Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of the external supply chain (SC) functionality offered by business‐to‐business electronic marketplaces (EMPs) results in improved…
Abstract
Purpose
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of the external supply chain (SC) functionality offered by business‐to‐business electronic marketplaces (EMPs) results in improved efficiencies and reduced costs in supply chains. Anecdotal evidence also suggests, however, that most of the benefits offered by EMPs could also be achieved by an increase in the firm's internal SC capabilities. The firm's decision is thus one of seeking SC efficiencies through internal capabilities (e.g. enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems), through participation in EMPs, or through a combination of both. Seeks to examine this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conceptually examines the choice of using ERP systems versus EMPs within the context of value creation and competitiveness in an SC partnership. Then a dynamic, non‐linear model is proposed to support this decision.
Findings
Three findings stand out. First, while small firms are often well served with just using EMPs, large firms are better off using a well‐balanced portfolio of internal and external capabilities along with their SC processes. Second, unless a sufficient level of internal information technology capabilities is present, firms with a large scope of stock‐keeping units will not be able to significantly improve their SC effectiveness by just using EMPs. Finally, the successful acquisition of SC capabilities depends on the level of uncertainty of the associated technology and market.
Originality/value
This paper considers a range of organizational and environmental factors that impact the choice between EMPs and ERP systems that have not previously been considered. The findings have a major impact on the choice of internal versus external functionality to increase the firm's SC capabilities.
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Edmund Prater, Markus Biehl and Michael Alan Smith
Firms operating in an international environment face a host of uncertainties that make it difficult to meet deadlines reliably. To be reliable in an uncertain and changing…
Abstract
Firms operating in an international environment face a host of uncertainties that make it difficult to meet deadlines reliably. To be reliable in an uncertain and changing environment, firms must be able to quickly respond to changes. The ability to do this in a useful time frame is called agility. Unfortunately, measures taken to increase agility often lead to increases in complexity, which works against agility. We propose a theoretical construct linking elements of uncertainty with aspects of agility, pointing out the two‐edged nature of the requisite capabilities. We illustrate our points with examples from five case studies.
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Tibor Szvircsev Tresch, Natalie Schwarz and Markus Williner
Purpose – The present study addresses: First, which traditions are currently lived in the Swiss Armed Forces? Second, which traditions are viewed in positive or negative terms and…
Abstract
Purpose – The present study addresses: First, which traditions are currently lived in the Swiss Armed Forces? Second, which traditions are viewed in positive or negative terms and why is this so? And finally, which traditions have disappeared and which are wished for?
Methodology/approach – Two separate surveys were conducted by the authors of this study in an attempt to answer these questions. For the first survey, qualitative interviews were conducted with 50 professional and militia military commanders in order to get the internal perspective. For the second survey, a representative sample of 1,200 Swiss voters was interviewed in an attempt to get the external perspective.
Findings – The main findings show that there are few formal traditions in the Swiss Armed Forces. The republican self-concept and the decentralized political system in Switzerland have significantly influenced the meaning of traditions and their practice. Moreover, traditions mainly serve to integrate cadres and soldiers into the military. The majority of traditions is informal or a combination of formal (top-down) and informal (bottom-up) traditions. Lost traditions not only fell victim to structural changes, but their purpose was also questioned by commanders. Two major military reforms as well as societal change are the main reasons for the disappearance of traditions in the Swiss Armed Forces. The results show a high degree of congruence with the qualitative survey. In short, the Swiss population generally views military traditions in favorable terms. In particular, it endorses traditions that serve to foster a sense of community and impart knowledge. However, traditions that stress manhood and bravery are strongly rejected.
Research limitations/implications – The approach could be applied to other cases. Case studies may be generalized in a conceptual sense.
Originality/value of paper – Case study with broader practical and research implications, invites international comparative research.
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Rebecca Bloch, Gary Kleinman and Amanda Peterson
The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive theory as to why academic research in accounting is said not to help practice.The authors (1) present a comprehensive…
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive theory as to why academic research in accounting is said not to help practice.
The authors (1) present a comprehensive literature review in the academic/practitioner gap arena, and (2) develop a theoretical background for it. Further, they identify (3) the different information needs of these groups using value group theory and (4) the inherent factors and personality traits that influence career choice. Next, they (5) evaluate the values of each subgroup. They then (6) theorize what types of accounting research would interest each. They argue that (7) individuals who enter the academy differ from those who enter practice, and (8) the socialization processes and the impact of the professional setting (practice or academe) on behaviors further the separation of academic research from practitioner needs.
This paper is theoretical. It suggests that bridging the gap will be difficult. The study is theoretical. The limitation is that it does not empirically test the relationships hypothesized. By providing a comprehensive model of factors underlying the gap, however, it can be a fruitful source of research ideas for years to come. The implications are that it will be difficult to bridge the gap between accounting practitioners and academics. Having a greater understanding of the causes of the gap, however, may be very useful in fostering thought as to how to overcome it.
Prior literature on the topic is largely atheoretical. This paper is the first to develop a broad theory of the gap.
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Stuart Maguire, Udechukwu Ojiako and Al Said
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems if successfully implemented bring about competitive advantages. On the other hand, project failure could, in an extreme case, cause an…
Abstract
Purpose
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems if successfully implemented bring about competitive advantages. On the other hand, project failure could, in an extreme case, cause an organisation to go out of business. Mapped against existing literature on ERP critical success factors, this paper examines environmental factors that impacted on the adoption of ERP by The Oman Telecommunication Company (Omantel).
Design/methodology/approach
A case study methodology is used to study perceptions of the ERP system implementation project in Omantel.
Findings
This paper highlights the particular problems of large organisations that operate disparate legacy systems.
Research limitations/implications
A single case study is conducted. This provides opportunities for further research in a number of varied settings.
Originality/value
It is very important that experiences of ERP projects are shared across countries and sectors. This is because many ERP implementations are rolled out by multi‐national corporations in several countries, often simultaneously. This is one of the few ERP studies that have been conducted by an internal member of staff. In these situations, it is not just a case of access, but that the respondents feel able to give practical answers.
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Khadijeh Momeni, Eija Vaittinen, Markus Jähi and Miia Martinsuo
Smart services have gained attention both among academics and practitioners, but manufacturing firms struggle in getting their new smart services extensively adopted by customers…
Abstract
Purpose
Smart services have gained attention both among academics and practitioners, but manufacturing firms struggle in getting their new smart services extensively adopted by customers, employees and distributors. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the requirements of different actors and the interconnectedness between their requirements in introducing smart services.
Design/methodology/approach
An embedded single-case study was conducted with a manufacturing firm and its network, including its sales and service personnel, customers and external salespeople. Data were collected via 30 in-depth interviews.
Findings
The paper advances the multi-actor perspective by identifying the requirements of key actors for introducing smart services. These requirements were divided into eight categories: value of smart services, reliability of smart services, competence for smart services, data security and management, attitude towards services, reliance, knowledge of installed base of equipment and services and service reputation. The findings reveal the interconnectedness of different actors’ requirements for introducing new smart services and how discussion and relationships between actors affected their requirements.
Practical implications
The findings represent a comprehensive template of requirements, as well as mapping the interconnectedness of actors’ requirements, serving as a practical guideline for managers.
Originality/value
This study characterises the introduction of smart services as a multi-dimensional, interconnected effort by manufacturing firms and their networks. It shows that service introduction cannot be viewed as manufacturer’s development task or customers’ adoption decision only. Propositions are offered on how multiple actors’ viewpoints can be combined to achieve success in introducing smart services.
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Markus Lüttenberg, Alexander Zienau, Marcus Wiens, Ole Hansen, Florian Diehlmann and Frank Schultmann
In crises like natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, public actors might have to take over responsibility for the population’s supply when the market fails to meet the…
Abstract
Purpose
In crises like natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, public actors might have to take over responsibility for the population’s supply when the market fails to meet the demand for essential goods. Companies can be valuable collaboration partners for public actors. However, conditions under which companies are willing and able to support public crisis management need to be better understood. This paper aims to empirically investigate expectations and motivation to better understand the motives leading companies to participate in public–private emergency collaborations. To enable successful collaboration, the paper develops crisis preparedness guidelines for state institutions and companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop and conduct a survey and statistically analyze the responses of 398 German companies from the food, health-care and logistics sectors.
Findings
Most companies have already engaged in crisis management and are willing to engage collaboratively. While their preferred contribution to collaborative crisis management is providing resources (e.g. goods or equipment) instead of coordination tasks, they also want to ensure that their business processes are sustained. Among the most promising incentives to increase company engagement are monetary compensation for provided resources and an improved communication policy. Logistics companies are motivated more by relaxing regulations, whereas health-care companies prefer reputation measures.
Practical implications
The insights provide the basis for public and private actors to foster public–private collaboration and raises awareness of its potential during crises. Moreover, this study promotes the systematic implementation of public–private emergency collaborations.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically investigate the perspective of companies operating in the fields of logistics, food and health-care industries toward public–private collaboration in crisis management.
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Nicholas Berente, Danail Ivanov and Betty Vandenbosch
Process gatekeepers, individuals responsible for strictly enforcing data completeness at critical points within a process, are often used to encourage compliance with processes…
Abstract
Purpose
Process gatekeepers, individuals responsible for strictly enforcing data completeness at critical points within a process, are often used to encourage compliance with processes associated with enterprise systems. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between process gatekeepers and process compliance.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a mixed‐method approach of both qualitative and quantitative analyses of one firm's sales processes, the paper identifies and measures four key drivers of compliance with the work process: ease of use, perceived value, urgency, and gatekeeper flexibility.
Findings
The paper finds that process context‐specific, gatekeeper‐related factors directly affect an individual's willingness to work within the bounds of prescribed processes. In particular, the paper finds evidence that gatekeeper flexibility appears to encourage process compliance.
Research limitations/implications
These findings are limited in generalizability to a single organization, by potential instrument‐related biases, and by typical caveats associated with models derived from exploratory research.
Practical implications
Implications include the motivation of the need for overall process compliance in realizing the benefits of an enterprise information system, as well as the counterintuitive notion that gatekeeper flexibility may be positively related to process compliance.
Originality/value
This paper introduces the notion of process gatekeeper, devises a context‐specific measure of gatekeeper flexibility, and relates this notion to an overall model associated with process compliance in an enterprise system context.