Research methods as bridging devices: path and context mapping in governance

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristof Van Assche ◽  
Raoul Beunen ◽  
Monica Gruezmacher ◽  
Martijn Duineveld ◽  
Leith Deacon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Continuous Production ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Shifting Balance ◽  
Initial Concept

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential, both analytically and practically, of understanding research methods as bridging devices. Methods can bridge theory and empirics, but it is argued that they can perform several bridging functions: between theory and praxis, between analysis and strategy and between past and future. The focus is on those forms of bridging relevant for understanding and effectuating change in governance, at community level and at the scale of organizations. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a perspective on methods as bridging devices. It uses the newly minted methods of governance path and context mapping as a case study. These methods conceptually derive from evolutionary governance theory (EGT) and were developed and tested in Canadian empirical research. The case helps to develop insight in features, forms and limitations of methods as bridging devices in governance research and practice. The authors then use the case to further develop the initial concept of bridging more generally, emphasizing the shifting balance between methods as bridging and creating boundaries. Findings Both the case study and the theoretical analysis underline the necessary imperfection of any method as bridging device. The authors affirm the potential of method to perform different bridging functions at the same time, while revealing clear tradeoffs in each role. Tradeoffs occur with adapted versions of the method producing new strengths and weaknesses in new contexts. In each of the forms of bridging involved neither side can be reduced to the other, so a gap always remains. It is demonstrated that the practice of bridging through method in governance is greatly helped when methods are flexibly deployed in ongoing processes of bricolage, nesting and modification. Governance enables the continuous production of new framing devices and other methods. Originality/value The idea of methods as bridging devices is new, and can assist the development of a broader understanding of the various forms and functions of research methods. Moreover, it helps to discern roles of research methods in the functioning of governance. The context of governance helps to recognize the multi-functionality of research methods, and their transformation in a context of pressured decision-making. Moreover, this approach contributes to the understanding of governance as adumbrated by EGT.

Online induction programme with webinar: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Sharon Warren ◽  
Patricia Black ◽  
Elizabeth Mills
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Student Feedback ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the introduction of an online induction programme including an interactive webinar on a distance learning course and to present student feedback on the programme. It focuses on lessons learnt and implications for others implementing similar induction programmes. Design/methodology/approach – A self-completion questionnaire was sent to all students enroled on the programme, including those who did not attend the webinar or participate in the online induction programme. This was followed up with a semi-structured interview. The analysis focused on the student experience of the induction programme. Findings – Overall, students reported to be satisfied with the online programme. The webinar encouraged engagement with some elements of the online workshop and was felt to complement the other learning opportunities available online. The webinar was particularly valued for providing a “face” to the course, facilitating interactivity among tutors and students and helping the students to feel part of the University. Students also reported that the webinar had the advantage of allowing a social interaction between them. Practical implications – A number of key changes related to multiple offerings of the webinar and the timing of activities in the online workshop were highlighted to encourage participation. Greater clarity on what is required in the induction and how long it would take would also encourage participation. Originality/value – This case study is one of the few to evaluate the inclusion of webinar technology within an online induction programme and, therefore, has value in this context.

Taking librarians off the desk: one library changes its reference desk staffing model

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Peters
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Service Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staffing Model ◽  
Central Michigan University ◽  
Reference Service

Purpose – This paper is a case study of the decision at Central Michigan University to take librarians off the reference desk. Departmental data on reference desk traffic and other ancillary functions of the reference department was used to make the case for removing the librarians from the desk. Data collected since the decision was made has supported the decision to move to an on-call reference desk staffing model. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The department reviewed and analyzed data on reference desk transactions of all types from previous years to inform its decision making. Data trends and an analysis of the nature of the questions asked at the reference desk were instrumental in the analysis. Findings – The department determined that the statistical data justified the removal of the librarians from the reference desk. Data collected since moving to the on-call model supports the earlier decision. Originality/value – This paper provides libraries considering their own desk staffing models with a discussion of another library’s decision-making process and evidence of a successful migration to a new reference service model.

Untangling self-reinforcing processes in managerial decision making. Co-evolving heuristics?

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 934-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianpaolo Abatecola
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Organizational Change ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Top Management Teams ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Managerial Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Behavioural Strategy ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose – Over the last 30 years, specific investigations into self-reinforcing processes in managerial decision making have been gaining momentum within the mainstream literature of management. However, to date, it is claimed that understanding these processes properly still requires additional research efforts. Thus, the purpose of this conceptual paper is to follow this claim. Design/methodology/approach – The paper tries to inform the conversation about self-reinforcing processes in managerial decision making through adopting lenses drawing from the biological philosophy of organizational change. In particular, the co-evolutionary approach to organizational change, with a focus on CEOs, and/or top management teams (TMT), is adopted. Findings – As its core contribution, the paper proposes that self-reinforcing processes in the CEOs/TMTs’ decision making can occur because of the emergence (and subsequent consolidation) of co-evolving heuristics. On this basis, the paper also prospect potential avenues for future integrations in this field. Originality/value – As the paper concludes, advancing the general understanding of self-reinforcing processes in managerial decision making can represent an important opportunity for the research and practice of management in general, but also for some management sub-domains, such as that of behavioural strategy, in particular.

scholarly journals A decision-making support model for enterprises localization strategies

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-59
Author(s):  
Marzia Morena ◽  
Maria Luisa Del Gatto ◽  
Anna Gornati
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Location Choice ◽  
The Other ◽  
Location Decisions ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Scenarios ◽  
The One

Purpose – The paper aims at describing a supporting model for the decision-making process that may steer the location decisions of international businesses. This is made possible by a measurement system where the characteristics of a territory are assessed with reference to some key factors that are internationally known to investors, to the aim of spotting the best location to implement a property investment. Design/methodology/approach – The surveys analysed when producing this paper highlighted the presence of internationally renowned and shared factors that the enterprises generally take into consideration in their decision-making process, and which strongly influence the decision to locate a business in a territory to the detriment of another. By adopting and organizing these “key factors” in a systemic way, the model introduced in this paper supports enterprises in their location choice. It analyses and measures some territorial contexts (with no limits regarding their size) based on the scores assigned to these contexts after the analysis of the 12 key factors. Findings – The analysis had two outputs: on the one hand, its results allowed to check whether the areas are actually in line with the expectations and with the requirements of a potential investor, with reference to the activity that such investor is willing to promote; on the other, the identification of the characteristics of the area provides the basis to define the vocation of the areas under examination, thus helping the drawing of future development scenarios. Originality/value – The surveys analysed when producing this paper highlighted the presence of internationally renowned and shared factors that the enterprises generally take into consideration in their decision-making process, and which strongly influence the decision to locate a business in a territory to the detriment of another.

scholarly journals The interplay of managerial and non-managerial controls, institutional work, and the coordination of laterally dependent hospital activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Nyland ◽  
Charlotte Morland ◽  
John Burns
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Other ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Institutional Work ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Complex Settings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore two hospital departments, one of which is laterally dependent on the other to function, but which are subject to distinct vertical managerial controls. This complexity in vertical–lateral relations generates tension amongst the hospital’s senior managers and a perception of coordination difficulties. However, this paper shows how the interplay between managerial and non-managerial controls, plus important employee “work”, moderates tension and facilitates day-to-day lateral coordination at the patient-facing level. Design/methodology/approach This is a case-study, relying mostly on the findings of semi-structured interviews. Theoretically, the paper draws from previous insights on inter-organisational relations (but informing the focus on intra-organisational coordination) and an “institutional work” perspective. Findings Consistent with much extant literature, this paper reveals how non-managerial controls help to moderate tensions that could emerge from the coercive use of managerial controls. However, the authors also show a maintained influence and flexibility in the managerial controls at patient-facing levels, as new circumstances unfold. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper could generalise neither all laterally dependent spaces in hospitals nor patterns across different hospitals. The authors recommend future research into the dynamics and interaction of managerial and non-managerial controls in other complex settings, plus focus on the purposeful work of influential agents. Originality/value The paper has two primary contributions: extending our knowledge of the interplay between managerial and non-managerial controls inside complex organisations, where non-managerial controls reinforce rather than displace managerial controls, and highlighting that it is seldom just controls per se which “matter”, but also agents’ purposeful actions that facilitate coordination in complex organisations.

Where there’s smoke there’s – litigation

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Responsibilities ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The case study illustrates the complex paradigm that interlinks economic and human rights obligations of states on one side of the spectrum and property rights and social responsibilities of tobacco companies on the other. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Performance of Shari’ah-compliant and non-Shari’ah-compliant listed firms: a case study of Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irum Saba ◽  
Mohamed Ariff ◽  
Eskandar Shah Mohd Rasid
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Finance Industry ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Statistical Results

Purpose Shari’ah provides the basic tenets of the Islamic finance industry and advocates banks to share their profits and losses with investors. But what it means for a firm to be “Shari’ah-compliant” and what form of connections it can have, even in theory, to either the firm’s value or profitability is still an untapped question. This study tries to answer this question. This study aims to find the impact of Shari’ah compliance on firm performance. The results obtained would be useful in helping investors, regulators, companies, government, academicians and practitioners in their decision-making process as to ensure better economic and business gains, both locally and globally. Design/methodology/approach Panel data on 634 Shari’ah-compliant firms have been used in this study for the period of 2000–2014. Findings The results indicate that Shari’ah compliance adds to the value of firms as firms perform transactions according to Shari’ah while avoiding non-permissible activities. Originality/value This study adds value to the existing literature by showing the statistical results for the impact of Shari’ah compliance on the performance of the listed firms on Bursa Malaysia.

scholarly journals Self-managed and work-based learning: problematising the workplace–classroom skills gap

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iro Konstantinou ◽  
Elizabeth Miller
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
The Other ◽  
Skills Gap ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Agility ◽  
Learning Module ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe authors explore the ways work-based learning (WBL) can help degree apprentices cross the gaps between the workplace and the classroom, arguing that problem-based learning allows them to become aware of the overlaps in skills required to succeed between the two sites of learning.Design/methodology/approachThis case study of a self-managed learning module uses a workshop methodology to understand the ways 61 undergraduate business management apprentices in the UK navigate the boundaries between work and learning and develop skills across both domains.FindingsThe authors' findings suggest that degree apprentices do not always perceive the two sites as overlapping in terms of what skills are required and how learning takes place. However, WBL modules have the potential to make them aware of how one informs and reinforces the other. Students identified teamwork, communication and reflection as necessary at the workplace and in their studies. They also viewed learning agility at critical, especially in the time of coronavirus disease 2019.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the existing literature exploring how WBL learning can help minimise the gap between the classroom and the workplace by adding the analysis of the case study. Those interested in developing modules which embed theory and practice can benefit from the discussion on how such modules enable students to reflect on the crossover between the two sites, not only on degree apprenticeships but higher education degrees broadly.

scholarly journals Understanding governance in the implementation of rainwater systems in the Amazon – Belem

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-74
Author(s):  
Pedro Pablo Cardoso Castro ◽  
Nirvia Ravena ◽  
Ronaldo Mendes
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Process Planning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Players

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a case study of niche governance to analyze the governance of rainwater systems in the Amazon. Design/methodology/approach A visualization of the interactions of stakeholders was made with the use of social network analysis, where data were collected through interviews to experts from the region. A framework based on niche management and the safe, resilient and sustainable (Safe and SuRe) principles were used to interpret the results. Findings The work identifies key players and issues influencing governance for the implementation of rainwater systems; and capture of decision-making powers by agents making evident redundancies in the management of rainwater in the region; highlighting issues of lack of inclusion in the decision-making process, planning and implementation; threatening the sustainability, resilience and governance of rainwater systems in Belem. Originality/value Methodologically, this work is the first of its kind for the amazon and contributes to the exploration of tools and frameworks to assess governance in the implementation of rainwater systems.

Data-based decision making in developing countries: the influence of system and culture

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joke Voogt ◽  
Jules Pieters
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Educational System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Other ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Discussion Paper ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System Characteristics ◽  
Data Based Decision Making

Purpose This contribution to the special issue integrates findings addressed by the other papers. In order to structure the insights delivered by the studies and to address the perspectives with the objectives of the special issue, the purpose of this paper is to identify two major components: system characteristics and culture. Design/methodology/approach These are discussed and subsequently the studies are positioned according to this framework. Findings The authors further discuss elements involved in increasing the power of clients of the educational system, needs for capacity building, and the need for horizontal and vertical accountability. Originality/value Discussion paper to a special issue on data-based decision making.

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