The purpose of this study is to analyze the interaction between the enablers and barriers to successful project control system (PCS) implementation in petroleum and chemical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the interaction between the enablers and barriers to successful project control system (PCS) implementation in petroleum and chemical projects and to provide a knowledge-based foundation for the evaluation of the dominant factors of PCS success.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated approach of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement) were used. An expert group of industry professionals and academics was consulted at the initial stage as an input for the ISM methodology to explore the contextual relationships among the critical factors to PCS implementation in petroleum and chemical projects.
Findings
This study identifies three dominants enablers of PCS success: the technical skills of the project controller; explicitly defined roles of project team members; and an accurate work breakdown structure. Additionally, six dominant barriers to successful PCS implementation have been identified: lack of standard processes, vague contract deliverables, unclear project goals, unclear project milestones, disparate control system between owner and contractor and lack of information communication. Organizations in the petroleum and chemical sectors should put more effort into the development of these factors to optimize the implementation of PCS.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation of this current study is its focus on the petroleum and chemical sectors in Saudi Arabia. It is expected that the findings will have wider applicability, but further studies in different sectors and geographic regions should be undertaken to validate this assumption. In this study, a second validation expert group was used to ensure the reliability of the results as much as was possible. However, further studies could be completed to evaluate alternate classification schemes and to test the robustness of the expert consensus and techniques reported, in this study, including an increased number of experts.
Practical implications
The present study makes some practical contributions to the project delivery process. It provides different project stakeholders with a better understanding of the factors that improve PCS outcomes and helps project owners and contractors to evaluate the PCS used by both parties to understand how they might be aligned for successful project execution.
Originality/value
The successful implementation of PCS is a key contributor to the total project delivery process. Although there is growing attention on PCS as a critical project management tool in petroleum and chemical projects, the literature in project management shows that PCS implementation has not been taken up as much as originally anticipated. This paper will address this gap by focusing on improving the take-up of strategical PCS implementation through the identification of six dominant enablers and nine dominant barriers as driver factors of success.
Details
Keywords
Rehab Iftikhar and Catherine Lions
The paper aims at identifying knowledge sharing barriers and enablers in an interorganizational setting at different levels of units. For this purpose, the interorganizational…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims at identifying knowledge sharing barriers and enablers in an interorganizational setting at different levels of units. For this purpose, the interorganizational setting of Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit project in Pakistan is examined.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts an exploratory single case study approach. The empirical data comprise semi-structured interviews and archival documents. Thematic analysis is used for analyzing the data.
Findings
The findings identify distinct knowledge sharing barriers and enablers at different level of units (individual, team, organizational and interorganizational). Based on the findings, an integrative framework of knowledge sharing barriers, enablers, and levels of units is proposed. Furthermore, the findings provide guidance to managers as the findings show how different knowledge sharing barriers and enablers are important at different levels of units.
Originality/value
This study novelty lies in determining separate sets of knowledge sharing barriers and enablers at different level of units in an interorganizational project. This study contributes to the literature on knowledge sharing by studying an interorganizational project.
Details
Keywords
Roma Mitra Debnath and Ravi Shankar
The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant enablers and barriers related to technical education. It seeks to critically analyze the relationship amongst them so that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant enablers and barriers related to technical education. It seeks to critically analyze the relationship amongst them so that policy makers can focus on relevant parameters to improve the service quality of technical education.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study employs the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach to model the crucial parameters of technical education. The parameters discussed are categorized under “enablers” and “barriers”. The enablers would help policy makers to improve and develop the curriculum of the technical education and the identifying barriers would help the decision maker to improve upon those variables.
Findings
The major findings of this study are to prioritize the strategic parameters in reducing the risks associated with technical education. The model also proposes a hierarchical structure classifying the parameters as drivers and enablers.
Research limitations/implications
The study proposes a scientific way to model the enablers and barriers to become a progressive institution in the emerging era of globalization and modernization. This would help to prioritize the issues as the enablers and barriers are hierarchically structured and categorized.
Practical implications
The paper maps out a course of action and the adoption of the proposed framework would provide a competitive edge for India over others. Also, the various stakeholders would be satisfied, which would be beneficial for the system as a whole.
Originality/value
The application of ISM to the decision making process is the unique feature in the field of technical education in India. The integrated framework of policy related parameters would contribute towards overall growth and development.
Details
Keywords
Heleen De Goey, Per Hilletofth and David Eriksson
This study aims to explore the enablers and barriers to design-driven innovation, defined as the innovation of product meanings, in the product-development process. Previous…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the enablers and barriers to design-driven innovation, defined as the innovation of product meanings, in the product-development process. Previous research provides some insights into what enables and hinders design-driven innovation; however a detailed understanding of these factors is missing.
Design/methodology/approach
A long-term case study was conducted at a furniture company between 2009 and 2016. Interviews were conducted with respondents within the company, as well as with partners such as retailers and designers.
Findings
This paper presents an overview of the identified enablers and barriers. The results demonstrate that enablers and barriers occur in all phases of the product-development process. Second, the connections between enablers and barriers are presented. These are found both within and across different phases, and extend beyond the company’s influence.
Research limitations/implications
This study demonstrates how the innovation of product meanings is influenced throughout all phases of the product-development process. Therefore, there is a need to go beyond the mere identification of enablers and barriers. More is gained from generating a thorough understanding of the causes and connections of these factors, including the changes over time.
Practical implications
This study demonstrates the need for companies to be able to map what enables and hinders design-driven innovation in their product-development process, where a distinction needs to be made between internal and external factors, to enhance value creation.
Originality/value
This study presents a rare long-term case study on design-driven innovation. This study provides new knowledge on the enablers and barriers a company faces while adapting its product-development process to accommodate design-driven innovation.
Details
Keywords
U.T.G. Perera, Richard Haigh and Dilanthi Amaratunga
This study aims to identify the key barriers and enablers within a developing country context (Sri Lanka) to tackle the public health impacts during road construction projects…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the key barriers and enablers within a developing country context (Sri Lanka) to tackle the public health impacts during road construction projects. The current impact assessment process of the country and the better ways of integrating public health impacts into the road construction projects are discussed in this study.
Design/methodology/approach
The first phase of empirical investigations on barriers and enablers to address public health impacts during road construction projects was conducted via expert interviews. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 academic and industry experts with at least two years of experience in road construction, public health and environmental management. Data collection for the case studies followed the initial expert interview guidelines to identify the barriers and enablers to integrating public health impacts and vulnerabilities during road construction projects. Multiple case studies were selected to better understand the barriers and enablers in Sri Lanka to consider public health during road construction projects. Four road construction projects in Sri Lanka were selected as the cases for this research.
Findings
This study identified four main categories of barriers and enablers, including knowledge, partnerships, management and the appraisal process. Research findings show that partnership, resource and management-related barriers are the most perceived issues in tackling public health in Sri Lankan road projects. Among them, the lack of institutional collaboration and funds and resources were frequently expressed as the main barriers to addressing public health during road construction projects. These findings provided lessons on the governance and policy framework regarding integrating public health impacts into road construction projects, including the potential to integrate health into other forms of impact assessment of road constructions, such as EIAs and SIAs.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to four case studies in Sri Lanka. The empirical evidence is limited to the expert’s opinion on a particular subject. Public health data was not gathered or analysed in this research.
Practical implications
These findings provided lessons on the governance and policy framework regarding integrating public health impacts into road construction projects, including the potential to integrate health into other forms of impact assessment of road constructions, such as EIAs and SIAs. They can also aid decision-makers and project managers in more comprehensive impact assessment and monitoring during road construction activities while mitigating public health impacts.
Originality/value
A lack of empirical evidence in the public health impacts and vulnerability literature in road construction and a shortage of public health impact assessment in the current EIA process in the global and Sri Lankan context highlighted the need for public health-related research in road construction projects. This study contributes to the theory by identifying key barriers and enablers during the construction process of road projects to tackle public health impacts.
Details
Keywords
Anne‐Mette Lilleoere and Ebba Holme Hansen
Because selling innovative products is crucial to its livelihood, the pharmaceutical industry has a fundamental need to share knowledge to stimulate the process of knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
Because selling innovative products is crucial to its livelihood, the pharmaceutical industry has a fundamental need to share knowledge to stimulate the process of knowledge creation. This study seeks to explore knowledge‐sharing enablers and barriers in pharmaceutical R&D.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study was carried out in a pharmaceutical company in Denmark. R&D professionals were asked to identify organizational enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing. Their accounts were processed as text during workshops. Data were condensed thematically. The analysis was combined with the conceptualization of tacit and explicit knowledge as proposed by Nonaka and Takeuchi.
Findings
The research shows that R&D professionals have different views and practices regarding engaging in knowledge sharing. This reveals that knowledge sharing is multi‐faceted and that one standard for R&D professionals does not exist. The enablers identified recognized the use of tacit knowledge. The existence of enablers and barriers with oppositional influence on knowledge‐sharing practices is evident. Furthermore, synergy is identified in the knowledge‐sharing enablers provided that the settings fostering personal closeness to colleagues are stimulated. Physical proximity to colleagues therefore has obvious influence on knowledge‐sharing practices.
Research limitations/implications
This study was based on a single case study. The extent to which the findings can be generalized to other industries is unknown.
Practical implications
The findings have implications for R&D managers who must be aware of these professional diversities in order to enhance knowledge‐sharing practices. Attention should also be given to the synergies hidden in knowledge‐sharing enablers.
Originality/value
Focused implementation of enablers will increase knowledge‐sharing practices and minimize barriers.
Details
Keywords
Poonam Veer Ramjeawon and Jennifer Rowley
Universities need to manage their knowledge assets, and, to work creatively to maximize the enablers and minimize the barriers associated with knowledge management processes. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Universities need to manage their knowledge assets, and, to work creatively to maximize the enablers and minimize the barriers associated with knowledge management processes. This research offers a comparative perspective on knowledge management in universities in two countries whose university sectors are at different stages of their development, South Africa and Mauritius.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with expert informants from 10 high-ranking universities in Mauritius and South Africa, who held senior roles in research and its management within their respective universities
Findings
Both enablers and barriers (eandb) were evident in relation to: strategies and policies, organizational structures, rewards and incentives, culture, technology, leadership, human resources, resources and funding, and university-industry linkages, although the significance of these eandbs varied between the three knowledge processes, knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer. Overall, Mauritius, with a less developed university sector, faced more challenges in respect of knowledge management than did South Africa.
Originality/value
This study's theoretical contribution is a holistic framework for enabling KM in universities on the basis of a mapping between KM eandb's and KM processes. This comparative country level study, embracing a number of universities, offers insights into national policy, and cultural expectations that influence the extent and nature of barriers and enablers to effective KM. The insights offered by this study will be valuable for Mauritius and South Africa, and also for universities in other countries.
Details
Keywords
Applying theories of entrepreneurship, the paper aims to identify the factors – with theoretical explanations – that act as barriers to migrant women entrepreneurs (MWEs)…
Abstract
Purpose
Applying theories of entrepreneurship, the paper aims to identify the factors – with theoretical explanations – that act as barriers to migrant women entrepreneurs (MWEs), particularly women from developing countries starting businesses in developed economies. The paper further seeks to explore which barriers also have the potential to act as enablers.
Design/methodology/approach
The relationship between immigration, ethnicity, gender and entrepreneurship has received little theoretical attention. Linking these discourses, the paper theoretically develops a framework of the possible barriers or enablers faced by MWEs.
Findings
The paper reinforces earlier research that MWEs are not a homogeneous group; the problems they face are multifaceted, and MWEs from developing countries are the most disadvantaged of entrepreneurs. It identifies multiple factors – human capital, culture, family, institutional factors, gender and social capital – as possible barriers for MWEs. Findings further indicate that among those barriers, culture, family, social capital and gender have the potential to play a dual role for MWEs, by acting either as a barrier or an enabler. Findings also highlight the overarching and predominant influence of culture – as explained by cultural theory – acting as a barrier for MWEs from developing countries.
Research limitations/implications
This is a theoretical paper. Empirical research is needed to test the framework and its different dimensions. Given the diversity of MWEs and the factors that shape their entrepreneurial endeavours, it is difficult to develop a single framework to encompass the complexity of the situation. Nevertheless, the proposed framework provides useful insights into the barriers or enablers that MWEs face, along with theoretical explanations and, thus, acts as a springboard for future research.
Practical implications
Given the increasing potential of MWEs, the paper provides implications for not only addressing the barriers but also viewing the barriers as ways to promote entrepreneurship among such minority groups. It further stresses a needs‐based approach to customizing policies to benefit the diverse group of MWEs.
Originality/value
By providing a theory‐based framework of the barriers or enablers faced by MWEs, along with policy implications, the paper contributes to a better understanding of the phenomenon of migrant women entrepreneurship.
Details
Keywords
Luiz Philipi Calegari, Marianne Costa Avalone and Diego Castro Fettermann
This study is to propose a procedure to support decisions on which enablers should be employed to minimize the impact of barriers to implementing mass customization strategies in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study is to propose a procedure to support decisions on which enablers should be employed to minimize the impact of barriers to implementing mass customization strategies in food companies.
Design/methodology/approach
Through interpretive structural modeling, the authors analyzed the relationships between barriers. Then, with an approach similar to the quality function deployment technique, commonly used in general product and process development, the authors clarified the relationships between barriers and enablers.
Findings
The results revealed 19 barriers and 17 enablers for implementing food mass customization. The analysis indicates that most of the barriers (16) present strong associations with each other. The barrier “products with non-customizable features” depends on the whole chain of associations and causes a minor impact on the other barriers. In turn, the barrier “ingredient incompatibility” causes impact over the whole chain, and its dependence on other barriers is very low.
Research limitations/implications
The results were tested in a single Brazilian company in the food sector.
Practical implications
The findings can allow food manufacturing companies to focus their efforts on the improvement of enabling technologies, such as smart packaging, Internet of Things and additive manufacture.
Social implications
This study would help food companies to improve their business and provide better products to society.
Originality/value
There are few recommendations in the literature to how to implement mass customization strategy in companies from the food sector. This study fills in this gap presenting a procedure to guide managerial staff to develop this promising approach for food companies.
Details
Keywords
Imran Ali, Ngoc Dang Khoa Nguyen and Shivam Gupta
Due to the unprecedented disruptions in business operations, many organisations are turning to Cloud ERP implementation to ensure employees can access real-time business…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the unprecedented disruptions in business operations, many organisations are turning to Cloud ERP implementation to ensure employees can access real-time business information from anywhere, enabling the continuity of business activities. As a result, over the past decades, literature on Cloud ERP implementation has seen significant growth across different subject areas. This paper aims to present a systematic literature review (SLR) that consolidates the literature scattered across various multidisciplinary subject areas, explores recent developments and identifies knowledge gaps for more impactful future research.
Design/methodology/approach
An SLR approach has been applied to a sample of 73 articles published until 1 February 2022.
Findings
Our SLR identifies and consolidates a set of critical enablers and barriers to the implementation of Cloud ERP. What is particularly interesting is that this study established a link between these enablers and barriers and four key innovation outcomes: product, service, process and business model innovations. A rigorous framework has been devised that demonstrates the nexus between enablers and barriers to Cloud ERP implementation and innovation outcomes in an organisation. In addition, this study has recognised several organisational theories from information systems literature that have the potential for future research in this emerging area.
Research limitations/implications
This SLR makes several theoretical contributions to the literature on Cloud ERP implementation and its impact on innovation outcomes.
Practical implications
The review consolidates a wide range of literature to provide decision-makers with an integrated understanding of the most influential factors in Cloud ERP implementation.
Originality/value
SLR provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of research on the topic, offering unique perspectives on developments in theory and knowledge gaps, as well as identifying future research opportunities in the area.