Business, management and accounting

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-277
Author(s):  
M. Valle Santos ◽  
Rosa M. Mayoral

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify the internal structure of the discipline of business and management (BMA) and its relations with adjacent disciplines.Design/methodology/approachWe analyse the thematic profile of the most relevant journals in BMA (Scopus database). We then perform a network analysis, specifically Pathfinder and Nearest Neighbour analyses.FindingsOur research provides empirical evidence of BMA's cohesiveness, thematic variety and interdisciplinarity. It remains open to a wide range of disciplines, particularly information systems, decision science and finance. BMA constitutes a dome composed of different subdisciplines. Some of these (for example, accounting, management information systems and industrial relations) display little relation to the others, although they do establish links with adjacent fields. In addition, strategic management emerges as a central point, endowing the discipline with consistency by acting as a link to certain subdisciplines that would otherwise be unconnected. Despite its more moderate presence in the discipline, organisational behaviour is the most nuclear category, acting as an anchor and helping to organise and structure BMA.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis provides a static image of BMA. It would be interesting to further the research through a dynamic perspective that would outline the evolution of the interrelations amongst disciplines over time and ascertain where they are heading.Practical implicationsThese results shed light on the centrifugal and centripetal forces of BMA and their future development.Originality/valueThis paper analyses the internal structure of BMA through its journals.

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1134-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donghee Shin ◽  
Myunggoon Choi ◽  
Jang Hyun Kim ◽  
Jae-gil Lee

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of interaction techniques (e.g. swiping and tapping) and the range of thumb movement on interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention in single-handed interaction with smartphones. Design/methodology/approach A 2×2 between-participant experiment (technological features: swiping and tapping×range of thumb movement: wide and narrow) was conducted to study the effects of interaction techniques and thumb movement ranges. Findings The results showed that the range of thumb movement had significant effects on perceived interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention, whereas no effects were observed for interaction techniques. A narrow range of thumb movement had more influence on the interactivity outcomes in comparison to a wide range of thumb movement. Practical implications While the subject of actual and perceived interactivity has been discussed, the issue has not been applied to smartphone. Based on the research results, the mobile industry may come up with a design strategy that balances feature- and perception-based interactivity. Originality/value This study adopted the perspective of the hybrid definition of interactivity, which includes both actual and perceived interactivity. Interactivity effect outcomes mediated by perceived interactivity.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Blomme ◽  
Kirsten Bornebroek‐Te Lintelo

PurposeThis article aims to develop a conception consisting of insights from complexity theory and additional notions from Weick's sense‐making theory and existentialism for examining organization behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThis paper carries out a literature review of Karl Weick's theory of sense‐making and some notions from existentialism to discuss the possible contributions to complexity theory and with this a further comprehension of organizational behaviour.FindingsFour existential conditions, namely death, freedom, existentialism and meaninglessness, give a further comprehension of Weick's concept of equivocality. Equivocality is an important input for organizing processes. The complexity of organizing processes is an object for examining organizational behaviour from a complexity scientific standpoint. The authors argue that the concept of equivocality and with this the states of equilibrium in an organization can be approached with examining the states of the mentioned four existential conditions.Practical implicationsAn important point of application for change managers in an organization is equivocality. The increase of equivocality will lead to a shift in the state of equilibrium in which new themes will emerge and corresponding organisational behaviour. The level of equivocality is due to the presence of existential fears. Hence, change managers should focus on existential themes and anxieties in an organization to advance emergent change.Originality/valueNew in this paper is the usage of notions from existentialism to elaborate Weick's conception of sense‐making. Also this paper discusses the possible contribution of this elaboration to research of organisational behaviour from the perspective of complexity theory.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Veepan Kumar ◽  
Ravi Shankar ◽  
Prem Vrat

PurposeIn today’s uncertain business environment, Industry 4.0 is regarded as a viable strategic plan for addressing a wide range of manufacturing-related challenges. However, it appears that its level of adoption varies across many countries. In the case of a developing economy like India, practitioners are still in the early stages of implementation. The implementation of Industry 4.0 appears to be complex, and it must be investigated holistically in order to gain a better understanding of it. Therefore, an attempt has been made to examine the Industry 4.0 implementation for the Indian manufacturing organization in a detailed way by analyzing the complexities of relevant variables.Design/methodology/approachSAP-LAP (situation-actor-process and learning-action-performance) and an efficient interpretive ranking process (e-IRP) were used to analyze the various variables influencing Industry 4.0 implementation. The variables were identified, as per SAP-LAP, through a thorough review of the literature and based on the perspectives of various experts. The e-IRP has been used to prioritize the selected elements (i.e. actors with respect to processes and actions with respect to performance) of SAP-LAP.FindingsThis study ranked five stakeholders according to their priority in Industry 4.0 implementation: government policymakers, industry associations, research and academic institutions, manufacturers and customers. In addition, the study also prioritized important actions that need to be taken by these stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe results of this study would be useful in identifying and managing the various actors and actions related to Industry 4.0 implementation. Accordingly, their prioritized sequence would be useful to the practitioners in preparing the well-defined and comprehensive strategic roadmap for Industry 4.0.Originality/valueThis study has adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches for identifying and prioritizing different variables of Industry 4.0 implementation. This, in turn, helps the stakeholder to comprehend the concept of Industry 4.0 in a much simpler way.


2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Behnert ◽  
Dirk Lewandowski

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to apply traditional information retrieval (IR) evaluation methods based on standards from the Text REtrieval Conference and web search evaluation to all types of modern library information systems (LISs) including online public access catalogues, discovery systems, and digital libraries that provide web search features to gather information from heterogeneous sources. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply conventional procedures from IR evaluation to the LIS context considering the specific characteristics of modern library materials. Findings The authors introduce a framework consisting of five parts: search queries, search results, assessors, testing, and data analysis. The authors show how to deal with comparability problems resulting from diverse document types, e.g., electronic articles vs printed monographs and what issues need to be considered for retrieval tests in the library context. Practical implications The framework can be used as a guideline for conducting retrieval effectiveness studies in the library context. Originality/value Although a considerable amount of research has been done on IR evaluation, and standards for conducting retrieval effectiveness studies do exist, to the authors’ knowledge this is the first attempt to provide a systematic framework for evaluating the retrieval effectiveness of twenty-first-century LISs. The authors demonstrate which issues must be considered and what decisions must be made by researchers prior to a retrieval test.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Alpert ◽  
Mark Brown ◽  
Elizabeth Ferrier ◽  
Claudia Fernanda Gonzalez-Arcos ◽  
Rico Piehler

Purpose This study aims to investigate marketing managers’ views on the existence and nature of the academic–practitioner gap in the branding domain. Design/methodology/approach Using a purposive sampling method, the researchers conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 experienced marketing managers from a wide range of industries and organisations, whose roles are focussed on the planning, implementation and management of broad marketing and branding strategies. Findings Branding practitioners have little or no contact with academics and their theories-in-use with regard to brand management suggest they do not consider academic research relevant to their work. Research limitations/implications The process of describing and explaining the gap provides valuable insights into bridging the gap; it provides actionable branding strategies that include raising awareness, building relationships, improving the benefits offer and communicating more effectively. Practical implications This research has practical implications for branding academics. The interviewed practitioners confirm the gap, viewing it as academics’ (not practitioners’) problem and responsibility. They characterise it as a branding problem that academics can overcome using branding strategies, to establish themselves as credible sources of branding expertise for practitioners. Key areas for increasing collaboration stem from practitioners’ desire for independent, credible, ethical and timely third-party advice on branding issues; relevant, timely and shorter professional branding education across their organisations; and closer connections with universities to identify new branding talent and ideas. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to empirically examine and recommend solutions to the academic-practitioner gap in the branding domain by studying marketing professionals with branding responsibilities, using in-depth interviews.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael Frost ◽  
Kate Walters ◽  
Jane Wilcock ◽  
Louise Robinson ◽  
Karen Harrison Dening ◽  
...  

PurposePost-diagnostic dementia care is often fragmented in the United Kingdom, with great variation in provision. Recent policies suggest moving towards better community-based care for dementia; however, little is known on how this care is delivered. This study aimed to map the post-diagnostic dementia support provided in England a decade after the introduction of a National Dementia Strategy.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods e-survey (open Nov 2018–Mar 2019) of dementia commissioners in England recruited through mailing lists of relevant organisations was conducted. The authors descriptively summarised quantitative data and carried out thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses.Findings52 completed responses were received, which covered 82 commissioning bodies, with representation from each region in England. Respondents reported great variation in the types of services provided. Information, caregiver assessments and dementia navigation were commonly reported and usually delivered by the voluntary sector or local authorities. Integrated pathways of care were seen as important to avoid overlap or gaps in service coverage. Despite an increasingly diverse population, few areas reported providing dementia health services specifically for BME populations. Over half of providers planned to change services further within five years.Practical implicationsThere is a need for greater availability of and consistency in services in post-diagnostic dementia care across England.Originality/valuePost-diagnostic dementia care remains fragmented and provided by a wide range of providers in England.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1021-1039
Author(s):  
Kaz Stuart ◽  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Elaine Bidmead ◽  
Ruth Browning ◽  
Catriona Roberts ◽  
...  

PurposeThis paper proposes a biopsychosocial (BPS) analysis of COVID-19 experiences which enhances understanding of complex and interrelated factors and leads to the proposition of a BPS recovery framework.Design/methodology/approachOnline narrative research was used to explore people's experiences of COVID-19 and was conducted over a four-month period. The call was distributed via a short open-ended qualitative online survey advertised on social media platforms and 305 responses came from across England.FindingsThe findings illustrate people with a narrow range of BPS characteristics experienced over a wide range of BPS impacts which are nuanced, complex and dynamic. Left unaddressed these may create future adverse BPS characteristics. An integrated BPS framework for recovery is proposed to avoid such further negative outcomes from the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample contained a bias in age, gender and living arrangements.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a clear framework to enable integrated holistic recovery/regrowth planning.Social implicationsUsing the framework would reduce social and health inequities which have been recently deepened by COVID-19 in the long-term.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its use of a BPS analytical framework.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Yi Hsu ◽  
Edward C.S. Ku ◽  
Tzu-Ching Lai ◽  
Shih–Chieh Hsu

PurposeThis study investigated how customer orientation and relationships influenced relational benefits via employees' attitudes toward travel agencies and partnership management.Design/methodology/approachSurvey questionnaires were mailed to experts of travel agencies in Taiwan. The hypothesis of this study was tested and used a research model characterized by the SEM-PLS approach.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that the travel service involves a wide range of firms, regardless of internal or external partner management, and to develop the Muslim tourism market sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsFrom a theoretical perspective, it was found that customer orientation of travel agencies and relationship selling among travel agencies affects partnership management of travel agencies and their employees' attitudes, which were positively associated with the relational benefit of travel agencies.Practical implicationsTravel agencies must maintain continuous collaborative relationships to ensure the sustainable development of the Muslim tourism market.Originality/valueThis study provides a meaningful model for investigating the trend and tourism products of the Muslim tourism market regarding collaboration between travel agencies and partners.


Sensor Review ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bloss

Purpose – Review of the advancements in non-contact laser sensors for much more accurate real time speed as well as length measurements. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth review of a number of applications of laser sensors. Findings – A wide range of manufacturers in the converting industries have solved measurement problems and realized major improvements in product quality, cost of production and productivity by applying laser measurement as well as reduction in scrap. Practical implications – Others with the need to make very accurate measurements of speed and length in real time may find that laser sensors may provide the answer. Originality/value – An expert insight into how to solve real time speed and length measurement problems.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 150-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanat Kozhakhmet ◽  
Mohammad Nazri

Purpose The purpose of this study is to expand the understanding of knowledge governance approaches by examining governance mechanisms that can be used to enhance affective commitment. Then, this paper aims to investigate the mediating effects of affective commitment on the relationship between knowledge governance mechanisms (KGMs) and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from 391 employees working in a wide range of organizations operating in Kazakhstan. Regression analysis and structure equation models (SPSS and AMOS) were used to assess the research model. Findings The empirical results indicated that formal and informal KGMs have a significant impact on knowledge sharing. Moreover, the results revealed that affective commitment mediates the relationship between KGMs and knowledge sharing. Practical implications The proposed KGM is a response to practical necessity to promote the affective commitment by combinations of organizational antecedents. Originality/value It is the first attempt in post-Soviet Kazakhstan to systematically analyze the effect of knowledge governance on affective commitment. In addition, this paper offers a conceptual framework where affective commitment plays the mediating role in successful knowledge sharing.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document