Maria Kapsali, Jens K. Roehrich and Pervaiz Akhtar
The purpose of this paper is to examine combinations of contract clauses in order to ascertain which combinations correlate to high operational performance (OP).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine combinations of contract clauses in order to ascertain which combinations correlate to high operational performance (OP).
Design/methodology/approach
Two hypotheses were formulated from contracting theory and tested on data collected from 45 projects. Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis was used and validated with multiple regression and simulation.
Findings
The hypotheses were tested to determine whether combinations of classical, relational, and/or associational contract clauses correlate to high OP. The results show that whereas high OP correlates to combinations of relational and associational contract clauses, classical and relational clauses should not be combined.
Research limitations/implications
Directions are proposed to guide future research in order to produce a more nuanced testing of contractual complementarity.
Practical implications
The managerial implications of the findings include a more thorough understanding of the use of contract clauses and of which clauses managers should combine to achieve high OP.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the theory of contractual incompleteness and complementarity, specifically in the context of project contracting. The analysis produced two theoretical implications: first, that better performing contracts are created when combining relational and associational contract clauses; and second, that in projects, relational and classical contract clauses are not complementary with regards to realizing high OP.
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Maria Magdalena Aguilar Velasco and Andreas Wald
Project work usually has a positive connotation and is considered innovative and modern. However, many project workers suffer from chronic stress, work overload and burnout. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Project work usually has a positive connotation and is considered innovative and modern. However, many project workers suffer from chronic stress, work overload and burnout. This study aims to integrate the determinants of the negative aspects of project work and their implications for individuals involved in projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was used to analyze 290 papers from various disciplines to identify the most used theories, determinants of the negative aspects of project work and the consequences of these aspects for project participants' work-related and overall well-being.
Findings
Based on the findings of the review, this paper develops a multi-level framework that includes determinants at the levels of society, organizations, projects and individuals and discusses opportunities for further research. The findings show that socio-psychological theories and occupational health theories are the dominant theories used in research. The most frequently studied individual outcomes are affective symptoms and work-related outcomes. Detrimental individual outcomes are mostly associated with psychosocial work factors.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive review of research on the negative aspects of project work and their implications for project workers. The multi-level framework can serve as a guide for future research and provides important insights for practitioners.
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Rúben Silva Barros and Ana Maria Dias Simões da Costa Ferreira
The purpose of this study is to present the evolution of thinking on the role of management control systems (MCSs) in innovation, according to the development of control…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to present the evolution of thinking on the role of management control systems (MCSs) in innovation, according to the development of control practices, and to provide a reflection on the achievements of the more recent literature.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper assesses articles, books and book chapters that have explored MCSs in innovation, together with seminal works on management accounting and control.
Findings
Moving from the traditional phase where MCSs were seen as detrimental to innovation, the literature has now reached a new consensus that attributes a positive role to control. In this recent phase, it arises from the literature that MCSs in the realm of innovation should embrace a multiplicity of controls; MCSs depend on the magnitude and innovation mode of a company; MCSs evolve over time; and that synergies and tensions are expected to arise. Adding these factors to the inherent complexity of innovation, the assertion is that qualitative approaches should be undertaken to infuse the field with more fine-grained evidence. It is also proposed that this methodological approach be used to address the following points: (1) the use of multiple controls; (2) synergies and tensions; and (3) behavioural aspects of controls in relation with innovation.
Originality/value
The paper is of value for researchers who have an interest in studying the use of MCSs in innovation and in qualitative research and proposes some areas of research that could be explored.
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Eva M. García-Granero, Laura Piedra-Muñoz, Emilio Galdeano-Gómez and Yolanda Sorroche-del-Rey
This study aims to propose a comprehensive framework for assessing circular economy (CE) performance in the agri-food sector. It identifies those indicators that should be used to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose a comprehensive framework for assessing circular economy (CE) performance in the agri-food sector. It identifies those indicators that should be used to measure circularity regarding CE strategies, applies them at a microeconomic level and examines the impact of key business determinants (financial, internalization, knowledge, awareness and digitalization).
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was conducted with a focus on CE strategies and related indicators. The framework obtained is applied on a Spanish agri-food sector survey to provide an empirical CE analysis at firm level. A partial least squares based-structural equation modelling method is applied.
Findings
The research suggests a set of circularity indicators to assess CE strategies at micro level. The findings reveal the heterogeneity of CE sub-indicators related to narrowing, slowing, closing and regenerating strategies. It also highlights the strong effects that the drivers tested have on CE, especially awareness and knowledge.
Practical implications
This study provides a framework that can guide public policies and business decisions in sectors with significant environmental impacts. It provides a conceptual framework that explains which CE indicators should be considered by governments and regulators when developing policies that seek to promote circular strategies.
Social implications
In the case of companies, the results show that acquiring more environmental awareness and knowledge is essential for promoting more sustainable work habits that enhance CE.
Originality/value
The paper offers a novel contribution to the CE literature by introducing a multidimensional indicator framework comprehensively applied to the agri-food sector, integrating miscellaneous pillars of circular strategies and business determinants.