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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2001

Paul W. Hyland, Jose F.B. Gieskes and Terrence R. Sloan

The importance of innovation to the survival of organisations in a turbulent environment has led to greater emphasis on improving the innovation process. Where learning is…

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Abstract

The importance of innovation to the survival of organisations in a turbulent environment has led to greater emphasis on improving the innovation process. Where learning is captured and applied to existing and current innovation processes, the opportunity exists for improvement in innovation processes. Research has been undertaken with the objective of developing, testing and disseminating a methodology to facilitate product innovation. Presents an analysis of clusters of learning behaviours and identifies variations between different occupational clusters. Examines aspects of occupational culture and problems associated with examining organisations learning from a single perspective.

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Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2002

José F.B. Gieskes, Paul W. Hyland and Mats G. Magnusson

An increasing share of manufacturing, logistics and R&D activities takes place today in a number of geographically dispersed organisational units. The units involved can be…

2222

Abstract

An increasing share of manufacturing, logistics and R&D activities takes place today in a number of geographically dispersed organisational units. The units involved can be different autonomous companies or a number of focused subsidiaries. Using the CIMA‐methodology and its computerised questionnaire as an analysis and action research tool, organisational learning in distributed product development projects at a multinational company in the telecom industry has been investigated. Organisational units with different operational focuses displayed differences in the types of learning to which attention was primarily given. Based on the findings, the role of communities of practice in distributed product development is investigated.

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Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 14 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 1999

José F.B. Gieskes, Harry Boer, Frank C.M. Baudet and KostasSeferis

Describes a methodology, called CUTE, after the ESPRIT‐project CUTE (Continuous Improvement using Information Technology towards Excellence) which was aimed at the development of…

1189

Abstract

Describes a methodology, called CUTE, after the ESPRIT‐project CUTE (Continuous Improvement using Information Technology towards Excellence) which was aimed at the development of a software‐aided tool to support companies, in particular small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with the development of a sustained CI process. CUTE is based on a variety of hitherto mostly separate disciplines, in particular organisation design, operations management, innovation management and information technology. The methodology guides the user through a number of steps in which causes of poor performance are revealed, ways to develop improvement suggestions are generated, and the company’s capabilities to further develop and implement those suggestions are assessed. Through the ongoing development, implementation and evaluation of improvements both the company’s performance and its CI capabilities are improved continuously. A first test of the methodology has shown that CUTE helps users to increase their understanding of their operations and performance, and that the methodology provides a stimulus for starting focused improvement activities.

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International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 19 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

José F.B. Gieskes and André M. ten Broeke

Continuous improvement and learning are popular concepts in management literature and practice. Often they are situated in an environment where the work is of a repetitive nature…

1813

Abstract

Continuous improvement and learning are popular concepts in management literature and practice. Often they are situated in an environment where the work is of a repetitive nature. However, there are a lot of organisations where (part of) the primary processes are carried out by means of projects. An example is organisations involved in management of infrastructure. A survey into the state‐of‐the‐art of continuous improvement and learning in this sector was carried out at the end of 1997. The sector is part of the construction industry, which has some very distinctive characteristics that are not necessarily conducive to continuous improvement and learning. The survey results sketch a picture of organisations that have sufficient capabilities for carrying out and managing projects, but are not really oriented towards improvement and learning. They are struggling with these concepts, do not use available tools and techniques, and hence are depriving themselves of possibilities to improve their performance.

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Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

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Article
Publication date: 14 February 2022

Fabiane Letícia Lizarelli, José Carlos de Toledo, Lillian Do Nascimento Gambi and Celso Luiz Gonçalves

This paper investigates whether adopting continuous improvement (CI) behaviors is related to better radical and incremental product and process innovation performance and…

567

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates whether adopting continuous improvement (CI) behaviors is related to better radical and incremental product and process innovation performance and identifies whether CI behaviors positively affect respondent perceptions on CI contributions to innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 139 firms in Brazil, and cluster analysis was used to identify groups with different CI adoption levels. The nonparametric Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was used to verify differences in innovation performance at companies via manager perceptions on CI and innovation.

Findings

Data show that more CI behavior implementation was associated with better product and process innovation performance. Furthermore, companies with more mature CI behavior levels innovate more, which may reinforce CI investments.

Practical implications

Organizational managers focused on innovation should dedicate time to evaluating and developing CI behaviors, and maturing CI philosophies to improve performance. This study can contribute to the literature by offering insights for developing public policies, especially for emerging economies, or for companies seeking to become more competitive, since CI can foster and promote a culture of long-term innovation.

Originality/value

Despite the fact that a relationship between CI and operational performance has already been established, there is still a lack of research that identifies the impacts of CI behavior on innovation. Focusing on CI behavior is important because it can be fostered by various programs and improvement initiatives, highlighting paths for managerial practices and academia. This study was conducted for an emerging economy.

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The TQM Journal, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

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Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Kasia Gonnerman and Ken Johnson

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how to create and sustain a successful mentoring program for reference student assistants in the liberal arts environment. The study…

746

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how to create and sustain a successful mentoring program for reference student assistants in the liberal arts environment. The study delineates student training, program assessment and the impact on reference practice in a way that can be used at other institutions considering implementing a similar initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is written by professionals who have been deeply engaged in initiating, running and assessing the program. It presents the value of the program in an unbiased and objective manner by including the voices of the student mentees themselves reflecting on the experience.

Findings

The mentorship program has proven to be worthwhile and rewarding in equal measures to both the mentees and reference librarians working with our future successors. It serves an important role in inspiring and encouraging library student workers to become interested in academic librarianship as a career choice and it prepares them to be successful students in library and information science graduate programs.

Originality/value

Although the discussion of training reference student assistants per se is not rare in the library literature, this particular program is unique in several ways: its main intent is to mentor students who are interested in pursuing librarianship as a career goal; it occurs in the context of a liberal arts college rather than in a larger university setting, especially those offering degrees in information and library science; and it empowers students to provide in-depth independent reference services for their peers and faculty.

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Reference Services Review, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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Article
Publication date: 6 May 2020

Gorka Unzueta, Aritz Esnaola and Jose Alberto Eguren

In this study, a frame of reference was developed to adapt and execute a continuous improvement process (CIP) for reinforcing a continuous improvement (CI) culture in an…

1605

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, a frame of reference was developed to adapt and execute a continuous improvement process (CIP) for reinforcing a continuous improvement (CI) culture in an organisation. The study was undertaken in a mature capital goods company that did not succeed in institutionalising CI despite deploying many CI tools over the years. The organisation thus needed a model that was adapted to its reality and strengthened the aspects of CI through cultural changes at the organisational level.

Design/methodology/approach

Action research was used to implement the CIP, and this research method was reinforced using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to analyse the results.

Findings

The CIP was validated in four units of analysis within the organisation. For the validation, aspects relevant to organisational cultural change and their metrics were identified. The results showed that the main barriers to the development of CI in the case organisation were lack of teamwork and poor assimilation of new CI routines.

Research limitations/implications

The study was applied only in one organisation. Therefore, results cannot be generalized although the process and methodology followed to adapt and implement the CIP could be applied within other organisations.

Originality/value

The paper presents a CI frame of reference and describes how a CIP applied to a small- and medium-sized industrial enterprise generated cultural changes and promoted organisational excellence in the pursuit of CI, by using a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology approach.

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Article
Publication date: 10 February 2021

Charles R. Senteio, Kaitlin E. Montague, Stacy Brody and Kristen B. Matteucci

This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using…

678

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using Warner’s classification model; then they can use Popper’s three world theory to anticipate and respond to complex information needs by following specific steps.

Design/methodology/approach

After examining the information science literature, appropriate models were selected to support public librarians. Our information science scholarship, coupled with our practical experience, informed our search and selection.

Findings

This paper details specific steps that public librarians can take to anticipate and respond to individual information needs. Doing so is imperative as the information needs of the public continue to become increasingly complex.

Originality/value

This paper improves information practice because it offers specific steps to aid public librarians to anticipate and respond to complex information needs. It draws upon an existing model and theoretical framework. This paper also highlights selected examples of how public librarians across the USA have anticipated information needs, and developed partnerships with organizations external to the public library to address complex information needs.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

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