Denise M. Cumberland, Andrea D. Ellinger, Tara McKinley, Jason C. Immekus and Andrew McCart
Leadership development programs (LDPs) have emerged relatively recently in the healthcare context as a mechanism not only to develop capable and competent leaders but also to…
Abstract
Purpose
Leadership development programs (LDPs) have emerged relatively recently in the healthcare context as a mechanism not only to develop capable and competent leaders but also to retain them. The purpose of this paper is to describe a perspective on practice by illustrating a case example that showcases a pilot LDP for newly promoted healthcare leaders. The details about how it was developed and implemented collaboratively by a healthcare consortium and higher education institution (HEI) to address shared healthcare leadership talent pipeline and retention challenges are provided.
Design/methodology/approach
This perspective on practice describes how a consortium of competitive healthcare organizations, a type of branded Inter-organizational Relationship referred to as “Coopetition,” contracted with a HEI to design, develop and launch a pilot LDP, referred to as the Academy for Healthcare Education and Development program, using the analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate model.
Findings
The significance of this illustrative case example is discussed along with some initial lessons learned based upon this pilot LDP that 24 program participants completed. Implications for research, theory and practice are presented, followed by limitations and a conclusion.
Originality/value
Inter-organizational relationships, particularly coopetition, are relatively new in the healthcare sector, along with collaboration with HEIs to develop interventions to solve compelling industry problems. This illustrative case example offers insights that address scholars’ calls and practitioners’ needs to explicate different approaches for LDPs to build the healthcare leadership talent pipeline.
Details
Keywords
Chongbin Zhao, B.E. Hobbs and Alison Ord
The objective of this paper is to establish a solution strategy for obtaining dual solutions, namely trivial (conventional) and nontrivial (unconventional) solutions, of coupled…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to establish a solution strategy for obtaining dual solutions, namely trivial (conventional) and nontrivial (unconventional) solutions, of coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution problems in heterogeneous porous media.
Design/methodology/approach
Through applying a perturbation to the pore-fluid velocity, original governing partial differential equations of a coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution problem in heterogeneous porous media are transformed into perturbed ones, which are then solved by using the semi-analytical finite element method. Through switching off and on the applied perturbation terms in the resulting perturbed governing partial differential equations, both the trivial and nontrivial solutions can be obtained for the original governing partial differential equations of the coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution problem in fluid-saturated heterogeneous porous media.
Findings
When a coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution system is in a stable state, the trivial and nontrivial solutions of the system are identical. However, if a coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution system is in an unstable state, then the trivial and nontrivial solutions of the system are totally different. This recognition can be equally used to judge whether a coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution system involving heterogeneous porous media is in a stable state or in an unstable state. The proposed solution strategy can produce dual solutions for simulating coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution problems in fluid-saturated heterogeneous porous media.
Originality/value
A solution strategy is proposed to obtain the nontrivial solution, which is often overlooked in the computational simulation of coupled pore-fluid flow and chemical dissolution problems in fluid-saturated heterogeneous porous media. The proposed solution strategy provides a useful way for understanding the underlying dynamic mechanisms of the chemical damage effect associated with the stability of structures that are built on soil foundations.
Details
Keywords
Anne-Maria Holma, Anu Bask, Antti Laakso and Dan Andersson
This paper aims to develop a framework for switching a service supplier in a supply network.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a framework for switching a service supplier in a supply network.
Design/methodology/approach
The study builds on existing literature in the field of purchasing and supply management, public procurement (PP) and the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing approach, as well as on an illustrative example case, from the PP context, of a supplier switch in a service delivery process.
Findings
During a switching process, the buyer must simultaneously manage the ending of a relationship with the incumbent supplier and the beginning of a relationship with a new supplier. Collaboration with the focal suppliers to develop a service process with standardized components prevents disruptions in the service processes and reduces the impact of the switch on the wider network.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptualization suggested in this paper needs to be further explored in different empirical contexts to assess its practical adequacy.
Practical implications
Practitioners responsible for service procurement can use the findings to develop collaboration with suppliers, both when it comes to service process development and to the switching process. Furthermore, the authors highlight the importance of ending competencies and the development of an exit plan to conduct a “beautiful exit.”
Originality/value
The paper integrates relationship initiation and ending studies, as well as procurement process models to develop a refined switching process framework. Many PPs rely on short-term relationships due to the legal obligation to frequently invite suppliers to tender, thus understanding the supplier switching process is important both for private and public sector actors.
Details
Keywords
Mikko Riikkinen, Hannu Saarijärvi, Peter Sarlin and Ilkka Lähteenmäki
Recent technological and digital developments have opened new avenues for customer data utilization in insurance services. One form of this data transformation is automated…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent technological and digital developments have opened new avenues for customer data utilization in insurance services. One form of this data transformation is automated chatbots that provide convenient access to data leveraged through a discussion-like interface. The purpose of this paper is to uncover how insurance chatbots support customers’ value creation.
Design/methodology/approach
Three complementary theoretical perspectives – artificial intelligence, service logic, and reverse use of customer data – are briefly discussed and integrated into a conceptual framework. The suggested framework is further shown through illustrative case examples that characterize different ways of supporting customers’ value creation.
Findings
Chatbots represent a new type of interaction through which companies can influence customers’ value creation by providing them with additional resources. Based on the proposed conceptual framework and the illustrative case examples, four metaphors are identified that characterize how insurance chatbots can support customers’ value creation.
Research limitations/implications
The study is conceptual in nature, and the case examples are used for illustrative purposes. No representative data from those users who will eventually determine whether chatbots are of value was used.
Practical implications
Using the suggested framework, which is aligned with provider service logic, insurance companies can consider what kind of a role they wish to play in customers’ value-creating processes.
Originality/value
Automated chatbots provide convenient access to data leveraged through a discussion-like interface. This study is among the earliest to address their value-creating potential in insurance.
Details
Keywords
Summer Brines, Deborah Shepherd and Christine Woods
Continued research around innovation within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) family businesses is needed to better understand the influence of specific resources and…
Abstract
Purpose
Continued research around innovation within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) family businesses is needed to better understand the influence of specific resources and capabilities that might promote and/or constrain entrepreneurial activities. The purpose of this paper is to develop an organising framework investigating SME family business innovation drawing on a Schumpeterian understanding of innovation as the introduction of new combinations.
Design/methodology/approach
Four guiding principles are developed and applied to an illustrative case study of an entrepreneurial family business that highlights the usefulness of complexity thinking for understanding innovation.
Findings
NZ Sock provides a rich illustrative case study to highlight how principles of complexity thinking along with Schumpeterian notions of innovation can usefully inform the authors’ understanding of entrepreneurial SME family businesses. The proposed guiding principles offered are borne out in application to the illustrative case example.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that complexity thinking and a Schumpeterian lens can usefully inform and extend the authors’ understanding of innovation within entrepreneurial SME family businesses. Further research would benefit from exploring the guiding principles proposed in other entrepreneurial SME family businesses to further substantiate this field of inquiry.
Practical implications
Principles of complexity thinking may provide additional understanding and insight for SME family business members needing to innovate and adapt to ever-changing operating environments.
Originality/value
Innovation is critical to the long-term survival and success of such firms; yet, to date little theoretical contribution and research has been offered in the field of innovation within the context of SME family businesses. Complex adaptive systems provide a lens from which to understand such businesses and that that a complexity framework helpfully allows attention to be given to such phenomena as emergence, adaptability and combinations through which innovation outcomes and processes may be understood. This paper offers four guiding principles that can be further tested and refined.
Details
Keywords
Nadeera Ranabahu, Shamika Almeida and Elias Kyriazis
This article explains how business internships can be used to develop innovation skills in undergraduates.
Abstract
Purpose
This article explains how business internships can be used to develop innovation skills in undergraduates.
Design/methodology/approach
Using work-integrated learning and current literature on innovation, this article proposes a theoretical framework to design, implement, and measure outcomes of Innovation-Focused Internships (IFIs). The article also uses an illustrative case study from an Australian university to discuss practical use of this framework.
Findings
The theoretical framework illustrates that stakeholders (i.e., students, industry, and university) need a common goal. Factors associated with managing innovation and student placements are key features of the framework. The illustrative case study demonstrates ways in which students gather both professional work experience and innovative skills.
Practical implications
The illustrative case study outlines practical strategies and challenges in IFI programs. Managing innovation-related challenges requires adjustments from all the stakeholders.
Originality/value
This article modifies the existing stakeholder interdependency model of work-integrated learning by combining it with innovation-related literature. The novel insights from the IFI program demonstrate how factors associated with students, industry, and university, and associations between these key stakeholders shape and determine IFI success.
Details
Keywords
Chunguang Bai, Joseph Sarkis, Xiaopeng Wei and Lenny Koh
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology to help evaluate, select, and monitor sustainable supply chain performance measurement that can be integrated into a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology to help evaluate, select, and monitor sustainable supply chain performance measurement that can be integrated into a performance management system (PMS).
Design/methodology/approach
Grey‐based neighborhood rough set theory is used to help arrive at a core set of important business and environmental performance measures for sustainable supply chains. The supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model is used to develop both business and environmental measures for supply chain sourcing.
Findings
A case illustration shows the applicability of the methodology. A sensitivity analysis shows that variations in outcome considerations may greatly influence the set of key performance measures for a sustainable supply chain PMS.
Research limitations/implications
The methodology and presentation is conceptual, yet the tool can provide very useful interpretations for both researchers and practitioners.
Practical implications
The tool can be valuable for companies that are trying to identify key environmental and business performance measures for their supply chains. It helps save resources by not requiring the management of a burdensome and complex set of performance measures.
Originality/value
This is one of the few approaches that helps to clearly identify and narrow the set of performance measures for sustainable supply chains. It attempts to do so with minimal information loss. It is also the first time that grey techniques have been integrated with neighborhood rough set methodology.
Details
Keywords
Emma Tarpey, Zoe Stephenson and Richard Barker
The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence base for the use of risk formulation in forensic practice settings.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence base for the use of risk formulation in forensic practice settings.
Design/methodology/approach
Systematic literature review principles were adopted to identify literature exploring risk formulation in forensic practice settings in relation to offending behaviour.
Findings
Data were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach, and commonalities were observed across some of the studies in terms of definitions, outcomes, and implementation, of risk formulation; however, the findings of the review did not provide a definitive account of risk formulation practice in forensic settings. This is due to the narrow scope of the included studies, the small yet diverse samples, the heterogeneity in research aims and the methodological weaknesses apparent within the included studies.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed to understand the application and outcomes of risk formulation in forensic practice settings.
Practical implications
Practitioners should be clear about how they are defining, implementing and assessing the outcomes of risk formulation, alongside being mindful of the evidence base when utilising forensic risk formulation in practice.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to focus solely on the evidence base for forensic risk formulation in practice.
Details
Keywords
Sebastian Knebel, Mario D. Schultz and Peter Seele
This paper aims to outline how destructive communication exemplified by ransomware cyberattacks destroys the process of organization, causes a “state of exception,” and thus…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to outline how destructive communication exemplified by ransomware cyberattacks destroys the process of organization, causes a “state of exception,” and thus constitutes organization. The authors build on Agamben's state of exception and translate it into communicative constitution of organization (CCO) theory.
Design/methodology/approach
A significant increase of cyberattacks have impacted organizations in recent times and laid organizations under siege. This conceptual research builds on illustrative cases chosen by positive deviance case selection (PDCS) of ransomware attacks.
Findings
CCO theory focuses mainly on ordering characteristics of communication. The authors aim to complement this view with a perspective on destructive communication that destroys the process of organization. Based on illustrative cases, the authors conceptualize a process model of destructive CCO.
Practical implications
The authors expand thoughts about a digital “corporate immune system” to question current offensive cybersecurity strategies of deterrence and promote resilience approaches instead.
Originality/value
Informed by destructive communication of cyberattacks, this theory advancement supports arguments to include notions of disorder into CCO theory. Furthermore, the paper explains where disruptions like cyberattacks may trigger sensemaking and change to preserve stability. Finally, a novel definition of ‘destructive CCO’ is provided: Destructive Communication Constitutes Organization by disrupting and destroying its site and surface while triggering sensemaking and becoming part of sensemaking itself.
Details
Keywords
Shaowei He, Zaheer Khan, Yong Kyu Lew and Grahame Fallon
The purpose of this paper is to examine how innovation-related firm-specific ownership advantage (FSA) plays a role in developing the competitive advantage of Chinese…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how innovation-related firm-specific ownership advantage (FSA) plays a role in developing the competitive advantage of Chinese multinationals when they internationalize.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a review of the existing literature concerning foreign direct investment by emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs), the authors identify that numerous studies explain this phenomenon on the basis of their location-bound country-specific advantages. However, such views do not fully explain the key underlying factors behind the rapid rise and success of many EMNEs as these firms rapidly internationalize and develop global competitiveness in developed markets. The current research explores three leading innovative Chinese EMNEs from the engineering sector: BYD, Sany Heavy Industry and CSR China.
Findings
The authors find that EMNEs’ knowledge, and particularly their innovation-creating technological knowledge, has contributed greatly to their successful internationalization. The illustrative cases show that the three firms have now moved beyond the infant to the mature stage of EMNE development through developing their technological knowledge in order to realize FSA through internationalization. This study helps in contributing fresh reflections to the continuing debate concerning the causes of internationalization and global competitive development by EMNEs and the role of their FSAs in these processes.
Originality/value
This is one of the few studies which have demonstrated that some of the EMNEs do possess firms’ specific advantage which helps explain their innovative capabilities, competitive advantages and subsequent internationalization patterns.