Informal learning spaces (ILS) in university libraries and their campuses

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 49-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Cunningham ◽  
Graham Walton
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning activities undertaken by students, reasons why the ILS is chosen, suggestions on how they can be improved and how technologies are used. Comparison will be drawn between how students use Library ILS and other ILS. Design/methodology/approach – Case study based at Loughborough University and its Library. Semi-structured interviews were held with 265 students in various ILS spaces across campus. Findings – Similarities and differences are present in the way students use Library ILS compared with other ILS campus spaces. These include impact of campus geography and individual academic levels of students. Research limitations/implications – This is a single case study and the results can only relate to Loughborough University. There may be some lessons and themes that are relevant to other universities. The number of interviewees is relatively small. Practical implications – Highlights the need for cooperation between various university stakeholders to strategically and operationally manage different ILS on campus. Originality/value – This is one of the very few studies that investigate together the range of ILS including the Library in a comparative approach.

Unmasking conflict in vertical coopetition

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anni Rajala ◽  
Annika Tidström
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Levels ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
And Task

Purpose The purpose of this study is to increase understanding about vertical coopetition from the perspective of interrelated conflict episodes on multiple levels. Design/methodology/approach The empirical part is based on a qualitative single case study of a coopetitive buyer-supplier relationship in the manufacturing sector. Findings Conflicts in vertical coopetition evolve from being merely functional and task-related to becoming dysfunctional and relationship-related, as the level of competition increases. The nature of conflict episodes influences the development of vertical coopetition, and therefore, the interrelatedness of conflict episodes is important to acknowledge. Practical implications Although a conflict is considered functional within a company, it may still be dysfunctional as far as the coopetitive relationship with the buyer or seller is concerned. Competition may trigger conflicts related to protecting own technology and knowledge, which may lead to termination of the cooperation, therefore coopetition should be managed in a way that balance sharing and protecting important knowledge to get advantages of coopetition. Originality/value The findings enhance prior research on vertical coopetition by offering new perspectives on causes of conflicts, their management, outcomes and types. The value of taking a multilevel approach lies in the ability to show how conflicts occur and influence other conflicts through the interrelatedness of conflict elements on different levels.

scholarly journals Purchasing’s tasks at the interface between internal and external networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-171
Author(s):  
Steffen Muxoll Bastholm ◽  
Kristin B. Munksgaard
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Relationship Management ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The strategic importance of the purchasing function increases, as its task become more dynamic in various interfaces with different suppliers. Changes in these customer–supplier interfaces pose specific challenges. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the purchasing function handles the interplay of interface changes. Design/methodology/approach This study applies a qualitative single case study design. Data are collected through observations and interviews conducted before, during and after a concrete change of interface taking place between a buying firm and its suppliers and customers. Findings Three main findings are identified to redefine the tasks of the purchasing function. The first concerns the new ways of defining the purchasing tasks. The main issue is to balance tasks with the simultaneous changes influencing other interfaces and relationships. The second is the division and alignment of tasks in intra- and inter-organizational networks with regards to who decides and coordinates what. Third, the inter-connected performance relates to how other actors perform their tasks. For the purchasing function, managing supplier interfaces influences and is influenced by how the firm simultaneously manages its user interface. Practical implications For management, a new way to evaluate the performance of the purchasing function is needed by including relationship management and interactive capabilities. Originality/value This study contributes with new insights into how managing the dynamics of changing interfaces requires interactively defined purchasing tasks, division and alignment of tasks and inter-connected performance vis-à-vis others in the wider network setting.

scholarly journals “The map is not the territory”: a boundary objects perspective on supply chain mapping

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1475-1497
Author(s):  
Nathalie Fabbe-Costes ◽  
Lucie Lechaptois ◽  
Martin Spring
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Boundary Objects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mapping Exercise

PurposeTo empirically examine the usefulness and value of supply chain mapping (SC mapping), which has been neglected despite its importance in research and practice.Design/methodology/approachBased on three combined theoretical perspectives, we conducted a case study on a car manufacturer's managers mapping their downstream supply chain (SC). We conducted semi-structured interviews and a mapping exercise with them, followed by a focus group.FindingsWe find differences between individual and corporate SC maps and between how managers define the outbound SC, the SC map they draw and what they say when mapping. The three theoretical perspectives allow us to enrich SC mapping thinking. We focus on boundary objects to formulate propositions. SC mapping and maps are discussed with respect to contemporary SCs and SCM.Research limitations/implicationsBased on a single case study on one firm's outbound SC. Research could be expanded to the company's external partners and follow the development and use of maps in real time.Practical implicationsHighlights the usefulness and difficulties of SC mapping, for individuals and organisations. For the company, it opens avenues for further development and use of SC mapping to improve inter-functional and inter-organisational collaboration.Social implicationsConfirms the need for SC mapping competences in SCM and consequently the usefulness of teaching SC mapping courses in logistics and SCM programs.Originality/valueHighlights the usefulness of SC mapping and rekindles interest in SC mapping and maps in SCM. Introduces boundary objects into SCM research.

Learning crisis unit through post-crisis: characteristics and mechanisms

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hela Chebbi ◽  
Aline Pereira Pündrich
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Learning Cycle ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Oil Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mixed Framework

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the characteristics that a crisis unit should have to achieve effective learning after crisis. Literature has identified many relations between learning organizations and crisis; yet, there is a dearth of research on specific studies about crisis units and their post-crisis learning features. Thus, this paper aims to fill such a gap by giving some practical answers to this question: How can the crisis unit reduce defensiveness phase and extend openness and forgetfulness while learning after the crisis? Design/methodology/approach – This research mobilizes a framework composed by three theoretical grids: the post-crisis learning cycle (Kovoor-Misra and Nathan, 2000); the characteristics of a learning organization (Senge, 1990); and the mechanisms of crisis learning (Mitki and Herstein, 2011). A qualitative investigation is conducted to study a crisis within an oil company (PON). Findings – This paper shows that the duration of the learning cycle depends not only on the organization context but also on the characteristics of the crisis unit. Along with the cognitive, structural and procedural mechanisms, which contributed differently in each phase, the mixed framework allowed operationalizing Senge’s dimensions. Research limitations/implications – The elaboration of a single case study could be considered as a limitation, although it allows a deeper analysis of events within the organization. Practical implications – This paper pinpoints the characteristics that organizations should have as well as the learning mechanisms they should use during each phase of the post-crisis learning cycle. Originality/value – This paper analyzes crisis units as learning structures, which has not been seen yet in known literature.

scholarly journals Conflict as it happens

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Virpi-Liisa Kykyri ◽  
Risto Puutio
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Nonverbal Behaviors ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Interactional Patterns ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeAlthough emotions are relevant for conflicted interactions, the role of emotions in organizational conflicts has remained understudied. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this by looking at the role of nonverbal affective elements in conversations.Design/methodology/approachBringing together organizational “becoming” and embodiment approaches, the study focused on a conflict which emerged during a multi-actor consulting conversation. The episode in question was analyzed via a detailed, micro-level discursive method which focused specifically on the participants’ use of prosodic and nonverbal behaviors.FindingsChanges in prosody were found to have an important role in how the conflict between a consultant and an employee client emerged and was handled. Nonverbal and prosodic means had a central role in creating legitimate space for the employees’ feelings: they helped to validate the feelings and thus led the interlocutors to act in a more constructive manner in their handling of the conflicted situation.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are based on a single case study. Multi-modal analysis proved effective in capturing the relevant interactions in a comprehensive manner.Practical implicationsConversational “traps” may be observed by becoming alert to interactional patterns involving repeated chains of actions. A nonverbal response, validating the interlocutor as someone who is entitled to her/his feelings, can be sufficient in providing emotional help in consultancy.Social implicationsNonverbal elements of interactions are important in handling delicate issues in conflicts.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, no previous organizational research has provided a detailed description of a conflicted interaction “as it happened” between clients and a consultant.

Maddi Faith in conversation with Jerome Carson

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Maddi Faith ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

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.

Can hospital dashboards provide visibility of information from bedside to board? A case study approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Pace ◽  
Sandra C. Buttigieg
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Fit ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse hospital dashboards’ visibility of information at different management levels to improve quality and performance in an acute general hospital. Design/methodology/approach Data were generated via 21 semi-structured interviews across different management levels. Findings All management levels had greater visibility of information, could make informed decisions, and registered performance improvement. Specifically, waiting time improved, however since introduction of hospital dashboards was work-in-progress at time of study, managers could not record improvement in terms of cost reductions, clinical effectiveness, patient safety and patient satisfaction. Different managerial levels had different visibility with top management having the greatest. Research limitations/implications In single case studies, where only one context is used, the findings cannot be reproduced in different contexts; even though most of the results could be matched with the current literature. Practical implications The need to have balanced key performance indicators that take into account other facets of improvements, apart from time, has been emphasised. Furthermore, if middle and departmental managers have greater visibility, this would allow them to work towards a strategic fit between the departments that they manage with the rest of the hospital. Originality/value There is scant literature regarding performance dashboards’ enhancement of visibility of information at different management levels. Furthermore, according to the authors’ knowledge, no other paper has tried to identify and discuss the different levels of information, which should be visible from bedside to board namely to management, clinicians and public.

Make it work! Creating an integrated workplace concept

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Ekstrand ◽  
Geir Karsten Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Questionnaire Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continual Improvement ◽  
Secondary Material ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between organisational flexibility and individual adaptation in the implementation of integrated workplace concepts. The focus is on the interconnectedness between different concepts and organisational aspects, as well as on overcoming challenges to fully achieve the intended ends. Design/methodology/approach The discussion builds on a triangulated research design including: semi-structured interviews, observation studies and analysis of secondary material in the form of internal evaluation reports and quantitative questionnaire data. Findings To fully achieve the intended ends, organisational, cultural and managerial aspects need to be aligned with the interconnected workplace concept. To create alignment, the concept also needs to be supported by a process of continual improvement and organisational learning. Research limitations/implications The case study was conducted in one organisation. Additional empirical research is needed to provide more definite conclusions, guidelines and theories. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of applying a socio-material perspective towards implementation and development of integrated workplace concepts. Emphasising change, learning and development rather than standardisation and equality, may, in the end, allow for better concept interconnectedness. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the perspective of studying the implementation of integrated workplace concepts from a socio-material perspective, shedding light on employee and managerial adaptation to different interrelated aspects and measures.

How non-executive strategy professionals in multi-business firms strategize

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pontus Wadström
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper expands theory on strategists by investigating how non-executive strategy professionals in multi-business firms strategize. In focus is the strategizing of two groups of non-executive strategy professionals: a corporate strategy team and eleven business strategists employed in each of the incorporated units.Design/methodology/approachA case study design was employed to explore privileged accessed data to gain first-hand in-depth qualities of strategists' work. The design was characterized by phenomenon driven immersed participatory insider research with retrospective reflection and theorizing. Data includes strategies, interview data, calendars, meeting minutes, workshop material and observational field notes.FindingsNon-executive strategy professionals in multi-business firms are either employed at the corporate center or in the peripheral businesses. Based on this location and their individual experiences they assume an exclusive content or an inclusive process strategizing orientation. In practice, the groups strategize tightly together.Research limitations/implicationsCase studies are useful in explorative research providing thick descriptions. While empirically rich, the results of this study are limited by the context of one single case. Future research is encouraged to confirm, contradict and refine the results presented.Practical implicationsThe insights from this study can help organizations regarding how to employ strategy professionals in multi-business firms.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to a recognized need to explore strategists' work. In contrary to the majority of existing research, focusing on senior management and/or strategy formulation, this paper highlighted non-executive strategy professionals' strategizing.

scholarly journals How do R&D employees use their social networks to acquire user information?

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Wadell ◽  
Jennie Björk ◽  
Mats Magnusson
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Medical Technology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
New Products ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This article aims to investigate how R&D employees use their social networks to acquire user information and how this information is used in the development of new products. Design/methodology/approach – A single case study was conducted within a business unit at a multinational medical technology company. Data were collected through a mixed method. Findings – The results show that many R&D employees lack social networks through which they can acquire information about the users’ needs. However, some R&D employees establish cost-efficient relationships to people with a direct experience of using the company’s products. These relationships are established over time and are often used in a rather informal way to acquire user information. Moreover, the results show how R&D employees are purposefully complementing these relationships with more occasional interactions with people who hold direct and indirect use experiences. Research limitations/implications – As with most single-case studies, it will be important to replicate this investigation in other contexts to clarify the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications – The article shows how important it is that management provides R&D employees with opportunities to establish, nurture and utilize relationships conducive to information about the users’ needs. The article provides some advice on how this can be accomplished. Originality/value – This is one of the first articles that clearly explain how R&D employees use their social networks to acquire user information for the development of new products.

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