Nobody concerned with political economy can neglect the history of economic doctrines. Structural changes in the economy and society influence economic thinking and, conversely…
Abstract
Nobody concerned with political economy can neglect the history of economic doctrines. Structural changes in the economy and society influence economic thinking and, conversely, innovative thought structures and attitudes have almost always forced economic institutions and modes of behaviour to adjust. We learn from the history of economic doctrines how a particular theory emerged and whether, and in which environment, it could take root. We can see how a school evolves out of a common methodological perception and similar techniques of analysis, and how it has to establish itself. The interaction between unresolved problems on the one hand, and the search for better solutions or explanations on the other, leads to a change in paradigma and to the formation of new lines of reasoning. As long as the real world is subject to progress and change scientific search for explanation must out of necessity continue.
Hyunsook Han, Hyunjung Han and Taehoon Kim
The purpose of this study is to propose the parametric sleeve patternmaking method that enables mass customization.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to propose the parametric sleeve patternmaking method that enables mass customization.
Design/methodology/approach
To propose the parametric sleeve patternmaking method, the required components for parametrization were identified, and required elements for the application of mass customization were extracted as an objective sleeve pattern.
Findings
Overall drafting processes, the formulas for lines and points, the values of notches, and the value of the ease of ESMOD method, the angles and the formulas for darts of Müller’s method, and the size of Sleeve Opening and the way of pattern control of Secoli’s method were combined in the new method proposed.
Research limitations/implications
Further study requires a comprehensive analysis of the proposed sleeve patternmaking method and developing the parametric sleeve pattern CAD for mass customization to utilize and commercialize the parametric sleeve patternmaking method.
Practical implications
The parametric sleeve patternmaking method is suitable for mass customization. Especially, even beginners would apply the parametric sleeve patternmaking method proposed in this study to any type of bodice pattern without confusion.
Originality/value
The parametric sleeve patternmaking method proposed is simple and delivers the lines and the calculated values for the sleeve patternmaking clearly and objectively rather than the patterner’s intuition does.
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In Hwa Kim, Hyunsook Han and Su-Jeong Hwang Shin
The purpose of study is to investigate effectiveness of pattern technique in relation to the use of anthropometric references for drafting women's basic bodice patterns by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of study is to investigate effectiveness of pattern technique in relation to the use of anthropometric references for drafting women's basic bodice patterns by assessing characteristics of pattern formation, quantification of wearing ease on the transverse plan and actual ease distribution on body forms.
Design/methodology/approach
Three pattern drafting techniques were analyzed, which have different frequency of using direct body measurements for pattern formulation. Ease quantification and wearing ease distribution were evaluated on the two different body forms: a young female body and a heavy woman body. Women's basic bodice patterns were drafted with YUKA CAD and virtually draped on the two body forms with CLO 3D. Rapidform was used to evaluate garment appearance. Areal ease and its distribution were assessed. A deviation map was used for wrinkle analysis.
Findings
Compared to the pattern formation derived from few anthropometric references, patterns using sufficient anthropometric references provided overall better fit for the different body forms. Ease distribution without considering body arcs was found to be a cause of garment fit problems. Patterns with little or no ease caused transverse fine wrinkles and skewed side seams. Pattern techniques those used linear equations caused problems on the bust because the formulation could not reflect bust protrusions in relation to the body torso shape differences.
Originality/value
This study revealed characteristics of pattern formulae and linear equations in relation to anthropometric references and body shapes. The findings may be effective in developing algorithm of the customized pattern formation in the industry.
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Nathalie Drouin, Ralf Müller, Shankar Sankaran and Anne Live Vaagaasar
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify how horizontal leaders (within project teams) execute their leadership task in the context of balanced leadership; and to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: to identify how horizontal leaders (within project teams) execute their leadership task in the context of balanced leadership; and to pinpoint scenarios that can occur when horizontal leaders are identified and empowered by the vertical leader (senior or project managers) and a project task is handed over to them to lead. This research is based on the concept of balanced leadership, which conceptualizes leadership as a dynamic, situation-dependent transition of leadership authority from a vertical leader (like a project manager) to a horizontal leader (a project team member) and back again, in order to contribute positively to a project’s success. Balanced leadership consists of five events (nomination, identification, empowerment, horizontal leadership and its governance, and transition). This paper focuses on the fourth event, and its specific aspect of leadership distribution between horizontal and vertical leader. This event begins when a team member(s) accepts the empowerment to assume the role of horizontal leader. This paper explicitly links the leadership style of the vertical leader based on Frame’s (1987) leadership styles and the nature of decisions taken by both the vertical and horizontal leaders to deliver the project.
Design/methodology/approach
The method used for this paper is the qualitative phase of a sequential mixed methods (qualitative-quantitative) study. Data were collected through case studies in four different countries, using a maximum variety sampling approach. Data collection was through interviews of vertical leaders (senior leaders who were often sponsors of projects or members of senior management or project managers) and horizontal leaders (team leaders or members) in a variety of industry sectors. Data analysis was done through initial coding and constant comparison to arrive at themes. Thematic analysis was used to gain knowledge about the split of leadership and decision-making authority between the horizontal and vertical leader(s).
Findings
The results show that for Canadian and Australian projects, a combination of autocratic and democratic leadership styles were used by vertical leaders. In the case of Scandinavian projects, a democratic leadership style has been observed. Linked to these leadership styles, the horizontal decision making is predominantly focused on technical decisions and to daily task decisions to deliver the project. Delegation occurs most of the time to one specific team member, but occasionally to several team members simultaneously, for them to work collaboratively on a given issue.
Research limitations/implications
The paper supports a deeper investigation into a leadership theory, by validating one particular event of the balanced leadership theory, which is based on Archer’s (1995) realist social theory. The findings from this paper will guide organizations to facilitate an effective approach to balancing the leadership roles between vertical and horizontal leaders in their projects. The findings can also be used to develop horizontal leaders to take up more responsibilities in projects.
Originality/value
The originality lies in the new leadership theory called balanced leadership, and its empirical validation. It is the first study on the leadership task distribution between vertical and horizontal leadership in projects. Its value is new insights, which allow practitioners to develop practices to find and empower the best possible leader at any given time in the project and academics to develop a more dynamic and, therefore, more realistic theory on leadership as it unfolds in projects.
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Following the diesel emissions debacle of 2015, Volkswagen Group has rebounded significantly in terms of sales and market value. When examining Volkswagen’s dramatic recovery, it…
Abstract
Purpose
Following the diesel emissions debacle of 2015, Volkswagen Group has rebounded significantly in terms of sales and market value. When examining Volkswagen’s dramatic recovery, it is clear to notice four distinct elements that helped to bring about this rapid turnaround. To push through the public relations nightmare and regain sales traction, Volkswagen embarked on a four-step process that centered on four key words: Replace, Restructure, Redevelop and Rebrand. The purpose of this study is to examine that process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a case study examining the performance of Volkswagen Group and their recovery from the 2015 diesel emissions scandal. To achieve their significant turnaround, the company sought to: replace the leadership, restructure the organization, redevelop the strategy and rebrand the product. This study examines those four steps in the recovery process as a model for other firms.
Findings
To try and achieve an unprecedented turnaround, the company sought to: replace the leadership, restructure the organization, redevelop the strategy and rebrand the product. These four strategic elements formed the basis of a newly focused company and continue to push the company forward and further away from the scandal. This four-step process of recovery provides an excellent case study for other firms who may find themselves in the midst of turmoil and crisis.
Originality/value
To push through the public relations nightmare and regain sales traction following their 2015 emissions testing scandal, Volkswagen embarked on a four-step process that centered on four key words: Replace, Restructure, Redevelop and Rebrand. These four strategic elements formed the basis of a newly focused company and continue to push the company forward and further away from the scandal. This four-step process of recovery provides an excellent case study for other firms who may find themselves in the midst of turmoil and crisis.
Victor Silva Corrêa, Ana Paula Pricila Costa Abreu, Mauro Vivaldini and Marina de Almeida Cruz
This study aims to investigate the influence of social and spatial embeddedness on indigenous rural entrepreneurship in Amazon/Brazil. Rural entrepreneurship has increased in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of social and spatial embeddedness on indigenous rural entrepreneurship in Amazon/Brazil. Rural entrepreneurship has increased in recent years. Some studies have focused on the relevance of spatial embeddedness in understanding this phenomenon, whereas others have highlighted the importance of social embeddedness. Although some scholars have associated both construct dimensions to understand rural entrepreneurship in developed economies, such an association remains scarce when considering both emerging and developing contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
The strategy was qualitative, using the integrated case study method. The case was the Paiter-Suruí indigenous tribe in the Amazon region, Brazil, recognized for the entrepreneurship of their community. Fourteen indigenous rural entrepreneurs participated in the study.
Findings
Field data show that entrepreneurs embed themselves in dense social networks that influence their decisions, including those involving the creation of enterprises. In addition, entrepreneurs are deeply embedded in rural territoriality (spatial), impacting how they create and seek to develop their own ventures.
Originality/value
The study of an empirical context that is still poorly explored has made two main contributions to the social and spatial embeddedness literature. First, evidence shows social influence on spatial embeddedness and vice versa, suggesting the need to integrate both perspectives. Second, this study contributes to the literature on rural entrepreneurship by shedding light on novel strategies for developing such enterprises. In addition, this study emphasizes the relevance of investigating the challenges that hinder rural entrepreneurial development in emerging and developing contexts.
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Review essay on Muller, J. Z. (2010). Capitalism and the Jews, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. 272 pp. ISBN: 9781400834365. $24.95.
The paper contributes to the discussion on works councils and teamwork in the German auto industry. General Motors’ Opel plant in Germany has been chosen to study works councils’…
Abstract
The paper contributes to the discussion on works councils and teamwork in the German auto industry. General Motors’ Opel plant in Germany has been chosen to study works councils’ participation in the process of introducing teamwork, and the effects of teamwork on workers’ representation on the shopfloor. The paper discusses the “dual structure” of works councils and union representatives, and will examine their role during the introduction of teamwork and relationship to their elected team spokespersons. The two key findings are: first, both levels of workers’ representation have contributed to the successful introduction of workplace changes and second, team spokespersons can be seen as a third level of workers’ representation.
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Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured…
Abstract
Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured supply chain practices, lack of awareness of the implications of the sustainability concept and failure to recycle poultry wastes. The current research thus attempts to develop an integrated supply chain model in the context of poultry industry in Bangladesh. The study considers both sustainability and supply chain issues in order to incorporate them in the poultry supply chain. By placing the forward and reverse supply chains in a single framework, existing problems can be resolved to gain economic, social and environmental benefits, which will be more sustainable than the present practices.
The theoretical underpinning of this research is ‘sustainability’ and the ‘supply chain processes’ in order to examine possible improvements in the poultry production process along with waste management. The research adopts the positivist paradigm and ‘design science’ methods with the support of system dynamics (SD) and the case study methods. Initially, a mental model is developed followed by the causal loop diagram based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observation techniques. The causal model helps to understand the linkages between the associated variables for each issue. Finally, the causal loop diagram is transformed into a stock and flow (quantitative) model, which is a prerequisite for SD-based simulation modelling. A decision support system (DSS) is then developed to analyse the complex decision-making process along the supply chains.
The findings reveal that integration of the supply chain can bring economic, social and environmental sustainability along with a structured production process. It is also observed that the poultry industry can apply the model outcomes in the real-life practices with minor adjustments. This present research has both theoretical and practical implications. The proposed model’s unique characteristics in mitigating the existing problems are supported by the sustainability and supply chain theories. As for practical implications, the poultry industry in Bangladesh can follow the proposed supply chain structure (as par the research model) and test various policies via simulation prior to its application. Positive outcomes of the simulation study may provide enough confidence to implement the desired changes within the industry and their supply chain networks.
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Roscher believed that human existence is rooted in organic nature.In his view, a national society can be regarded as an organism in whichhouseholds function as mutually dependent…
Abstract
Roscher believed that human existence is rooted in organic nature. In his view, a national society can be regarded as an organism in which households function as mutually dependent organs. Examines the nature of Roscher′s organicism, which to a certain extent is characteristic of the historical school through its link with historicism. Outlines the roots and development of Roscher′s organicism. Considers the related ideas of other economic theorists.