scholarly journals Flying asset

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Martinetti ◽  
Erik Jan Schakel ◽  
Leo A.M. van Dongen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Maintenance Strategy ◽  
Component Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reliability Centered Maintenance ◽  
Maintenance Program ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to create a framework to provide a scalable maintenance program for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in order to choose the most suitable and feasible maintenance strategy in terms of reliability. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for a reliability-centered maintenance-based approach to develop the framework using a UAS as the starting point of the research. A linear and user-friendly design of the methodology based on a Boolean flowchart was chosen in order to lead the analyst through the process avoiding as much as possible subjectivity decision-making issues. Finally, the framework was, on the component level, performed by a UAS company gathering feedback on its applicability. Findings An agile and structured decision-making framework for developing scalable maintenance program of UAS is provided. The proposed solution gives the opportunity to tailor the maintenance strategy to the technical characteristics, considering not only the single component but also situations and conditions in which the machine will operate. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the framework is potentially applicable to every UAS. A first trial of the method was run on a multirotor vehicle equipped with eight electric brushless motors. Further studies focused on different UAS will be mandatory in order to obtain comparable and robust findings and a reliable approach. Practical implications This study offers a different scheme to elaborate a specific maintenance solution related to the characteristics of the system. It strives to remedy the drawbacks of the traditional approach for a manned aircraft not completely suitable for systems with such different functions, features and tasks. The authors believe that the method presented in this paper will provide a new selection tool for choosing maintenance actions based on the features of the UAS. Originality/value This paper provides a new and usable solution to include the maintenance actions in the management of pioneering products. In spite of the maintenance program representing an essential aspect to provide reliable assets, frameworks to create programs and to help manufacturers and users are still difficult to find or to apply to different UAS. This gap enhances the misunderstanding that the maintenance is not required or essential for the unmanned aircrafts management.

Intellectual capital in family firms: human capital identification and measurement

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Claver-Cortés ◽  
Patrocinio Carmen Zaragoza-Sáez ◽  
Hipólito Molina-Manchón ◽  
Mercedes Úbeda-García
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Based on the literature devoted to family firms and the intellectual capital-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is not only to identify the most important human capital intangibles owned by family firms but also to show a number of indicators that can help measure them. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case-study-based research approach was adopted taking as reference: 25 family firms belonging to different sectors; previous works existing in the literature; and the intellectus model. Findings – The present study identifies ten intangibles associated with the human capital of family firms and shows 60 indicators that can be used to measure them. It additionally provides empirical evidence and gives examples of these intangibles through the analysis of 25 international family firms. Research limitations/implications – The difficulty in collecting all the human capital intangibles of family firms; the problems associated with the creation of accurate indicators; and those specific to the research methodology adopted. Practical implications – Identifying the human capital intangibles of family firms and their indicators can help managers become aware of their importance, and this will consequently help them improve their management. This could be an interesting starting point to value these intangibles in the balance sheet as well as to draw comparisons between family and non-family organisations. Originality/value – The framework provided by family firms sheds light on several intangibles specific to these firms – precisely for their condition as “family” firms. Those intangibles – human capital intangibles being especially highlighted in this study – provide the basis for the achievement of competitive advantages.

Sew or purchase? Home sewer consumer decision process

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-188
Author(s):  
Addie Martindale ◽  
Ellen McKinney
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Consumer Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Female Consumers ◽  
The North ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Consumer Dissatisfaction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore garment consumption decision processes of female consumers when they have the option to sew or purchase their clothing. Design/methodology/approach This research study presents a segment of the findings from a larger qualitative grounded theory study on women who choose to sew clothing for themselves (Martindale, 2017). This research analyzed the interview data pertaining to the unique sew or purchase decision-making process in which these consumers undertake as well as the related control over ready-to-wear consumption that sewing provides them. Findings The ability to sew resulted in a unique consumer decision-making process in regard to the clothing purchases due to the control it provided them over their ready-to-wear consumption. The women developed factors that they used to make the decision to sew or purchase. Over all the ability to sew provided them the option to sew or purchase clothing, allowing the women more control over their clothing selection specifically in regard to the garments body fit. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to English-speaking women living in the North America. The qualitative data collected are specific to this sample which cannot be generalized to all female home sewers. Research involving a larger population of women from a larger geographic area is needed. Practical implications The newly developed sew or purchase model provides an understanding of the control that having the option to sew or purchase provides female consumers. The findings offer apparel industry professionals a new perspective on ready-to-wear consumer dissatisfaction. The investment that is made when a garment is sewn instead of purchased has the potential to increase wardrobe sustainability as the consumer experiences more attachment to the clothing they have made. The model serves a starting point for further exploration into other craft-related consumer decision behaviors. Originality/value Purchasing decisions of this nature have yet to be considered in published research. Exploring these women’s decisions who operate outside of typical consumer culture and developing a model for this consumer behavior explains a phenomenon not yet addressed by existing consumer consumption research.

Towards an implementation framework for governance in the Ghanaian securities trading industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Marx ◽  
Ronald Henry Mynhardt
Keyword(s):  
Boards Of Directors ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
Audit Committees ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Implementation Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Framework ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Securities Trading

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an implementation framework for governance in the Ghanaian securities trading industry. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was followed, using participatory action research (PAR) by involving stakeholders from the Ghanaian securities trading industry. Findings A governance framework for the Ghanaian securities trading industry is proposed, taking into account the regulatory environment of Ghana, the role of ethical leadership, boards of directors, audit committees, the governance of risk, information technology and internal audit. Research limitations/implications This study used PAR because it is a recognised research methodology aimed at problem resolution, knowledge creation and improving professional practice, through the involvement of the interest group. This paper provides a starting point – a practical solution for the securities industry of Ghana, but not generalisable results. Practical implications Applying the governance framework will create safeguards against corruption and mismanagement, promote transparency in economic life and assist Ghana in attracting investment, ultimately lowering its cost of capital and contributing to economic growth and development in the country. Social implications The implementation of the governance framework will benefit all stakeholders (employees, suppliers and the community at large) as a result of a culture conducive to influencing behaviour, strategy planning and implementation, as well as corporate results and financial sustainability. Originality/value The use of PAR assists the practitioners from the Ghanaian securities trading industry in improving their competencies (knowledge, skills, values and attributes) whilst generating a workable solution for their current governance challenges.

Barriers to implementing digitalization in the Indian construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Avirag Bajpai ◽  
Subhas C. Misra
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Research Paper ◽  
Fuzzy Decision Making ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis research paper aims to analyze the critical barriers to implementing digitalization in the Indian construction industry as Indian construction companies are lagging in the implementation of digital technologies in the work environment.Design/methodology/approachIn this research paper, a qualitative research approach is adopted, and multiple detailed interviews are conducted with industry and academic experts. Further, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are used to finalize the prioritization among various alternatives. The fuzzy-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (Fuzzy-DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) techniques are employed to find the exact relationship among the identified alternatives.FindingsThis study identifies 14 critical barriers from an extensive literature review and multiple interviews with industry professionals, and further driving and critical barriers are identified.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research paper, an exploratory study with a limited number of respondents from a large Indian construction company is carried out. Further, a detailed longitudinal analysis can be done to assess the subjectivity of the participants with more advanced statistical tools. However, this research discusses several points pertaining to the implementation of digitalization in the construction industry. The research further identifies the critical barriers to digitalization in the Indian construction industry.Practical implicationsThe finding of the study has two-pronged implications. First, it provides a road-map to the construction industry by highlighting the engagement of top management as the key focus area for successful digitalization. Second, the finding also shows similarity of the digitalization process to the adoption of process improvement techniques like lean and total quality management (TQM), wherein the top management plays a crucial role in ushering in the implementation of a disruptive change.Originality/valueThe research is unique in two ways. First, this is one of the very few attempts to understand digitalization in the Indian context. Second, the research also demonstrates that the combination of fuzzy DEMATEL and ISM techniques can be successfully employed in the emerging field of construction digitalization research.

scholarly journals Integrated approach for risk management in servitization decision-making process

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1949-1977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarra Dahmani ◽  
Xavier Boucher ◽  
Didier Gourc ◽  
Sophie Peillon ◽  
François Marmier
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Process ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Risk Identification ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach

PurposeThe paper proposes an innovative systemic method helping decision-makers to control servitization transition process, through decision process risk diagnosis.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method is based on the modeling of decision processes and risk identification and analysis. This method was based on an action-research approach, in close relationship with two companies (SMEs). The paper develops the feasibility experiment at Automelec company.FindingsThe method was successfully implemented and delivered concrete diagnosis results.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalization of the applicability of the method needs to be tested on several different cases.Practical implicationsThe first practical implication is related to the efficiency of the method to help decision-makers in a servitization context to limit uncertainty and get a global view of the weaknesses of their decision-making process, it raises their awareness about servitization transition for their companies. Furthermore, the method also helps to explain the strategy of a servitization transition. It enhances the level of maturity of the decision process of the company, and can be used as a training/learning tool for managers.Social implicationsThe results brought by the research contribute to give the decision-making boards for organization living a servitization transition and especially SMEs a better control over the servitization decision process and related risks, which will increase the economic stability of the company and its vision over long, medium and short horizons. This will bring positive impact on the overall economic and social environment and networks of the servitized SME, and enhance the confidence of coworkers, subcontractors and clients.Originality/valueThe first originality of the paper is related to the new way of considering risk, not only as an analysis criterion but as the central driver in steering a strategic transition for the company, such as servitization. The second originality of the study is about assessing risk occurrence over a decision-making process through decision reliability and decision confidence.

scholarly journals Internet of Things adoption for reconfiguring decision-making processes in asset management

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 495-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Brous ◽  
Marijn Janssen ◽  
Paulien Herder
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Data Provenance ◽  
Civil Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Domain ◽  
Decision Making Processes

Purpose Managers are increasingly looking to adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) to include the vast amount of big data generated in their decision-making processes. The use of IoT might yield many benefits for organizations engaged in civil infrastructure management, but these benefits might be difficult to realize as organizations are not equipped to handle and interpret this data. The purpose of this paper is to understand how IoT adoption affects decision-making processes. Design/methodology/approach In this paper the changes in the business processes for managing civil infrastructure assets brought about by IoT adoption are analyzed by investigating two case studies within the water management domain. Propositions for effective IoT adoption in decision-making processes are derived. Findings The results show that decision processes in civil infrastructure asset management have been transformed to deal with the real-time nature of the data. The authors found the need to make organizational and business process changes, development of new capabilities, data provenance and governance and the need for standardization. IoT can have a transformative effect on business processes. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the propositions further. Practical implications The paper shows that data provenance is necessary to be able to understand the value and the quality of the data often generated by various organizations. Managers need to adapt new capabilities to be able to interpret the data. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to understand how IoT adoption affects decision-making processes in asset management in order to be able to achieve expected benefits and mitigate risk.

A systematic approach for maintenance performance measurement

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dananjaya Wijesinghe ◽  
Harshini Mallawarachchi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Apparel Industry ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maintenance Decision ◽  
Maintenance Performance ◽  
A Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the maintenance performance indicators (MPIs) which are significant for maintenance decision making in the apparel industry through an accurate maintenance performance measurement. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was followed. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the data which were evaluated based on Mean Weighted Rating and Relative Importance Index. Findings In total, 15 significant MPIs were determined which can directly affect maintenance decision making. A systematic approach was finally developed by allocating weightages for each critical MPI. Practical implications These results can be used to assist the decision-making process and as a performance measurement platform for maintenance management of the apparel industry. Originality/value The significance of maintenance has not been recognized and the value created through such massive efforts has remained hidden. Therefore, the need of adopting a performance-based approach for maintenance management in apparel industry exists. This research was aimed to provide a systematic approach to make decisions on maintenance management in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka.

Digitalization challenging institutional logics

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Holmlund ◽  
Tore Strandvik ◽  
Ilkka Lähteenmäki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Models ◽  
Service Management ◽  
Retail Banking ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Executive Team ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Business Challenges

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the mental models of top executive team members in a selected retail bank. The focus is on how each executive team member makes sense of the market situation and changes with regard to customers and customer-bank interactions in the current situation where earlier bank practices are at risk of becoming obsolete. Design/methodology/approach All members in the executive team were interviewed individually in August 2014 on how they reason about challenges in the service business. The study uses an abductive research approach. Findings The mental models were largely dominated by internal bank issues, and adjusting the services to changing customer preferences was considered a main challenge. The research analysis showed that the executive team members identified the same business challenges, but their interpretations of the meanings and implications of the challenges were different. Mental models tend to be hidden and stable and are seldom explicitly elaborated. There was a distinct spread in mental models in terms of content. Limited focus was on customers as the starting point for business development and renewal. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted in the retail banking setting, which is currently affected by many changes. The study, however, was limited to executive members in one bank. Practical implications The foremost implications of this study relate to sensitising executive members and teams to their mental models and exposing different core challenges related to customers and customer relationships in the retail banking sector. Originality/value The value of the study is it sheds light on top executives’ prospective sensemaking of current business challenges by addressing individual mental models. The study represents a novel approach in the strategic service management literature.

Assessment of human-induced impacts on hydrological regime of Gomti river basin, India

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 631-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatesh Dutta ◽  
Ravindra Kumar ◽  
Urvashi Sharma
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Satellite Data ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
River Channels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gomti River ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Management And Development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential impact of human-induced intervention on hydrological regimes of Gomti river, one of the important tributaries of the Ganga Alluvial Plain in India aiming at an overall assessment of the status quo. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology includes following four components: study of basin morphology, sub-surface geology and sediments profile of Gomti river; a comparison of LANDSAT satellite data of 1978 and IRS-1C/LISS-III satellite data of 2008 to study the changes occurring in the built-up area, forest and water bodies of the basin; study of flow patterns in different stretches of river Gomti from 1978 to 2012; and water quality assessment at different sites from origin of the river to its confluence in the Ganges. Findings – The paper shows that over the years, the water source in the tributaries feeding the river Gomti has shrunk, reducing the flow in the river. A steady increase in developed land area due to rapid urban sprawl has occurred in recent decades, due to which forest cover and wetlands are decreasing, the river and floodplains are getting fragmented, the hydromorphology changed considerably and several tributaries are getting dried as a result of indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater. There is no flow in the initial 57 km stretch of the river with wide encroachment in active floodplains. Groundwater over-extraction to meet the demands of increasing population and intensive agriculture has led to reduction in base-flows and in some reaches even negative. Extensive land-use changes in the Gomti river basin (GRB) severely impact the river and floodplain connectivity, the impacts are already evident as several tributaries are getting dried during the non-monsoon months. Research limitations/implications – The information provided by the paper for GRB is significant for the understanding of the basin and to formulate integrated management and development plan of the basin. Significant changes have taken place in the GRB over the recent past and are still continuing. Because of the chosen river basin and the site-specific research approach, the research results may lack generalization. However, it provides a general framework of analysis which could be applied to other regions. Practical implications – River channels with their floodplains and adjoining ecosystems have to be addressed as interconnected ecological entity in a holistic way. This requires comprehensive observations of the river systems and catchment characteristics using long-term data. The paper could be used as the starting point in the development of management and development strategies for the basin. Originality/value – River and its floodplain offer multiple ecosystem services and deserve an integrated approach for their conservation and restoration. Conservation and protection of ecologically intact river-floodplain systems is extremely important and urgently needs integrated planning and management. This paper has adopted a integrated approach to study the integrity of river ecosystems and the potential pressures on them.

Relationship between competitive strategy and construction organisation performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 2340-2366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi ◽  
Abimbola Olukemi Windapo ◽  
James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi ◽  
Richard Ajayi Jimoh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the possible moderating role of organisational characteristics (organisational structure, management style and decision-making style) in the relationship between strategy and organisational performance among large construction organisations in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a questionnaire survey to obtain data from 72 large construction organisations in South Africa. Using hierarchical multiple regression, the paper examines the relationship between the constructs discussed in the study. Findings The internal characteristics of the organisation form the vital basis for achieving optimal performance. The results obtained from the analysis revealed that decision-making style directly influences the measure of organisational effectiveness, while it could also be inferred that organisational characteristics partly moderate the relationship between competitive strategy and organisational performance. The findings indicate that internal characteristics is one of the means through which organisational strategic factors and contextual aspects are organised to achieve greater organisational performance levels. Originality/value The findings have theoretical implications for strategic management literature in construction as it extends the scope of research on strategic management from assessing a set of individual management practices to evaluating a complex mechanism that connects internal characteristics and competitive advantage. It is believed that this study will contribute positively to the role of organisational characteristics in the competitive strategy-performance relationships in large construction organisations in South Africa and to the ongoing discussion on emerging strategic management issues in construction.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document