Performance evaluation is one of the most crucial, yet least understood functions of organisational life. In higher education for example, this issue arouses the emotions and…
Abstract
Performance evaluation is one of the most crucial, yet least understood functions of organisational life. In higher education for example, this issue arouses the emotions and consumes the time and the energy of both faculty and administrators as few others do.
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Three types of industrial buyer-seller relational process models are available: joining theory, stage theory, and state theory. However, historically, these models have developed…
Abstract
Three types of industrial buyer-seller relational process models are available: joining theory, stage theory, and state theory. However, historically, these models have developed based on the knowledge and cultural context of the Western world. Several researchers note that national culture may have an impact on international industrial buyer-seller relationships. Including culture in the models is highly important, especially as the business environment is increasingly more global and different countries have different business cultures. The goal of this paper is to define the most suitable industrial buyer-seller relational process models for describing relationships in various contexts. The paper includes a through literature review and a single case study in order to reach this objective. A new state theory model evolved during the research. It consists of two beginning states: searching and starting; four purely middles states: constant/static, decline, growth, and troubled; and a purely end state: termination. The state of dormant/inert is both a middle state and an end state, that is, when the relational actors are not in contact does not mean that the relationship has ended, but instead, for example, new legislation may have been implemented, which requires the actors to evaluate their relationship and its future. A relationship goes through the two beginning states in the order mentioned above, but after that, any state may occur.
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Philip C. Wright, W.F. Szeto and Gary D. Geory
Using the Chinese, family‐owned manufacturing firm as a primary example, Asian styles of management are examined in light of their ability to compete in a free‐trade environment…
Abstract
Using the Chinese, family‐owned manufacturing firm as a primary example, Asian styles of management are examined in light of their ability to compete in a free‐trade environment. It is concluded that traditional, authoritarian, relationship‐based management concepts are not likely to fare well in fast‐changing global arenas. Nevertheless, a model for expanding into international markets is presented, with the realization that most Chinese‐managed firms would be advised to adopt regional rather than global strategies.
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P.C. Wright, W.F. Szeto and S.K. Lee
Focuses on the economic changes necessary and the present state of business ethics in China. Explores the ethical precepts held by a sample of Chinese professionals enrolled in a…
Abstract
Focuses on the economic changes necessary and the present state of business ethics in China. Explores the ethical precepts held by a sample of Chinese professionals enrolled in a management development program in mainland China. A benchmark is created that not only measures the present state of business ethics, but looks at perceived change over the last five years. From these data, guidelines are developed which are of use to policy makers and to executives who wish to employ, or to conduct business with Chinese nationals.
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Philip C. Wright and Gary D. Geroy
Outlines how human competency engineering can be used as a change maangement or organizational development tool, based upon studies conducted in Canada, Hong Kong and Indonesia…
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Outlines how human competency engineering can be used as a change maangement or organizational development tool, based upon studies conducted in Canada, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Suggests that a change model based on the practical application of social science and physical science concepts can be applied over several cultures.
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Xu Dongyang, Li Kunpeng, Yang Jiehui and Cui Ligang
This paper aims to explore the commodity transshipment planning among customers, which is commonly observed in production/sales enterprises to save the operational costs.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the commodity transshipment planning among customers, which is commonly observed in production/sales enterprises to save the operational costs.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed integer programming (MIP) model is built and five types of valid inequalities for tightening the solution space are derived. An improved variable neighborhood search (IVNS) algorithm is presented combining the developed multistart initial solution strategy and modified neighborhood local search procedure.
Findings
Experimental results demonstrate that: with less decision variables considered, the proposed model can solve more instances compared to the existing model in previous literature. The valid inequalities utilized to tighten the searching space can efficiently help the model to obtain optimal solutions or high-quality lower bounds. The improved algorithm is efficient to obtain optimal or near-optimal solutions and superior to the compared algorithm in terms of solution quality, computational time and robustness.
ractical implications
This research not only can help reduce operational costs and improve logistics efficiency for relevant enterprises, but also can provide guidance for constructing the decision support system of logistics intelligent scheduling platform to cater for centralized management and control.
Originality/value
This paper develops a more compact model and some stronger valid inequalities. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is easy to implement and performs well.
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Ricky Szeto, Philip C. Wright and Edward Cheng
Business ethics has become a controversial topic as China integrates more closely into the world economy and there are signs of convergence within global professions. The purpose…
Abstract
Purpose
Business ethics has become a controversial topic as China integrates more closely into the world economy and there are signs of convergence within global professions. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to study guanxi and business ethics in China within the context of social capital development, with a view to creating a more balanced interpretation that provides insights for Westerners wishing to conduct business in China.
Design/methodology/approach
In terms of methodology, the work is based on the results of a recent survey conducted among Chinese executives in southern China.
Findings
The major findings suggest that the processes of developing social capital and the nurturing of company‐to‐company relationships need to be planned carefully. Thus, no one individual should be responsible for the China connection, although the appointment of a team leader is essential, otherwise the Chinese side would become confused. Negotiations always are to be conducted on a team basis and always approved at the highest levels in the corporate structure.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this paper include the difficulties of obtaining any research sample in China. Thus, we refer to the work of Weiss, (Learning From Strangers, Free Press, New York.) and use a snowball sample.
Originality/value
The practical implications of the paper are that guanxi (a type of social capital), can be managed and that corruption does not have to result from the use of guanxi‐based relationships. Thus, the originality arises out of the practical implications, in that for the first time, Western concepts of social capital and Asian concepts of guanxi have been compared, leading to practical recommendations for Western managers.
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Tiedan Huang and Alexander W. Wiseman
The purpose of this study is to review the landscape of empirical evidence on school leadership preparation and subsequent school-level effectiveness while conceptually exploring…
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to review the landscape of empirical evidence on school leadership preparation and subsequent school-level effectiveness while conceptually exploring how societal transformations and educational changes shaped leadership development within the mainland of the People's Republic of China. Conceptually, this study is informed by Murphy and Vriesenga's (2006) comprehensive review of empirical work on leadership preparation, evaluative work on the pathway from preparation to school-level practice (cf, the UECA taskforce on evaluating the effectiveness of leadership preparation; Orr & Kottkamp, 2003; Orr & Orphanos, 2011) and empirical literature on school improvement. Data come from extensive reviews of English and Chinese language articles, conference papers, doctoral and master's theses, and other reports of research on the preparation of school leaders in Mainland China. Using a combination of inductive and deductive strategies, the lead author analyzed all selected sources using a three-pronged framework: who is being prepared for school leadership positions in China, by what design and delivery methods they are being prepared, and how well they are fulfilling leadership practices and expectations for which they are being prepared. The current analysis adds to the international knowledge base of the pathway between preparation and practice. It also highlights the importance of considering the cultural, social, and political context that shapes conceptions of leadership and the design and implementation of educational leadership preparation programs.
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This article offers some brief reflections on the relationship between culture and the potential development within the field of Corporate Social Responsibility in Mexico…
Abstract
This article offers some brief reflections on the relationship between culture and the potential development within the field of Corporate Social Responsibility in Mexico. Thoughts expressed are necessarily subjective and set within the wider context of organisational communication and community relations in Mexico City. The focus is on the significance of open communication, participation and closer relationships with the Other.
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This chapter explores a descriptive theory of multidimensional travel behaviour, estimation of quantitative models and demonstration in an agent-based microsimulation.
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter explores a descriptive theory of multidimensional travel behaviour, estimation of quantitative models and demonstration in an agent-based microsimulation.
Theory
A descriptive theory on multidimensional travel behaviour is conceptualised. It theorizes multidimensional knowledge updating, search start/stopping criteria and search/decision heuristics. These components are formulated or empirically modelled and integrated in a unified and coherent approach.
Findings
The theory is supported by empirical observations and the derived quantitative models are tested by an agent-based simulation on a demonstration network.
Originality and value
Based on artificially intelligent agents, learning and search theory and bounded rationality, this chapter makes an effort to embed a sound theoretical foundation for the computational process approach and agent-based micro-simulations. A pertinent new theory is proposed with experimental observations and estimations to demonstrate agents with systematic deviations from the rationality paradigm. Procedural and multidimensional decision-making are modelled. The numerical experiment highlights the capabilities of the proposed theory in estimating rich behavioural dynamics.