Overcoming irrationality: the Popperian approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-159
Author(s):  
Stephanie Chitpin
Keyword(s):  
Personal Experience ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Educational Organizations ◽  
Limited Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prior Expectation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Do So

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how associationism mistakenly assumes that direct experience is possible; that is, there is expectation-free observation and association without prior expectation. Thus, associationism assumes that learning involves the absorption of information from the environment itself. However, contrary arguments take the position that, for an individual to make a connection between his/her behaviour and its consequence(s), he/she must first have an expectation in order for a connection to be made. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a personal experience to illustrate how implicit assumptions and unstated expectations can be found in the corporate world. It offers to answer questions that will lead to an examination of overcoming irrationality through utilization of the Popperian philosophy of associationism. Findings When evaluating a practice, it is easier to find evidence of some sort to support the practice, especially if we are either disposed to do so or if our colleagues and organizations have recommended that we adopt these practices. However, if we are committed to genuinely improving our practice, Swann (2009) suggests that we become critical and ask, “What are the unintended and undesirable consequences of doing things this way?” (p. 8). Research limitations/implications Popper’s approach needs to be developed or learned through stages and with time. We need to be aware that it takes time to master the use of this approach. Merely introducing or having organizations learn the different methods or short cuts have only a limited effect in improving their ability to deal with issues in different contexts. Practical implications The examples used throughout this paper illustrate that the adoption of Popper’s approach does not necessarily require large-scale experiments. In fact, a well-conducted case study can be effective in casting doubt on existing assumptions. Regardless of the nature of the research strategy and the scale of the experiment devised to test a hypothesis, the task of testing can and will be problematic. Social implications Expectations can make us look foolish from time to time, but they can also be very powerful or useful because they are more than mere anticipation. If we are unable to strip away our preconceptions or prior knowledge, we can at least acknowledge our biases and, in doing so, we may not continue to be trapped within our own perspectives, which can blind us to the truth. Originality/value The examples used in this paper illustrate that Popper’s approach is robust and applicable in a variety of contexts and is not limited to educational organizations. Furthermore, it showcases our irrationality, and helps us understand when and where we may make erroneous decisions.

How “The Three Rules” guide strategy and investment decisions at Deloitte Consulting LLP

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Moffatt
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Investment Decisions ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Thought Leadership

Purpose – This case example looks at how Deloitte Consulting applies the Three Rules synthesized by Michael Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed based on their large-scale research project that identified patterns in the way exceptional companies think. Design/methodology/approach – The Three Rules concept is a key piece of Deloitte Consulting’s thought leadership program. So how are the three rules helping the organization perform? Now that research has shown how exceptional companies think, CEO Jim Moffatt could address the question, “Does Deloitte think like an exceptional company?” Findings – Deloitte has had success with an approach that promotes a bias towards non-price value over price and revenue over costs. Practical implications – It’s critical that all decision makers in an organization understand how decisions that are consistent with the three rules have contributed to past success as well as how they can apply the rules to difficult challenges they face today. Originality/value – This is the first case study written from a CEO’s perspective that looks at how the Three Rules approach of Michael Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed can foster a firm’s growth and exceptional performance.

Strategies for sustainable services in academic libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 298-307
Author(s):  
Dianne Cmor
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Services ◽  
Technological University ◽  
Structured Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore distinctive yet simple strategies for sustainability in academic libraries focussing on structured communication templates for stakeholders, pre-planned daily programming, and regularized, self-sustaining staff development. Design/methodology/approach Case study of unique strategies implemented at Nanyang Technological University Libraries. Findings Each of the three strategies has been successfully launched though they are at various stages of maturity. The first two strategies (structured communication templates and daily programming) have been implemented quite recently, whereas the staff development programme has been running for some time. Findings indicate that sustainability in all of these cases is directly linked to good planning which either minimizes daily, weekly or monthly work, and/or helps to clarify goals and focus action. Practical implications These strategies are feasible, transferable, malleable, and impactful such that other academic libraries with varying staffing structures can adopt and adjust them to their local needs. Originality/value Implementing simple sustainable services and strategies can have real impact and can provide alternatives to large-scale projects that may be too resource intensive for many to undertake on a regular basis.

Implementation of sustainable development practices in the hospitality industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigitte Prud’homme ◽  
Louis Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Hotel Managers ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to describe and understand how and to what extent hotel managers adopt sustainable development (SD) practices in their establishment, given the presence of barriers to the adoption of such practices by hotel establishments, and the lack of knowledge as to the ways and means by which an SD orientation is developed and implemented. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research strategy was chosen to answer the research questions, that is, a multi-site case study of five Canadian hotels. Findings The study shows why and how hotel managers proceeded to develop and implement an SD orientation, as well as the contextual factors that affected the extent to which SD practices were adopted. Research limitations/implications The initial elaboration and validation of a process model of SD adoption in hotel establishments constitute a conceptual building block upon which this complex phenomenon can be further studied. Practical implications This study demonstrates that in the hospitality industry, implementing an SD orientation is a strategy that can be enabled through the provision of required knowledge and expertise as well as appropriate tools and techniques to hotel managers. Originality/value In describing and understanding the dynamics of implementing a SD orientation in five Canadian hotels, this study has provided a conceptually and practically fruitful answer to the question of “how” and “to what extent” hotels adopt SD practices.

“What made you choose blue?” On becoming more “awkward”

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9
Author(s):  
Ron Iphofen
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Progressive Dementia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Close Family Member ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Close Family

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the personal experience of dealing with the progressive dementia of a close family member. Design/methodology/approach – Selected journal/diary entries over a ten-year period. Edited and anonymised. Findings – Even informed professionals with knowledge into the health and care system can struggle with the challenges of the progressive dementia of a loved one and managing the system. Research limitations/implications – One shot case study influenced by the moral and emotional proximity. Practical implications – Case studies can offer a range of diverse, if not unique, examples of the specific needs and problems faced by families that carers should take note of. Originality/value – All case studies are unique. But narrative accounts, even if episodic, can bring home-specific illustrations of good, best and problematic practices.

Don’t give up on the no-hopers

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Author(s):  
Blair McPherson
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Restructuring ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Department ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Or Team ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Do So

Purpose – Presents reverse talent-spotting as a way of getting the best out of underperforming managers. Design/methodology/approach – Examines the usual ways in which organizations deal with no-hopers and puts forward a more effective option based on a case study of an employee of a local authority social-service department. Findings – Explains that organizations usually hope that the disaffected and incompetent will be forced out during organizational restructuring, but often they are simply redeployed, passing the problem on to another department or team. The ambitious high-flyers do not hang around but the square pegs in round holes do, so it makes more sense to focus on the square pegs. Practical implications – Describes how senior managers invested in a group of underperforming managers the sort of time and energy that they normally reserve for those they see as future high-flyers. The group responded positively. They became less cynical, more open-minded about changes in the organization and more confident in their own skills and knowledge as managers. Social implications – Details how every organization has people with talent and ambition who will show themselves to be capable and will succeed but what separates the best organizations from the rest is how they develop the underperforming individuals. Originality/value – Shows that concentrating management time and effort on underperformers, who tend to stick around in an organization, can often be more rewarding for the organization than investing in the high-flyers who will be more likely to leave.

The professional basis of development work: suppose the person you are assisting to learn decides to leave the organization

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Ian Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Personal Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Development Work ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to challenge some assumptions about development work. It raised moral and ethical dilemma facing learning and development professionals. Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on personal experience and theory. It also uses an extract from Sainsbury’s case study. Findings – Learning and development professionals need to consider their role in relation to people with whom they work. Practical implications – The article provides practical advice based on real examples. Social implications – The article is clear about the social implications of one aspect of learning and development work, namely, where the activities of learning and development may cause a person to leave the organization. Originality/value – It appears to be a unique analysis of a real issue, namely, what should learning and development professionals do if a person wants to leave the organization as a result of their learning.

Assembly kits with variable part physical attributes: warehouse layout design and assignment procedure

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 857-868
Author(s):  
Marco Bortolini ◽  
Maurizio Faccio ◽  
Mauro Gamberi ◽  
Francesco Pilati
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Storage Space ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assignment Model ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Physical Attributes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The kitting feeding policy creates kits with the parts of each product to assemble. Each kit contains elements with heterogeneous physical properties imposing heterogeneous logistic facilities and management solutions for storage and handling. The purpose of this paper is to present and apply a two-step procedure to design the part warehouse layout and to assign locations in case of kitting with high-variety part attributes. The proposed procedure aims at reducing the kitting travelled distance, shortening the picker paths, best positioning the components in the warehouse to enhance the possibility of creating kits through a single corridor access. The saturation of the warehouse and the minimization of the required storage space are also considered. Design/methodology/approach Starting from part categorization, the proposed two-step procedure, of general applicability, designs the component warehouse, sizing the corridors (Step 1) before clustering the kits in terms of part commonality and best-assigning clusters to corridors (Step 2) with the goal of reducing the travelled distance and saturating the available storage space. Findings A comparison model considers the traditional versus the proposed warehouse layout highlighting the potential saving in the picker travelled distance. A case study taken from the harvesting machine agricultural sector exemplifies the applicability and the practical implications of this research. Originality/value Elements of originality are the warehouse design strategy and the assignment model for parts based on their physical attributes and their occurrence in the assembly kits. Finally, the case study taken from industry, with a high number of components and part categories, adds value to the research making the proposed procedure able to address large-scale industrial problems.

A case study concerning the 5S lean technique in a scientific equipment manufacturing company

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-357
Author(s):  
Shaman Gupta ◽  
Pankaj Chandna
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scientific Equipment ◽  
Audit Score ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Collection Methods

PurposeThis paper's purpose is to help a scientific equipment company make use of the 5S tool on the shop floor so that the organization can become progressively beneficial and increasingly productive.Design/methodology/approachThe organization has adopted a simple approach for making a suitable team for 5S tool implementation at the workplace. After that, they have used three types of data-collection methods so that these methods could help in the correct introduction of the 5S tool in the business workplace. They have also analysed the regression analysis with the genetic algorithm for the audit scores to predict the behaviour of 5S implementation in the coming weeks.FindingsIn this case study, it has been found after the suitable analysis that the 5S tool implementation has resulted in the overall benefits of the workplace. The major benefit achieved with the 5S tool is that the searching time for the tool in the workplace has been improved significantly. Also, the safety level is increased. The 5S audit has been carried out in the workplace and the audit score has been improved from the level of 6 scores (in week 1) to 72 score (in week 24).Practical implications5S tool has emerged as an incredible asset and it tends to be actualized in any of the ventures whether it is of a miniature, small, medium or large scale industry. The 5S tool can be applied horizontally at a large scale and it can be applied to almost all the workstations in the workplace.Originality/valueThe presented productions and contextual investigation for the 5S tool will be helpful and useful for all the analysts, experts and all other people who are worried about this subject of the 5S tool and its implementation in the organization.

Why don’t UK citizens protest against privacy-invading dragnet surveillance?

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Renaud ◽  
Stephen Flowerday ◽  
Rosanne English ◽  
Melanie Volkamer
Keyword(s):  
Initial Study ◽  
Privacy Rights ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actual Meaning ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Privacy And Confidentiality ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Do So

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify to identify reasons for the lack of protest against dragnet surveillance in the UK. As part of this investigation, a study was carried out to gauge the understanding of “privacy” and “confidentiality” by the well-informed. Design/methodology/approach To perform a best-case study, the authors identified a group of well-informed participants in terms of security. To gain insights into their privacy-related mental models, they were asked first to define the three core terms and then to identify the scenarios. Then, the participants were provided with privacy-related scenarios and were asked to demonstrate their understanding by classifying the scenarios and identifying violations. Findings Although the participants were mostly able to identify privacy and confidentiality scenarios, they experienced difficulties in articulating the actual meaning of the terms privacy, confidentiality and security. Research limitations/implications There were a limited number of participants, yet the findings are interesting and justify further investigation. The implications, even of this initial study, are significant in that if citizens’ privacy rights are being violated and they did not seem to know how to protest this and if indeed they had the desire to do so. Practical implications Had the citizens understood the meaning of privacy, and their ancient right thereto, which is enshrined in law, their response to the Snowden revelations about ongoing wide-scale surveillance might well have been more strident and insistent. Originality/value People in the UK, where this study was carried out, do not seem to protest the privacy invasion effected by dragnet surveillance with any verve. The authors identify a number of possible reasons for this from the literature. One possible explanation is that people do not understand privacy. Thus, this study posits that privacy is unusual in that understanding does not seem to align with the ability to articulate the rights to privacy and their disapproval of such widespread surveillance. This seems to make protests unlikely.

scholarly journals Evaluating competing public policy approaches towards the informal economy

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin C Williams ◽  
Ioana Alexandra Horodnic ◽  
Lynda Burkinshaw
Keyword(s):  
Informal Economy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Actor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Economic Actor ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Do So

Purpose – Conventionally, participation in the informal economy has been explained by viewing citizens as rational economic actors participating when the pay-off is greater than the expected cost of being caught and punished, and thus tackled by raising the sanctions and risks of detection. Given that many citizens do not engage even when the benefits outweigh the costs, a new social actor approach has begun to emerge which explains the informal economy as arising when tax morality is low and seeks to foster commitment to compliance. The purpose of this paper is to provide an evidence-based evaluation of these competing policy approaches. Design/methodology/approach – To do so, the results are reported of 1,306 face-to-face interviews undertaken during 2013 in the UK. Findings – The finding is that raising the sanctions and risks of detection has no significant impact on the likelihood of participation in the informal sector. However, participation in the informal economy is significantly associated with tax morality. Indeed, the only time that increasing the sanctions and risks of detection reduces the level of participation in the informal economy is amongst citizens with very low tax morality. Practical implications – Rather than continue with the current rational economic actor approach of increasing the penalties and risks of detection, this case study of the UK reveals that a new policy approach is required that seeks to improve tax morality by introducing measures to reduce the acceptability of participating in the informal economy. Whether this is more widely applicable now needs to be tested, given the dominance throughout the world of this punitive rational economic actor approach. Originality/value – This paper provides evidence supporting a new social actor approach towards explaining and tackling participation in the informal economy.

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