scholarly journals Understand, reduce, respond: project complexity management theory and practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 1076-1093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harvey Maylor ◽  
Neil Turner
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Previous Systematic Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complexity Management ◽  
Project Complexity ◽  
Subjective View ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of complexity and its management from an OM perspective, building on and extending the systematic literature review published in this journal in 2011, and provide a foundation for exploring the interactions between complexities and responses. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a subjective view of complexity, focusing on the “lived experience” of managers. It takes an updated systematic literature review, and demonstrates the comprehensiveness of a framework to classify complexities of projects. It reports the findings from 43 workshops with over 1,100 managers. Findings First, the complexity framework is effective in aiding understanding. Second, and somewhat unexpectedly, managers were able to identify strategies to reduce the majority of complexities that they faced. Third, the workshops identified a typology of responses to residual complexities. Research limitations/implications The framework has demonstrated its utility, and a gap in understanding emergent complexities is identified. The framework further presents the opportunity to explore the recursive nature of complexity and response. Practical implications This paper provides a framework that is both comprehensive and comprehensible. The authors demonstrate that complexities can be reduced and provide a means to assess responses to residual complexities, including potentially matching managers to projects. Originality/value This work extends the previous systematic review combined with extensive empirical data to generate findings that are having impact in practice, and have the potential to strengthen a relatively neglected area within OM. A research agenda is suggested to support this.

The disruption of blockchain in auditing – a systematic literature review and an agenda for future research

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Lombardi ◽  
Charl de Villiers ◽  
Nicola Moscariello ◽  
Michele Pizzo
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper presents a systematic literature review, including content and bibliometric analyses, of the impact of blockchain technology (BT) in auditing, to identify trends, research areas and construct an agenda for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors include studies from 2010 to 2020 in their structured literature review (SLR), using accounting journals on the Scopus database, which yielded 40 articles with blockchain and auditing at its core.FindingsOne of the contributions of the authors’ analyses is to group the prior research, and therefore also the agenda for future research, into three main research areas: (1) Blockchain as a tool for auditing professionals to improve business information systems to save time and prevent fraud; (2) Smart contracts enabling Audit 4.0 efficiency, reporting, disclosure and transparency; (3) Cryptocurrency and initial coin offerings (ICOs) as a springboard for corporate governance and new venture financing. The authors’ findings have several important implications for practice and theory.Practical implicationsThe results of this study emphasise that (1) the disruption of blockchain in auditing is in a nascent phase and there is a need for compelling empirical studies and potential for the involvement of practitioners; (2) there may be a need to reconsider audit procedures especially suited for digitalisation and BT adoption; (3) standards, guidelines and training are required to pivot towards and confront the challenge BT will represent for auditing; and (4) there are two sides to the BT coin for auditing, enthusiasm about the potential and risk upon implementation. These practical implications can also be seen as a template for future research in a quest to align theory and practice.Originality/valueThe authors’ SLR facilitates the identification of research areas and implications, forming a useful baseline for practitioners, professionals and academics, as they draft the state of the art on the disruption of blockchain in auditing, highlighting how BT is changing auditing activities and traditions.

Findings of quality management studies in primary and secondary education: a systematic literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Bouranta ◽  
Evangelos Psomas ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Primary And Secondary Education ◽  
Review Study ◽  
Implementation Plans ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present the main findings of the studies in the field of quality management (QM) in primary and secondary education. Grouping these findings into themes and these themes, in turn, into broad categories as well as prioritizing the themes of findings are also aims of the present study.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) of articles focusing on QM in primary and secondary education was carried out based on major publishers, namely Emerald Online, Taylor and Francis, Elsevier/Science Direct, Springer Link, Sage Publishing and Online. In total, 133 articles published in 62 journals during 1983–2019 were collected. The affinity diagram was applied in order to group the findings of the QM studies into logical themes and these themes into broad categories. Moreover, the Pareto diagram was applied to prioritize the themes revealed.FindingsA plethora of articles focusing on QM in primary and secondary education have been published in the last decades. The findings of the QM studies presented in the 133 reviewed articles are grouped into 43 themes and these themes, in turn, into 6 broad categories, namely management practices, school characteristics, teachers, stakeholders, government and pupils. The analysis also reveals themes that can be characterized as “vital” and “useful.”Practical implicationsResearchers and school managers can take into consideration the findings of the QM studies in primary and secondary education as well as the themes of high priority for the design of future studies and QM implementation plans, respectively.Originality/valueThis is the first literature review study which presents analytically the findings of the QM studies in primary and secondary education. This study also contributes to the literature by formulating meaningful themes of these findings and broad categories of these themes and by prioritizing the themes revealed.

Supply chain resilience: a systematic literature review and typological framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 842-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cigdem Gonul Kochan ◽  
David R. Nowicki
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe study of supply chain resilience (SCRES) continues to gain interest in the academic and practitioner communities. The purpose of this paper is to present a focused review of the SCRES literature by investigating supply chain (SC) capabilities, their relationship to SCRES outcomes and the underpinning theoretical mechanisms of this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the systematic literature review approach to examine 383 articles published between 2000 and 2017, ultimately down selecting to the most relevant 228 peer-reviewed studies. Context-interventions-mechanisms-outcomes (CIMO) logic is applied to organize and synthesize these peer-reviewed studies. A typological framework is developed from the CIMO-based classification of the SCRES literature.FindingsThe findings of this study outline the gaps in the SCRES literature and present an agenda for future research.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents an exploratory research; therefore, the typological model presented is just one of the possible perspectives.Practical implicationsThe typology of SCRES literature can help practitioners to understand SCRES and to measure and assess the resilience of SCs.Originality/valueThe paper provides clear definitions of SCRES constructs, develops a typological framework to further understand SCRES and identifies SCRES measures and assessment techniques.

Cocreation of tourism experiences: are food-related activities being explored?

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 910-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Rachão ◽  
Zélia Breda ◽  
Carlos Fernandes ◽  
Veronique Joukes
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Professional Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Food Tourism ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study analyses the dimensions of cocreation in on-site food-related activities.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted in two databases (Scopus and Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science), and 67 peer-reviewed articles were identified on cocreation in tourism experiences.FindingsThe study reveals that food-related activities involving active participation are more likely to be successfully performed in more informal environments, in which culinary experiences cocreated by both tourists and hosts are favoured. Moreover, tourists who learn something new appreciate the value of cocreation within food tourism experiences better.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the researchers used two renowned databases to conduct the systematic literature review, there is the risk that some manuscripts related to the topic were excluded.Practical implicationsThe transfer of new skills and knowledge through direct contact between tourists and hosts are prerequisites for the raise of the value of the cocreation process itself and of the final outcome of the cocreation experience. As a result, professional service providers should dedicate more attention to the inclusion of cocreative ‘learning’ elements in the food tourism experiences they create.Social implicationsDue to the changing structure of the tourism ecosystem (technological advances), the manner in which experiences are designed, distributed and consumed (cocreated) is being transformed. The present study highlights some aspects to be developed by tourism destination managers.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explore food-related tourism experiences through the lens of cocreation.

Research gaps in Lean manufacturing: a systematic literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 815-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Psomas ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Academic Journal ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Literature contributions to Lean manufacturing (LM) are fragmented and show some significant limitations. The purpose of this paper is to identify the existing research gaps in LM as well as to group them into respective themes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) of peer reviewed journal articles in LM was carried out by the authors, based on four major publishers, namely, Emerald Online, Science Direct, Springer Link and Taylor & Francis. In total, 120 articles published in 30 journals during 2005–2016 were collected which revealed LM research gaps. A simple affinity diagram was applied in order to group the research gaps into logical themes. Findings A large number of research gaps are identified in the LM literature and meaningful themes of these gaps are also revealed. Research limitations/implications The SLR carried out by the authors is based on only four academic journal publishers and some of other publishers might have been missed out in this search. Excluding articles focusing on an individual Lean principle or tool/technique is also a limitation of the present SLR. Practical implications Researchers and practitioners can use the LM research gaps presented in this study for further development of LM methodology. Originality/value Presenting LM research gaps analytically and grouping them into meaningful themes, significantly differentiates the present SLR study from those published so far.

scholarly journals Qualitative systematic literature review: the experience of being in seclusion for adults with mental health difficulties

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Mellow ◽  
Anna Tickle ◽  
Michael Rennoldson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Positive Experiences

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic search of the peer-reviewed qualitative literature investigating the lived experience of seclusion for adults with mental health difficulties, to appraise the quality of the existing literature and synthesise findings. Background: seclusion is a controversial intervention for the short-term management of unsafe behaviours in inpatient mental health services. There has been some sporadic interest in service users’ experiences of this. Design/methodology/approach Systematic literature review and meta-synthesis: data sources – databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PSYCINFO were searched in July 2015; review methods – the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument tools for critical appraisal and data extraction were used to review papers and synthesise findings. Findings A small number of papers were found, which were of mixed quality. Originality/value The existing research is limited in both quantity and quality. Although most participants from the existing research described seclusion as mostly negative with the potential for causing iatrogenic harm, some described more positive experiences, often in the context of compassionate interactions with staff.

Towards cloud-based supply chain processes

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 438-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Jede ◽  
Frank Teuteberg
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Current State

Purpose – There are cloud computing (CC) services available for various applications within the supply chain management (SCM). These services offer, for example, consistent global networking platforms and enable quick decision making, which may strengthen competitive advantages. The specification of the single-related elements and the coordination mechanisms between actors and information flows is complex. In this paper, the authors argue that reference models can accelerate understanding these processes. The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the current state of the underlying research field and to present a reference model that supports theory and practice in adopting CC services at SCM. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a cross-discipline systematic literature review from the research perspectives of information systems and SCM. Based on 102 papers, the authors designed a reference model showing the interrelations between various elements of CC and SCM. Findings – The authors discover the most important chances and risks for CC implementations in supply chain (SC) processes and pay special attention to SC sustainability aspects of CC. Until now, SCM research in the realm of CC usage is still in its infancy both in theory and practice. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no systematic literature review that consistently focusses CC usage within SC processes while integrating specific aspects of strategic theory. The obtained insights lead to the first SCM-related reference model for CC usage.

scholarly journals First party fraud management: framework for the retail industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 350-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chioma Vivian Amasiatu ◽  
Mahmood Hussain Shah
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Identity Theft ◽  
Retail Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
Retail Managers ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose First party fraud in which consumers commit fraud against retailers is a growing problem. Research in this area is very limited which means that there is almost no guidance available to mitigate this problem. Existing fraud management frameworks focus on the management of other fraud, such as identity theft or employee instigated fraud. Due to the different nature of these frauds, these frameworks do not adequately address first party fraud. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose an adapted version of the fraud management lifecycle framework which is specific to first party fraud management. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a systematic literature review and compared/contrasted a number of existing fraud management frameworks in related domains to see which one would be most suitable for first party fraud management. Findings The authors found Wilhelm’s fraud management framework the most promising for adaptation and application to the first party fraud context. By modifying an existing framework according to the contextual requirements, the authors make the framework much more relevant to first party fraud management. Practical implications The framework could help retail managers better understand and manage this growing business problem and open new streams for further research. Originality/value This research also makes an important contribution by proposing a framework and by helping bridge a glaring and problematic gap in existing literature and opening up new streams of research.

Conflicts in innovation and how to approach the “last mile” of conflict management research – a literature review

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Vollmer
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conflict Management ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Innovation Dynamics ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present the state-of-the-art in empirical research on conflicts in innovation inorganizations and to outline strategic implications both for research and practical application with the specific focus on intervention studies. Design/methodology/approach – Literature search in the Web-of-Science identified 32 empirical publications from 1990 to July 2012. Characteristics of the studies, methodological approaches and empirical findings are summarized and discussed. Strategic implications are derived. Findings – The literature review reveals studies of the relationship between conflict and innovation on different organizational levels. Most of the studies address different aspects of conflict as antecedents of innovation, while some address conflict as an outcome of innovative behavior or structures. Almost all authors come up with theoretical and practical implications. But intervention studies which could close the gap between theory and practice, here termed the “last mile” of conflict management, are yet to be addressed. Research limitations/implications – While several implications are derived that aim at consolidating and deepening the understanding of the conflict – innovation dynamics, the major implication is to develop a knowledge-oriented research approach and to expand the scope of research to intervention studies. Constructive controversy is described as an example of this new research avenue. Practical implications – From intervention studies, researchers could gain more direct, practical insights into actual work processes. Managers could profit by incorporating first-hand knowledge augmented by researchers’ expertise. Originality/value – This article provides a systematic review of the relationship between conflict and innovation in the business context and practical implications thereof.

Facing the challenge of improvisation in project management: a critical review

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Malucelli ◽  
Marcos T.J. Barbosa ◽  
Marly Monteiro de Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose When plans fail, the form of making it happen leads to improvisation in practice, which is not sufficiently approached yet in the project management (PM) field. The main reason for the lack of research is that improvisation is predominantly seemed in a negative perspective. Due to the relevance of improvisation in the PM field, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why improvisation is applied in the PM context. This research address two questions: which are the key topics and studies linked with improvisation in the PM context?: how do the origin factors and the purpose influence improvisation in PM context? Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was carried out through the merging of bibliometric analysis and content analysis. The systematic literature review aims to identify and synthesize the research on the theme, applying structured, transparent and replicable procedures for each phase of the process. These studies focus mainly on the identification of literature standards based on publication reviews. The sampling process follows the flow summarized in Figure 1. The searching process was based on two selected databases, the Web of Science and Scopus. The search strings applied were: (improvisation OR bricolage) AND “project management.” Findings The evolution of publications has shown the existence of a growing interest in the articles relating to improvisation and PM in recent years. The literature on improvisation in the PM context, allows to identify the key related constructs, origin factors and purposes. It also identifies the core relation among these constructs. The understanding of the effect of origin factors on the key related constructs was achieved. Improvisation appears not only as a strategy for adapting when dealing with urgent demands, but also as a team skill. Research limitations/implications As a limitation related to the research methods adopted, their exploratory nature is acknowledged, implying some subjectivity in the content analysis of the surveyed sample. The databases, search strings and selection criteria may also have narrowed the research sample. This study shows a lack of research on knowledge management, experience and resilience that can be a drive for future research. Other interesting insights for future research are that some origin factors are more related with some related constructs than others. Practical implications As practical implications, project practitioners can better understand how improvisation is related to PM. The results can bring insights to professionals such as to explore improvisation in uncertainty and complex environments, and to improve aspects like adaptation, intuition and innovation needs. Improvisation can be understood as a way to improve project results considering that it is a mechanism of management in the face of the inherent environment pressure and is related to ones who have experience and is not necessarily a consequence of lack of planning. Originality/value This paper contributes to the current literature in two ways. First, there is in-depth understanding of the literature on improvisation in the PM context, which allows to identify the key related constructs, origin factors and purposes. Moreover, it identifies the core relation among these constructs. Second, understanding of the effect of origin factors on the key related constructs was achieved.

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