Organizational Structure Research Articles

The moderating role of servant leadership in the relationship between organizational structure and performance in fashion retailing

PurposeThis study aims to reveal how the organizational structure (vertical integration vs. franchising) of 308 stores in a Spanish fashion retail franchise chain affects their performance measured through two key performance indicators commonly used in this industry, namely, labor productivity and service quality ratings. We also appraise the moderating role played by the servant leadership of franchisees and managers of company-owned outlets to explore its influence on the relationship between organizational structure and store performance.Design/methodology/approachWe have used multivariate analyses to study the research questions, with a panel dataset of quarterly store-level data for the period January–December 2022.FindingsVertically-integrated stores record lower labor productivity than franchised ones. This impact is lower in stores run by individuals high in servant leadership than in those run by individuals low in it. Franchised outlets also record lower ratings in service quality than vertically-integrated stores, and this negative impact is weaker in stores run by individuals high in servant leadership.Originality/valueNothing has thus far been published on the moderating effect of servant leadership in the relationship between the organizational structure of different stores and their outcomes in franchise systems.

Determinants and impact of production planning and control accounting techniques on competitiveness of manufacturing companies: a structural equation modelling approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate four internal (organisational structure, quality of information technology, business strategy and market orientation) and two external (competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty) contextual factors affecting the use of production planning and control accounting techniques (PPC), as well as the impact of PPC usage on organisational competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach Seven major PPC techniques were investigated, namely: attribute costing, lifecycle costing, quality costing, target costing, value-chain costing, activity-based costing and activity-based management. By deploying a multi-informant strategy, a structured questionnaire was used to gather survey data from 129 senior accounting, finance and production personnel of publicly quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Findings The results, using structural equation modelling, show that market orientation is the strongest determinant of PPC usage. The inability of competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty to notably affect PPC usage suggests that external environmental pressure to use PPC is weak. Although PPC can engender organisational competitiveness, their interactive usage yields optimal results. Originality/value The study contributes to knowledge by: (i) presenting evidence that although PPC techniques can engender organisational competitiveness, it is their interactive usage that yields optimal results; (ii) empirically demonstrating that contextual factors influence PPC usage in line with the contingency theory; and (iii) validating the diffusion of innovation theory that organisations will typically deploy PPC techniques because of their relative advantage of improving organisational competitiveness.

No sex difference in maturation of brain morphology during the perinatal period.

Accumulating evidence have documented sex differences in brain anatomy from early childhood to late adulthood. However, whether sex difference of brain structure emerges in the neonatal brain and how sex modulates the development of cortical morphology during the perinatal stage remains unclear. Here, we utilized T2-weighted MRI from the Developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP) database, consisting of 41 male and 40 female neonates born between 35 and 43 postmenstrual weeks (PMW). Neonates of each sex were arranged in a continuous ascending order of age to capture the progressive changes in cortical thickness and curvature throughout the developmental continuum. The maturational covariance network (MCN) was defined as the coupled developmental fluctuations of morphology measures between cortical regions. We constructed MCNs based on the two features, respectively, to illustrate their developmental interdependencies, and then compared the network topology between sexes. Our results showed that cortical structural development exhibited a localized pattern in both males and females, with no significant sex differences in the developmental trajectory of cortical morphology, overall organization, nodal importance, and modular structure of the MCN. Furthermore, by merging male and female neonates into a unified cohort, we identified evident dependencies influences in structural development between different brain modules using the Granger causality analysis (GCA), emanating from high-order regions toward primary cortices. Our findings demonstrate that the maturational pattern of cortical morphology may not differ between sexes during the perinatal period, and provide evidence for the developmental causality among cortical structures in perinatal brains.

Expert and operator perspectives on barriers to energy efficiency in data centers

It was last estimated in 2016 that data centers (DCs) comprise approximately 2% of total US electricity consumption. However, this estimate is currently being updated to account for the massive increase in computing needs due to streaming, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence (AI). To prevent energy consumption that tracks with increasing computing needs, it is imperative we identify energy efficiency strategies and investments beyond the low-hanging fruit solutions. In a two-phased research approach, we ask: What non-technical barriers still impede energy efficiency (EE) practices and investments in the data center sector, and what can be done to overcome these barriers? In particular, we are focused on social and organizational barriers to EE. In Phase I, we performed a literature review and found that technical solutions are abundant in the literature, but fail to address the top-down cultural shifts that need to take place in order to adapt new energy efficiency strategies. In Phase II, reported here, we interviewed 16 data center operators/experts to ground-truth our literature findings. Our interview protocols focus on three aspects of DC decision-making: procurement practices, metrics and monitoring, and perceived barriers to energy efficiency. We find that vendors are the key drivers of procurement decisions, advanced efficiency metrics are facility-specific, and there is convergence in the design of advanced facilities due to the heat density of parallelized infrastructure. Our ultimate goals for our research are to design DC decarbonization policies that target organizational structure, empower individual staff, and foster a supportive external market.

The Role of Human Resource Management in Agricultural Labor-Saving Technologies: An Integrative Review and Science Mapping

The integrative role of human resource management continues to rise as a topic in sustainable and smart agriculture. This dual focus emphasizes new solutions for agricultural businesses and rural areas, incorporating academic concepts with practical implementations to address the pressing challenges coming from the implementation of labor-saving technologies. The study employs the integrative review method, along with science mapping of literature. After a careful selection of studies from the Scopus database, we included 149 papers for our analysis. Our findings suggest that the overall scholarly work has been concentrated on the topics of entrepreneurship and organizational structure. We conclude that the literature is mostly directed toward sustainability development goals such as gender, diversity, and youth. The current trends topics are “collective action” and “artificial intelligence”. Furthermore, our study offered insights into developing and emerging themes, trends, and future directions. The HRM functions that play a pivotal role in the adoption of labor-saving technology adoption are knowledge management, change management, labor allocation, sustainability allocation, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, we provided the practical implementation of the HRM roles and future directions. This study benefits agricultural researchers, agricultural managers, and policymakers because it gives a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective.

Organizational structure, business integration and technological innovation of manufacturing industry: Basis for digitally transformed manufacturing industry framework

Organizational structure, business integration and technological innovation of manufacturing industry: Basis for digitally transformed manufacturing industry framework

The entrepreneurial orientation of special district governments: a study of public entrepreneurship in local governments in Tennessee

ABSTRACT Special districts are an increasingly prevalent form of local government. The creation of special districts is an act of public entrepreneurship. However, it is not clear if special districts are imprinted with an enduring entrepreneurial orientation when they are founded or if their entrepreneurial orientation fades as the organisations mature and become more bureaucratic. Building on theories of imprinting and organisational structure and utilising computer-automated text analysis, we explore the persistence and performance implications of the entrepreneurial orientation of special districts through text analysis of local government documents. In a sample of 277 special districts in Tennessee (USA), we find that special districts exhibit an entrepreneurial orientation, this orientation differs based on special district type, and a nonlinear (inverted-U) relationship exists between entrepreneurial orientation and special district performance. Our findings contribute to research at the intersection of local governments and public entrepreneurship and generate actionable insights for local government managers.

The use of big data analytics for human resource management in an organization

Aim. To examine the application of big data in the field of human resource management and in organizational network analysis as a methodology to study the patterns of employee interaction within a formal organizational structure to improve the effectiveness of the human resource management system.Objectives. Theoretical analysis of existing methodologies for evaluating data on human resources of an organization to provide new opportunities for enterprise transformation; identification of hidden information on human resources and its use for internal staff development, retention and training; study of the possibilities of using organizational network analysis (ONA) to improve the effectiveness of human resource management.Methods. The authors used system and logical approaches, general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis), methods of comparative and economic analysis, analytical processing of information, graphical presentation of information.Results. The sources of big data are analyzed, the main indicators characterizing the state of personnel and allowing to forecast its development, dynamics of preservation of human resources in the organization, its training are allocated. The directions of using organizational network analysis in the personnel management system are proposed.Conclusions. The identified potential advantages of using organizational network analysis in the analytics of data on human resources in the organization will contribute to the reduction of staff turnover, optimization of staff structure, improvement of experience and knowledge sharing within the organization. This, according to the author’s position, will lead the enterprise to a positive economic effect and open new opportunities for its transformation

Public Perceptions of Gangs: An Experimental Test of Nomenclature, Race/Ethnicity, Violence, and Organization

This study examines how the public views gangs, surveying 1,000 US adults using a vignette of a teenage collective. Through a factorial design, elements crucial to gang definition debates were randomly manipulated: the name of the group, its racial composition, behavior severity, and organizational structure. Findings reveal that a name associated with known gangs significantly impacts perception, making it more likely for a group to be identified as a gang. The collective’s activity and organizational structure also swayed perceptions, with violent and structured groups more readily classified as gangs. Surprisingly, the group’s racial makeup did not markedly alter perceptions, although joint effects show it did affect the interpretation of other factors. These insights suggest a need to reassess how research shapes our understanding of gangs and, in turn, how public concerns inform policymakers; highlighting the nuances in public opinion that could factor into legal responsibility and guide future legislative decisions.

Sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions: the stakeholder perspectives

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the considerations for implementing sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachIt employs a qualitative approach. It is based on opinions gathered from 272 stakeholders (including authorities and academicians) of HEIs.FindingsNepalese HEIs are facing several challenges, such as the lack of a changing vision and values to create a culture of sustainability initiatives and the socioeconomic and cultural gaps between policy sources and implementation approaches for sustainability. Therefore, they need to consider several sustainability initiatives to improve their performance and competitiveness. Effective leadership, learning culture, sustainability-related policy, effective HRM, organizational structure, supportive culture, technology, rewards, and university-academia-industry linkages are the key prerequisites for implementing sustainability initiatives. Thus, HEIs must make substantial investments in such aspects. Furthermore, they have to focus on sustainability initiative context, feasible strategies, and actionable/practical solutions to implement sustainability initiatives that help in achieving performance outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsIt is solely based on the opinions of authorities and academicians of Nepalese HEIs. Since it was carried out in the Nepalese context, results might vary at other times and in other nations.Practical implicationsIt serves as a wake-up message to HEIs' officials about the barricades associated with sustainability initiatives and also addresses important requirements for putting such initiatives into practice.Originality/valueIt provides a holistic framework to initiate sustainability in HEIs to help them achieve expected outcomes.

The scale effects of agricultural credits, institutional governance and microfinance sustainability in Sub-Saharan African countries

PurposeThe study examines the synthesized influences of institutional governance and the scale effects of agricultural credits on the sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 840 MFIs (300 independent and 540 networked), the study applied Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Lewbel’s estimator.FindingsResults indicate positive effects of financial structure, efficiency and agricultural credit scale on sustainability, with a non-linear U-shaped relationship between agricultural credit size and microfinance sustainability. Depending on institutional governance quality, a threshold is identified where agricultural credit scale significantly enhances the quality of Portfolio at Risk (lnPAR) in independent MFIs and Returns on Assets (lnROA) in networked MFIs.Research limitations/implicationsStudy suggests strengthening governance for transparency and operating within optimal size for enduring sustainable performance. While focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, future research could expand to various economies or introduce additional variables for a comprehensive analysis.Practical implicationsMFIs can achieve sustainability by implementing management guided by better institutional norms, innovative financial transformations better suited to financing agricultural activities and techniques and an organizational structure more aligned with their performance targets.Social implicationsBroader and more reliable access to financial services, particularly in the agricultural sector, can stimulate production and alleviate poverty.Originality/valueThe study’s originality lies in its contribution to the literature by examining the role of institutional governance in microfinance institution performance and evaluating microfinance in a broader Sub-Saharan African context, proposing threshold limits where agricultural microcredit compromises performance.

Artificial intelligence literacy: a proposed faceted taxonomy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a taxonomy of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy to support AI literacy education and research. Design/methodology/approach This study makes use of the facet analysis technique and draws upon various sources of data and information to develop a taxonomy of AI literacy. The research consists of the following key steps: a comprehensive review of the literature published on AI literacy research, an examination of well-known AI classification schemes and taxonomies, a review of prior research on data/information/digital literacy research and a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 1,031 metadata records on AI literacy publications. The KH Coder 3 software application was used to analyse metadata records from the Scopus multidisciplinary database. Findings A new taxonomy of AI literacy is proposed with 13 high-level facets and a list of specific subjects for each facet. Research limitations/implications The proposed taxonomy may serve as a conceptual AI literacy framework to support the critical understanding, use, application and examination of AI-enhanced tools and technologies in various educational and organizational contexts. Practical implications The proposed taxonomy provides a knowledge organization and knowledge mapping structure to support curriculum development and the organization of digital information. Social implications The proposed taxonomy provides a cross-disciplinary perspective of AI literacy. It can be used, adapted, modified or enhanced to accommodate education and learning opportunities and curricula in different domains, disciplines and subject areas. Originality/value The proposed AI literacy taxonomy offers a new and original conceptual framework that builds on a variety of different sources of data and integrates literature from various disciplines, including computing, information science, education and literacy research.

Analysis of The Readiness of The Regional Government of Malinau District North Kalimantan Province in Commemorate Digital Transformation

One of the efforts to realize the goals of bureaucratic reform is the modernization of the government bureaucracy which focuses on the orientation of public services to community satisfaction through optimizing the use of information technology. The purpose of this research is to analyse the readiness of the Regional Government of Malinau Regency in commemorate digital transformation and to identify supporting and inhibiting factors for the readiness of the Regional Government of Malinau Regency in commemorate digital transformation. This study uses a qualitative research design with descriptive methods, by adapting the An Integration Information Rich E-Readiness Assessment Tool readiness analysis model, proposed by Mutula & Brakel 2006. This research uses a triagulation analysis method on observation data, interviews and documentation in the field. The research results of the five dimensions of assessment show 1) Information Readiness with information access indicators categorized as ready and information mechanism indicators categorized as quite ready; 2) Institutional Readiness with Organizational Structure indicators categorized as ready, ICT Policy indicators categorized as quite ready and ICT Budget Readiness categorized as ready; 3) HR readiness with HR composition indicators categorized as quite ready, ICT HR qualification indicators categorized as unprepared, and ICT HR preparation indicators categorized as unprepared. 4) Infrastructure Availability with hardware and software infrastructure indicators categorized as ready and internet connection indicators categorized as quite ready; 5) External Environment Readiness with telecommunications service quality indicators categorized as quite ready.

Navigating organizational excellence: a comparative study and roadmap for streamlining defense infrastructure organizational model of Georgia

In the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics and increasing security challenges, the efficacy of a nation’s defense infrastructure is pivotal. This article conducts a comprehensive exploration of defense infrastructure organizational models, centering on the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and Latvia. Through a meticulous comparative analysis, the study delves into organizational structures, international operations, responsibilities, and strategic focuses of these nations’ defense infrastructure entities. The goal is to glean insights applicable to Georgia’s unique context, identifying key differences and commonalities to formulate a strategic roadmap for enhancing its defense infrastructure capabilities. The article examines each country’s defense infrastructure model, highlighting distinctive features in organizational structure, international operations, responsibilities, and strategic focus. Drawing upon these insights, the study proposes tailored recommendations for Georgia, spanning organizational structure, international operations, responsibilities and focus, modernization and strategy, and integration of departmental efforts. Key entities within Georgia’s defense infrastructure organizational model, such as the Department of Defense Sustainability, the J-4 Logistics Planning Department, and the Command for Logistics Support of the Troops, are illuminated to underscore their pivotal roles in fortifying the country’s defense capabilities. Concluding with the identification of key areas for improvement in Georgia’s defense infrastructure organization, the article outlines recommendations encompassing organizational structure, international operations, responsibilities and focus, modernization and strategy, and integration of departmental efforts. By aligning Georgia’s defense infrastructure with international best practices, the nation can enhance security, contribute to regional stability, and actively participate in global security efforts. In essence, this article serves as a strategic guide for Georgia, offering a roadmap to fortify its defense infrastructure in a rapidly changing world. Through a synthesis of global insights and tailored recommendations, Georgia can position itself as a resilient and adaptable force, safeguarding national interests and contributing to a more secure global landscape.

Numerical calculation of air permeability of warp-knitted jacquard spacer shoe-upper materials based on CFD

Abstract In order to realize the rapid design of warp-knitted jacquard spacer shoe-upper materials and to explore the influence of different fabric surface organization structures on their air permeability, it is proposed to numerically simulate the air permeability performance of jacquard shoe-upper materials using ANSYS fluid analysis. First, four kinds of shoe material specimens with different upper and lower layer mesh alignment relationships are designed and tested, then the corresponding geometric structure models of the fabric are established based on the samples and appropriately processed, and finally the air permeability of the shoe material is numerically simulated and calculated based on computational fluid dynamics. The results show that, under the same conditions, the air permeability of double-sided mesh structure is significantly better than that of single-sided mesh structure, and its air permeability can be optimized by adjusting the relationship between the upper and lower layers of the fabric mesh; the airflow mainly passes through the fabric pores and gaps between the yarns, and the closer the fabric structure is, the more the air flow is hindered, and the worse the air permeability is. The simulation results of the established numerical model are consistent with the measured results, and the error is less than 10%, so it can be used to simulate and predict the air permeability of the warp-knitted jacquard spacer footwear materials, and provide theoretical support for the design and performance research of footwear materials.

Socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises in the aspect of risky circumstances

The article considers the characteristics of small business entities in the context of risky circumstances. The socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises are analyzed taking into account the new crisis phenomena and their influence on the construction of management strategies. In the process of research the interrelation between these characteristics and risk factors is established, the necessity of actualization of existing approaches and methods of management of small enterprises is proved. Methods of search, analysis and generalization of information were used. The sociological interpretation of the concept of “risk” in historical retrospect and taking into account modern approaches is given, as well as the main provisions of risk concepts are given. Among the key ones are socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises interrelated with risky circumstances. Limited capital investments, small number of employees, the need to fulfill social obligations, relatively low level of income, simpler organizational structure, uniqueness of goods and services produced, localization of markets, significant social burden are highlighted. It is concluded that modern transformations in various spheres of society increase the probability of crisis processes. At the same time, the level of risk is interrelated with the socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises, which are more exposed to risk consequences. Small business shows significant adaptive capabilities and readiness to quickly change management tactics in terms of predicting and regulating risks.

Numerical calculation of air permeability of warp-knitted jacquard spacer shoe-upper materials based on CFD

Abstract In order to realize the rapid design of warp-knitted jacquard spacer shoe-upper materials and to explore the influence of different fabric surface organization structures on their air permeability, it is proposed to numerically simulate the air permeability performance of jacquard shoe-upper materials using ANSYS fluid analysis. First, four kinds of shoe material specimens with different upper and lower layer mesh alignment relationships are designed and tested, then the corresponding geometric structure models of the fabric are established based on the samples and appropriately processed, and finally the air permeability of the shoe material is numerically simulated and calculated based on computational fluid dynamics. The results show that, under the same conditions, the air permeability of double-sided mesh structure is significantly better than that of single-sided mesh structure, and its air permeability can be optimized by adjusting the relationship between the upper and lower layers of the fabric mesh; the airflow mainly passes through the fabric pores and gaps between the yarns, and the closer the fabric structure is, the more the air flow is hindered, and the worse the air permeability is. The simulation results of the established numerical model are consistent with the measured results, and the error is less than 10%, so it can be used to simulate and predict the air permeability of the warp-knitted jacquard spacer footwear materials, and provide theoretical support for the design and performance research of footwear materials.

EXERCISES AND TESTS IN ENGLISH ACADEMIC WRITING

The aim of this paper is to disclose the critical domain of academic writing and its pivotal role in scholarly communication and professional achievement. The study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of a structured academic writing approach using a mixed-methods design, incorporating pre-test and post-test assessments alongside qualitative insights derived from the participant feedback. The participants underwent an initial pre-test covering the structural aspects of academic writing, followed by engagement in a structured undergraduate course emphasising specific nuances of academic papers and mastery of cohesive elements for academic and professional purposes. The qualitative aspect provided a nuanced understanding of the learners’ experiences and perceptions. The structured undergraduate course entailed practical activities and tests covering fundamental aspects of academic writing. These encompass understanding the intended audience and purpose, recognising conventions and standards, grasping the subtleties of formal tone and language precision, refining skills in evidence-based argumentation, analysing the organisational structure of academic texts, evaluating the effectiveness of thesis statements, and incorporating tasks related to professional writing. The research underscores the practical application of acquired academic writing skills, aligning them with professional purposes. Overall, the study aims to contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of a structured academic writing approach in preparing individuals for success in both academic and professional contexts.

Turnaround Strategies and Performance of Kenya Planters Cooperative Union in Nairobi County, Kenya

This study sought to establish the influence of turnaround strategies on performance of Kenya Planters Cooperative Union. The specific objectives guiding the study were to assess the influence of restructuring strategy, reorganization strategy, repositioning strategy and diversification strategy on performance of Kenya Planters Cooperative Union. The resource-based view theory, contingency theory, institutional theory, and balanced scorecard theory all served as the study's guiding theories. The research design used for this study was a descriptive survey. The study's target population comprised all 815 people who work for the organization. A desired sample size of 268 respondents was reached by proportionate stratified sampling technique. With the aid of semi-structured questionnaires, primary data was gathered. To evaluate quantitative data, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used. In the inquiry, two inferential statistics were used: correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study found that Kenya Planters Cooperative Union's performance was positively and significantly impacted by restructuring strategy, reorganization strategy, repositioning strategy, and diversification strategy. The analysis found that the organization can reduce operating costs for the business and retail network by implementing a restructuring approach. The organization can respond to the financial challenges and pressures it is now experiencing by reorganizing. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that Kenya Planters Cooperative Union should evaluate its strengths and weaknesses by looking at how well and how poorly the current organizational structure accomplishes business goals.

Can digital transformation improve firm resilience to supply chain disruption? The role of diversification strategies

Our study investigates the role of digital transformation (DT) in promoting firm resilience to supply chain disruptions. Based on resource dependence theory (RDT) and anchored in the organizational structure design literature, we propose a moderating effect for diversification strategies, including sourcing diversification, business diversification, and geographic diversification. To verify this, we collect data based on a sample of 2486 Chinese listed companies that experienced supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 in 2020, of which 1716 companies implemented DT and 770 companies did not. The changes in firm resilience based on five operating performance metrics for the sample group (those firms implementing DT) are compared against a control group (those without implementing DT) of similar size and industry. The results show that, in terms of percentage of change in operating performance, firms implementing in DT are more resilient than those that do not. Moreover, the sourcing and geographic diversification strategies play a positive moderating role in the relationship between DT and firm resilience. Additionally, our findings partially support the view that business diversification plays a positive moderating role in our proposed relationship for a certain subsample. These results contribute to the DT-resilience literature by unlocking the value and potential of interplay between DT and different diversification strategies in building firm resilience, and underscore the importance of reducing dependence on external resources in the face of supply chain disruptions.