From bush to butchery: cattle rustling as an entrepreneurial process in Kenya

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel K. Bunei ◽  
Gerard McElwee ◽  
Robert Smith

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the changing practices of cattle rustling in Kenya from a relatively small isolated and opportunistic activity to a much more planned and systematic entrepreneurial business involving collusion and corruption. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a conceptual approach using key literature and documentary evidence to show how, in the northern part of Kenya, cattle rustling is common occurrence with criminals taking advantage of remote rural environments with minimal surveillance and consequently less opportunity of being stopped and searched by police. Findings – Results evidence significant differences in how rustling is perceived and valorized. Rustling in Kenya is now an entrepreneurial crime with the involvement of rural organized criminal gangs (ROCGs), who are operating in food supply chains throughout Kenya and the African continent. Practical/implications – This paper suggests that a more nuanced understanding of the entrepreneurial nature of some illegal practices in a rural Kenya is necessary and how it requires multi-agency investigation. Originality/value – The paper is unique in that it considers how cattle rustling is becoming a more entrepreneurial crime than previously. Little prior work on this subject exists in Kenya. The paper utilizes the framework of Smith and McElwee (2013) on illegal enterprise to frame cattle rustling as an entrepreneurial crime.

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arian Razmi-Farooji ◽  
Hanna Kropsu-Vehkaperä ◽  
Janne Härkönen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to understand data management challenges in e-maintenance systems from a holistically viewpoint through summarizing the earlier scattered research in the field, and second, to present a conceptual approach for addressing these challenges in practice. Design/methodology/approach The study is realized as a combination of a literature review and by the means of analyzing the practices on an industry leader in manufacturing and maintenance services. Findings This research provides a general understanding over data management challenges in e-maintenance and summarizes their associated proposed solutions. In addition, this paper lists and exemplifies different types and sources of data which can be collected in e-maintenance, across different organizational levels. Analyzing the data management practices of an e-maintenance industry leader provides a conceptual approach to address identified challenges in practice. Research limitations/implications Since this paper is based on studying the practices of a single company, it might be limited to generalize the results. Future research topics can focus on each of mentioned data management challenges and also validate the applicability of presented model in other companies and industries. Practical implications Understanding the e-maintenance-related challenges helps maintenance managers and other involved stakeholders in e-maintenance systems to better solve the challenges. Originality/value The so-far literature on e-maintenance has been studied with narrow focus to data and data management in e-maintenance appears as one of the less studied topics in the literature. This research paper contributes to e-maintenance by highlighting the deficiencies of the discussion surrounding the perspectives of data management in e-maintenance by studying all common data management challenges and listing different types of data which need to be acquired in e-maintenance systems.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1602-1628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Antonetti

Purpose The paper aims to propose a new conceptualisation of consumer anger directed against a company. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, an integrative review of the literature on anger in marketing has been conducted. Findings Anger at the firm is experienced in two forms: vengeful anger or problem-focused anger. The motivational goals associated with each differentiate between the two types and lead to different relational consequences: vengeful anger implies a desire to hurt the culprit, whereas problem-focused anger solely requires the attainment of a thwarted goal. The two types are associated with different patterns of appraisals, levels of intensity and emotion expression. These differences, documented in the literature, are not universal but shaped by contextual and personal variables. Although marketers conflate these two types of anger under the same label, only vengeful anger represents a threat to marketing relationships, whereas problem-focused anger has positive consequences if managed appropriately. Research limitations/implications Studies that examine anger will benefit from a more nuanced understanding of this concept. This paper raises important implications for the measurement of this emotion, as existing scales are not able to measure the goals associated with the two types of anger. Practical implications The insights presented help managers form strategies to address consumer anger in contexts such as service failures and/or crisis communications. Originality/value The paper extends scholars’ understanding of consumer anger. It offers an improved conceptualisation of this emotion, opening new avenues for future research.


2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-15
Author(s):  
Diana K. Wakimoto

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe different collective ways that archivists, librarians and those with dual-roles experience archives. Design/methodology/approach Using a phenomenographic approach, a total of 24 librarians, archivists and dual-role individuals were interviewed, and interview transcripts were analyzed to create categories that described the varying ways in which archives are experienced. Findings Librarians experienced archives in four ways: historical resources, preserving history, preserved access and political. Archivists experienced archives in four ways: accessible collections, connection, collaboration and stewardship. Dual-role individuals experienced archives in five ways: collections, preserved access, progress, connection and knowledge creators. There are variations among and within each group on how archives are experienced. However, there is a significant overlap in many categories in terms of access, preservation, use and collections. Practical implications Understanding each other’s different perspectives could lead to stronger partnerships among librarians, archivists and dual-role individuals. These partnerships have the potential to increase the visibility of archives, providing greater access and engagement for community members. Originality/value The study supports previous phenomenographic research on experiences of archives and provides a more nuanced understanding of information professionals’ varying collective experiences of archives.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 30-32

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Research propositions concerning the relationship between implementation of different sustainability strategies, along with the requisite capabilities offered, provide a guide for managers, and also encouragement for scholars to seek a more nuanced understanding of how companies can improve their economic performance through the implementation of sustainable business strategies. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-466
Author(s):  
Annemarie Groot-Kormelinck ◽  
Jacques Trienekens ◽  
Jos Bijman

Purpose The aim of this paper is to study the influence of quality standards on contract arrangements in food supply chains. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative double case study was conducted on the dairy and citrus sectors in Uruguay. A transaction cost theoretical framework was used. All current public and private quality standards applied by processors were studied in relation to contract arrangements between processors and upstream producers as well as downstream buyers for each sector. Findings Quality standards complement contract arrangements for upstream transactions, leading to hierarchy-type contract arrangements. Quality standards substitute contract arrangements for downstream transactions, leading to market- or hybrid-type contract arrangements. Research limitations/implications Longitudinal studies that measure changes in contract arrangements over time are recommended. Practical implications Supply chain actors can reduce transaction costs by aligning quality standards with appropriate contract arrangements – further supported by public instruments. Originality/value Quality standards have differential influence on underlying transaction characteristics, and therefore on contract arrangements, depending on the location of the transaction in the supply chain.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 757-774
Author(s):  
Marco Castiglioni ◽  
José Luis Galán González

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to propose and discuss a systematic theoretical classification of alliance portfolios that allows to elucidate and develop the concept.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies a conceptual approach. A review of the literature was carried out to support the conclusions of this paper.FindingsThe results of the classification identify three types of alliance portfolio, according to the level of management that each of them requires: additive, strategic and managed and strategic. These portfolio typologies are analyzed in an evolutionary perspective.Practical implicationsThis article is of interest to managers as it emphasizes the management of the alliance portfolio, highlighting the elements or characteristics that determine the transition from one type of portfolio to another.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the consolidation and reorientation of the extensive research into alliance portfolios and proposes a systematic classification that can help to interpret the results of research and guide future studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 693-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makarand Mody ◽  
Jochen Wirtz ◽  
Kevin Kam Fung So ◽  
Helen HaeEun Chun ◽  
Stephanie Q. Liu

PurposeThis article examines the new phenomenon of the convergence of platform and pipeline business models. It examines the potential synergies and challenges for platforms to add pipeline components and vice versa for pipeline businesses.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a conceptual approach that synthesizes and integrates the literature from service, hospitality, and strategy, and supplements them with two illustrative mini-case studies.FindingsWhile the extant literature typically focuses on the dichotomy between incumbent pipeline businesses that create value by controlling a linear series of activities and network effects-driven platforms, we differentiate between two types of platform business models (i.e. platforms with asset control and platforms with peer-provided assets). Further, we identify three common pathways of convergence; that is, pipelines moving towards (1) platforms with asset control and (2) those with peer-provided assets, and (3) platforms with peer-provided assets adopting defining business characteristics of pipelines. Furthermore, we contrast key characteristics of the three business models and examine potential synergies and challenges for business model convergence. Our findings suggest that convergence from pipelines to platforms with asset control seems to be a natural extension that offers many potential synergies and relatively minor challenges. In contrast, convergence from pipelines to platforms with peer-provided assets is likely to encounter more serious challenges and few synergies. Finally, the synergies and challenges of convergence from platforms with peer-provided assets to pipelines seem to be in between the other two in terms of synergies and challenges.Practical implicationsThis article helps managers think through key considerations regarding potential synergies to develop and challenges to mitigate for embarking on convergence strategies between pipeline and platform business models.Originality/valueThis article is the first in the service, business model and strategy literature to identify, define, and conceptualize business model convergence between platforms with asset control, those with peer-provided assets and pipeline businesses. It is also the first to examine potential synergies and challenges these different paths of business model convergence may entail.


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-10
Author(s):  
Detlev Lindner ◽  
Christoph Senn

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation journey of global account management (GAM) programs. ALTANA’s case offers a good example of the challenges a supplier faces when attempting to ascend into the highest supplier league – as well as lessons on how they can be resolved. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual approach for the GAM implementation is based on the results of benchmarking studies with more than 300 companies. Over the period of six years, the authors then conducted planned interventions and captured results via multiple sources on a yearly basis. Findings – Findings include: implementing GAM pays off (i.e. driving business in good times, protecting business in economic downturns), and implementing GAM catalyzes a company-wide transformation and creates client-focused organizational structures without expensive, often useless “integration” projects. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the research is that it consists of a single company research study in one industry. Cross-industry validation studies would generate further insights. Practical implications – The described approach can serve as a blueprint for other firms and can help them to save time and costs in their own efforts. Originality/value – This is one of the few multi-year studies on GAM implementation. The results confirm that implementing GAM pays off, but also show that only a cautious and evolutionary approach generates sustainable success. In this respect, the findings contradict the widespread assumption that GAM programs can be implemented within 12-18 months and offer those who are charged with such a task useful lessons for their own practice.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noha M. El-Bassiouny ◽  
Jonathan A.J. Wilson ◽  
Suzan Esmat

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a new conceptualization of sustainability. The authors adopt a macromarketing perspective based on Islamic traditions while delving into divine attributes (Asmaa’ Allah-ul-Husna) as an extension to the foundational principle of God-consciousness that lies at the heart of Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Design/methodology/approach This approach relies on identifying and extending the conceptual overlaps between the literature domains of sustainability, Islamic macromarketing and Islamic theology. Findings Through adopting an Islamic lens, the authors identify that relating to divinity empowers the Muslim faithful to mediate between the transient and transcendent, and to make judgments according to the attributes of their creator Allah (the Abrahamic monotheistic God). Research limitations/implications The paper adopts a conceptual approach that expands the concept of sustainability from an Islamic perspective to take on a holistic systems approach. Practical implications By making these links, the implications are fivefold: the imperative to strive for sustainable activities has greater resonance; the remit of sustainability is wider; the time horizon for accountability is extended; greater risk-tasking is encouraged; and, finally, sustainability is embedded and diffused throughout business activities – as opposed to being an upstream strategic objective. Social implications The merge in conceptualization between sustainability and Islamic macromarketing can prove relevant to scholars delving into the new realm of Islamic macromarketing, as well as to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities in their quest for sustainable development. Originality/value The paper is original in identifying an unprecedented perspective on sustainability, namely, “Islamic-macromarketing sustainability”, which warrants further future research related to the different stakeholders involved in the Islamic macromarketing system.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman T. Sheehan ◽  
Grant E. Isaac

Purpose – The authors show how organizations can best ensure that employees act in accordance with the corporation’s values. The key action is to develop a set of principles that amplify and fully define the values so leaders can communicate them more effectively. Principles that supply operational guidance help employees internalize the corporation’s values. Design/methodology/approach – The article supports its conceptual approach with a case. Findings – The case shows how principles helped one organization explicate the it’s values and turn them into a set of positively worded, unambiguous statements that guide employees in their daily work. When employees routinely apply the principles in their work, senior management can confidently delegate decision-making authority to the lowest appropriate level in the organization, having confidence that the outcomes of employee actions will be consistent with the organization’s vision, mission and strategic goals. Practical implications – By describing the organization’s values in operational terms, the principles, taken together, provide each employee with a clear framework to use when making decisions. Originality/value – The article shows senior leaders and boards that a key benefit of devolving power and using principles to guide employees’ actions is that it not only improves corporate performance in the short term, it also makes the firm more attractive to talented candidates for employment in the longer term.


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