Industrial Management & Data Systems

Electronic information transfer in a transport chain : Table of Contents

Tommi Inkinen, Ulla Tapaninen, Hennariina Pulli — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess electronic information transfer in logistics organizations. The paper approaches information transfer as an elemental component of contemporary business to business (B2B) processes. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical material concerns companies that together comprise a logistical chain. The paper uses interview data to show information exchange patterns within one particular logistics chain. The interviews were designed according to current topics in information management literature and analyzed with content analysis. Findings – The results show the need to enhance information distribution in B2B operations. In addition, business to government operations rely, to a large extent, on a combination of paper and electronic information distribution. The government interface should also be recognized: customs and information exchange is a major time consumer in international transport. Research limitations/implications – The empirical analysis of a logistic chain is not an easy task. This is due to the confidential nature of the business information that has to be acquired. Companies do not want to reveal too many details regarding their B2B relations: the interviewed companies gave information on data exchange on a general level only. For example, the goal of determining information content was affected by the reluctance of companies to discuss their business processes. Originality/value – Three main components to a large extent determine the success of information and communication technologies implementation in the logistics business process. These are: reliability and interoperability that are achieved through standardization. This paper exemplifies these difficulties with empirical data from Finland. It also provides insight into how to carry out similar studies in different settings.

Exploring individual personality factors as drivers of M-shopping acceptance : Table of Contents

Joaquín Aldás-Manzano, Carla Ruiz-Mafé, Silvia Sanz-Blas — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how personality variables related to technology (innovativeness, compatibility and affinity) can modify the influence of classical technology acceptance model (TAM) variables on behavioural adoption intention of mobile shopping. Design/methodology/approach – The impact of innovativeness, compatibility, affinity, TAM beliefs (ease of use and usefulness) and attitude on mobile shopping adoption is tested through structural equation modelling techniques. The sample consisted of 470 Spanish mobile telephone users selected on the basis of convenience. Findings – Data analysis shows that the effect of perceived usefulness and, in a minor degree, perceived ease of use are over dimensioned if personality variables are omitted making intention formation to be perceived as more rational than it really is. Personality variables (affinity to mobile telephones, compatibility and innovativeness) have a direct and positive influence on the intention to engage in M-shopping. Practical implications – This research enables mobile shopping agents to know what aspects to highlight in their communication strategies to increase the M-services adoption rate. The complementary use of the mobile and the internet is recommended since the similarities between both methods may favour the acceptance of distance shopping systems. Mobile services should not be simply designed as easy to use, but also as an enjoyable experience. Originality/value – Despite the importance of personality factors on mobile shopping adoption, they were explicitly ignored when the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology was formulated. This research does not try to propose an extension of the TAM model, but analyses the degree in which the explicit rejection of personality variables could impoverish its performance.

Profile-based circumstances for productivity measurement : Table of Contents

Kongkiti Phusavat, Pornthep Anussornnitisarn, Supattra Sujitwanit, Pekka Kess — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the specific circumstances which require productivity information. It aims to help support the promotion of productivity for manufacturing firms belonging to the Federation of Thai Industries or FTI. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on survey data collected from FTI-based manufacturing firms. There are five profiles: industrial type; size; years operating in business; ownership; and targeted customer to be studied in a pair-wise circumstance. There are 40 companies that participated in this study. The statistical analyses include general linear mode with ANOVA. Altogether, there are a total of 138 circumstances (pair-wise profiles) under study. Findings – In general, productivity information is important as indicated from most circumstances – the must-measure and require-to-measure circumstances. The findings also indicate that there is no specific prediction for particular circumstances (e.g. the larger-size firms with longer years operating in business need productivity information than the smaller ones). Practical implications – The results show that there is no need for the FTI to single out specific groups to focus on productivity-measurement efforts. The study helps gain better understanding into the issues regarding when-to-measure productivity. It is generally known that there are a few measurement techniques that are communicated to the FTI firms on a regular basis such as multi-factor productivity measurement and value-added productivity measurement – what to measure. In addition, their applications are primarily at the organizational and production levels – where-to-measure. The process to deploy these measurement techniques is well known and documented – how-to-measure. Originality/value – The findings support the use of both financial and non-financial information to ensure an effective management process (i.e. measurement, analysis, and improvement).

Managerial view on design for manufacturing : Table of Contents

Matti Mottonen, Janne Harkonen, Pekka Belt, Harri Haapasalo, Jouni Simila — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a tangible example of organisational solutions in effective design for manufacturing (DfM) in a large information and communications technology (ICT) company. Design/methodology/approach – An interview study was carried out in a leading ICT company to clarify the practical realisation of DfM, and the current challenges encountered. The interviews covered all the key persons involved in DfM and related processes, in a case company that has successfully applied DfM for over a decade. Findings – The paper shows the importance of a separate management organisation for coordinating the requirements of internal functions. With relation to the case company, this organisation, in contrast to the literature, is located in production, not in product development. Despite the successful application of DfM, the case company still has challenges in exploitation of related data systems. Research limitations/implications – This paper describes one of the top companies in its field. However, the obtained results could vary to some degree, should a wider set of companies be included in the study. Practical implications – Managers of other companies could learn from this example at three levels: organisational solutions for DfM, its practical realisation, and the challenges encountered. Originality/value – The existing literature is relatively scarce on organisational implications of DfM implementation. This paper identifies a functional organisational location, structure and practical realisation for effective DfM.

Product data management practices in high-tech companies : Table of Contents

Hanna Kropsu-Vehkapera, Harri Haapasalo, Janne Harkonen, Risto Silvola — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide tangible examples of product data management (PDM) practices in large high-tech companies, and to highlight current challenges. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a qualitative interview study. First, a PDM system frame was defined to aid analyses. Second, an interview study was carried out in four companies to clarify the practical realisation of PDM, and the current challenges. The interviewees are experts in the field of PDM, currently holding significant related posts in their companies. Findings – Overall, PDM activities are similar in all companies, however, there is some diversity in the realisation of these practices. PDM related challenges identified in this study are various, strongly influenced by company background and current organisational state. Research limitations/implications – This paper includes interviews in four companies with different backgrounds, and a workshop, providing a good view on topical issues in the field of PDM. The obtained results could vary to some degree, should the sample size be larger, or especially should the products of the studied companies be less complex. Practical implications – This paper provides managers and PDM system developers' with a better understanding over the issues that are affecting PDM solution development and on major system requirements, together with relevant insight on current challenges. Originality/value – The existing literature is relatively scarce in describing the practicalities of PDM. The obtained results highlight the significance of company background influencing the selection of PDM solutions.

Knowledge management enablers and outcomes in the small-and-medium sized enterprises : Table of Contents

Mahmoud Migdadi — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper attempts to accomplish the following aims: first, identify the preliminary knowledge management (KM) critical success factors (CSFs) or enablers that need to be concentrated by small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) before launching a full-scale KM initiative. Second, develop a conceptual research model which comprises both CSFs and outcomes. Finally, empirically assess the relationships between CSFs and performance outcomes in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this study consists of two phases: first, development of a conceptual model based on the literature. Second, an empirical evaluation of the validity of the conceptual model. This phase is carried out by developing a survey instrument comprising 16 factors. Then, through a postal survey, data are collected from SMEs in Saudi Arabia in order to investigate the relationships between KM CSFs and outcomes. Findings – The survey instrument is shown to be both reliable and valid. Pertinent statistical analyses are then performed. The overall results from the empirical assessment were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed CSFs and outcomes. Research limitations/implications – The current findings of this research study may indicate some limitations. Although this study shows that CSFs may enhance an organization's capability to manage knowledge effectively and in return achieve better outcomes, the findings of this study are the results of a “snapshot” survey that do not take into account the feedback effects. Hence, further researching such as longitudinal studies into the relationships between CSFs and outcomes in SMEs to further validate the conceptual model is needed. Practical implications – The set of CSFs proposed is in itself important because it can act as a list of items for SMEs to address and deal with when adopting KM. This helps to ensure that essential issues and factors are covered during implementation of KM. Later, it can provide a basis for them to systematically evaluate their KM practices. For academics, this study provides insights into the relationships between KM efforts and outcomes. Originality/value – This study is probably one of the first to systematically determine the CSFs for KM implementation and comprehensively explain the criteria for measuring KM efforts in SMEs. It offers valuable information, which will encourage SMEs to practice KM from the right perspective in order to reap outcomes from KM initiatives.

Analyzing financing strategy of public manufacturing companies : Table of Contents

Kuang-Hsun Shih, Kang-Chi Fan — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper focuses on Taiwanese-funded manufacturing companies operating in mainland China to analyze the factors affecting funding decision-making before and after initial public offering (IPO). Design/methodology/approach – This research investigates the impact and usefulness of various paths in the data system by using the structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine how the overall economy aspect and the basic aspect before IPO affect the initial returns (IRs) during the IPO and the debt ratio (DR) volatility after listing. Findings – The results show that the IR, percent change of stock index, and exchange rate volatility before IPO are negative associated with the DR after IPO. The age of IPO companies is positive associated with the DR after IPO. This research also finds that the interest rate volatility before and after IPO have no direct effect upon companies' financial strategies after IPO, but may indirectly affect companies' financial strategies after IPO through the IRs, which conform with the market information feedback hypothesis proposed by van Bommel and Vermaelen. Research limitations/implications – This paper investigates Taiwanese-funded traditional manufacturing companies in mainland China. The paper obtains the sample from the Taiwan Stock Exchange from 1990 to 2005; electronic companies and samples lacking complete data are eliminated. Finally, the sample consists of 122 companies from traditional manufacturing sectors. The results may be applied to companies not from high-tech sectors and emerging markets only. The incentive of debt financing would be lower for IPO companies with high IRs, percentage changes of stock index, and exchange rate fluctuation before listing. The paper suggests further research can investigate IRs for establishing an optimal capital structure to minimize financing costs and appreciate company value when choosing financing strategies. The new pubic companies will infer the IR and future capital structure through market interest before listing. It suggests future research may be directed at companies from financial and high-tech sectors, and may apply the methodologies to developed economies. Practical implications – It is suggested that IPO companies may closely examine to determine the performance of stock market, tendencies of exchange rate movement, as well as IRs in order to establish an optimal capital structure to minimize financing costs and appreciate company value. Besides, the new pubic companies will infer the IR and future capital structure through market interests before listing. Originality/value – This research implicated that IPO companies should fully understand the stock market circumstance and exchange rate volatility tendencies. Then, the new pubic offering companies will be able to infer the IR and future capital structure through market interest to judge relative financing costs of manufacturing companies.

Cultural repercussions: An analysis of management behaviour through the lens of European cultural variations : Table of Contents

Rune Ellemose Gulev — Sun Jun 28 14:15:06 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This pilot study complements the ongoing culture-management behaviour discourse by systematically investigating two novel dimensions through which culture can be measured and compared between four European Union (EU) countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent these cultural dimensions influence management behaviour in different countries. Design/methodology/approach – The results pertaining to the cultural dimensions “Authority driven” and “Capitalistic driven” are derived from European values study data sets. The results pertaining to variances in management behaviour are derived from an empirical questionnaire-based study. Spearman rank correlation fitted with confidence intervals yield several significant correlations which are discussed. Findings – The results, based on country specific samples from Slovenia, Germany, Austria and Denmark, confirm that there exists considerable differences in cultural manifestations between the four countries and that these differences have an impact on management behaviour. Most notably, a strong positive correlation was found between the comparatively highly authoritative cultures of Slovenia and Germany to thwart decentralization. Further evidence was found that the highly subordinate driven cultures of Denmark and Austria tend to have a predilection towards two-way vertical knowledge flows. Mixed results were found on capitalistic driven cultures' impact on control mechanisms and use of motivational factors. Research limitations/implications – The results are limited to companies within the manufacturing industry of the four focus countries. It is, however, highly probable that the results lend themselves to companies in other countries with similar cultural manifestations, albeit this remains to be empirically proven. Practical implications – The results provide a deeper understanding of why and how management models continue to differ throughout Europe. Managers as well as academics benefit from this discussion. Originality/value – The cultural dimensions are innovative, and specifically designed to probe culture differences between elder EU countries and a transition economy. This digression from mainstream cultural manifestations provides a refreshing perspective on management implications and rejuvenates the culture debate.