Lumina S. Albert, Grace Hanley Wright and Thomas J. Dean
The Neenan Company is a construction firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado, known for their efforts in pioneering the advancement of the design/build approach to construction. With…
Abstract
Synopsis
The Neenan Company is a construction firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado, known for their efforts in pioneering the advancement of the design/build approach to construction. With a history of industry leadership, innovative contracting methods, and ethical business practices, the company now faces management, customer relations, and financial challenges. Serious structural problems were discovered in a number of public schools and other buildings built by the company. Thrown into a whirlwind of shock, Randy Myers, President of the company, must consider how to respond to the crisis, and how to prevent these issues in the future. Written from his perspective, this case provides a platform for considering the challenges that can result from industry innovation, ethical decision-making, and crisis management.
Research methodology
For the development of this case, the authors interviewed the top management at the Neenan Company: Founder David Neenan, President Randy Myers, and Donna Smith, Vice President of Business Development. The authors also interviewed current employees, previous employees of Neenan, representatives of school buildings built by Neenan, stakeholders, other experts in the construction field and existing customers of the company. The company made internal documents available to the authors, including financial statements and quality control and assessment tools, which were provided by Ryan Dellos, Chief Financial Officer. The authors surveyed financial documents and business documents to analyze pertinent information and data relevant to the case. All the interviews were recorded, coded, and analyzed to include multiple perspectives. Extensive online research was conducted on the construction industry and The Neenan Company which included several news articles and interviews on David and Randy. Additionally, the authors carefully studied the news reports by The Denver Post and other related press materials. Experts from the construction field and financial field provided assistance with data analysis and interpretation. The authors used a variety of academic resources to draw connections between the issues faced by Neenan and concepts discussed in business courses.
Relevant courses and levels
This case has applications in entrepreneurship, small business management, business ethics, leadership, organizational structure/design, and new venture management courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It also contains critical areas of decision-making relevant to an advanced strategic management course. The case can be introduced at any stage of the term, and is specifically relevant to discussions focussing on innovation and growth, corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making, stakeholder theory, entrepreneurial crisis management, and long-term venture success.
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Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace
This chapter explores Generation Z's perceptions of learning. Learning can be viewed from three distinct lenses: effectiveness, enjoyment, and engagement of various modalities…
Abstract
This chapter explores Generation Z's perceptions of learning. Learning can be viewed from three distinct lenses: effectiveness, enjoyment, and engagement of various modalities. Modalities include demonstrated (watch in person), video-based (watch online), intrapersonal (independent), interpersonal (in collaboration with others), social (among others but not working together), and experiential (doing). Effectiveness involves the extent that a certain modality is effective for learning. Enjoyment is reflective of preference and satisfaction with different modalities. Finally, engagement is the actual utilization of specific modalities.
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Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace
This chapter offers information about the formation of the peer personality of generations, with a specific focus on the global peer personality of Generation Z as found in the…
Abstract
This chapter offers information about the formation of the peer personality of generations, with a specific focus on the global peer personality of Generation Z as found in the Global Gen Z Study. An explanation of the study's data collection procedures, including existing validated scales used within the survey, and data analysis methods, including the use of regionally disaggregated groups from the World Values Survey (World Values Survey Association, 2022), is discussed.
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Corey Seemiller, Niva Dolev and Meghan Grace
This chapter provides an overview of the factors influencing interpersonal dynamics in contemporary culture, including high levels of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and…
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the factors influencing interpersonal dynamics in contemporary culture, including high levels of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), new technologies, growing competition for resources, highly diverse societies, and changing needs of professions and their likely effect on Generation Z's perspectives on interpersonal dynamics. Gen Zers prefer to do a task than lead it; like to work in groups; and are motivated by relational indicators. Overall, this is a generation that wants to come together to find solutions to epic challenges.
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Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace
This chapter offers a summary of the highlights from each chapter, culminating in the construction of the global peer personality profile of Generation Z. Characteristics…
Abstract
This chapter offers a summary of the highlights from each chapter, culminating in the construction of the global peer personality profile of Generation Z. Characteristics, motivations, interpersonal connections, learning and communication preferences, values and concerns, career aspirations, and social impact are discussed.
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Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace
Regardless of nationality, culture, or region of the world, one thing is true – Generation Z wants to make a difference. They are motivated by impacting others, want careers that…
Abstract
Regardless of nationality, culture, or region of the world, one thing is true – Generation Z wants to make a difference. They are motivated by impacting others, want careers that have purpose and meaning, and find solace in shared values and interpersonal connections. Overwhelmingly, they believe that their ability to be loving, kind, respectful, and inclusive can create a more unified and connected world. They also believe that if they work together to find common ground as well as educate themselves and others, their generation can take individual actions and develop innovative solutions to address monumental world problems.
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This research explores perceptions of knowledge management processes held by managers and employees in a service industry. To date, empirical research on knowledge management in…
Abstract
This research explores perceptions of knowledge management processes held by managers and employees in a service industry. To date, empirical research on knowledge management in the service industry is sparse. This research seeks to examine absorptive capacity and its four capabilities of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation and their impact on effective knowledge management. All of these capabilities are strategies that enable external knowledge to be recognized, imported and integrated into, and further developed within the organization effectively. The research tests the relationships between absorptive capacity and effective knowledge management through analysis of quantitative data (n = 549) drawn from managers and employees in 35 residential aged care organizations in Western Australia. Responses were analysed using Partial Least Square-based Structural Equation Modelling. Additional analysis was conducted to assess if the job role (of manager or employee) and three industry context variables of profit motive, size of business and length of time the organization has been in business, impacted on the hypothesized relationships.
Structural model analysis examines the relationships between variables as hypothesized in the research framework. Analysis found that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities correlated significantly with effective knowledge management, with absorptive capacity explaining 56% of the total variability for effective knowledge management. Findings from this research also show that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities provide a useful framework for examining knowledge management in the service industry. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the perceptions held between managers and employees, nor between respondents in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Furthermore, the size of the organization and length of time the organization has been in business did not impact on absorptive capacity, the four capabilities and effective knowledge management.
The research considers implications for business in light of these findings. The role of managers in providing leadership across the knowledge management process was confirmed, as well as the importance of guiding routines and knowledge sharing throughout the organization. Further, the results indicate that within the participating organizations there are discernible differences in the way that some organizations manage their knowledge, compared to others. To achieve effective knowledge management, managers need to provide a supportive workplace culture, facilitate strong employee relationships, encourage employees to seek out new knowledge, continually engage in two-way communication with employees and provide up-to-date policies and procedures that guide employees in doing their work. The implementation of knowledge management strategies has also been shown in this research to enhance the delivery and quality of residential aged care.
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Andy Inett, Grace Wright, Louise Roberts and Anne Sheeran
Offenders with intellectual disability (ID) have been largely neglected in past forensic literature on assessment of dynamic risk factors. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate…
Abstract
Purpose
Offenders with intellectual disability (ID) have been largely neglected in past forensic literature on assessment of dynamic risk factors. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the predictive validity of the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START), in a sample of males with IDs in a low-secure hospital (n=28).
Design/methodology/approach
A prospective analysis was conducted, with START scores as the predictor variables, and the number of recorded aversive incidents as the outcome measure.
Findings
Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that total START risk scores had a significant high predictive accuracy for incidents of physical aggression to others (area under the curve (AUC)=0.710, p<0.001) and property damage/theft (AUC=0.730, p<0.001), over a 30-day period, reducing to medium predictive validity over a 90-day period. Medium predictive validity was also identified for incidents of verbal aggression, suicide, self-harm, and stalking and intimidation. START strength scores were also predictive of overt aggression (AUC=0.716), possible reasons for this are explored.
Research limitations/implications
The small sample size limits the generalisability of the findings, and further research is required.
Practical implications
The paper offers preliminary support for the use of the START with ID offenders in low-secure settings. Given the lack of validation of any previous dynamic risk assessment tools, multi-disciplinary teams in such settings now have the option to use a tool which has potentially good validity with an ID population.
Originality/value
This study represents the first attempt to examine the predictive validity of the START with ID offenders, and a step forward in the understanding of dynamic risk factors for violence in this population. The significant predictive relationship with incidents of physical aggression and property damage offers clinicians a preliminary evidence base supporting its use in low-secure settings.
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The divergent interests of franchisor and franchisee give rise to significant ex-post conflict following the purchase of a franchise. Australian regulators have sought to assist…
Abstract
Purpose
The divergent interests of franchisor and franchisee give rise to significant ex-post conflict following the purchase of a franchise. Australian regulators have sought to assist transparency in franchising decision making by legislating for disclosure documents that expose key variables that theoretically determine choice on the part of prospective franchisees. The purpose of this paper is to explore the value proposition of the disclosure document and tests its normative effectiveness using a signal-theoretic perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Potential investors were asked to consider selected attributes through a choice-based survey, consistent with consumer theory, and focussing on an attribute-based determination of value. However, complex decision making in general and choice modeling can place severe cognitive burdens on respondents and induce satisficing rather than maximizing behavioral patterns. Best-worst scaling (BWS) provided a means for potential purchasers to respond coherently.
Findings
Findings indicate limited capacity for potential investors to rationalize the simplistic choices presented, suggesting that franchise choice is determined to a large degree by non-rational factors.
Research limitations/implications
This research is embryonic (exploratory) in nature with the findings providing an imperative for further investigation into workable attributes of franchise systems. Analysis is limited to prospective franchisees’ perceptions and needs to be triangulated with franchisor and policy-makers perspectives.
Practical implications
Both franchisors and policy makers can utilize this research to improve transparency in the disclosure document. Prospective franchisees should then be able to make more effective decisions about the franchise systems of choice.
Social implications
A reduction in conflict within the franchising sector (no matter how trivial) will improve the business operations, franchisee and employee welfare throughout the sector. Progress on this topic will improve the sustainability and overall attractiveness of the sector.
Originality/value
Conjoint analysis has not been used previously in franchising research. The use of BWS on prospective franchisee perceptions is innovative providing a basis for much research to be done in this field of research.
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Anthony Richard Grace, Lorelle Frazer, Scott K. Weaven and Rajiv P Dant
– The purpose of this research is to identify the critical determinants of a franchisee’s trust in their franchisor.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to identify the critical determinants of a franchisee’s trust in their franchisor.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was used, and 30 interviews were conducted with franchising participants. The first phase of the research consisted of exploratory interviews with franchising experts (franchise lawyers, accountants, consultants, mediators and bankers), and the second phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with franchisees and franchisors across two franchise systems.
Findings
The research revealed five critical determinants of a franchisee’s trust in their franchisor: franchisee’s engagement in the system, franchisee’s confidence in the system, franchisee’s perception of a strong team culture, franchisee’s perception of franchisor competence and franchisee’s perception of franchisor character.
Practical implications
The research provides insight into how the aforementioned components can be developed within a franchise system to build franchisee trust. The paper also concludes with four practical recommendations that can be integrated within a franchise system to increase levels of franchisee trust.
Originality/value
This research builds on prior research into franchisee trust, providing an original contribution to the literature through the development of a practical model, showcasing critical determinants of a franchisee’s trust in their franchisor.