The emergence of a global manufacturing and outsourcing network and the real time transparency of information via the Internet have redefined the business performance management…
Abstract
The emergence of a global manufacturing and outsourcing network and the real time transparency of information via the Internet have redefined the business performance management process. New metrics are emerging as externally focused and adaptive for competing in the collaborative economy of suppliers, producers, distributors and customers. The challenge is how to optimise measures to improve and sustain business advantages. This paper suggests a six‐stage performance management process to meet these new criteria and convert challenges to opportunities.
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Ron Basu, Chris Little and Chris Millard
The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the Heathrow Terminal 5 project and to illustrate a customised application of the Balanced Scorecard in a major…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the Heathrow Terminal 5 project and to illustrate a customised application of the Balanced Scorecard in a major infrastructure project with multiple stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology applied in this work was based on the case study methodology. The focus was on “how” questions and exploratory analysis of primary and secondary data supported in‐depth interviews with members from both the project team and suppliers.
Findings
The application of the concept of the Balanced Scorecard by Kaplan and Norton in project management is less frequent in comparison with operations management. The study has established a proven application of the Balanced Scorecard in managing quality in a major infrastructure project.
Practical implications
For practitioners of major projects the paper gives implications for implementing the theoretical and customising requirements of the Balanced Scorecard involving key stakeholders.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates that metrics can be customised for major projects within the framework of the Kaplan and Norton Balanced Scorecard and that suppliers should be empowered to own the monitoring and improvement process using their performance data.
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Abstract
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This paper aims to present the results of a study carried out by the author in the form of a panel discussion on the topic – “Is Six Sigma another management fad or fact?”
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of a study carried out by the author in the form of a panel discussion on the topic – “Is Six Sigma another management fad or fact?”
Design/methodology/approach
The approach taken for this paper was to form a panel of leading academics and practitioners who are familiar with the six sigma topic as well as general quality management/improvement fields.
Findings
The findings of this panel discussion was quite stimulating and the author believes that this will be extremely useful to both researchers and practitioners of six sigma.
Research limitations/implications
One limitation of this panel discussion was that majority of the people who participated in this study come from the USA. It would have been better to have different views from other parts of the world such as China, Sweden, Hong Kong, Australia, The Netherlands, Germany, etc.
Originality/value
The paper provides an excellent resource for those people who would like to know whether six sigma is just a management fad or fact. The people who had participated in this panel discussion were carefully chosen by the author.
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The purpose of this paper is to identify the major trends and contributions published in the Advances in Project Management book series and place them in the context of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the major trends and contributions published in the Advances in Project Management book series and place them in the context of the findings and outputs from the Rethinking Project Management Network. A key aim is to address the concerns of project practitioners and explore the alternatives to the assumed linear rationality of project thinking. The paper further offers a guided catalogue to some of the key ideas, concepts and approaches offered to practitioners through the series.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual review paper that reflects on the main areas covered in a book series aimed at improving modern project practice and explores the implications on practice, knowledge and the relationship between research and practice. The topics are addressed through the prism of the Rethinking Project Management Network findings.
Findings
The paper explores new advances in project management practice aligning them with key trends and perspectives identified as part of the Rethinking Project Management initiative. It further delineates new areas of expertise augmenting those mentioned in the disciplinary canons of knowledge.
Research limitations/implications
The paper offers a new understanding of how knowledge is created in, for and by practice. Improving the relationship between theory and practice may demand a new appreciation of the role of practitioners and the value of their reflection in context.
Practical implications
The primary implication is to explore the new directions and perspectives covered by authors in the Advances in Project Management series, and identify main areas and topics that feature in the emerging discourse about project management practice. In addition, new conceptualisations of the role of practitioners in making sense of project realities are offered and considered.
Originality/value
New areas of interest and activity are identified and examined, offering a catalogue of new writing and perspectives in project practice. Reflection on the relationship between research and practice encourages fresh thinking about the crucial role of practitioner knowledge and reflection.
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This paper aims to explore the journeys of a group of North American Master athletes who travelled to Scotland to compete in the 2014 Masters World Championship Highland Games…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the journeys of a group of North American Master athletes who travelled to Scotland to compete in the 2014 Masters World Championship Highland Games. Conceptualising, the Masters World Championship Highland Games as a unique form of sport heritage tourism, the paper explores how imaginations of the host venue are caught within individual and collective histories, while also being influenced by the socio-political context of contemporary Scotland.
Design/methodology/approach
After detailing the histories of the Highland games and Scottish emigration, the study draws upon a qualitative methodology to explore how such histories impact the imaginations of the Highland region.
Findings
This paper examines the journeys of athletes to the games, how they understood the games venue space and surrounding areas, and also how the Highland region itself was the site of contested meanings. The study concludes with a discussion of the narratives that frame imaginations of the Highlands and Scotland more broadly.
Originality/value
The paper adds to existing knowledge on sport heritage tourism and considers how conceptualisations of Scotland continue to be renegotiated in light of contemporary political developments.
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Globalisation is generally defined as the “denationalisation of clusters of political, economic, and social activities” that destabilize the ability of the sovereign State to…
Abstract
Globalisation is generally defined as the “denationalisation of clusters of political, economic, and social activities” that destabilize the ability of the sovereign State to control activities on its territory, due to the rising need to find solutions for universal problems, like the pollution of the environment, on an international level. Globalisation is a complex, forceful legal and social process that take place within an integrated whole with out regard to geographical boundaries. Globalisation thus differs from international activities, which arise between and among States, and it differs from multinational activities that occur in more than one nation‐State. This does not mean that countries are not involved in the sociolegal dynamics that those transboundary process trigger. In a sense, the movements triggered by global processes promote greater economic interdependence among countries. Globalisation can be traced back to the depression preceding World War II and globalisation at that time included spreading of the capitalist economic system as a means of getting access to extended markets. The first step was to create sufficient export surplus to maintain full employment in the capitalist world and secondly establishing a globalized economy where the planet would be united in peace and wealth. The idea of interdependence among quite separate and distinct countries is a very important part of talks on globalisation and a significant side of today’s global political economy.
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Durriya H.Z. Khairullah and Zahid Y. Khairullah
India gained her political independence in 1947 from British rule. The new democracy chose non‐alignment, installed a large national government and legislated protectionist…
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India gained her political independence in 1947 from British rule. The new democracy chose non‐alignment, installed a large national government and legislated protectionist policies, which kept out most foreign products that almost led to economic isolation. The political leaders believed that protectionism would make India self‐reliant and eventually improve the standard of living especially for the poorer Indians. While other Asian countries were encouraging foreign capital and multinationals, India was doing its best to keep them out (Business Asia, 2000). Although India moved towards self‐reliance, the lack of competition hindered the country’s own economic and technological developments. As a result the market was forced to accept local products that were often inferior or old‐fashioned. For example, until recently the leading car on India’s road was “Ambassador”, a reproduction of a British design from the early 1950s that was bulky and a gas‐guzzler.
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Defines the term “emerging market” and identifies the necessary preconditions which allow stock markets to develop: government commitment, market economy, a legal system and…
Abstract
Defines the term “emerging market” and identifies the necessary preconditions which allow stock markets to develop: government commitment, market economy, a legal system and generally available education. Discusses some factors affecting equity market growth, e.g. economic and regulatory development/reform, legal and market structure reform, requirements for financial intermediaries, disclosure, accounting standards and education/training for participants in financial markets. Explains how these factors apply to India, giving statistical indicators for the economy and the Bombay Stock Exchange for 1991‐1995. Believes the prospects for foreign and domestic equity investment in India and other developing countries are good providing that they maintain a stable economy and an investor‐friendly environment