Beyond "Temponomics' - the many dimensions of time in globally distributed project teams

The prevailing notion of time which pervades reports on global software development practice is the linear notion of time as a scarce commodity to be optimized through working across global boundaries. This `temponomic' view of time provides a useful but limited model through which to understand how time operates in practice within globally distributed teams. We report findings from an in depth empirical study which employed a grounded analysis of the many dimensions of time in action within a global team setting. A situated analysis of the actions at each of three globally distributed sites, demonstrates how the differing aspects of time interact, and how some of the known challenges in working globally, can be viewed from a temporal viewpoint. We argue that this more nuanced understanding of how time functions in globally distributed teams may help managers and researchers develop more appropriate practices and models for managing such teams

‘Social’ or ‘Anti-Social’ Software: content production in Web 2.0 - who benefits?

No abstract

Evaluating extant family paradigms: Pacific perspectives - a critical interpretative synthesis

Models that conceptualise family are widely used today in areas such as psychology, as well as by governments, legislators, and policy-makers to inform professional practice and to formulate public policy. However, these models are notably Western-centric, having been designed in, and for, a Western cultural context. Given the cultural diversity of today’s globalised world, it is timely to question whether such models can represent populations within their ambit. No known literature to date has attempted to evaluate whether the models can represent non-Western family perspectives. Hence, a critical interpretative synthesis was implemented to address this gap. The scope was confined to the Pacific region, with particular consideration given to the perspectives of the iTaukei (i.e., indigenous Fijians), Tongan, and Māori peoples. The research objectives aimed to identify extant models that elucidate family structure and family processes, and to investigate how well models perform from the perspective of these Pacific peoples. It was concluded that extant models are inadequate for representing Pacific family arrangements. This finding has important implications as it questions the reliability of previous data and may precipitate a reassessment of the value of such research. Moreover, it mandates the development of a culturally sensitive model. To this end, key family-related metaphors common among Pacific peoples have been incorporated to conceptualise one potential alternative. This is briefly presented. Several critical-issue implications of the current research are also offered. It is hoped that this study accomplished significant groundwork for future research. In that sense, this was groundbreaking work, with the potential to stimulate research in the quest for a model that is able to represent cultural diversity

Case study: house rules

Abstract only.This is a case about rules, what they mean, and when to follow them. The case consists of two stories, one set in the halls of a major university and the other, a considerable time ago, in a Midwestern barber shop. In the first instance the Dean of a major Business Administration faculty must choose between following the rules concerning paying a faculty member for additional work, therefore forgoing an opportunity to secure a great deal of money for the faculty, or pay the faculty member therefore possibly violating the faculty's Collective Agreement but, in so doing, securing the large financial contribution. The Dean asks one of his advisors to recommend a course of action. The advisor recounts a story where a barber faced a similar situation, having to choose between breaking a law prohibiting gambling in the back room of his barbershop, or forgo the additional business the recreational, but illegal, poker game generated. The similarities between the stories are used to discuss issues of ethics, the meaning of rules, and "Pro-Social Rule Breaking"

Information technology infrastructure support for omnichannel retailing

This paper features a description of the information technology (IT) support for omnichannel retailing. The retailing industry is facing the newfound customer demand for a unified experience in buying from various sales channels. Top retailers are modeling how to make this transition using innovative technologies for the “front-end” customer experience and “back-end” order management

Les facteurs de succès chez les PME Canadiennes: comparaison hommes – femmes

Cette étude tente de mieux comprendre la problématique entourant la performance économique des petites entreprises par l’étude des facteurs de succès. À cet effet, les facteurs desuccès des répondants de l’échantillon ont été identifiés afin d’en ressortir les plus importants et de voir s’il y avait des différences selon le genre. Une analyse factorielle fut aussi effectuée afin de regrouper les variables individuelles dans des groupes plus limités. Les résultats des analyses révèlent plus de similarités que de différences dans les facteurs de succès privilégiés par les répondants de l’étude en comparaison avec les études répertoriées sur le sujet. Le même constat peut être observé dans les résultats entre les hommes et les femmes

Differences in student job attribute preferences for SMEs and MNCs in Uganda

Increasing graduate employment in SMEs is a challenge in many sub-Saharan countries. This study analyzes career prospects of undergraduates in Uganda by establishing which job attributes predict overall attraction to SMEs and MNCs by gender. The study utilized a systematic sample of under graduates to rate 17 job attributes. SMEs are rated poorly on all attributes compared to MNCs

Research in progress case study: Local Source Catering, Market & Bakery

Abstract only availableLocal Source Catering, Market & Bakery is a Halifax-based business that is committed to food – where it comes from, how it is grown or raised, and how farmers are compensated for their work. Local Source partners with producers throughout the province to bring healthy, local food options to urban consumers. The philosophy underlying the business is to contribute to a vibrant economy, reduce the environmental impacts of transporting food, and to connect consumers to a culture of healthy, real food. The case study will employ interviews with key stakeholders, document analysis, and participant observation to collect data and develop a decision-making case intended for students in commerce classes such as Entrepreneurship Theory and Concepts, Strategic Management, Small Business Performance Improvement, and Family Business. The decision point that students may focus on will track the expansion and growth of Local Source by creating a systems level approach to map and coordinate regional food distribution. The Local Source Network will be both a software tool and management information system to support a coordinated distribution effort of local food within the regional food system. The proposed expansion aims to benefit farmers, consumers, the economy, the environment and the organization. Students may discuss the areas of potential benefit for the various stakeholders and also determine if the organization is in a position to commit to the proposed expansion and commit the resources necessary to grow the business