Sydney Business School - Papers

Supply chain theory and cultural diversity

P Childerhouse — Thu, 30 May 2013 15:50:10 PDT

Purpose: By far the largest proportion of supply chain theory concerns North American and European business settings. This study investigates its generalisability to other culturally diverse global supply chains.

Methodology: This exploratory research utilises the anthropological approach of observing supply chain manager behaviour in five distinct natural settings (Egypt, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom). Hofstede's [1] well-known measures of work-related culture are used to help explain the observed behaviours.

Research Implications: Optimal supply chain architecture requires consideration of local national, organisational and individual cultural norms; necessitating that supply chain theory be tailored to account for culturally diverse settings. Similarly, change management and change roadmap also need to be matched to the local culture environment.

Research Limitations: A limited number of national settings, and cases within each setting, is investigated. An opportunist approach to sampling was taken, thereby limiting the generic nature of the findings. Hence, significant scope exists for further exploratory research into the implications of cultural diversity on global supply chain management.

Original contribution: The paper is highly relevant to the current challenges facing organisations trying to manage their global supply chains and dealing with suppliers from many different cultures. The exploratory research presented is a first step towards trying to develop supply chain theory that is more sensitive to the diversity of cultures outside of the USA/European contexts. The behaviour of supply chain managers appears to closely correlate with the national culture value set. Such cultural drivers offer pointers to the successful design and implementation of high performing international supply chains.

Positive psychology and coaching psychology in schools

Lisa S. Green — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:50:10 PDT

Why do companies fail? Considering the key problems and success factors in modelling failure prediction in an Australian context

William Wilkinson — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:50:10 PDT

Corporate failure is a regularly recurring problem for stakeholders, particularly investors, creditors and customers. Early attempts at predicting such failure typically relied on analysis of individual performance measurements such as accounting ratios; it was not until the late 1960s that a modelling approach to the problem started to evolve. Altman's Z-score model was the first approach to combine a series of weighted ratios using the statistical technique of multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) to arrive at a final score, which was used to determine whether or not a company was likely to fail. Substantial research has followed over the subsequent 40 years, resulting in model variants ranging from slight changes to the seminal Z-score approach, and finally to totally different approaches using a range of statistical tools. This paper looks at the question of whether modelling can be an effective tool for failure prediction. It firstly looks at previous research in this area, particularly with regard to the shortcomings of modelling approaches in general, but also at some key problem areas for models such as defining what constitutes a failure event, some of the perceived specific shortcomings of previous failure modelling attempts and issues around the impact of creative accounting. The impact of non-financial factors is considered, leading to some conclusions on the practicality of incorporating such information in a model environment. The new multi-dimensional modelling approach introduced is based on Australian source data from three related industry groupings and focuses on providing a failure probability result rather than a defined fail/non-fail conclusion. The paper concludes by discussing some of the key contributing factors identified in the development of the model, including the clear evidence of predictive value incorporated in cash flow information, particularly cash flows from operations.

Enhancing the learning experience of students by incorporating core competences into assessment and inspiring diverse student cohorts to be authentic and context sensitive learners

Ananda Wickramasinghe — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:10:11 PDT

Something fishy's going on: exploring how the aquaponics garden at the Basin View Masonic Village is promoting resident participation through occupation and community and social involvement

Alison Wicks — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:05:09 PDT

Introduction Innovative collaborations have created the aquaponics garden at the Basin View Masonic Village. It is being developed as an eco-friendly way to build communion within the village, provide meaningful occupations through growing nutritious food, and increase community engagement of the village. Stakeholders include village staff and residents, local schools and businesses, aquaponics experts and academics. Considering the potential of community gardens to reconnect people with nature, promote integration with the community and provide volunteer and educational opportunities (Quayle, 2007), final occupational and social outcomes are highly anticipated. Aim The aim of this ongoing field study is to evaluate over time from multi-disciplinary perspectives, the garden's impact on: the village culture; occupational participation of self-care residents, residents with dementia, staff and carers; and the local community's involvement. Method Investigators are using qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, and storytelling), observation of selected stakeholders and digital technology to record the garden story and analyse processes and outcomes along many dimensions. The University of Wollongong has granted ethics approval. Results Resident interest and participation, staff enthusiasm and engagement, healthy plants and fish, in-kind support from local businesses and contributions from volunteer school children have already contributed to significant culture change within the village. Conclusion Valuable general insights from various perspectives about sustainable community-based, occupation-focused programs and specific practice strategies for engaging people with dementia in occupations will be gained.

Experience cycle methodology: a method for understanding the construct revision pathway

Lindsay Oades — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:05:09 PDT

Similar to Oades and Viney (2000), this chapter describes the Experience Cycle Methodology (ECM). After describing the Experience Cycle we outline the five principles that have guided the development of the ECM and consider important aspects of a semi-structured interview. We then provide three examples of the ECM involving stories from adolescents of their risk-taking experiences (Oades and Viney, 1997, 1999). We demonstrate how the model can be used quantitatively, using a sample of 121 Australian adolescents. This research empirically demonstrates relationships between the phases of the Experience Cycle as they relate to construct change. We propose a construct revision pathway, and provide empirical evidence that if construct change has occurred; it is likely that invalidation has occurred, tight predictions were made with high investment, or both . Suggestions for future use and modification of the ECM are provided including (a) prospective use of the ECM, (b) linking of the ECM with a diary methodology, and (c) further validation of this methodology, particularly refinements to the operationalization of investment and construct change.

Predicting corporate failure: supporting the case for the inclusion of cash flow factors when using modelling as a tool

Bill Wilkinson — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:00:19 PDT

Corporate failure is a regularly recurring problem for stakeholders, particularly investors, creditors and customers. Early attempts at predicting such failure typically relied on analysis of individual performance measurements such as accounting ratios; it was not until the late 1960s that a modelling approach to the problem started to evolve. Altman's Z-score model was the first approach to combine a series of weighted ratios using the statistical technique of multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) to arrive at a final score, which was used to determine whether or not a company was likely to fail. Substantial research has followed over the subsequent 40 years, resulting in model variants ranging from slight changes to the seminal Z-score approach, and finally to totally different approaches using a range of statistical tools. This paper looks at the use of cash flow information and its impact on the effectiveness of models used for failure prediction. It firstly looks at previous research in this area, particularly with regard to the shortcomings of modelling approaches in general, and discusses the application of a new multi-dimensional modelling approach, based on Australian source data from three related industry groupings and focusing on providing a failure probability result rather than a defined fail/non-fail conclusion. The paper concludes by discussing some of the key contributing factors identified in the development of the model, including the clear evidence of predictive value incorporated in cash flow information, particularly cash flows from operations.

Responding to the challenge of mental health recovery policy

Lindsay G. Oades — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:00:19 PDT

Role of supply chain mapping in sustainable supply chain management

Pradeepa Jayaratne — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:15:13 PDT

Sustainability as a concept has created enormous pressure on supply chain management. During the last few decades companies from all sectors of industry have not only needed to deliver quality products right on time, but they now also have to comply with environmental, economical, ethical and the social pressures placed on the business. To improve supply chain performance, managers should know exactly what is happening along their supply chain. It is therefore argued that supply chain mapping will deliver insights into the complexity of a supply network and should be the first step in any business if performance or overall sustainability is to be improved. This paper focuses on the role of supply chain mapping in relation to establishing a framework for sustainability. Current research results show that supply chain mapping can provide a significant insight into the complexity and hidden details of a supply network. To-date, this research has demonstrated that, in the context of Sri Lankan tea supply chain, the network is non-rational and does not display a linear graphic, but rather a complex network that is intertwined with many player and stakeholder interactions outside of typical value creation perspectives.

A comparison of theory and practice in market intelligence gathering for Australian micro-businesses and SMEs

Pauline Ross — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:15:13 PDT

Recent government sponsored research has demonstrated that there is a gap between the theory and practice of market intelligence gathering within the Australian micro, small and medium businesses (SMEs). Typically, there is a significant amount of information in literature about "what needs to be done", however, there is little insight in terms of how market intelligence gathering should occur. This paper provides a novel insight and a comparison between the theory and practices of market intelligence gathering of micro-business and SMEs in Australia and demonstrates an anomoly in so far as typically the literature does not match what actually occurs in practice. A model for market intelligence gathering for micro-businesses and SMEs is also discussed.

What is personality change coaching and why is it important?

Lesley Martin — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:10:10 PDT

Purpose: This article explores the concept of coaching for personality change. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of personality change, clarify how this fits with coaching, identify a suitable personality model and measure, and propose directions for future research. Method: The above aim is achieved through reference to the literature around the following questions: Is personality change possible and desirable? Is coaching a suitable medium to achieve this? How does this fit with and expand upon the current coaching literature? What personality model and inventory would suit this process? What coaching resources and future research are needed? Results: A growing body of research suggests that personality can change in the short-term in response to life events, in different social environments and via medical, therapeutic and coaching interventions. Although intentional and targeted personality change research is limited, these findings suggest it is indeed possible. As even small positive changes in personality have been associated with widespread benefits, personality change coaching appears worthwhile. One-to-one coaching provides an environment conducive to exploring this, in populations without major psychopathology. Conclusions: Personality change coaching appears both desirable and possible in a one-to-one coaching setting. However, further research is needed to develop practitioner resources, test the hypothesis that coaching can achieve such change, understand and manage factors that influence change, and explore the experience from a client and coach perspective.

A global analysis of supply chain trends in the health industry

Siti Zulkiffli — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:49:20 PDT

• An outlook for the pharmaceutical and medical logistics market • Achieving success in the pharmaceutical supply chain • Improving efficiency along the supply chain

The collaborative recovery model: developing positive institutions to facilitate recovery in enduring mental illness

Lindsay G. Oades — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:10:09 PDT

David Clutterbuck, mentoring and coaching: a commentary

Grace McCarthy — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:05:09 PDT

David Clutterbuck has made tremendous contributions to both coaching and mentoring theory and practice over the past three decades. One of the pleasures of reading David Clutterbuck's work is that he communicates clearly without jargon, a tribute perhaps to his journalistic background. He captures what is known or believed about a topic at the time and is not afraid to say that things have changed or that his predictions have not yet come to pass. By articulating the conceptions of coaching and mentoring at a particular point in time, Clutterbuck allows us to recognise the changes that take place over time as well as the changes in different contexts, changes that can be almost imperceptible unless someone draws our attention to them. In this commentary, I will focus on the evolving definitions of mentoring that are explicit in Clutterbuck's work and consider the distinction between coaching and mentoring.

The Australian corporate closet, why it's still so full: a review of incidence rates for sexual orientation discrimination gender identity discrimination in the workplace

Ian Smith — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:05:09 PDT

The paper reviews the extant Australian literature on sexual orientation (SO) discrimination within the Australian workplace. In the research, there is variation in organisational workplace and a bias towards health and educational sectors as a research setting, which raises some methodological considerations such as poor generalisability to other organisational contexts. The small body of Australian research into SO discrimination encompasses; (i) varied methodological and theoretical approaches, (ii) disparate authors selecting a varied range of aspects of discrimination thus absenting a unifying framework to guide research and lacking as yet seminal authorship providing focus, iii) limited sampling of participants making comparisons difficult and further indicating the absence of a unifying framework with which to focus the research and iv) limited studies exclusively investigating workplace discrimination. In this paper, the Australian literature is presented chronologically, and where possible, it has linked studies together to indicate the commensurate nature of the studies to illustrate the incidence rates of SO discrimination in the Australian labour market as a rationale for GLBTIQ employees remaining in the corporate closet.

Mindfulness in coaching: philosophy, psychology, or just a useful skill?

Michael J. Cavanagh — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:20:10 PDT

Summary

This chapter contains section titles:

Introduction
The Changing World
Mindfulness: A Confused Construct
So, What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness Practice and Purposeful, Positive Change
The Coaching Engagement – Five Reflective Spaces
Future Directions for Research
Conclusion
Acknowledgement
References

Introduction to happiness interventions

Gordon B. Spence — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:10:11 PDT

Coaching and well-being: A brief review of existing evidence, relevant theory and implications for practitioners

Gordon B. Spence — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:00:15 PDT

THIS chapter is about coaching and its influence on human functioning and well-being. The chapter is presented in two sections. In the first section coaching is defined and accompanied by a brief description of its essential practices, along with a review of what is currently known empirically about its impact on human functioning and well-being. Having reviewed some evidence that supports the efficacy of coaching, the second section will focus on the important question: Why does coaching work? In proposing an answer to this question we will draw upon self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985), a metatheory of human functioning that we believe helps to theoretically ground the practice of coaching. We hope that this discussion will provide both a good general introduction to the field in its current state and stimulate an understanding of why coaching effectively contributes to well-being.

Management: A Focus on Leaders

Annie Mckee — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:00:15 PDT

A new view of the four functions of Management: through the lens of leadership The pace and scope of change in the world and organisations during the past 10 years is unprecedented. In this environment, staying ahead of the curve and preparing for success in work, management and leadership is challenging.

Amidst the financial crises, catastrophic disasters, and business scandals frequently making headlines, Annie McKee and the Australian authors of this new text Management: a Focus on Leaders, believe there is a unique opportunity to re-focus the way students are prepared for their future in business.

Show future managers how to lead in a complex, yet exciting, global environment

With an engaging writing style and an outcome-driven approach, Annie McKee and Australian authors Travis Kemp and Gordon Spence directly address the many behavioural, social, cognitive and emotional challenges beyond the four functions of management.

Management features exciting Australasian and global case studies and easy, student-friendly teaching tools. Unique Decision Making mini-simulations using adaptive technology allow students to make management decisions and see the impact of their decisions.

Development in Western ideology of entrepreneurialism and their (mis)applications in the context of non-Western cultures

Helan R. Gamage — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:05:08 PDT

The focus of this article is a conceptual analysis of the western entrepreneurship paradigm and its practical implications, based on a desktop approach. In order to bring a holistic view of the western paradigm, the following questions were raised: What constitutes the western paradigm of entrepreneurship? How does this paradigm transfer to other cultures? Why is this paradigm criticized? The purpose of evaluating the western paradigm is to gain an understanding of western ideologies in entrepreneurship to consider a suitable methodology for an alternative approach in entrepreneurship research. The different disciplinary perspectives and the reductionist approach of the western paradigm resulted in limited returns to entrepreneurship programs since one disciplinary perspective can never handle all relevancies of entrepreneurial holism. It may be better to seek a context-sensitive alternative approach.