Integrating quality control and performance management in developing complex bespoke systems

Risk and performance management are at the core of complex bespoke systems (CBSs). CBSs are developed to customer–specified requirements in terms of structure, functionality and conformance. This paper examines how risk and performance management are integrated as essential systems in the successful development of projects across multi-organisational functions in complex bespoke system (CBS) organisations. The paper argues for the development of a quality management system that consists of two sub-processes: quality control and quality development. Using three case studies from engineering companies, we provide evidence and insights of the way change control, quality development and quality performance are developed in innovating business solutions

Exploring how complex solution-based capabilities (CSC) are developed and integrated in engineering companies

This paper explores how engineering companies develop and integrate solution-based capabilities for complex ‘one-off’ or small-batch production. Although there is extant literature on developing a standalone service, product and process capabilities, an integrated solution-based capability for effective execution of complex ‘design-build’ projects is currently underdeveloped. For such firms to be successful in delivering complex solutions, there is the need for organisational structured routines and processes which we conceptualise as complex solution-based capabilities (CSC). The study was based on a multiple case study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers and engineers. Primary data collected were complemented by documentary evidence, for triangulation and validity. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to develop a framework of CSC. The findings show that the case study companies have developed and integrated CSC through organisational routines and processes of make-to-concept approach, value creation, and strategic coordination. Implications and future research are discussed

The Role of Technology Innovation in Shaping the Student Learning Experience in Higher Education

The role of technology innovation as the driving force in today’s learning environment cannot be under-emphasized. It is now changing the way in which learning and teaching occur in higher education. Over the years, preparing students for the world of work from higher education has been a difficult task. With the majority of students venturing into the world of work without work experience to help them understand and develop the skills to succeed in business is perturbing. Hence, for academic institutions charged with the responsibility to equip and develop students in the knowledge economy, technological innovations hold the key to several possibilities such as distance learning and sophisticated learning management tools and systems. Amongst the sophisticated learning management systems and tools is the use of business simulation which assists students to grasp, understand and apply theories in the real business world. Furthermore, these tools help them to develop the soft skills that are difficult to nurture during lectures. This paper, therefore, examines the role of technology in shaping the development of business and practical skills of the student’s transition from the university into the world of work. This study adopted a mixed method approach. Primary data were collected from MBA and MSc students who participated in the use of the business simulation tool on their perception over ten semesters. This was aimed at explaining the development of business skills using the business simulation technology. The preliminary results show a positive relationship between business simulation game participation and improvement of both hard and soft business skills of students such as; high quality learning, development of critical thinking, decision making, teamwork and analytical skill

‘Wish to Dream’ Fulfilment: The Motivations for Onward Migration

This paper explores the individual and group motivations that have encouraged the onward migration of Italian-Pakistanis and Italian-Bangladeshis to the North of England after obtaining Italian citizenship because the reasons for moving again to the current destination are under-researched. It appears that there has been a design-driven form of intentionality in their complex migrations attributable to the influence of European and Italian policies. Gender and ethnic differences among these groups are identified, as well as the level of their integration in the new host country. A qualitative research approach is adopted utilizing six focus group discussions with 48 participants, and the data collected were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that aspects of education and qualifications, religion, social identity, and culture along with welfare, security, and employment were the motivations for the participants’ onward migration. Keywords: migration, onward migration, transmigration, genders, integratio

We Know their House, Family and Workplace:Trust in Entrepreneurs' Trade Credit Relationships in Weak Institutions

This study explores the processes of trade credit relationship development and enforcement by SME entrepreneurs and the role of trust in a developing economy context. Drawing on institutional, trade credit and trust theories data was collected and analysed from 16 SMEs owner/managers trading across cultures using qualitative interview approach and thematic analysis. The results show that SMEs develop and enforce trade credit relationships through their embeddedness in institutional contexts. Secondly, they use personal trust and specific social-cultural norms in the enforcement of trade credit agreements in absence of formal institutional trust. Conclusion, implications, limitations and further studies are delineated

Corruption as a Source of Government Project Failure in Developing Countries: Evidence from Ghana

This study explores how corruption impacts the failure of government projects in developing countries with evidence from the Ghanaian context. This study solicits the perceptions of project management practitioners (14), contractors (6), government officials (clients; 5), and the general public (5) on the subject. The findings indicate that corruption influences government project failure on all the failure criteria that were used for the evaluation. However, corruption influences failure at two different levels: project management and product phase. At the project management level, corruption has direct influence, while at the product phase level, the influence is indirect

Corruption as a source of government project failure in developing countries: Evidence from Ghana

This study explores how corruption impacts the failure of government projects in developing countries with evidence from the Ghanaian context. This study solicits the perceptions of project management practitioners (14), contractors (6), government officials (clients) (5) and the general public (5) on the subject. The findings indicate that corruption, influence government project failure on all the failure criteria used as the evaluating tool. However, corruption influences failure at two different levels: project management and product phase. At the management level, corruption has direct influence whilst at the product phase level, the influence is indirect

An Exploration of the Contextual Factors Affecting the Nexus of Competitive Strategy and Human Resource Management Practices in Nigeria’s Emerging Economy Context

Despite increasing calls for context-specific and practice-based strategic human resource management research in emerging economies, to date there have been limited empirical studies on Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies and a newly emerging economy experiencing strong economic development, rapid industrialisation, and integration into global markets. This study explores the moderating influence of contextual factors on the nexus of competitive strategy (CS) and human resource management practices (HRMPs) in Nigeria. We employ the social and comparative institutional theories to address the moderating influence of the contextual factors on the CS–HRMP nexus using a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from thirty human resource management professionals and top management across medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria via semi-structured interviews. The resulting data were analysed through thematic analysis. We establish six main contextual factors—culture and value system, religion, ethnicity and linguistic affinity, economic factors, politics and governmental policies, and quality of education and low-skilled workforce—and the processes through which these factors influence the CS–HRMP nexus in Nigeria

On the regulation of the intersection between religion and the provision of financial services: Conversations with market actors within the global Islamic financial services sector

The growth of Islamic finance in not only traditionally Islamic markets but also into more mainstream financial systems has raised several concerns about the development and robustness of its regulatory framework. Whilst there is a small but growing academic base of knowledge on Islamic financial regulation, our study differs from the extant literature by capturing market participant perspectives on these stylised debates on regulation in Islamic finance. In this regard, we bridge the gap within the academic literature through an exploration of how the specific types, processes and dimensions of Shariah financial regulation are developed and understood. The novelty of our findings lies in the divergence of market participants’ views and that of the theoretical literature enabling us to extend the conceptual framework on Islamic financial regulation thus enhancing our understanding of the core focuses in the development of sustainable regulation in Islamic finance in both developing and developed economies