Applies a new strategy formulation instrument (named as the strategy formulation (SF) framework), which is geared for an Asian (Chinese) culture within the banking industry of…
Abstract
Applies a new strategy formulation instrument (named as the strategy formulation (SF) framework), which is geared for an Asian (Chinese) culture within the banking industry of Hong Kong. In particular, the focus will be on a case study of the ABC Bank. The ABC Bank remains one of the more conservative banks in Hong Kong. Its major advantages are that it only deals with inter‐banking, and corporate banking. It has no bad debts and is extremely cash rich. However, because of its conservativeness, it remains a very low profile bank within the Hong Kong market. The main objective of this paper is to develop a set of strategies for the organization based on the SF framework. The SF framework is a combination of the SWOT analysis, the balanced scorecard (BSC), and Sun Tzu’s Art of Business Management in Strategic Planning, via the quality function deployment methodology. This new strategic management instrumentation was developed by Lee and Ko. The SF framework is unique because it integrates strategy formulation tools from both the Eastern and Western cultures, and its flexibility allows intercultural adaptations for most organizations.
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This is a wholly theoretical paper to explore the idea of implementing Sun Tzu’s Art of War to reduce the tendencies toward groupthink, which deals with the over‐cohesiveness of a…
Abstract
This is a wholly theoretical paper to explore the idea of implementing Sun Tzu’s Art of War to reduce the tendencies toward groupthink, which deals with the over‐cohesiveness of a group that causes defective decision‐making. The quality function deployment methodology was applied to measure the relationships between groupthink and the Art of War. The findings of this paper indicated that a possible weakness of the Art of War is that it is a powerful strategic planning instrument, but is not geared toward internal communicative problems.
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The term, groupthink, refers to group over‐cohesiveness that causes defective decision making. The purpose of this theoretical paper is to explore common Chinese cultural…
Abstract
Purpose
The term, groupthink, refers to group over‐cohesiveness that causes defective decision making. The purpose of this theoretical paper is to explore common Chinese cultural characteristics which have the potential to lead to symptoms of groupthink within the Hong Kong organizational environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology called “quality function deployment” was applied to measure the relationships between a set of predefined Chinese cultural factors and the groupthink symptoms.
Findings
This research found that among all the Chinese cultural factors, the aspect of status has a strong relationship with the symptoms of groupthink.
Originality/value
This paper provides useful insights into aspects of groupthink and Chinese cultural characteristics.
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S.F. Lee, K.K. Lo, Ruth F. Leung and Andrew Sai On Ko
This paper describes the framework employed in strategy formulation by the Vocational Training Council’s Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education. The proposed framework…
Abstract
This paper describes the framework employed in strategy formulation by the Vocational Training Council’s Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education. The proposed framework integrates three widely used business management strategic tools together with the education criteria 1999 adopted from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) for strategy development in vocational education. The methodology of the proposed framework used is to conjoin the SWOT matrix with the balanced scorecard (BSC), identifying the four critical successful perspectives. Then the next step is to analyse the MBNQA education criteria 1999 for education performance excellence using quality function deployment (QFD) methodology.
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Conjoining the SWOT matrix with the balanced scorecard (BSC) makes a systematic and holistic strategic management system. The SWOT matrix clearly identifies the critical success…
Abstract
Conjoining the SWOT matrix with the balanced scorecard (BSC) makes a systematic and holistic strategic management system. The SWOT matrix clearly identifies the critical success factors that can be implemented into the identification of the different aspects toward the balanced scorecard. It is, therefore, a more structural approach in setting up the foundation of the balanced scorecard; instead of simply identifying the “key performance indicators” (KPI) via gut feeling or by brainstorming. The next step of the whole process is to make use of the quality function deployment (QFD) methodology with the balanced scorecard (BSC) attributes identified as the “Whats” on the vertical axis, and the major strategies of “The Art of Business Management” Sun Tzu’s as the horizontal “Hows” axis. The relationships are then studied in the body of the QFD matrix. Consideration is then given as to how the model presented can be customised to allow companies using this approach to develop and implement their corporate business strategic plan.
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Alessandro Banterle, Eleonora Cereda and Melanie Fritz
The purpose of this paper is to focus on two aspects. First, to analyse the spread of labelled environmental certification in food products, considering both private labels and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on two aspects. First, to analyse the spread of labelled environmental certification in food products, considering both private labels and producer brands with reference to the Italian and German markets. Second, to outline how environmental certification can affect the vertical organisation of food supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
The method used is based on an empirical analysis carried out in two sample cities: Milan for Italy and Bonn for Germany, examining ten and seven retailers, respectively, using the case studies approach, through an ad hoc questionnaire. The authors analysed two cases related to fruit and vegetables and ichthyic products, in order to assess the effect of the standards provided by the sustainability certification on the vertical organisation of the supply chains.
Findings
The certifications focus on three main areas: ichthyic products; tropical products; and fruits and vegetables. They are much more widespread on private label items, rather than on the industrial brands. The German market is more “sensitive” to sustainability issues than the Italian market. Environmental certification leads to a reorganisation of the supply chain relationships, determining a higher bilateral dependency among the supply chain agents, a reduction in product uncertainty, and an increased degree of vertical coordination.
Originality/value
The paper analyses, through a new perspective, the environmental issues of food products, quantifying the spread of labelled environmental certification and comparing Italy and Germany. The vertical reorganisation of the supply chains involved the adoption of production rules, connected to environmentally‐friendly practices, and the introduction of a new form of transaction governance.
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Gerald W. Fry and Hui Bi
The purpose of this paper is to analyze critically the evolution of educational reform in Thailand. Three major phases are identified. The special focus of the paper is an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze critically the evolution of educational reform in Thailand. Three major phases are identified. The special focus of the paper is an assessment of the third reform which began with the passage of the Office of the National Education Commission (ONEC) (2002).
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology for the study is mixed methods including document analysis, direct participant observation, and compilation of major statistical performance indicators from diverse sources.
Findings
The success of the most recent reform has been clearly mixed. Major structural and legal changes have occurred but overall system performance remains disappointingly low, despite large Thai educational expenditures as a percent of national budget and the presence of much impressive educational leadership talent. The paper identifies what is called the “Thai educational paradox”. The essence of the paradox is Thailand’s failure to achieve its educational potential. The paper identifies key factors explaining the paradox.
Originality/value
The paper has significant theoretical, policy, and practical implications. From a theoretical perspective, the study confirms the persistence of strong regional disparities and a lack of fiscal neutrality associated with a neoliberal model of capitalistic development. From a practical policy perspective, it is imperative for Thailand to improve the overall quality of its educational system and to reduce regional disparities. There have been numerous studies of each of Thailand’s three phases of reform, but this paper’s original contribution is its presentation of a historical, interdisciplinary, and integrated perspective on the evolution of educational reform and the many obstacles associated with its implementation.