Giselle C. Rampersad, Ann-Louise Hordacre and John Spoehr
The purpose of this study is to investigate how supply chains can become more resilient through innovation initiatives. It examines the expansion and deepening of relationships…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how supply chains can become more resilient through innovation initiatives. It examines the expansion and deepening of relationships between buyers and suppliers and the facilitatory role of the government in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study compares supply chains in the advanced manufacturing and food industries. It is based on qualitative research involving case studies and in-depth interviews with buyers, suppliers and facilitators from government.
Findings
The study reveals that innovation is critical in building more resilient supply chains. It uncovers the importance of power distribution, coordination, communication, trust and commitment for innovation within these relationships.
Practical implications
It provides implications about how best to develop effective buyer–supplier relationships through innovation and diversification, for marketing and purchasing managers, CEOs of manufacturing companies and suppliers and government players with responsibility for industry development and innovation.
Originality/value
It advances the industrial buyer–supplier literature by extending the predominantly business-to-business supply chain perspective to include the role of government in supply chains and their innovation.
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Michael Pitt, Norman Collins and Andrew Walls
The paper aims to define and measure value for money (VFM) within the concept of private finance initiative (PFI), and investigate the principal factors in which opinions are…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to define and measure value for money (VFM) within the concept of private finance initiative (PFI), and investigate the principal factors in which opinions are formed.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature review of texts, published papers, and reports are used to identify relevant parameters to the research. The sources support the arguments of opinion within the paper.
Findings
PFI is still perceived by the government as the most cost effect means of procuring public infrastructure. The positive aspects of PFI are the competition generated by the concept, and improved risk management. Negative aspects include the lack of agreed formulae by all stakeholders by which to benchmark VFM, and an increasing sceptical electorate to the PFI concept of providing short and long term VFM.
Research limitations/implications
By virtue of PFI being a dynamic, changing, and complex means of procurement, this research will be valid in its own right. However more up to date government policies must be consulted to take the determination of VFM in any further research.
Practical implications
The research and conclusions will provide add to the current debate as to the viability of PFI, with VFM the main key point as to the ongoing success of the governments strategy this method of procurement.
Originality/value
The paper adds, to the “VFM” drivers that have been identified by identifying principle factors in creating VFM. This will be a sound basis for the justification of VFM in PFI.
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Christian Asuquo, Adeniran Lashinde and Emmanuel Adu
In developing countries, governance structures are reputed to be weak, and infrastructure procurement is largely achieved through public sector financing. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
In developing countries, governance structures are reputed to be weak, and infrastructure procurement is largely achieved through public sector financing. This study aims to examine the impact of governance quality on public sector infrastructure procurement in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
Data on public infrastructure expenditure (CAPEX), revenue (REV) and debt burden (DEBT) were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the period 2000–2017. In addition, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Nigeria for the period was obtained from Transparency International. Data were analysed using Ordinary Least Square regression and Granger Causality Test.
Findings
Results indicate that CPI and DEBT have negative effects on public infrastructure procurement, whereas REV has a significant positive impact. The findings suggest that an increase in public sector corruption leads to increase in the share of public budget allocated to infrastructure procurement. Moreover, an increase in the amount allocated to debt burden lowers the share of public resources available for infrastructure procurement. Findings also show that revenue is a leading indicator of infrastructure procurement, and public expenditure for infrastructure procurement is leading cause of public sector corruption.
Social implications
In Nigeria, resources for financing infrastructure are scarce, and there have been reports of poor governance in infrastructure procurement. The establishment of a relationship between governance quality and infrastructure procurement will help in more efficient allocation of scarce public resources.
Originality/value
To resolve the governance-infrastructure question, the study established causal relationships between governance quality variables and public expenditure on infrastructure.
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Nina Lansbury Hall and Talia Jeanneret
The purpose of this study is to investigate how the social licence to operate (SLO) concept is currently perceived and communicated during stakeholder engagement, as an extension…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how the social licence to operate (SLO) concept is currently perceived and communicated during stakeholder engagement, as an extension of corporate social responsibility (CSR). To ensure an applied exploration of SLO, this paper focused on the wind industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Telephone interviews were conducted with 18 wind industry representatives responsible for stakeholder engagement in Australia. Questions focused upon understanding of consultation and SLO, perceptions of SLO in practice, and experiences regarding community engagement.
Findings
SLO is broadly understood by the case study wind industry representatives as majority acceptance held by community and other stakeholders, although no common definition was expressed. This indicates that the concept has not transferred clearly or directly to the wind industry. Despite this, the benefits of seeking an SLO through consultative and ongoing communication practices were recognised across the wind industry as a positive risk mitigation strategy.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could examine the understanding and communication approaches of SLO in other industries, cultures and geographic locations.
Practical implications
It appears the wind industry intends to seek an SLO more broadly from the Australian public, beyond specific projects. This is likely to occur within the context of increased scrutiny on the performance of many industries and by the changing expectations and demands of communities.
Social implications
Some wind corporations were considered to have previously conducted poor or shallow consultation, and this was perceived to have negatively affected the reputation of the wider industry. Mismanagement of expectations prior to the development phase was of particular concern to interviewees. Given this, an SLO could be put at risk by the poor or insufficient engagement and communication processes and reputation of their predecessors.
Originality/value
The key contribution of this study is to inform CSR practices that seek to engage and maintain high stakeholder support through an SLO approach, where corporate communication is vital.
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This study aims to propose a framework of bias in construction project dispute resolution (CPDR hereafter).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose a framework of bias in construction project dispute resolution (CPDR hereafter).
Design/methodology/approach
With reference to the literatures on effects of bias, manifestations of bias in CPDR were developed. Based on data obtained from construction professionals about their frequency of having these bias manifestations, the underlying constructs of biased behaviors were explored by a principal component factor analysis. A confirmatory factor analysis was further conducted to validate the framework of bias in CPDR.
Findings
Four types of bias were identified as the constructs that underlie biased behaviors in CPDR. These four biases were included in the bias framework proposed: preconception, self-affirmation, optimism and interest-oriented. The potency of these types of bias was also evaluated.
Practical implications
First, the findings inform that the existence of bias in CPDR is real. Early detection allows management to intervene and steer CPDR team back to rational courses. Second, this study suggests optimizing CPDR procedures to diminish the chance of bias occurring.
Originality/value
Bias is almost an uncharted area in CPDR. The study fills this research gap by conceptualizing the underlying constructs of biased behaviors. The findings inform construction professionals of the likelihood of practicing biased behaviors in CPDR. Repeated dispute decisions in the commonly used multi-tiered dispute resolution process would enable the creeping in of biases.
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Camila Favoretto, Glauco Henrique de Sousa Mendes, Moacir Godinho Filho, Maicon Gouvea de Oliveira and Gilberto Miller Devós Ganga
The challenges of digital transformation (DT) have gained attention from both academics and practitioners, as more manufacturing companies are seeking digital technology…
Abstract
Purpose
The challenges of digital transformation (DT) have gained attention from both academics and practitioners, as more manufacturing companies are seeking digital technology implementation. This study, therefore, aims to identify the challenges of DT in manufacturing companies and propose new research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review considering 176 articles (published between 2003 and 2019) was used to build a conceptual framework of DT.
Findings
A systematized view of challenges regarding organizational commitment, value creation, value proposition, value delivery, value capture, information and technology infrastructure and data security were identified. Moreover, a conceptual framework was developed to summarize the challenges and how they are associated with the business model value architecture and with the DT phases. Research opportunities for future research were also identified, contributing to the advancement of the topic.
Originality/value
First, the study provides a categorization of the main challenges of DT in manufacturing companies. Second, it identifies research gaps and future research avenues; and finally, it proposes a conceptual framework that aims to support more rigorous studies and guide management decisions regarding an integrative understanding of DT.
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– The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of the often questioned willingness of family businesses (FBs) to seek external advice on challenges they face.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of the often questioned willingness of family businesses (FBs) to seek external advice on challenges they face.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed methods were employed gaining 140 responses to a survey of FB CEOs on their use of advice, followed by 51 semi-structured interviews of FB owners, managers and advisers. It drew upon institutional theory and those concerning both trust and organisational knowledge creation; also upon experiential knowledge gained in advising FBs.
Findings
Cost was found to deter use of professional advice, also unawareness of where it was to be found. Dissatisfaction with many advisers’ “soft” skills was prevalent. Clients took as given advisers’ technical knowledge; empathy and listening skills being the discriminants of successful practice. Effective means of skills creation were identified but seen to be obtained fortuitously, not systematically. The professional institutions of accountants, the most frequently used professional advisers, require tertiary institutions seeking their accreditation to develop their students’ “generic skills”, including “the ability to listen effectively”: conditions not being complied with. However, advice-seeking is found to be greater than assumed because of an unexpected resort to peers, often through networking. Widespread peers’ recommendations of professional advisers impart instantaneous “vicarious” trust, found to be more common than the “slow maturing” kind posited by previous researchers.
Originality/value
This paper offers a rarely recorded FB client perspective on their use of external advice. It extends understanding of the trust upon which they rely. It discloses how some achieve a mutual learning that expands understanding of organisational knowledge creation. It describes a route, “shadowing”, through which professional advisers have achieved outstanding performance.
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Patrick X.W. Zou, Shouqing Wang and Dongping Fang
The purpose of this paper is to develop a life cycle risk management framework for public private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects that lead to the realization of value…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a life cycle risk management framework for public private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects that lead to the realization of value for money and balance of interests between different partners including the public and end users.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on extensive theoretical research and literature reviews, coupled with case study methodologies. A comprehensive review of current literature in the field was first carried out. Then three PPP infrastructure projects, two from Australia and one from China, are studied to scrutinize reasons leading to their dilemma and articulate the valuable lessons learnt in relation to risk analysis and mitigation.
Findings
The paper found that properly assessing risks (financial, government's political and public's acceptance/rejection risks), ensuring value for money and protecting the public (and end users') interests are essential in PPP infrastructure projects and this can only be achieved through optimal risk identification, assessment, allocation and management from a life cycle perspective and balanced interests between the Government/public and private partners as well as product end users.
Research limitations/implications
The paper was limited to proposing the framework; therefore the next step should be testing the framework.
Practical implications
The framework proposed in this paper should be practical and useful for professionals in managing the risks associated with the procurement of PPP infrastructure projects.
Originality/value
The PPP method has been increasingly used to procure large‐scale infrastructures such as freeways, railways, tunnels and bridges worldwide. While there have been many successful PPP projects, unsuccessful cases abound and studying them can help people better manage the risks in future PPP infrastructure projects. To ensure the success of PPP infrastructure projects, it is important for all partners to manage the risks from a project life cycle perspective, in which risks are identified and assessed in the earliest possible project stage and are allocated to the parties who are in the best position to control them. Furthermore, it is also important to continuous monitor the risks and develop proactive risk respond strategies throughout the project life cycle. To this end, this paper provides a life‐cycle risk management framework for PPP infrastructure projects.
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Verma Prikshat, Alan Montague, Julia Connell and John Burgess
It is widely reported that there is a competence deficit between graduating from Australian higher education (HE) and becoming work ready and that the deficit is becoming more…
Abstract
Purpose
It is widely reported that there is a competence deficit between graduating from Australian higher education (HE) and becoming work ready and that the deficit is becoming more pronounced. The purpose of this paper is to examine the work readiness competencies of Australian HE and vocational education (VE) graduates. The reported competence deficits, the causes of these deficits and the potential strategies to overcome these deficits are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative, inductive research design was used to examine Australian graduates’ work readiness competence, potential deficits, their causes and possible solutions to gain some preliminary insights and help shape future research. A multiple case design was used comprising key stakeholders’ in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. In-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gain insights from the key stakeholders.
Findings
The stakeholders reported that the Australian VE and HE sectors do not sufficiently prepare graduates in terms of their work readiness skills. Self-management skills, communication (written and expression), team-work skills, cognitive skills, system thinking and innovation and creativity were the main work readiness competency deficits reported by the stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
The research has its limitations in terms of the limited sample and time frame, and the absence of input from graduates. The results of the study indicate the deteriorating state of the Australian graduate labour market and emphasise that an integrated approach is urgently required from all stakeholders to facilitate the transition and reduce the time taken from graduation to employment.
Originality/value
The focus of the study is located in the Australian labour market in terms of the competencies that reportedly are present upon graduation and the competencies that employers are looking for on recruitment. The requisite competency list and the deficits are examined through the lens of four stakeholder groups; government representatives, industry representatives and VE and HE representatives.
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The progressive limits to rights mobilization have become starkly apparent in the past two decades. No new suspect classes have been forthcoming from the Supreme Court since 1977…
Abstract
The progressive limits to rights mobilization have become starkly apparent in the past two decades. No new suspect classes have been forthcoming from the Supreme Court since 1977 despite continued demands for legal recognition by lesbians and gays, indigenous peoples and others interested in expanding civil rights doctrine. Public tolerance for civil rights measures has likewise dried up. Since the 1960s, referenda on civil rights have halted affirmative action programs, limited school busing and housing discrimination protections, promoted English-only laws, limited AIDS policies, and ended the judicial recognition of same-sex marriage, among other issues. Nearly 80% of these referenda have had outcomes realizing the Madisonian fear of “majority tyranny”1 and signaling the Nietzschean dread of a politics of resentment (Brown, 1995, p. 214; Connolly, 1991, p. 64).