Matthew H. Sauber, Andrew G. Snyir and Mohsen Sharifi
Previous studies analyze turnover in public accounting by focusing on why employees leave. None has discussed the critical question of why employees stay. The present article…
Abstract
Previous studies analyze turnover in public accounting by focusing on why employees leave. None has discussed the critical question of why employees stay. The present article reports results from a survey of Big Eight public accounting employees who discussed their reasons for staying, and suggests approaches for improving retention.
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Matthew H. Sauber and A. Edward Spitz
This paper addresses the issue of farm programs and their impact on United States exports. It suggests an alternative policy to deal with the problems of low prices, surpluses…
Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of farm programs and their impact on United States exports. It suggests an alternative policy to deal with the problems of low prices, surpluses, excessive supports and augmented competition abroad. The authors depict the current situation in the U.S. farm economy first by reviewing the farm programs from the inception to the present time, their impact on supply and demand for farm products at home and abroad, and the competitive reactions from other countries, especially the European Community. The authors then introduce a policy of international cooperation in farm trade that emphasizes a free market system and focuses on issues of contention among U.S. trade partners. Using U.S. farm policy in general, the paper advocates general cooperation with other countries on the international front and an integrated policy‐making process in the domestic economy that articulates the government trade policy with a single strong voice.
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Matthew H. Sauber, Hugh B. McSurely and V.M. Rao Tummala
This paper aims to show the process of designing and measuring learning competencies in program development.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to show the process of designing and measuring learning competencies in program development.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper includes cross‐sectoral comparisons to draw on programmatic and pedagogical strategies, more commonly utilized in vocational education, and transfer the application of these strategies into curriculum development in higher education. Using a case study approach, the paper details the process of identifying and measuring learning competencies in developing specialization and graduate certificate program in supply chain management.
Findings
The development of competencies used an interdisciplinary framework to infuse interaction among stakeholders – faculty, students, and practitioners. The process focused on competencies at the program level as opposed to certain course or class level. The result produced more realistic competencies addressing student learning. The competency approach presented challenges in collecting and analyzing assessment data and opportunities to continuously improve the program. Data on student self‐assessment of learning competency as well as course work (exercises and assignments) were collected, analyzed, and reviewed. They resulted in changes in textbooks, class exercises and assignments, and faculty lectures.
Originality/value
The paper focuses on the virtues of embedding learning competency development and measurement in the design of educational programs. This is an issue of ongoing relevance to education in general, and of growing relevance to higher education in particular. As psychometric methodology advances, quality assurance and continuous improvement in education place greater emphasis on learning outcomes. As such, the identification and measurement of competencies become issues of increasing importance in educational systems around the world.
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Pernilla Derwik and Daniel Hellström
This paper aims to present an integrated view of the literature published on all aspects and facets of competence in supply chain management (SCM) and furthermore provides a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an integrated view of the literature published on all aspects and facets of competence in supply chain management (SCM) and furthermore provides a framework for classifying and analyzing literature to facilitate further study, practice and research.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review identified 98 peer-reviewed scientific journal publications on the subject of competence in SCM.
Findings
This review identifies and classifies the key content of the subject based on whose competence (level of analysis) and the type of competence (competence element), resulting in a framework that brings together aspects at the individual and organizational level, and of the functional, relational, managerial and behavioral elements of competence from the SCM literature. It furthermore displays the timeliness and wide-ranging character of the subject, as presented by the evolutionary timeline and the main research streams.
Research limitations/implications
Although competence in SCM is a key to business success, the subject is ambiguous and an explicit need exists for more research. This paper provides a foundation for future examination of and theory building in this subject. It also alerts researchers to complementary studies outside of their own “customary” domains.
Practical implications
This paper can support managers in their pursuit to secure competence in SCM and thereby improve outcomes on both individual and organizational level. It can furthermore assist in the development of relevant programs and training sessions.
Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this work represents the first systematic literature review on the subject of competence in SCM. In addition, it proposes a taxonomy for mapping and evaluating research on this subject.
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Trish Gibson, Donald Kerr and Ron Fisher
There is an acknowledged need to advance the supply chain management (SCM) learning agenda, with an emphasis on integration. This paper discuss an Australian university–industry…
Abstract
Purpose
There is an acknowledged need to advance the supply chain management (SCM) learning agenda, with an emphasis on integration. This paper discuss an Australian university–industry collaboration aimed at accelerating SCM learning and offers some insight into models for building a forward-looking SCM.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is an exploratory case study of the industry–university collaboration, using grounded theory procedures. The primary data involved 25 interviews with key participants from the university and industry partners, and from the first cohort of students in the undergraduate program developed within the collaboration.
Findings
A theoretical framework for accelerating SCM learning was developed from the case study data; it comprises six constructs that influence, at strategic and operational levels, the acceleration of SCM learning. Four cross-construct concepts from the framework that form the cornerstones of accelerated learning are discussed in some detail.
Research limitations/implications
The framework facilitates an examination of successes and shortfalls in the case study collaboration and generates a deeper understanding of critical elements for progressing the SCM learning agenda, and expanding SCM education. As with all qualitative research, the results may not be generalisable; testing the relevance and usefulness of the framework with the field will be an important next step.
Practical implications
As the framework identifies conditions, characteristics and capacities of organisations and individuals that support the acceleration of SCM learning, it can provide assistance in designing future university–industry collaborations for advancing SCM learning.
Originality/value
The framework identifies critical success factors for alliances and partnerships aimed at accelerating learning in an emerging body of knowledge such as SCM.
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Nils-Ole Hohenstein, Edda Feisel and Evi Hartmann
With today's increasing globalization and associated growing demand for talented supply chain managers, human resource management (HRM) in supply chain management (SCM) has…
Abstract
Purpose
With today's increasing globalization and associated growing demand for talented supply chain managers, human resource management (HRM) in supply chain management (SCM) has emerged as a top priority for firms. However, a thorough analysis of HRM issues in SCM research has not been made so far. To address this gap this paper provides a systematic and comprehensive literature review. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to analyze HRM/SCM issues published in leading SCM journals, to identify different HRM research streams in the SCM literature and to propose areas for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employs a systematic literature review methodology. The selected journal articles are categorized on the basis of an analytical framework that contains seven HRM/SCM research streams derived from the extant literature.
Findings
The systematic literature review indicates a growing focus on HRM/SCM issues in recent years, a trend that is predicted to continue. Additionally, the study findings show that research has primarily emphasized certain popular categories while other crucial ones lack analysis.
Originality/value
This paper presents a structured overview of 109 peer-reviewed articles published in leading academic journals from 1998 to 2014. The review structures extant HRM/SCM literature and highlights its critical importance in SCM research. Topical gaps in the literature are identified as areas for future research.