Nilson Varella Rübenich, Eric Charles Henri Dorion and Luciene Eberle
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the management practices that contribute to single and double cycles of organizational learning in the vocational education of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the management practices that contribute to single and double cycles of organizational learning in the vocational education of the Brazilian higher education technology courses (HETC), and to study the learning outcomes that result through the Brazilian Ministry of Education SINAES indicators.
Design/methodology/approach
It consisted in both participant observation and quantitative phases. The participant observation phase included a benchmarking activity at École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) de Montréal, to analyze and delimitate their practices for the preparation of the second phase, test the hypotheses by means of modeling of structural equations.
Findings
The key practices that contribute to organizational learning in the Brazilian HETC were identified through a benchmark activity at ÉTS by using a quantitative research scheme of single cycles of organizational learning, and further in correspondence with the Brazilian criteria (SINAES-Ministry of Education).
Research limitations/implications
The extent of the sample is concentrated in the southern region of Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná), limiting its representativeness to a regional basis.
Practical implications
Practices that contribute to organizational learning are a counterpoint and a complement of the Brazilian Ministry of Education SINAES indicators, which value the formalization of those courses and the future actions in the Brazilian universities.
Social implications
The study re-inforces the importance of organizational learning for the development of excellence in Brazilian HETC.
Originality/value
The results contribute to build analysis frameworks on the relationships between management practices, organizational learning, benchmarking and organizational outcomes, particularly in the management of the technology courses and for Brazilian universities.
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Fernando Fantoni Bencke, Eric Charles Henri Dorion, Cleber Cristiano Prodanov and Pelayo Munhoz Olea
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and understand the condition that lead to a constitution’s path of Brazilian Science Parks, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and understand the condition that lead to a constitution’s path of Brazilian Science Parks, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and consequently to propose a new dimension of analysis to the Triple Helix.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was used to elaborate a descriptive and exploratory research design, where a case study method was applied on six science parks.
Findings
The use of the Triple Helix model could not explain the Brazilian Science Park development realities. A new element, related to the innovation model, was considered as a determinant in the constitution of the Brazilian parks, and is represented as the community leadership category, as the Fourth Helix.
Research limitations/implications
Since it is a qualitative study, the results obtained have a strong relation with the local, cultural and historically constructed contexts. Bias from the researchers’ subjectivity in the data collection procedures is present, although the validity and reliability measures were performed.
Practical implications
The construction of designed and implemented specific “fertile models,” which are capable of developing the necessary conditions for the constitution and the consolidation of science parks in Brazil.
Social implications
Such empirical contribution comes from data referring to spontaneous and endogenous local community development movements.
Originality/value
The identification of a new element of the Triple Helix innovation model is represented as the community leadership category and is considered as a key determinant in the constitution of the Brazilian Science Parks.
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Luciene Eberle, Gabriel Sperandio Milan and Eric Dorion
The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the perception of customers (students) about the services provided by Brazilian universities, through the identification of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the perception of customers (students) about the services provided by Brazilian universities, through the identification of the attributes that impact on customer satisfaction and the dimensions or factors related to quality in services. This may generate a better management and seek more competitive edge in graduate courses.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method was developed in two phases: the first one is characterized by a qualitative and exploratory approach and the second one as a quantitative research of conclusive character. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were implemented with a semi-structured approach. A survey was performed in the final phase and a multivariate statistical technique was used for the data analysis.
Findings
The results echoed in a set of 40 analyzed attributes (variables), distributed in six dimensions of quality in services, in the graduate courses (second cycle) of administration, which could serve as a basis for orienting other Brazilian universities.
Research limitations/implications
The data analysis did not include crossed techniques that could have enriched the analysis process. Another limitation that can be pointed out is the fact of having only adopted a factor analysis method to identify the dimensions of service quality that influence customer satisfaction (students). In addition, data collection was cross-sectional, which does not allow any change verification of the respondents’ perception.
Practical implications
Taking into account the current scenario of increased competition between the Brazilian universities to attract and retain students, the knowledge of student’s preferences and the dimensions of quality service can effectively contribute in the development of strategies and actions for an effective graduate programs management (second cycle), and for their consolidation in the Brazilian market.
Social implications
The development of more adequate courses, in terms of level of quality and relevancy.
Originality/value
The identification of the attributes that represent the quality dimensions, related to the services provided, can assist any Brazilian university to prioritize its strategies and actions and to contribute to excellence in education. In addition, it may encourage customer retention (students) and consolidate its market position. Moreover, the study can contribute as a source of empirical data for transferability and benchmark strategies in other contexts for Brazilian universities.
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Julio Cesar Ferro De Guimarães, Eric Charles Henri Dorion and Eliana Andréa Severo
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for analyzing the relationships between the antecedent factors, mediators and consequences of sustainable operations (SO)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for analyzing the relationships between the antecedent factors, mediators and consequences of sustainable operations (SO), which can be applied for empirical studies in the manufacturing industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the importance of identifying the determinants of SO, a qualitative and exploratory research was developed through an extensive review of the literature.
Findings
The main theoretical contribution of this research on organizational studies is the SO analysis proposition framework, which allows the elaboration of scales, based on observable variables of each factor, as well as evaluating the influence intensity of the relations between the constructs.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework of this research was developed to analyze companies of the manufacturing industry. In order to use the proposed framework in other industries (commerce, services), it will be necessary to make adaptations and adjustments on the observable variables and constructs.
Originality/value
The paper has an important theoretical value in proposing scales for the SO factors and can be useful for future quantitative approach and surveys. Consequently, the researcher will be able to evaluate the scales of the factors and the intensity of the relations between observable variables in the formation of the constructs, as well as the intensity of influence among the constructs.
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Leander Luiz Klein, Julio Cesar Ferro De Guimarães, Eliana Andréa Severo, Eric Charles Henri Dorion and Thiago Schirmer Feltrin
As few studies have explored the causal relationship between both the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability and the lean practices in higher education institutions (HEIs)…
Abstract
Purpose
As few studies have explored the causal relationship between both the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability and the lean practices in higher education institutions (HEIs), the purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationships between lean practices and sustainable practices in Brazilian HEIs.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted with 454 public and private HEIs workers in Brazil. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling were used for data analysis.
Findings
The results support the hypotheses of the study that HEI lean practices are positively related to environmental, economic and social practices in HEIs.
Practical implications
HEI managers must evaluate the use of lean practices in the organizational processes, to identify their weaknesses and to improve the aspects that influence a balanced TBL of sustainability practices.
Social implications
The findings highlight the importance of leadership as a support for the workers, as a continuous improvement practice on a daily basis and a focus on the student as a basic principle of HEI success.
Originality/value
This article provides new measurement and structural models to analyze Lean thinking practices as the predictors of sustainability practices. The work could assist any HEI in prioritizing its strategies and actions and to contribute to excellence in decision-making. This study could contribute as a source of empirical data for transferability in other contexts for HEIs.
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Leander Luiz Klein, Silvia Inês Dallavalle de Pádua, Rajat Gera, Kelmara Mendes Vieira and Eric Charles Henri Dorion
This study aims to examine the influence of lean management practices on organizational process effectiveness and maturity. The underlying assumption of this paper is that lean…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the influence of lean management practices on organizational process effectiveness and maturity. The underlying assumption of this paper is that lean management practices may have a positive relation with the initiation and the adoption of a process management approach and be a first step to process management success.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a quantitative perspective, a survey was carried out in the Brazilian Federal Police with a valid sample of 991 participants. Data analysis was executed with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling.
Findings
Lean management practices have a positive influence on the Brazilian Federal Police process maturity and on process effectiveness. Process maturity has a positive impact on process effectiveness. The results extend the applicability of lean management practices in the public service scenario. The results will decrease the high failure rates in process transformation projects.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is that the researchers could not maintain full control of the research respondents because the data collection was carried out online.
Practical implications
Considering a scenario of increased pressure to upgrade organizational decisional process in the public sector and to offer better public services, the lean management practices can effectively contribute to the development of strategies and actions that will enhance a more effective public service management reality.
Social implications
This study may contribute as a source of empirical data for future research in other national public organizations and may assist others to redesigning its strategies and actions to achieve excellence in decision-making, by adopting a more agile quality public service with less costs and waste.
Originality/value
New measurement and structural models were defined to analyze lean management practices in the public service as the predictors of organizational process maturity and effectiveness. The discussion on lean management practices, as a first step in process approach applicability, enhances a new process-based management perspective.
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Roberto Birch Gonçalves, Eric Charles Henri Dorion, Cristine Hermann Nodari, Fernanda Lazzari and Pelayo Munhoz Olea
The practice of field burning has been used for many years in the south regions of Brazil as an ideal way to maintain pastures. The purpose of this paper is to understand if such…
Abstract
Purpose
The practice of field burning has been used for many years in the south regions of Brazil as an ideal way to maintain pastures. The purpose of this paper is to understand if such activity is logically explicable or if it is the result of a cultural reality, being “prisoner” of this technique because of path dependence, within the paradigm of the path dependence theory.
Design/methodology/approach
This present research is exploratory. The use of cases study was the most appropriate technique to explore the field burning practices and their impact in this specific region of Brazil, while describing its context, for which limits are not clearly defined. Thus, this research carries out a multi-case study that provides a greater perception than a single case and has an identical methodological structure.
Findings
This paper analyzed the reasons why the producers insist with the procedure and identified these reasons are not merely economical. The study demonstrates a clear path dependent process and it became obvious that once the technique is part of the family use history, it anchors a strong conviction that field burning is actually the best technique to be used for land maintenance.
Research limitations/implications
This work suggests a need for other specific researches to substantially complement field burning practices to other phenomenon.
Practical implications
The fact that alternative techniques are rejected, giving priority to field burning, it may suggest that other situations and practices may be tied to inadequate or less profitable technologies as well (milk, confined raising, pasturing). The study raises the question on the validity of such practice as a paradigm of reason and pragmatism, or as a “Platoons Cavern” in which they are “trapped” in their decision process developed over time.
Originality/value
Presence and implications of environmental laws, which tend to be observed by the producers much more because they fear punishment than because they really understand the benefits of its application; showing the government’s failure in teaching and informing the producers about environmental laws.
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Gabriel Sperandio Milan, Eric Dorion and José Alberto da Rosa Matos
The purpose of this paper is to identify the mechanisms adopted by the distribution channel of a leading Brazilian truck manufacturing company, which generates various conflicts…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the mechanisms adopted by the distribution channel of a leading Brazilian truck manufacturing company, which generates various conflicts that have a negative impact on the performance of the channel operations, with a focus on the conflict causes. The study aims to expand the domain of distribution channel conflict management as a benchmark activity by exploring the potential sources of conflict occurring in a major Brazilian distribution channel.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method is exploratory, using a case study from a major company of the automotive sector of Serra Gaúcha, Brazil. The distribution processes are analyzed in a real and specific context, implemented by means of individual, in‐depth interviews, with the application of a basic script of questions.
Findings
The findings indicate the existence of seven potential sources of conflict and 23 conflicting issues, considered relevant and of negative impact on the distribution channel performance of the manufacturing company.
Research limitations/implications
The sample cannot be considered as representative but it is, to a certain point, reliable because it refers to one entity only.
Practical implications
The results of this research can serve as indicators for managers of a company to invest time and the necessary resources for the maintenance and consolidation of the relationships with its dealerships.
Originality/value
The present work shows its originality through the study of consumers' preference for determined products and services as a conflict management basis for Brazilian national distribution channels' stakeholders. In this context, a distribution channel conflict case study may constitute an important empirical source of data for a benchmark strategy.
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Harri Lorentz, Yongjiang Shi, Olli-Pekka Hilmola and Jagjit Singh Srai
This article contributes the following: First, it argues along previous works that rites of passage include continuous testing, which needs to be passed in order to gain a certain…
Abstract
Purpose
This article contributes the following: First, it argues along previous works that rites of passage include continuous testing, which needs to be passed in order to gain a certain level of acceptance within the research field. Here besides the emotional effort, researchers have to position themselves and are confronted with questions of trust. Second, it is argued that the collected and analysed data on the rites of passage enable us to make sense of street-level bureaucrats' work and functioning of state institutions, especially in a police context. Reflections on research negotiations drew the author's attention to how mistrust towards the “other”, here defined as migrant other, prevails the migration regime. This mistrust is later transferred onto the researcher, whose stay is deemed questionable and eventually intrusive.
Design/methodology/approach
The collected data include semi-structured interviews, as well as several months of participant observation with street-level officers and superordinate staff, deepening previous discussions on research access and entrance. It further allows understanding street-level narratives, especially when it comes to the culture of suspicion embedded in police work, connecting the experienced tests with the everyday knowledge of police officers and case workers.
Findings
The analysis of rites of passage enable us to make sense of street-level bureaucrats' work, especially in a police context, since we find a specific way of suspicion directed towards the researcher. It is based on a general mistrust towards the “other”, here defined as migrant other, whose stay is deemed illegal and thus intruding. In this context, the positionality of the researcher becomes crucial and needs strategical planning.
Research limitations/implications
Accessing and being able to enter the “field” is of crucial relevance to researchers, interested in studying, e.g. sense-making and decision-making of the respective interlocutors. Yet, ethnographic accounts often disclose only partially, which hurdles, limiting or contesting their aspirations to conduct fieldwork, were encountered.
Originality/value
The personal role of researchers, their background and emotions are often neglected when describing ethnographic research. Struggles and what these can say about the studied field are thus left behind, although they contribute to a richer understanding of the functioning of the chosen fields. This work will examine how passing the test and going through rituals of “becoming a member” can tell us more about the functioning of a government agency, here a Swedish border police unit.