Julien Pollack, Jane Helm and Daniel Adler
The Iron Triangle, also called the Triple Constraint, is a central concept to project management research and practice, representing the relationship between key performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The Iron Triangle, also called the Triple Constraint, is a central concept to project management research and practice, representing the relationship between key performance criteria. However, there is disagreement about which criteria should be represented on the vertices of this triangle. The purpose of this paper is to explore which concepts are part of the Iron Triangle, and how these concepts have changed over time.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explores 45 years of project management research, drawing on a database of 109,804 records from 1970 to 2015. Three corpora were constructed, representing the project management and Time, Cost, and Quality Management literature. Time and Cost are consistently identified as part of the Iron Triangle. However, the status of quality is contested. Key concepts in the project management literature were explored using scientometric research techniques, to understand the relationship between these concepts.
Findings
Significant links were found between Time, Cost, and Quality, verifying these concepts as the vertices on the Iron Triangle. These links were significantly stronger than links to alternatives, such as Scope, Performance, or Requirements. Other concepts that are core to the Iron Triangle were also identified, and how these have changed over time.
Originality/value
This research develops the understanding of a key project management concept by clarifying which concepts are part of the Iron Triangle, based on evidence of how the concept is used in research. This paper also reveals the context in which this concept is used, and how this has changed over the last 45 years.
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Unlike Sisyphus – condemned by Zeus to an eternity of perpetually rolling a massive boulder uphill only for the boulder to roll back down – universities, students and academics…
Abstract
Purpose
Unlike Sisyphus – condemned by Zeus to an eternity of perpetually rolling a massive boulder uphill only for the boulder to roll back down – universities, students and academics seem destined to educational technology experiences ranging from futile and frustrating to effective and engaging. As technology evolves, related costs, applications, interoperability and purposes evolve – as do the students. The purpose of this paper is to propose two contrasting ideologies of technology‐mediated education, LMS teaching and Community Learning, to question the inexorable march towards the former.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach used is a literature review and case study.
Findings
Most traditional universities would embrace a Community Learning ideology, yet many of these same universities practice LMS teaching. This paper draws on the literature to contrast these two technology‐mediated learning ideologies, and argue for Community Learning. These contrary ideologies help administrators and academics reflect upon, and then align institutional ideologies with their educational pedagogy and technology. The paper includes a short case study to illustrate aspects of Community Learning, a few simple ideas for shifting towards Community Learning and future research avenues.
Originality/value
This paper answers calls for critical discourse of effective educational technology use, particularly LMS technology, and adds to a nascent research field that uses ideologies to help explain technology consumption. In addition, this is one of a few papers that reviews social media as a learning management system.
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Robert D. Austin and Lee Devin
Interest in the uses and effects of art and methods of art making in businesses of all kinds is on the rise. In this paper, we show that the “arts‐in‐business movement” is no mere…
Abstract
Purpose
Interest in the uses and effects of art and methods of art making in businesses of all kinds is on the rise. In this paper, we show that the “arts‐in‐business movement” is no mere fad, that it is, in fact, driven by fundamental economic forces, two tectonic shifts moving the business world. Financial crises and other like disruptions not withstanding, these shifts will increasingly influence how companies, especially those based in developed economies, compete. Consequently, business success in a not‐too‐distant future will, for many companies, require a new understanding of art and art making, a sophisticated appreciation of, and a feel for, aesthetic principles.
Design/methodology/approach
We develop an economics and business strategy based model using historical facts and empirical patterns to illustrate how two tectonic shifts now gathering force and momentum will change the way businesses, especially those based in developed economies, compete. The first shift, toward differentiation based business strategies, arises from the emerging realities of the globalized economy, and is enabled by increasingly mature communications and transportation networks. The second shift, toward iterative modes of production that lead to more artful innovation, is supported by recent developments in information technology. We compare the transformation from Industrial to Post‐Industrial economy to a centuries earlier transition from Craft to Industrial economy, demonstrating that the changes underway have potential to be every bit as important as those earlier changes. Our arguments and analyses are based on and summarize findings from a multi‐year field based research project.
Findings
Business success in the not‐too‐distant future will, for many companies, require a new understanding of art and art making, a sophisticated appreciation of, and a feel for, aesthetic principles. Managers will need to improve their understanding of these principles, will succeed or fail in business competition based on how well they master them. Although many have long labeled certain poorly understood aspects of business “art” and wished to turn them into science or engineering, to make them more industrial, something more like the opposite will occur – some formerly industrial aspects of business will evolve into something very like art.
Practical implications
Firms that develop and exploit artful methods will be a step ahead of their competition. Insightful managers should begin now gaining a better understanding of how notions like “aesthetic coherence” can improve their ability to compete.
Originality/value
This paper looks at current events from a perspective rare in business practice and research, presenting familiar facts in a new light, and urging a long‐term view quite different to the current short‐term reasons for moving work off shore. We reach conclusions opposite (or nearly so) what many might casually assume, reaching counterintuitive endpoints of our empirically and analytically developed arguments, which many readers will consider surprising.
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Ilham Nurhidayat and Bevaola Kusumasari
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to address basic empirical and theoretical queries on why and how insiders have the courage to voice their concerns and reveal corruption…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to address basic empirical and theoretical queries on why and how insiders have the courage to voice their concerns and reveal corruption on corruption-related crimes that have been committed in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory research uses the qualitative method and uses a multi-case study in exploring the reality of whistleblowing cases in Indonesia by treating each case with a unique case orientation. Data were acquired through in-depth interviews conducted with whistleblowers and other supporting informants.
Findings
By analysing the rationalisation of an insider’s courage in revealing the corruption act, this study finds out that the act of whistleblowing is driven by the intention developed in the whistleblower’s attitude to defy the actions of wrongdoers. Such an attitude can invoke courage in whistleblowers despite the perceived norms and control that are internally prevalent in the organisation being non-conducive to such acts.
Practical implications
The findings in this paper are expected to guide the government in drafting a policy creating a more effective whistleblowing system that protects whistleblowers.
Originality/value
This study endeavours to fill the existing gap in mainstream research regarding corruption-related crimes in Indonesia that, to date, focusses more on aspects relating to the perpetrators of corruption. This research, conversely, approaches the subject matter from the perspective of whistleblowers.
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Daniel M. Walker, Timothy R. Huerta and Mark L. Diana
Policy makers and practitioners argue that electronic exchange of clinical data across the healthcare system is a key component of improving health service delivery in the United…
Abstract
Policy makers and practitioners argue that electronic exchange of clinical data across the healthcare system is a key component of improving health service delivery in the United States. Provider administrators, however, question the strategic value of participation in health information exchanges (HIEs) and remain reluctant to participate. Existing research fails to adequately illuminate the potential value derived from HIEs by participating organizations. This paper addresses this gap by developing a conceptual model informed by the complementary theoretical perspectives of the relational view and systems theory to specify both a provider organizationʼs internal conditions and the HIE structure necessary for both financial accrual and quality improvement. This two-sided model can assist policymakers as they attempt to encourage HIE development, as well as provider and HIE leadership that seek to benefit from HIEs. The propositions developed from this model can also help guide researchers as they evaluate the impact of HIEs.
Daniel Magalhães Mucci, Fábio Frezatti and Diógenes de Souza Bido
This study aims to investigate the influence of budgeting design characteristics on perceived budgeting usefulness, based on the enabling-coercive framework.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of budgeting design characteristics on perceived budgeting usefulness, based on the enabling-coercive framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops a survey in one large publicly-listed Brazilian company that operates in the electric utility industry. The sample comprises 75 middle managers from different areas of this organization. This study uses structural equation modeling as the data analysis method.
Findings
The results indicate that internal and global transparencies determine middle managers’ perceptions of budgeting usefulness, while no relationship was found for repair capacity and flexibility characteristics. This paper shows that managers, when provided with global and internal transparencies and independently of their level discretion regarding target revisions or the reallocation of resources, perceive budgeting systems as being useful for decision-facilitating and decision-influencing roles.
Practical implications
The findings might be relevant for budgeting professionals to review or design the budgeting system in terms of dribbling potential flaws and increasing its use in the organization.
Originality/value
The study explores the multidimensionality of the enabling-coercive budgeting design construct. This study provides a theoretical contribution to the literature by showing that budget alignment, integration, learning and information sharing are relevant such that an organization could improve the assertiveness using budgeting systems. Besides, this paper provides an opposing view about the supposed relation between flexible budgeting design and budgeting usefulness. Frequently, some management directions are offered by the literature and no guarantee is provided in terms of the connection between the adoption and the usefulness of those mechanisms. Therefore, the findings shed more light on the practical developments in budgeting.
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Nancy J. Adler and Joyce S. Osland
Whereas most societal commentators continue to review the historical patterns of men’s leadership in search of models for 21st-century success, few have begun to recognize, let…
Abstract
Whereas most societal commentators continue to review the historical patterns of men’s leadership in search of models for 21st-century success, few have begun to recognize, let alone appreciate, the equivalent patterns of women’s leadership and the future contributions that women could potentially make as leaders. What could and are women bringing to society as global leaders? Why at this moment in history is there such a marked increase in the number of women leaders? Are we entering an era in which both male and female leaders will shape history, both symbolically and in reality? And if so, will we discover that women, on average, lead in different ways than men, or will we learn that role (global leader) explains more than gender? This chapter reveals the accelerating trends of women joining men in senior leadership positions, establishes the relationship of women leaders to our overall understanding of global leadership, and sets forth an agenda to accomplish much needed research and understanding.
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– The purpose of this paper is to develop insights about the psychological factors that contribute to lean’s success as a holistic and adaptive system.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop insights about the psychological factors that contribute to lean’s success as a holistic and adaptive system.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the best-selling book “Thinking, Fast and Slow” (TFAS) (2011) by Nobel-prize winner Daniel Kahneman to provide a familiar lens for readers who might not otherwise be familiar with the psychology theories that are used in this paper to study lean conceptually. With this approach, the paper sheds light on psychological factors that tie together many of the philosophies, principles and practices of lean.
Findings
The paper shows how lean’s philosophies, principles and practices provide a synergistic and self-reinforcing system that drives employee thinking and actions. TFAS characterizes thought processes as “fast System 1 thinking” that relies on intuition and “slow System 2 thinking” that is more rational and logical. Lean psychology eliminates waste and adds customer value by supporting, enhancing and taking advantage of beneficial fast thinking and motivating and imposing appropriate slow thinking.
Originality/value
The authors develop the concept of lean psychology to describe the relationship between psychology theories and lean. By applying lean psychology, organizations can go beyond superficially adopting a checklist of tools and techniques to more fully take advantage of lean and improve their operations performance.
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Michael Zvolensky, Jafar Bakhshaie, Daniel J. Paulus, Monica Garza, Jeanette Valdivieso, Olaguibel Sampogna, Daniel Bogiaizian, Zuzuky Robles and Norman B. Schmidt
The purpose of this paper is to examine the explanatory role of negative affect in the relation between subjective social status and anxiety/depressive disorders, suicidality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the explanatory role of negative affect in the relation between subjective social status and anxiety/depressive disorders, suicidality symptoms, and disruption in life domains (i.e. disability; work/school, social life, and family life/home responsibilities) among Latinos seeking health services at a primary healthcare facility.
Design/methodology/approach
An experiment was designed using participants including 205 adult Latinos (Mage=39.2; SD=11.4) with annual incomes of less than $30,000. The sample was mostly female (85.9 percent) with a majority (98.5 percent) indicating Spanish as their first language.
Findings
Results indicated that subjective social status was indirectly related to the mental health variables through negative affect. Notably, these observed effects were evident above and beyond the variance accounted for by gender, age, marital status, educational status, employment status, and number of years in the USA.
Research limitations/implications
The present findings suggest that there is merit in focusing further scientific attention on the interplay between subjective social status and negative affect to better understand and possibly intervene to reduce anxiety/depressive vulnerability and disability among Latinos in primary care settings.
Originality/value
The current study sheds light on the relationship between social status and negative affect in the Latino population. Elucidating mental health in a minority population such as the Latino population provides insight into the mental health needs among minorities that have yet to be addressed.
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This chapter provides both an introduction to the volume and a review of literature on health disparities and social determinants.
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter provides both an introduction to the volume and a review of literature on health disparities and social determinants.
Methodology/approach
Literature Review.
Findings
The chapter argues for the importance of greater consideration of social determinants of health disparities. This includes a consideration of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status factors, geographic and place factors, and disparities especially linked to particular diseases.
Originality/value of paper
Reviews the topic of health disparities and social determinants and previews this book.