scholarly journals “Superfast!” managing the urgent: case study of telecommunications infrastructure project in Algeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 507-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youcef J-T. Zidane ◽  
Ole Jonny Klakegg ◽  
Bjorn Andersen ◽  
Bassam Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Management Team ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normal Case ◽  
Telecommunications Infrastructure ◽  
Urgent Case ◽  
Infrastructure Project ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose With the aim of furthering the understanding of project speed and how to manage the urgent project, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the management challenges involved in delivering a telecommunications infrastructure project in a period of much shorter duration than a similar project. The authors wanted to understand the reasons behind the urgency and how the project management team succeeds in delivering in such a tight time window. Finally, the authors assessed the consequences (negative and positive, during and after the project delivery), knowing that the project was considered a success at its delivery, but not that it was successful at the post-project evaluation. Design/methodology/approach A case study based on qualitative research interviews with management team including the client, the main contractor and some related stakeholders, combined with case archives and internal documentation from the case project. Findings The urgency of a project or programme may lead to some negative consequences and impacts. The success seen in a short- and mid-term view is not enough to justify making acceleration decisions: thus holistic thinking and a long-term sustainable approach are needed to ensure continuity and profits. Research limitations/implications This research is based on a single case study. There are some limitations regarding how urgent and unexpected the case was managed in comparing to normal case. A second limitation is that there is no clear definition of what are normal practices such that we can say what are a normal case and an urgent case. Practical implications There are some lessons learned from this case study about managing the unexpected and the urgent. Practitioners can obtain insight into positive and negative consequences of fast project delivery from this case. Originality/value This study is unique in its content and context, since it presents the first-hand insight into a case study that seemed to be successful to some extent (short-term impact); however, negative consequences appeared within a few years of its delivery.

scholarly journals Dimensions of governance in interorganizational project networks

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaakko Kujala ◽  
Kirsi Aaltonen ◽  
Nadezhda Gotcheva ◽  
Pertti Lahdenperä
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Project Implementation ◽  
Analysis Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Networks ◽  
Infrastructure Project ◽  
Project Network ◽  
Study Setting

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to create a framework to analyze approaches for coordination, adaptation and safeguarding of exchanges in interorganizational project networks.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis framework to analyze governance in project networks was created based on a systematic review of existing literature. The framework was applied to analyze governance approaches used in a large infrastructure project implemented with an alliance project delivery method to illustrate the practical validity of the framework.FindingsThe analysis framework categorized governance in project networks in six dimensions: goal setting, rewarding, monitoring, roles and decision-making, coordination and capability building. A set of questions for each governance dimension was created and the analysis framework was applied in the context of a project alliance.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of this research is on governance internal to a project network. The authors identified dimensions of governance in project networks and related governance approaches based on a systematic literature review. The practical applicability of the framework was validated in a single case study setting.Practical implicationsThe paper introduces a concept of governance in project networks, which takes the perspective that all actors that have an influence on project implementation are part of an interorganizational project network. The focal organization may have had a significant role in the design of governance, but governance also emerged from the network structure of companies and the interactions among them. The analysis framework created in this research can be used to design and analyze governance in different type of project context.Originality/valueThe paper introduces a concept of governance in project networks, which takes the perspective that all actors that have an influence on project implementation are part of an interorganizational project network.

Diagnosing recurrent logistics problems: a combined SCM disciplines and maturity perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harmen S. Wijbenga ◽  
Paul C. van Fenema ◽  
Nynke Faber
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Public Organization ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of the study is to diagnose recurrent logistics problems in a public organization’s network of logistics entities, determining the maturity level of each supply chain (SC) function, and trying to link problems within the SC functions to the maturity level by using the case study method. Design/methodology/approach Extant research on supply chain management (SCM) maturity is combined with notions of SC flows and disciplines. The resulting SCM Disciplines Maturity model comprises multiple diagnostic steps. It is illustrated by means of a developmental case study at a large public organization facing recurrent logistics problems in routine processes. Findings The model is shown to be a useful instrument to obtain insight into linkages between recurrent logistics problems and the way an SCM organization harbors multiple SCM disciplines. Originality/value The paper examines recurrent logistics problems in relation to SCM maturity, a relatively unknown research subject. It shows how SCM maturity thinking can support the diagnosis of recurrent problems. In a rapidly changing world, it enables further research on diagnosis as a dynamic capability.

Assets-based approaches to developing age friendly communities: learning from the bristol ageing better programme

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Beardmore ◽  
Penny Beynon ◽  
Christine Crabbe ◽  
Carol Fry ◽  
Jan Fullforth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Older People ◽  
Production Method ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose International attention is increasingly turning to the challenge of creating age-friendly environments. This study aims to examine the application of asset-based approaches in undertaking community development projects with older people. The paper intends to share the learning that may be useful when designing community development projects for older people in the future. Design/methodology/approach This study followed a multiple project case study design, with a focus on project delivery practices. It was undertaken as a co-production exercise involving university researchers and trained older volunteer community researchers (CRs). Over 18–24 months of qualitative research was conducted in relation to six area-based urban projects between 2018 and 2020. Findings There were five leading themes as follows: mapping and building on assets in highly localised settings; creating governance and direction through steering groups; developing activities with diverse groups of older people; reaching isolated and lonely older people; building local capacity to embed sustainability. Practical implications The effectiveness of assets-based approaches in promoting age-friendly agendas appears to be contingent on the values, skills, capacity and resourcing of delivery agencies, alongside wider public sector investment in communities. Diversity and inequalities amongst older people need to be taken into account and community development that specifically focuses on older people needs to be balanced with the whole population and intergenerational practice. Originality/value This paper provides an empirical account of the practical application of assets practices specifically in the context of the age-friendly community agenda. The co-production method brings together insights from academic and volunteer older CRs.

Reshoring drivers and barriers in the Swedish manufacturing industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Engström ◽  
Kristina Sollander ◽  
Per Hilletofth ◽  
David Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Location Decisions ◽  
Location Decision ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Location ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore reshoring drivers and barriers from a Swedish manufacturing perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a case study, including four Swedish manufacturing companies, with focus on drivers and barriers from the context of the Swedish manufacturing industry. A literature review of previously established drivers and barriers is used to map out the empirical findings and thereby identify potential gaps between the current body of literature and drivers and barriers from a Swedish manufacturing context.FindingsThe findings of the study suggest that quality issues continue to be one of the strongest reshoring drivers. Except for product quality, quality is also connected to host country’s infrastructure, communication and service. The supply chain perspective is a source of several drivers and is identified as a perspective often overlooked in offshoring decisions. Barriers related to firm specifics were more elaborately discussed by the companies, especially concerning calculation of location decision and the need to invest in resources, which allows for a higher level of capacity at the home country facility.Research limitations/implicationsThe study develops a structured table of reshoring drivers and barriers which can serve as a base for future research. Future research on the calculation of location decisions is deemed as a crucial step to further understand reshoring and aid companies in the decision-making process.Practical implicationsThe drivers and barriers identified in the study can give practitioners insight into reshoring from the perspective of the Swedish manufacturing industry and thus aid in future manufacturing location decisions. The table of drivers and barriers can also be important to understand how Sweden can strengthen its competitive advantage and motivate more companies to reshore manufacturing.Originality/valueThis is one of only few papers from the Nordic countries and also one of few case studies examining reshoring in manufacturing companies.

scholarly journals Developing cybersecurity education and awareness programmes for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Bada ◽  
Jason R.C. Nurse
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Education ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
The One ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Training ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to focus on organisation’s cybersecurity strategy and propose a high-level programme for cybersecurity education and awareness to be used when targeting small- and medium-sized enterprises/businesses (SMEs/SMBs) at a city-level. An essential component of an organisation’s cybersecurity strategy is building awareness and education of online threats and how to protect corporate data and services. This programme is based on existing research and provides a unique insight into an ongoing city-based project with similar aims.Design/methodology/approachTo structure this work, a scoping review was conducted of the literature in cybersecurity education and awareness, particularly for SMEs/SMBs. This theoretical analysis was complemented using a case study and reflecting on an ongoing, innovative programme that seeks to work with these businesses to significantly enhance their security posture. From these analyses, best practices and important lessons/recommendations to produce a high-level programme for cybersecurity education and awareness were recommended.FindingsWhile the literature can be informative at guiding education and awareness programmes, it may not always reach real-world programmes. However, existing programmes, such as the one explored in this study, have great potential, but there can be room for improvement. Knowledge from each of these areas can, and should, be combined to the benefit of the academic and practitioner communities.Originality/valueThe study contributes to current research through the outline of a high-level programme for cybersecurity education and awareness targeting SMEs/SMBs. Through this research, literature in this space was examined and insights into the advances and challenges faced by an on-going programme were presented. These analyses allow us to craft a proposal for a core programme that can assist in improving the security education, awareness and training that targets SMEs/SMBs.

Obstacles and challenges in applying stakeholder analysis to infrastructure projects

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Wojewnik-Filipkowska ◽  
Anna Dziadkiewicz ◽  
Wioleta Dryl ◽  
Tomasz Dryl ◽  
Robert Bęben
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Infrastructure Project ◽  
The Creation

Purpose Public involvement is essential in the creation of effective local strategies for the development of a sustainable built environment, yet there has been little research on stakeholder motivation and engagement in the creation of infrastructure-project value, in the entire life cycle of a given project, while different markets show that overlooking stakeholders can negatively affect the success of an infrastructure project. The purpose of this paper is to fill the theory-practice gap that has been discerned, and thus study how early public involvement determines the success of an infrastructure project, which is identified with its value creation (effectiveness, sustainability and utility). Design/methodology/approach This research entails a combination of methods. A case study analysis allowed observation of the role the stakeholders play and of how the relationships, perspectives, expectations and risks, along with other soft issues, continue to affect projects. The case study required comprehensive examination of project documentation and conduction of interviews. To collect data, focused group interviews and semi-structured interviews were used, supported with direct questionnaire surveys. Findings The study provides evidence that early public engagement can contribute to infrastructure-project value (effectiveness, sustainability and utility). Practically speaking, the stakeholder analysis performed allowed proposal of a general stakeholder analysis framework for infrastructure projects. It can be implemented at each investment phase of the project life cycle, since stakeholders and their motivation may develop and/or change over time, which necessitates development of proper managerial strategies. The findings highlight the opportunities and the challenges faced by stakeholder management. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study derives from the fact that the sample size was small, which was necessary for an in-depth qualitative research and application of the case study method. The observations were made on a selected case study, within a limited period of time, thus the context of the analysis as well as the stakeholder perception was subject to possible change. The research limitations concern the provisional nature of the information obtained, the cross-sectional nature of the analysis itself, and, finally, the inability to predict all future events. Ultimately, stakeholder mapping was performed for the operational phase of the investment exclusively, while the analysis was limited to identification and classification of the stakeholders, including their relationship with the project. Practical implications The research conclusions provide useful input for future research on development of effective strategies for management of the shareholders that are related to a given infrastructure project, in order to achieve project success. Simultaneously, from a property perspective, the research has contributed to a better understanding of the importance of infrastructure, on the part of real estate stakeholders. Social implications Application of the approach proposed in the study may contribute to early development and implementation of appropriate trust-building processes. The building of relationships between stakeholders enables checks and balances, promotes short- and long-term project benefits, and increases the value of a project. Originality/value The novelty of the research consists in the connection, as part of infrastructure projects, of the theory of consumption values and the concept of an investment cycle with the framework of stakeholder analysis.

Exploring the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 822-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Le Roux ◽  
Marius Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Listed Company ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to explore the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the nexus by obtaining in-depth insight from the sensemaking of those in practice. Design/methodology/approach A single exploratory case study design strategy was applied to a leading stock exchange listed company in the property industry in South Africa. Rich qualitative data were gathered by applying multiple data gathering techniques to a diverse group of employees within the case company. Findings This empirical study contributes a metaphor of a cog and chain and nine themes that elucidate employee sensemaking at the nexus. Integrated reporting was found to drive sustainability embeddedness and foster changes within the organisation. The themes offer in-depth insight into how employees made sense of integrated reporting as a driver for sustainability embeddedness. Research limitations/implications The findings emerged from a single case study that operated in a mandatory disclosure context and are therefore not generalisable. The findings reflect the intended outcomes of integrated reporting and further research to explore the unintended outcomes and challenges associated with integrated reporting is suggested. Practical implications The study contributes to a growing practice based agenda by offering a better understanding of how integrated reporting and sustainability are conceptualised and adopted in practice. Social implications The findings offer organisations’ guidance on integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness adoption which can have vast implications for society and the environment. Originality/value The study responds to gaps in the literature and calls for studies to explore the intersection between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness by engaging those in practice.

Perceived claim sources in the Nigerian construction industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
AbdulLateef A. Olanrewaju ◽  
Paul J. Anavhe
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Claims ◽  
Change Order ◽  
Delay Cost ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – With the increase in the cases of construction claims in Nigeria, many projects have remained uncompleted, while many of those completed receive poor client satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how construction claims are managed. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 58 claim factors were identified and addressed to construction professionals through survey to indicate the extent at which the factors contributed to claims. A case study was conducted to illustrate claim management. Findings – In total, 37 factors were the major source of claims. Late payment, delayed approval of change order and delay cost were the extremely influential while the least were storage charges, loss of productivity, and costs of preparing claims. Evidences revealed that all stakeholders should play active roles to deliver “claim free” projects. Practical implications – The findings will be useful to practitioners in the effort to improve project delivery by providing some guidance on claim minimization. It is hoped that this study will encourage academics to conduct more research on this issue. Originality/value – There is no known conclusive empirical study on construction claim factors in Nigeria. In light of this, the findings offer greater opportunities for claim minimization/avoidance.

Using RBM approach in managing projects beyond the development sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Kaggwa Ssegawa ◽  
Mark Muzinda
Keyword(s):  
Project Delivery ◽  
Technology Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Technology Infrastructure ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Included Review ◽  
Project Data ◽  
A Site ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Result-based management (RBM) is common approach used in the development sector to initiate, plan and implement projects. However, to the knowledge of the authors the approach has hardly been used in delivering projects in other sectors, for example, information technology, infrastructure or business. The purpose of this paper is to document a case study in which the RBM approach was used to guide the delivery of a business project in Botswana. Design/methodology/approach – A case study strategy was used to document the delivery process of the project. Data were collected from a variety of sources that included review of documents, interviews, focus discussions and a site visit. The content analysis technique was used to analyse the collected data. Findings – The case illustrates the possibility of using the RBM approach to initiate, plan and implement a project in the business sector. Research limitations/implications – Being a case study, the approach needs to be tested with more case studies. Practical implications – Apart from illustrating the possible use of RBM approach, the paper illustrates systematic processes used in the case study for project delivery. It also outlines some of the resultant challenges which may be appreciated by practitioners, academics and trainees. Originality/value – The use of RBM approach in guiding the delivery of a business project.

scholarly journals Challenges to urban cultural heritage conservation and management in the historic centre of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanaw M. Taqi M. Amin ◽  
Emmanuel Akwasi Adu-Ampong
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Heritage Conservation ◽  
Cultural Heritage Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conservation Projects ◽  
Historic City ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges to urban cultural heritage management conservation in the historical city of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq. The paper focusses on the roles and interactions of stakeholders and the issues that confront the decision-making processes that underpin the management of historic city towns. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology is utilised for this research. It involves documentary analysis and interviews with stakeholders who are part of the management of the historic city centre of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq. The findings from this case study are analysed in a systematic way before being discussed in the context of the literature on urban cultural heritage management. Findings The research shows that although there is a shared vision of the need to preserve and conserve urban cultural heritage, the management process is a contentious one. Stakeholders have different ideas as to how to achieve conservation goals which leads to increasing conflicts among stakeholders. This situation is compounded by the limited financial resources available to local government agencies, political interference in the work of implementation agencies and the lack of capacity in local government to enforce rules and carry out conservation projects. There are also significant power differentials among stakeholders in the decision-making process which often means that local residents are excluded from the process of conserving their built urban heritage. Practical implications This research can help practitioners who are in charge of urban cultural heritage management in dealing with stakeholder conflicts. The paper offers insight into a number of sources of stakeholder conflicts and on ways to overcome these in the planning process. Originality/value The originality of research lies in the novelty of the case study area. This research highlights the issues of built heritage conservation management and planning practices in an area – Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan-Iraq – that is geographically less represented in the extant literature. The research also identifies some of the key sources of conflict in urban heritage conservation projects and provides an insight into the roles of stakeholders in the management of smaller locally-dependent historic city centres.

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