scholarly journals Engaging in design activism and communicating cultural significance through contemporary heritage storytelling

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley Wilson ◽  
Cheryl Desha
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Built Heritage ◽  
Action Research Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of contemporary storytelling in preserving built heritage, as a mechanism for extending the useful life of buildings. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a qualitative action research approach to consider the role of storytelling. A creative, multi-method approach (i.e. a “Brisbane Art Deco” publication and associated marketing campaign) was used as a case study to explore the contours of such an approach and its efficacy in engaging the community. Findings This paper highlights the potential of contemporary approaches to heritage storytelling, including utilising digital technologies, to engage a diverse range of people that may not have otherwise participated. The authors propose the value of taking a creative and whole-of-society approach – such as that used in this case study – to heritage storytelling. Research limitations/implications The case study discussed provides a phenomenological insight into one version of “contemporary heritage storytelling”. The findings have immediate implications for prioritising research into storytelling for the preservation of built heritage. Practical implications The case study demonstrates opportunities for community engagement through storytelling and highlights potential strategies to effectively contribute to a greater societal value of cultural heritage. Originality/value This research contributes to theory and practice around the management of cultural heritage, and highlights the usefulness of employing such a strategy to reach and engage a broader audience.

Lean Six Sigma in higher education institutes: an Irish case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 948-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seamus J. O’Reilly ◽  
Joe Healy ◽  
Tom Murphy ◽  
Rónán Ó’Dubhghaill
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to a developing literature on continuous improvement (CI), enabled by Lean Six Sigma (LSS), in higher education institutions (HEIs). It reports on the key learning points arising from the initial steps taken by an Irish university on its CI journey. Design/methodology/approach A case study strategy was adopted following a participatory research approach. This approach supports reflexivity and also provides access to all relevant documentation and staff within the case university. Thematic analysis was supported by data reduction and display techniques. Findings The introduction of a LSS approach rather than a reliance on lean alone introduced a structured methodology (DMAIC) that supported simplification of a number of administrative processes. A number of specific improvements were achieved including: Cycle time and cost reduction; customer or employee satisfaction; and rework and error reduction. The findings support the importance of the Readiness Factors as identified by Antony (2014), with particular insight into the role of senior and middle management, the impact of training and deployment of expertise. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on an ongoing, longitudinal, empirical study of a single case study in Ireland. Originality/value This paper tracks the development of CI in a HEI in a longitudinal manner and adds to the emerging the literature in this area. The paper evaluates the role of management at various levels, analyses the use of LSS tools and techniques and evaluated the role of training and capacity building. Implications for Management are shared including: design and role of training programmes, role of champions at various organisational levels, including key functional areas and sustaining momentum.

On theoretical engorgement and the myth of fair value accounting in China: a reply

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Bewley ◽  
Cameron Graham ◽  
Songlan Peng
Keyword(s):  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Movement Analysis ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Fair Value Accounting ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research

PurposeThis article is a reply to “On theoretical engorgement and the myth of fair value accounting in China” Nobes (2019) from the authors of “Adaptability to fair value accounting in an emerging economy: A case study of China's IRFS convergence” (Peng and Bewley, 2010) and “The Winding Road to Fair Value Accounting in China: A Social Movement Analysis” (Bewley et al., 2018).Design/methodology/approachThis article engages directly with the arguments of the criticism.FindingsThis article argues that the author of the commentary misunderstands the purpose, content and findings of both papers. By providing only a narrowly focused technical analysis of the new Chinese accounting standards, the author fails to see that their qualitative research approach reveals important, complex social and political factors at play in China's attempts to adopt modern international accounting principles. The commentary expresses a view that accounting is a neutral technology that needs only to be clearly defined and enumerated to be correctly implemented, whereas this research takes a much broader and deeper perspective. The authors seek to understand how China was able to successfully adopt fair value accounting standards in 2006, whereas an earlier attempt to introduce fair value in 1998 had led to abuse of fair value measurements and the eventual repeal of fair value regulations in 2001.Practical implicationsThis article helps clarify the purpose of qualitative accounting research, the role of theory in such research and the usefulness of theory in describing and explaining empirical case facts related to changes in accounting standards, particularly in an international context.Originality/valueThis article contributes to a better appreciation of qualitative accounting research.

scholarly journals Enhancing graduate employability in product design

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Alan Watkins ◽  
Martin Higginson ◽  
Philip Richard Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Student Feedback ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Employability ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Internal Student ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study to discuss approaches taken within a traditional undergraduate degree course to embed employability skills, encourage student uptake of sandwich placement and increase graduate prospects. A number of new initiatives are presented, including working with live industrial clients, formally preparing students for placement applications and the introduction of an externally facing student run design consortium. Alongside these new initiatives, details of the existing sandwich year provision are also considered and their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach A case study-based action research approach presents changes to a specific undergraduate course, measuring the effectiveness over a four-year period using externally collected national Destination of Leavers in Higher Education (DLHE) data and internal student feedback to assess the long-term effects on employability. Findings The paper considers improvements in the graduate employability over the four year period covered, in particular, an increase in the graduate employability from 81 to 100 per cent and graduate prospects from 62.5 to 95.2 per cent for sandwich students. Data presented also considers additional student feedback correlating with an increase in their preparedness for employment. Practical implications The implications of undertaking the changes highlighted within this paper have been relatively straightforward, due to the small incremental nature of the changes and the opportunities available through the agencies within the university, and should be replicable at least in part at other HE institutions. Originality/value This paper considers the impact of employability initiatives undertaken on a single undergraduate course and how these have affected the employability of graduates over a four-year period, supported by student feedback both internally and externally through national feedback mechanisms. It is anticipated that this research would be beneficial for informing and guiding the development of employability on other undergraduate programmes.

Moving towards agility: the contribution of a modified balanced scorecard system

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Gurd ◽  
Panayiotis Ifandoudas
Keyword(s):  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Theory Of Constraints ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Issues ◽  
Sustained Competitive Advantage ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how agility as a central focus of an organization can be achieved through a modified balanced scorecard (BSC) system. Design/methodology/approach – An action research approach in a single organization is used to investigate the practicality and usefulness of an agility-focused BSC. Findings – While the theory of constraints (TOC)-based approach was improving agility, it is too short-term. Using a BSC, based on agility principles, staff in the organization had their direction focused on drivers of important strategic issues and enabled a more agile environment. Practical implications – Managers using the TOC have a way forward to use the TOC system, but build a performance measurement system that leads to agility and more sustained competitive advantage. Originality/value – The role of a BSC in enabling agility in an environment using TOC has not been previously investigated.

Adopting Six Sigma DMAIC for environmental considerations in process industry environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1241-1261
Author(s):  
Anupama Prashar
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Thermal Power ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Process Industry ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Industry Environment ◽  
Environmental Considerations

PurposeThe aim of the study is to develop and apply a continuous improvement (CI) framework by introducing environmental considerations into the Six Sigma DMAIC (define–measure–analyze–improve–control) cycle for a continuous identification, evaluation and implementation of promising opportunities of enhancing environmental sustainability of process-based industries.Design/methodology/approachAction research approach within the research design of a single case study was used for illustrating the application of the proposed DMAIC framework for improving operational and environmental performance in the process-industry environment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.FindingsThe case study illustrated the implementation of DMAIC cycle for optimizing the energy consumption of pharmaceutical plants producing bulk drugs for medication. After improving the energy distribution in the cooling tower (CTW), chilled brine (CHB) and chilled water (CHW) system, the pharmaceutical plant was able to achieve an annual economic benefit of US$97,047 and environmental benefits of mitigating CO2 emissions of 807.44 t (CO2) by reducing the electricity and furnace oil consumption.Originality/valueThe framework may be adopted for environmental considerations specific to process-based industry such as chemical plant, fertilizer units, thermal power plant and food processing industry.

Stakeholders' consciousness of cultural heritage and the reconciliation of different needs for sustainable development

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selena Aureli ◽  
Mara Del Baldo
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Unesco World Heritage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Heritage Sites ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Italian City

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the approach and tools adopted by an Italian city, included amongst the UNESCO World Heritage sites (WHS), to involve different stakeholders in the protection and valorisation of its historical centre to achieve the goals of sustainable development. The paper focusses on the role of local authorities as the key actors that should engage different city users to jointly achieve heritage conservation and socio-economic development.Design/methodology/approachData were collected, thanks to the researchers' direct participation in a project launched by the municipality of Urbino, which involved several local stakeholders and lasted about a year. Participant observation allowed the authors to collect informal interviews, join collective discussions and reflect on the direct observation of the activities undertaken.FindingsThe case study analysed suggests how participatory governance may be effective in fostering responsible principles in “asset usage” by any type of city users and how citizens actively co-design and co-implement initiatives of heritage revitalisation when engaged in cultural heritage (CH) policies.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a long-standing problem that has never been solved: how to enhance the consciousness of the CH amongst stakeholders and reconcile their different and conflicting needs in the historical urban environment in the process of revitalisation.

Relational capital and knowledge transfer in universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Paoloni ◽  
Francesca Maria Cesaroni ◽  
Paola Demartini
Keyword(s):  
Research Approach ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Relevant Topic ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Individual ◽  
New Research ◽  
The University

PurposeThe importance of relational capital for the university has grown enormously in recent years. In fact, relational capital allows universities to promote and emphasize the effectiveness of the third mission. The purpose of this paper is to propose a case study involving an Italian university that recently set up a new research observatory, and, thanks to its success, succeeded in enhancing its relational capital.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted an action research approach to analyze the case study. Consistently, the authors followed the analysis, diagnosis, and intervention phases. First, the authors focused on the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the process through which the university created relational capital, and finally, the authors proposed solutions to improve the process.FindingsThis case study shows that the creation of relation capital for the host university was the result of a process of transfer and transformation of the individual relationships of the observatory’s promoters.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to filling a significant gap in the literature on relational capital and universities and provides useful insights into how these organizations can encourage its creation. It also allows scholars, managers, and politicians involved in higher education to gain a greater understanding of this relevant topic.

A relational view of start-up firms inside an incubator: the case of the ARCA consortium

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 601-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Di Fatta ◽  
Francesco Caputo ◽  
Gandolfo Dominici
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up

Purpose Analyzing the entrepreneurial ecosystem related to the ARCA consortium, the purpose of this paper is to study the relationships among the start-up firms inside an incubator. Design/methodology/approach Thanks to the adoption of the relationships concentric model and the density concentric model, the paper highlights the role of relational conditions for innovative projects in partnership among the incubated firms. Reflections herein are tested via a qualitative research approach based on a single case study: the ARCA consortium. Findings This research found that about 32 percent of relationships inside the incubator support the emergence of short-term relationships among the incubated firms. Furthermore, about 18 percent of the relationships support the emergence of strong collaborative strategies for the implementation of long-term relationships resulting in innovative pathways: innovative projects in partnership. Originality/value The most interconnected firms inside the incubator are those that play a central role also in the innovation pathway developing the higher number of innovative project in partnership. This finding emphasizes a correlation between collaborative relationships and innovation inside an incubator ecosystem.

Sensemaking, sensegiving and sensebreaking

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Giuliani
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Lock In

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organizations make sense of and give sense to intellectual capital (IC) measurements, i.e. to analyse the sensemaking, sensegiving, and sensebreaking processes with reference to IC measurements. In order to achieve this aim, a case study, developed adopting an action research approach, will be presented. Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on a case study for which an interventionist research method was adopted. Findings – The main findings are the following. First, the development of an IC project requires the development of an intense sensemaking and sensegiving activity as the managers of an organization need, first, to make sense of this new object (i.e. assign it a meaning) and of the consequent new managerial practices and, second, to diffuse the sense of IC and of its measurements within the organization. Second, the development of an IC project can be seen as a series of different types of sensemaking micro-processes (guided, fragmented, restricted, etc.) and each of them can lead to a different outcome of the practice of measuring IC; thus, it seems possible to argue that the outcome of the project depends on the specific type of sensemaking/sensegiving adopted in each phase (e.g. lock-in, mobilization, etc.). Third, it emerges that IC can be a sensebreaking device, i.e. existing measurements introduced in an “IC box” can acquire different meanings. Finally this study underlines the relevance of the “leaders” within the development of IC sensemaking processes and the related outcomes. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations of this study are twofold. The first is related to the methodology adopted and to its specific pros and cons. The second is related to the specificities (size, managerial approach, etc.) of the case examined. This paper contributes to the extant literature regarding the production and use of IC measurements “in practice” as it highlights what happens when an IC measurement system is implemented. Moreover it contributes to the development of a “theory of indicators” as it suggests aspects regarding how IC indicators are interpreted. Finally, the paper adds to the growing stream of analysis dedicated to the micro-processes of sensegiving and other sensemaking patterns, i.e. to the studies focused on how measurements are “shaped” “through the creative oral intertwining of accounting and other organizational knowledge”. Originality/value – Differently from the extant literature, this study does not adopt a theoretical perspective on how measurements are designed and used but is aimed at investigating how these measurements are designed and used “in practice”. Moreover, this study analyses the use of IC measurements focusing specifically on the micro-processes of sensemaking, sensegiving, and sensebreaking that tend to be overlooked. In other words, this study examines sensemaking processes related to IC measurements, i.e. the sensemaking of IC measurements and by means of IC measurements. Finally, this investigation considers the different types of sensemaking processes in order to interpret the different outcomes of measuring IC.

Understanding why the role of accounting is unchanged in Indonesian public hospitals

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heru Fahlevi
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Changes

Purpose This paper aims to understand why an expected enhanced role of accounting in Indonesian public hospitals has not occurred, although serial organizational changes and reform of hospital payment systems have taken place. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a multiple case study research approach. It was carried out in two Indonesian public hospitals. Interviews were the main tool used for collecting data. The primary interviewees were the top managers, accountants and senior physicians in the hospitals surveyed. Findings Insights from the interviews revealed that the owners’ traditional role of funding deficits plus the conventional mindsets of managements and physicians who are only interested in health outcomes have hindered the infiltration of economic and accounting logic into the management of these two public hospitals. Consequently, the expected accounting innovations, i.e. an enhanced role of accounting in the hospitals’ daily activities did not emerge. Research limitations/implications This case study is not a longitudinal study and the interviewees, particularly senior physicians, were selected based on their availability and willingness to participate in the interviews. Thus, the findings should be treated with caution. Practical implications An enhanced role of accounting and other accounting innovations would indicate that the hospitals are responding as expected to the institutional and financial reforms. Originality/value Contingency theory and institutional theory have been used together in this study which aims to not only discuss the reasons for accounting changes occurring or not occurring, but also to understand the motivations behind the accounting changes or lack of change. Thus, a more comprehensive understanding of accounting innovations is expected.

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