The case studies of fraud prevention mechanisms in the Malaysian medium enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1024-1038
Author(s):  
Malar Gunasegaran ◽  
Rohaida Basiruddin ◽  
Siti Zaleha Abdul Rasid ◽  
Adriana Mohd Rizal
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Fraud Prevention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the extent and type of fraud scheme, prevention mechanisms and challenges experienced by the Malaysian medium enterprises. Design/methodology/approach The multiple case studies approach has been used in this study. The data were collected through interviews with the directors, owners, managers and supervisors of three medium-size enterprises. Findings The findings suggest that the fraud cases experienced by the enterprises were related to broken trust and non-cash larceny. The implementation of fraud prevention mechanisms in the enterprises seem to be very limited because of resources and budget constraints. Practical implications The findings of the study have an alarming implication for the owners and directors of the selected medium-size organizations. They seem to have shown proactivity and to have responded to fraud in their organizations by implementing fraud prevention mechanisms; however, not to the extent that large organizations have done. This fact may expose the companies to the risk of losing their competitiveness and the ability to survive in the marketplace. Originality/value This paper contributes to the growing literature on the studies of fraud scheme and the fraud prevention mechanism in the medium-size enterprises, particularly in the context of developing country. Prior studies in these areas have predominantly been undertaken by large organizations of developed countries, which offer different environment, litigation and institutional setting thus limits the generalizability of fraud prevention mechanism to small- and medium-size businesses.

Building a comprehensive framework for sustainable education using case studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwar Dubey ◽  
Angappa Gunasekaran ◽  
Abhijit Deshpande
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Education ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Market Needs ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive theory for sustainable education. Design/methodology/approach The authors have used a multiple case studies approach. Findings The authors have identified ten drivers that influence sustainable education. Most of these drivers have been drawn on the basis of extensive literature review; however, some of the drivers are novel to the current study, such as attitude, behavior, and promotion. Research limitations/implications The framework needs to be validated using empirical research with a large-sample size. Practical implications The study offers guidelines to universities and institutions that want to impart sustainable education to their students for better employability. Social implications The study makes an immense contribution to society by recognizing the need for sustainable education and identifying how to achieve better results. Originality/value The current paper contributes to the existing literature by identifying three novel constructs and how the constructs can shape sustainable education to address current market needs.

Organizations workforce demographic age preferences: multiple case-studies from Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-427
Author(s):  
Anselmo Ferreira Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Age Bias ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Organizational Age ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify whether there is some common pattern between organizations that give primacy either to younger workforce or to older one. Design/methodology/approach – It depicts the empirical evidence of eight case studies and some theoretical contributions thereof. All case units are considered outstanding employers in Brazil business scenario, given the magnitude of their human resource (HR) feats and society acknowledgements. Taken together, they are eight representative cases derived from Época magazine and Great Place to Work® Institute 2013 list. Findings – Case units exhibited strongest group age preferences on an ongoing basis. Rather, they depicted an unbalanced labor force demographic age frame for the sake of their own HR choices. As a result, they all could be labeled as age bias companies in a more or less degree. Given that their options (i.e. percentage of preferences) have been somewhat consistent during the period of analysis, one may therefore infer that such options have been buttressed by the leadership held values. Surprisingly, all case units had not provided logical arguments or wise explanations in light of their decisions related to it. Moreover, the companies had not offered compelling evidence that they were implementing robust diversity and inclusion polices aiming to provide an equalitarian treatment to all age groups or that they were at least paying attention to these issues in a coherent form. In fact, they have been astonishingly silent on these matters. Research limitations/implications – The purposeful sample strategy that was carried out in this study does not permit that the results be generalized. Actually, they are derived from only a specific cohort of companies – to some extent, they are outliers in the list of the best organizations to work for in Brazil – that has been noticeable for their extreme workforce age options. Practical implications – The case units sample showed to have huge difficulties to mitigate organizational age bias effects in their headcount. In fact, the majority of the case units that were perused demonstrated to give a consistent priority for either having either younger workforce or older one. Originality/value – Overall, it is expected that this study may contribute to diversity management theory by bringing further knowledge about how some of the best organizations to work for in Brazil implement their workforce demographic age policies.

Value co-creation in the B2B context: a diagnosis of knowledge management based on multiple case studies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Bonamigo ◽  
Camila Guimarães Frech ◽  
Ana Carolina Custódio Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Knowledge Asymmetry ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to empirically investigate how organizations delivering services in business-to-business relations deal with the boundary paradox and knowledge asymmetry in value co-creation. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative multiple case study strategy. Datas were gathered through 13 semi-structured interviews that were then analyzed through the content analysis. Findings The authors identified three mechanisms that organizations use to deal with the boundary paradox and two strategies to handle the knowledge asymmetry. Research limitations/implications First, no opportunities were afforded to involve more participants. Second, owning to confidentiality reasons, not all organizations provided us documents to be analyzed. Practical implications The findings guide managers in balancing the use of contracts and trust in inter-firm collaborations and fostering the learning of customers. Also, insights to protect knowledge based on the paradox of openness in value co-creation. Originality/value This study’s findings address the gap in value co-creation literature concerning the lack of empirical studies.

Could lean and green be the driver to integrate business improvement throughout the organisation?

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 207-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Chaplin ◽  
Simon T.J. O’Rourke
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Thick Description ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Lean And Green ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies

Purpose It seems to be the consensus (Zhang et al., 2012; George et al., 2003; Arumugam et al., 2013) that Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has become a beneficial improvement initiative used in a variety of industries. There is a move towards integrating any high-level business improvement methods holistically throughout the whole organisation. Indeed, Hoerl (2014) explored the idea that when using LSS for business improvement, the programme should engage the whole organisation in much the same way as the financial function is present throughout each department. The purpose of this paper is to posit that using the lean and green agenda may be the driver to achieve integration. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted a subjective ontological perspective with the researcher using participant observation as the main research instrument. Denzin and Lincoln (2005) note that it is now common for scholars to argue that the only relevant data are those based upon the personal experience of the researcher; this served as an informing foundation for the approach for the exploration of the topic. Based on multiple case studies, chosen because they operate in different sectors, the paper adopted an extended case method (Burawoy, 1998) to analyse and gather the research. The organisations were chosen because they both were at a similar stage in their continuous improvement (CI) journey. The main reasoning behind the selection of the two different organisations is to reach “Thick Description” (Geertz, 1973, p. 3, 2001). Findings The findings suggest that there are still significant benefits of implementing a large-scale lean agenda in particular when using an LSS methodology. The paper finds that there are also significant gaps in achieving full integration within the organisation and argues that lean and CI are still the remit of the operations manager. The document goes on to argue that if the CI initiative is driven by the corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan, then any lean/lean green implementation will enable the company to drive CI integration with all stakeholders. Research limitations/implications The research has implications for those responsible for the CSR function within the organisation and the operations manager who is charged with implementing any lean/lean and green CI. Practical implications The paper argues that the lean and green agenda can drive integration of any CI activity throughout the organisation and suggests that the way this can be achieved is any CI activity that is included in the wider CSR plan. Social implications This paper contributes to the “lean and green” agenda and offers a solution for the problem of integrating LSS activities throughout the whole organisation by placing CI and LSS within the CSR remit. Originality/value There is little consensus how this holistic integrated approach should be implemented by the company. This research uses multiple case studies to critically examine the application of LSS as an improvement programme within two large UK-based organisations, each company operating in very different industry sectors to identify the benefits of LSS but also the missed “green/societal” opportunities and argues that if any lean and lean and green agenda is to be holistically adopted, then any CI activity should be driven by the CSR department.

Utility relocation management in highway projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneetha Vilventhan ◽  
Satyanarayana N. Kalidindi
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Nominal Group Technique ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Highway Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coordination Strategies ◽  
Underground Utilities ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Utility relocation issues are unfortunately frequent and recurring problems in several countries’ highway projects. Very few studies have addressed the utility relocation issues in highway projects. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, this paper explores how the utility relocation issues are managed in highway projects. Second, this paper systematically identifies the prioritized technical and coordination strategies to be adopted to avoid delays in utility relocation. Design/methodology/approach Multiple case-based research methodology was used to explore how the utility relocation issues are managed in highway projects. Empirical evidences from 11 road and bridge projects in India were used to develop the descriptive storyline for each of the project. The strategies used to manage the utility relocation issues were identified from three sources namely literature review, case studies and nominal group technique (NGT). The strategies were then evaluated quantitatively using NGT. Findings The analysis of the case studies showed that the delays in utility relocation were in the range of 5-52 months. It was found that the duration of relocation of utilities is impacted more significantly by the complexity of underground utilities rather than the size of the projects. Strategies that are used to manage utility relocation were identified across two groups namely; technical and coordination strategies. Practical implications Recommendations are provided for the practical use and policy changes. Originality/value The prioritized technical and coordination strategies can be used systematically to avoid delays in utility relocation.

Science-industry R&D cooperation effects on firm’s appropriation strategy

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dario Milesi ◽  
Vladimiro Verre ◽  
Natalia Petelski
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Similar Weight ◽  
Innovation Characteristics ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how science-industry R&D cooperation (SIRC) generates effects on the strategy developed by firms to appropriate the benefits of innovations. Given the plurality of cooperation patterns between firms and public R&D institutions and the variety of appropriation mechanisms used by firms to protect generated knowledge or to strengthen their market position, this paper investigates to what extent different forms of cooperation are associated with different effects on appropriation strategy. Design/methodology/approach As evidence of this, the authors carry out a multiple case study, covering nine biopharmaceutical Argentine firms whose innovation projects are developed in cooperation with public R&D institutions. Using critical dimensions identified by public-private R&D cooperation literature, the paper analyzes the characteristics of cooperation in the cases studied, looking for different patterns. Given the existence of various appropriation mechanisms identified by appropriability literature, the paper analyzes how firms use (or not) those mechanisms within the specific context of jointly generated innovation. Findings The paper shows that SIRC generates opposing effects on the various appropriation mechanisms used by firms, both challenging and strengthening them. Likewise, the identification of three cooperation patterns in Argentine biopharmaceutical sector, namely, contract R&D, internalization and coordination, allows appreciating how each pattern affects differently the appropriation mechanisms used by firms, being the coordination one, the most functional to the appropriation strategy of firms analyzed. Research limitations/implications The arguments presented here are necessarily limited to the biopharmaceutical Argentine sector, which is strategic to the country, for accumulated capabilities in scientific and business aspects. The analysis could be enriched by extending it to other industries with similar innovation characteristics and to other countries, where patents have a similar weight (emerging countries) or a different one (developed countries). Practical implications Innovation and public-private collaboration policies may benefit from the analysis presented here, which helps to assess advantages and challenges of different SIRC logics on firms’ appropriation issues and to considerate which aspects allow cooperation and appropriation combining in a more virtuous form. Originality/value There is no paper that explicitly examines the effects generated by different SIRC patterns on the appropriation strategy of firms, conceived as a combination of different mechanisms which may include patents but is not limited to them.

Prioritizing quality problems in SMEs: a methodology

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humberto Nuno Teixeira ◽  
Isabel Lopes ◽  
Sérgio Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Longitudinal Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology to be used by small and medium enterprises to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and areas for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the main causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature review a methodology for diagnosing and prioritizing quality problems is proposed. Then two longitudinal case studies are performed to refine and validate the proposed methodology. The methodology is organized in six different steps which include gathering information about predetermined processes and sub-processes of quality management, defined based on Juran’s trilogy, and about predetermined results categories. Findings – The application of the methodology was successful in two case studies and a report was produced on the quality state of each industry, including a prioritization of the causes of poor performance. Research limitations/implications – The methodology may have to be adapted to better suit the needs of companies from different sectors, either by reviewing the processes, by integrating new tools or refining the existing ones. Practical implications – This paper presents a new methodology for identifying and prioritizing quality problems. Originality/value – Due to its simplicity and comprehensiveness, it is believed that the developed methodology can be applied periodically by companies as self-diagnostic and prioritization tool, aimed at continuous improvement.

The role of individual adaptive practices for sustainable adaptation

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Wamsler ◽  
Ebba Brink
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Institutional Development ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the strategies used by Swedish citizens to adapt to changing climate variability and extremes. There is an increasing consensus that individual adaptive capacities are critical to successfully adapt to climate change and achieve sustainable development. However, little is known about individual adaptive practices, particularly in developed countries. Design/methodology/approach – The study covered a variety of geographical areas and included single-case studies of specific locations, cross-case studies and country-wide studies. Data were collected through literature review, interviews with at-risk people, observation and group discussions with municipal staff. Findings – The paper provides an overview of Swedish citizens’ adaptive practices and highlights how institutional development efforts affect individuals and their activities, including the equitable distribution of adaptation needs and resources. The paper concludes that individual adaptive capacities do not necessarily translate into adaptation. Practical implications – The results show that planned interventions are required. They emphasise the importance of more people-oriented adaptation planning that fosters the sustainable transformation of cities, together with the role that South-North knowledge transfer can play in this context. Originality/value – The paper offers critical insights into the positive and negative effects of citizens’ adaptation strategies (based on criteria such as effectiveness, sustainability and equity), and it discusses their relevance in the formulation of development policies and programmes.

How women traverse an upward journey in Indian industry: multiple case studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonam Chawla ◽  
Radha R. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Women Leaders ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Women In Leadership ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Industry ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present multiple case studies of women in leadership roles in India with a view to identifying inhibitors, facilitators and the strategies adopted by them to mitigate the challenges in their odyssey to these positions. The paper contributes to the pivotal subject of under-representation of women in apex positions, which has garnered the attention of researchers in recent years grappling with the identification of the underlying causes. Thus, with a view to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions, a greater understanding of this phenomenon is called for. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts exploratory case study method using multiple case studies. Empirical data were gathered using in-depth semi-structured interviews and personality test (NEO FFI) from women in leadership positions. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The analysis of data has led to the identification of challenges faced by the women that were categorised as personal, professional, organisational and social issues. Further, six themes emerged as the strategies adopted by the women leaders to overcome the challenges. The paper also highlights the critical social, behavioural and organisational facilitators that played an important role in their leadership journey. The paper also includes context-specific findings of women leaders from Indian industry. Practical implications The paper would have relevance for researchers and practitioners in the field of gender diversity, leadership, organisational behaviour and human resource management. The findings of this paper can be leveraged by organisations to retain and manage female talent, which is a focal area in the present dynamic business environment, when a need for gender diversity is widely acknowledged by the top management in organisations. The exploratory case studies provide vistas for gender-based context-specific and cross-cultural research on the challenges faced by women executives in their leadership journey and the strategies adopted to mitigate these. Originality/value Though a great deal has been written about the barriers to women’s career advancement, less is known about the facilitators of women’s advancement. Also, women in the Asian context face unique challenges which present a major problem for multinational companies whose hopes for growth are pinned on emerging markets. The paper has identified new emergent themes, which have not been mentioned in the extant literature nationally or globally. The findings provide inputs to companies to adopt policies and practices to facilitate gender equality in leadership. The paper bridges the knowledge gap and makes conceptual contributions for future research.

Driving innovation strategy in new hi-tech SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Successful Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Concepts such as effectuation and opportunity shaping can play a key role in the development of a successful innovation strategy for young small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the hi-tech sector. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists 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.

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