Key success factors of engineering company (Case of Czech engineering industry)

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-99
Author(s):  
Lea Kubíčková ◽  
Barbora Chudá
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Engineering Industry ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Pricing Policy ◽  
Healthy Development ◽  
Engineering Company ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Definition Of

The definition of a successful company is not uniform in the scientific literature, and the determinants of a company’s success can vary from one business sector to another. Based on a study of 16 Czech engineering companies, this paper defines the success of an engineering company as a state when the company achieves the satisfaction and stability of external and internal interest groups (especially employees), contributing to its healthy development, technological expansion and long-term sustainability through marketable products or services and sufficient resources to finance that state. This definition is consistent with the results of studies such as Fortune and White (2006), Zarina et al. (2014), Arcić (2018), Mahanti (2018) or Amuda-Yusuf (2018). In the Czech engineering environment, marketing can generally be considered a key factor, and within the marketing mix, pricing policy and especially product. The breadth and depth of the products provided and their high quality also play a significant role. Furthermore, human resources are a key factor in the success of the Czech engineering company, where the emphasis is placed on the stability and loyalty of employees and their positive attitude to work, and research, development and innovation are mentioned as another key success factor. Surprisingly, financial factors were not listed as the main determinants of success.

scholarly journals Risk Management as a Success Factor in the International Activity of Spanish Engineering

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Alicia Lozano-Torró ◽  
Tatiana García-Segura ◽  
Laura Montalbán-Domingo ◽  
Eugenio Pellicer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Risk Identification ◽  
International Experience ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
International Construction ◽  
Engineering Consulting ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Work Abroad

During the period between 2008–2013, the internal market in Spain was characterized by economic crisis, the contraction of the demand experienced in a turbulent business environment, and strong competition among companies. This situation forced many of these companies to work abroad. One of the success factors for Spanish engineering companies abroad has been effective risk management, which avoids compromising the company’s objectives, market share, or survival. This article examines the importance of risk management in the success of Spanish engineering consulting firms in the international construction market. Ten executives of Spanish engineering companies with international experience were interviewed, analyzing the importance of risk management for them in the success of internationalization compared with other success factors. The results show that the size of the companies interviewed has no influence on the importance that they gave to risk management, but international experience does relate to the assessment of risk identification and management as a success factor. In addition, companies considered risk management a key factor for optimizing their performance in foreign markets.

Digital transformation at logistics service providers: barriers, success factors and leading practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzenna Cichosz ◽  
Carl Marcus Wallenburg ◽  
A. Michael Knemeyer
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Network ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Definition Of

PurposeThe rapid advancement of digital technologies has fundamentally changed the competitive dynamics of the logistics service industry and forced incumbent logistics service providers (LSPs) to digitalize. As many LSPs still struggle in advancing their digital transformation (DT), the purpose of this study is to discover barriers and identify organizational elements and associated leading practices for DT success at LSPs.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a two-stage approach. Stage 1 is devoted to a literature review. Stage 2, based on multiple case studies, analyzes information collected across nine international and global LSPs.FindingsThis research derives a practice-based definition of DT in the logistics service industry, and it has identified five barriers, eight success factors and associated leading practices for DT. The main obstacles LSPs struggle with, are the complexity of the logistics network and lack of resources, while the main success factor is a leader having and executing a DT vision, and creating a supportive organizational culture.Practical implicationsThe results contribute to the emerging field of DT within the logistics and supply chain management literature and provide insights for practitioners regarding how to effectively implement it in a complex industry.Originality/valueThe authors analyze DT from the perspective of LSPs, traditionally not viewed as innovative companies. This study compares their DT with that of other companies.

Postmodern More

Moreana ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (Number 153- (1-2) ◽  
pp. 219-239
Author(s):  
Anne Lake Prescott
Keyword(s):  
Human Language ◽  
Thomas More ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Recent Critic

Thomas More is often called a “humanist,” and rightly so if the word has its usual meaning in scholarship on the Renaissance. “Humanist” has by now acquired so many different and contradictory meanings, however, that it needs to be applied carefully to the likes of More. Many postmodernists tend to use the word, pejoratively, to mean someone who believes in an autonomous self, the stability of words, reason, and the possibility of determinable meanings. Without quite arguing that More was a postmodernist avant la lettre, this essay suggests that he was not a “humanist” who stalks the pages of much recent postmodernist theory and that in fact even while remaining a devout Catholic and sensible lawyer he was quite as aware as any recent critic of the slipperiness of human selves and human language. It is time that literary critics tightened up their definition of “humanist,” especially when writing about the Renaissance.

scholarly journals Influence of study model, baseline catalytic concentrations and analytical system on the stability of serum alanine aminotransferase

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josep Miquel Bauça ◽  
Andrea Caballero ◽  
Carolina Gómez ◽  
Débora Martínez-Espartosa ◽  
Isabel García del Pino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alanine Aminotransferase ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Multicentric Study ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Analytical System ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Analytical Platforms

AbstractObjectivesThe stability of the analytes most commonly used in routine clinical practice has been the subject of intensive research, with varying and even conflicting results. Such is the case of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of serum ALT according to different variables.MethodsA multicentric study was conducted in eight laboratories using serum samples with known initial catalytic concentrations of ALT within four different ranges, namely: <50 U/L (<0.83 μkat/L), 50–200 U/L (0.83–3.33 μkat/L), 200–400 U/L (3.33–6.67 μkat/L) and >400 U/L (>6.67 μkat/L). Samples were stored for seven days at two different temperatures using four experimental models and four laboratory analytical platforms. The respective stability equations were calculated by linear regression. A multivariate model was used to assess the influence of different variables.ResultsCatalytic concentrations of ALT decreased gradually over time. Temperature (−4%/day at room temperature vs. −1%/day under refrigeration) and the analytical platform had a significant impact, with Architect (Abbott) showing the greatest instability. Initial catalytic concentrations of ALT only had a slight impact on stability, whereas the experimental model had no impact at all.ConclusionsThe constant decrease in serum ALT is reduced when refrigerated. Scarcely studied variables were found to have a significant impact on ALT stability. This observation, added to a considerable inter-individual variability, makes larger studies necessary for the definition of stability equations.

scholarly journals Food Consumption Determinants and Barriers for Healthy Eating at the Workplace—A University Setting

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 695
Author(s):  
João P. M. Lima ◽  
Sofia A. Costa ◽  
Teresa R. S. Brandão ◽  
Ada Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Meal Quality ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
University Setting

Background: A wide variety of social, cultural and economic factors may influence dietary patterns. This work aims to identify the main determinants of food consumption and barriers for healthy eating at the workplace, in a university setting. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 533 participants. Data were obtained through the application of a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic information, food consumption determinants and the main perceived barriers for healthy eating at the workplace. Results: The respondents identified “price” (22.5%), “meal quality” (20.7%), and “location/distance” (16.5%). For women, the determinant “availability of healthy food options” was more important than for men (p < 0.001). The food consumption determinants at the workplace most referred to by respondents were related to the nutritional value. Smell, taste, appearance and texture, and good value for money, were also considered important for choosing food at the workplace. Respondents referred to work commitments and lack of time as the main barriers for healthy eating at the workplace. Conclusions: Identification of determinants involved in food consumption, and the barriers for healthy eating, may contribute to a better definition of health promotion initiatives at the workplace aiming to improve nutritional intake.

Collaborative design in public services: a wicked problem-reframing case

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Moura e Sá ◽  
Catarina Frade ◽  
Fernanda Jesus ◽  
Mónica Lopes ◽  
Teresa Maneca Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Design ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Right

PurposeWicked problems require collaborative innovation approaches. Understanding the problem from the users' perspective is essential. Based on a complex and ill-defined case, the purpose of the current paper is to identify some critical success factors in defining the “right problem” to be addressed.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical research study was carried out in a low-density municipality (case study). Extensive data were collected from official databases, individual semi-structured interviews and a focus group involving citizens, local authorities, civil servants and other relevant stakeholders.FindingsAs defined by the central government, the problem to be addressed by the research team was to identify which justice services should be made available locally to a small- and low-density community. The problem was initially formulated using top-down reasoning. In-depth contact with citizens and key local players revealed that the lack of justice services was not “the issue” for that community. Mobility constraints and the shortage of economic opportunities had a considerable impact on the lack of demand for justice services. By using a bottom-up perspective, it was possible to reframe the problem to be addressed and suggest a new concept to be tested at later stages.Social implicationsThe approach followed called attention to the importance of listening to citizens and local organisations with a profound knowledge of the territory to effectively identify and circumscribe a local problem in the justice field.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the limitations of traditional rational problem-solving approaches and contributes to expanding the voice-of-the-customer principle showing how it can lead to a substantially new definition of the problem to be addressed.

scholarly journals Postgraduate Studies on Lean Management—A Review of Initiatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 197
Author(s):  
Mariusz Bednarek ◽  
Aleksander Buczacki ◽  
Lukasz Bielakowski ◽  
Bartlomiej Gladysz ◽  
Mariusz Bryke
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Postgraduate Education ◽  
General Level ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Successful Model ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Postgraduate Studies ◽  
Long Time

The article elaborates upon a successful model of postgraduate studies on lean manufacturing. The subject of the research was nine editions of the Kaizen Academy postgraduate studies organized by the Warsaw University of Technology and the Kaizen Institute in the years 2009–2018, that still enjoys interest in the market. A detailed qualitative analysis of this case, followed by a comparative analysis with other post-graduate programs of this type on the national, European, and global level should make it possible to find what is necessary to launch and actively operate for a long time in the (considerably competitive) market of qualification raising programs related to Lean Management (critical success factors). The study has also identified the differences between a successful program, analyzed in detail, and other available programs described in the literature and on the Internet. This has been achieved through a structured analysis of thirty-nine postgraduate programs identified by querying scientific databases and the Google Internet search engine. Best practices and models of postgraduate education on Lean Management have been discussed, and the thirty-nine programs comprising the identified sample have been compared. Considering the very general level of the data available in terms of the organization of postgraduate programs, it has also been assessed if they follow constructivism and experiential learning paradigms. This has been achieved by including the industrial days/visit indicator in the comparison. Given its high value, it has been identified as a success factor of the postgraduate curriculum on Lean Management.

scholarly journals Supply Chain Coordination Contracts under Double Sided Disruptions Simultaneously

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Jingsi Huang
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Coordination ◽  
Optimal Price ◽  
Supply Chain System ◽  
Pricing Policy ◽  
Product Cost ◽  
Numerical Examples ◽  
Supply Chain Contracts ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Key Factor

Supply chain coordination models are developed in a two-echelon supply chain with double sided disruptions. In a supply chain system, the supplier may suffer from the product cost disruption and the retailer suffers from the demand disruption simultaneously. The purpose of this study is to design proper supply chain contracts, under which the supply chain with double sided disruption can be coordinated. Firstly, the centralized decision-making models are applied to find the optimal price and quantity under three cases as the baseline. The different cases are divided by the different relationship between the product cost disruption and the demand disruption. Secondly, two different types of contracts are introduced to coordinate the whole supply chain. One is all-unit wholesale quantity discount policy (AQDP) contract, and the other one is capacitated linear pricing policy (CLPP) contract. And it is found out that the gap between the demand disruption and the product cost disruption is the key factor to influence the supply chain coordination. Some numerical examples and sensitivity analysis are given to illustrate the models. The AQDP contracts are listed out under different cases to show how to use it under double sided disruptions.

Critical Success Factors of New Product Development and Impact on Performance of Malaysian Automotive Industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 903 ◽  
pp. 431-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Aziz Fazilah ◽  
Nur Najmiyah Jaafar ◽  
Sulaiman Suraya
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
New Product ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Research Activities

This research paper shows a framework to conduct an empirical study in Malaysian automotive industry in order to improve their performance. There are factors which are effective factors in improving performance of Malaysian automotive companies namely top management support, cross functional teamwork, new product development (NPD) process, NPD strategies, and market research activities. The critical success factor of NPD is playing a fundamental role in determining the performance in Malaysian automotive companies. In this research study, a framework has been developed that includes critical success factors of NPD and project achievement to study their influence on the performance of Malaysian automotive companies. It is hoped that this paper can provide an academic source for both academicians and managers due to investigate the relationship between critical success factors of total NPD, project achievement and company performance in a systematic manner to increase successful rate of NPD progress.

scholarly journals Reliable Learning with PDE-Based CNNs and DenseNets for Detecting COVID-19, Pneumonia, and Tuberculosis from Chest X-Ray Images

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
Anca Nicoleta Marginean ◽  
Delia Doris Muntean ◽  
George Adrian Muntean ◽  
Adelina Priscu ◽  
Adrian Groza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Learning ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Direct Training ◽  
Public Data ◽  
Normal Chest ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Definition Of

It has recently been shown that the interpretation by partial differential equations (PDEs) of a class of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) supports definition of architectures such as parabolic and hyperbolic networks. These networks have provable properties regarding the stability against the perturbations of the input features. Aiming for robustness, we tackle the problem of detecting changes in chest X-ray images that may be suggestive of COVID-19 with parabolic and hyperbolic CNNs and with domain-specific transfer learning. To this end, we compile public data on patients diagnosed with COVID-19, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, along with normal chest X-ray images. The negative impact of the small number of COVID-19 images is reduced by applying transfer learning in several ways. For the parabolic and hyperbolic networks, we pretrain the networks on normal and pneumonia images and further use the obtained weights as the initializers for the networks to discriminate between COVID-19, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and normal aspects. For DenseNets, we apply transfer learning twice. First, the ImageNet pretrained weights are used to train on the CheXpert dataset, which includes 14 common radiological observations (e.g., lung opacity, cardiomegaly, fracture, support devices). Then, the weights are used to initialize the network which detects COVID-19 and the three other classes. The resulting networks are compared in terms of how well they adapt to the small number of COVID-19 images. According to our quantitative and qualitative analysis, the resulting networks are more reliable compared to those obtained by direct training on the targeted dataset.

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