Components to foster organizational resilience in tourism SMEs

PurposeSmall- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) mainly rely on their structure and internal networks to achieve their goals and remain competitive. However, their limited internal capabilities and complex environments can hinder their stability. Thus, this study evaluated the relationships among specific factors toward fostering organizational resilience (OR) in tourism SMEs.Design/methodology/approachA multi-methodological approach was adopted to address this research study, including (1) social network analysis (SNA) to formulate the conceptual model and (2) construct validation through partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM).FindingsThe six proposed hypotheses were supported. These results suggest that addressing these variables and relationships after considering management style and people development as critical factors can foster OR in tourism SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe ideas that were developed were constrained to the organizational domain. Although the results apply to the Mexican context, this limitation can be offset by extending the proposal to other emergent regions or organizations. This can also increase the generalization of the results and foster improvements in the approaches applied.Practical implicationsAcademics and managers must rethink resilience as the final state generated by multiple factors. This requires reconfiguring inner organizational interactions, providing more autonomy to operative units, reinforcing business intelligence and improving feedback mechanisms.Originality/valueThis research study contrasts previous studies because it proposes that SNA be exploited to avail of the advantages it confers in designing the conceptual model. In this regard, we present new relationships to promote OR and provide new avenues in order to improve the analysis of adaptation processes.

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Factors to Foster Organizational Sustainability in Tourism SMEs

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12208657 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (20) ◽

pp. 8657

Author(s):

Juan E. Núñez-Ríos ◽

Jacqueline Y. Sánchez-García ◽

Omar G. Rojas ◽

Elias Olivares-Benitez

Keyword(s):

Conceptual Model ◽

Systems Thinking ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Soft Systems Methodology ◽

Organizational Sustainability ◽

Path Modeling ◽

Organizational Relationships ◽

Systems Methodology ◽

Soft Systems ◽

Tourism Sector

Small and medium-sized tourism companies (SMEs) strongly depend on their collaborators to achieve competitiveness and sustainability. In this sense, these organizations need to identify those factors that help them to use their resources and efforts to achieve the aforementioned goals. This article proposes a model oriented to organizational sustainability in the tourism sector. A systemic approach was adopted to articulate this research; therefore, the soft systems methodology was applied to structure the problem and express a conceptual model that suggests relationships as an alternative solution to the expressed problem. Partial least squares path modeling was applied to statistically validate the relationships expressed in the construct. Results suggest that the relationships proposed in the construct are valid and may promote organizational sustainability. The ideas developed are restricted to the organizational domain and although the results apply in a Mexican context, this potential limitation can be offset by the multi-methodological approach proposed, extending the model’s application to other types of organizations. This study may enable scholars and managers to improve communication and inter-organizational relationships, allowing organizations to focus their strategies and efforts using systems thinking to increase responsiveness and adaptation.

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Inside the Onion: Understanding What Enhances and Inhibits Organizational Resilience

The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science ◽

10.1177/0021886318797597 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 54 (4) ◽

pp. 477-501 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura Gover ◽

Linda Duxbury

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Conceptual Model ◽

Research Study ◽

Interview Data ◽

Organizational Resilience ◽

Qualitative Research Study ◽

Changes Over Time ◽

Over Time

Organizational resilience refers to an organizations’ capacity to withstand changes over time. Most existing models of organizational resilience have not been empirically tested and/or tend to focus on “what resilience is” and little attempt has been made to investigate factors that enhance and/or diminish an organization’s resilience. This qualitative research study, therefore, seeks to advance theorizing about organizational resilience by identifying and exploring both the enablers and inhibitors of organizational resilience. Longitudinal interview data are analyzed to explore employees’ perceptions about what has impacted their organization’s ability to cope with change. A conceptual model of organizational resilience is proposed. The contributions of this model are that it is the first, to our knowledge, to (1) propose a multilevel conceptualization of organizational resilience, and (2) include within the model the idea that earlier changes can both enhance and inhibit the organizations’ current ability to cope with change.

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Understanding Semantic Web: a conceptual model

Library Review ◽

10.1108/lr-09-2014-0097 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 64 (1/2) ◽

pp. 82-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Michael Calaresu ◽

Ali Shiri

Keyword(s):

Semantic Web ◽

Conceptual Model ◽

The Body ◽

Three Dimensional Model ◽

Conceptual Approach ◽

Web Based ◽

Content Type ◽

Software Applications ◽

Web Architecture ◽

The Web

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore and conceptualize the Semantic Web as a term that has been widely mentioned in the literature of library and information science. More specifically, its aim is to shed light on the evolution of the Web and to highlight a previously proposed means of attempting to improve automated manipulation of Web-based data in the context of a rapidly expanding base of both users and digital content. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual analysis presented in this paper adopts a three-dimensional model for the discussion of Semantic Web. The first dimension focuses on Semantic Web’s basic nature, purpose and history, as well as the current state and limitations of modern search systems and related software agents. The second dimension focuses on critical knowledge structures such as taxonomies, thesauri and ontologies which are understood as fundamental elements in the creation of a Semantic Web architecture. In the third dimension, an alternative conceptual model is proposed, one, which unlike more commonly prevalent Semantic Web models, offers a greater emphasis on describing the proposed structure from an interpretive viewpoint, rather than a technical one. This paper adopts an interpretive, historical and conceptual approach to the notion of the Semantic Web by reviewing the literature and by analyzing the developments associated with the Web over the past three decades. It proposes a simplified conceptual model for easy understanding. Findings – The paper provides a conceptual model of the Semantic Web that encompasses four key strata, namely, the body of human users, the body of software applications facilitating creation and consumption of documents, the body of documents themselves and a proposed layer that would improve automated manipulation of Web-based data by the software applications. Research limitations/implications – This paper will facilitate a better conceptual understanding of the Semantic Web, and thereby contribute, in a small way, to the larger body of discourse surrounding it. The conceptual model will provide a reference point for education and research purposes. Originality/value – This paper provides an original analysis of both conceptual and technical aspects of Semantic Web. The proposed conceptual model provides a new perspective on this subject.

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Embedding employability within higher education for the profession of policing

Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning ◽

10.1108/heswbl-06-2018-0061 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 319-328

Author(s):

Ian Pepper ◽

Ruth McGrath

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Research Study ◽

Longitudinal Research ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Content Type ◽

Educational Provision ◽

Professional Body ◽

The Impact ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an employability module, the College of Policing Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP), on students’ career aspirations, their confidence and wish to join the police along with the appropriateness of the module. This will inform the implementation of employability as part of the College of Policing-managed Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). Design/methodology/approach A three-year longitudinal research study used mixed methods across four points in time to evaluate the impact on students studying the employability module. Findings The research suggests that the employability-focussed CKP was useful as an introduction to policing, it developed interest in the police and enhanced the confidence of learners applying to join. Lessons learnt from the CKP should be considered during the implementation of the PEQF. Research limitations/implications The ability to generalise findings across different groups is limited as other influences may impact on a learner’s confidence and employability. However, the implications for the PEQF curriculum are worthy of consideration. Practical implications As the police service moves towards standardised higher educational provision and evolution of policing as a profession, lessons can be learnt from the CKP with regards to the future employability of graduates. Originality/value Enhancing the employability evidence base, focussing on policing, the research identified aspects which may impact on graduates completing a degree mapped to the PEQF. The research is therefore of value to higher education and the professional body for policing.

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Small bank, big ambitions

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-10-2014-0137 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 30 (10) ◽

pp. 1-4

Keyword(s):

Business Performance ◽

Best Practice ◽

Global Financial Crisis ◽

Management Style ◽

Collaborative Management ◽

American Business ◽

Executive Development ◽

Content Type ◽

Start Up ◽

Privately Owned

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explain how an extensive program of executive development was used to stimulate a far-reaching change in organizational culture and strengthen business performance. Design/methodology/approach – It presents a case study describing how a privately owned Russian bank worked in partnership with an American business school at their European campus to boost management and leadership skills and create a culture that values teamwork, initiative taking and the free exchange of ideas. Findings – The first branch only opened in 1996, but by 2011, it was the third largest privately owned bank in Russia. But at Promsvyazbank (PSB) they wanted more – to compete on the basis of international best practice. Not such an easy task, after the global financial crisis had brought lending to customers to a halt and – perhaps understandably – taken attention away from executive development. Many banks in many countries faced difficulties following that crisis, including the issues of liquidity and capital limits facing PSB. But there were some extra challenges in their drive for expansion: two banks between them dominated the Russian home market: state-owned Sberbank and multinational Raffeisen, with market shares of 60 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively. It was time to ask what the bank needed to do to move from successful start-up to competitive, maturing organization. Practical implications – It emphasizes the role of leaders in driving and managing change and highlights the importance of a clear strategic focus. Social implications – It shows how the creation of a common culture and the adoption of a collaborative management style can stimulate knowledge sharing and strengthen business performance. Originality/value – It provides an insight into the managerial and cultural challenges executives must address as their successful start-up matures into an organization with ambitions to become the top privately owned bank in Russia.

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A model of mobile technologies acceptance for knowledge transfer by employees

Journal of Knowledge Management ◽

10.1108/jkm-03-2016-0136 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 1053-1076 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Michal Kuciapski

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Management ◽

Knowledge Transfer ◽

Conceptual Model ◽

Mobile Devices ◽

Mobile Technologies ◽

Intention To Use ◽

Content Type ◽

Model Based ◽

New Variables ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose Although mobile devices are ubiquitous among employees, their awareness and readiness to use mobile technologies for competence development is still not widespread and therefore requires further exploration. The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to explain the determinants that affect employees’ intention to use mobile devices and software for knowledge transfer during the process of knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model based on the UTAUT with new variables concerning relative usability (RU) and user autonomy (UA) and new connections between the determinants was developed as a result of a subject matter literature review. A structural equation modelling approach was used to validate the model on the basis of data collected via a survey collected from 371 employees from 21 sectors, both public and private. Findings The UTAUT model extended by new variables like RU and UA explains employee acceptance of mobile technologies for knowledge transfer reasonably well. New proposed variables highlighted that the usability of technology compared to other solutions and user autonomy in the selection and the use of applications have the strongest impact on the employees’ intention to use mobile devices and software for knowledge transfer. Research limitations/implications This model explains the 55 per cent behavioral intention of employees to use mobile technologies for knowledge transfer. Even though it is quite high in terms of acceptance theories, some new variables should be explored. Furthermore, study does not verify whether m-learning acceptance for knowledge transfer is sector-specific. Practical implications Mobile technologies used for knowledge transfer by employees should allow for high UA through their ability to select solutions that they find convenient, use of preferred platforms, personalize applications and utilize devices and software in various environments. They should not be simplified and should have the same functionality and efficiency of use as alternative solutions like web and desktop applications, even if additional effort to learn them would be required. Mobile technologies that take into account UA and RU support the process of employees capturing, distributing and effectively using knowledge. Originality/value The elaborated model provides a valuable solution with practical implications for increasing mobile technologies acceptance for knowledge transfer. The study results contribute both to knowledge management and technology acceptance research fields by introducing two new determinants for the acceptance of technologies in knowledge transfer, such as UA and RU with several additional connections between existing UTAUT variables.

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Aspects of project learning in construction: a socio-technical model

Construction Innovation ◽

10.1108/ci-06-2013-0029 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 229-244 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ali Mohammed Alashwal ◽

Hamzah Abdul-Rahman

Keyword(s):

Latent Variable ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Team Building ◽

Principal Component ◽

Measurement Model ◽

Survey Method ◽

Path Modeling ◽

Content Type ◽

Measurement Models ◽

Project Learning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the measurement constructs of learning within construction projects' milieu. The literature indicated some mechanisms of learning in projects under four aspects, namely knowledge sharing, knowledge creation, team action to learn, and learning support. The empirical study attempts to verify whether intra-project learning can be measured through these aspects. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a survey method to collect the data from 36 mega-sized building projects in Malaysia. In total, 203 questionnaires were collected from professionals working in the sites of these projects. The data were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the constructs of intra-project learning. Partial least squares-path modeling was used then to confirm the results of PCA and determine the contribution of each construct to intra-project learning. Findings – The results affirmed two constructs of intra-project learning, named, social and technical and each consisted of four indicators of learning. Originality/value – The paper emphasized the socio-technical perspective of learning and contributed to developing a hierarchical measurement model of learning in construction project. A project manager can propose new initiatives in response to the new perspective of learning for team building and continuous development. Lastly, the paper provides a comprehensive presentation of how to estimate the hierarchical measurement models of project learning as a latent variable.

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Knowledge management

Construction Innovation ◽

10.1108/ci-06-2013-0026 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 108-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Morteza Shokri-Ghasabeh ◽

Nicholas Chileshe

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Management ◽

Success Factors ◽

Research Study ◽

South Australia ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Extensive Literature ◽

Management Support ◽

Content Type ◽

Critical Success ◽

Methodological Triangulation

Purpose – A research study has been undertaken at the University of South Australia to introduce application of lessons learned process in construction contractors ' bidding process in the context of knowledge management. The study aims to identify barriers to effectively capture lessons learned in Australian construction industry and how knowledge management can benefit from lessons learned application. Design/methodology/approach – The research study has been undertaken through conducting a “methodological triangulation” and “interdisciplinary triangulation”. This involved an extensive literature review of knowledge management, organisation learning, lessons learned and associated processes and administration of a questionnaire to a sample of construction contractors operating in Australia to elicit opinions on the main barriers to capturing lessons learned, practices such as existence and retention of documentation procedures. A total of 81 useable responses were received from 450 organisations. Response data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with correlation analysis to examine the strength of relationship among the barriers. Findings – The top-3 barriers to the effective capturing of lessons learned were “lack of employee time”, “lack of resources” and “lack of clear guidelines”, whereas, “lack of management support” was the least ranked barrier. The study established that despite the majority of the ACCs having formal procedures for recording the tenders submitted and their outcomes, only a minority actually retained the lessons learned documentation for each project. The larger contractors were found to be more aware of the importance of lessons learned documentation. A comparative analysis with previous studies also found a disparity in the ranking of the barriers. Research limitations/implications – The majority of the participants were small construction contractors in Australia. The reason is that the researchers were not aware of the contractors ' size prior to inviting them for participation in the research study. Second the findings may not generalize to other industries or to organisations operating in other countries. Originality/value – The findings of this survey help ACCs to understand the importance of lessons learned documentation as part of lessons learned implementation and identify the barriers to effectively document their lessons learned. The study provides insights on the barriers and proposes advocated solutions in form of drivers and enablers (critical success factors) of organisational learning capturing among the Australian construction contractors. By reviewing the current literature, “post-project reviews” and “lessons learned” as important elements of organisation learning knowledge transfer, are addressed. Finally, contribution of this study to knowledge and practice has been discussed in this paper.

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Assessing emphasis gaps among MBA alumni: a model framework

Journal of International Education in Business ◽

10.1108/jieb-07-2015-0018 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 31-51

Author(s):

Stuart Van Auken ◽

Earl Chrysler ◽

Ludmilla Gricenko Wells

Keyword(s):

Methodological Approach ◽

A Priori ◽

Dimensional Structure ◽

Assessment Procedure ◽

Model Framework ◽

Mba Programs ◽

Content Type ◽

Program Delivery ◽

Mba Program ◽

One Year

Purpose This paper aims to focus on Master of Business Administration (MBA) alumni and their ability to provide institution-specific insights into MBA program delivery. Given desired MBA positioning dimensions, a case exemplar is used to reveal gaps between “should have” program emphases and “actual” emphases. Departures from expectations are used to reveal either under- or over-emphases which require repair. Design/methodology/approach The study develops a gap assessment procedure and the theory of gaps, and it presents insights into the prioritization of gaps for closing through the revelation of gap themes of varying magnitude. It also reveals the benefits and the limitations of emphasis-based gap assessments. Additionally, the study addresses the complexity of creating the dimensional structure for MBA program gap revelation. Findings This paper reports on the issues of framing dimensions, including the possibility of dimensional omissions, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of an emphasis-based gap model within an a priori identified structure. Practical implications The methodological approach provides a blueprint for additional program review, and it produces a strong structural base for MBA program positioning. It is also is particularly important in evaluating newly created one-year MBA programs. Originality/value The work reveals the potential for the revelation of both under- and over-emphases in MBA program delivery and the possible issue of sub-optimization in gap closing (i.e. the closing of one gap while opening another).

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It’s just not fair: exploring the effects of firm customization on unfairness perceptions, trust and loyalty

Journal of Services Marketing ◽

10.1108/jsm-05-2013-0113 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 28 (6) ◽

pp. 484-497 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Bang Nguyen ◽

Philipp “Phil” Klaus ◽

Lyndon Simkin

Keyword(s):

Conceptual Model ◽

Customer Loyalty ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Perceived Fairness ◽

Content Type ◽

Negative Perceptions ◽

Loyalty Intentions ◽

And Behavior ◽

Development And Validation

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to (a) develop a conceptual framework exploring the relationships between perceived negative firm customization, unfairness perceptions, and customer loyalty intentions, and (b) investigate the moderating effects of trust in these relationships. The study explores how customizing offers to match customers’ individual needs and how treating customers differentially provoke unfairness perceptions among those not being considered most important. While the literature discusses unfairness perceptions of pricing, promotion, and service, less is known about unfairness in customization practices. Design/methodology/approach – Using a survey approach, 443 completed questionnaires we collected. Following validation of our item measures, a hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to test the conceptual model and hypothesized linkages between our constructs. Findings – The results demonstrate that customers’ negative perceptions of customization increase their unfairness perceptions. Unfairness perceptions drastically reduce customer loyalty intentions with trust acting as a significant moderator. Trust increases loyalty intentions even when unfairness perceptions are present. Our findings provide a foundation for understanding how firms may improve their perceived fairness. This increase in perceived fairness creates positive attributions, reduces negative customer experience perceptions and increases loyalty intentions. Originality/value – Key contribution is the development and validation of a conceptual model explaining the linkages between firm customization and unfairness perceptions, firm customization and customer loyalty intentions and the moderating role of trust between these relationships. This study extends the understanding of how customization practices impact unfairness perceptions and, subsequently, influence consumers’ perceptions, intentions and behavior.

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