To which extent do projects explore the opportunity space?

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knut Samset ◽  
Bjorn Andersen ◽  
Kjell Austeng
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Concept Development ◽  
Decision Processes ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Final Choice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Execution Phase ◽  
Objective Reasoning ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore a selection of projects to understand how conceptual appraisals and choice of concepts are handled, and to which extent the conceptual opportunity space is exploited. Design/methodology/approach – The study is essentially case based, and rooted in a number of in-depth studies of single-project cases. Its study combines information from document studies with interview data, and culminates in normative recommendations. Findings – The study found that the projects do indeed not exploit the opportunity space to a very large extent. The lessons from the present study is that the final choice is determined more by decision makers than the analysts, and will often be the result of policy and preferences more than objective reasoning. Which again suggests that the efforts as analysts will often be in vain. Research limitations/implications – These findings could influence theoretical models outlining project establishment and decision processes. Practical implications – The study has identified many shortcomings in public sector processes that could be utilized to alter such processes. Originality/value – The study is original in that it focusses on the concept development phase of projects, rather than the traditional execution phase, and has studied decision processes.

Who’s making the decisions? How managers can harness artificial intelligence and remain in charge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooya Tabesh
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Decision Processes ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Decision ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose While it is evident that the introduction of machine learning and the availability of big data have revolutionized various organizational operations and processes, existing academic and practitioner research within decision process literature has mostly ignored the nuances of these influences on human decision-making. Building on existing research in this area, this paper aims to define these concepts from a decision-making perspective and elaborates on the influences of these emerging technologies on human analytical and intuitive decision-making processes. Design/methodology/approach The authors first provide a holistic understanding of important drivers of digital transformation. The authors then conceptualize the impact that analytics tools built on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have on intuitive and analytical human decision processes in organizations. Findings The authors discuss similarities and differences between machine learning and two human decision processes, namely, analysis and intuition. While it is difficult to jump to any conclusions about the future of machine learning, human decision-makers seem to continue to monopolize the majority of intuitive decision tasks, which will help them keep the upper hand (vis-à-vis machines), at least in the near future. Research limitations/implications The work contributes to research on rational (analytical) and intuitive processes of decision-making at the individual, group and organization levels by theorizing about the way these processes are influenced by advanced AI algorithms such as machine learning. Practical implications Decisions are building blocks of organizational success. Therefore, a better understanding of the way human decision processes can be impacted by advanced technologies will prepare managers to better use these technologies and make better decisions. By clarifying the boundaries/overlaps among concepts such as AI, machine learning and big data, the authors contribute to their successful adoption by business practitioners. Social implications The work suggests that human decision-makers will not be replaced by machines if they continue to invest in what they do best: critical thinking, intuitive analysis and creative problem-solving. Originality/value The work elaborates on important drivers of digital transformation from a decision-making perspective and discusses their practical implications for managers.

Analysis of e‐inclusion projects in Russia, Austria and Switzerland

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Niehaves ◽  
Ralf Plattfaut ◽  
Elena Gorbacheva ◽  
Peter H. Vages
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe issue of digital divide is widely discussed in research as well as in practice. Today, especially senior citizens are excluded from the merits of using information and communication technologies (ICT). This paper aims to study municipal projects for an inclusive information society in Russia, Austria, and Switzerland.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper 50 cities are selected from each country studied based on three variables. In each city, all age‐related e‐inclusion projects are analyzed to find commonalities and varieties.FindingsResults show that in all countries the projects share several commonalities. However, project ideas are not shared internationally.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the selection of countries and cities. Future research should compare the results of other countries.Practical implicationsDecision makers in municipalities should look for successful e‐inclusion projects in other areas, not only nationally but also internationally.Originality/valueThis paper presents a first comparative analysis of e‐inclusion projects in several European countries.

Reflections on the theme issue outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 504-510
Author(s):  
Gunjan M. Sanjeev ◽  
Richard Teare
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Cost Competitiveness ◽  
Hotel Sector ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The paper aims to profile the theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes titled “How is the need for innovation being addressed by the Indian hospitality industry?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editor, contributors from the industry and academia and the theme issue outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for their theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process. Findings It highlights recent innovations that have taken place in the Indian hospitality industry especially in the areas of customer service, cost competitiveness, culinary management, revenue management and technology. Practical implications As hotel sector investment in India intensifies, this theme issue will be of interest to hoteliers, policy makers, analysts and others interested in the role that innovation can play in helping to facilitate differentiation between competing hotel products and services. Originality/value There is limited literature available on industry innovations in the Indian context. All the papers in this theme issue were written after several cycles of interaction between academics and practitioners and so they incorporate real–time, relevant and contemporary data.

Size does matter – span of control in hospitals

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Holm-Petersen ◽  
Sussanne Østergaard ◽  
Per Bo Noergaard Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Leadership Capacity ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Span Of Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frontline Leaders ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Centralization, mergers and cost reductions have generally led to increasing levels of span of control (SOC), and thus potentially to lower leadership capacity. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a large SOC impacts hospital staff and their leaders. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a qualitative explorative case study of three large inpatient wards. Findings The study finds that the nursing staff and their frontline leaders experience challenges in regard to visibility and role of the leader, e.g., in creating overview, coordination, setting-up clear goals, following up and being in touch. However, large wards also provide flexibility and development possibilities. Practical implications The authors discuss the implications of these findings for decision makers in deciding future SOC and for future SOC research. Originality/value Only few studies have qualitatively explored the consequences of large SOC in hospitals.

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.

Design and topological optimization of rear pressure bulkhead for a typical aircraft

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marshal Thakran ◽  
Meenakshi ◽  
Jitender Sharma ◽  
Charles Gilbert Martin
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Topological Optimization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Iterative Design ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the model of a rear pressure bulkhead with different design optimizations to meet the pressurized cabin requirements of an aircraft. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of the static analysis of a dome-shaped rear pressure bulkhead model designed in Catia-v5. Numerical analysis of model meshed in hyper-mesh and solved using Opti-Struct for iterative design optimizations. Findings All the iterative models are analyzed at 9 Psi. Rear pressure bulkhead designed with L-section stringer shows better results than the model optimized with T-section stringer for the same thickness. The model optimized with L-shaped stinger also reduces the weight of the bulkhead without affecting the structural integrity. Practical implications It has been concluded in this paper that the selection of specific shapes of the stringers shows a significant influence on weight reduction. Originality/value This paper provides a topical, technical insight into the design and development of a rear pressure bulkhead. It also outlines the future development of dome-shaped rear pressure bulkhead.

“Hold them or fold them:” evidence-based decisions to discontinue investigations of non-domestic minor violence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent McFadzien ◽  
Lawrence W. Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
False Negative ◽  
False Negative Rate ◽  
Random Selection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continuous Basis ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Full Investigation ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a “maintenance pathway” for ensuring a low false negative rate in closing investigations unlikely to lead to a clearance (detection).Design/methodology/approachA randomised controlled experiment testing solvability factors for non-domestic cases of minor violence.FindingsA random selection of 788 cases, of which 428 would have been screened out, were sent forward for full investigation. The number of cases actually detected was 22. A total of 19 of these were from the 360 recommended for allocation. This represents an improvement of accuracy over the original tests of the model three years earlier.Research limitations/implicationsThis study shows how the safety of an investigative triage tool can be checked on a continuous basis for accuracy in predicting the cases unlikely to be solved if referred for full investigations.Practical implicationsThis safety check pathway means that many more cases can be closed after preliminary investigations, thus saving substantial time for working on cases more likely to yield a detection if sufficient time is put into the cases.Social implicationsMore offenders may be caught and brought to justice by using triage with a safety backstop for accurate forecasting.Originality/valueThis is the first published study of a maintenance pathway based on a random selection of cases that would otherwise not have been investigated. If widely applied, it could yield far greater time for police to pursue high-harm, serious violence.

The soul of resilience

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 672-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pille Bunnell
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Ecological Context ◽  
Dynamic Flow ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Effective Care ◽  
Relational Embeddedness ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose Rather than an attempt to define or clarify resilience in terms of its characteristics, or its correspondence to reality, this paper is a series of reflections that leads to the notion of resilience as a way of being in the world. What is presented is not intended to be conclusive in any way. The paper aims to trigger thoughtful reflections that will lead to further conversations about the entailments and ethical concerns implicit in the concept of resilience. Design/methodology/approach The paper comprises reflections based on a selection of published ideas, as well as on personal engagement in the domains of ecology and the biology of cognition. In postulating that resilience may have a central, ineffable quality, the phrase “soul of” has been used as an approach to considering what such a quality may be. This formulation leads to a consideration about the nature of our relationships with the other such that the notion of resilience has become meaningful. Findings Language parses or chunks named ideas in a way that reveals some regularities and obscures others. The word resilience is one such chunk that historically has changed its meaning. Furthermore in the present the word refers to variable aspects or elements depending on the context of its usage. In the ecological context, resilience entails an ambiguous balance between persistence and change, and indeed this ambiguity may be necessary to accommodate the complexities. In all cases the author has considered, we are only concerned with resilience where there is an ethical dimension and this, inherently, must be multidimensional given the complexities of the systems being regarded. The author claims that the soul of resilience arises through an ethically oriented reflexive awareness of our dynamic flow in a relational embeddedness. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper are elusive, yet meaningful, as the paper attempts to open space for operating in an ethical and useful manner with ambiguous concepts and for avoiding the hubris of certainty. The paper is an explication of one of the ways of thinking inspired by second order science. Originality/value As the reflections in this paper are largely those original to the author, the ideas are original. Whether they have value depends on what ideas, attitudes, orientations and further reflections are triggered and whether these in turn implicitly or explicitly alter actions toward more effective care of our world. If reflection on resilience increases resilience, then this paper will have value.

Two decades of business negotiation research: an overview and suggestions for future studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Agndal ◽  
Lars-Johan Åge ◽  
Jens Eklinder-Frick
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Negotiation ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Negotiation Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to present a review of articles on business negotiation published between 1995 and 2015. Design/methodology/approach This literature review is based on 490 articles on business negotiation. Findings When analyzing the conceptual underpinnings of this field, two paradigms emerge as dominant. The most prominent paradigm is a cognitive, psychological approach, typically relying on experiments and statistical testing of findings. The second dominating paradigm is a behavioral one, largely concerned with mathematical modeling and game-theoretical models. Practical implications Besides offering a description of the characteristics adhered to the business negotiation field, this paper will also suggest recommendations for further research and specify areas in which the research field needs further conceptual and empirical development. Originality/value This literature review serves to be the first representation of the characteristics adhered to the budding research field of business negotiation.

Information literacy assessment by portfolio: a case study

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Sonley ◽  
Denise Turner ◽  
Sue Myer ◽  
Yvonne Cotton
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Literacy Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Cohort ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of a case study evaluating the revision of the assessment methods of an information literacy module. The revised assessment method took the form of a portfolio.Design/methodology/approachDuring 2004, all six credit modules at the University of Teesside had to be reviewed and restructured into ten credit modules. Following Biggs' principles of constructive alignment, the tutors looked at the existing module aims and learning outcomes. A review of the literature and previous experience informed the selection of the new assessment method by portfolio. An evaluation of the assessment method was undertaken after the module had run.FindingsThe paper finds that the assessment method had real strengths especially in terms of validity. It was also economical and efficient. Students knew what they were expected to do and where they needed to put in effort.Research limitations/implicationsThe assessment by a portfolio method has been carried out once with a relatively small cohort of students, so the findings can only be regarded as interim.Practical implicationsThe tutors believe that they have created a very useful module with an aligned assessment method which would be of benefit to a much greater number of studentsOriginality/valueThere is a shortage of publications that report the results of the use of portfolios for the assessment of information literacy.

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