Optimization of the internal procurement process at the world's leading producer of phosphate rock

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (103) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
H. Adlane ◽  
M. Aouane
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Phosphate Rock ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Storage Space ◽  
Parallel Application ◽  
Internal Customers ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Procurement System ◽  
Procurement Method ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose: This article discuss the results of a field study that was carried out over a 6 months period. The objective of this research aimed at studying the internal procurement system of one of the world's leading Moroccan companies that has a 4.3% contribution to the national GDP. Design/methodology/approach: Our work, based first of all on the elaboration of an overview and then on the use of more than 6 methods and logistic tools, will allow this company to develop its own procurement method, adapted to its constraints and capacities. Findings: In terms of figures, this company sources 157 items from several suppliers. These references are then stored initially in the company's store, and depending on the demand from internal customers, a distribution is subsequently planned. A shortage of stock on some items and overstocking on others is a blatant contradiction suggesting several paths for improvement. Ultimately, the results of our work have enabled us to reduce financial immobilization by 40%, as well as a considerable gain in storage space. Practical implications: This paper shows the importance of responding to the problems of large companies with adapted and targeted methods. Originality/value: This article presents an original parallel application of almost all conventional logistics methods, for a global and efficient optimization.

scholarly journals Online disclosure practices of halal-friendly hotels

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ikram Nur Muharam ◽  
Mehmet Asutay
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
Islamic Identity ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Fresh Insight ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This research analyses the online disclosure practices of halal-friendly hotels, denoting their service provision within “halal” expectancies. This study aims to discover the halal attributes commonly used in the online marketing practices of halal-friendly hotels. Design/methodology/approach The methods used in this study include a deductive approach through literature, which was then followed by an initial investigation of several random samples that produced 24 points of halal-friendly attributes, and then content analysis to find out the online disclosure practices of 55 halal-friendly hotels. Further insights gathered through analysis of the use of Islamic images and symbols; also, by examining the nexus between the disclosure level and other variables such as halal-friendly certification level, star-level and guest ratings. Findings The results show that most hotels classify themselves as halal-friendly by providing information that articulates Islamic identity or by informing the existence of prayer facilities. Information displayed includes halal food, halal places, alcohol-free policy, prayer facilities and Qibla direction. Furthermore, image analysis shows that almost all hotels use human photographs, and the preferred gender is male; only a few hotels expose Islamic symbols. Most hotels maintain a neutral impression by avoiding “Islamised gender” and not overly emphasising Islamic images. Otherwise, halal-friendly certification level is positively correlated with the disclosure level. Practical implications The results provide a fresh insight regarding the online marketing practices of the halal-friendly hotels and could be used as a benchmark by the practitioners. Originality/value This topic is still unexplored; it shows this research originality.

HCL Technologies puts employees before customers

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pole Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grassroots Innovation ◽  
Percent Increase ◽  
Almost All ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Reveals that, in an era when almost all businesses accept that the customer comes first, a company that is putting its employees in pole position is reaping the benefits in terms of innovation, customer satisfaction and profitability. Design/methodology/approach – Underlines the reasons for the employee first, customer second approach at HCL Technologies, the information-technology and software-development division of HCL Enterprise, how this has evolved into the corporate philosophy of “ideapreneurship” at the company and the effects of this corporate philosophy. Findings – Explains that grassroots innovation has led to 20,000 ideas being put forward by some 12,000 employees over the last eight years. Almost 4,500 ideas have been implemented and a further 3,000 are being introduced. They have generated more than $250 million of value. On a wider level, HCL has seen a 500 percent increase in revenues since 2005. Practical implications – Demonstrates that the company, a software-engineering partner for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner passenger jet, is delivering one of the best returns on equity among offshore IT providers by creating an entirely differentiated set of offerings focused both on running and changing the business. Originality/value – Reveals an unorthodox approach to human-resource management that has helped to turn round the fortunes of an information-technology company.

scholarly journals Splitting to survive: understanding terrorist group fragmentation

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Francis Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Significant Role ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Terrorist Group ◽  
Al Qaeda ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose From Al-Qaeda to the IRA, almost all terrorist organisations have experienced splits in some shape or form. This can spell the dawn of violent spoiler groups, but it may equally play a significant role in the overall politicisation of a group. The purpose of this paper is to provide a greater understanding of these splits by assessing the issue from a political organisational perspective. Design/methodology/approach The author proposes that by addressing splits through the lens of organisational survival, we may gain a greater insight into the process which takes place in the lead up to, and in the aftermath of, organisational cleavage. Findings It is posited that the rationale behind schism can, at times, be the result of a desire from at least one side to maintain the survival of the organisation in a form they both respect and recognise. In order to achieve this, it might require forming an independent, autonomous organisation, or alternatively promoting the exit of internal factional competitors. Research limitations/implications Within the paper, three organisational hypotheses are proposed. It is vital that in order to assess their validity, these are empirically tested by future researchers. Practical implications To be able to counter terrorist organisations, one must first have an understanding of the external and internal events and processes. While much of our attention is on understanding paid to the external violent activity of the groups, we must also develop a significant understanding of the non-violent internal activities as well. This paper provides a theoretical basis for understanding one of these process, organisational split. Originality/value By addressing splits from an organisational survival viewpoint, the paper challenges the previously held assumption that splits should be analysed as part of the “end of terrorism.”

Improving internal service: identifying the roles of employee proficiency, adaptivity and proactivity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Martin ◽  
Richard Klimoski ◽  
Alexandra Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Customers ◽  
Specific Dimension ◽  
Employee Behaviors ◽  
Professional Employees ◽  
Willingness To Help ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the roles of employee proficiency, adaptivity and proactivity in predicting different aspects of internal service.Design/methodology/approachManagers evaluated 142 professional employees on proficiency, adaptivity and proactivity and about six weeks later 2–3 internal customers evaluated each of the employees on dimensions of internal service, namely reliability (i.e. performing dependably and accurately), assurance (i.e. knowledge, courtesy, and the ability to inspire trust and confidence), responsiveness (i.e. willingness to help customers and provide prompt service) and empathy (i.e. caring and providing individualized attention).FindingsEmployee proficiency and proactivity were the main predictors of delivering reliable services. Employee proficiency was the main predictor for creating a sense of assurance. Employee adaptivity was the main predictor of being viewed as responsive. Employee proactivity was the main predictor for establishing a sense of empathy.Practical implicationsIn a given situation, some aspects of internal service will be more important than others. The results will enable organizations to improve internal service in a more effective and efficient manner by developing interventions that are targeted at the specific dimension of interest.Originality/valueThe authors identified the types of employee behaviors that are likely to be most effective in impacting different aspects of internal service.

Revisiting the service recovery paradox in the restaurant industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong-Hyeong Kim ◽  
Wenxuan Du ◽  
Hyewon Youn
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Management ◽  
Service Recovery ◽  
Restaurant Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Failures ◽  
Service Recovery Paradox ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe service recovery paradox (SRP) refers to a particular effect whereby an excellent recovery can turn angry and frustrated customers into loyal ones. Researchers who have studied the SRP have reported mixed findings, with some providing evidence in its support and others not finding any such evidence. To address this discrepancy, this study aims to investigate the SRP.Design/methodology/approachThis study re-examined the phenomenon of the SRP with a field study and provided further evidence in a subsequent experimental study in which the failure and recovery conditions were carefully manipulated.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that the SRP was observed in neither the field study nor the scenario experiment.Practical implicationsThis study can influence the current service management of restaurants with regard to service failures in several ways.Originality/valueThis research is a pioneering effort to examine the SRP by conducting both a field study and a scenario experiment.

GST complexities in Malaysia: views from tax experts

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naailah Nutman ◽  
Khadijah Isa ◽  
Salwa Hana Yussof
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Subject Matter Experts ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Diverse Backgrounds ◽  
Tax Complexity ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation in Malaysia had raised various responses from many parties involved when the new tax was introduced in 2015 until its abolishment in 2018. GST complexity has been stated as part of the reasons for its resistance and abolishment. The purpose of this paper is to identify causes of GST complexities during its implementation in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on causes of tax complexity from previous studies and conducted semi-structured interviews with tax experts. The respondents comprised of subject matter experts in GST and the findings are based on their numerous years of experiences handling clients with diverse backgrounds. Findings Findings from this study are categorised into legal complexity and declarative complexities. Almost all the causes of complexities from prior studies were encountered by Malaysian businesses. This study concluded that the most likely reasons for the abolishment of GST in Malaysia are: numerous rules and exception to the rules (e.g. 35 tax codes, gifts rules, 21-day rules), frequent changes of GST rulings and guidelines, GST computations that were too difficult for mixed supply and process of GST refund that were onerous and lengthy. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this paper include reliance on the respondents’ ability to accurately and honestly recall details of their experiences, circumstances, thoughts or behaviours that are being asked. Practical implications Despite the abolishment of the GST in Malaysia, it is pertinent to identify the causes of GST complexities that can be learnt by the relevant authorities. Measures can be formulated to mitigate the identified GST complexities to ensure high compliance among businesses with other existing taxes or new taxes (if any) to be introduced in the future. This includes addressing the competency of RMCD officers and businesses on the rules and regulations, minimal rules and exception to the rules, a simplified GST computations for mixed supply and a systematic refund process. Originality/value The research method used is a flexible and powerful tool to capture the voices and the ways respondents make meaning of their experience dealing with the GST matters. The findings reveal a deep understanding of the issues from the views of the experts in the field.

Interviewers' perceptions of impression management in employment interviews

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Roulin ◽  
Adrian Bangerter ◽  
Julia Levashina
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Impression Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Employment Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Image Protection ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Image Creation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Applicants often use impression management (IM) in employment interviews, and such tactics can considerably influence interviewers' evaluations of their performance. Yet, little research has examined interviewers' perceptions of such behaviors. This paper aims to examine if interviewers' perceptions of various IM behaviors converge with applicants' self-reports and the impact of interviewers' IM perceptions on interview outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – Findings are based on data from a field study of 164 real employment interviews, conducted in recruiting agencies in Switzerland. Findings – Interviewers' perceptions do not converge with self-reported applicant IM. Interviewers' perceptions of self-promotion and perceived applicant transparency are positively related to interview evaluations, while perceptions of slight image creation tactics are negatively related to interview evaluations. Perceptions of deceptive ingratiation, image protection, and extensive image creation were not related to evaluations. Practical implications – It may not be that easy for interviewers to identify when applicants use IM, partly because they may be prone to overconfidence in their judgments and may (wrongly) believe they can “see through the applicant”. Also, what may actually matter in interviews is not the impression applicants think they are making, but interviewers' perceptions of applicant IM. Originality/value – This study investigates interviewers' perceptions in addition to applicants' self-reports of five types of IM in real employment interviews, and how such perceptions are related to interview outcome.

scholarly journals Using structural equation modeling: patterns and trends of publications in Brazilian journals

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-302
Author(s):  
Jorge Ramón D’Acosta Rivera ◽  
Rafael Ricardo Jacomossi ◽  
Alcides Barrichello ◽  
Rogerio Scabim Morano
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze patterns and trends of articles that present the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) and that were published in several Brazilian journals. In addition, this paper maps the institutions where the authors of the identified articles are affiliated, and discusses aspects of searching the articles in journals’ archives and other scientific databases. Design/methodology/approach The work used bibliometrics, which is one of the forms of evaluation and measurement of information flows in scientific knowledge, using mathematical and statistical methods. Findings The study showed an exponential growth in using SEM in several areas in recent years, with predominance in marketing. Most of the publications were produced by authors from institutions such as USP, FGV and UFRGS, but most authors published only one article using SEM. Almost all published articles used one of the three most common software, especially AMOS®. Surprisingly, many articles did not mention the software used, indicating methodological flaw. Practical implications Weaknesses were found regarding the search for articles in the different sources used, indicating that, for literature reviews, the research should be conducted in several databases in a complementary way and not alternatively. This fact becomes critical especially when expressions in languages other than Portuguese were used. This situation suggests an aggravating lack of visibility for the Brazilian scientific community since the articles are less likely to be found. Originality/value The paper shows that among the various techniques of multivariate data analysis used in the field of administration, SEM has gained prominence being operationalized using specific software.

scholarly journals Message framing: keeping practitioners in the picture

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 634-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J. Pervan ◽  
Andrea Vocino
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Message Framing ◽  
Marketing Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goal Framing ◽  
Equal Importance ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Advertising Content ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how message framing is commonly used by magazine advertisers.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the classification suggested by Levin et al., the frequency and nature of message framing in magazine advertising is explored using a content analysis of 2,864 advertisements in a sample of popular US magazines.FindingsResults suggest a lack of consistency between marketing practice and academic findings. Contrary to academic recommendations, advertisers used positive framing in almost all advertising messages. Further, the use of attribute framing and combined attribute and goal framing was more popular than pure goal framingResearch limitations/implicationsAlthough the findings are limited by a judgement sample of US magazines, they do suggest the need for academics to conduct more research on the effectiveness of combined attribute and goal framing techniques.Practical implicationsOf equal importance is the need for practitioners to explore the potentiality of negative framing in their advertising content.Originality/valueAdopting the Levin et al.'s typology, this paper highlights the need for advertising researchers to engage with practitioners to try to understand current industry practice with regard to message framing. The inconsistencies revealed in this paper point to either an insufficient understanding of message framing by one or both parties or the need for better communication between the two.

Executive coaching: Guidelines that work

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gil Bozer ◽  
James C. Sarros ◽  
Joseph C Santora
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Executive Coaching ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Coaching Effectiveness ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to offer a theoretical foundation for a testable framework of executive coaching effectiveness and to share key findings from the research study in executive coaching effectiveness based on the theoretical framework. Design/methodology/approach – This article draws on the results from a quasi-experimental field study of four firms whose primary professional services focused on executive coaching. Findings – Practical implications and learning lessons for the three constituents: the coachee, the coach and the organization. Originality/value – The research can assist individuals and organizations in making informed decisions about designing, implementing and measuring executive coaching programs, thus building the profession of coaching.

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