An initial assessment of the influence of IT on TQM : a multiple case study.

Information Technology (IT) and Total Quality Management (TQM) have significantly impacted on most organizations and each has been widely researched. However, there is little well-founded empirical research on the relationship between the two, particularly on the way in which TQM is influenced by IT. This paper presents an initial investigation of such relationships through an interview survey of fourteen companies based in Spain. The cases indicate that there is a framework underpinning this relationship. The paper concludes with a proposal for this framework and an instrument for testing the conjectured linkages within the framework

The development of a knowledge network framework to support knowledge mobilisation in IT project oriented change management

Although there has been rich research conducted into the interrelated issues and factors among change management (ChM), knowledge management (KM) and project management (PM), most existing studies attempt to understand the role of KM in ChM and PM in general. Given the fundamental role played by KM in supporting IT project-oriented change management, the topics of knowledge networks and mobilisation across knowledge boundaries are relatively unexplored. Recent developments in KM have heightened the need for more understanding on four main issues: 1) insufficient knowledge traceability based on the relationships between knowledge elements and key factors; 2) most decision issues in PM are related to uncertainty, complexity and implicit ambiguity, particularly with regard to systematics and interrelatedness within project decisions; 3) lack of procedural knowledge to provide strategic direction for managing multiple IT projects; 4) lack of ‘lessons learnt’ documentation in knowledge bases. To address these issues, this research attempts to analyse KM, ChM and IT project management from a more integrated perspective, and investigates the development of a change management knowledge network model (CMKNM) in IT projects to facilitate knowledge mobilisation across organizational boundaries. The study employs a practice-based perspective by adopting both deductive and inductive approaches using an exploratory case study strategy. Empirical data were collected from semistructured interviews and company documents. A combination of thematic analysis and comparative analysis has been employed to analyse the data collected across seven public organisations, private organisations, and international companies. Results are obtained from the empirical study on the key factors influencing knowledge mobilisation in IT projectoriented change management, knowledge networks and connections. The results identified organisational factors and their influence on knowledge channels and knowledge networks. The CMKNM allows key knowledge mobilisation factors to be aligned with each other. Connections between knowledge networks allow knowledge to be mobilised by tracing knowledge channels to support ChM decisions. The study contributes to organisational and KM theories regarding organizational strategy, organisational culture, organizational capacity, knowledge network externalities, knowledge network intermediaries, and knowledge network infrastructure

Creativity in Agile Systems Development: A Literature Review

Proponents of agile methods claim that enabling, fostering and driving creativity is the key motivation that differentiates agile methods from their more traditional, beauraucratic counterparts. However, there is very little rigorous research to support this claim. Like most of their predecessors, the development and promotion of these methods has been almost entirely driven by practitioners and consultants, with little objective validation from the research community. This lack of validation is particularly relevant for SMEs, given that many of their project teams typify the environment to which agile methods are most suited i.e. small, co-located teams with diverse, blended skills in unstructured, sometimes even chaotic surroundings. This paper uses creativity theory as a lens to review the current agile method literature to understand exactly how much we know about the extent to which creativity actually occurs in these agile environments. The study reveals many gaps and conflict of opinion in the body of knowledge in its current state and identifies many avenues for further research

Sustainability reporting relevance to non-governmental organisations : evidence from Nigeria

This thesis systematically explores the relevance of sustainability reporting (SR) to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with evidence from Nigeria. This was done in five phases, employing different methodologies and theoretical concepts. Chapter 1 introduces the outline, the motivation, objectives and the organisation of the study; Chapter 2 discusses the contextual background to the study, while Chapter 3 presents the first phase of the study which represents the literature. In Chapter 4, the methodology used in each chapter is presented. Chapter 5 presents phase 2 and studies the factors that influence SR adoption in NGOs using multiple case study designs. Findings show that SR adoption is mostly informed by the need to attract donations rather than the need to demonstrate impact through efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in the use of donations/resources. The results suggest that stakeholder pressure, legitimacy, donor dependence, accountability, and media exposure are major drivers of SR in Nigeria. Interestingly, the results also reveal that culture, religion, and lack of assurance are among the barriers to SR adoption. Chapter 6 represents phase 3 and presents the result of an in-depth examination of stakeholder engagement processes in NGOs to enhance accountability and the effectiveness with which aid services are delivered. The findings reveal a seeming reluctance of NGOs to disclose relevant information to the demand-side stakeholders and suggests ways to meet sustainability demands. In Chapter 7, the result of the phase is presented. This chapter examines the potentials of SR to lead organisational learning and change in NGOs and finds that SR is a key driver for organisational learning and change in NGOs. The results show that SR and organisational learning and change are mutually inclusive in NGOs as well as sharing a reciprocal relationship that begins as the driver for learning and ends as the change itself. Lastly, in Chapter 8, phase 5 is presented. This chapter investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the operation and management of NGOs. The study identifies the impact of COVID-19 on NGOs using multiple case study design with interviews from twenty-five senior-level management staff of NGOs in Nigeria. The analysis revealed that COVID-19 impacts NGOs both negatively and positively

A data-driven decision-making model for the third-party logistics industry in Africa

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers have continued to be key players in the supply chain network and have witnessed a growth in the usage of information technology. This growth has enhanced the volume of structured and unstructured data that is collected at a high velocity, and is of rich variety, sometimes described as “Big Data”. Leaders in the 3PL industry are constantly seeking to effectively and efficiently mature their abilities to exploit this data to gain business value through data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM helps the leaders to reduce the reliance they place on observations and intuition to make crucial business decisions in a volatile business environment. The aim of this research was to develop a prescriptive model for DDDM in 3PLs. The model consists of iterative elements that prescribe guidelines to decision-makers in the 3PL industry on how to adopt DDDM. A literature review of existing theoretical frameworks and models for DDDM was conducted to determine the extent to which they contribute towards DDDM for 3PLs. The Design-Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was followed to address the aim of the research and applied to pragmatically and iteratively develop and evaluate the artefact (the model for DDDM) in the real-world context of a 3PL. The literature findings revealed that the challenges with DDDM in organisations include three main categories of challenges related to data quality, data management, vision and capabilities. Once the challenges with DDDM were established, a prescriptive model was designed and developed for DDDM in 3PLs. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of the problems and possible solutions in the real-world context of 3PLs. An As-Is Analysis in the real-world case 3PL company confirmed the challenges identified in literature, and that data is still used in the 3PL company for descriptive and diagnostic analytics to aid with the decision-making processes. This highlights that there is still room for maturity into using data for predictive and prescriptive analytics that will, in turn, improve the decision-making process. An improved second version of the model was demonstrated to the participants (the targeted users), who had the opportunity to evaluate the model. The findings revealed that the model provided clear guidelines on how to make data-driven decisions and that the feedback loop and the data culture aspects highlighted in the design were some of the important features of the model. Some improvements were suggested by participants. A field study of three data analytics tools was conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as to highlight the status of DDDM at the real-world case 3PL. The limitations of the second version of the model, together with the recommendations from the participants were used to inform the improved and revised third version of the model.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202

A data-driven decision-making model for the third-party logistics industry in Africa

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers have continued to be key players in the supply chain network and have witnessed a growth in the usage of information technology. This growth has enhanced the volume of structured and unstructured data that is collected at a high velocity, and is of rich variety, sometimes described as “Big Data”. Leaders in the 3PL industry are constantly seeking to effectively and efficiently mature their abilities to exploit this data to gain business value through data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM helps the leaders to reduce the reliance they place on observations and intuition to make crucial business decisions in a volatile business environment. The aim of this research was to develop a prescriptive model for DDDM in 3PLs. The model consists of iterative elements that prescribe guidelines to decision-makers in the 3PL industry on how to adopt DDDM. A literature review of existing theoretical frameworks and models for DDDM was conducted to determine the extent to which they contribute towards DDDM for 3PLs. The Design-Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was followed to address the aim of the research and applied to pragmatically and iteratively develop and evaluate the artefact (the model for DDDM) in the real-world context of a 3PL. The literature findings revealed that the challenges with DDDM in organisations include three main categories of challenges related to data quality, data management, vision and capabilities. Once the challenges with DDDM were established, a prescriptive model was designed and developed for DDDM in 3PLs. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of the problems and possible solutions in the real-world context of 3PLs. An As-Is Analysis in the real-world case 3PL company confirmed the challenges identified in literature, and that data is still used in the 3PL company for descriptive and diagnostic analytics to aid with the decision-making processes. This highlights that there is still room for maturity into using data for predictive and prescriptive analytics that will, in turn, improve the decision-making process. An improved second version of the model was demonstrated to the participants (the targeted users), who had the opportunity to evaluate the model. The findings revealed that the model provided clear guidelines on how to make data-driven decisions and that the feedback loop and the data culture aspects highlighted in the design were some of the important features of the model. Some improvements were suggested by participants. A field study of three data analytics tools was conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as to highlight the status of DDDM at the real-world case 3PL. The limitations of the second version of the model, together with the recommendations from the participants were used to inform the improved and revised third version of the model.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202

Doubtful fathers? : the origins and practice of paternity establishment policy within the Child Support Agency

The development and controversial history of the United Kingdom Child Support scheme has been the focus of a substantial corpus of research. This includes exploration of its origins (see, for example, Dolowitz (2001), Gamham and Knights (1994), Wikeley (2006)), experiences of the policy from the perspective of parents (for instance Hutton et al (1998), Wikeley et al (2001)) and the attainment of policy goals (such as the analysis by Skinner & Meyer (2006)). Within this there is, however, relatively little consideration of the establishment of paternity for child support purposes. This is surprising since this issue lies at the heart of any subsequent child support action. This research endeavours to redress this. The development, origins and delivery of United Kingdom child support paternity policy are explored through analysis of debates and policy documents, then through the medium of face to face interviews with Agency staff. These illuminate the manner in which the policy was both developed and then translated into operational practice. This is supplemented by a, regrettably small, handful of interviews with fathers, and a quantitative analysis of a sample of administrative data. The research finds that a particular 'forensic' storyline (Hajer 1993) dominates the discursive practices surrounding CSA paternity policy (Shram 1993, Fischer and Forester 1993, Fischer 2003). The resulting policy has then been shaped by the operation of unwritten tenets that pervade particular aspects of the organisation. This thesis suggests that the superficial similarity of these tenets within particular policy and implementation 'domains', when considered in conjunction with the prevailing storyline, helps to account for the lack of discord around the operation of the policy. Moreover, the interaction of the 'forensic' storyline and the prevailing tenets has meant that certain ethical considerations, such as the impact on children were overlooked. Finally the research findings indicate that child support paternity policy is based more around the concept of probablistic paternity rather than the expected genetic model.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceDepartment for Work and PensionsGBUnited Kingdo

Embalming and the social construction of the corpse in contemporary England

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This research study analyses the construction of meaning surrounding the embalmed corpse in contemporary England. It documents a process of social change in which Legal, Medical and Religious discourses concerning the dead, once dominant and unchallenged, now co-exist, if somewhat uneasily, with modern constructions of death and the possibility of an after life. The meaning of the embalmed corpse is considered to be constructed by different elements which are presented historically. Initially religious discourses governed the meaning of the body, which was preserved for religious reasons. 17th century surgeon-embalmers requisitioned the corpse for reasons of status assertion, presenting their arguments in medical terms. Contemporary hygiene issues, in tandem with legal issues, today have a powerful impact on the corpse, which is usually experienced by mourners in the context of contemporary consumer culture, after the process of embalming has occurred. The decline of religious practices also mean that the contemporary corpse has assumed a far greater significance than in the past. From the perspective of the sociology of the body, based on the seminal work of Turner, this thesis discusses how changing experiences of live bodies are inextricably linked with changing experience of dead bodies in contemporary societies. This is accomplished through an interpretation of the different meaning attributed to embalmed corpses, together with an appreciation of the work of Hertz and Van Gennep, both of whom identified, in pre-literate societies, the centrality and embeddedness of the treatment of the corpse to funeral rituals. The thesis reports some empirical investigations of embalming-related issues which provide an analysis of contemporary meanings of the corpse and cast light upon the contemporary structure of the English funeral world. Embalmers expect to produce a culturally acceptable ‘death disguise’ for the benefit of mourners whose encounters with the corpse are surprisingly numerous in contemporary death-denying society. Culturally acceptable death images appear to focus upon the dead being in a condition of 'liminal repose', where the illusion of rest is constructed. Embalmers and funeral directors comprise occupations that are quite distinct, although working with the dead in different parts of the same process. Highlighting the significance of corpse appearance, whereby it is rendered 'normal', has also highlighted the socio-cultural process whereby this transformation occurs. As the dead are carefully re-presented, this has hidden the 'true' condition of the dead and therefore also hidden the covert technicians, embalmers, who accomplish this transformation. Embalming therefore appears a hidden aspect of the social construction of the dead, as death is now estranged from the popular context

The effects of intra-organisational collaboration in reducing uncertainties for enhancing the performance of innovation projects : the role of organisational learning

Innovation is essential for business prosperity and a major driver of success and sustainability in today’s world. The history of organisation-level innovation projects (products, services and processes) is rich with cases of great ideas that failed to be realised as well as those creative ideas that ended in remarkable success. The rate of reported failure of innovation projects is however, much higher than reported success. Innovation project uncertainty is considered a key reason for innovation project failure (García-Quevedo et al. 2018). Scholars in innovation management studies confirm that uncertainty is a natural and intrinsically inherent characteristic of innovation projects (Roper & Tapinos 2016; Um & Kim 2018). A knowledge gap about how to reduce uncertainty in order to enhance innovation project performance however, persists. Indeed, extant research on managing innovation projects is for the most part theoretical and lacks empirical evidence regarding effective organisational practices that reduce innovation project uncertainty for successful project performance. This research responds to this lack of empirical evidence by proposing intra-organisational collaboration as an organisational practice, and empirically examining its impact on reducing innovation project uncertainty and improving innovation project performance, whilst considering the mediation role of organisational learning in this relationship. Based on a systematic literature review, this research develops a comprehensive conceptual framework that assesses the relationships between intra-organisational collaboration, organisational learning, innovation project uncertainty reduction and innovation project performance in the context of innovation projects. The thesis draws on the three most common sources of innovation project uncertainty: task, market and technological in examining how innovation project uncertainty can be reduced through intra-organisational collaboration. Additionally, it integrates previous studies to conceptualise intra-organisational collaboration as a multi-dimensional construct made up of by five sub-constructs: collaborative relationship, collaborative leadership, communication and sharing information, trust formation, and commitment. The findings of this research offer several insights into the context of innovation projects. First these findings highlight the need for organisations to embed collaborative practices in their project’s environment. This research found that collaborative practices operated dialectically in enhancing organisational learning and enabled project members to manage complicated tasks, foresee future demand and market changes as well as solve technological problems. These collaborative practices allowed project members to successfully reduce innovation project uncertainty and enhance project performance