scholarly journals Understanding inclusion in the retail industry: incorporating the majority perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Cassell ◽  
Kathryn Watson ◽  
Jacqueline Ford ◽  
Juliet Kele
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
High Street ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
Case Study Data

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to move away from the focus upon the drivers of diversity to consider the drivers of inclusion in the workplace. The research outlined addresses this by considering the views of all employees, not just those who would be considered members of minority groups.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on an extensive set of case study data from a range of methodological sources. The case study is of a major high street retailer.FindingsFindings focus upon what leads to employees feeling included in the workplace. In addressing this we explore both the drivers of, and barriers to, inclusion. We argue that inclusion is complex and that individuals may feel included by some aspects of organisational culture whilst simultaneously feeling excluded by others.Practical implicationsThe implications of our results for HR practitioners are that organisations need to pay attention to general HR policies as ways of enhancing inclusion, for example development practices, but also pay attention to the different needs of diverse groups.Originality/valueThe paper is original in that in recognising that equality, diversity and inclusion are all closely related, we demonstrate that an understanding of the effectiveness of diversity strategies needs to be fundamentally informed by a consideration of inclusion which can only occur through an engagement with employee's understandings of organisational culture and their place or otherwise within it. Without this employee engagement, many well-intentioned diversity initiatives may go awry. Moreover, the value of the research is that it demonstrates that in order to be successful an inclusion strategy needs to embrace both minority and majority perspectives.

Managing paradoxes, dilemmas, and change

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubens Pauluzzo ◽  
Marta Guarda ◽  
Laura De Pretto ◽  
Tony Fang
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Value Orientations ◽  
Cultural Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Yin Yang ◽  
Case Study Data

Purpose Drawing on Fang’s (2012) Yin Yang theory of culture while taking up the roadmap proposed by Li (2016) for applying the epistemological system of Yin Yang balancing to complex issues in management research, in general, and to paradoxical issues, in particular, the purpose of this paper is to explore how organizations and individuals in the West can balance cultural paradoxes and manage culture dilemmas through the lens of Yin Yang wisdom. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a qualitative case study. Data are gathered through interviews, documents, and field observations in four subsidiaries of an Italian insurance multinational corporation and were analyzed according to the three parameters, i.e., situation, context, and time (Fang, 2012). Findings The findings show how the integration and learning from seemingly opposite cultures and sets of values lead the organization and individuals to balancing cultural paradox and managing cultural dilemma effectively. With regard to situation, the authors find that both organizations and customers choose the most relevant value(s) to take advantage of specific events or circumstances, and that different value orientations can coexist. As for context, the authors show that organizations can adapt their values either through suppression and/or promotion, which can foster individuals to find new balancing within the paradox. In terms of time, the authors show that the process of learning from other cultures over time can play a role in the shift of people’s and organizations’ choices of attitudes and value orientations. Originality/value The paper suggests the relevance and usefulness of adopting Yin Yang wisdom to uncover the dynamic process of cultural learning in Western scenarios.

Bad assets options and bank resolution in Europe

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 486-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karsten Paetzmann
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Banking Union ◽  
2008 Financial Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
The 2008 Financial Crisis ◽  
Bad Assets ◽  
Case Study Data

Purpose – This paper analyzes the new EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) to determine the level of guidance on instruments to wind-down bad asset portfolios of asset management vehicles. In the absence of such detailed guidance stipulated by the BRRD, the aim is to provide certain practical guidance to future resolution planning and execution. Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws upon experience from portfolio reduction strategies applied at European bad banks in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. For illustration purposes, the paper use case study data from a bad bank located in the eurozone. Findings – For the new European Commission, implementation and enforcement of the Banking Union within the eurozone is currently a key priority. Present efforts are mainly directed towards minimum technical standards. However, the fundamental question of how to orderly unwind a bad assets portfolio without the usage of public funds remains partly addressed only. While a uniform approach to any bad asset does not seem to be applicable, certain lessons learned from previous financial crises may contribute to a selection of reduction strategies. Research limitations/implications – This paper draws upon experience from portfolio reduction strategies applied at European bad banks in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. It includes case study data from the wind-down of a eurozone bad bank detailing the asset reduction strategies achieved so far. Such per asset class wind-down patterns have not been published and commented on in academia so far.

Reflection on higher degree apprenticeship development

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alastair Irons
Keyword(s):  
Study Data ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shared Experiences ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Original Case ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Case Study Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of designing, developing and implementing a higher degree apprenticeship programme. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used in this paper is a case study. Data have been gathered from students, employers and academic colleagues. Findings The findings from the case study are that the implementation of a higher degree apprenticeship programme for the first time is a complex and time-consuming process, but there are significant benefits and positive outcomes. The process of development and implementation requires commitment from all partners in the programme. Research limitations/implications This is only one case study and is based on the experiential findings from one institution with one employer. Whilst the findings cannot be generalised, it is hoped that others will gain insight from the shared experiences. Practical implications The practical implications from the case study are that there are a range of activities that need to be undertaken and completed before a degree apprenticeship programme can be implemented. Some of these activities can happen in parallel but others are dependent on each other. There are various stakeholders in the operation of the programme which adds to the complexity. Originality/value This case study is an original case study evaluating the experience of developing and operating a degree apprenticeship programme for the first time. It provides a description of the challenges and opportunities in developing and implementing the programme and as such hopefully will provide value to others as they go through similar processes of development and implementation.

scholarly journals Service-dominant logic for managing the logistics-manufacturing interface

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Lin ◽  
Saara Pekkarinen ◽  
Shihua Ma
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Abductive Reasoning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Validity ◽  
Service Offering ◽  
Relational Logic ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Case Study Data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the management of the logistics-manufacturing interface between the manufacturer and its logistics service provider from the perspective of the service-dominant (S-D) logic. Design/methodology/approach – The approach adopted is that of abductive reasoning through case study: data are primarily gleaned from semi-structured in-depth interviews. Field visits and secondary documentation are used to ensure data validity. Findings – The results show that the interface can be categorized into three levels: design interface between products and logistic services, process interface between manufacturing processes and service-offering processes, and information interface between manufacturing information systems and logistics information systems. The results also indicate that ten foundational premises of S-D logic, especially service-focussed, customer-oriented and rational views can be applied in defining and managing these interfaces. Research limitations/implications – This research contributes not only to the theory of S-D logic and managing interface, but also provides managers with guidelines of applying S-D logic to build a service-focussed, customer-oriented and relational logic to effectively manage the logistics-manufacturing interface. However, the research is limited to the context of automotive and logistics industries. Originality/value – Three levels of logistics-manufacturing interface, including design, process and information are identified, and S-D logic is applied to identify and manage the interface.

scholarly journals Alleviating social and economic inequality? The role of social enterprises in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Varaporn Pothipala ◽  
Prae Keerasuntonpong ◽  
Carolyn Cordery
Keyword(s):  
Wealth Inequality ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Patronage ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Case Study Data

Purpose Thailand is a developing economy underpinned by high levels of wealth inequality and an ingrained patronage culture. This research aims to examine how social enterprises (SEs) have been encouraged in Thailand in recent years as “micro-level challenges” to capitalism and their potential impact in addressing inequality. Design/methodology/approach Through analysing policy documents and consultations, this paper traces the development of Thai policies intended to encourage SEs’ development. Additionally, the paper uses case study interviews and documents to demonstrate how SEs tackle inequality. From these, a framework is developed, outlining SEs’ roles and interventions to reduce inequality. Findings Thailand’s new policy is in contrast to those countries where SEs face policy neglect. Nevertheless, government has been slow to embed processes to encourage new SEs. Despite SEs’ “challenge” to capitalism, listed companies are increasingly providing in-kind and financial support. The case study data shows SEs reduce inequality as they work with rural citizens to increase their employment and incomes. This work may also contribute to diminishing rural citizens’ dependency on political patronage. Research limitations/implications While SEs can address inequality gaps, the research includes only existing SEs on specific lists. Nevertheless, the Thai experience will be useful to other developing countries, especially those beset by political patronage. Originality/value The research shows legislation is insufficient to support SE growth and inequality reduction. The framework highlights the need for both government policy attention and interventions from donors and companies to support SEs’ efforts.

scholarly journals Lifetime Benefit Analysis of Intelligent Maintenance: Simulation Modeling Approach and Industrial Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3487
Author(s):  
Helge Nordal ◽  
Idriss El-Thalji
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Simulation Modeling ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Opportunistic Maintenance ◽  
Maintenance Strategies ◽  
Modeling Approach ◽  
Intelligent Maintenance ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Case Study Data

The introduction of Industry 4.0 is expected to revolutionize current maintenance practices by reaching new levels of predictive (detection, diagnosis, and prognosis processes) and prescriptive maintenance analytics. In general, the new maintenance paradigms (predictive and prescriptive) are often difficult to justify because of their multiple inherent trade-offs and hidden systems causalities. The prediction models, in the literature, can be considered as a “black box” that is missing the links between input data, analysis, and final predictions, which makes the industrial adaptability to such models almost impossible. It is also missing enable modeling deterioration based on loading, or considering technical specifications related to detection, diagnosis, and prognosis, which are all decisive for intelligent maintenance purposes. The purpose and scientific contribution of this paper is to present a novel simulation model that enables estimating the lifetime benefits of an industrial asset when an intelligent maintenance management system is utilized as mixed maintenance strategies and the predictive maintenance (PdM) is leveraged into opportunistic intervals. The multi-method simulation modeling approach combining agent-based modeling with system dynamics is applied with a purposefully selected case study to conceptualize and validate the simulation model. Three maintenance strategies (preventive, corrective, and intelligent) and five different scenarios (case study data, manipulated case study data, offshore and onshore reliability data handbook (OREDA) database, physics-based data, and hybrid) are modeled and simulated for a time period of 20 years (175,200 h). Intelligent maintenance is defined as PdM leveraged in opportunistic maintenance intervals. The results clearly demonstrate the possible lifetime benefits of implementing an intelligent maintenance system into the case study as it enhanced the operational availability by 0.268% and reduced corrective maintenance workload by 459 h or 11%. The multi-method simulation model leverages and shows the effect of the physics-based data (deterioration curves), loading profiles, and detection and prediction levels. It is concluded that implementing intelligent maintenance without an effective predictive horizon of the associated PdM and effective frequency of opportunistic maintenance intervals, does not guarantee the gain of its lifetime benefits. Moreover, the case study maintenance data shall be collected in a complete (no missing data) and more accurate manner (use hours instead of date only) and used to continuously upgrade the failure rates and maintenance times.

Brazilian labor reform and implications for nursing work: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila Nascimento Pereira de Farias ◽  
Norma Valéria Dantas de Oliveira Souza ◽  
Karla Biancha Silva de Andrade ◽  
Thereza Christina Mó y Mó Loureiro Varella ◽  
Samira Silva Santos Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Hours ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Labor Rights ◽  
Labor Reform ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Regional Labor ◽  
Work Method ◽  
Case Study Data

Abstract Objective: to analyze the Brazilian labor reform repercussions and its implications for nursing work. Method: this is an exploratory-descriptive case study. Data were collected on the website of four Regional Labor Courts (in Brazil), taking into account the cases judged in first and second instance, involving nurses and aspects of labor rights that were linked to labor reform. Results: two cases were captured that dealt with: 1) lack of prior inspection for unhealthy work; 2) expansion of nurses’ working hours without overtime pay. These two situations were based on the labor reform, which confirms the process of loss of rights for nurses. Conclusion: implementing the new labor rules brought harm and had negative repercussions for nursing work, as it resulted in professionals’ loss of rights. In this treadmill, it is believed that the dissatisfaction of these workers will increase and may result in professional evasion.

Assets-based approaches to developing age friendly communities: learning from the bristol ageing better programme

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Beardmore ◽  
Penny Beynon ◽  
Christine Crabbe ◽  
Carol Fry ◽  
Jan Fullforth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Older People ◽  
Production Method ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose International attention is increasingly turning to the challenge of creating age-friendly environments. This study aims to examine the application of asset-based approaches in undertaking community development projects with older people. The paper intends to share the learning that may be useful when designing community development projects for older people in the future. Design/methodology/approach This study followed a multiple project case study design, with a focus on project delivery practices. It was undertaken as a co-production exercise involving university researchers and trained older volunteer community researchers (CRs). Over 18–24 months of qualitative research was conducted in relation to six area-based urban projects between 2018 and 2020. Findings There were five leading themes as follows: mapping and building on assets in highly localised settings; creating governance and direction through steering groups; developing activities with diverse groups of older people; reaching isolated and lonely older people; building local capacity to embed sustainability. Practical implications The effectiveness of assets-based approaches in promoting age-friendly agendas appears to be contingent on the values, skills, capacity and resourcing of delivery agencies, alongside wider public sector investment in communities. Diversity and inequalities amongst older people need to be taken into account and community development that specifically focuses on older people needs to be balanced with the whole population and intergenerational practice. Originality/value This paper provides an empirical account of the practical application of assets practices specifically in the context of the age-friendly community agenda. The co-production method brings together insights from academic and volunteer older CRs.

International benchmarking for performance improvement in construction safety and health

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 916-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance W. Saunders ◽  
Andrew P McCoy ◽  
Brian M. Kleiner ◽  
Helen Lingard ◽  
Tracy Cooke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Construction Safety ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Project Lifecycle

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge on the advantages of integrating safety earlier in the construction project lifecycle. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used to collect data from construction sites in the USA, which performs poorly in construction safety and health, and Australia (AU), which performs well in construction safety and health. Qualitative data are collected to determine how and when safety is considered in the project lifecycle in both countries, and then the results are benchmarked to determine the benefits of addressing safety earlier in the process. Findings – Data show that addressing a potential hazard earlier in the project lifecycle has performance benefits in terms of the level of hazard control. Research limitations/implications – The processes that are identified as possibly explaining the performance difference are just based on qualitative data from interviews. Targeted research addressing the relationship between these processes and safety outcomes is an opportunity for further research. Practical implications – The case study data are used to identify specific processes that are used in AU that might be adopted in the USA to improve performance by integrating safety earlier into the decision-making process. Social implications – This paper highlights the advantages of integrating safety as a decision factor early in the process. Worker safety is not just an issue in the construction industry, and thus the findings are applicable to all industries in which worker safety is an issue. Originality/value – This paper advances the safety in design literature by quantitatively supporting the link between when a hazard is addressed and performance. It also links the results to specific processes across countries, which advances the literature because most research in this area to data is within a single country.

Employee engagement creates a brighter economic future at Jupiter Hotels

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Cattermole ◽  
Jaime Johnson ◽  
Diane Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Major Change ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Results ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
Economic Future

Purpose – This paper seeks to address the role and impact of employee engagement within an organization that has undergone major change. It looks at the issues of how to monitor and increase levels of staff engagement over time to deliver business results. Design/methodology/approach – It draws on six-monthly employee engagement surveys and a case study to illustrate how HR can drive and monitor change through employee engagement. Findings – This paper follows a company through economic uncertainty to major organizational change and examines how the role of engagement and monitoring can drive business success. Research limitations/implications – The case study only looks at the issues over an 18 month time period. Originality/value – This paper illustrates how an HR department can build employee engagement to drive the business forward. The case study offers best practice material for HR managers.

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