The role of OM EDEN in building the EurOMA community

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 1664-1682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Coughlan ◽  
Vincent Hargaden ◽  
David Coghlan ◽  
Aida Idris ◽  
Pär Åhlström
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Doctoral education (DE) is central to the development and application of operations management (OM) thinking. The European Doctoral Educational Network (EDEN) seminar on research methodology in OM is a structured initiative developed in 1999 by European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) and European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management (EIASM). This intensive five-day seminar has run annually since and, to date, has engaged 486 students. The purpose of this paper is to ask: what role has the OM EDEN seminar played in the formation and academic career development of doctoral researchers, and how has it contributed to the development of EurOMA as a community of practice? Design/methodology/approach The authors developed a retrospective case on the design, launch and growth of the OM EDEN seminar employing two data gathering methods (collecting secondary and archival data, and a survey of four selected seminar participants) and a social network analysis. Findings The EDEN seminar is an effective educational intervention in developing doctoral researchers and their subsequent academic careers. The seminar has also contributed to EurOMA as a community of practice, bringing faculty together to teach, write and publish leading edge contributions in research methods for OM. Research limitations/implications The case is focused on the OM EDEN seminar only, within which the survey is limited to four of the early participants. While another set of participants might respond differently in detail, the authors’ expectation is that participant perception of the role of the seminar would not change. The paper provides an exemplar for European academic associations to guide how they might explore the formation and academic career development of doctoral candidates within a community of practice. Practical implications The seminar merits the ongoing support of EurOMA and EIASM, not just in educating doctoral students but also in bringing faculty together to publish leading edge contributions to the OM domain. Social implications The paper draws on the areas of student formation, academic career development and communities of practice to illustrate the role played by the OM EDEN seminar. Originality/value This paper is the first description, analysis and reflection on the role played by the OM EDEN seminar.

Barriers to Arab female academics’ career development

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1058-1080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waed Ensour ◽  
Hadeel Al Maaitah ◽  
Radwan Kharabsheh
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Labour Law ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hrm Practices

Purpose Arab female academics struggle to advance within their universities in both academic and managerial ranks. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the factors hindering Arab women’s academic career development through studying the case of Jordanian academic women. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through document analysis (Jordan constitution, Jordanian Labour Law and its amendments, higher education and scientific research law, Jordanian universities’ law and universities’ HR policies and regulations), interviews with 20 female academics and a focus group with 13 female academics (members of the Association of Jordanian Female Academics). Findings The results indicate female academics as tokens facing many interconnected and interrelated barriers embodied in cultural, social, economic and legal factors. The findings support the general argument proposed in human resource management (HRM) literature regarding the influence of culture on HRM practices and also propose that the influence of culture extends to having an impact on HR policies’ formulation as well as the formal legal system. Originality/value The influence of culture on women’s career development and various HR practices is well established in HR literature. But the findings of this study present a further pressure of culture. HR policies and other regulations were found to be formulated in the crucible of national culture. Legalizing discriminatory issues deepens the stereotypical pictures of women, emphasizing the domestic role of women and making it harder to break the glass ceiling and old-boy network.

Ambidextrous leadership, entrepreneurial orientation, and operational performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trong Tuan Luu
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Organizational Social Capital ◽  
Software Companies ◽  
Predictive Role ◽  
Ambidextrous Leadership

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of ambidextrous leadership in fostering entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and operational performance. The research also seeks an insight into the moderating role that organizational social capital (OSC) plays on the relationship between ambidextrous leadership and EO. Design/methodology/approach The responses to the questionnaire survey were collected from 427 managers from software companies in Vietnam business context. Findings The data analysis verified the positive effect of ambidextrous leadership on EO, which was positively moderated by OSC. The research results also shed light on the predictive role of EO for the organization’s operational performance. Originality/value This research contributes to literature through identifying the convergence of entrepreneurship and operations management research streams, and the moderation role of OSC for the ambidextrous leadership-EO relationship.

The role of conferences in doctoral student socialization

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliya Kuzhabekova ◽  
Aizhan Temerbayeva
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Professional Socialization ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Conference Attendance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Student Socialization ◽  
Doctoral Student Socialization

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role scholarly conferences play in professional socialization of doctoral students.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from 20 interviews on conference experiences of student attendees of a North American conference in social sciences, as well as on the conference experiences of students from various disciplines at a private research intensive university in the USA, the authors explored how research identity of doctoral students change over time as result of participation in conferences, how the process of socialization is shaped by advisers and peers and how the experiences vary depending on the characteristics of the participants.FindingsThe authors found that conferences play an important role in socialization, and the effect from conference attendance increases with the number of conferences attended. The study also showed that students undergo several stages in the process of their socialization, throughout which they develop greater agency and independence as scholars, as well as a more positive image of themselves as researchers, and become more strategic in their behavior. The results also point to the key role of adviser and peers in the process of socialization, whereby the former can provide direction and orientation, while the latter may offer support and opportunities for mutual learning or future collaboration. The authors also found a notable difference in the support provided by advisers between teaching and research-oriented universities.Originality/valueThe paper applies doctoral student socialization theory to the analysis of informal doctoral experiences outside the program of study.

scholarly journals Striving for a “good” family visit: the facilitative role of a prison visitors’ centre

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Woodall ◽  
Karina Kinsella
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Voluntary Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supportive Environment ◽  
Facilitative Role ◽  
Large Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the conditions that create a “good” prison visit, focussing on the role that a dedicated third sector-run prison visitors’ centre plays in creating a supportive environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a synthesis of empirical data gathering conducted over a decade at a voluntary sector-managed prison visitors’ centre based at a male prison in Northern England. The paper draws specifically on qualitative data gathered through four independent evaluations of the centre over a ten-year period. Findings An important point to emerge from the research is the unwavering importance of the prison visit in the life, well-being and regime of a prisoner. Prison visitors’ centres are shown to be an important part of creating positive visits experiences offering a space for composure and for support for families. Originality/value Many voluntary sector organisations are unable to commission large research and evaluation studies, but are often able to fund smaller pieces of work. Pooling qualitative evidence from smaller studies is a viable way to potentially strengthen commissioning decisions in this sector.

How career expectations influence advancement: evidence from women in the hospitality industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Liu ◽  
Jie Gao ◽  
Mingfang Zhu ◽  
Yajun Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Career Management ◽  
Career Expectations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of women’s career expectations (CEs) in changes in their career advancement (CA) and to determine whether these changes were because of socio-demographic factors. Design/methodology/approach Multiple linear regression was used to measure the relationship between women’s CEs and CA, as well as the influences that socio-demographic factors (e.g. education) have on that relationship. Findings Results indicated that CEs had two dimensions (i.e. career rewards and career development) and that career reward expectations had a significantly higher effect on CA than career development expectations. Furthermore, women were very likely to set higher CEs and stronger desires for CA as they became older. Results also showed that education, working years and position level were significantly related to women’s CA. Practical implications This study provides new insight into which aspects of women’s CA can be boosted by CEs and how these aspects may be affected by socio-demographic factors. This study can help hotels design better career management strategies to achieve the desired results. The study also provides guidance for women’s career management activities. Originality/value This study considers women’s CEs in hotels. The results revealed two dimensions (i.e. career rewards and career development) of CEs and uncovered the influences of socio-demographic factors on women’s CA, for example, age, education, working years and position level.

How social entrepreneurship can be useful in long-term recovery following disasters

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherwat Elwan Ibrahim ◽  
Raghda El Ebrashi
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Service Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Operations Management ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
Entrepreneurial Organizations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper supports the call for using a separate research stream for long-term recovery vs disaster relief in humanitarian studies. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the thematic shift towards service operations during this developmental phase and explores the role of social entrepreneurial organizations. It builds from the literature on service operations management and social entrepreneurship to promote theory in humanitarian operations management. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study uses literature concepts and field data from multiple development case studies of social entrepreneurial organizations and social enterprises in Africa and the Middle East to analyze service operations. Findings Clear contributions to the role of social entrepreneurship in providing humanitarian and development services were identified and categorized according to service operations management stages. Practical implications This paper has important practical implications. The positioning of social entrepreneurial organizations as humanitarian service providers would open opportunities for new collaborations between donors and social organizations. Mainstream NGOs dominate the scene of servicing local communities; leaving aside social entrepreneurial organizations with substantial room for innovation that they might bring to the sector. In addition, social entrepreneurial organizations’ ability to build business models and design sustainability and scalability aspects for their operations may bring long-term development to impoverished communities. Global NGOs as well as government actors who carry out the first three stages of humanitarian operations could plan on working with (or even help creating) social entrepreneurial organizations to help with long-term recovery. Originality/value This study examines the implications of two bodies of literature; service operations management and social entrepreneurship on humanitarian operations management research. It concludes with a conceptual framework emphasizing the contributions of social entrepreneurship in planning, development, delivery, and distribution of services in the long-term recovery humanitarian and development operations.

Research in the gap between the obvious and the improbable

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-318
Author(s):  
Robin Wensley
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Administration ◽  
Academic History ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Research Activities

Purpose In considering my academic history as a professor both in marketing and management, I hope to demonstrate that it is possible to research challenging and interesting topics in a variety of guises. Design/methodology/approach The presentation is primarily chronological but also, to some degree, selective. I have focused on my research activities but not forgotten the importance, at least to me, of both academic administration and indeed a broader set of interests in more general terms. Findings While there is inevitably a significant degree of path dependency in my academic career, I have also been quite keen to explore more broadly both the boundaries of my subjects and the application of various different research methods. I have been particularly fortunate to have worked with some excellent academic colleagues and stimulating doctoral students. Research limitations/implications I believe there are a twin set of implications for other academics; however, I would emphasise that there is no single right way. For me it has been important to pick topics which are of interest to others and at the same time try and demonstrate some distinctive value added in my approach. Originality/value I hope that those who are earlier in their career will take heart from two principles, one being to do one’s best to be in interesting places and the other to work closely with colleagues who have challenging and different perspectives.

Group dynamics and the role of ICT in the life cycle analysis of community of practice-based product development: a case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilpo Pohjola ◽  
Anu Puusa
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Life Cycle Analysis ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Interaction

Purpose This paper aims to examine the dynamics of a community of practice (CoP) through a case study of eCars – Now! They offer open-source blueprints of the electric conversion kits globally. The authors analysed the CoP by considering its entire life cycle, starting from the motives for its establishment, through its active performance, up to the current stage, where the members need to decide whether the community will remain viable. Particular attention was paid to the group dynamics and issues that seemed relevant to the change in dynamics which determine whether a CoP maintains its vitality or dissipates. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative case study was chosen as the research strategy (Yin, 1984) to answer the research question and understand the target phenomenon of the CoP by analysing textual data. This particular case was chosen because of its unusual revelatory value for the case CoP which aims at creating a tangible innovation by using a platform that normally aims at intangible problem-solving (Eisenhardt and Graebner, 2007). In the data collection, the authors used method and researcher triangulation (Patton, 1990). Findings Life cycle analysis revealed four themes that explained the change in the group dynamics and the dispersal of the community: differentiation and dispersal of interests, growth that resulted in role differentiation, virtuality in community development and inclusion of investors. The themes were all related to the fact that the case community operated with not only knowledge, but also with a tangible product. Therefore, the tangibility of a problem to be solved seems to play a pivotal role in a CoP’s operations and dynamics and, in part, also explains the changing role of information and communications technology (ICT) in the process. Research limitations/implications However, this paper identified also different ways to characterize community participation, which was also relevant from group dynamics point of view. Thus, the topic should be studied further. Group dynamics in general, as it relates to the success of CoPs, should be also investigated further. Additional studies should implement the inclusion of external resources in the community. Further research is also needed to investigate tangible and intangible outcomes achieved through CoPs. Much of the available research was conducted over short periods; prolonged interactions in a CoP context could show different results. Practical implications In conclusion, at the beginning of the life cycle of the eCars community, ICT played a significant role. It helped increase awareness of the community in the first place and enabled people to join in, which thus enabled the community to evolve. When the operations evolved and the life cycle progressed, both the physical meeting place as well as personal interaction and communication became emphasized and much more important. In the maturing stage, the role of ICT, and especially social media, is the essential part of the community. Social implications This analysis suggests that at the early stage of a community, the plans can be somewhat random, even utopian, but when the community evolves, this uncertainty can become a problem. First, it affects achieving the actual, and in this case, concrete results. Second, uncertainty and unclarity dampen enthusiasm and motivation, which are of utmost importance due to the voluntary participation. This paper also concludes that when the operations evolved and the life cycle progressed, both the physical meeting place as well as personal interaction and communication became increasingly important. Originality/value This paper argues that the ideological basis for this kind of community should be openness. All information should be available for everyone who registers to the community platform on the internet. This community was working in the mindset of open innovation. Technical documentation and all other material were available for everyone in the community’s wiki pages, which attracted a lot of people who were delighted by eCars. Many advisors delivered technical information and good advice to the practitioners of the community through the platform. The hang arounds were also very well-informed in this stage regarding how the core group was working.

The contingency role of business strategy on the relationship between operations practices and performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 690-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanth Jayaram ◽  
Keah Choon Tan ◽  
Tritos Laosirihongthong
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Competitive Edge ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct influence of three types of operations management practices, namely total quality management (TQM), lean manufacturing (LEAN), and supply chain management (SCM) on operational performance. Design/methodology/approach – Cluster analysis is used to classify data collected from Thai manufacturing firms into three business strategy clusters of cost leadership, differentiation, and focussed strategy. Next, multiple-regression analysis was used to test the relationships between operations management practices and performance in each of the three strategy clusters. Findings – Results show that all three operations management practices were significantly associated with performance including the interaction of TQM and SCM. Also, the interaction of LEAN and SCM significantly affected performance for firms pursuing focussed business strategy. Practical implications – Manufacturers in developing nations can use this result to deploy appropriate operations management practices to enhance their competitive edge. Originality/value – This study explores the cross-functional alignment between strategies and practices, which have been transferred from developed to developing countries.

scholarly journals The role of career shocks in contemporary career development: key challenges and ways forward

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-466
Author(s):  
Jos Akkermans ◽  
Ricardo Rodrigues ◽  
Stefan T. Mol ◽  
Scott E. Seibert ◽  
Svetlana N. Khapova
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Current State ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis article aims to introduce the special issue entitled “the role of career shocks in contemporary career development,” synthesize key contributions and formulate a future research agenda.Design/methodology/approachThe authors provide an introduction of the current state-of-the-art in career shocks research, offer an overview of the key lessons learned from the special issue and present several important avenues for future research.FindingsThe authors discuss how the special issue articles contribute to a better understanding of career shocks' role in contemporary career development, focusing on (1) conceptual clarity of the notion of career shocks, (2) career outcomes of career shocks, (3) mechanisms that can explain the impact of career shocks and (4) interdisciplinary connectivity.Originality/valueThis article offers a synthesis of the critical contributions made within this special issue, thereby formulating key ways to bring the field of career shocks research forward. It also provides new avenues for research.

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