to explain the research model. Methodologically, the study validated scales for measuring IOCM and OBA in a new environment.

scholarly journals Continuous improvement initiatives for dynamic capabilities development

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-149
Author(s):  
Leopoldo Gutierrez-Gutierrez ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Dominant Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This study aims to analyse the existing literature on continuous improvement (CI) initiatives and dynamic capabilities (DCs) development to explore the question whether CI initiatives foster development of DCs in organisations. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken. Four databases were included in the structured searches (EBSCOhost, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, ProQuest and Emerald Insight), 19 studies were finally included and analysed in detail. Findings The results obtained identify issues such as a growing trend in the publication of studies, the dominant position of the USA and the predominance of empirical papers. The literature was classified according to whether it presents CI as a DC in itself, as an enabler of DC or as a result of the DC. The main critical success factors to be implemented in CI initiatives (CII) were also identified, to enhance the development of DCs. Finally, based on the analysis of the specific DC literature, ten theoretical propositions for possible future research have been developed. Originality/value CII such as Lean Management, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management have been widely implemented in organisations. Despite their reputation, the effects of these initiatives on long-term benefits remain debated, this motivates the SLR of CII and DC. The DC theory tackles the question of how firms can sustain their advantage and profits in the long term, making this perspective ideal for tackling controversy on the benefits of CII.

scholarly journals Developing and validating a multi-dimensional measure of coopetition

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Crick ◽  
Dave Crick
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
National Level ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Good Deal ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Product Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dimensional Measure ◽  
Business To Business

Purpose Coopetition, namely, the interplay between cooperation and competition, has received a good deal of interest in the business-to-business marketing literature. Academics have operationalised the coopetition construct and have used these measures to test the antecedents and consequences of firms collaborating with their competitors. However, business-to-business marketing scholars have not developed and validated an agreed operationalisation that reflects the dimensionality of the coopetition construct. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop and validate a multi-dimensional measure of coopetition for marketing scholars to use in future research. Design/methodology/approach To use a highly cooperative and highly competitive empirical context, sporting organisations in New Zealand were sampled, as the key informants within these entities engaged in different forms of coopetition. Checks were made to ensure that the sampled entities produced generalisable results. That is, it is anticipated that the results apply to other industries with firms engaging in similar business-to-business behaviours. Various sources of qualitative and quantitative data were acquired to develop and validate a multi-dimensional measure of coopetition (the COOP scale), which passed all major assessments of reliability and validity (including common method variance). Findings The results indicated that coopetition is a multi-dimensional construct, comprising three distinct dimensions. First, local-level coopetition is collaboration among competing entities within a close geographic proximity. Second, national-level coopetition is cooperation with rivals within the same country but across different geographic regions. Third, organisation-level coopetition is cooperation with competitors across different firms (including with indirect rivals), regardless of their geographic location and product markets served. Indeed, organisation-level coopetition extends to how companies engage in coopetition in domestic and international capacities, depending on the extent to which they compete in similar product markets in comparison to industry rivals. Also, multiple indicators were used to measure each facet of the coopetition construct after the scale purification stage. Originality/value Prior coopetition-based investigations have predominately been conceptual or qualitative in nature. The scarce number of existing scales have significant problems, such as not appreciating that coopetition is a multi-dimensional variable, as well as using single indicators. In spite of a recent call for research on the multiple levels of coopetition, there has not been an agreed measure of the construct that accounts for its multi-dimensionality. Hence, this investigation responds to such a call for research by developing and validating the COOP scale. Local-, national- and organisation-level coopetition are anticipated to be the main facets of the coopetition construct, which offer several avenues for future research.

scholarly journals Diseño y validación de una escala para evaluar el funcionamiento de las tutorías en Educación Secundaria

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 525-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor León Carrascosa ◽  
María José Fernández Díaz
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Professional Experience ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Discrimination Coefficient

El desarrollo de la función tutorial es clave para la formación integral de los estudiantes. En los últimos años las investigaciones sobre este tema se centran en la educación superior relegando a segundo plano su desarrollo en la educación básica. En este sentido, el presente trabajo tiene como objetivo diseñar y validar un instrumento de medida sobre la valoración de las tutorías en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Posobligatoria, fundamentado teóricamente, que reúna las características psicométricas exigidas: fiabilidad, homogeneidad de los ítems y validez. La muestra del estudio está compuesta por 4254 estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Postobligatoria correspondientes a los diferentes tipos de centros educativos de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CAM). A raíz de la literatura consultada y la experiencia profesional se consideraron cuatro dimensiones sobre la práctica tutorial donde se analizó la fiabilidad (Alfa de Cronbach total del instrumento: 0.929, y por dimensiones, Funciones con el alumnado: 0.868; Funciones con las familias: 0.649; Desarrollo: 0.797; Evaluación: 0.876), los valores del coeficiente de discriminación de los ítems (datos superiores a 0.2, según Hair et al., 2014) y el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (χ2/gl= 0.0254; CFI= 0.940; RMSEA: 0.044; PRATIO=0.894) obteniendo resultados satisfactorios. Por todo ello, el instrumento propuesto contribuye al estudio de las tutorías, tanto desde un punto de vista teórico como por sus características psicométricas relativas a su fiabilidad y validez. De igual modo, el instrumento se constituye como una herramienta de utilidad en el desarrollo de las tutorías, atendiendo las demandas y necesidades de sus estudiantes. The development of the tutorial function development is the key for an integral formation of the students. In recent years, research on this topic has been focused on higher education, relegating to a second place its development in basic education. In this sense, the objective of this work is to design and validate a measuring instrument for the assessment of tutorials in Obligatory and Post-obligatory Secondary Education, supported theoretically, that finds the required psychometric characteristics: reliability, homogeneity of the items and validity. The study sample is made up of 4254 students of Compulsory and Post-compulsory Secondary Education corresponding to different types of educational centers in Autonomous Community of Madrid (CAM). As a result of the literature consulted and the professional experience, four dimensions were considered on the tutorial practice where the reliability was analyzed (Alfa of Cronbach total of the instrument: 0.929, and by dimensions, Functions with the students: 0.868; Functions with the families: 0.649; Development: 0.797; Evaluation: 0.876), the values of the discrimination coefficient of the items (data superior to 0.2, according to Hair et al. 2014) and the Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (χ2/gl= 0.0254; CFI=0.940; RMSEA: 0.044; PRATIO=0.894) obtaining satisfactory results. For all these reasons, the proposed instrument contributes to the study of tutorials, both from a theoretical point of view and because of their psychometric characteristics relative to their reliability and validity. Similarly, the instrument constitutes a useful tool in the development of tutorials, meeting the students’ demands and needs.

scholarly journals Brexit, the wine sector and organisational resilience: an exploratory study of Spanish Wineries

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-322
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso ◽  
Seng Kok ◽  
Seamus O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Niche Markets ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wine Sector ◽  
Negative Perceptions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of winery owners/managers concerning the impacts of Brexit on the Spanish wine sector and propose a theoretical framework based on the extant organisational resilience literature to facilitate an understanding of this concept. The framework facilitates understanding of this concept through the perspective of winery operators. Design/methodology/approach Attendance at a large Spanish wine fair in 2017 allowed for brief face-to-face interviews with owners and export managers of 156 predominantly micro and small Spanish wineries. The data were analysed through qualitative content analysis. Findings Despite the general sense of uncertainty and negative perceptions regarding the outcomes of Brexit, the interviews revealed various forms of resilient responses, including ongoing efforts seeking to broaden the scope for exports into new, niche markets alongside more traditional ones. These findings have important implications for businesses engaged in international business, particularly in the wine industry, where the potential challenges resulting from a major political decision can exacerbate existing issues of competition. Originality/value From a practical perspective, this study examines an emerging issue with potential consequences for international business. From a theoretical point of view, the proposed framework provides a baseline to illuminate the understanding of the links and stages following turbulence within organisations. Notably, the activation of responses emphasises the importance of developing a resilient organisational culture, as well as developing internal and enabling factors and bundles of resources that help create firm capabilities.

Desistance from absconding: “You’ve got to have hope”

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-234
Author(s):  
Aliye Emirali ◽  
Rachel O'Rourke ◽  
Caroline Friendship
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper explores absconding from a new perspective. Literature has tended to focus on the risk factors linked with absconding. This paper aims to consider desistance factors for absconding for prisoners at higher risk of absconding in open prisons. Design/methodology/approach Stage 1 used logistic regression to identify factors associated with increased risk of absconding. Stage 2 identified new receptions with increased risk and used thematic analysis to analyse interviews with prisoners that did not abscond after three months. Findings Stage 1 found that the total number of previous offences predicted absconding. Stage 2 found three themes linked to desistance in absconding: “support”, “ownership” and “sense of self”. Practical implications This study highlights the importance of ensuring prisoners in open prisons are offered the appropriate emotional and practical support. It also identifies the importance of hope amongst prisoners in open conditions. Future research should further explore this idea in more depth. Originality/value Previous literature has looked at absconding from a risk factor perspective. This research identifies the desistance factors associated with absconding for individuals who have been identified as high risk of absconding. Improvements in factors associated with desistance from absconding may support a reduction in absconding from open prisons.

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