Intuitive design: framing a software test system as a status reporting tool for business

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-165
Author(s):  
Chaehan So
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Test System ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Acceptance Test ◽  
Test Model ◽  
Industrial Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Reporting Tool ◽  
Intuitive Design

Purpose This paper aims to present a conceptual framework of how software teams can leverage the implicit information of implemented acceptance tests to cater to the needs of decision makers. The research questions on this framework were how business stakeholders can receive project status information in an intuitive way and how this framework can guarantee the traceability of tests to requirements. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual framework delineates the design of an acceptance test framework in three aspects: how the requirements model reflects the evolving states of requirement maturity over a project, how the acceptance test model becomes synchronized with the requirements model without a traceability matrix and how the acceptance test model communicates business value to the decision makers. Findings In an industrial case study, the presented framework yielded the positive effects of intuitive understanding by business stakeholders, high test coverage of requirements and distinctly reduced manual quality assurance (QA) work by automated testing for browsers and mobile devices. Practical implications The presented framework can help to convince business stakeholders to approve the budget for building a testing framework because it delivers them value as a status reporting tool. Originality/value This paper is the first to describe a step-by-step approach to solving a critical problem that IT departments frequently face. The solution consists in a new way of transforming the perception of a technical framework into a reporting tool for business information by intuitive design. The idea of mapping hierarchically corresponding abstraction layers can be transferred to other engineering domains.

Sustainability balanced scorecard architecture and environmental performance outcomes: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suaad Jassem ◽  
Zarina Zakaria ◽  
Anna Che Azmi
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study aims to assess the current state of research on the use of sustainability balanced scorecards (SBSCs), as they relate to environmental performance-related outcomes. It also seeks to present a conceptual framework proposing relationships between SBSC and environmental performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts a systematic literature review of articles published in double-blind peer-reviewed journals that are listed on Scopus and/or Web of Science databases.FindingsThe first part of the paper reveals that two architectures of SBSC appear to be dominant in the literature (SBSC-4 where sustainability parameters are integrated with the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard and SBSC-5 where sustainability is shown as an additional standalone fifth perspective). The next part of the paper presents a conceptual model relating SBSC as decision-making tools to environmental performance outcomes. The paper also indicates that SBSC knowledge mediates the above relationships. Furthermore, based on the theory of expert competence, the presence of experts possibly moderates the relationship between SBSC architecture and environmental performance outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature indicates a lack of consensus on establishing a clear linkage on the relationship between SBSC architecture and environmental performance outcomes. As a result, a holistic conceptual framework where SBSC knowledge acts as a mediator and presence of experts as a moderator may be able to provide a more consistent relationship between SBSC architecture and environmental performance outcomes.Practical implicationsThe conceptual framework proposed provides factors to be considered by decision makers, for effective outcomes when aiming to achieve environmental stewardship objectives.Social implicationsEnvironmental performance by business organisations have come under close scrutiny of stakeholders. As a result, the holistic model proposed in the current study may pave the path for decision-makers to achieve superior environmental outcomes, leading to greater satisfaction of stakeholders such as the communities that are impacted by the business operations of an organisation.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to propose a model for future research regarding the link between SBSC and environmental performance outcomes – with expert managers acting as moderators and SBSC knowledge acting as a mediator.

Much discussed, little conceptualized: supply chain volatility

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 866-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Nitsche ◽  
Christian F. Durach
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moderating Variables ◽  
Meta Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A conceptual framework of supply chain volatility (SCV) is developed to help researchers and practitioners converge their discussions and understandings on this vital phenomenon. Sources, dimensions and moderators of SCV are investigated and a conceptual framework is proposed. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Data triangulation was performed through reviewing 2,789 peer-reviewed articles and conducting a group exercise with 23 practitioners. Consequently, 364 sources were identified. Through a structured synthesis process that built on the Q-methodology with multiple academics, a framework of meta-level sources, dimensions and moderators of SCV was developed. An additional on-site meeting with 17 practitioners was conducted aiming at delineating the dimensions by their effect on SCV. Findings The authors propose 20 meta-level sources that contribute to five distinct dimensions of SCV, proposing behavior of customers and decision makers as contextual moderating variables. A classification scheme consisting of three descriptive SCV-affecting characteristics is proposed to delineate the dimension’s effect on SCV: relative deviating impact, repetitiveness and influenceability. Results are summarized in 15 propositions. Research limitations/implications The paper extends knowledge on SCV and provides a coherent conceptualization of the phenomenon for future research. The proposed framework demands quantitative testing to derive more reliable conclusions. Practical implications The framework aims at reducing the gap between research and practice. It helps managers to understand researchers’ discussions and how to derive expedient implications from them. Originality/value It is the first study that systematically synthesizes widely spread literature in this field to derive a conceptual framework that seeks to explain SCV in a holistic way.

Technology transfer and its impact on innovation and firm performance: empirical evidence from Turkish export companies

Kybernetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer Cinar ◽  
Serkan Altuntas ◽  
Mehmet Asif Alan
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
National Level ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach The relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance is examined by using data obtained from 252 Turkish export firms, which are among the top 1,000 firms in terms of export volume in Turkey. To examine these relationships, a theoretical framework is empirically tested using structural equation modeling and tested via an empirical study of Turkish export companies. Findings The results of this study can benefit policymakers in government at the national level and company decision-makers at the firm level. Furthermore, an understanding of the relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance may help firms to make correct technology transfer decisions and focus on the correct type of innovation to increase firm performance in practice. The findings indicate the positive effects of technology transfer on innovation and firm performance. In addition, innovation mediates the relationship between technology transfer and firm performance in Turkish export companies. This study suggests that decision-makers should transfer the right technology because well-realized technology transfers lead to the improvement of corporate innovation capacities and improvement of firm performances for export companies. Originality/value There is no study that fully examined the relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance. The proposed literature-based theoretical framework in this study is novel for Turkish export companies.

Effective public speaking: a conceptual framework in the corporate-communication field

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Baccarani ◽  
Angelo Bonfanti
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Professional Growth ◽  
Public Speaking ◽  
Corporate Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Preparation Phase ◽  
Public Speakers ◽  
Theoretical Evidence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of effective public speaking (EPS), and its antecedents and effects to provide a conceptual framework for the study of EPS in the field of corporate communication. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper whose analytical approach draws heavily on theoretical evidence published mainly in the corporate-communication literature. Findings – Public speaking means communicating with rather than to the audience: it does not denote a one-way broadcasting of information but a conversation between the speaker and audience. Strong arguments (logos) presented in a credible (ethos) and exciting (pathos) manner form the basis of EPS. Delivering an interesting, appealing and engaging presentation (i.e. the antecedents of EPS) requires that public speakers combine skills of logic (i.e. public speaking as science) with an “outside-the-box” approach (i.e. public speaking as art). EPS produces positive effects in the professional growth of an organisation’s human resources, trust in corporate leadership, corporate-change process, motivation of human resources and corporate reputation. Practical implications – Underestimating the importance of the preparation phase is a critical mistake in EPS performance. Communicating from the heart ensures the speaker achieves the objective to be heard and remembered by the audience. Developing storytelling skill helps to persuade listeners more effectively because they feel more involved in the discourse. It is important to remember that perfection is artificial and imperfection is natural. EPS requires a training oriented towards personal exploration. As such, companies should invest in public speaking courses that adopt techniques such as experiential theatre. Originality/value – This paper proposes a conceptual framework which can be considered a first step towards compensating for the lack of studies of EPS because, although it does not claim to be thorough in any way, it should encourage future researchers to explore this area in greater depth.

Increasing OCB: the influence of commitment, organizational support and justice

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyrone Perreira ◽  
Whitney Berta
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Role Behaviors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a coherent conceptual framework that could guide research that enhances our understanding of the factors that influence extra-role workplace behaviors and work performance in health care. In health-care settings, work performance is dependent upon worker’s extra-role behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw upon theory and current research in the field of organizational behavior and work motivation to explain the relationships between extra-role behaviors (ERBs), commitment, perceived organizational support (POS) and justice. These behaviors are related to a number of factors, including one’s affective commitment, POS and organizational justice. The influence of most of these concepts on work outcomes has been established in disparate studies, but their precedence in terms of influencing extra-role behaviors is not well understood. Findings – An augmented framework is produced, incorporating concepts of relevance to work motivation and work attitudes. Propositions, predicated on research evidence, are offered. Research limitations/implications – Spontaneous, emotional and/or reflexive behaviors are not accounted for in the conceptual framework. Practical implications – By adjusting interaction with employees, managers can bring about positive effects, facilitating constructive ERBs, which can improve work performance and productivity, patient safety, care quality and enable cost savings. Originality/value – This paper offers a novel comprehensive framework based upon a comprehensive literature review.

Method selection: a conceptual framework for public sector PPP selection

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Zhao ◽  
Fei Ying
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Client Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Method Selection ◽  
Decision Supporting ◽  
Procurement Method

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish a conceptual framework to assist decision makers in identifying an appropriate decision-supporting method (DSM) to evaluate public-private partnership (PPP) contract types in a disciplined and systematic manner. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted to compare and analyse DSMs in construction procurement processes, and explore the benefits and limitations of using DSMs. A conceptual framework is then developed to accommodate client characteristics when selecting DSM in a PPP context. An example was obtained to illustrate the implementation of the proposed framework. Findings DSMs employed in the procurement method selection are identified by using a systemic literature review. The benefits and limitations of each DSM are established and comparisons of DSMs are provided to fit the client characteristics and a conceptual framework is developed to assist decision makers in choosing DSM for contract selection. Originality/value This paper demonstrates a link between DSMs and PPP contracts which adds value at the stage of PPP contract evaluation. Also, the proposed framework sheds some light on an important aspect of the public sector to consider the improvement of current policies (PPP framework/guideline).

scholarly journals The interactive effect of cultural values and government regulations on firms’ entrepreneurial orientation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tze Cheng Chew ◽  
Yee Kwan Tang ◽  
Trevor Buck
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Formal Institutions ◽  
Government Regulations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects

PurposeConsidering that the social-cultural context is important as in which the entrepreneurs are embedded to conceptualise entrepreneurial orientation (EO), the purpose of the study is to explicate the influence of the key decision-makers’ internalised cultural values and perceptions of government regulations, to offer nuanced explanations of micro-level variations in EO of firms embedded in the same institutional context.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative approach, relationships are explored in a sample of 201 Malaysian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used for the sample, and an additional test is conducted for a robustness check.FindingsThe study finds that three cultural values of the key decision-maker, namely individualism, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance, exhibit a significant association with the EO of the firms. Further, the analysis reveals that the positive effects of individualism and masculinity are enhanced when moderated by favourable perceptions of government regulations to entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses a single key informant in data collection, therefore, the possibility of single-respondent bias. The results must be interpreted in light of these limitations.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing literature regarding the relationship between institutions and entrepreneurship. Specifically, it articulates a microfoundations lens to explain the influence of institutions in terms of key decision-makers’ internalised cultural values (informal institutions) and their perceptions of government regulations (formal institutions) on the EO of the firm. It further elucidates the need to embrace informal and formal institutions as interdependent factors instead of treating them as standalone constructs in entrepreneurship research and policy design.

“Mind” matters!

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Ramya ◽  
Rupashree Baral
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Environmental Responsibility ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Corporate Environmental Responsibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Climate Action

Purpose Given the urgency in taking climate action, the purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework to drive corporate environmental responsibility (CER) through environmentally responsible decision making (ERDM) by incorporating two interventions, the accuracy of mental models (MM) of the key decision makers and green nudging. Design/methodology/approach Relevant theories in management, cognition and behavioral sciences are studied and leaned on to build this conceptual framework. Findings Our mind creates MM about the real world to illustrate what we think about the world and about how it works. MM are clouded with biases and misconceptions. These MM have a tremendous impact on our behavior. The authors present how increasing the accuracy of the MM of environmental phenomena leads to efficient sensemaking and directs an ERDM thereby contributing to the environmental responsibility gestures of an organization. Green nudges attack the choice architecture of the decision maker toward ERDM. Research limitations/implications This framework contributes to the literature on corporate social responsibility. It advances the theories at the intersection of business, economy and natural environment. The framework built with assumptions opens the scope for future research and empirical testing. Practical implications This framework contributes to practice by recommending implementable and sustainable interventions. The inaccuracies found may become the base for a sector-wise training program. Due to mimetic isomorphism, driving CER may reap policy implications. Originality/value This multi-level conceptual framework is the first to propose individual level drivers of organizational level outcome CER through MM of environmental phenomena of key decision makers and green nudging. The paper offers complementary interventions.

scholarly journals Cultural differences in deliberate counterfeit purchase behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piyush Sharma ◽  
Ricky Y. K. Chan ◽  
Nebojsa Davcik ◽  
Akiko Ueno
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Risk Aversion ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Subjective Norms ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects

PurposeThis paper explores the moderating effects of four personal cultural orientations or PCOs (independence, interdependence, risk aversion and ambiguity intolerance) on the relationships among counterfeit proneness, subjective norms, ethical judgments, product evaluation and purchase intentions for counterfeit products.Design/methodology/approachA field study with 840 consumers in Hong Kong using a self-administered structured questionnaire is used to test all the hypotheses.FindingConsumers with high (low) scores on interdependence (independence) show stronger positive effects of counterfeit proneness on subjective norms and its effects on the counterfeit evaluation and purchase intentions. In contrast, consumers with high (low) scores on independence (interdependence) show stronger positive effects of counterfeit proneness on ethical judgments and its effects on counterfeit evaluation and purchase intentions. Consumers with higher scores on risk aversion and ambiguity intolerance show negative moderating effects on most of the relationships in the unified conceptual framework.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors collected data in Hong Kong, which is predominantly Chinese in culture. Hence, future research in other parts of the world with more diverse cultural values would help test the validity and generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsThe findings would be useful for managers of genuine brands to learn more about the process that explains deliberate counterfeit purchase behavior.Originality/valueThe authors extend the unified conceptual framework for deliberate counterfeit purchase behavior by incorporating four PCOs to explore cultural differences in the socio-psychological decision-making process underlying this behavior.

scholarly journals In VitroActivity of Glucosinolates and Their Degradation Products against Brassica-Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 432-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Sotelo ◽  
M. Lema ◽  
P. Soengas ◽  
M. E. Cartea ◽  
P. Velasco
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Syringae ◽  
Xanthomonas Campestris ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Allyl Isothiocyanate ◽  
Leaf Extracts ◽  
Soil Pathogens ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects

ABSTRACTGlucosinolates (GSLs) are secondary metabolites found inBrassicavegetables that confer on them resistance against pests and diseases. Both GSLs and glucosinolate hydrolysis products (GHPs) have shown positive effects in reducing soil pathogens. Information about theirin vitrobiocide effects is scarce, but previous studies have shown sinigrin GSLs and their associated allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) to be soil biocides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the biocide effects of 17 GSLs and GHPs and of leaf methanolic extracts of different GSL-enrichedBrassicacrops on suppressingin vitrogrowth of two bacterial (Xanthomonas campestrispv. campestris andPseudomonas syringaepv. maculicola) and two fungal (AlternariabrassicaeandSclerotiniascletoriorum)Brassicapathogens. GSLs, GHPs, and methanolic leaf extracts inhibited the development of the pathogens tested compared to the control, and the effect was dose dependent. Furthermore, the biocide effects of the different compounds studied were dependent on the species and race of the pathogen. These results indicate that GSLs and their GHPs, as well as extracts of differentBrassicaspecies, have potential to inhibit pathogen growth and offer new opportunities to study the use ofBrassicacrops in biofumigation for the control of multiple diseases.

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