Investigating the factors influencing Australian logistics companies toward environmental activity adoption

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Sadeghian Esfahani ◽  
Stephen Cahoon ◽  
Shu-Ling Chen ◽  
Hilary Pateman ◽  
Seyed Mojtaba Sajadi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Friedman Test ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Market Leader ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Environmental Activity

Purpose This paper aims to examine 12 factors influencing environmental activity adoption by Australian logistics companies. Design/methodology/approach After a literature review and collect the major factors influencing environmental activity adoption, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Friedman test are used to cluster and prioritize these factors through a Web survey. Findings The results of EFA show that these factors belong to three main groups including social and economic, pressure and governmental factors. The results of a Friedman test prioritizes 12 factors to find which factors have the greatest importance toward the adoption of environmental activity by managers of Australian logistics companies and reveals that governmental regulation, fuel and energy prices and the potential for achieving a competitive advantage, had the first to third ranking, respectively. Some new influencing factors in implementing environmental activities are found such as the willingness to be the market leader, responsibility and risk mitigation. Research limitations/implications This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the new factors influencing environmental adoption. Practical implications Australian logistics managers can use the results of this paper in developing their strategies and public policymakers can also use these results to improve sustainable development. Originality/value This is the first paper that clusters and prioritizes factors influencing environmental adoption in the Australian logistics industry.

Key factors for the adoption of RFID in the logistics industry in Taiwan

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Pin Fu ◽  
Tien-Hsiang Chang ◽  
Arthur Lin ◽  
Zi-Jun Du ◽  
Kuei-Ying Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Weighting ◽  
Analytic Hierarchical Process ◽  
Frequency Identification ◽  
Operational Errors ◽  
Real Time Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the factors that influence the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) in the logistics industry in Taiwan, and to objectively identify the key factors (KFs) for successful adoption. Design/methodology/approach – First, the factors were collected from a review of the literature, and then arranged in a three-layer hierarchical table. The fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (FAHP) was then used to determine the weighting of each factor, based on the opinions of various logistics professionals. The acceptable advantage concept of VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) was then used to identify the KFs. Findings – Nine important factors were identified from the total of eighteen factors, with a total accumulative weight of 64.68 percent, and from these, four KFs were determined: meeting the demands of clients, sharing real-time information, creating advantages in overall delivery, and reducing operational errors. Practical implications – The results show that the logistics industry in Taiwan should focus on the improvement of four KFs when adopting RFID. Eight practical implications of this study are also discussed in the paper. Originality/value – This study used multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools to obtain the importance (weighting) of each factor and to identify the KFs that influence the adoption of RFID. The research results can serve as a reference for the logistics industry, enabling firms to better allocate their resources when adopting RFID, and thus, to achieve a good outcome at lower cost and with greater efficiency.

Residents vulnerability analysis and explanation of development-induced disasters in a Sub-Saharan African city

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-84
Author(s):  
Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
African City ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Resilient Communities ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
Major Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze indicators for measuring residents’ level of social and physical vulnerability to human-induced disasters in disaster-prone communities of Lagos, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the quantitative research method. Questionnaires were administered to household heads in three disaster-prone communities of Lagos, Nigeria. Using systematic random sampling technique, household heads’ opinions were sampled in 10 per cent of the buildings. This effort culminated in the sampling of 288 household heads in the three communities. Findings The study identified flood, fire outbreak and environmental pollution as the most prevalence disasters in the communities. State of infrastructure, housing conditions and residents’ socioeconomic characteristics were identified as the major factors influencing residents’ level of vulnerability to disasters in the communities. Research limitations/implications The study could be strengthened by looking at other disaster-prone communities in Nigeria with different cultural and political settings. Hence, the view presented in this paper may not be considered generalizable to other parts of the country with different cultural settings. Originality/value To build resilient communities in cities of developing countries, the paper of this nature is important to determine factors influencing residents’ level of vulnerability to disasters. This will aid in strengthening community-disaster preparedness in these countries.

Response biases in policy compliance research

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-465
Author(s):  
Sebastian Kurowski
Keyword(s):  
Social Desirability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Social Approval ◽  
Current Policy ◽  
Policy Compliance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Response Biases ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to use a developed and pre-tested scenario-based measurement instrument for policy compliance and determine whether policy compliance measurements in the current policy compliance research are biased as has been postulated during a pre-study. The expected biases are because of social desirability and because of biases based on identity theory. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted (n = 54) that used policy compliance scales from literature and the developed self-reporting policy compliance (SRPC) scale, along with the Marlow–Crowne social desirability (MC-SDB) scale. Differences between the policy compliance scales were assessed. Moreover, a transformation of the SRPC measurements into the literature-based scales was examined using pair-wise t-testing. Finally, correlations between the MC-SDB and the policy compliance scales were examined. Findings There are no significant influences on the desire for social approval of the respondents as was exhibited by the MC-SDB values and policy compliance on either scale. However, the SRPC scale measurements show deviations from the literature-based policy compliance scales. Individuals that exhibit secure behaviour, which is not rooted in a policy but rather in anything but the policy, are also captured as being policy compliant in the current scales. This shows that a response bias exists in current scales. Respondents, who perceive to exhibit secure behaviours, may think that they are in compliance with the policy, even when they are not. Practical implications These findings mean that several contributions in the field of policy compliance must be questioned and that a revisit of several factors influencing policy compliance may be required. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, response biases in policy compliance research have not been considered to date.

Hoshin Kanri and A3: a proposal for integrating variability into the policy deployment process

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Tortorella ◽  
Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel ◽  
Paolo Gaiardelli
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Market Leader ◽  
Auto Parts ◽  
Parts Manufacturing ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to support the Hoshin Kanri (HK) process taking into account the variance of senior managers’ perspective regarding the relationships among objectives, key performance indicators and continuous improvement (CI) projects. Design/methodology/approach A four-step methodology incorporates the A3 report into the HK, whose deployment was weighted by the variability among managers’ perception about the importance of each decision. This methodology was applied in a market-leader Mexican auto parts manufacturing company that is undergoing a Lean Manufacturing (LM) implementation. Findings The results indicate that the proposed methodology provides an easier approach to consolidate different perspectives and weight the importance of CI projects. Moreover, it minimizes the possibility of managerial conflicts or the influence of a determined senior manager on others’ opinions during the deployment and prioritization. Practical implications This work may be of great interest to managers, consultants and professionals who deal with the implementation of LM and wish to prioritize the importance of CI projects within the perspective of HK. Originality/value HK provides a systematic approach to integrate strategic management with daily routine management through an adequate deployment of organizational policies to all levels. However, companies usually struggle with several issues such as the style of senior managers and consensus establishment among different opinions, which emphasizes the relevance of the proposed methodology in this study.

Family firms taking surprising risks: building success on conservative values

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Lehrer ◽  
Stefan Schmid
Keyword(s):  
Risk Taking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Substantial Risk ◽  
Conservative Values ◽  
Major Facilitator ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore hidden wellsprings of risk-taking in family firms. Design/methodology/approach The high tolerance for risk shown repeatedly by the famous family firm Hipp of Germany is documented. Three major risk-taking episodes at Hipp are examined. Findings Counterintuitively, conservative values were actually a major facilitator of risk-taking at Hipp. Research limitations/implications The ramifications for other family firms, especially in Germany’s so-called Mittelstand, are examined. An open question is whether the relevant scope of the foregoing analysis may be confined to national contexts like German Mittelstand with its highly developed sector of family firms. Practical implications Contrary to received wisdom, family firms with conservative values may actually have certain advantages in their capacity not only to assume certain types of risks but also to mitigate such risks. Especially the communitarian embeddedness of such values may provide a layer of risk mitigation. Social implications At least in some countries, such as Germany, family firms are indeed willing to engage in substantial risk-taking. With their approach of combining conservative values and risk-taking, they contribute to considerable wealth and societal development. Originality/value Conservatism in management and risk-taking propensity are usually thought of as antipodes. However, it is necessary to distinguish between conservatism (which usually equates to risk aversion) and conservative values (which, as shown, may be highly compatible with a willingness to engage and succeed in risky undertakings).

High involvement management and human resource line sustainability

2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Gollan
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
High Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
High Involvement Management

PurposeThis article will outline a number of issues for organizations to consider when pursuing sustainable high performance workplace outcomes through high involvement management (HIM) initiatives and identifies those outcomes, which reinforce corporate profitability and corporate survival, and those that satisfy employee aspirations and needs in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachA model is presented that highlights the major factors, influences and outcomes of human resource sustainability in organizations. The paper then advocates an integrated model of the HIM process, emphasising the influence of organizational culture and the impact of the external environment based on human resources capabilities and sustainable organizational outcomes.FindingsOverall, what can be drawn from the research is that high quality communication and consultation between management and employees at the workplace is essential in achieving HIM and improved organizational performance and sustainable outcomes for organizations and employees.Research limitations/implicationsImportantly, the current evidence suggests that there are a number of necessary conditions when implementing HIM processes and approach: the research suggests management should inform, train and equip shopfloor employees to make decisions at their workplace and share ownership in the process.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that managers need to reassess the role and level of the HR function, specifically its role in persuading organizations to adopt practices that support a sustainable approach.Originality/valueOnly by acknowledging the importance of employee satisfaction and commitment through the development of integrated employee consultation, organizational change, work and life policies, workplace institutions and comprehensive career development programs, will the organization achieve greater efficiency, and productivity.

A contingency framework on partnership risk

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 317-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Krause
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Role Conflicts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Shared Equity ◽  
Relational Accountability ◽  
Agency Capture ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the specific contingencies of partnership risk in shared equity public-private partnerships (PPPs) with the contingencies of privately held, loose related PPPs. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on instrumental and relational accountability perspectives, the author formulates theoretical propositions on partnership risk. Findings – The author conclude that loose related PPPs are characterized by high expertise and a higher risk of contract incompleteness by reason of opportunism. Shared ownership PPPs are characterized by lower opportunism but stronger goal ambiguities and role conflicts. These relationships are threatened by political micromanagement, agency capture and bailout problems. Research limitations/implications – The study offers an analytical frame of propositions and provides avenues for further research on partnership risk. Practical implications – The author suggest risk mitigation strategies for tight and loose related PPPs. Originality/value – Identifying crucial contingencies from both an instrumental and a relational perspective, the study makes a contribution to cooperation research in PPPs.

A reflection on survey research in hospitality

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 3412-3422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Dolnicar
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Survey Research ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Substantial Risk ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Survey research has developed to become the default empirical approach to answering research questions in the field of hospitality (and many other fields of research within the social sciences). This paper aims to reflect on the use of survey research in hospitality and offers recommendations for improvement. Design/methodology/approach First, known dangers to validity associated with survey research are discussed. Next, a sample of studies recently published in leading hospitality journals is assessed in view of these known dangers. Finally, recommendations are offered for editors, reviewers, readers and authors to mitigate the risk of drawing invalid conclusions based on survey research. Findings Survey research is very common in hospitality research and is used to investigate a wide range of research questions and constructs under study. The nature of constructs studied, the answer scales used and the nature of the samples point to a substantial risk to the validity of conclusions drawn. Practical implications A number of risk mitigation measures are proposed that can help authors minimise the risks to validity arising from known dangers associated with survey research. These same risk mitigation measures can be used by editors and reviewers in the assessment of manuscripts and by readers to evaluate the validity of conclusions drawn in already published work. Originality/value The value of this study lies in reflecting from a distance on how the survey research is conducted in the social sciences in general and in hospitality research in specific. The paper reveals that some routine approaches particularly prone to undermining the validity of conclusions may have been adopted and offers a few suggestions how this risk can be mitigated.

Exploring factors behind project scope creep – stakeholders’ perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mian Ajmal ◽  
Mehmood Khan ◽  
Hanan Al-Yafei
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Industry Research ◽  
Commonality Analysis ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Major Project

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the different views of major project stakeholders about the factors that contribute to poor project scope leading to project scope creep. Design/methodology/approach Major factors of project scope creep are identified using commonality analysis of stakeholders’ views. An interview-based industry research method is applied to collect data from different projects in the United Arab Emirates. Findings Relying on stakeholders’ theory, the study proposes a framework for managing project scope creep. Results indicate that communication is among the major causes of project scope creep, as reported by all project stakeholder groups in this study. Practical implications The study is expected to support the assessment of the causes of project scope creep, simultaneously expanding knowledge on the topic for both researchers and practitioners. Originality/value This study is among the first few to explore the commonality of various stakeholder views in the factors that hinder project success.

Career dynamics in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 825-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yehuda Baruch ◽  
A. Uday Bhaskar ◽  
Bijaya Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
National Level ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Career Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a career-orientation and employability-focused model in the Indian context in order to understand: factors influencing employability of graduates factors influencing expected salary gain. Design/methodology/approach The researchers adopted a quantitative method using a two-wave survey with a sample of MBA graduates from two prominent business schools in India. The total sample size for Wave I was 250, while for Wave II it was 161. The model was tested via hierarchical regression with MBA contribution as a moderator. Findings Results indicate the relevance of protean career orientation (PCO) to reaching career outcomes such as employability, with MBA contribution as a moderator. Practical implications The study provides a new perspective that would enhance graduates’ employability. This makes it relevant for both individuals and higher education institutions as it will help both individuals and higher education institutions to attain competitiveness at the national level. Originality/value The career theory was extended to the diverse socio-cultural and economic context of India, representing the BRICS economy.

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