Innovation in project management through framing and challenge redefinition

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 745-766
Author(s):  
Jorge Sanz-Llopis ◽  
Matthias Ostermann
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creative Solutions ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Innovation Challenge ◽  
High Uncertainty

PurposeThis paper investigates the framing and redefinition of innovation challenges as an approach to generate creative solutions in the field of project management.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies the Innovation Challenge Canvas (ICC), a new conceptual model that redefines innovation challenges. The research undertakes a review of the literature in the field of project management, followed by seven in-depth interviews with innovation directors to ascertain the professional view. Finally, usefulness of ICC was tested in three case studies.FindingsAn innovative approach focusing on redefining a challenge instead of proposing solutions to a problem fosters creative thinking and encourages innovative proposals. This ideation challenges the organization's traditional way of managing innovation projects. The ICC provides a better means by which to manage projects that embody high uncertainty, while helping to generate more innovative solutions.Originality/valueThe review of the literature shows that project management has given little attention to the redefining of innovation challenges. This study aims to fill this gap by orienting and adapting the traditional literature on framing to project management. From a practical point of view, the ICC is proposed as a model that can be used to consider the most relevant elements needed to redefine an innovation challenge and enhance the management of those projects.

scholarly journals A turbulent time: government sources post-2016 presidential election

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-142
Author(s):  
Alicia Kubas
Keyword(s):  
Presidential Election ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
The Political ◽  
Government Information ◽  
Political Climate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
2016 Election ◽  
Democrats And Republicans ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Since the 2016 presidential election, hyper-partisanship has become a regular facet of the political landscape with Democrats and Republicans in increasing conflict. The purpose of this paper is to determine if perception of government sources related to trust and credibility has changed since the 2016 election and if the experiences and strategies of librarians who teach or consult about government information has changed in response to this environment. Design/methodology/approach A 24-question survey was distributed to garner qualitative and quantitative responses from librarians who teach or consult about government information in an academic environment. A total of 122 responses were used for analysis. Findings Academic librarians are seeing more concern from patrons about disappearing online government information and wider distrust of government information. Librarians also noticed that the political leanings of students color their perspective around government sources and that librarians also need to keep their political beliefs in check. Respondents emphasized a need for more government literacy and information literacy topics when discussing evaluation of government sources. Research limitations/implications The data collection only included responses from academic librarians. Further research could include in-depth interviews and look at experiences in various library types. Originality/value With the timeliness of this topic, there has not been an in-depth investigation into how the Trump administration has changed user trust and perception of government sources from the librarian’s point of view. This paper continues the conversation about how librarians can address the growing distrust of government information and give us insight into the effects of a turbulent political climate on government sources.

Conflict handling in small firms’ foreign business relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 240-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Ratajczak-Mrozek ◽  
Krzysztof Fonfara ◽  
Aleksandra Hauke-Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Conflict Handling ◽  
Financial Consequences ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to indicate how conflicts in foreign business relationships are handled by small firms from a relational point of view and how these conflicts can be used by small firms in a positive way. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses qualitative study and presents the results of in-depth interviews conducted with six small, Poland-based firms. Findings The paper indicates the nature of conflicts in foreign business relationships from the perspective of small firms, including the sources of conflict and its outcomes. The main sources of conflict indicated include service or product quality, financial aspects of cooperation and cultural differences. The study exposes the existence of both negative (e.g. financial consequences) and positive (e.g. gaining new experience) outcomes of conflicts. It shows that positive conflict handling often constitutes a significant challenge for small firms and that the authors cannot really speak of one optimal method of conflict handling. Regardless of the method adopted, the costs involved should be taken into detailed consideration. Practical implications The paper points to actions that could be taken by small firms to handle conflicts in a way that will produce positive outcomes. Originality/value Managing international relationships is a more challenging task compared with domestic ones, especially for smaller firms. The paper exposes the impact of two categories of conflict (called day-to-day problems and severe conflicts) in a foreign relationship on small firms and considers different methods of handling the conflict situations.

Systematization of absorptive capacity microprocesses for knowledge identification in project management

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 2195-2216
Author(s):  
Alan Tadeu de Moraes ◽  
Luciano Ferreira da Silva ◽  
Paulo Sergio Gonçalves de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Sample Composition ◽  
Knowledge Identification ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Identification Phase

Purpose This study aims to systematize the acquisition phase of absorptive capacity microprocesses that contribute to project management (PM) knowledge identification. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory and descriptive qualitative research was adopted. The first stage consisted of building the conceptual framework based on four systematic-literature-reviews. The data collection process in the second phase involved in-depth interviews, which are adequate to understand the interviewee’s reality. The sample composition consisted of 15 respondents who are PM professionals with an average of 15 years of experience. Each interviewee was chosen based on their expertise and ability to transmit the entire management process of several projects. The data were analyzed using the Atlas. Tecnology information software following the grounded theory technique with three coding cycles: open, axial and selective. Findings Based on the results, the authors organized the microprocesses into three groups: events, social interaction and the use of tools and techniques. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation of the study was the number of respondents. Future studies will be able to identify other microprocesses and evaluate their role in the knowledge identification process. Practical implications This study presents a systematization of microprocesses in knowledge identification, as it occurs in the context of PM. Based on the results of this study, organizations will be able to choose the microprocesses that best fit their operations and activities according to the complexity, innovation and/or criticality of their projects. Originality/value The systematic literature review revealed a gap in the knowledge identification phase of knowledge management as it pertains to PM. Thus, this study presents a systematization of how knowledge identification occurs in the context of PM.

Employers' perspectives on work readiness in construction: are project management graduates hitting the ground running?

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1363-1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Borg ◽  
Christina M. Scott-Young
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Work Readiness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Empathic Communication ◽  
Construction Knowledge ◽  
Technical Construction ◽  
Industry Needs ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThere is a need for graduates who can quickly adjust and thrive within the current increasingly dynamic project-based workplaces. The purpose of this paper is to present the employers' perspectives on the work readiness of project management graduates entering the Australian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachTo gain the industry's perspective, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from 18 different construction companies that employ project management graduates.FindingsThematic analysis revealed that from the employers' perspective, work readiness constitutes (1) empathic communication, (2) passion and (3) technical construction knowledge. Graduates' areas of strength (e.g. application of technology) and weakness (e.g. responding to confrontational situations) were identified.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable insights into employers' perspectives of the work readiness of project management graduates which can serve as feedback to universities to assist in aligning their educational programmes with industry needs.Social implicationsWhile employers recognize that the responsibility for fostering work readiness should be shared between themselves and universities, this research highlights that currently adequate collaboration does not occur. This paper advocates for both universities and employers to be open to engaging in the conversation to enhance graduate work readiness.Originality/valueNo research to date has investigated the work readiness of project management graduates, nor whether their work readiness levels meet employers' requirements. This paper addresses this gap.

Interaction and reputation in Airbnb: an exploratory analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisamar Baute-Díaz ◽  
Desiderio Gutiérrez-Taño ◽  
Ricardo Díaz-Armas
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Exploratory Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Ratings ◽  
Negative Comments ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the role of social interaction and reputation when reviewing experiences on the Airbnb platform. Recent studies have suggested that social interaction and aspects related to reputation may encourage positive bias in the case of online ratings and comments.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research method was used. In total, 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with non-professional Airbnb hosts and guests resident on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands).FindingsFace-to-face interaction between the host and guest could lead to the moderation or omission of negative comments by guests. Reputation is a relevant factor that affects the behaviour of the users on the platform. Users are expected to behave in accordance with certain conventions learned when using the platform.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory analysis must be complemented by other quantitative research. The hosts interviewed are not professional hosts.Practical implicationsIt is recommendable for hosts offering average accommodation to pay special attention to welcoming and assisting their guests, with the aim of boosting their reputation on the platform.Originality/valueThis is the first qualitative study to deal with the effect of social interaction and reputation from the point of view of hosts and guests when reviewing experiences on the Airbnb platform.

Multi-brand loyalty: when one brand is not enough

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 464-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reto Felix
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Tradition ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to provide a deeper, constructivist account of multi-brand loyalty. Previous literature has acknowledged the existence of multi-brand loyalty, but described it from a narrow, rational and primarily utilitarian point of view. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on open-ended, depth interviews. Data were labeled, coded and classified into different topics, and thematic analysis was used to identify three dominant themes. Findings – Multi-brand loyalty emerged in three forms: biased, specialized and perfect substitutes. These relationships may undergo dynamic transformations over time. Further, family tradition and perceived freedom were identified as two important motivations for consumers to be loyal to more than one brand. The managerial implications address suggestions on how companies can avoid that consumers become loyal to several brands instead of maintaining single-brand loyalty. Originality/value – The study is the first to address multi-brand loyalty based on a qualitative research approach and provides preliminary insights into occurrences and motivations related to the construct.

Challenges for B2B research relevance: a top executive perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 593-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannu Kuusela ◽  
Elina Närvänen ◽  
Hannu Saarijärvi ◽  
Mika Yrjölä
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Executives ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Top Executive ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – The purpose of the article is to identify and analyze the challenges of business-to-business (B2B) research relevance from the point of view of top executives. Design/methodology/approach – Ten in-depth interviews with top executives from different B2B industries were conducted and analyzed by using Arndt’s (1985) elements of a healthy discipline, i.e. knowledge, problems and instruments. Findings – The findings reveal 12 challenges that characterize contemporary B2B research relevance from a top executive perspective. Research limitations/implications – The research offers genuine top executive insight. More research from different perspectives is needed to broaden the understanding of B2B research relevance. Originality/value – Reflecting B2B research with the identified challenges can contribute to better research designs, narrowing the gap between B2B scholars and practitioners. Altogether, it contributes to the health of the B2B discipline. The study also introduces a new approach to analyzing research relevance by using the elements of scientific balance.

Thomson Reuters innovation case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 216-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thomson Reuters ◽  
Creative Solutions ◽  
The Right

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how you can generate employee enthusiasm through creative thinking and a campaign that drives engagement from the bottom up. Design/methodology/approach Creative solutions, engagement through early careers network, inclusion for all and democratizing the process. Findings Employees want to be engaged and feel like a part of the larger organization. If given the right opportunity, they will rise to the challenge and create a new momentum to drive innovation forward. Originality/value The campaign described was designed and implemented in-house.

scholarly journals Ameliorating time and cost control with project learning and communication management

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 767-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Martin Skitmore
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Control ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeLegions of projects fail to attain their time and cost objectives due to ineffective coordination. This is often due to a lack of essential learning from projects because of insufficient communication and working experience. One of the key reasons why this occurs is that managers are unaware of what knowledge needs to be retained. In contrast with knowledge management research, which mostly focuses on the systems and processes for capturing, storing, and retrieval of knowledge, this paper investigates the nature of project communication and learning and their role on project time and cost control.Design/methodology/approachA stratified proportional purposive sampling approach was adopted in choosing the interview participants for the study. They are experienced industry practitioners working on building construction projects in Malaysia. Content analysis was then performed on the interview data. The identified variables were further validated by 11 industry experts from the three primary construction stakeholders.FindingsThe results of a series of 12 in-depth interviews with industry practitioners are provided to reveal the effective communication tools for sharing and learning in a project-based environment, the learning inducing situations involved, and the use of reusable project experiences to improve project time and cost control.Research limitations/implicationsA possible limitation of the study is its focus on a small group of Malaysian practitioners delimits the generalizability of the findings.Originality/valueA two-phase model with three-step project management process of input, tools, and output is developed from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide as an aid for more effective knowledge reuse in project time and cost control in the future.

scholarly journals Stories from the end of the world: in search of plots for a failing system

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-82
Author(s):  
Jerzy Kociatkiewicz ◽  
Monika Kostera
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Systemic Change ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Methods ◽  
Narrative Study ◽  
Personal Accounts ◽  
Fundamental Shift

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider three types of stories: media, personal accounts and fiction, and look for plots depicting situations of fundamental shift in the framing and basic definitions of reality. The authors examine them from the point of view of their usefulness for developing creative responses to systemic change. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a narrative study in three stages, aimed at identifying strong plots pertaining to systemic change. The analyzed material came from three different sources of narratives (fiction, media and creative stories) and was approached by the use of two different narrative methods: symbolic interpretation and narrative collage. Findings Currently many voices are being raised that the authors are living in times of interregnum, a period in between working systems. There is also a mounting critique of the business school as an institution perpetuating dysfunctional ideologies, rather than enhancing critical and creative thinking. The authors propose that the humanities, and, in particular, learning from fiction (and science fiction) can offer a language to talk about major (systemic) change help and support learning about alternative organizational realities. Research limitations/implications The study pertains to discourse and narratives, not to material aspects of culture construction. Practical implications Today, there is a mounting critique of business schools and their role in society. Following Martin Parker’s call to transform them into schools of organizing, helping to develop and discuss different alternatives instead of reproducing the dominant model, the authors suggest that education should be based, to much larger extent than until now, on the humanities. The authors propose educational programmes including the study of fiction and film. Social implications The authors propose that the humanities (and the study of fiction) can equip society with a suitable language to discuss and problematize systemic change. Originality/value This paper adds to narrative social studies through providing an analysis of strong plots showing ways of coping with systemic collapse, and through an examination of these plots’ significance for organizational education, learning, and planning. The authors present an argument for the broader use of fiction as a sensemaking, teaching, and learning tool for managing organizations in volatile environments.

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