scholarly journals Leveraging Smart Contract in Project Procurement through DLT to Gain Sustainable Competitive Advantages

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13380
Author(s):  
Evin Özkan ◽  
Neda Azizi ◽  
Omid Haass
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Smart Contracts ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Smart Contract ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantages ◽  
Project Procurement

Project delivery on time, with agreed quality and assigned budget, is the desire of project-based companies. Time, quality, and cost are determinants of project success; however, organisations suffer from achieving these three success criteria at the same time. Failures in project delivery cause the loss of the competitive advantage. The recent digital technologies introduce smart contracts to supply chain (SC) operations for improving SC processes. Project procurement is the area for smart contract implementation to deliver successful projects and gain sustainable competitive advantages. The aim of this study was in explaining how smart contracts benefit project organisations through project procurement. Qualitative research design guided this research with phenomenology. Semi-structured interviews generated the data. The obtained research data were analysed with thematic, textual, and discourse analysis. Published industry reports were used to triangulate the data. This study demonstrated an integrated relationship model to answer the research question. The research findings initially identified the fact that smart contracts improve procurement efficiency through cost, time, and quality. Secondly, smart contracts build a trust-less platform where reliability is delivered and reinforced with transparency, traceability, and security. This study found that enhanced procurement efficiency and reliability meet requirements to gain sustainable competitive advantages. This study intends to contribute to industry practices and future research. The correlation of project procurement management success, smart contracts, and sustainable competitive advantages are expected to guide feature research and business practices.

Administrative risks challenging the adoption of smart contracts in construction projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asli Pelin Gurgun ◽  
Kerim Koc
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Smart Contracts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Smart Contract ◽  
Criteria Weights

PurposeAs a remedy to usually voluminous, complicated and not easily readable construction contracts, smart contracts can be considered as an effective and alternative solution. However, the construction industry is merely known as a frontrunner for fast adoption of recent technological advancements. Numerous administrative risks challenge construction companies to implement smart contracts. To highlight this issue, this study aims to assess the administrative risks of smart contract adoption in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachA literature survey is conducted to specify administrative risks of smart contracts followed by a pilot study to ensure that the framework is suitable to the research question. The criteria weights are calculated through the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method, followed by a sensitivity analysis based on degree of fuzziness, which supports the robustness of the developed hierarchy and stability of the results. Then, a focus group discussion (FGD) is performed to discuss the mitigation strategies for the top-level risks in each risk category.FindingsThe final framework consists of 27 sub-criteria, which are categorized under five main criteria, namely, contractual, cultural, managerial, planning and relational. The findings show that (1) regulation change, (2) lack of a driving force, (3) works not accounted in planning, (4) shortcomings of current legal arrangements and (5) lack of dispute resolution mechanism are the top five risks challenging the adoption of smart contracts in construction projects. Risk mitigation strategies based on FGD show that improvements for the semi-automated smart contract drafting are considered more practicable compared to full automation.Originality/valueThe literature is limited in terms of the adoption of smart contracts, while the topic is receiving more attention recently. To support easy prevalence of smart contracts, this study attempts the most challenging aspects of smart contract adoption.

Using structural equation modelling to assess the sustainable competitive advantages provided by the low-cost carrier model

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vedant Singh ◽  
S. Vaibhav ◽  
Somesh Kr. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modelling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantages

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between the dimensions of sustainable competitive advantages in the Indian low cost airlines.Design/methodology/approachThis study used structural equation modelling methods to identify the factors that significantly affect the sustainable competitive advantages enjoyed by Indian low-cost carriers (LCCs). Specifically, this study is based on the data from 208 airline experts that populate multiple structural equation models.FindingsResults indicate that indigenous efficiency, the LCCs perceptions of threat, dexterity, strategic persuasion and the LCC adopting an enabling role positively affect LCCs’ competitive advantages. These five factors were all correlated with each other. The results also show that relative to an LCC’s dexterity, indigenous efficiency is a stronger predictor of an LCC’s competitive advantages.Originality/valueThis study provides low-cost airlines with valuable information for designing effective strategies for obtaining competitive advantages in the LCC sector. To conclude the paper, the authors offer practical recommendations for managers and suggest some avenues for future research in this area.

scholarly journals Co-Evolutionary Prospects in Tourism

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Valeri ◽  
Leslie Fadlon
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
International Tourist ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this paper is to verify whether the nature of the relationship between a tourist destination and tourist enterprises operating within its territory, can be defined as co-evolutionary. This paper derives from the continuation of previous researches of ours about the topic of destination management and destination governance. The theoretical background of this paper is based on the following research question: within the framework of the international tourist scenario, are there tourist hospitality models designed as a prototype of co-evolution between the tourist destination and its territory? In this paper, the analysis perspective which is considered the most appropriate to qualify the nature of the relationship among a given tourist destination and its tourist enterprises is the co-evolutionary perspective. According to such perspective, tourist enterprises co-evolve together with tourist destinations, while looking for long-term competitive advantages: tourist enterprises are considered critical resources to the development of the territory and vice versa. The co-evolutionary process implies the identification of a governance body able to exploit and enhance the systemic resources made available by the territory and to inspire the management approach of the different tourist enterprises. The absence of specific case studies represents a limit of the present paper. Hence, with a view to a subsequent future research, we will continue the proposed analysis by enriching it with empirical evidence, which will be useful to foster the debate on the subject matter and for the related entrepreneurial and management implications.

scholarly journals An Effective Doctoral Student Mentor Wears Many Hats and Asks Many Questions

10.28945/4195 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 133-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura R. Roberts ◽  
Christa M Tinari ◽  
Raymond Bandlow
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Doctoral Programs ◽  
Doctoral Student ◽  
Research Question ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews

Aim/Purpose: Doctoral student completion rates are notoriously low; although statistics differ depending on which study one consults, a typical completion rate is about 50%. However, studies show mentors can use strategies to improve students’ graduation rates. Our purpose was to learn from effective mentors about the processes they believe are most important in guiding doctoral students to the successful completion of a dissertation and, specifically, the strategies they implement to help students with writing and research methods. The study was confirmatory and exploratory; we posed several hypotheses and we were attentive to emergent themes in the data. Background: This paper addresses the problem by providing practical strategies mentors can use to help students succeed. Methodology: We conducted semi-structured interviews of 21 effective mentors of doctoral students representing highly ranked educational programs at universities across the United States. We conducted conventional and summative content analysis of the qualitative data. Contribution: This research showed that effective mentors provide students with technical support (e.g., scholarly writing and research methods), managerial support (e.g., goal-setting and time management), and emotional support in the form of encouragement. This research goes beyond prior studies by providing specific strategies mentors can apply to improve their practice, particularly regarding support with research methods. Findings: The data showed that encouragement, help with time management, and timely communication were key strategies mentors used to support students. Mentors also provided resources and directed students to use skills learned in previous coursework. Many mentors spoke about the importance of writing a strong research question and allowing the question to guide the choice of methods rather than the other way around. Mentors also said they pushed students to conform to APA style and they used Socratic methods to help students develop the logical organization of the manuscript. Many mentors referred students to methodologists and statisticians for help in those areas. Recommendations for Practitioners: Individual mentors should conduct a self-assessment to learn if they need to improve on any of the technical, managerial, and interpersonal mentoring skills we identified. Moreover, doctoral programs in educational leadership and related areas are advised to conduct careful assessments of their faculty. If they find their faculty are lacking in these mentoring skills, we recommend that they engage in professional development to increase their capacity to provide effective mentoring. Recommendation for Researchers: We recommend that future researchers continue to explore strategies of effective mentors. In particular, researchers should interview mentors who specialize in quantitative methods to learn if they can offer clever and innovative approaches to guide doctoral students. Impact on Society: We conclude this paper with practical strategies to help mentors become more effective. We also make some policy recommendations that we believe can improve the mentoring process for doctoral programs in education. We believe better scholarship at the doctoral level will provide new knowledge that will benefit society at large. Future Research: This research was a springboard for some new research questions as follows. We recommend future researchers to study how often effective mentors meet with students, how quickly they provide feedback on written drafts, and their strategies for delivering tough feedback in a caring way (i.e., feedback that the student’s work did not meet expectations).

“Natural allies”

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 804-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex H. Poole ◽  
Deborah A. Garwood
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Intensive ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Information Professionals

PurposeIn Digging into Data 3 (DID3) (2014-2016), ten funders from four countries (the USA, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands) granted $5.1 million to 14 project teams to pursue data-intensive, interdisciplinary, and international digital humanities (DH) research. The purpose of this paper is to employ the DID3 projects as a case study to explore the following research question: what roles do librarians and archivists take on in data-intensive, interdisciplinary, and international DH projects?Design/methodology/approachParticipation was secured from 53 persons representing eleven projects. The study was conducted in the naturalistic paradigm. It is a qualitative case study involving snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews, and grounded analysis.FindingsLibrarians or archivists were involved officially in 3 of the 11 projects (27.3 percent). Perhaps more importantly, information professionals played vital unofficial roles in these projects, namely as consultants and liaisons and also as technical support. Information and library science (ILS) expertise helped DID3 researchers with issues such as visualization, rights management, and user testing. DID3 participants also suggested ways in which librarians and archivists might further support DH projects, concentrating on three key areas: curation, outreach, and ILS education. Finally, six directions for future research are suggested.Originality/valueMuch untapped potential exists for librarians and archivists to collaborate with DH scholars; a gap exists between researcher awareness and information professionals’ capacity.

scholarly journals Dental Students’ Perceptions of ESP Material and its Impact on Their Language Proficiency: A Case Study of a Saudi Arabian University

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uzma M Hashmi ◽  
Hussam Rajab ◽  
Asrar Ehsan Sindi
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Saudi Arabian ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
The Impact

The paper aims to explore the dental English for Specific Purposes (ESP) students’ perceptions of the ESP material and its influence on their English proficiency in the dentistry department of a Saudi Arabian university. The study adopts a qualitative technique of semi-structured interviews to elicit the views of 12 purposively chosen participants. The process of a thematic analysis of the qualitative data led to the emergence of three overarching themes that aimed to answer the main research question which is how the dental students in the Saudi context perceive the ESP materials and the impact these materials have on their language proficiency. The key findings indicate that the ESP learners in the dentistry department have a very positive attitude towards learning the English language in general and ESP in particular. Their awareness of their linguistic needs makes it a significant study in the field of ESP in Saudi Arabia. The results also suggest that the coursebook contents and material are outdated and inappropriate for the ESP learners in the Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. The findings illustrate that the ESP teachers need to use the English language in classrooms and introduce learner-centred interactive activities to encourage students to participate in classroom activities. In light of the findings, the study outlines the implications and gives directions for future research.

scholarly journals Does CSR add Value to Service Innovation Performance via HRM? A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol V (III) ◽  
pp. 73-83
Author(s):  
Abdul Latif ◽  
Noor Ul Hadi ◽  
Jamila Khurshid
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Csr Strategy ◽  
Promising Area ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantages

Drawing upon social exchange theory, the present study conceptualizes CSR as a strategic asset, and organizational CSR initiatives influence employee’s attitudes and behaviors, including citizenship and innovative behavior. CSR can be aligned with HR strategies to get employees boost and committed to their organization. CSR strategy from an employee perspective may become a rare, valuable, non-substitutable and inimitable resource that gives organizations’ strategic and sustainable competitive advantages. The study concludes CSR is a promising area that affects employee’s attitudes and behaviors within the framework of HRM. Current literature is inconsistent and lacks maturity. The present study integrates CSR with attitudes and behaviors from an innovation perspective. CSR as a strategic resource is an attraction for stakeholders, including employees.

scholarly journals The transformation of strategic airline alliances and airline joint ventures: where are they heading?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 095-114
Author(s):  
Gökhan Tanrıverdi ◽  
Ayşe Küçük Yılmaz
Keyword(s):  
Joint Ventures ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Top Executives ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Airline Alliances ◽  
Competition Level ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantages

Airline companies has been incorporated various cooperation forms to handle risky situations arising from high competition level and to gain sustainable competitive advantages. The aim of this research is to reveal the transformation that strategic airline alliances and airline joint ventures have, with their current situation. In this research, which adopted the qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were held with top executives of five traditional airline companies affiliated to strategic airline alliances and airline joint ventures. The most significant finding obtained as a result of the research is that airline companies affiliated with strategic airline alliances are beginning to question alliances’ structures though airlines accept that alliances are still valuable to them. Another remarkable finding is that airlines have begun to move out of classical form with newly launched form of joint venture.

scholarly journals Preliminary Study of Green Design and Project Delivery Methods in the Public Sector

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Bilec ◽  
Robert Ries
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Green Design ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Public ◽  
Design Project ◽  
Project Characteristics ◽  
Design Projects ◽  
The Relationship

The selection of the project delivery method (PDM) for any project is critical—it establishes the communication, coordination, and contractual interfaces between the owner, contractor, and designer. With an increase in the number of green design projects, understanding the relationship between the PDM and green design is paramount to project and contract management. While it is reasonable to assume that a relationship between green design and design-build (DB) exists since both theoretically are intended to foster an integrated, holistic, team-based collaborative project; it is also appropriate to understand the relationship between green design and other PDMs. This preliminary research examined possible relationships between design-bid-build (DBB), construction management (CM), and DB PDMs and green design with the goal of beginning to identify potential positive correspondence between them. To develop an initial understanding, two main tasks were completed. First, existing published research was evaluated to reveal aspects of projects and PDMs independent of green design. Second, the research collected primarily qualitative information by conducting structured interviews with approximately twenty-five individuals, including owners, contractors, and designers involved in completed green design projects, mainly in the public sector. Upon completion of the structured interviews, responses from the interviews were reviewed for green design project characteristics. Additionally, the interviews provided insight on the initial understanding of the current state of knowledge and experience in green design and PDMs. After the two main tasks were completed, both were evaluated for commonalities. Preliminary results found that seven green design project characteristics emerged that in some cases related to a specific PDM, but in other cases were independent of a PDM. Future research will quantitatively investigate the relationship between green design projects, PDMs, and success factors.

scholarly journals Strategic Aspects of Asset Management: An Overview of Current Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 5955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizaveta Gavrikova ◽  
Irina Volkova ◽  
Yegor Burda
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantages

Major shifts in the competitive environment encouraged a recent growth in the number of academic articles devoted to strategic aspects of asset management. Organizations start to recognize that a strategic approach to asset management becomes a source of sustainable competitive advantages and long-term survival in the turbulent environment. However, existing studies are largely case-specific in interpreting strategy and draw on various theoretical grounds and approaches. This leads to little theoretical and methodological consistency in understanding current findings and how to design future studies. The key goal of this paper is to systematically review the existing research through the analysis of over 700 articles devoted to asset management with a focus on strategic aspects. Our key contributions are positioning strategic asset management within the vast field of asset management research, describing the nature of strategic asset management research, and confirming that asset management strategies align with different levels of organizational strategy. We visualize the existing research field, and indicate gaps and underdeveloped areas of research. We also shortly outline future research directions based on our findings, thus encouraging a more coherent development of research on strategic asset management.

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