The role of finance in the sales and operations planning process: a multiple case study

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.

An embedded multiple case study: using CFIR to map clinical food security screening constructs for the development of primary care practice guidelines

Background Food insecurity (FI), the limited access to healthy food to live an active and healthy life, is a social determinant of health linked to poor dietary health and difficulty with disease management in the United States (U.S.). Healthcare experts support the adoption of validated screening tools within primary care practice to identify and connect FI patients to healthy and affordable food resources. Yet, a lack of standard practices limits uptake. The purpose of this study was to understand program processes and outcomes of primary care focused FI screening initiatives that may guide wide-scale program implementation. Methods This was an embedded multiple case study of two primary care-focused initiatives implemented in two diverse health systems in Chicago and Suburban Cook County that routinely screened patients for FI and referred them to onsite food assistance programs. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and an iterative process were used to collect/analyze qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with N = 19 healthcare staff. Intended program activities, outcomes, actors, implementation barriers/facilitators and overarching implementation themes were identified as a part of a cross-case analysis. Results Programs outcomes included: the number of patients screened, identified as FI and that participated in the onsite food assistance program. Study participants reported limited internal resources as implementation barriers for program activities. The implementation climate that leveraged the strength of community collaborations and aligned internal, implementation climate were critical facilitators that contributed to the flexibility of program activities that were tailored to fill gaps in resources and meet patient and clinician needs. Conclusion Highly adaptable programs and the healthcare context enhanced implementation feasibility across settings. These characteristics can support program uptake in other settings, but should be used with caution to preserve program fidelity. A foundational model for the development and testing of standard clinical practice was the product of this study.

Corporate memory dynamics in project-based organizations (PBOs): multiple case study in Brazilian engineering design firms and a framework proposal

Purpose This study aims to investigate how the processes of memory acquisition, retention, retrieval and application occur in project-based organizations (PBOs). In this kind of organization, the nature of corporate memory is influenced by the transience, uniqueness and independence of the project portfolio. Such understanding may help practitioners to mitigate the effects of project transience and promote knowledge sharing among project teams. Design/methodology/approach An empirical and qualitative study was carried out through a multiple case study approach conducted in three Brazilian Engineering Design Firms, which are organized by projects. Document analysis, direct observation and semi-structured interviews with engineers, project managers and executives were conducted. Findings The memory acquisition process takes place in five forms which have different sources and destinations when comparing PBOs with traditional organizational settings. Memory retention in PBOs crosses organizational boundaries and establishes a knowledge network of former employees and third parties. The PBOs project memory can be divided into volatile and perennial memory, where the former can be lost throughout project execution and the latter is internalized, becoming an inseparable part of the corporate memory. Memory retrieval in PBOs is also distinct since it has particular mechanisms depending on whether the knowledge is technical or administrative. Originality/value The research investigates the corporate memory processes within the volatile context of PBOs in a Latin-American developing country whose culture favors tacit knowledge exchange. The paper proposes a framework that unveils different patterns of knowledge acquisition, temporary and perennial retention structures, intensive usage of external knowledge in memory retrieval and particular memory applications in PBOs. The framework may guide scholars, project managers, engineers and practitioners in navigating through the uniqueness of organizational learning flows and structures in PBOs

Exploring the life cycle of family-owned tourism businesses in maturity

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyze the life cycle of family-owned hotels in the maturity phase from the integration of theoretical models for family-owned tourism businesses.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative multiple case study was used to analyze four mature family-owned hotels through eight interviews and four observation guides with an abductive method. Three axes were analyzed; the ownership with the Gersick model, the family with the Tobak and Nábradí model and the business with the Butler tourist areas model to identify whether they are going through the consolidation stage, stagnation, rejuvenation or decline within its maturity.FindingsThe cases studied evolve in the three axes. In the business axes, two go through the stagnation stage, another in decline and the last in consolidation; all remain under controlling owners. In the family, there are different generations in charge. The boost to the destination plays a key role as a force for deterministic change in the internal transformation of these organizations, and to remain in consolidation, discontinuous changes and voluntaristic actions are necessary.Originality/valueFamily businesses seek longevity, although a low percentage reaches maturity. This research proposes the integration of life cycle models to understand its development in the axes of family, ownership and business, where aspects of the tourism industry are considered and allow the stage identification through which it passes in maturity, supporting internal decision making.

Winning Together

Organizational cultural dilemmas have shown a lack of psychological safety and sense of belonging, which may be positively impacted by the application of combined servant leader (SL) and inclusive leader (IL) behaviors. SL focuses on serving others' needs first, embracing the individual's strength, and stirring towards inclusiveness. Controversy exists in the literature regarding SL's ability to promote inclusiveness in the workplace. This chapter explores factors that link SL and IL from the angles of others-focused orientation and of psychological safety, empowering uniqueness and sense of belonging in followers. A framework of inclusive servant leader (ISL) is explored. This study is significant. As younger generations enter the workforce demanding more equitable leadership treatment, servant and inclusive behaviors have come to the forefront of organizational attention; nevertheless, its application is still in its infancy. A multiple case study research was conducted.

Collective Case Study

This chapter focuses on collective case study: (1) what it is, (2) what separates it from other case study formats (case study and multiple case study), and (3) how to effectively use collective case study design for research. This chapter walks researchers through the overarching components necessary in conducting research using collective case study design, providing helpful strategies and examples the authors have found useful in their own research. While highly useful in qualitative research, this chapter also notes possible challenges to using collective case study design. This chapter concludes with a list of additional resources for more in-depth explorations of the procedural elements addressed.

The CyberSecurity Audit Model (CSAM)

This chapter presents the outcome of two empirical research studies that assess the implementation and validation of the cybersecurity audit model (CSAM), designed as a multiple-case study in two different Canadian higher education institution. CSAM can be applied for undertaking cybersecurity audits in any organization or nation state in order to evaluate and measure the cybersecurity assurance, maturity, and cyber readiness. The architecture of CSAM is explained in central sections. CSAM has been examined, implemented, and established under three research scenarios: (1) cybersecurity audit of all model domains, (2) cybersecurity audit of numerous domains, and (3) a single cybersecurity domain audit. The chapter concludes by showing how the implementation of the model permits one to report relevant information for future decision making in order to correct cybersecurity weaknesses or to improve cybersecurity domains and controls; thus, the model can be implemented and sufficiently tested at any organization.

Communication strategies and persuasion as core components of shared decision-making for children with life-limiting conditions: A multiple case study

Background: Families and professionals caring for children with life-limiting conditions face difficult healthcare decisions. Shared decision-making is promoted in many countries, however little is known about factors influencing these processes. Aim: To explore the communication strategies used in shared decision-making for children with life-limiting conditions. Design: A longitudinal, qualitative, multiple-case study. Cases were centred around the child and parent/carer(s). Most cases also included professionals or extended family members. Data from interviews, observations and medical notes were re-storied for each case into a narrative case summary. These were subject to comparative thematic analysis using NVivo11. Setting/participants: Eleven cases recruited from three tertiary hospitals in England. 23 participants were interviewed (46 interviews). Cases were followed for up to 12 months between December 2015 and January 2017. 72 observations were conducted and the medical notes of nine children reviewed. Findings: Strategies present during shared decision-making were underpinned by moral work. Professionals presented options they believed were in the child’s best interests, emphasising their preference. Options were often presented in advance of being necessary to prevent harm, therefore professionals permitted delay to treatment. Persuasion was utilised over time when professionals felt the treatment was becoming more urgent and when families felt it would not promote the child’s psychosocial wellbeing. Conclusions: Communication strategies in shared decision-making are underpinned by moral work. Professionals should be aware of the models of shared decision-making which include such communication strategies. Open discussions regarding individuals’ moral reasoning may assist the process of shared decision-making.