scholarly journals At-home ethnography: a method for practitioners

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Andrew Vickers
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Practice ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Ethnographic Methodology ◽  
Management Students ◽  
At Home

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to employ a reflection on at-home ethnographic (AHE) practice to unpack the backstage messiness of an account to demonstrate how management students can craft fine-grained accounts of their practice and develop further our understanding of management practices in situ. Design/methodology/approach The paper reflects upon an example of AHE from an 18-month period at a chemical plant. Through exposure and exploration, the paper outlines how this method was used, the emotion involved and the challenges to conduct “good” research. Findings The paper does not seek to define “best practice”; it highlights the epistemic and ethical practices used in an account to demonstrate how AHE could enhance management literature through a series of practice accounts. More insider accounts would demonstrate understandings that go beyond distant accounts that purport to show managerial work as rational and scientific. In addition, such accounts would inform teaching of the complexities and messiness of managerial practice. Originality/value Ethnographic accounts (products) are often neat and tidy rather than messy, irrational and complex. Reflection on ethnographer (person) and ethnographic methodology (process) is limited. However, ethnographic practices are mostly unreported. By reflecting on ethnographic epistemic and ethical practices, the paper demonstrates how a largely untapped area has much to offer both management students and in making a fundamental contribution to understanding and teaching managerial practice.

Using issue logs to improve construction project performance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirali Shalwani ◽  
Brian Lines
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe Project Management Body of Knowledge recommends the use of issue logs as a best practice to minimize the potential project cost and schedule growth. Although the broader topic of project control has been widely studied in the construction literature, the specific application of issue logs has remained relatively understudied. This study aims to analyze the extent and consistency with which construction teams utilize issue logs and the corresponding project performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA dataset of 5,635 individual issues was gathered from the final issue logs of 881 small building projects delivered via the design–bid–build method. Differences between groups were determined using the Kruskal–Wallis H test with post hoc testing via the Mann–Whitney U test with pairwise comparison.FindingsThe results showed that, on average, project teams who used issue logs to a greater extent achieved a 3.1 to 4.3% reduction in cost growth and a 5.3 to 12.3% reduction in schedule growth. This result shows that issue logs can be used to improve construction project performance in the areas of cost and schedule.Originality/valueThis result provides a contribution to practitioners, wherein project teams should be encouraged to establish their issue management practices early in the project schedule to encourage greater issue log usage for the remainder of the project.

Significant governance factors in PPP infrastructure delivery performance in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Titus Ebenezer Kwofie ◽  
Florence Yaa Akyiaa Ellis ◽  
Desmond Opoku
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Performance ◽  
Team Culture ◽  
Governance Practices

Purpose Inefficiencies in public-private partnership (PPP) has been attributed to deficient and poor governance practices and structures. It has been recognized that a veritable way to achieve efficiency in PPP governance is through gaining an understanding of the theoretical, practical and contextual factors that underline governance practices in PPP project delivery. The purpose of this study is to explore the significant governance factors in PPP project performance and delivery. Design/methodology/approach Using a questionnaire survey on major players in PPPs in policy, research, consultancy and professionals, the study sought to delineate the significant governance factors that impact PPP project delivery performance. Findings A step-wise multiple regression analysis revealed effective communication and openness in sharing project information systems, competent, responsible and effective project leadership, trust-building processes, systems and practices, best practice organizational and team norms, team culture, cohesion practices, effective relationship management practices, robust policy diffusion and transfer processes, friendly business environment and government support and contractual and renegotiation flexibility as the key contractual and non-contractual governance factors that can predict about 79% level of PPP project delivery performance. Social implications The findings offer support to improve PPP delivery in governance. Originality/value These findings are, thus, useful toward evolving regulatory quality governance mechanisms, flexible supervision and quality decisions that can enhance value for money in PPP projects in PPP project delivery.

Occupational health and safety management practices and musculoskeletal disorders in aged care

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodi Oakman ◽  
Timothy Bartram
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Workplace Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether occupational health and safety (OHS) management used to manage musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the aged care sector reflects contemporary research evidence of best practice to reduce the incidence of these disorders. Design/methodology/approach In total, 58 interviews were conducted with managers and supervisors in the aged care sector across four organisations in Australia. Policies and procedures relating to MSDs were reviewed for each organisation. Findings Policies and procedures for managing MSDs do not reflect contemporary evidence, which supports a complex aetiology, related to a range of physical and psychosocial workplace factors. Despite strong evidence that psychosocial factors contribute to MSD development, these were not included in the policies and procedures reviewed. Findings from the interviews management practices including leadership and various components of HRM were functioning well but fragmentation was evident due to the challenging nature of the aged care sector. Practical implications To address the significant burden of MSDs in the aged care sector, policies and procedures need to include coverage of psychosocial and physical workplace factors. The development of systematic and integrated OHS management at the workplace level may play an important role in the effective management of MSDs. Originality/value This study offers insights into the previously unexplored area of MSD risk management and the role of management practices such as HRM in the aged care sector.

R&D portfolio management practices in Brazilian electric power utilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1641-1655
Author(s):  
Eduardo K. Yamakawa ◽  
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer ◽  
Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel ◽  
Catherine P. Killen
Keyword(s):  
Electric Power ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Value ◽  
Sector Analysis ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Power Utilities ◽  
Performance Results

Purpose Project portfolio management (PPM) has been recognized as critical for the productivity of research and development (R&D) investments, but empirical research on PPM use and outcomes in non-commercial R&D environments is limited. The purpose of this paper is to investigate PPM processes and outcomes in a unique R&D context within Brazilian electric power utilities. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory best practice survey was used to collect data on PPM processes, methods and performance results in the power sector. Analysis of the data employs descriptive statistics and comparative analysis in the light of the literature. Findings The findings emphasize the importance of strategic value and the need for PPM to be customized for the specific context. The results also demonstrate the importance of adopting selection criteria and measures in accordance with the organizations strategic goals. Practical implications The findings may help organizations better understand how PPM can be tailored for the environment. PPM managers in utilities and other non-commercial R&D environments may find guidance in tailoring and improving their PPM approaches. Originality/value The contributions of this paper are twofold. First, it provides empirical findings to support PPM concepts on strategic alignment and the importance of context by demonstrating how PPM works to deliver strategy in a unique environment. Second, it contributes to the management of R&D projects and portfolios in power utilities, providing an example and analysis that may offer guidance. The contributions from this study may also offer insights that are valuable for R&D management in other utilities, or for R&D management in general.

scholarly journals Best supply chain management practices and high-performance firms

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (9) ◽  
pp. 1482-1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moh’d Anwer AL-Shboul ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Vikas Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supplier Collaboration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the best supply chain management (SCM) practices that are implemented in medium- and large-sized Gulf manufacturing firms (MFs).Design/methodology/approachThis study has explored seven SCM practices, i.e. supplier collaboration, flexibility with partners, usage of internet, customer focus (CF), lean production (LP), internal integration (II) and quality management (QM). It assumes that the best-performing firms must be the ones implementing the best practices.t-test and multiple linear regression analyses were used to establish the best practices, implemented by medium and large-sized Gulf MFs.FindingsThe results showed that QM, CF and supplier collaboration are considered as best SCM practices in Gulf MFs. Usage of internet may have been the best practice previously, but not anymore. LP cannot yet be qualified as, but may develop into the best SCM practice.Practical implicationsThe study provides a useful contribution to the field of best SCM practices as it provides better decision-making insights and a benchmarking base to top managers, policy makers and academics. It is likely to result in increased overall performance of their firms.Originality/valueThe study provides an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of the best SCM practices, implemented by Gulf MFs. It has broader implications for all MFs, particularly in developing economies where the growth of manufacturing and effective management of their supply chains is a key element for the economic development.

A utilitarian re-examination of enterprise-scale information security management

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-57
Author(s):  
Andrew Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Information Security ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Security Management ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Investment Banks ◽  
Information Security Management ◽  
Content Type

Purpose An action is utilitarian when it is both useful and practical. This paper aims to examine a number of traditional information security management practices to ascertain their utility. That analysis is performed according to the particular set of challenges and requirements experienced by very large organizations. Examples of such organizations include multinational corporations, the governments of large nations and global investment banks. Design/methodology/approach The author performs a gap analysis of a number of security management practices. The examination is focused on the question of whether these practices are both useful and practical when used within very large organizations. Findings The author identifies a number of information security management practices that are considered to be “best practice” in the general case but that are suboptimal at the margin represented by very large organizations. A number of alternative management practices are proposed that compensate for the identified weaknesses. Originality/value Quoting from the conclusion of the paper: We have seen in our analysis within this paper that some best practices can experience what economists refer to as diminishing marginal utility. As the target organization drifts from the typical use-case the amount of value-added declines and can potentially enter negative territory. We have also examined the degree of innovation in the practice of security management and the extent to which the literature can support practical, real-world activities. In both the areas, we have identified a number of opportunities to perform further work.

scholarly journals A case study of records management practices in historic motor sport

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Information Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Motor Sport ◽  
Community Archives

Purpose This paper aims to report on empirical research that investigated the records management practices of two motor sport community-based organisations in Australia. Design/methodology/approach This multi-method case study was conducted on the regulator of motor sport, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Ltd (CAMS) and one affiliated historic car club, the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC), in Western Australia. Data were gathered using an online audit tool and by interviewing selected stakeholders in these organisations about their organisation’s records management practices. Findings The findings confirm that these organisations experience significant information management challenges, including difficulty in capturing, organising, managing, searching, accessing and preserving their records and archives. Hence, highlighting their inability to manage records advocated in the best practice Standard ISO 15489. It reveals the assumption of records management roles by unskilled members of the group. It emphasises that community-based organisations require assistance in managing their information management assets. Research limitations/implications This research focused on the historic car clubs; hence, it did not include other Australian car clubs in motor sport. Although four historical car clubs, one in each Australian state, were invited to participate, only the VSCC participated. This reduced the sample size to only one CAMS-affiliated historical car club in the study. Hence, further research is required to investigate the records management practices of other CAMS affiliated car clubs in all race disciplines and to confirm whether they experienced similar information management challenges. Comments from key informants in this project indicated that this is likely the case. Practical implications The research highlights risks to the motor sport community’s records and archives. It signals that without leadership by the sport’s governing body, current records and community archives of CAMS and its affiliated car clubs are in danger of being inaccessible, hence lost. Social implications The research highlights the risks in preserving the continuing memory of records and archives in leisure-based community organisations and showcases the threats in preserving its cultural identity and history. Originality/value It is the first study examining records management practices in the serious leisure sector using the motor sport community.

scholarly journals Re-conceptualising “Building Back Better” to improve post-disaster recovery

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeeka Mannakkara ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Disaster Recovery ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Community Recovery ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand and define the concept of Building Back Better (BBB) and represent it using a comprehensive framework. Design/methodology/approach – Literature related to the concept of BBB were studied to understand the key concepts which constitute BBB. These concepts were analysed and categorised to form the basis of the proposed BBB framework. Findings – Post-disaster recovery in-line with BBB concepts can be achieved by having a holistic view of four key categories: risk reduction entails improving the resilience of the built environment through improvement of structural designs and land-use planning; community recovery includes addressing and supporting psycho-social recovery of communities and supporting economic rejuvenation; implementation addresses ways in which risk reduction and community recovery practices can be put in place in an efficient and effective way; monitoring and evaluation stretches across the first three categories, and calls for putting in place mechanisms to monitor and evaluate recovery activities to ensure compliance with BBB-based concepts and obtain lessons to improve future disaster management practices. Research limitations/implications – The BBB Framework generated in this study can be used as a foundation to determine best-practice recommendations to implement recovery activities under each of the BBB categories. Practical implications – The BBB Framework forms a guideline to holistically plan and implement recovery programmes in order to BBB. Originality/value – A comprehensive guideline or framework which clarified what BBB really means is currently inexistent. This paper addressed this research gap by amalgamating existing information to create a singular framework to simply and comprehensively represent BBB.

Grand parenting by the pool

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Vestergaard Mikkelsen ◽  
Bodil Stilling Blichfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Consumption ◽  
At Home

PurposeHolidays are often conceptualized as an opportunity for individuals to escape everyday life responsibilities, roles and relations. However, families bring with them domestic, everyday life responsibilities, bonds and relationships while holidaying. So far, research on family holidays has emphasized the nuclear family, largely assuming that holidays include a husband-wife-child(ren) constellation. However, family holidays come in many different forms, and this paper aims to focus on the under-researched issue of grandparents and grandchildren vacationing together.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on 81 qualitativein situinterviews with grandparents, who vacation together with their grandchildren at Danish caravan sites, this paper explores how grandparents and grandchildren “do” family during joint holidays. Although attempts were made to give voice to children, the paper predominantly uses data from interviews with grandparents.FindingsAlthough grandparent–grandchildren holidays resemble nuclear family holidays in a number of ways, significant differences are also identified. Key differences are that these holidays enable grandparents and grandchildren to interact both more intensively and in ways they cannot do (as easily) at home; are a means for grandparents to help and support their children; allow for grandparents and grandchildren to be both together and apart; and are critical to how contemporary families enact and “do” family across generations.Originality/valueThe paper deepens knowledge on the under-explored topic of extended family consumption in tourism and points to grandparent–grandchild holidays as an important element of how grandparents “do” family.

Logistics performance management in textiles supply chains: best-practice and barriers

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica S Ülgen ◽  
Helena Forslund
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Chain ◽  
Geographical Distances

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the practices with logistics performance management in two textiles supply chains, and to identify the related best practices and barriers. Design/methodology/approach – The method is a multiple case study of two textiles supply chains with a special focus on the rarely addressed interface between the manufacturer and the retail chain. The retail chains represent one large, global retail chain and one Nordic, comparably smaller retail chain. This paper is primarily empirical and describes practices for logistics performance management. The analysis discusses and explains best practices and barriers for logistics performance managements in textiles supply chains. Findings – Differences were identified regarding practices, priorities and collaboration in the logistics performance management process. No textiles industry-specific practices were found. A way of exchanging action plans between the actors is an interesting best practice, which enables improvement projects even with long geographical distances. Barriers in the shape of difficulties in creating a collaborative culture were found; however, IT support seems no longer to be a barrier. Research limitations/implications – Two cases are explored, why a broader study is necessary to confirm the results. The best practices and barriers identified are similar to those known from manufacturing companies. Practical implications – The detailed descriptions of logistics performance management practices can provide insights for practitioners. Even if the studied supply chains are important for the respective actors, there is a potential for increased effectiveness in textiles supply chains. Originality/value – Supply chains for textiles products “starting at a manufacturer and ending in a retail chain” seem to be an unchartered territory and not many studies have been performed.

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