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1 – 6 of 6Shalu Saini, Kasun Gomis, Yiannis Polychronakis, Mandeep Saini and Stylianos Sapountzis
The purpose of this study is to systematically dissect strategies against the challenges stalling digital transformation (DT) in the UK higher education (HE) sector. It addresses…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to systematically dissect strategies against the challenges stalling digital transformation (DT) in the UK higher education (HE) sector. It addresses the challenges impeding DT’s incorporation and offers a blueprint for fostering innovation and efficiency within academic institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a systematic literature review, the research integrates a nuanced literature review with interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Through meticulous ISM analysis, including sensitivity analysis and level partitioning, a robust framework is developed to pinpoint and interrelate DT challenges.
Findings
This investigation delineates a spectrum of impediments to DT in HE, most notably the need for more digital understanding among educators, intensified by inadequate support and resources. The findings reveal that the effective integration of DT is hindered by factors such as insufficient educator digital skills, resistance to technology and the continuous evolution of digital infrastructure.
Practical implications
The study’s findings and the developed level partitioning diagram offer invaluable insight into how DT must be integrated into the curriculum to enhance HE. Additionally, it could further lead to research within digital infrastructure and how learning needs to be facilitated for students in HE.
Originality/value
This study breaks new ground by systematically illuminating the centrality of the educator skill gap. By contributing insights into the educator skill gap, it proposes a unique analytical model that underscores actionable pathways for advancing DT initiatives in HE institutions.
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Louise Fletcher and Yiannis E. Polychronakis
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to capture and potentially disseminate knowledge in the supply chain. It is theoretically developed primarily from previous…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to capture and potentially disseminate knowledge in the supply chain. It is theoretically developed primarily from previous published work and empirically improved by further fieldwork within a sample of SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodological approach is inductive in nature with no predetermined hypothesis. The literature review addresses a number of influential scholars in the area and focuses in particular to the work of specific authors. The relevant field work is based essentially on the administration by interview of a questionnaire with a series of open and closed questions.
Findings
Conflict exists over how knowledge should be captured, managed and disseminated by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) within any given supply chain. The literature review indicates the gap in knowledge management that exists generally in the industry and specifically within the SME sector in novel contexts of application. The field work further reinforced the literature findings within a sample of 40 SMEs from a number of industries.
Research limitations/implications
The newly proposed model will have to be further tested to ensure validity and applicability in industry. The first author only is currently in the process of undertaking that testing.
Originality/value
The work looks specifically at developing a knowledge management framework to complement previous research reported in the literature. The framework will enable partners in the supply chain to harness and potentially disseminate skills and knowledge.
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Xiaohuan Zhang, Alex Williams and Yiannis E. Polychronakis
This paper sets out to identify key success criteria for e‐business and consider emergent models which integrate the most value‐adding characteristics in response to the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets out to identify key success criteria for e‐business and consider emergent models which integrate the most value‐adding characteristics in response to the requirements of both consumers and business organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
In assessing differing models of B2C/C2C, the paper uses an adapted evaluation framework which brings together key factors identified from the literature. A Likert scale exercise undertaken enables the authors to subsequently rank models.
Findings
Analysis of the results from the differing models identifies 14 primary success factors from which the paper develops a modified ontology of e‐business. This is attributed to the evolving role of internet communities and social networking; the impact of “mobbing” and demand aggregation on rate of growth; and the effects of the “long tail” in differentiating markets into high‐diversity short‐run products.
Research limitations/implications
It is recognised that the scoring exercise is based on a limited range of exemplars for each e‐model, which are ranked by a relatively small panel of experts. The expertise of those participating may also have constrained the validity of the results. However, there is significant consistency between the responses from each, indicating that the results are not unrealistic.
Originality/value
The paper discusses e‐business from a differing view to existing literature, which considers emergent trends such as the effects of the “long tail” and “mobbing” in isolation, rather than focusing on a discussion of value chain factors per se. The authors develop a modified ontology of e‐business based on a practical analysis of e‐business exemplars rather than comparative studies based solely on literature reviews.
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Fariborz Rahimnia, Yiannis Polychronakis and John M. Sharp
The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing impeders of strategy implementation in a higher education context through an in‐depth analysis of a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing impeders of strategy implementation in a higher education context through an in‐depth analysis of a higher education institution in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
A semi‐structured interview is employed with senior academic staff and managers in a particular university.
Findings
The main impeders of strategy implementation within the university as the case organisation and are found to be grouped into five main areas: planning consequences, organisational, individual, managerial and environmental. The nature and reasons for the impeders are explained and finally an analytical framework is developed.
Research limitations/implications
The paper, through the use of how and why questions during interviews, highlighted a framework which provides an in‐depth understanding of impeders. The paper's results have implications for other universities in Iran and indeed the Middle East. However, a limitation of this paper is that the results are exploratory only, given that the paper is carried out in only one Iranian university.
Practical implications
This paper provides a valuable basis for discussion on the impeders of strategy implementation. Moreover, the results of the research can be used as guidance for managers and academic staff at the strategy implementation stage in the higher education sector.
Originality/value
The findings of the paper highlight the relevant impeders of strategy implementation within a higher education environment that will be of interest to those in this field, particularly those working in Iranian universities.
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Harry Martin, Aris A. Syntetos, Alejandro Parodi, Yiannis E. Polychronakis and Liliane Pintelon
This paper aims to substantiate the need for additional research into a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to managing the supporting supply chains that may also capture…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to substantiate the need for additional research into a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to managing the supporting supply chains that may also capture contextual information, also pointing out emerging avenues for further scholarly contributions.
Design/methodology/approach
The supply chain is viewed from a spare part consumer as well as from a supplier perspective. Key to the discussion is an accurate description of the maintenance demand pattern (MDP) known at the consumer's side as a valuable information source for the entire supply chain.
Findings
Solving the spare parts supply chain puzzle exceeds the realms of a single scientific discipline and involves hard and soft sciences. Besides, extending on the quantitative modelling aspects of MDPs, soft modelling and analysis is needed to define cooperative settings in which the supply chain parties can operate effectively.
Practical implications
In this paper, the authors argue for the sharing of the appropriately balanced combination of quantitative and qualitative information that is currently hidden, or exists in isolation, within supply chains. Debatably, such information sharing may potentially generate substantial benefits for all “players” within a given supply chain.
Originality/value
This contribution is unique in the sense that it provides a most accurate characterization of MDPs based on the proven maintenance concept design theory. In addition, the supply chain problem is analysed in a realistic context, with an open and broad mindset rather than approaching this issue from a single hard science perspective.
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