scholarly journals Multi-level strategic alignment within a complex organisation

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 889-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin Lawrie ◽  
Nur Anisah Abdullah ◽  
Christopher Bragg ◽  
Guillaume Varlet
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Strategic Control ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Balanced Scorecards ◽  
Ongoing Programme

Purpose This paper aims to assess the utility of an approach to the design of multiple Balanced Scorecards within large/complex organisations, consider the relevance of “emergent strategising” in this kind of strategy implementation and explore project organisation and wider coordination issues that impact this type of work. Design/methodology/approach A “research-oriented – action research” approach has been adopted, comprising qualitative observations of an ongoing programme within a major organisation in the Middle East. The case is based on feedback obtained from key actors (participants, facilitators) and the analysis of documentation produced by the project. Findings Over four years, the project engaged directly with over 200 managers from the organisation’s 35 most senior management units. Its purpose was to align the strategic aims of each unit with those of the organisation and introduce a new form of strategic control. The paper shows that consensus-forming and creation of locally relevant strategic agendas can be usefully and successfully embedded in a large-scale strategic control and alignment programme. The paper notes the large resource implications and duration of such programmes, and the challenges of integrating the resulting processes with those already in place. The paper concludes that for the case organisation, the resource investment appears to have generated useful outcomes. Research limitations/implications The project relates to a continuing programme within the client organisation that was not explicitly established before it started as an action-research activity. This has limited and constrained the quality of the information reported. Originality/value The scale of the project, the use of design methods that emphasis consensus forming and local relevance provide novel information and insights.

scholarly journals Intergenerational communication barriers and pitfalls of business families in transition—a qualitative action research approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Zehrer ◽  
Gabriela Leiß
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Communication Barriers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intergenerational Communication ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Action Research Approach

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the pertinent issues, barriers and pitfalls of intergenerational communication in business families during their leadership succession period.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on relational leadership theory, the paper makes use of an action research approach using a qualitative single case study to investigate communication barriers and pitfalls in business transition.FindingsThrough action research, interventions were taken in the underlying case, which increased the consciousness, as well as the personal and social competencies of the business family. Thus, business families stuck in ambivalent entanglement understand their underlying motives and needs within the change process, get into closer contact with their emotional barriers and communication hindrances, which is a prerequisite for any change, and break the succession iceberg phenomenon.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should undertake multiple case studies to validate and/or modify the qualitative methods used in this action research to increase the validity and generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsGiven the large number of business families in transition, our study shows the beneficial effects action research might have on business families’ communication behavior along a change process. The findings might help other business families to understand the value of action research for such underlying challenges and decrease communication barriers.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies to have addressed intergenerational communication of business families using an action research approach.

Tutor and international student perspectives on an action research project: use of a business strategy simulation with mixed nationality cohorts

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive R. Kerridge ◽  
Colin Simpson
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach

Purpose This study aims to present the results of a curriculum design intervention, which was undertaken to address the inhibitors and enablers facing international (mainly Chinese) students on a capstone undergraduate strategic management module at a UK university business school. Design/methodology/approach Using an action research approach, the pre-intervention phase identified two main concerns: low levels of student engagement and avoidance of generic academic and language support. The module was subsequently redesigned around a group-based strategic business simulation (requiring collaborative participation of all students), with embedded language and academic support, plus the involvement of bilingual teaching staff. Findings Post-intervention results from the four-year study indicated enhanced academic engagement of international students and a narrowing of the performance (grade) gap between domestic and international students. Practical implications Overall findings should provide strong support for the inclusion of active learning pedagogies in undergraduate business course deliveries, also complementing educational literature that advocates the effectiveness of constructivist pedagogies in mixed-nationality classrooms. Originality/value This study exemplifies a form of participatory action research. The juxtaposition of comments from support and specialist tutors, along with those of students, highlights the validity of views from each stakeholder group.

scholarly journals Commissioning personalised care in the English adult social care sector: an action research model to support leadership development

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet McCray ◽  
Adam Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the perspectives of English adult social care sector partners on the qualifications and standards required for leaders as they prepare to meet the demands of commissioning personalised care. Continuing an action research cycle guided by Coghlan and Brannicks (2010, p. 4) organisational centred model (McCray and Palmer, 2009) it benefits from the previous experience and reflection in action of the partners and researchers. Set in a general social care context, lessons learned from the study outcomes will be of interest to both commissioners of services and service users with acquired brain injury. Design/methodology/approach – A model of action research informed by Coghlan and Brannicks’ (2010, p. 4) organisational centred model focused on context, quality of relationships, quality of the research process and its’ outcomes was used. The role of the authors was to facilitate diagnosis of the leadership issues arising from the implementation of personalised care in the English adult social care sector and in collaboration with sector partners seek resolutions. Six focus groups comprising two commissioners, service providers, user group and care manager/social work leads were facilitated at two separate events in the south of England. Findings – Findings presented are derived from focus group discussions with strategic and organisational leaders and service user partners from the English adult social care sectors. Analysis of focus group data identified a number of themes. The overarching themes of human resource management, gaps in industry standards and leadership are discussed here. Whilst industry sector standard qualifications and frameworks may be at the centre of strategic planning for transformation, findings here have identified that additional support will be required to create leaders who can commission successfully to create cultural change. New approaches to leadership development may be needed to facilitate this process. Research limitations/implications – The study offers a single method qualitative research approach based on two local authorities in the south of England. It presents a localised and particular view of leadership development needs. Practical implications – The paper shows how action research can make a contribution to knowledge and practice. Originality/value – The paper provides interesting new insights into the skills for commissioning in a changing public and third sector environment with reference to commissioning personalised support for people with brain injury.

scholarly journals Visualization and establishment of product design regulations as interactive modules

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-34
Author(s):  
Mikael Blomé
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Production Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the preferable manner for visualizing different product regulations to be used in the training of and communication between people working at different levels in the production process. Many organizations struggle to communicate important and compulsory regulations, but the intended users are often reluctant to use them. Design/methodology/approach – The study has an action research approach, and the visualized regulations were the result of a human-centered design process that considered aspects for successful organizational change. Findings – The action research approach proved to be a successful framework to design the transformation of well-constructed illustrations in interactive guides, communicate and convince managers and users of the potential of the concept, develop a number of different well-functioning guides and establish regulations with illustrative elements and interactivity in a long-term perspective of an organization. Research limitations/implications – Further research is needed to follow-up the usage of visualized regulations to clarify how communication and quality are supported in design and production processes. Practical implications – The study shows how different product regulations should be visualized and established in an organization, with a potential for further dissemination. It is likely that the approach to design and visualize regulations in this study can function in other branches. Originality/value – The study finds a preferable manner for visualizing different product regulations to be used in the training of and communication between people working at different levels in the production process.

Stuck in the GeM Jam

2021 ◽  
pp. 118-134
Author(s):  
Jia Ying Chia ◽  
Shenn Ni Chow ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
Patricia Kar Wai Ng ◽  
Christian Kahl
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Industrial Training ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Klang Valley

In this chapter, the researchers present the results of the action research project. The GeM (Future General Manager) Program is a specifically-designed training program for outstanding students in the hospitality school to gain specific deep-grounded work experiences in several hotels in Klang Valley, Malaysia. This study used the action research approach to understand the quality of today's industrial training programs. Four final-year undergraduate students from the hospitality school reflected on their training experiences and provided feedback on how the GeM Program can be further developed to enhance the learning outcomes for future training participants. This chapter helps to understand how to develop, design, implement, and monitor a successfully structured training program for the future of the hospitality industry. With this, hotels can acquire the best student trainees who will further their career as employees with them.

Exploring social innovation through co-creation in rural India using action research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Souresh Cornet ◽  
Saswat Barpanda
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach

Purpose Social innovation (SI) has been promoted by policymakers for addressing all kinds of social issues in the context of diminishing government resources. It is, however, difficult to assess the efficiency of SI-based public policies, as the process of SI itself remains largely nebulous. The purpose of this paper is to better understand this process with a focus on its early stage, until the point of identifying a socially innovative idea and in the context of disadvantaged rural communities in India. Design/methodology/approach Co-creation workshops were facilitated to generate socially innovative solutions in villages, using co-design technique. Following an action research approach, qualitative data was collected to produce case studies. Findings This study found that SI was appropriate for addressing development challenges in rural India. Facilitated co-creation was successful in involving all citizens and effective in generating SI. The authors developed a framework of generating SI through co-creation that gives a more precise understanding of the SI process. Practical implications The authors propose a method for co-creating SI that can be of significant use for practitioners. Findings can help design better and more socially impactful public policies. Originality/value This paper focusses on understanding the process of generating SI, using a participatory approach. It is the first work that has been conducted of this sort in the context of Indian rural villages.

Between mission and revenue: measuring performance in a hybrid organization

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Ponte ◽  
Caterina Pesci ◽  
Pier Franco Camussone
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Goals ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Organizational Mission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hybrid Organization ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Measurement Tools

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the literature concerning performance measurement tools which allow a balanced control of both social goals and financial performances in a hybrid organization. Design/methodology/approach This paper shows the result of an action research project performed within a hybrid organization in Northern Italy. The tool and the main indicators it should reflect were selected cooperating with the management and stakeholders, and the project was brought on by following Lewin’s (1947) three-stage approach (freezing, moving and, unfreezing). Findings The paper shows how a useful tool for measuring social and financial performances has to be driven by the stakeholders’ needs and has to take into consideration the organizational mission. Originality/value The paper contributes to the performance evaluation literature, as it focuses on a hybrid organization with an action research approach which contributes to bridging the gap between research and practice.

Personalizing 3D virtual fashion stores: an action research approach to modularity development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juanjuan Wu ◽  
Bo Ra Joo ◽  
Ahmad Saquib Sina ◽  
Sanga Song ◽  
Claire Haesung Whang
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Evaluation Phase ◽  
Virtual Stores

PurposeThe authors conducted an action research study with the aim of understanding current commercial offerings in modular designs in virtual environments and to explore modularity development based on consumer input for the purpose of personalizing three-dimensional (3D) virtual fashion stores.Design/methodology/approachThrough five phases of diagnosing, action planning, action taking, evaluating and specifying learning, the authors attempted to diagnose the current commercial offerings of modular designs in virtual spaces and to identify the right type and the number of modules and modular options for personalizing 3D virtual stores based on consumers' actual designs and focus group input. The authors then further conceptualized modules to serve as an example for developing modularity in 3D virtual reality (VR) stores.FindingsIn the diagnosing phase, the authors investigated the modularity structure of cocreating a retail store in two popular virtual worlds: Second Life and The Sims 4. In the evaluation phase, the authors identified modules and modular options for personalizing 3D virtual stores based on a content analysis of consumers' post-design focus group discussions. In the last phase (specifying learning), the authors conceptualized a total of nine modules and 38 modular options for personalizing 3D virtual stores, including style, price point, product category, color, presence of avatar, virtual product try-on, music, product recommendation and product customization.Originality/valueThe significance of this study lies in the pioneering methodological work of identifying, creating and visualizing 3D VR modular store options based on consumer input and in improving the authors’ understanding of current commercial offerings. This study also enriches design theories on cocreation systems. The authors’ suggested modules for personalizing 3D virtual stores could inspire future evidence-based designs to be readily used by VR retailers as well extend the application of mass customization theory from the realm of product development to retail environments.

A collaborative action research project towards embedding ESD within the higher education curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 857-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gisela Cebrián
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Collaborative Action Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Action ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to present a collaborative action research project conducted at the University of Southampton with the aim to promote curriculum and professional development in education for sustainable development (ESD) and learn from everyday practices of academics. Design/methodology/approach An action research approach guided by participatory and emancipatory approaches was used. An interdisciplinary group of five academic staff members from different subject areas (education; archaeology; electronics and computer sciences; biology; and health sciences) was created with the aim to support the group’s critical reflection and action towards embedding ESD in their teaching practice. Findings The main outcomes of delivery of sustainability teaching achieved through the project and evidences of the impact of the facilitator role are outlined. The facilitator role has enabled reflection and action, together with the identification of specific needs of academics and the factors influencing their engagement and action. Originality/value This research demonstrates the potential of using action research to rethink current practice in embedding ESD and to lead to new practices and actions of communities of practice. The facilitator role and second-order action research can contribute to better decision-making of sustainability as it questions practice, current assumptions and worldviews.

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