Yongsun Choi, N. Long Ha, Pauline Kongsuwan and Kwan Hee Han
The refined process structure tree (RPST), the hierarchy of non-overlapping single-entry single-exit (SESE) regions of a process model, has been utilized for better comprehension…
Abstract
Purpose
The refined process structure tree (RPST), the hierarchy of non-overlapping single-entry single-exit (SESE) regions of a process model, has been utilized for better comprehension and more efficient analysis of business process models. Existing RPST methods, based on the triconnected components of edges, fail to identify a certain type of SESE region. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an alternative method for generating a complete RPST utilizing rather simple techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed method first focuses on the SESE regions of bonds and rigids, from the innermost ones to the outermost ones, utilizing dominance and post-dominance relations. Then, any SESE region of a series nested in a bond or a rigid is identified with a depth-first search variation. Two-phase algorithms and their completeness proofs, a software tool incorporating visualization of stepwise outcomes, and the experimental results of the proposed method are provided.
Findings
The proposed method utilizes simple techniques that allow their straightforward implementation. Visualization of stepwise outcomes helps process analysts to understand the proposed method and the SESE regions. Experiments with 604 SAP reference models demonstrated the limitation of the existing RPST methods. The proposed method, however, completely identified all types of SESE regions, defined with nodes, in less computation time than with the old methods.
Originality/value
Each triconnected component of the undirected version of a process model is associated with a pair of boundary nodes without discriminating between the entry and the exit. Here, each non-atomic SESE region is associated with two distinct entry and exit nodes from the original model in the form of a directed graph. By specifying the properties of SESE regions in more comprehensible ways, this paper facilitates a deeper understanding of SESE regions rather than relying on the resulting RPST.
Details
Keywords
Rozenn Perrigot, Guy Basset, Danièle Briand and Gérard Cliquet
Network uniformity is crucial in franchising, but an excessive number of imposed constraints to maintain this uniformity jeopardizes a franchisee’s independence and too much…
Abstract
Purpose
Network uniformity is crucial in franchising, but an excessive number of imposed constraints to maintain this uniformity jeopardizes a franchisee’s independence and too much independence given to franchisees jeopardizes franchise network uniformity. So, how to find an equilibrium and avoid the reclassification of a franchise contract as a branch manager contract or as an employment contract with all its related consequences? The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a multiple cases approach. The four complementary cases deal with Yves Rocher (cosmetics and body/face care), Bata (shoes), Fiventis (real estate, life insurance and tax-sheltered savings products), and France Acheminement (express transportation), all analyzed in the French context.
Findings
A franchise contract can be reclassified as a branch manager contract if there is economic dependence or as an employment contract if there is a legal subordination relationship. These reclassifications have not only financial consequences, but also an impact in terms of image.
Research limitations/implications
The research is based on secondary data. Collecting data along with interviews of franchisors and franchisees would be beneficial.
Practical implications
The research is of specific interest to franchisors, franchise experts and lawyers in terms of minimizing the possible risks of facing such types of reclassification of franchise contracts. It can also inform franchisees who may be running their businesses under such conditions.
Originality/value
This paper uses a business and law approach in order to analyze the paradox of network uniformity and franchisee autonomy and raises the question of “how to find equilibrium?”
Details
Keywords
This chapter discusses how firms can accrue unique advantages from their foreign status in the host country, with a particular focus on informal networks. Drawing on the…
Abstract
This chapter discusses how firms can accrue unique advantages from their foreign status in the host country, with a particular focus on informal networks. Drawing on the literature on the liability and asset of foreignness, this chapter argues that foreign firms can be in a better position to balance between the bright and dark side of informal networks than local firms. Foreign firms can deviate from local isomorphic pressures to minimize potential involvement in negative sides. Moreover, they can build more instrumental informal networks in which the dark side of informal networking is better controlled and regulated without losing social cohesion, flexibility, and other benefits of the bright side. This chapter contributes to our understanding of how foreign firms can turn foreignness into assets from liabilities when managing their informal networks in the host country.
Details
Keywords
Mohammed Arif, Al-Zubi Mohammed and Aman Deep Gupta
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model to understand and facilitate more knowledge sharing (KS) among construction companies in Jordan. Sixteen cultural variables that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model to understand and facilitate more knowledge sharing (KS) among construction companies in Jordan. Sixteen cultural variables that affect KS were identified through self-administered questionnaires.
Design/methodology/approach
Factor analysis was used to find possible relationships between the cultural variables for grouping purposes and to eliminate the cultural variables that do not affect KS. The results of factor analysis were further refined using a brainstorming session and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to prioritise the factors obtained through the factor analysis.
Findings
Trust, management and communication were identified as the three most important factors, whilst communication was acknowledged as the least important factor.
Originality/value
This research uses factor analysis and AHP to study the influence of cultural factors on KS. It develops a hierarchy of factors that affect effective KS within the Jordanian context. The paper investigated KS in-depth and highlighted the components that constitute KS in an organisation. Based on extensive literature review, this study found the relative importance of different factors that affect KS. The emphasis on trust was found to be more critical than the presence of a computer-based system. In addition, this is the first paper of this type to look at KS in the context of the Jordanian construction industry.