scholarly journals Decision-making and operations in disasters: challenges and opportunities

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (10) ◽  
pp. 1964-1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Rodríguez-Espíndola ◽  
Pavel Albores ◽  
Christopher Brewster
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Level ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Decision-making structures are commonly associated with the logistics challenges experienced during disaster operations. However, the alignment between the operational level and the decision-making structure is commonly overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the fit of both levels and its impact on performance. Design/methodology/approach The research is developed around a case study in Mexico. Through a review of the disaster management policy in the country, interviews and secondary data, the paper provides an analysis of the current decision-making structure, the logistics activities undertaken by authorities and the impact of the alignment between both components on logistics performance. Findings The analysis suggests that several of the challenges commonly associated with centralisation are actually rooted on its alignment with the operational level. The logistics performance is negatively affected by faulty assumptions, poorly planned procedures, inconsistent decision-making and poorly designed structures. The case showed the need to align the operational level with a centralised perspective to increase responsiveness, flexibility and the interaction between different organisations. Originality/value This paper identifies the impact of the misalignment between the decision-making structure and the operational level on logistics performance, an area currently understudied. It moves from the current argument about the appropriate decision-making structure for disaster management to the identification of components to implement an efficient and effective disaster management system. Additionally, this paper provides recommendations for best practices in humanitarian logistics, which are applicable to Mexico and other countries using a centralised decision-making approach.

Implementing asset data management in power companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizaveta Gavrikova ◽  
Irina Volkova ◽  
Yegor Burda
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Data Management ◽  
Electric Power ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Level ◽  
Asset Data

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design a framework for asset data management in power companies. The authors consider asset data management from a strategic perspective, linking operational-level data with corporate strategy and taking into account the organizational context and stakeholder expectations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a multiple case study based on a literature review and three series of in-depth interviews with experts from three Russian electric power companies.FindingsThe main challenge in asset data management for electric power companies is the increasing amount and complexity of asset data, which is frequently incomplete or inaccurately collected, hard to translate to managerial language, focused primarily on the operational level. Such fragmented approach negatively affects strategic decision-making. The proposed framework introduces a holistic approach, provides context and accountability for decision-making and attributes data flows, roles and responsibilities to different management levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of our study lie in the exploratory nature of case study research and limited generalization of the observed cases. However, the authors used multiple sources of evidence to ensure validity and generalization of the results. This article is a first step toward further understanding of the issues of transformation in power companies and other asset intensive businesses.Originality/valueThe novelty of the framework lies in the scope, focus and detailed treatment of asset data management in electric power companies.

A novel technique for evaluating and ranking green airlines: benchmarking-base comparison

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Fahed Alkhatib ◽  
Yazan Khalid Abed-Allah Migdadi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cause And Effect ◽  
Green Strength ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Global And Local ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Ranking Technique

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate and rank green airlines by proposing a novel approach that integrates different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques.Design/methodology/approachThree MCDM techniques were adopted: Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) addressed the impact relationships between Airline Green Operations (AGOs) and classified them into cause and effect; analytical hierarchy process (AHP) prioritized these actions and found their global and local weights; and Techniques to Order Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) used the weighted actions to evaluate and rank 20 green airlines as a case study.FindingsDEMATEL outcomes provide the first AGOs impact relationships map (IRM), classify AGOs into cause and effect actions and provide better understanding how these green operations affect each other. According to the AHP outcomes, “GHG1and fuel” and “GHG2 and Energy” were the most important set of actions, respectively. Finally, a new evaluation and ranking for 20 green airlines has been presented.Practical implicationsThe AGOs IRM provides a better understanding of the airline green operations and how they affect each other. The new evaluation and ranking technique helps airlines to identify their green strength and weakness areas and supports their sustainability processes.Originality/valueThe increasing importance of AGOs evaluation and analysis highlights the importance of green airlines studies like this one. This study analyzed AGOs, their impact relationships, developed their IRM and provided a new worldwide green airline benchmarking base.

Exclusive books: applying a behavioural economics perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Thiroshnee Naidoo ◽  
Charlene Lew
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Consumer Choice ◽  
Behavioural Economics ◽  
Choice Overload ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Consumer Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: understanding of the principles of choice overload and the impact of consumer choice overload on company sustainability and growth prospects; understanding of how several heuristics inform consumer decision-making; applying nudge theory to interpret and clarify the impact and consequences of nudges on consumer decision-making; and considering the challenge of a newly appointed CEO to influence consumer choice. Case overview/synopsis The case study and teaching note offers insights into the use of behavioural economics principles in consumer choice. The case study methodology was used to design, analyse and interpret the real-life application of behavioural economics in the retail sector. The case demonstrates how choice overload, dual process theory, decision heuristics and nudge theory play a role in consumer decision-making. The case offers insights into the application of behavioural economics to support the sustainability of a company in an emerging market context. Managers can use the findings to consider how to use behavioural economics principles to drive consumer choice. The application of behavioural economics to an industry facing challenges of sustainability offers new insights into how to design spaces and cues for consumer choice. Complexity academic level The case study is suitable for course in business administration, specifically at postgraduate level. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing

Advancing a culture of effective energy statistics and information management

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-34
Author(s):  
Earl Green ◽  
Charmaine D. DeLisser
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Regional Integration ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Caribbean Community ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
The Creation ◽  
State Of The Environment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the issues associated with the use of modern energy statistics and information management (ESIM) constructs as information sharing and decision-making mechanisms in the Caribbean community (CARICOM). The study focuses on the strategies required for advancing accepted regional goals of the creation and utilization of ESIM systems in the CARICOM energy sector, a vital precursor to national and regional generation and integration of energy information. Design/methodology/approach Primary and secondary data from CARICOM countries were analyzed, supported by an assessment methodology which examines the impact of the current state of the environment, and the policy imperatives on the data. Findings The research findings suggest that the creation and usage of energy statistics and information in the region is minimal. Several issues impact negatively on utilization, including political, visibility, awareness, resource, and cultural factors. Originality/value There are several possible alternatives for improving the state of ESIM in the region, and better understanding the peoples of the region, and the approaches to regional integration and development are instructive in deciding on the best approach. The solutions articulated in this paper are intended to achieve more inclusive high-value modalities of operation, optimize skills development and knowledge transfer, and positively impact the decision-making processes at both regional and state levels.

Towards new coopetition-based business models? The case of Netflix on the French market

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabyla Daidj ◽  
Charles Egert
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Traditional Media ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Convergence ◽  
Fierce Competition ◽  
Online Streaming ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to discuss the evolution in business models (BM) of one key player (Netflix) in the French online streaming video services market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a qualitative approach (Netflix case study based on secondary data) to reduce the gap between theory and business practice.FindingsThrough technological convergence, the movie and video industry has seen dramatic changes in the means of consumption, forcing the traditional media players to evolve and adapt their strategy and BM to face new entrants (mainly IT companies). Coopetitive practices have been developed in spite of a fierce competition in the French market with impact on BM. Netflix is representative of this evolution.Research limitations/implicationsThis qualitative research is based on a case study. The results of a single case study cannot be used to make generalizations. Certainly, this paper represents only a first step. Further research is required in this field.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is to expand the understanding of BMs by including various strategic and marketing perspectives and analyze the impact of coopetitive practices on the BM of one key player: Netflix.

Behavioral lessons from Flipkart’s Big-Billion Day sale

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tulsi Jayakumar
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Behavioral Economics ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Behavioral Aspects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the behavioral lessons and managerial implications of deep discount strategies used by e-commerce firms to gain a competitive advantage over rivals. The paper seeks to understand the behavioral aspects of consumer and competitor response to such online sales, particularly with reference to e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. The case study seeks to: understand the behavioral aspects of utility and customer satisfaction; understand the behavioral aspects influencing customer attitudes, preferences and choice; understand heuristics involved in consumer decision-making; and understand possible firm strategies based on a thorough analysis of behavioral influencers of customer decisions. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a case study approach. Secondary data sources from the library, company website and newspaper articles have been used to build a case which would encourage students to discuss and analyze the application of principles of behavioral economics to marketing problems faced especially by e-retailers. It uses Flipkart’s botched-up Big-Billion Day sale to drive home lessons in behavioral economics to marketers. Findings With growing internet penetration, e-retail presents high potential in India along with its BRICS peers. However, the task of grabbing customer mindshare, as also a share of wallet of the growing Indian purchasing power through monster discounts and deals by e-tailers may not work. Firms such as Flipkart may strategize using principles of behavioral economics including confirmatory bias, framing effects, reference points, principles of loss aversion, heuristics and the peak–end rule to influence customer decision-making in their favor. They must also guard against any incidents/events which invoke the representativeness heuristic or negative confirmatory biases towards e-commerce portals. Practical implications E-tailers in countries like India should understand the behavioral implications of deep discount strategies and deals offered by them as a means of gaining competitive advantage. Attention to e-service outcome quality and e-service recovery is important. Originality/value The case is unique in its applications of behavioral economics principles to e-retailing in India. It seeks to apply behavioral principles to a major e-commerce marketing event in India. With the e-commerce industry likely to boom in India, the case study provides unique insights into competitive pricing strategies adopted by e-retailers and the feasibility thereof.

The emerging importance of “homestays” in the Indian hospitality sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-466
Author(s):  
Sandeep Kulshreshtha ◽  
Ruchika Kulshrestha
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Life ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Hospitality Sector ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Factual Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the potential of “homestays” and also observe the trends related to this emerging concept in India. This paper also discusses various challenges faced by the owners of homestays. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on an exploratory study that sought to collect factual data about the present scenario and the emerging trends related to homestays. A qualitative case study method was used to analyse the actual practices followed by stakeholders. This paper expresses the viewpoint of the authors on the augmented demand for homestay supported by secondary data published in several academic papers and reports published by various government departments. The author interviewed a number of homestay owners to obtain a first-hand perspective. Findings This paper brings to light the rising trend toward homestays, the benefits of homestay tourism from the perspective of homestay stakeholders (both tourists and owners) and the impact on economic, social and cultural life, as a result of growth in the homestay concept. Originality/value The current level of discussion about homestays is limited, as there are relatively few prior studies reported in the literature.

The development of cultural heritage in Gozo, and its potential as a tourism niche

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Borg
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study on the development of the cultural heritage sector on the island of Gozo in the Maltese archipelago. The studying of these relationships is very important to maximise the impact of the cultural heritage sector on tourism. The importance of the development of cultural tourism as a specific niche has been consistently recognised (Boissevain, 1994; Ministry for Tourism and Culture, 2007; Ministry for Tourism Culture and the Environment, 2016; Ministry for Tourism, 2014). Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology is adopted. The findings have been sourced mainly through secondary data such as official publications and materials available publicly, and through the author’s in-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural context of Gozo. Findings The paper’s main outcome is that the success of the cultural heritage sector in Gozo can be attributed to the close collaboration that exists between the Ministry for Gozo (responsible for Gozitan affairs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). While a culture of mistrust towards state institutions is generally prevalent among Gozitans (Azzopardi, 2015), the level of collaboration between the Ministry for Gozo and NGOs, may tend to show that Gozitans are more keen to trust state institutions run by the same Gozitans. Originality/value This paper analyses the underlying relationships in the cultural heritage sector on the island of Gozo. This is very important to continue building up on this niche as an added value to the tourism sector in Gozo.

The role of cognitive biases in anticipating and responding to cyberattacks

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-188
Author(s):  
Arnela Ceric ◽  
Peter Holland
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Denial Of Service ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Ddos Attacks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Australian Bureau Of Statistics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of four cognitive biases, namely, selective perception, exposure to limited alternatives, adjustment and anchoring, and illusion of control in anticipating and responding to Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on exploratory case study research and secondary data on decision making in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in regards to planning and managing DDoS attacks on Census day in 2016. Findings Cognitive biases limited the ABS’s awareness of the eCensus system’s vulnerabilities, preparation for and management of DDoS attacks. Cyberattacks are on the increase, and managers should expect and be prepared to deal with them. Research limitations/implications Due to the sensitivity of the topic, it was not possible to interview relevant stakeholders. Analysis is based on high-quality secondary data that includes comprehensive government reports investigating the events on Census day. Practical implications Cyberattacks are inevitable and not an aberration. A checklist of actions is identified to help organisations avoid the failures revealed in the case study. Managers need to increase their awareness of cyberattacks, develop clear processes for dealing with them and increase the robustness of their decision-making processes relating to cybersecurity. Originality/value This the authors believe that it is the first major study of the DDoS attacks on the Australian census. DDoS is a security reality of the twenty-first century and this case study illustrates the significance of cognitive biases and their impact on developing effective decisions and conducting regular risk assessments in managing cyberattacks.

Attitudes towards risk and decision-making within local government

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mairead Grimley ◽  
Kevin John Burnard
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis case study aims to explore the perceptions and attitudes towards risk within a UK local authority and the subsequent effects on decision-making. Through a qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary data, this study advances current understanding of the complex relationships between risk and decision-making. The study concludes by suggesting how local governments may better provide value to constituents.Design/methodology/approachThis research follows a single case study approach. Data were collected through both a focused online survey and semi-structured interviews. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling in order to capture direct insights and understanding of the concepts under consideration. The study focuses on a single local authority within the UK.FindingsBuilding on extant literature, this case study highlights both the individual and organisational considerations towards risk perception. Following the analysis of collected data, the study highlights the influence of risk aversion and public involvement within decision-making.Originality/valueBy aiming to improve and advance understanding of risk and decision-making in a local authority setting, the relevance of this research may be wider than internal organisational structures. The study provides recommendations for further research towards facilitating the inclusion of the citizen within decision-making processes.

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