Lean home services in Czech Republic

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 784-802
Author(s):  
Felipe Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Size Limits

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an empirical research on the leanness of the home services sector in the Czech Republic. The automotive sector provides reference to argue the numerical outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a specifically designed assessment tool (Lean Index – LI) to determine the sector’s leanness level. Referring to the results from both sectors, the paper draws conclusions about the current leanness level of home services providers. Findings The proposed LI indicates a value of 69.50 per cent for home services providers, whereas the LI for the automotive industry suppliers is 82.88 per cent. This suggests that there are large opportunities for the implementation of lean management in the home services sector. However, the main challenge is to introduce a continuous improvement approach to these companies. Research limitations/implications The sample size limits the generalisation of the research results. However, this paper represents the first empirical attempt to implement a large-scale survey. The results are limited to the Czech Republic. However, parties from other countries have indicated interest to replicate the research. Practical implications This research provides first empirical findings on the possibilities of implementing lean in the home services sector. Future research projects in other sectors will have the opportunity to make use of the LI assessment tool. Originality/value The paper presents the first approach of lean management into the home services sector. It provides valuable information to specialised institutions in the sector about the possibilities of lean management in the sector. It also provides an overview of the sector for practitioners and academics willing to pioneer lean in the sector.

An exploratory study investigating the perception that ICT capital projects are different

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 912-927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Hynek ◽  
Václav Janeček ◽  
Frank Lefley ◽  
Kateřina Půžová ◽  
Jan Němeček
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Capital Projects ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Assessment Models ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose – The purpose of this study/paper is evidence to suggest that information communication technology (ICT) capital projects are different from non-ICT projects and that as a result the appraisal of such projects is more difficult. This may suggest that organisations would use dissimilar financial and risk assessment models or place different importance levels on such models between the two types of investment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this issue and present the results of research into the practices of organisations in Czech Republic that have recently undertaken an appraisal of both ICT and non-ICT capital projects. Design/methodology/approach – A factual and attitudinal survey was developed and conducted during the end of 2011, addressed to organisations based in the Czech Republic. The object of the survey was the identification of current practices in respect of the appraisal of both ICT and non-ICT projects and the opinions of senior executives on a number of important issues regarding such practices. This paper focuses on the issues relating to ICT projects being “different” from non-ICT projects. Findings – The empirical findings support the literature in that ICT projects are, in many respects, different from non-ICT projects. However, the evidence indicates that, in practice, there is no significant difference in the financial and risk assessment models used in their appraisal. This indicates that any perceived difficulties, which may infer that the projects are “different”, are overcome (or ignored), to some extent, when it comes to the formal financial and risk assessment stage of project appraisal. There is also evidence to suggest that practitioners use assessment models that academics regard as unsophisticated. The findings also show that strategic issues are more important with respect of ICT projects than non-ICT projects. The research therefore supports the view that ICT projects are perceived to be different, but that the current conventional (financial and risk) appraisal models are adequate to appraise such capital projects, provided they are supported by a strategic assessment. Research limitations/implications – As the findings are based on a survey of companies in the Czech Republic only, we accept that the research results may have some limitations in terms of drawing general conclusions. The concern over drawing general conclusions is also brought about by the relatively low response rate, although the rate is in line with previous published research. Practical implications – ICT projects are different and as such these differences must be taken into account when appraising capital projects. The evidence supports the need for practitioners to review their appraisal of ICT capital projects, by adopting more sophisticated financial and risk models (as prescribed by academics) and linking their appraisal to corporate strategic goals. Future research should be aimed at identifying the formal and informal strategic approaches adopted by practitioners in the appraisal of ICT capital projects. Originality/value – This is the only survey to simultaneously address the appraisal issues concerning both ICT and non-ICT projects in the Czech Republic. As such, it gives a valuable insight into the practices of Czech Republic organisations in their appraisal of ICT and non-ICT capital projects. The identification of the four main problem areas with respect to the appraisal of ICT projects will help to focus academic research in the future.

The relationship between the regulation of licit medications containing pseudoephedrine and the illicit methamphetamine market in Czechia and neighbouring countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Petruzelka
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
Drug Markets ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the relationship between region-specific regulations of medications used in the manufacture of illegal drugs and illegal drug markets. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines a case study of the relationship between the regulation of medications containing pseudoephedrine in Czechia and neighbouring countries and the illegal drug market for methamphetamine in Czechia between 2006 and 2018. The description of this case is based on a review of the literature and a review of publicly available data sources. Findings The tightening of the regulation of medications containing pseudoephedrine in the Czech Republic led, in the years under study, to a gradual decrease in the number of packages sold and simultaneously to the illegal import of such medications from neighbouring countries with less strict regulations. At the same time, shifts in the drug market could be observed: the internationalisation of previously primarily domestic supply chains, the increased involvement of Vietnamese organised crime groups, the emergence of large-scale methamphetamine labs and a shift in production to countries with less strict regulations. The subsequent application of stricter controls in neighbouring countries was accompanied by further shifts in supply chains and increased imports from non-European countries. Practical implications The tightening of regulations of medications within a single country or single region might lead to significant and undesirable changes in drug markets and supply chains. Originality/value This paper provides a novel case study of the development of region-specific regulations of medications and their influence on illegal drug markets and supply chains in the Czech Republic and in the European context.

scholarly journals Strategic Challenges of Human Resources Allocation in Industry 4.0

Information ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
Majid Ziaei Nafchi ◽  
Hana Mohelská
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Productivity And Competitiveness ◽  
Near Future

The emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0, hereinafter I 4.0) has led to an entirely fresh approach to production, helping to enhance the key industrial processes and therefore increase the growth of labor productivity and competitiveness. Simultaneously, I 4.0 compels changes in the organization of work and influences the lives of employees. The paper intends to construct a model for predicting the allocation of human resources in the sectors of the national economy of the Czech Republic in connection with I 4.0. The model used in this research visualizes the shift of labor in the economic sectors of the Czech Republic from the year 2013 to the following years in the near future. The main contribution of this article is to show the growth of employment in the high-tech services sector, which will have an ascending trend.

scholarly journals The development of regional differentiation of office construction in the Czech Republic: 1990–2010

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33
Author(s):  
Pavel Domalewski ◽  
Jan Baxa
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Office Building ◽  
Regional Differentiation ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Dominant Position

Abstract The factors that were crucial for the construction of administrative buildings in the regional capitals of the Czech Republic are subject to examination in this article. One primary question is whether the development of office construction reflects the qualitative importance of the cities, or whether there are some other regularities in the spatial distribution of construction. To identify the key factors, controlled interviews with experts professionally involved in the construction of administrative buildings were carried out, and these data were then extended as part of a large-scale questionnaire survey with other experts on the issue. The results have confirmed the dominant position of the capital city of Prague in terms of its qualitative importance, as the remaining regional capitals have less than one-tenth of the volume of modern office building areas. The greatest differences in the construction of administrative buildings have been noted in Brno and Ostrava, despite the fact that they exhibit similar characteristics when considered in the light of respondent-determined factors.

Consumers’ self-congruence with a “Liked” brand

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Wallace ◽  
Isabel Buil ◽  
Leslie de Chernatony
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Brand Love ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Image

Purpose Brand “Likes” on Facebook facilitate self-expression, forming part of consumers’ virtual selves. Yet, consumers’ brand “Likes” may bear little resemblance to their material realities. This paper aims to test similarities of brand image with self-image for Facebook “Likes” to determine whether self-congruence with a “Liked” brand leads to positive offline brand outcomes. It also investigates whether consumers’ perceptions about their Facebook social relations influence self-congruent brand “Likes”. Design/methodology/approach A large-scale survey was conducted of regular Facebook users who “Liked” brands. Data from 438 respondents was analysed and hypotheses tested using structural equation modeling. Findings Empirical results show that the perceived self-congruence with a “Liked” brand increases with social tie strength. Perceived social tie strength is informed by perceived attitude homophily. When the perceived self-congruence with a “Liked” brand is higher, brand love and word of mouth (WOM) are enhanced. Consumers also have greater brand loyalty and offer more WOM when brands are loved. Research limitations/implications Findings demonstrate the influence of consumers’ cognitive network on “Likes” and brand outcomes. Further replication would enhance generalisability. Future research should use a wider sample and investigate other variables. Practical implications Findings support managers seeking to grow and analyse Facebook “Likes” by providing insights into brand loyalty, brand love and WOM for “Liked” brands. Originality/value The paper addresses the dearth of research exploring how consumers’ perceptions of their Facebook network influence their online brand behaviour and how perceived self-congruence with a “Liked” brand relates to brand outcomes.

Public leadership and strategies of Czech municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic – municipal activism vs municipal passivism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Plaček ◽  
David Špaček ◽  
František Ochrana
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Strategic Behavior ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Capital City ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Leadership

PurposeThis paper discusses the role of public leadership and the strategic response of local governments to the external shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors examine the typical Czech response with regard to how the leadership of municipalities in the Czech Republic responded to this extremely negative external stimulus.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use qualitative research methods for this investigation. They have chosen the case study method (see Yin, 2009; Stake, 1995; Klonoski, 2013). The general case is the Czech Republic. Mini-cases consist of municipalities from the Znojmo region, municipalities of the Central Bohemian region and the municipal districts in the capital city of Prague. Furthermore, the method of participant observation was used.FindingsThe authors’ analysis of the problem of local government responses to the pandemic crisis shows that municipal leaders responded with a variety of (non-)adaptation strategies. It appears that certain framework factors influenced the various local governments' behavior.Originality/valueThe article examines the strategic behavior of Czech municipal leaders regarding the pandemic crisis based on the observation of the reactions of local governments in the Czech Republic to the pandemic crisis and strives to define their basic strategies.

scholarly journals Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas cavernicola sp. nov. DSM 24474T, Isolated from a Cavern Brook in the Moravia Region of the Czech Republic

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (15) ◽  
pp. e00227-18
Author(s):  
S. M. Colston ◽  
A. Navarro ◽  
A. J. Martinez-Murcia ◽  
J. Graf
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Genome Sequence ◽  
Novel Species ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Draft Genome Sequence ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Species of the Aeromonas genus can be found in numerous environmental milieus, including various water sources, and some species cause disease in animals. We present here the draft genome sequence for Aeromonas cavernicola DSM 24474T, a novel species isolated from a freshwater brook within a cavern in the Czech Republic.

scholarly journals Definitive guidelines toward effective mobile devices crowdtesting methodology

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-228
Author(s):  
Qamar Naith ◽  
Fabio Ciravegna
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mobile Platforms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
Development Teams ◽  
Application Developers

Purpose This paper aims to gauge developers’ perspectives regarding the participation of the public and anonymous crowd testers worldwide, with a range of varied experiences. It also aims to gather their needs that could reduce their concerns of dealing with the public crowd testers and increase the opportunity of using the crowdtesting platforms. Design/methodology/approach An online exploratory survey was conducted to gather information from the participants, which included 50 mobile application developers from various countries with diverse experiences across Android and iOS mobile platforms. Findings The findings revealed that a significant proportion (90%) of developers is potentially willing to perform testing via the public crowd testers worldwide. This on condition that several fundamental features were available, which enable them to achieve more realistic tests without artificial environments on large numbers of devices. The results also demonstrated that a group of developers does not consider testing as a serious job that they have to pay for, which can affect the gig-economy and global market. Originality/value This paper provides new insights for future research in the study of how acceptable it is to work with public and anonymous crowd workers, with varying levels of experience, to perform tasks in different domains and not only in software testing. In addition, it will assist individual or small development teams who have limited resources or who do not have thousands of testers in their private testing community, to perform large-scale testing of their products.

Psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction for people with a dual diagnosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 167-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Hamilton ◽  
Rose Pringle ◽  
Stephen Hemingway
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychotropic Substances

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is: first, to consider the reported problems in sexual function caused by psychotropic medication. Second, the complex undertaking of completing an assessment of sexual functioning. Third, the role of the pharmaceutical industry is explored. Finally, implications for future research and practice are suggested. Design/methodology/approach – As a commentary this paper draws on the available literature to synthesise what is already known about the relationship between psychoactive substances and sexual functioning. Findings – The limited literature and lack of research attention given to psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction limits our collective understanding of how many people are affected and in what way. Research limitations/implications – A greater focus on psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction is needed for people with a dual diagnosis. There has been an over reliance on single case studies and self-reporting. Large scale epidemiological investigation would help understand the extent and nature of the problem more fully. The demographic shift particularly in relation to an ageing population should be considered as psychotropic substances effect individuals in different ways as they grow older. Practical implications – There is scope for workers to engage more fully in a conversation with clients about their experience of using psychotropic substances and how this has impacted their sexual functioning. The literature suggests that clients want to talk about this issue but staff are unwilling or unable to discuss the topic. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge this is the first paper that draws on the available literature to explore the known and likely implications of psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction for this client group.

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