Integrating methods for the prioritization of innovations and improvements in services

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 820-834
Author(s):  
Jaime Dagostim Picolo ◽  
Gérson Tontini

Purpose This paper aims to present a methodology for the prioritization of innovations and improvements in services and products that integrates penalty–reward contrast analysis (PRCA) and improvement gap analysis (IGA). Design/methodology/approach The presented method is theoretically developed and simulated. It uses a case study with 290 clients of supermarkets, evaluating 16 attributes of this service, to demonstrate the advantages of integrating PRCA and IGA. Findings The integration of PRCA and IGA provides benefits that outweigh the use of each method individually. The joint use of these methods allows the identification of possible nonlinear impact of attributes on customers’ overall satisfaction, allowing managerial recommendations to be made with greater discriminatory power, in addition to qualifying the identification of innovative attributes. Originality/value Managers must be aware of the effect of the interaction of innovative attributes with attributes already used by the company. At the same time, it is appropriate to verify whether there is potential to improve the existing attributes. The literature shows that PRCA identifies the nonlinear influence of customers’ satisfaction with individual attributes on overall satisfaction, but it fails to identify the possible impact of innovative attributes. In turn, IGA identifies innovative attributes but does not identify how the attributes influence overall satisfaction. Thus, the benefits of integrating PRCA and IGA outweigh the individual limitations of each method, thereby increasing the quality of managerial recommendations. Moreover, a limitation of PRCA makes this method useful for identifying innovative attributes in relation to attractive attributes identified by the IGA method.

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sope Williams-Elegbe

Purpose Corruption affects development and quality of life of citizens in affected countries. The increase in anti-corruption measures globally reflects a consensus that corruption is pervasive and costly. Public procurement is one area in which corruption manifests because of the sums of money involved; the asymmetry of information; and the bureaucratic nature of decision-making, which presents opportunities for abuse. In developing countries, procurement corruption is rife because of institutional weaknesses, lack of enforced accountability mechanisms and culture of silence in relation to public sector malfeasance. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines procurement corruption in countries with systemic corruption, using Nigeria as a case study, to determine how to reduce public procurement corruption. Findings The paper will highlight prevalent corrupt schemes in public procurement in Nigeria, examine the reasons for the failure of state anti-corruption institutions and analyze the kinds of initiatives that reduced procurement corruption and increased accountability in other countries and the utility of adopting such mechanisms in the Nigerian context.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 920-944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Ronaldo Albertin ◽  
Heraclito Lopes Jaguaribe Pontes ◽  
Enio Rabelo Frota ◽  
Matheus Barros Assunção

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe and propose a new way to do benchmarking. It describes an explanatory case study whereby data are collected through an internet benchmarking system with multi-criteria performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology was to conduct a literature review on international journals about evolution, typology and trends of benchmarking. Through a third year case study of Internet Benchmarking and Monitoring System of Productive Arrangements System the authors describe and propose a flexible benchmarking model. Findings – The paper provides empirical insights about a new model of flexible benchmarking taking into account different demands, whereby partners’ data are collected and processed according to their needs. Research limitations/implications – For monitoring and trending analysis more data and time is needed. These three-year applications show that it takes a long time to build a database that can be meaningful for benchmarking and monitoring purposes management. It also requires management maturity, performance system and finally procedures to invite companies to collect and input online data. Practical implications – The paper describes a flexible benchmarking, detailing its features in the form of a case study. The gap analysis shows the individual and collective gaps and requirements. Examples of practical use and reports generated “online” are presented. Originality/value – The paper presents a new potential for the use of benchmarking tools. It is expected to contribute to the academic area, describing ways to achieve greater potential in the use of benchmarking tools, proposing a new way to do benchmarking.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-123
Author(s):  
Chloe Griggs ◽  
Lorna Hunt ◽  
Sharon Reeman

Purpose – The purpose of this case study is to detail the development of a bespoke programme of learning for Support Workers employed in the mental health sector. Design/methodology/approach – The programme was designed to serve three purposes: to offer a route into mental health nursing; to upskill those who wanted to remain as a Support Worker; to improve the quality of care provided. Findings – The paper shares the perspectives of the local Partnership Trust, a Support Worker on the programme and the Programme Director. Originality/value – Employers within the mental health sector are encouraged to develop their own staff and universities are urged to think differently about curriculum design.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Vale ◽  
Manuel Castelo Branco ◽  
João Ribeiro

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyse how intellectual capital (IC) is created and deteriorated in a meta-organization by assessing the interdependency between the collective IC of the meta-organization and the individual IC of its members. Design/methodology/approach – A case study conducted in a seaport is adopted to explore how creation or deterioration of IC at one level of analysis affects the IC at the other. Four different illustrations are provided, depicting different instances of articulation between both types of IC. Findings – Evidence suggests that, in a meta-organization, IC appears as a function of both individual and collective IC dimensions. Changes in the meta-organization’s IC or in its members’ IC may have different impacts on each other, generating intellectual assets or intellectual liabilities at both levels. Evidence also suggests that those changes in IC should be analysed in a longitudinal way, since both levels affect each other in different ways over time. Research limitations/implications – Despite the validity of the interpretations provided in the context of the case study, generalization to other situations should be conducted only in a theoretically framed manner. Practical implications – This study provides important strategic and managerial implications for meta-organizations and their members, who are concerned with their performance. Originality/value – Although there have been some efforts to apply the traditional IC methodologies to a bigger scope, such as regions or nations, some meso level empirical contexts are yet far unexplored, such as the case of meta-organizations. Furthermore there is a gap in management sciences’ research on seaports.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Maddi Faith ◽  
Jerome Carson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Maddi Faith. Design/methodology/approach In this single case study, Maddi gives a short background and the origins of her mental health issues and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Maddi tells the authors how her problems developed in her childhood and of the journey she has been on since. Research limitations/implications Single case studies provide a single perspective. Yet are they of any less value than a commentary by an academic? On the contrary, many offer unique insights into how the authors provide services for people with mental health problems, and of better ways to help them. Practical implications Maddi raises the issue of “falling between services”, with the result that the individual concerned does not receive the help they need. Social implications The persistent stigma of mental health problems is an issue that will need to be addressed for decades if it is to be overcome. Personal witness is vital in tackling this issue. Maddi has already done a lot to address this through her work at University. Originality/value The Trust the second author worked for, for many years used to have a staff “Made a Difference” award. Maddi surely deserves such an award for her own efforts to develop our understanding of the realities of mental health problems.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Hodges

Purpose This paper aims to reflect upon the usefulness of the word “acopia” as a diagnosis in relation to individuals in hospital. Design/methodology/approach A response to existing literature and consideration of application to practice with adults who may be vulnerable. Findings The term “acopia” is derived from medicine but has gained popularity throughout health and social care. It is a term that has no diagnostic tool or agreed characteristics. Practical implications Practitioners across a number of professional disciplines need to be aware of the individual circumstances, preferences and priorities of individuals to secure the most appropriate care and support for each person. Failure to acknowledge complexity of an individual’s presenting condition at hospital admission may have fatal consequences. Originality/value The importance of language used to refer to adults who are likely to be vulnerable may influence the quality of the care and treatment that they receive.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43
Author(s):  
Roger Ellis ◽  
Elaine Sylvia Hogard ◽  
David Sines

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical description of the leadership provided by an official identified as “P” in the resettlement of adults with profound learning difficulties from hospital care to supported housing in the community. His story, presented as a case study, is contextualised in the history of the resettlement and its policy context, and in the evaluation of the resettlement. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study of the leadership activities and style of an individual based on evidence from a series of interviews; documentary evidence; and the results of a formal evaluation. Findings – The leadership was highly effective in achieving a resettlement which had to overcome numerous hurdles and which achieved externally evaluated outcomes in improving the quality of life of the service users concerned. Research limitations/implications – This is a case study of an individual with the attendant difficulties of scientific generalisation. The achievements of the individual in terms of outcomes were evaluated through the use of valid and reliable measures. Practical implications – The descriptions of leadership behaviour and style and the obstacle overcome should be illuminating to those facing comparable management challenges. Originality/value – This would be the only case study in the literature of leadership in this area. The evaluation which measures its success is also unique.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niall O’Kane ◽  
Ian Hall ◽  
Mo Eyeoyibo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review a case of a man with a mild learning disability and autistic spectrum disorder who successfully appealed against a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisation under English law. Design/methodology/approach The authors wanted to identify the factors contributing to the individual’s deprivation of liberty and subsequent successful appeal. The authors examined the accounts from the experts involved on each side of the case including different views on the person’s capacity to make certain decisions. The authors examined several of the individual’s psychological and psychiatric assessments. The authors interviewed the individual on two occasions: once during the appeals process, and following his successful appeal. Findings The authors identified several reasons as to why the individual was successful in appealing against the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. First, the individual was able to seek legal support to appeal independently. Second, experts involved on each side of the case had differing opinions regarding capacity to make certain decisions. Third, the indication for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards was subsequently declared not valid. Finally, the authors found that the quality of life and psychological well-being for the individual improved following removal of restrictions. Practical implications The authors highlight the wider issues relating to an individuals’ rights to challenge authorisations in the Court of Protection as well as to future considerations and directions of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards legislation in light of evolving case law. Social implications The authors highlight the importance of empowering patients in matters relating to their care and treatment, as well as protecting their human rights, dignity and autonomy. Originality/value The authors examine the barriers to challenging Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisation and the ever-evolving Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter McGill ◽  
Jill Bradshaw ◽  
Genevieve Smyth ◽  
Maria Hurman ◽  
Ashok Roy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline the role played by different aspects of the social, physical and organisational environments in preventing behaviour described as challenging in people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual elaboration drawing on research and practice literature. Findings Community placements for people with learning disabilities should develop the characteristics of capable environments. Such characteristics are associated with prevention of challenging behaviour and improved quality of life outcomes. Originality/value The notion of the capable environment may help to shift the focus from the individual who displays behaviour described as challenging to the characteristics of the social, physical and organisational supports that they receive.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 881-894
Author(s):  
Edu Grieco Mazzine Junior ◽  
Elpidio Oscar Benitez Nara ◽  
Liane Mahlmann Kipper ◽  
Julio Cezar Mairesse Siluk ◽  
Graciele Rediske

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw a picture on the reality of furniture industries in relation to management practices for project design of new products. Design/methodology/approach – In order to do so it was developed a multiple case study in three companies of the sector located in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. This study was based on verification criteria focussing on project’s lifecycle. Findings – As a result, it was possible to detect major faults from the organizations examined, it was found that processes are analyzed in a non-formalized and non-standardized way and, thus, restricting the integration of the projective stages, which reduced the quality of the final product. Originality/value – From the results obtained in the multiple case study, it was possible to propose actions managerial characteristics that demonstrate the process of design of new products as a result of an operational standard, integrated with the management practices of the organization.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document