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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1999

Holger D. Hofmann, Volker Muench and Jeanne Stynes

Componentware is a new paradigm in software development that is based on the concept of a software component. Software components are self‐contained, immutable units of software…

758

Abstract

Componentware is a new paradigm in software development that is based on the concept of a software component. Software components are self‐contained, immutable units of software which can be distributed over large networks or even over the Internet. The distribution of software components requires new, Internet‐based search and retrieval mechanisms. A set of collaborating software components is called componentware. We discuss the architectural requirements and mechanisms of componentware, a technical realisation of a componentware architecture, and identify obstacles in building componentware. Finally, we propose possible solutions for the realisation of componentware and componentware architectures.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

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Article
Publication date: 4 March 2022

Remko van Hoek, Jacob Gorm Larsen and Mary Lacity

The authors share a real-world case study of a multiple-year adoption process of robotic process automation (RPA) in procurement to add to the limited empirical research base on…

2612

Abstract

Purpose

The authors share a real-world case study of a multiple-year adoption process of robotic process automation (RPA) in procurement to add to the limited empirical research base on RPA in supply chain management. The Maersk case offers hard evidence of the value of RPA that can be used as a benchmark for decision-making in companies and as a basis for further research in key areas such as change management and behavioral aspects as well as return on investment on RPA and the need for RPA capability development.

Design/methodology/approach

Together with the co-author from Maersk, the authors cover a multiple year RPA program in procurements, to capture lessons learned and develop research questions for the future. The authors consider 39 generic action principles for RPA adoption in a specific procurement context.

Findings

The authors find RPA for procurement to be an enabler of strategic progress and of advancing the concept of triple values (enterprise, customer and employee) in a supply chain setting. The authors offer RPA adoption scoping guidance and show how, with growth and maturity of the program, conditions such as predictability of volume become less relevant as a scoping criterium. The authors also find that RPA augments work rather than replace staff. Maersk utilizes staff time freed up by automation to focus employees on more strategic priorities. The authors consider 39 generic action principles for RPA adoption in a procurement-specific context and develop additional action principles based upon the Maersk case.

Originality/value

The authors study both a unique and rich case to complement limited empirical research on RPA in procurement and supply chain management and the limited research into RPA past early stage adoptions. The authors address Hofmann et al.'s (2019) questions about the change management involved in RPA and consider generic RPA action principles from literature in this specific procurement setting. The authors extend those action principles and develop a rich set of research opportunities.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 52 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

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Article
Publication date: 25 June 2020

Fabio Wagner, Holger Preuss and Thomas Könecke

For managers of sports leagues, it is crucial to produce an attractive competition. For that to happen, it is vital to consider that leagues frequently have more sub-competitions…

572

Abstract

Purpose

For managers of sports leagues, it is crucial to produce an attractive competition. For that to happen, it is vital to consider that leagues frequently have more sub-competitions than “just” the championship. In European top football leagues, for instance, four sub-competitions are common (championship, qualification for Champions- or Europa League, avoiding relegation). This paper introduces a new method for measuring competitive intensity (CI) in round-robin sports leagues considering all relevant sub-competitions and applies it to Germany's Bundesliga.

Design/methodology/approach

The newly developed model calculates a CI-Index for each sub-competition and the league as a whole. The application to the Bundesliga analyzes its viability and the development of the league's CI over the past 22 seasons.

Findings

The newly introduced CI-Indices prove to be a viable tool for evaluating a league's competitive intensity. The application to the Bundesliga shows that the seasonal CI dropped after 2009/10, which can mainly be attributed to a decline in the championship's CI.

Practical implications

The results show that it is important to facilitate a high CI in each of Bundesliga's four sub-competitions. Efforts have to be made to ensure that especially the Europa League remains as attractive as possible for the participating teams and their fans because this sub-competition constantly makes the greatest contribution to the seasonal CI.

Originality/value

The new method measures competitive intensity by quantifying the different sub-competitions and their contribution to the seasonal CI. This allows the organizers of sports leagues to assess the intensity of the individual sub-competitions as well as the league as a whole.

Details

Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-678X

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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2013

Birgit Susanne Lehner, Julia Jung, Brigitte Stieler-Lorenz, Anika Nitzsche, Elke Driller, Jürgen Wasem and Holger Pfaff

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of psychosocial factors in the German information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Specifically, the authors seek to…

1258

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of psychosocial factors in the German information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Specifically, the authors seek to explore the relationships between sources of workplace social support and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of a cross-sectional self-report online survey of 336 employees working in six information and communication technology companies in Germany. Analyses are conducted employing multiple linear regression models.

Findings

Supervisor and co-worker support showed discrete effects on work engagement components (vigour, dedication, absorption). Overall, supervisor support showed a stronger association with work engagement than co-worker support among ICT employees.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution to the further understanding of the relationship of psychosocial factors, particularly sources of social support and employee engagement, in the context of ICT industry.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 51 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

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Article
Publication date: 23 September 2013

Ethel Brundin and Veronika Gustafsson

The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurs’ investment decisions under uncertainty in continued investments where the authors test the role of emotions to continue…

4791

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurs’ investment decisions under uncertainty in continued investments where the authors test the role of emotions to continue or discontinue the investment.

Design/methodology/approach

A conjoint analysis is carried out on 101 entrepreneurs’ 3,232 investment decisions. The entrepreneurs were provided with a scenario of an investment where the dependent variable was the entrepreneur's propensity to allocate further resources to the described investment. They assessed their willingness to allocate further resources to the investment on a seven-point Likert-type scale. The independent variables in the experiment were the experienced emotions of the entrepreneur each of which was described by the two levels of high and low.

Findings

It was found that self-confidence, challenge, and hope increase the propensity to continue investments as do increased level of uncertainty. Embarrassment and strain do not increase this propensity, however, high uncertainty decreases the propensity to continue investments. In contrast to the escalation of commitment theory, embarrassment does not make entrepreneurs more prone to invest under uncertainty. Frustration does not yield significant results, which runs contrary to the theory and the hypothesis finds no support.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focussed on a limited number of emotions, and also on one specific moderating factor that impacts the effect of these emotions on the investment decision.

Practical implications

To understand the role of their emotions in investment decisions under different levels of uncertainty may help entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their decision making.

Originality/value

This study is an experiment where practitioner entrepreneurs participate which increases the ecological validity of the study. Emotions can explain, partly, why entrepreneurs persist with some underperforming projects, but not others. Uncertainty is a powerful moderating variable in the decision-making process. The results enhance existing knowledge about the emotive side of entrepreneurs’ propensity to make investment decisions under uncertainty. The results also supplement and refine existing theories on self-justification.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

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Article
Publication date: 4 June 2020

Qiansong Zhang, Jieyi Pan, Dehui Xu and Taiwen Feng

Although the importance of green supplier integration (GSI) has been recognized, the knowledge of how it can be enhanced is still limited. Using insights from transaction cost and…

1325

Abstract

Purpose

Although the importance of green supplier integration (GSI) has been recognized, the knowledge of how it can be enhanced is still limited. Using insights from transaction cost and resource dependence theories, this paper aims to explore how to balance coercive and non-coercive powers to enhance GSI and the mediating role of relationship commitment and the moderating role of relationship closeness.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the hypotheses, this study conducted hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping using the survey data collected from 206 Chinese manufacturers.

Findings

The results indicate that coercive power undermines normative commitment, while non-coercive power promotes normative and instrumental commitments. Both normative and instrumental commitments enhance GSI. Normative commitment mediates the impacts of coercive and non-coercive powers on GSI, while instrumental commitment only mediates the impact of non-coercive power on GSI. Moreover, supplier trust and dependence negatively moderate the positive link between instrumental commitment and GSI.

Practical implications

Executives should carefully balance coercive and non-coercive powers to encourage firms to maintain good relationships with suppliers and develop common environmental values under different mediating effects of normative and instrumental commitments. However, they should also be aware that high level of trust and dependence can affect the impacts of powers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to GSI literature by opening the “black box” between power and GSI and verifying its boundary conditions.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

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