Improving transport performance in supply networks: effects of (non)overlapping network horizons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.

Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 40-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanth-Reddy Alluru ◽  
Mark Thomas

Purpose Between 1985 and 2001, only 45 of 90,480 total European mergers and acquisitions were identified as a merger of equals (Zaheer et al., 2003). This indicates that there were less than 1 per cent of the M&A deals that could actually be categorized as a merger of equals. This paper aims to analyse two recent mergers and assess to what extent they are “of equals”. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a multi-case study approach looking specifically at the Lafarge-Holcim and DuPont-Dow Chemical mergers. Findings Zaheer et al. (2003) point out that in the case of a merger of equals emotions run usually high, perceptions of fairness and unfairness are strongly related to identification with their former organizations, and the very idea of “equality” can backfire, as integration can never be equal in all its aspects. It remains to be seen if the Lafarge-Holcim and the DuPont-Dow Chemicals will truly be equal. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle Garth ◽  
Jerome Carson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chantelle Garth. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, Chantelle provides a short account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Chantelle gives an account of her very troubled childhood and adolescence. Her adult life has been no easier. Life is a continuous challenge. Research limitations/implications It is hard to imagine a tougher life than Chantelle’s, yet her ambition has carried her through. A single account, yet one of the most powerful accounts in this series. Practical implications There are few better accounts of resilience in the face of at times what seem like insurmountable obstacles. Social implications The belief that can be instilled by a single professional can have a profound effect in encouraging someone facing adversity. Originality/value There are numerous accounts of individuals facing difficulties in life, then there is Chantelle’s. This is in a category of its own.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizzie Hehir ◽  
Jerome Carson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Lizzie Hehir. Lizzie tells her own story and is then interviewed by Jerome. Design/methodology/approach This series of papers used the case study approach. However, each paper is written collaboratively, using the person’s own words. The deeply individual nature of each person’s story reminds us of the complexities of working in mental health. Findings In her account, Lizzie tells us of her long-term battles with self-harm. It was a struggle that she eventually won. Research limitations/implications Individual stories allow us to access people’s lived experience with mental illness. No diagnostic manual can ever truly categorise this uniqueness. Practical implications Lizzie shows it is possible to overcome self-harm though she still experiences something of the trauma she went through when she has triggers. Social implications When we see burns victims, we seldom approach them asking them how they sustained their injuries, but as Lizzie points out, many people feel able to ask people who have self-harmed about their injuries. Originality/value Lizzie writes with conviction and humility. Now working in mental health, she is able to reach out to others who are as troubled as she once was.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anatoly Karpov ◽  
Alexander Merzlov

Purpose This study aims to analyze the possibilities for the development of an association of the most beautiful villages of Russia using an experience economy approach. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach based on the practices of the federation of the most beautiful villages of the Earth and the associations of the most beautiful villages of France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Germany. Findings Based on the analysis of the case studies of beautiful villages marketing in different countries and the methodology of the experience economy, the paper recommends essential changes in the management practices of the association of the most beautiful villages of Russia and its participants. Practical implications Several recommendations have been suggested for exploring, scripting and staging the experiences in beautiful villages of Russia. Originality/value The main output of this study is designed to provide guidance for the management of the association of the most beautiful villages of Russia, inhabitants of the most beautiful villages, rural tourism companies and local authorities in transition to the new experience economy approach accelerating the socioeconomic development of beautiful villages.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 595-604
Author(s):  
Shenggen Fan ◽  
Sivan Yosef ◽  
Rajul Pandya-Lorch

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarize the evolution of global and national policies linking agriculture to nutrition in 2010–2020, and provides insights on the recent policy trajectory in China to illustrate how individual countries are addressing agriculture and nutrition.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilize a noncomprehensive review of gray and peer-review literature, as well as a case study approach.FindingsSelect countries have made initial strides in linking agriculture and nutrition through policy, though progress is not widespread and uneven.Practical implicationsResearchers can begin closing the existing knowledge gaps on agriculture and nutrition. Policymakers can learn from the country lessons and experiences in agriculture and nutrition policy.Originality/valueThis paper provides one of the only overviews of global policy on agriculture and nutrition during the period 2010–2020.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Lemanski ◽  
Tina Overton

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a new tool that can be used to help in the design and evaluation of work-based elements within programmes or to evaluate whole programmes. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes a case study approach to describe the development of the mapping tool. The tool is based on a matrix which enables users to map four variables: teacher-centred delivery, employer-centred delivery and students outcomes in terms of knowledge and skills. Findings – The mapping tool provides a useful approach to evaluating the outcomes for work-based learning activities. Practical implications – The mapping tool provides tutors with a useful, easily used way to visualise the nature of their work-based learning activities. Originality/value – This paper presents a novel, practical and useful tool that has wide applicability in the field of work-based learning.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Kay Rinehart ◽  
Patrice-Andre Prud'homme ◽  
Andrew Reid Huot

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of beginning digital preservation efforts with restricted resources. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study approach, which is enhanced by advice from national experts in digital preservation. Findings – This paper details how Milner Library digital preservation advocates have approached the task by seeking collaborations, speaking to administration, participating in national efforts and starting with small steps. Research limitations/implications – As a case study, this paper is limited to one institution's experience with promoting digital preservation. Practical implications – This paper reviews basic misconceptions about and challenges with digital preservation. Many smaller or mid-sized institutions are left out of the digital preservation conversation because they cannot begin to meet national standards with restricted resources. Originality/value – This paper represents small and mid-sized institutions and the challenges of digital preservation. As well, the paper includes valuable insights from national experts in digital preservation.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Carson ◽  
Robert Wright

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Rob Wright. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, Rob gives a short account of his background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Rob’s is an amazing account of surviving a harrowing upbringing, which fortunately few of us reading this piece will have had to endure. Research limitations/implications Rob’s story perfectly illustrates why first-person accounts are so powerful. It is hard to imagine a statistical paper having the same impact as this description of one person’s lived experience. Practical implications Suicide is the greatest danger for anyone with a long-term mental health problem. Rob has faced this decision many times and has courageously battled on. Social implications Rachel’s simple, yet profound mantra, of “someone to love, something to do, somewhere to live,” is vital for all of our well-being. As Rob also points out, you still need money to put into the electric meter! Originality/value Some people have tough upbringings and some have cruel upbringings. Rob had both. His survival is a testament to the uncrushable nature of the human spirit.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Riley ◽  
Jerome Carson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Zoe Riley. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, Zoe provides an account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Zoe’s account reveals a remarkable resilience developed through adversity but nurtured by the love of her grandparents. Research limitations/implications Mental illness surrounded Zoe when she was growing up. Her own mother experienced years of distress. Her grandfather effectively was her father. Despite the childhood adversity and her own teenage problems, she came through it all. These are the stories you read about in textbooks. Practical implications Zoe reminds us that people in distress want to find connection. They do not want us sitting there writing notes and not even looking at them! Social implications The authors talk about “wounded healers”. Dr Glenn Roberts said that his own bouts of depression made it easier for him to sit with people in similar turmoil. The value of peer support has been underrated by many. Originality/value It is of course a truism to say that everyone’s journey of recovery is unique. The author knows Zoe has already touched the lives of many people. The author is sure she has so much more to contribute.


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