If corrosion resistance were the sole consideration in specifying materials for components in chemical engineering, then plastics and polymeric substances in general would have…
Abstract
If corrosion resistance were the sole consideration in specifying materials for components in chemical engineering, then plastics and polymeric substances in general would have even greater application than they have at present. But it is very seldom that corrosion resistance can be considered in isolation from factors such as physical strength and cost, with the result that the widest use of plastics in chemical engineering hitherto has been in the form of coatings or linings for metal units rather than in self‐supporting structures.
Petra C. de Weerd‐Nederhof, Bernice J. Pacitti, Jorge F. da Silva Gomes and Alan W. Pearson
Learning is an essential part of innovation, including the need to internalize and disseminate information and to reduce the duplication of research activities, both technological…
Abstract
Learning is an essential part of innovation, including the need to internalize and disseminate information and to reduce the duplication of research activities, both technological and organizational. Using a theoretically based framework that places emphasis on the interpretative dimension of organizational learning and centers on learning processes, descriptive accounts of organizational learning in the context of R&D‐intensive companies were produced. From these case studies, specific learning tools or mechanisms were identified: job rotation, innovation process planning (activities, responsibilities, networks, sharing assumptions) and (product innovation) project review. Overall findings point to an organizational learning process which involves a high degree of parallelism and depends on the knowledge base of the organization.
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Discusses methodological aspects of case study research and qualitative data collection and analysis. Discusses the choice of a research strategy and data collection and analysis…
Abstract
Discusses methodological aspects of case study research and qualitative data collection and analysis. Discusses the choice of a research strategy and data collection and analysis methods according to theory as well as the arguments which lead to qualitative case research. Suggests steps in research processes according to different authors and considers in more detail the theory and practice of each of these steps (case study design; preparing for data collection; conducting case studies; analysing data; and reporting). Concludes that carrying out qualitative case study research, in the author’s experience, is first and foremost a matter of learning by doing.
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Dilanthi Amaratunga, David Baldry, Marjan Sarshar and Rita Newton
Built environment research consists of cognitive and affective, as well as behavioural, components. Existing built environment research utilises either strong qualitative or, more…
Abstract
Built environment research consists of cognitive and affective, as well as behavioural, components. Existing built environment research utilises either strong qualitative or, more often, strong quantitative methodologies. Aims to discuss some of the philosophical issues that would be considered when undertaking academic research into the built environment. Considers the available research options or paradigms and suggests ways in which a researcher can make an informed and sensible decision as to how to proceed. The main dimensions of the debate about the relative characteristics and merits of quantitative and qualitative methodology are outlined, developing the argument that the use of a single methodology often fails to explore all of these components. The use of a mixed methods approach is suggested to counteract this weakness and to enhance research into the built environment.
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Dilanthi Amaratunga and David Baldry
In order for a facilities management (FM) organisation to make effective use of the results of performance measurement it must be able to make the transition from measurement to…
Abstract
In order for a facilities management (FM) organisation to make effective use of the results of performance measurement it must be able to make the transition from measurement to management. It must also be able to anticipate needed changes in the strategic direction of the organisation and have a methodology in place for effecting strategic change. Successful accomplishment of these two tasks represents the foundation of good performance management. This paper explores baselines for moving from performance measurement to performance management and provides a discussion of how the FM performance assessment can be used to manage the FM function effectively.
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Whereas a combination of unique historical conditions and a specific set of public policies in the United States enabled labor to significantly increase its relative power during…
Abstract
Purpose
Whereas a combination of unique historical conditions and a specific set of public policies in the United States enabled labor to significantly increase its relative power during the quarter century following World War II, this halcyon period for labor was followed by a period of over two decades during which labor's relative status and power declined. This paper explores this reversal of fortunes.
Design/methodology/approach
Although the current plight of labor has been extensively studied within the discipline of economics, these studies have typically focused upon specific aspects of labor's declining status. In this study, labor's plight is examined within the larger context of the institutions and dynamics of capitalism as a socio‐economic system. Within this broadened context, an exploration is made of whether the sustained period of progress for American labor set in motion the creation of forces that eventually led to reversal.
Findings
Labor's relative successes in the quarter century following World War II encouraged behavior that enabled the interests of capital to politically legitimate policies that, combined with trends in international trade and technology, served to decrease the relative power and welfare of labor.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed to determine whether there are other instances of a dynamic whereby labor's successes set in motion forces that lead to reversal.
Originality/value
This study emphasizes the importance of a broaden institutional focus for grasping important economic changes in society.
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Rola Imad Fanousse, Dilupa Nakandala and Yi-Chen Lan
This article provides the first systematic review of literature on effective organisational practices for reducing innovation project uncertainties to promote project performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This article provides the first systematic review of literature on effective organisational practices for reducing innovation project uncertainties to promote project performance. Innovation is the lifeblood of organisations, while simultaneously being one of the most challenging processes to manage. This systematic review seeks to examine best practice for reducing uncertainties and thus mitigate the high failure rates in innovation projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides a systematic review of the literature on innovation project management and encourages an understanding of how intra-organisational collaboration reduces uncertainty and thus increases project performance.
Findings
Based on an analysis of the systematic literature review findings, the impact of intra-organisational collaboration in reducing uncertainties in innovation projects is uncovered. Three types of project uncertainties were found to be dominant in the context of innovation project management: task, technological and market uncertainties. Five dimensions of intra-organisational collaboration are also identified, namely collaborative relationship, collaborative leadership, communicating and sharing information, trust formation and joint decision-making.
Originality/value
The authors situate five intra-organisational collaboration dimensions as key mechanisms that yield organisational learning as an outcome. On the other hand, they also uncovered that organisational learning is a key enabler in the relationship between intra-organisational collaboration and task, market and technological uncertainties reduction. Therefore, intra-organisational collaboration is identified as a critical practice in enhancing the performance of innovation projects. The study proposes a multi-dimensional conceptual model, providing a mechanism for furthering a research agenda for improving the performance of innovation projects.
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Víctor J. García‐Morales, Fernando Matías‐Reche and Nuria Hurtado‐Torres
This empirical study aims to examine the influence of transformational leadership (TL) on organizational innovation (OI) and performance (OP) depending on the level of…
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical study aims to examine the influence of transformational leadership (TL) on organizational innovation (OI) and performance (OP) depending on the level of organizational learning in technological firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The research examined a sample of 164 pharmaceutical firms. A global model is formulated and the hypotheses are tested using structural equations.
Findings
First, the study shows a positive relation between TL and OI, between TL and OP and between OI and OP. Second, the study verifies that these relationships are more strongly reinforced in organizations with high‐organizational learning than in organizations with low levels of organizational learning. Third, the study supports the theoretical arguments made but not demonstrated empirically in the prior literature.
Practical implications
Organizational learning takes places in a technological community of interaction in which knowledge is created and expands in a constant dynamic between the tacit and the explicit with cognitive and behavioral change. Organizations with greater organizational learning generate a network of learning that will make it easier for them to learn what they need to know and to innovate, enabling the organization to maintain its competitive position as a technological center. This shows that organizational learning improves relations substantially between TL, OI and OP.
Originality/value
This study serves as a reference for fostering organizational learning in technological firms. Organizational learning improves relations among TL, OI and OP. Previous studies, although contributing to the understanding of the direct and indirect relations among leadership, innovation and performance, have not addressed the different effects depending on the level of organizational learning in these technological firms.
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Phong Ba Le and Hui Lei
This paper aims to verify the effect of organizational learning (OL) and two specific aspects of innovation, innovation speed and innovation quality, on competitive advantage.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to verify the effect of organizational learning (OL) and two specific aspects of innovation, innovation speed and innovation quality, on competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling has been applied to test the degree of influence of OL and innovation on two types of competitive advantage (differentiation and low-cost advantage) using data collected from 279 Chinese firms.
Findings
The findings show that innovation speed and quality play mediating roles in the relationship between OL and competitive advantage. In general, while innovation speed has greater effects on low-cost competitive advantage, OL and innovation quality have greater effects on differentiation competitive advantage.
Research limitations/implications
This paper offers directors/managers a deeper understanding of the factors necessary to promote competitive advantage in their firms.
Practical implications
This paper offers CEOs/managers a deeper understanding of the necessary factors needed to promote competitive advantage in their firms.
Originality/value
This paper provides practical and theoretical initiatives on innovation and competitive advantage that can be used to promote specific aspects of innovation and build up competitive advantage for relevant organizations.
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Peter R.J. Trim and Yang‐Im Lee
In order to develop a sustainable competitive advantage in the knowledge based economy, senior managers need to ensure that customer relationship management is placed within a…
Abstract
In order to develop a sustainable competitive advantage in the knowledge based economy, senior managers need to ensure that customer relationship management is placed within a clearly defined organizational culture that embraces organizational learning. Senior managers are required to exhibit a proactive approach to leadership that results in creative solutions being found to solve complex problems. Open communication reinforces the decision‐making process and allows mutually based partnership arrangements to develop. This being the case, the network approach to business development can be viewed, as collectivist in orientation and this should allow partnership arrangements to be developed through time.