So similar and yet so different

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Moretti ◽  
Martin Mayerl ◽  
Samuel Muehlemann ◽  
Peter Schlögl ◽  
Stefan C. Wolter
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
Institutional Differences ◽  
Matching Models ◽  
Hiring Costs ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare a firm’s net cost and post-apprenticeship benefits of providing apprenticeship training in Austria and Switzerland: two countries with many similarities but some critical institutional differences. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw on detailed workplace data with information on the costs and benefits of apprenticeship training, as well as on hiring costs for skilled workers from the external labour market. The authors use nearest-neighbour matching models to compare Austrian firms with similar Swiss firms based on observable characteristics. Findings On average, a Swiss firm generates an annual net benefit of €3,400 from training an apprentice, whereas a firm in Austria incurs net costs of €4,200. The impetus for this difference is largely a higher relative apprentice pay in Austria. However, compared with Swiss firms, Austrian firms generate a higher post-training return by retaining a higher share of apprentices and savings on future hiring costs. Practical implications The authors demonstrate that apprenticeship systems can exist under different institutional environments. For countries currently in the process of establishing or expanding apprenticeship systems, the comparative analysis clearly shows that policymakers should consider more than just one country’s particular apprenticeship model. Originality/value The authors provide a first comparative analysis between two apprenticeship countries that empirically assesses a firm’s costs and benefits of training during an apprenticeship programme and also provides a monetary value of a particular type of post-training benefits that firms can generate by retaining former apprentices as skilled workers (i.e. savings in future hiring costs for skilled workers).

Comparative study of costs and benefits of apprenticeship training in Austria and Switzerland shows schemes are effective in different environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Keyword(s):  
Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
Nearest Neighbor Matching ◽  
Institutional Differences ◽  
Matching Models ◽  
Hiring Costs

Purpose The purpose was to compare the net costs and post-apprenticeship benefits of providing apprenticeship training in Austria and Switzerland: two countries with many similarities but also critical institutional differences. Design/methodology/approach The authors looked at detailed workplace data about the costs and benefits of apprenticeship training, as well as hiring costs for skilled workers from the external labor market. The authors use nearest-neighbor matching models to compare Austrian and Swiss firms. Findings The main results showed an Austrian firm makes an average of €4,200 per year net investment per apprentice, whereas a comparable Swiss firm generates a net benefit of €3,400 in the same occupations. The differences in net costs could be explained, the authors said, by the different wage structures in the two countries. However, the situation was complicated by the fact that the relatively high apprentice wage in Austria contributed to the survival of firm-based apprenticeship training. Originality/value The authors said their results showed that countries expanding their apprenticeship systems should consider different national practices.

scholarly journals Effective contracting for high operational performance in projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 294-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kapsali ◽  
Jens K. Roehrich ◽  
Pervaiz Akhtar
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Fuzzy Set ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Contractual Incompleteness ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine combinations of contract clauses in order to ascertain which combinations correlate to high operational performance (OP). Design/methodology/approach Two hypotheses were formulated from contracting theory and tested on data collected from 45 projects. Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis was used and validated with multiple regression and simulation. Findings The hypotheses were tested to determine whether combinations of classical, relational, and/or associational contract clauses correlate to high OP. The results show that whereas high OP correlates to combinations of relational and associational contract clauses, classical and relational clauses should not be combined. Research limitations/implications Directions are proposed to guide future research in order to produce a more nuanced testing of contractual complementarity. Practical implications The managerial implications of the findings include a more thorough understanding of the use of contract clauses and of which clauses managers should combine to achieve high OP. Originality/value This study contributes to the theory of contractual incompleteness and complementarity, specifically in the context of project contracting. The analysis produced two theoretical implications: first, that better performing contracts are created when combining relational and associational contract clauses; and second, that in projects, relational and classical contract clauses are not complementary with regards to realizing high OP.

Supporting delivery of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-641
Author(s):  
Alistair Catterall
Keyword(s):  
Funding Agency ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
The Government ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Learner Needs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the fact that under current Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding guidelines, diagnostic assessments for apprentices with additional learner needs are deemed an ineligible cost, which has the potential to reduce access to additional funding and support. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper is to critically evaluate the surrounding literature, government reports and Mencap review produced since the apprenticeship levy and present the implications of these funding guidelines relating to access to apprenticeships and the practical effects of apprentice’s experience and development. Findings The finding presented by this paper is that the definition of diagnostic assessments as an ineligible cost reduces the quality of training delivered by providers and assurances to apprentices that they will be fully supported from the start of their training. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this research was the minimal amount of government/ESFA documentation addressing this subject within apprenticeships. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper relate to the on-going delivery of apprenticeship training in the UK, and the detrimental effect of reducing access to diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional learner needs under the current wording of the Education Skills Agency guidance. Social implications The government policy is currently under review to address this area which is considered an ineligible cost for supporting apprentices with recognised additional learner needs. Originality/value The value of this paper is to align with recent Mencap review and collaboratively readdress the ESFA’s current positioning of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed learning difficulties and disabilities as an ineligible cost and non-standardised requirement.

scholarly journals Alignment of business in robotic process automation

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Zhang ◽  
Bo Liu
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Process Automation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Robotic Process Automation ◽  
Business Alignment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to find out how business aligns with robotic process automation (RPA) and whether the alignment has the same factors as for IT–business alignment. Design/Methodology/Approach Condition configurations for positive and negative impact for business alignment with RPA. Findings The positive and negative configurations that possibly impact business alignment with RPA. Research limitations/implications There are some human instincts during conditions dichotomization and limited number of cases. Practical implications The findings can be used to guide practice application in real industry. Originality/value This paper adopted crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis to find condition configurations for alignment of business and RPA for more generalization.

Sharīʿah appraisal on the issue of imposing burden of proof to the entrepreneur in trust based contracts

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-169
Author(s):  
Asmadi Mohamed Naim ◽  
Mohd Noor Habibi Hj Long ◽  
Mahyuddin Abu Bakar ◽  
Muhammad Nasri Md Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Burden Of Proof ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Requirements ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the Shariah view on the legitimacy of requiring the entrepreneur to prove that he/she has complied with all business requirements in case the actual profit was below the expected profit in trust-based contracts such as mudarabah and musharakah. Design/methodology/approach This paper is part of the research which applies qualitative research approaches, including among others, content analysis, interviews, observations and descriptive analysis using fiqh muqaran (comparative analysis of jurists’ arguments) in few phases. Findings The study found that shifting the burden of proof to the fiduciary is the weightier view and necessary to ensure that both sides are protected. The considerations of protecting people’s wealth (ḥifẓ amwāl al-nās) and mitigating widespread greed (ṭamaʿ) are among the reasons for allowing elements such as ʿurf, tuhmah and dalālat al-ḥāl to be treated as bayyinah in trust-based contracts when the fiduciary is obliged to defend himself from litigation. Research limitations/implications The study is meant to strengthen the practices of Islamic banks world wide. Practical implications Few protections can be applied for capital provider. Social implications This study is meant to give solution in dealing with moral hazard of both parties, and to provide solution to the regulator for policy drafting and to increase confidence to the industry. Originality/value The finding is important in assisting the regulators in drafting the policy to protect both parties without neglecting the essence of trust-based contracts.

ESD professional development of university educators in Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 923-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Nikolic ◽  
Slobodan Milutinovic ◽  
Pece Nedanovski ◽  
Kornelija Mrnjaus
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Contexts ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Balkan Countries ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Oriented Approach

Purpose The paper aims to deal with the education for sustainable development (ESD) competences of university educators. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of opportunities for the development of ESD competences in higher education (HE) institutions in Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia. In addition, the paper explores the drivers and barriers experienced in this area using a process-oriented approach. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of collecting data, internet and desktop research was carried out, which was then followed by interviews with key respondents and experts in HE. The interviews were carried out face-to-face or via telephone. In addition, information collected from the interviews was compared with both data found in the literature and official documents. Findings The comparative analysis indicated how specific institutional and cultural contexts affect the development of ESD competences in HE in the region. There were differences but also common opportunities for developing the ESD competences of university educators in the countries analysed. For each country, the drivers and barriers, as well as their relevance, were manifested differently and specific key constructs were identified to explain the implementation process for developing ESD competences of university educators. Practical implications This paper tried to respond to this diversity of perspectives, contexts and initiatives and attempted to extract the benefits of different approaches to the ESD professional development of university educators in Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia. It is hoped that this paper will provide valuable insights into the development of ESD in HE and support the development of ESD competences in the region. Originality/value This is one of the first papers that provide a comparative analysis of the ESD professional development of university educators in Balkan countries. The value of the paper lies in its potential to help us to understand the role that different drivers and barriers play in different patterns of implementation for developing the ESD competences of university educators.

Human capital challenges in the hotel industry of Canada: finding innovative solutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A. Willie ◽  
David Connor ◽  
Jordi Sole ◽  
Gabor Forgacs ◽  
Robert Grieve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
International Literature ◽  
Thought Processes ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Market Needs ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify possible solutions to the current and persistent challenge of attracting and retaining qualified people to work in Canada’s hotel industry. The outlook for the industry is that a critical shortage of skilled workers will continue to exist for at least the next decade. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on the perspectives of three academics and three industry practitioners in an effort to identify root causes and possible solutions. Canadian and international literature is reviewed to establish current practices and point to gaps to be filled to meet the market needs. Recommendations are categorized by industry and academic perspectives. Findings The Canadian hotel industry faces challenges in filling job vacancies and maintaining employees in their roles. It is important for industry and academia to work collaboratively to educate the general public on the rewards and benefits of working in the Canadian hotel industry. Practical implications Many concrete strategies are suggested that individual hotel operations and the industry as a whole can implement to improve their human resource management and to entice potential employees to join the sector. Originality/value This paper adds value and contributes to the Canadian hotel industry and academia, as it represents current research and thought processes from both the academic community and the Canadian hotel industry.

When one business model is not enough for a social business

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heiko Gebauer ◽  
Caroline Saul ◽  
Mirella Halidmann ◽  
Sasha Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Costs And Benefits ◽  
Engaged Scholarship ◽  
Base Of The Pyramid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Basic Sanitation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate how managing multiple business models can become a key factor for succeeding in base-of-the-pyramid markets. Design/methodology/approach Case study was conducted through an engaged scholarship approach. Findings The authors highlight that companies can manage multiple business models, if they are following these three steps: recognition of costs-and-benefits, improvement and growth and creation of synergies. Practical implications The study provides guidance on how to manage multiple business models. Social implications This paper discusses Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods, a social enterprise, which provides basic sanitation in bade-of-the-pyramid markets. Originality/value Operating more than one business model could cause often strategic failures. Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods explored the advantages of having multiple business models in following three steps: recognition of costs-and-benefits, improvement and growth and creation of synergies.

Logistics principles vs. legal principles: frictions and challenges

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 744-767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Norrman ◽  
Oskar Henkow
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
The Other ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Principles ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Logisticians propose changes to improve supply chains, and legal practitioners do likewise, but from a different perspective. Proposals from one domain increasingly have an impact on the other due to e.g. globalization – but cross-disciplinary knowledge often seems limited. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate interaction between the domains by increasing the level of joint understanding of the principles used in each domain, and to look at the potential frictions and challenges. Design/methodology/approach – Management principles for efficient logistics and supply chain management as well as key principles governing the legal systems are summarized on both a paradigmatic and an action level. Illustrations from practice are presented. These have been obtained by a cross-functional team which has interviewed both logisticians and lawyers. Findings are based on cross-functional comparative analysis of principles and illustrations. Findings – Frictions between operational principles were found to exist in each domain, with some principles harder to reconcile than others. There are also challenges between the two paradigms of logistics and law that influence the operational principles. Research limitations/implications – One implication is that the knowledge gap, challenges and frictions between the professions and domains, both in practice and academia, would benefit from more research. Practical implications – Although it may seem trivial, logisticians and lawyers need to cooperate better. The research shows on a fundamental level, with practical examples, the challenges and frictions that occur. Originality/value – The cross-functional approach with law, and the discussion and comparison of principles.

Determinants of immigrant self-employment in Spain

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 895-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Begoña Cueto ◽  
Vanesa Rodríguez Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Labour Force Survey ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Region Of Origin ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine immigrant self-employment in Spain. The study aims to determine the likelihood of immigrants being self-employed, the differences between Spaniards and immigrants in terms of self-employment and differences among immigrants from different regions of origin. Design/methodology/approach – Data from the Labour Force Survey for 2005-2011 are used for a descriptive analysis of self-employment. Logit regressions allow us to study the determinants of immigrant self-employment. Findings – Unlike research conducted in other countries, the rate of immigrant self-employment in Spain is lower than that of nationals, although differences exist according to the region of origin. Men and older individuals are more likely to be self-employed. Those with higher levels of education are also more likely to be self-employed – this may be attributable to the decreased availability of skilled positions for immigrants. Research limitations/implications – The sample size does not allow for differential analyses regarding the region of origin or the existence and influence of enclaves. Practical implications – Self-employment may be an opportunity for immigrants to improve their position in the labour market, especially in the case of highly skilled workers. Originality/value – In Spain, analyses of immigrant self-employment are rare and generally focus on case studies. However, this study covers the whole population within a highly specific economic situation.

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