Measuring the Success of Social Software Adoption in the Firm

Author(s):  
Melanie Steinhüser ◽  
Stefan Smolnik ◽  
Uwe Hoppe

Recently, the use of social software has gained enormous popularity in many organizations. However, despite its development from a trend topic to a well established technology, there is little theoretical study on how to measure the success of this kind of information system. Allowing for the unique characteristics of social software, the author assumes that existing IS success models are not applicable to social software without modifications. Therefore, this article aims to develop a model for measuring social software success, which is based on theoretic foundations and the findings of a multiple case study. Results show that existing models are not able to represent all dimensions which are relevant in this context. Especially social aspects related to the organization and the people within have to be taken into account.

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4339
Author(s):  
Marta Mańkowska ◽  
Michał Pluciński ◽  
Izabela Kotowska ◽  
Ludmiła Filina-Dawidowicz

The world-wide crisis caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on the global economy functioning and the sustainable development of supply chains. The changes also affected seaports being the key links of maritime supply chains. The purpose of the research study described in this article was to identify the sources and kinds of disruptions observed in various maritime supply chains as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the operations of various types of seaport terminals, namely those serving bulk (universal, specialised) and general cargoes (universal, specialised). An additional purpose was to identify the dependencies between the type of terminal and its main function, and the tactical decisions adopted by the particular terminals. The research was carried out using the multiple-case study method. The study covered some selected port terminals functioning in Polish seaports (Gdańsk, Szczecin, Świnoujście), applying direct, semi-structured in-depth interviews. The analysis of the results was carried out using the inductive reasoning method. The research study has shown that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic some maritime supply chains ceased to exist, some of them were operating with decreased cargo volumes, while in other cases the transshipment volumes actually rose during the pandemic. Among terminal operators’ tactical responses to disruptions in maritime supply chains, there were pro-active and adaptive measures. Pro-active (offensive) measures included actions taken by an enterprise in order to engage in new maritime supply chains, and even participating in establishing new maritime chains in response to limitations caused by the pandemic. Adaptive (defensive) measures covered actions taken by the port terminals as a consequence of changes in the existing maritime supply chains, caused by the pandemic in the port’s foreland or hinterland. The research study results revealed that the terminals extent of engagement and tactical decisions related to the pandemic were depended on the type of terminal (universal or specialised) and its main function played within a supply chain.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-280
Author(s):  
Daniel T.L. Shek ◽  
Daniel W.M. Lung ◽  
Yammy L.Y. Chak

Abstract This paper reports the findings of a case study in which a curriculum-based positive youth development program (Project P.A.T.H.S.) was implemented by the class teachers in a school. School-related factors which contributed to the success of program implementation were identified in the study. Results showed that factors facilitating the program implementation were closely related to the “5Ps” model (i.e., program, people, process, policy and place). While all the above factors contributed to the success of program implementation, the “people” factor was identified as the most crucial factor. Overall, both the students and program implementers perceived the program to be effective in promoting holistic development in the program participants.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 730-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Lashgari ◽  
Catherine Sutton-Brady ◽  
Klaus Solberg Søilen ◽  
Pernilla Ulfvengren

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to clarify business-to-business (B2B) firms’ strategies of social media marketing communication. The study aims to explore the factors contributing to the formation and adoption of integration strategies and identify who the B2B firms target.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study approach is used to compare four multinational corporations and their practices. Face-to-face interviews with key managers, and extensive readings and observations of the firms’ websites and social media platforms have been conducted.FindingsThe study results in a model, illustrating different processes of selection, adoption and integration involved in the development of social media communication strategy for B2B firms. Major factors involved in determining the platform type, and strategies used within different phases and processes are identified.Research limitations/implicationsAs the chosen methodology may limit generalizability, further research is encouraged to test the model within a B2B context especially within small and medium enterprises as only large multinational corporations were investigated in this study.Practical implicationsThe paper provides insight into how B2B marketers can align social media with their firms’ goals through the strategic selection of platforms to reach the targeted audience and communicate their message.Originality/valueThe study uncovers the benefits gained by B2B firms’ through interaction with individuals on social media. This is a significant contribution as the value of such interaction was previously undefined and acted as a barrier for adopting social media in some B2B firms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Dantas Pereira ◽  
Ilana Moutian ◽  
Rafaela das Graças Santiago Faria ◽  
Darilene Rocha Cordeiro ◽  
Selma Maria da Fonseca Viegas

Abstract Objective: to understand the intersectoral actions between health and education and the Health at School Program context in three municipalities in different health regions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method: this is a holistic-qualitative multiple case study, based on Comprehensive Sociology of Everyday Life, with 91 participants, being 38 health professionals and 53 education professionals. Open-ended individual interview and records in operational field notes of the research development were used. Data were collected in 2016 and thematic content analysis was used, obeying the analytical technique of cross-case analysis, in line with the methodological framework of the holistic multiple case study. Results: low involvement between the health and education sectors is pointed out, leading to the practice of fragmented, punctual and limited actions and implying low improvement in health conditions. Conclusions: to modify this context, the involvement of health and education professionals is essential, in addition to the schoolchildren, parents, community and managers themselves. The union of these actors is necessary for the transformation of students’ health conditions. However, this will only be achieved if the actions developed are planned and carried out involving these actors and the school community.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Cimini ◽  
Albachiara Boffelli ◽  
Alexandra Lagorio ◽  
Matteo Kalchschmidt ◽  
Roberto Pinto

PurposeThis article aims to investigate the organisational implications of adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, giving specific attention to operations. The paper addresses these implications in two directions: organisational prerequisites for, and consequences of, I4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a multiple case study of Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing. Ten case studies have been developed through interviews, company visits and secondary data collection.FindingsThe multiple case study results show that: (1) a lean organisational structure supports effective adoption of I4.0 technologies; (2) introducing such technologies is linked to developing a new kind of job profile (i.e. the “Autonomous Operative Job Profile”); and (3) higher levels of technology adoption create a higher need for non-technical competences.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this research relates to the highly heterogeneous maturity levels of the sampled companies, due to the relative newness of the I4.0 paradigm. Future research could, therefore, longitudinally analyse the technology integration process within organisations.Practical implicationsThis research provides preliminary evidence about how organisations and technologies co-evolve, thus suggesting that managers should co-design these areas. It also demonstrates the extreme importance of designing a structured process and a clear set of human resource management tools to favour SME organisational development.Originality/valueThe study is built upon a conceptual framework derived from the sociotechnical perspective that analyses the interconnections between technology implementation and organisational change. From the results, three research propositions are derived to be tested on a larger scale.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Seeling ◽  
Tobias Kreuter ◽  
Luiz Felipe Scavarda ◽  
Antonio Márcio Tavares Thomé ◽  
Bernd Hellingrath

PurposeThis paper aims to offer evidence-based findings on the under-researched role of finance in the sales and operations planning (S&OP) process, aiming to guide academics and practitioners towards successful S&OP implementations.Design/methodology/approachThe research builds upon a multiple case study, embracing five Latin American subsidiaries of four global manufacturing corporations from the consumer goods, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Following an exploratory approach, the case study results are analysed in within- and cross-case analyses.FindingsThe research findings are synthesised into a framework, demonstrating relevant benefits from the engagement of finance along the S&OP process and the implications of its interactions with traditional S&OP functions as sales, marketing and operations. The paper shows how finance adds value in supporting the process, enabling decisions on costs, margins, capital expenditures and return on investments. Finance strengthens S&OP when assessing demand- and supply-related risks and facilitates comparing the functional business areas' plans to budget. While finance participation is highlighted as necessary for supporting successful S&OP implementations, it also receives valuable inputs in return, characterising a two-way communication role that benefits the entire organisation.Originality/valueThis is the first research paper focusing on empirically exploring the role of finance within S&OP, going beyond initial insights from practice and academia. It provides practitioners and scholars with an in-depth, evidence-based view of finance's integration along the S&OP process.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Correia Duarte ◽  
Valéria Conceição de Oliveira ◽  
Eliete Albano de Azevedo Guimarães ◽  
Selma Maria da Fonseca Viegas

Abstract Objective: To understand the feelings, senses, perceptions and perspectives of Users regarding access to vaccination in Primary Health Care. Method: This is a Holistic-Qualitative Multiple Case Study, based on Comprehensive Sociology of Everyday Life with 74 participants representing four microregions of health in the Western Extended Region of Minas Gerais. Data collection occurred between June 2016 and April 2017. In order to analyse the data, we used the Thematic Content Analysis, obeying the technique of cross-synthesis of the cases. Results: The results reveal the senses perceived by Users in the experience of vaccination and the feelings regarding care, showing that interpersonal relations between population and health professionals are determinant in the access to vaccination. The constant expansion of the official immunization schedule increased access, however, geographical and social aspects, the lack of knowledge about vaccination and the recurrent lack of immunobiological were referred to as barriers to immunization access. Final considerations: We emphasized the need to reinforce more equitable policies and effective communication as a means to promote the credibility of the services with Users.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e038164
Author(s):  
Richa Shrivastava ◽  
Yves Couturier ◽  
Felix Girard ◽  
Christophe Bedos ◽  
Mary Ellen Macdonald ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe Strategic Regional Plan of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB), serving the Quebec Cree communities, mandates the objective of integrating oral health within primary healthcare. Emerging evidence suggests that the integration of oral health into primary healthcare can decrease oral health disparities. This research study aimed to answer the following research question: how and to what extent does the integration of oral health into primary healthcare address the oral health needs of the Cree communities?DesignWe used a multiple-case study design within a qualitative approach and developmental evaluation methodology. The Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny model of appreciative inquiry was selected as a study framework among existing frameworks of the developmental evaluation.SettingFour purposefully selected Cree communities.ParticipantsHealthcare providers, administrators and patients at the community wellness centres and hospital.Outcome measuresIntegration of oral health into primary healthcare.ResultsA total of 36 interviews and 6 focus group discussions were conducted. We identified ten themes in discovery and dream phases. The Discovery phase identified the strengths of the organisation in facilitating enablers of integration including strategic planning, organisational structure, cultural integration, coordinated networks and colocation. In the Dream phase, participants’ oral healthcare stories expressed various dimensions of integration and their wish for strengthening integration via extending public oral healthcare programmes, increasing resources and improving organisational management. In the Design phase, recommendations were formulated for a future action plan within the CBHSSJB.ConclusionThis study results suggested that the CBHSSJB has been successful in implementing oral health integration into primary care following its strategic planning. At present, the organisation could extend the level of integration into full integration by following study recommendations derived from the perspective of local stakeholders.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Awoamim Yacim ◽  
Partson Paradza ◽  
Benita Zulch (Kotze)

Purpose This study aims to examine the statutory provisions as it concerns the practice of valuation for compensation of expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. The primary motivation was to have informed policies that would regulate the practice of landed property assessments for compensation purposes and further contributes to existing compensation debates. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study approach was adopted, in which property valuation projects for Chiyadzwa and Tokwe-Mukosi, provinces were selected. These two projects were chosen because they are the most recent property valuation for compensation on expropriated communal properties. Content analysis was used to analyse the statutory provisions guiding property valuation and compensation rates adopted and used during the Chiyadzwa and Tokwe Mukosi valuation projects. Findings The study found an absence of statutory guidelines on the choice of valuation methodologies, leading to inconsistencies in compensation estimates for the communal properties. Research limitations/implications The study dwells on data from the previous assessment of communal properties that triggered discontentment amongst the people to build a framework for future valuations of communal properties. Practical implications This study reviewed the existing expropriation and compensation laws and built a comprehensive guiding framework for property valuers to choose appropriate valuation methodologies and procedures for the assessment of expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. Social implications The main motivation for this study is to find a lasting solution to frequent court cases and clashes between the government of Zimbabwe and the displaced people. Originality/value No study unravels the detailed property valuation processes used in determining the amount of payment for the expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. This study built a framework that will serve as a guide to the property valuers in the assessment of compensation for communal properties.


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