Marianne Döös, Lena Wilhelmson, Thomas Backlund and Nancy Dixon
In the telecommunication industry, companies gain a competitive edge through the competence of their employees, making issues of learning critical. The study aims to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
In the telecommunication industry, companies gain a competitive edge through the competence of their employees, making issues of learning critical. The study aims to identify specific learning processes necessary when working at the edge both of one's own knowledge and of that of the branch.
Design/methodology/approach
This research draws on theories of learning through experience and interaction, and looks at software development engineers working at the interface between tele‐ and datacom within one company, Ericsson, Sweden. Data were collected in 2000 in four software‐engineering teams, through semi‐structured interviews, reflection groups and observations. Data were analyzed in an interplay between empirical findings and theoretical concepts.
Findings
The research identified three kinds of learning processes in which employees engage to accomplish their tasks: learning basic knowledge; co‐creating new knowledge; and learning changing‐knowledge. Learning basic knowledge was a frequent returning to a state of knowing nothing among skilled workers. The co‐creation of new knowledge implied close interaction processes in the midst of carrying out difficult work tasks. Learning changing‐knowledge questioned hitherto acquired knowledge through the necessity of taking in new facts and aspects in relation to already existing deep and extensive knowing.
Practical implications
Differentiating these learning processes has theoretical implications and a practical significance for organizations wanting to focus on competence and learning issues.
Originality/value
When organizing for learning it is of crucial importance to be aware of the kind of actual learning processes that are ongoing and need support and infrastructure.
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Joeri Van den Bergh, Patrick De Pelsmacker and Ben Worsley
The purpose of this study is to identify segments in the Gen Z population (born between 1996 and 2010) in Europe, the USA and Australia, based on brand- and lifestyle-related…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify segments in the Gen Z population (born between 1996 and 2010) in Europe, the USA and Australia, based on brand- and lifestyle-related variables and perceptions about their online activities. This study explores how these segments differ and provide insights into cross-country similarities and differences.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted with 4,304 participants, and cluster analysis and analysis of variance were used to identify and profile Gen Z segments in each of three geographical areas.
Findings
Five segments in Europe and four segments in the USA and in Australia were identified. Segments differ in terms of the importance they attach to exclusivity, inclusivity and sustainability of brands, how Gen Z members perceive money issues and stand in life and how they perceive their online activities. Similar segments are found in the three geographical areas.
Research limitations/implications
This study proposes a conceptual and analytical approach for exploring intra-cohort diversity. Future research can apply this approach to different generational cohorts and use it to study intra-cohort diversity in other parts of the world.
Practical implications
This study provides input for marketing practitioners to create better focused and more effective campaigns.
Originality/value
Cross-country generational cohort research is scarce, and especially intra-cohort diversity is under-researched. This study offers a deep and fine-grained insight into the diversity of the Gen Z cohort across three geographical areas, based on representative samples in these areas.
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Fredrik Backlund, Diana Chronéer and Erik Sundqvist
– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the empirical research on project management (PM) maturity assessments, specifically based on a maturity model.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the empirical research on project management (PM) maturity assessments, specifically based on a maturity model.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical data are based on a case study including in-depth interviews with a semi-structured approach, followed by a focus group interview. A survey was distributed within a project-based organisation (PBO) and to client and stakeholder representatives, and then analysed. The organisation in the case study is a project department within a Swedish mining company.
Findings
Careful considerations are needed when choosing a PM maturity model (PM3) as the model structure can influence the assessment’s focus. It is also important to include both internal and external project stakeholders in the assessment to achieve an efficiency and effectiveness perspective when analysing PM capabilities. Valid information from an assessment is crucial, therefore, clear communication from management is important in order to motivate the participants in the assessment.
Research limitations/implications
Improved understanding for implementing and applying a PM3 contributes to the increased knowledge of drivers, enablers and obstacles when assessing PM maturity, which also creates a basis for further research initiatives.
Practical implications
An increased knowledge of drivers, enablers and obstacles should be valuable for practitioners introducing and applying a PM3.
Social implications
Projects are a common way of working in many businesses. Activities which aim to improve PM capabilities should contribute to more effective and efficient project performance.
Originality/value
This case study gives an in-depth insight into the implementation of a PM3 within a PBO. Through conducting a literature review, it was found that this type of empirical research is rare.
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Jonas Hansson, Fredrik Backlund and Liselott Lycke
Quality management, by means of total quality management (TQM), is considered to foster organisational performance characterised by competitiveness and long‐term profitability…
Abstract
Quality management, by means of total quality management (TQM), is considered to foster organisational performance characterised by competitiveness and long‐term profitability. Since the benefits of quality management cannot be achieved without the sustained performance of equipment affecting product quality, maintenance management has become important. This has led to the development of maintenance methodologies, such as total productive maintenance (TPM) and reliability centred maintenance (RCM). TQM, TPM and RCM implementation have, however, often failed or been poorly executed. This has affected organisations' performance and ultimately survival in a competitive environment. This paper includes a comparative study of literature on TQM, TPM and RCM implementation, focusing on organisational change. The study found several common categories of activities when implementing TQM and the maintenance methodologies. These categories can be considered crucial to obtain management and employee commitment. Case studies on TQM, TPM and RCM implementation are used to validate the categories identified, and to yield recommendations on the handling of activities within these.
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Jan Emblemsvåg and Lars Endre Kjølstad
The article sets out to discuss and present a solution to the fact that various qualitative risk analyses of the same problem can reach significantly different conclusions.
Abstract
Purpose
The article sets out to discuss and present a solution to the fact that various qualitative risk analyses of the same problem can reach significantly different conclusions.
Design/methodology/approach
By reviewing a common risk analysis approach and identifying where the possible problems arise, the authors propose ways to overcome the problems based on what they have found in the literature in general.
Findings
There are ways to greatly reduce the problems, but this requires a risk analysis approach in which information quality and consistency are the subject of greater focus.
Research limitations/implications
The definitions used, Monte Carlo methods and the analytical hierarchy process are well tested in countless applications. Hence, the authors believe that this work possesses no major limitations.
Practical implications
The approach has only been applied to theoretical situations; real‐life situations are needed to address possible practical limitations.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates the importance of distinguishing between “uncertainty”, “risk” and “capabilities” and the associated implications. It also shows how this can be done in a logically consistent way using the analytical hierarchy process so that the problem of inconsistency is reduced, and how the analysis can be used to systematically improve itself. The proposed risk analysis is a novel approach that has, to the authors' knowledge, never been thought of before.
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This article proposes a Multilayer Network (MLN) model for studying business ecosystems. The model focuses on the flows of products, services and money between buyers and sellers…
Abstract
Purpose
This article proposes a Multilayer Network (MLN) model for studying business ecosystems. The model focuses on the flows of products, services and money between buyers and sellers, emphasizing that these flows form both actor-level and emergent system-level ecosystem structures.
Design/methodology/approach
The article examines two case studies of real estate owners and their suppliers, using financial transaction data to provide a detailed, data-driven view of business ecosystems.
Findings
The study advances real estate theory by deepening research on the digitalization of real estate owners, especially on their enterprise architectures and supplier networks. Despite size differences, both case firms have similar, complex supplier-network structures. The findings may inform enterprise architecture management and procurement practices in the real estate sector.
Originality/value
The MLN model defines terminology for ecosystem layers and provides methods for establishing ecosystem boundaries. This aligns with the micro-level critique in management and ecosystems research. We conclude by highlighting that event data, when available, can enhance future business ecosystem analysis by enabling the study of broader ecosystem structures with the MLN model.
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Laura Saukko, Kirsi Aaltonen and Harri Haapasalo
The purpose of this paper is to define the integration capability dimensions and create a model for self-assessing the integration capability in inter-organizational projects.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to define the integration capability dimensions and create a model for self-assessing the integration capability in inter-organizational projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical construct of, referred in this study as integration capability framework is elaborated following a systematic literature review. Thereafter, an integration capability self-assessment model, based on maturity thinking, is derived from the theoretical framework. The self-assessment model is further developed and tested for validity within five inter-organizational project networks in cooperation with industry practitioners, representing construction, industrial engineering, and mining sectors.
Findings
The results show that inter-organizational projects can use the developed model in self-assessing the maturity levels of various integration mechanisms, thus the state of integration capability at any point in time during inter-organizational projects.
Originality/value
This study is an attempt to identify how the integration capability dimensions can be self-assessed in inter-organizational projects, through the maturity levels of various integration mechanisms. The results offer insights for both academics and project management practitioners.