scholarly journals Knowledge exchange and management research: barriers and potentials

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torben Bager
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Illustrative Case Study ◽  
High Level

Purpose The growing involvement of management researchers in knowledge exchange activities and collaborative research does not seem to be reflected in a growing academic output. The purpose of this paper is to explore barriers for the limited academic output from these activities as well as the potential for ‘interesting’ papers. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses secondary data and statistics as well as an illustrative case study to trace knowledge exchange activities and barriers for academic output based on these activities. Findings The paper identifies a number of barriers for the turning of data derived from knowledge exchange activities into academic papers such as low priority of case study research in leading management journals, a growing practice orientation in the research funding systems, methodological challenges because of limited researcher control and disincentives for researcher involvement in knowledge exchange activities. The paper also identifies a potential for ‘interesting’ research and discoveries through collaborative research. Research limitations/implications Diminishing the barriers for collaborative and case-based research and exploring the potential for ‘interesting’ discoveries has the potential to increase the number of published papers with a high level of scientific rigor as well as a high level of relevance for practice. Originality/value An outcome focus on the relationship between knowledge exchange activities and management research is to the author’s knowledge new in the debate about weak practical relevance of management research.

Country of origin branding: an integrative perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roderick J. Brodie ◽  
Maureen Benson-Rea
Keyword(s):  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Meaning ◽  
Value Propositions ◽  
Illustrative Case Study ◽  
Strategic Perspective

Purpose A new conceptualization of the process of country of origin (COO) branding based on fresh theoretical foundations is developed. This paper aims to provide a strategic perspective that integrates extant views of COO branding, based on identity and image, with a relational perspective based on a process approach to developing collective brand meaning. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the literature on COO branding and geographical indicators is undertaken, together with a review of contemporary research on branding. Our framework conceptualizes COO branding as an integrating process that aligns a network of relationships to co-create collective meaning for the brand’s value propositions. Findings An illustrative case study provides empirical evidence to support the new theoretical framework. Research limitations/implications Issues for further research include exploring and refining the theoretical framework in other research contexts and investigating broader issues about how COO branding influences self and collective interests in business relationships and industry networks. Practical implications Adopting a broadened perspective of COO branding enables managers to understand how identity and image are integrated with their business relationships in the context of developing collective brand meaning. Providing a sustained strategic advantage for all network actors, an integrated COO branding process extends beyond developing a distinctive identity and image. Originality/value Accepted consumer, product, firm and place level perspectives of COO branding are challenged by developing and verifying a new integrated conceptualization of branding.

The leading small group: an institutional innovation for PPP projects in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yajian Zhang ◽  
Willie Tan
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Coordination Mechanism ◽  
Waste To Energy ◽  
Public Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Level

Purpose It is widely recognized that large-scale public–private partnership (PPP) projects require an effective coordination mechanism among various stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into how this may be achieved through the leading small group (LSG), which is a distinctive informal Chinese institution for coordination among various public agencies. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth case study using secondary data and five in-depth interviews with two staff members from the developer and three government officials involved is used to probe into how the LSG functions during the various development phases of the Yangzhou Teda Waste-to-Energy project. Findings The main finding is that, conditional on its capacity, the LSG coordinated various public agencies to promote fast project implementation and ensure its smooth operation by making high-level decisions, facilitating quick permits and approvals, and mitigating the risks. However, formalization and participation from other stakeholders are needed to ensure good governance. Research limitations/implications Because it is an exploratory case study, the findings cannot be readily generalized. Further research can be done to compare the performance of LSGs in different Chinese cities and PPP projects. Practical implications It is supposed that this paper can provide implications of designing effective coordination mechanisms for managing large-scale PPP projects. Originality/value This paper provides an account of the LSG as a distinctive Chinese coordination mechanism that has been rarely studied.

scholarly journals Sustainable Community Development or Voluntourism: Illustrative Case Study of Sustainable Housing in Maharashtra

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin Melles
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Recent Criticism ◽  
Volunteer Tourism ◽  
Sustainable Community Development ◽  
Sustainable Housing ◽  
Local Actors ◽  
Illustrative Case Study

Volunteer tourism or ‘voluntourism’ packages development and poverty as culturally exotic and ethical experiences for tourists from industrialized countries. In the university sector study abroad tours network voluntourism agencies, local actors, e.g. NGOs, universities and government funding to offer students ‘life changing’ experiential and community development learning. Recent criticism of the commodification of development and poverty through such tours points to multiple pernicious effects of such travel, especially the failure to deliver community impact. Following review of current criticism of voluntourism, this illustrative case study of a purported sustainable housing project in rural Maharashtra employs multiple data sources and covert research to explore the multiple gaps between participatory community sustainable development and voluntourism. The study finds signal lack of financial transparency, incompetent assessment of material needs, and limited local participation and control, failure to deliver on objectives, and recommends that socially responsible short term international exchanges should be carefully monitored and prefer knowledge exchange.

scholarly journals The paradox of embedded agency from a strong structuration perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Othman Rashwan Kholeif ◽  
Lisa Jack
Keyword(s):  
World Bank ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World Bank ◽  
The World ◽  
Strong Structuration ◽  
Illustrative Case Study

PurposeThis paper aims to use Stones’ strong structuration theory (SST) that combines Giddens’ duality and Archer’s analytical dualism to deal with the paradox of embedded agency, focussing on resistance, in the budgeting literature. It also applies this framework to an illustrative case study that examines a failed attempt to implement performance-based budgeting (PBB) in the Egyptian Sales Tax Department (ESTD).Design/methodology/approachThe authors have used SST as an analytical framework. Longitudinal case study data were collected from interviews, observations, discussions and documentary analysis and from publicly available reports and other media issued by the World Bank.FindingsThe SST framework identifies the circumstances in which middle managers as embedded agency have limited possibilities to change their dispositions to act and identify opportunities for emancipation in the wider social context in which they are embedded. The official explanation for the failure to implement PBB in Egypt was obstruction by middle managers. The findings of this study provide an alternative explanation to that published by the World Bank for the failure to institutionalise PBB in Egypt. It was found that the middle managers were the real supporters of PBB. Other parties and existing laws and regulations contributed to the failure of PBB.Research limitations/implicationsAs a practical implication of the study, the analysis presented here offers an alternative interpretation of the failure of the Egyptian project for monitoring and evaluation to that published by the World Bank. This case and similar cases may enhance the understanding of how and when monitoring and evaluation technologies should be introduced at the global level to manage conflicts of interest between agencies and beneficiaries.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the extant management accounting literature on the use of ST in addressing the paradox of embedded agency in making or resisting structural change. It uses SST to integrate Giddens’ ST with critical realist theory, incorporating duality and dualism in a stronger model of structuration. The SST framework offers a means of analysing case studies that result from interactions and conjunctures between different groups of actors at different ontological levels. The paper also examines the issue of embedded agency in budgeting research using an illustrative case study from a developing country, Egypt.

A methodology to define strategic processes in organizations

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Payam Hanafizadeh ◽  
Sorousha Moayer
Keyword(s):  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Holding Companies ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Strategic Processes ◽  
High Level

PurposeTo elaborate a methodology enabling organizations to define their strategic processes among other processes.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach has been chosen due to the nature of this research. Case study research method is qualitative method but it can be positivist. The mix of techniques is appropriate and some degree of quantification is necessary. Three high‐level steps are designed and these steps are developed in the managerial holding companies (research case study).FindingsBecause of limitations on budget and time, organizations are able to define the processes which are critical to achieve organizations' goals. This methodology has a holistic view in organizations by using balanced scorecard framework.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on a single case. Generalization based on this case should be interpreted cautiously and a limitation of the case study should be kept in mind. Furthermore, the strategy of the research case is a competitive strategy and the strategic processes are chosen according to this strategy. They may be changed based on other strategies. In interpreting the result, these limitations should be kept in mind.Originality/valueDefining the strategic processes helps organizations to use their resources based on their objectives. This paper presents a methodology that improves the ability of organizations in managing and directing their resources efficiently.

scholarly journals The Twilight Effect, post-film tourism and diversification: the future of Forks, WA

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel William Mackenzie Wright ◽  
David Jarratt ◽  
Emma Halford
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Direct Result ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Diversification Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Twilight Saga ◽  
Illustrative Case Study

PurposeThe visitor economy of Forks now clearly relies upon a niche form of tourism – as fans of The Twilight Saga are drawn to the setting and filming location of the films. The purpose of this study is to consider the process of diversification and subsequently present recommendations that could inform a future diversification strategy for Forks, in preparation for a post-film tourism scenario.Design/methodology/approachThe research methods employed in this study have two interlinked but distinct elements. Firstly, the Twilight Effect in Forks (WA, USA) is considered as an illustrative case study to shed light on the issues facing a destination that has seen a tourism boom as a direct result of popular culture – The Twilight Saga Franchise. Secondly, a scenario thinking and planning approach is applied when considering the “long-view” future of tourism in Forks.FindingsThis article presents a post-film tourism future scenario for Forks; it suggests tourism diversification and a shift towards cultural heritage and wellness. Forks is well placed to afford such tourism experiences, as it offers unique cultural and natural characteristics; furthermore, these could be utilised to create and maintain a distinctive destination image. In doing so a more socially and environmentally sustainable industry can be established, one which supports the local community, including the Quileute tribe.Originality/valueThe article offers original discussions within the film-tourism literature with novel approaches to understanding the management and pre-planning opportunities for destinations that have become popular film tourism locations, with the application of a “Tourism Diversification Model”. The model is adapted from Ansoff Matrix and can be applied as a framework in future studies exploring destination diversification. The investigation of Forks as a post-film tourism case study alone is unique, and the discussions and findings presented are original.

An abductive approach to qualitative built environment research

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bankole Awuzie ◽  
Peter McDermott
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Economic Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Illustrative Case Study ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Purpose Qualitative researchers are often confronted with a dilemma of selecting an appropriate approach within which to situate their research. This has led to successive attempts by qualitative researchers in the built environment (BE) to combine two dominant approaches – deductive and inductive; in the conduct of their inquiry. Such attempts can be traced to the poor comprehension of the abductive approach. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the principles of the abductive approach and illustrate its applicability within the context of BE qualitative research. Design/methodology/approach In this study, an illustrative case study is used to depict the usefulness of the abductive approach in BE research. The case relied upon is a recently completed study of an infrastructure delivery system and an assessment of the system’s ability to deliver on socio-economic sustainability objectives. Findings It was established that extant theories, particularly those with a history of provenance, could be used as a basis for the development of testable propositions for assessing certain phenomena, qualitatively. However, the manner in which these propositions are utilised under an abductive approach is pivotal to the generation of credible findings. Research limitations/implications It is expected that the findings of this paper would create awareness among researchers on the relevance of an abductive approach to qualitative research. Originality/value This study makes an authentic contribution towards resolving the challenge confronting qualitative researchers within the BE discipline as it pertains to selecting between deductive and inductive approaches. In this case, an abductive approach is suggested and its modalities shown through a comprehensive study.

scholarly journals University-led internships for innovative thinking: a theoretical framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-254
Author(s):  
Nadeera Ranabahu ◽  
Shamika Almeida ◽  
Elias Kyriazis
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Managing Innovation ◽  
Work Integrated Learning ◽  
Illustrative Case Study

PurposeThis article explains how business internships can be used to develop innovation skills in undergraduates.Design/methodology/approachUsing work-integrated learning and current literature on innovation, this article proposes a theoretical framework to design, implement, and measure outcomes of Innovation-Focused Internships (IFIs). The article also uses an illustrative case study from an Australian university to discuss practical use of this framework.FindingsThe theoretical framework illustrates that stakeholders (i.e., students, industry, and university) need a common goal. Factors associated with managing innovation and student placements are key features of the framework. The illustrative case study demonstrates ways in which students gather both professional work experience and innovative skills.Practical implicationsThe illustrative case study outlines practical strategies and challenges in IFI programs. Managing innovation-related challenges requires adjustments from all the stakeholders.Originality/valueThis article modifies the existing stakeholder interdependency model of work-integrated learning by combining it with innovation-related literature. The novel insights from the IFI program demonstrate how factors associated with students, industry, and university, and associations between these key stakeholders shape and determine IFI success.

The role of cognitive biases in anticipating and responding to cyberattacks

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-188
Author(s):  
Arnela Ceric ◽  
Peter Holland
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Denial Of Service ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Ddos Attacks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Australian Bureau Of Statistics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of four cognitive biases, namely, selective perception, exposure to limited alternatives, adjustment and anchoring, and illusion of control in anticipating and responding to Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on exploratory case study research and secondary data on decision making in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in regards to planning and managing DDoS attacks on Census day in 2016. Findings Cognitive biases limited the ABS’s awareness of the eCensus system’s vulnerabilities, preparation for and management of DDoS attacks. Cyberattacks are on the increase, and managers should expect and be prepared to deal with them. Research limitations/implications Due to the sensitivity of the topic, it was not possible to interview relevant stakeholders. Analysis is based on high-quality secondary data that includes comprehensive government reports investigating the events on Census day. Practical implications Cyberattacks are inevitable and not an aberration. A checklist of actions is identified to help organisations avoid the failures revealed in the case study. Managers need to increase their awareness of cyberattacks, develop clear processes for dealing with them and increase the robustness of their decision-making processes relating to cybersecurity. Originality/value This the authors believe that it is the first major study of the DDoS attacks on the Australian census. DDoS is a security reality of the twenty-first century and this case study illustrates the significance of cognitive biases and their impact on developing effective decisions and conducting regular risk assessments in managing cyberattacks.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document