| 1. |
- Andersson, Annika, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
-
Challenges in project management : Grabbing the elephant
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Projects & Profits. ; 7:12, s. 33-37
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Projects and project management tend to have special meanings to the individuals involved in a specific line of research. This article reports on some topics covered in an informal Swedish network devoted to study project management. Ten topics are selected for discussion that fall into three broad categories—projects as practice, productivity in projects and education in a PM curriculum.
|
|
| 2. |
- Andersson, Annika, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
-
Contracted ERP projects : sequential progress, mutual learning, relationships, control and conflicts
- 2011
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Managing Projects in Business/Emerald. - : Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. - 1753-8378 .- 1753-8386. ; 4:3, s. 458-479
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the sequential nature that enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects tend to take and to describe how the buyer typically behaves concerning the need for control and learning in and in-between ERP projects.Design/methodology/approach – Results come from an in-depth case study of sequential ERP projects. The respondents were a major Swedish retailer and a supplier who undertook upgrading of an ERP system with six separate and sequential projects. The research was framed by independent pre- and post-interviews in three buyer companies' from different areas of business.Findings – Results suggest that success is associated with mutual learning between supplier and buyer organizations that lead to reasonably amicable working relationships. Control considerations run through these projects and conflicts appear minimal in the sequential treatment. Insightful interpretation comes not only from empirical reflection on interactions in an in-depth case study, but also from concepts available in decision making and project marketing as well.Research limitations/implications – Case studies present in-depth understanding but have generalization limitations. Also the case study was accomplished in Sweden and thus knowledge about behaviour in other countries and cultures is needed.Practical implications – Managers investing in relationships and learning in an initial project probably suffer in terms of satisfaction and profitability at that stage but could accomplish more effective, satisfying and profitable situations over time. In particular, appreciation of the nature of the sequential project development, mutual control, delivery and learning in these projects could be useful in understanding the buyer behaviour in ERP projects.Originality/value – Learning is important in projects but how do the buyers behave? A description of the sequential nature of ERP projects and the learning process both within the buyer's company and within the supplier's company is established. Tables are created that describe how the gap in the mutual learning process decreases in-between projects in business-to-business projects.
|
|
| 3. |
- Andersson, Annika, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
-
Customized Erp Projects : Toward understanding their sequential nature
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Projects & Profits.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Developing and implementing customized IT systems can be frustrating to both the developers and the users. From comprehensive observations made from three case studies of Swedish firms involved in developing and implementing ERP systems, certain reflections might be made that suggest that system development tends to occur by a series of sequential projects. This article develops some background necessary to understand the complexity that tends to arise in these projects. An illustration is given from an example obtained from the field, which reflects the observations made from classical literature on adoption processes and decision-making.
|
|
| 4. |
- Anell, Barbro, 1942-, et al.
(författare)
-
Channel Structures of International After-Sales Services Networks
- 2001
-
Ingår i: Journal of marketing channels. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1046-669X. ; 9:1/2, s. 93-124
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The choice of an organizational architecture for providing after-sales services to customers spans two extremes. A firm may either supply the services itself, or it can supply them through an independent distribution network. Because of the importance of after-sales services both in establishing a firm's competitive advantage and in sustaining profitability, the choice of organizational design would appear to be of significant strategic importance. In order to explore this association, a comparative empirical study was made of the after-sales networks of two firms supplying international markets-one directly and the other through a network. Although there were trade-offs in the two organizations, there was equal success in providing customer service, which would suggest that a structure for this purpose does not exist. Instead, it was observed that contact near customer usage and devolved decision making were important in service success. Integrative devices, concerning both culture and knowledge, seemed to play a further role in maintaining these firms' competitive edge. In interpreting these results, network and temporary concepts were useful in describing processes of each organization. It was noted that the distribution channels for services were different from product distribution in both cases, which undoubtedly is of strategic importance in managing these operations.
|
|
| 5. |
- Anell, Barbro, 1942-, et al.
(författare)
-
Prescripts : Creating Competitive Advantage in the Knowledge Economy
- 2002
-
Ingår i: Competitiveness review. - : Emerald. - 1059-5422. ; 12:1, s. 26-37
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- One recurring theme in the discourse on global competition is the major shift in thinking about what constitute resources in the economy. It is assumed that the economists' traditional categorization into land, labor and capital has been superseded by knowledge as the prime resource. As a consequence, this belief has led to an increased interest in human resource management, human capital, and the problem of attracting and keeping good knowledge workers. It is maintained in this paper that attracting and keeping good knowledge workers will be essential for survival in the knowledge economy, but that it will not necessarily lead to a competitive advantage. Instead, the competitive advantage resides in the competence of the firm to depersonalize knowledge and codify it into software “prescripts” that can be used to duplicate markets or marketed worldwide.
|
|
| 6. |
- Anell, Barbro, 1942-, et al.
(författare)
-
The flexible firm and the flexible co-worker
- 2000
-
Ingår i: Journal of Workplace Learning. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1366-5626 .- 1758-7859. ; 12:4, s. 165-170
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the discourse on modern management, the concept of flexibility is often mentioned as a desirable characteristic of firms and employees. Flexible organizations exhibit an ability to change in response to market changes. It should be clear, however, that a range of possibilities exist between “rigid” organizations and truly flexible ones. This range is discussed. Further, a firm’s ability to demonstrate flexibility depends to a large degree on the flexibility exhibited by its employees. Firms exhibiting different degrees of flexibility have different demands on the flexibility of their coworkers, which means that a matching between supply and demand exists. Employee flexibility has several dimensions, which are also discussed as well as some conditions for a flexible work- cum lifestyle. The starting point for the discussion is the assumption that neither the firms themselves nor the surrounding society are especially adapted to a lifestyle of flexible work. Some measures to alleviate these conditions are proposed.
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Blomquist, Tomas, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
-
On productivity in project organizations
- 2009
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Managing Projects in Business/Emerald. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1753-8378 .- 1753-8386. ; 2:4, s. 591-598
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the underlying unit cost considerations in project conduct at the firm level and an established business unit concept is extended to multi-project organizations. The approach and background are described along with apparent implications. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology developed by Gold is extended to cover multi-project organizations. The adaptation of the productivity network is demonstrated using a hypothetical case. Findings – The focus of the paper is on demonstrating an approach. Generally, productivity in an organization is found not to be dictated by a single input, but by the multiplicative outcome of each together. In particular, the number of projects handled each year appears to be of strategic importance in productivity. Research limitations/implications – The paper is conceptual, so applicability depends upon the nature of the particular organization to which it is applied. Implications, of course, will depend upon the degree to which actual data match the model. Practical implications – The approach permits managers to get a handle on productivity in their organizations. It is particularly attractive insofar as it largely depends upon available accounting information for input. This paper seeks to fuel greater interest and debate by practitioners and project management academics about the topic. Originality/value – Although the paper is conceptual, the authors believe that it may among the first to quantitatively treat productivity in multi-project organizations. The approach can be used to understand the productivity as well as some elements of effectiveness of multi-project organizations.
|
|
| 9. |
- Boström, Gert-Olof, 1959-, et al.
(författare)
-
CAD and Consequences in the Swedish Architectural Industry
- 2003
-
Ingår i: Services Marketing Quarterly. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1533-2969 .- 1533-2977. ; 25:2, s. 25-41
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- As an example of technology shaping the marketing environment, this paper reports on the impact of the introduction of computer assisted design (CAD) capabilities into the architectural industry in Sweden. Change is addressed at three levels-in the process of producing output, in the output itself, and in the industry as an apparent consequence of the technological introduction. It is observed that there has been a division in the industry-one segment representing a rather traditional approach to architectural services, the other a more business-oriented, adopter segment. Results are interpreted in terms of a structurational theory of technology. Understanding is discussed both in terms of technology adoption as well as the nature of professional services.
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
- Boström, Gert-Olof, et al.
(författare)
-
Sweden : Bank of Year Recognition & Performance
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Services Marketing Quarterly. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1533-2969 .- 1533-2977. ; 36:1, s. 1-21
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Swedish banking has been recognized for financial prudence, innovations and service provision. Bank of the Year winners are characterized in terms of their prize-winning performance. It details and then generalizes items that led to awards and quantifies the financial rewards that come from providing superior performance. In most cases, growth slowed, but winners still tended to attain above average performance. It would appear that 1.) service really is the foundation for recognition; 2.) more recently, sound management, innovation and financial performance have come into play, and 3.) it is easier to be recognized if the organization is small.
|
|
| 12. |
|
|
| 13. |
- Boström, Gert-Olof, 1959-, et al.
(författare)
-
Swedish retail banking : A competitive update
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Competitiveness Review. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1059-5422. ; 19:5, s. 379-390
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The present paper aims to extend an ongoing study of Swedish trade journal's, PrivataAffärer, recognition of the “bank of the year.”Design/methodology/approach – The information used in this paper came from Privata Affärer, which annually recognizes a “best” bank in Sweden. Each issue containing the annual recognition provides the rationale for selecting the specific bank as well as interviews with their CEOs. The data base is robust – every bank in Sweden is surveyed, so results come not from a sample, but a census of banks and banking practice; 17 year's selections are now available.Findings – Results are interpreted in terms of Porter's five forces model and Stabell-Fjeldstaad value model. For eight of the last 11 years, new entrants have dominated the award; in fact, in the last five years one winner was a virtual bank and another was a subsidiary of a retail grocery chain.Research limitations/implications – It is tempting to extend results to the USA and elsewhere in the industrialized world, but of course results relate only to Sweden. Nevertheless, it is suggested that competitors who enter with significantly new services can, and do, become popular leaders in this industry.Practical implications – Sweden tends to be a leader in service theory and development. Consequently, a model exists for developing a competitive edge in other countries.Originality/value – This paper provides an independent confirmation of service models of competition, which generally are lacking in the literature.
|
|
| 14. |
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
Corporate sustainability and growth through intrapreneurship: a Swedish approach
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Proceedings of 2014 NEDSI Conference. ; , s. 509-521
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The approach a specific firm has made to renew itself is examined through two lenses commonly used to analyze such efforts – 1.) as a platform project and 2.) as an intrapreneurship effort. Three interrelated projects were run by a special product development organization that supported two brands with product development. The platform project approach emphasized the special importance the effort had and the attendant organization that developed. The intrapreneurship insight provided appreciation for the processes that developed for implementation. It is argued that, flagship projects as studied here, in particular, infuse parallel and collective activities since such projects call for significant organizational self-renewal.
|
|
| 17. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
Dynamics of after-sales managers' strategizing work : What, why and how
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Journal of Business Research. - : Elsevier. - 0148-2963 .- 1873-7978. ; 110, s. 119-131
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The strategizing work of After-sales managers is understudied. This paper therefore investigate how after-sales strategies actually come about in early phases of product development. The study builds on three month observations and 68 interviews. This paper studies a radical vehicle platform project where the participating organizations organized product development through cross-functional project teams. First, this paper penetrates the "black box" of activities that after-sales managers must avail themselves, and the strategy work that after-sales managers perform in practice. Second, we develop a framework explaining and defining the dynamics of after-sales strategizing work. Third, we develop a process model capturing the activities of after-sales strategizing process. Four, after-sales has been given a marginal role in strategy and strategizing. This paper therefore contributes to the strategy-as-practice research stream where we show and elaborate upon the mechanisms in the dynamics of strategy work.
|
|
| 18. |
- Burström, Thommie, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
-
Fuzzy projects : a qualitative investigation of project leaders’ role
- 2015
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Project Organisation and Management. - : Inderscince online. - 1740-2891 .- 1740-2905. ; 7:3, s. 221-235
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Through an in-depth case study this paper explores the role that chief project managers (CPMs) take in transformative, coopetitive fuzzy projects during the concept phase. Service management concepts, primarily SERVQUAL and triangular communication, are combined with a project management background to illustrate the role these key individuals play in conducting complex projects. A setting with three interrelated projects was studied, where the products in focus had a high degree of novelty. This setting demanded that all actors in the project needed to find new ways of working, and previous organizational values were challenged. A combination of interviews, observations and secondary data provided a holistic view of the different activities under study. It was found that in order to bring clarity into fuzziness CPMs spend a substantial amount of time on people issues. The role of the CPM in fuzzy projects therefore tends to be defined as a service leadership role in which soft skills are important.
|
|
| 19. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
Nascent entrepreneurial teams managing in networks : mobilization, utilization and saturation
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Motivating SMEs to cooperate and internationalize. - New York : Taylor & Francis Group. - 9781315412603 - 9781138220577 ; , s. 133-150
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The point of departure in this paper is based on the research question: How do nascent entrepreneurs build and maintain value networks in early phases of venture creation? We study 7 firms and 23 respondents. Interviews and visualization techniques were used as base for data collection. We study a three-phase startup process; conceptualization, newly founded and newly established. We contribute to research by illustrating the dynamics in these phases. Our study shows that the value network, in each phase, can be understood as an ongoing modification of three networking activities; network mobilization, network utilization and network saturation. That is, the use of the network lack precision as the venture becomes more mature, thus the entrepreneur experiences a sense of network equivocality. Hence, the entrepreneur manages network equivocality in order to create a higher precision in the value output from the network.
|
|
| 20. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
Nascent entrepreneurs managing in networks : equivocality, multiplexity and tie formation
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Journal of Enterprising Culture. - : World Scientific Publishing. - 0218-4958. ; 26:1, s. 51-83
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper studies the dynamics of network development in early phases of venture development. Seven ventures were studied through interviews and visualization techniques. An equivocal three-phase process was studied - Conceptualization, Early foundation and Early establishment. This paper defines network equivocality, draw on multiplexity theory and contributes by fine-tuning the concept of tie formation. The paper presents a conceptual model where the dynamics behind network development in early phases of venture development is explained. It is proposed that each phase of development is divided by knowledge boundaries. As ventures mature, they pass knowledge boundaries, and this passage triggers network transformation. Thus, the roles of both nascent firms and of multiplex network contacts change, and consequently tie formation also change. Three distinct tie formations are identified; esoteric, enlarged and exoteric.
|
|
| 21. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
Project based tensions: complexity, uncertainty and equivocality
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Northeast Decision Sciences Institute Conference Proceedings. ; , s. 963-975
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The premise of this paper is that tension exists among participants and parties in projects. The uniqueness of development in projects virtually assures this. It is proposed that tensions are a product of the precursors of complexity, uncertainty and equivocality, and an attempt is made to characterize tension as it arises in projects – its genesis, its nature, its effects and (sometimes) its resolution. Within discussions on the strategy, decision making, intdra- and inter-project interdependencies, organization change projects and managing across development sites associated with a flagship project, 77 statements concerning tension were identified. These statements were analyzed for content to produce a model associating tension with its precursors and the literature on tension. It is felt that a contribution is made to project contingency theory where knowledge about project context is seen as essential in order to understand best practices for project execution and effectiveness.
|
|
| 22. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
Requirement managers’ roles in industrial, platform development
- 2014
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Managing Projects in Business/Emerald. - 1753-8378 .- 1753-8386. ; 7:4, s. 493-517
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PurposeTo describe and analyze the role of requirement managers in new product development (NPD) projects. MethodThis paper is based on a case study of an industrial platform project. Sixty-eight persons were interviewed and project prerequisites and requirement specifications documents were studied. The roles of specific individuals and their formal role as requirement managers are reported. FindingsThe requirement manager’s role fulfillment is performed through five major activities described as developing, anchoring, re-organizing, routinizing, and positioning. These activities are essential in order to manage working with a large flagship project. Practical implicationsThis paper argues that functional roles should not be taken for granted. Even though significant efforts may have been performed in order to establish a new function within a project management setting, the process of establishing new work practices is complex. Managers should therefore investigate inter-functional integration on ongoing bases. Originality/valueThis paper provides important insights into aspects of requirement manager’s ongoing project activities.
|
|
| 23. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
The Role of After-Sales Managers in Industrial Product Development : A Swedish Case Study
- 2017
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The role of after-sales managers in project development projects tends to be understudied. This paper therefore builds on the research question “How do after-sales managers go about affecting strategies in product development projects?” It reports on a vehicle platform project where the participating organizations typically organized product development through cross-functional projects and is built on three months of observations and 64 interviews. Inherent in the observations is that due to the high level of novelty in the project, old perceptions of brand boundaries and cross-functional boundaries had to be re-negotiated and renewed. It is found that compared to other cross-functional managers, after-sales managers conducted their role on a different temporary/permanent logic than other participants. Consequently, an engagement paradox is identified. Just as other managers, after-sales managers engaged heavily in the early phases of development; however, after this early engagement, years characterized with distance and low engagement followed. Then, when the product was finalized and introduced on the market, and most other cross-functional managers left the project, the project started “for real” for the after-sales managers.
|
|
| 24. |
|
|
| 25. |
- Burström, Thommie, et al.
(författare)
-
The texture of tension : complexity, uncertainty and equivocality
- 2018
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Managing Projects in Business/Emerald. - 1753-8378 .- 1753-8386. ; 11:2, s. 458-485
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PurposeThe premise of this paper is that tension exists among participants and parties engaged in projects. The uniqueness of development virtually assures this. The purpose of this paper is to propose that tension is a product of the precursors of complexity, uncertainty and equivocality, and an attempt is made to characterize tension as it arises in projects - its genesis and its nature. Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth case study was conducted in a manner in which the contextually sensitive empirical researches for which Nordic studies are known. Within discussions on the strategy, decision making, intra-and inter-project interdependencies and managing across development sites associated with a flagship project, 77 statements concerning tension were identified for analysis. Through a literature review, 12 tension-driving factors were identified. These factors were used as base for analysis. FindingsThese statements were analyzed for content to produce a model associating tension with its precursors and the literature on tension. It is found that due to innovation turbulence, tension-driving factors are cascaded in and around organization(s). Tension is manifested in various ways for different stakeholders and tension management is performed through cognitive and emotional responses. The texture of tension is characterized by fluidity, multiplicity and parallelism. Research limitations/implicationsCase studies can of course not be generalized; they are valuable, however, in indicating important observations for further studies. Practical implicationsA contribution is made to management theory where knowledge about project context is seen as essential in order to understand best practices for project execution and effectiveness. Originality/valueAlthough common, even virtually assured in projects, tension tends to be neglected in successful management. This study associates the genesis of tension through the underlying contributions of complexity, uncertainty and equivocality. It is believed to be the first study of its type.
|
|
| 26. |
|
|
| 27. |
- Graff, Jens, et al.
(författare)
-
On the Development of Competence : The Role of Mentorship
- 2015
-
Ingår i: 23rd NORDIC ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE.
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- One of the goals of the Nordic Academy of Management is the “Fostering (of) the development of competence in research and education in the field of business administration in the Nordic countries” (Conference, 2015). The premise of this paper is that mentoring can and should play a role in competence development. The purpose of this paper is to link mentoring to learning as it must be – the meaning of mentoring being to teach another person or persons some understanding, skills, or competences, which the mentor has him/her-self and is seen as useful for the mentee. In general, as explained in Bloom’s taxonomy, learning has many levels (Graff, 2008). In classrooms one can progress in the taxonomy through learning methods, which in varied degrees address different learning outcomes. An individual can hardly, however, reach the highest levels of the taxonomy through formal education. It demands practicing. Mentoring has its force in learning from experienced individuals. Typically, mentors have some years of training in the trade in which the mentoring takes place. It is a kind of apprentice learning, although the mentee can be of whatever age. Motivation plays a role and can be internally or externally driven. The mentor can by motivating the mentee enhance the mentee’s learning and actually also his own learning. It is said that if one wants to get a thorough understanding of a subject one should teach it. A parallel might be drawn between academic institutions and professional service firms (PSFs) in which a professor is the equivalent of a PSF senior partner.
|
|
| 28. |
|
|
| 29. |
|
|
| 30. |
- Hällgren, Markus, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
-
Learning from crises in projects
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Euram 2010.
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The ability of permanent, project-intensive organizations to learn from projects has been questioned. Clearly this topic is important because of the growing importance of projects in industrial activity. In this paper concepts of learning are extended to the special case where individuals must deal with crises in projects. An ethnographic study of field construction projects produced 13 examples of crises during a total of 10 weeks of onsite observations for each project in the sample. From these examples, four of different types are described and the learning from them is discussed in this paper.
|
|
| 31. |
- Hällgren, Markus, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
-
Opportunities for learning from crises in projects
- 2011
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. - : Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. - 1753-8378. ; 4:2, s. 196-217
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Concepts of learning are extended to the non-routine case of crises in projects. Design/methodology/approach: The multiple case protocol described by Yin and his six sources of evidence were utilized in the study. Observations were contemporaneous and somewhere between direct and participative. Bias was avoided by having the observer on site, but not part of the project team. A diary recorded events; company notes and records substantiated observations. Findings: The study contributes to the understanding of the need that project managers have to adapt to changes from plan and the coincidental learning that occurs in the workplace. Both cumulative and abrupt crises treated by project/site teams and corporate staff are described. A necessary and sufficiency approach was used to rationalize the organizational learning. The necessary condition was that the episodes could be described in terms used by Gherardi in her treatment of routine learning. As a sufficiency condition we discussed the systemic approach in which these episodes are handled. Research limitations/implications: Because research was built on case studies, one has the reservations commonly associated with this approach. Extension from and agreement with previous studies, however, lend to acceptance of the study. Practical implications: Results suggest that crises can be managed in accordance with four general responses associated with learning within the organization. The responses themselves are associated with five organizational practices that aid management in general. Originality/value: The value of the work is that it extends basic concepts of organizational learning to treating crises in projects, which are both by definition unique.
|
|
| 32. |
- Hällgren, Markus, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
-
Projects-as-practice : a new approach
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Projects & Profits. - : ICFAI University Press. ; 8:2, s. 35-42
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- As projects have unique activities, they are inherently uncertain and this article addresses a challenge to our present treatment of projects. Instead of treating them as a managerial form the organization does, they are seen as something that people do. Consequently, project management requires the management of the unexpected—the deviations from plan that occur in the real world.
|
|
| 33. |
- Hällgren, Markus, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
-
The nature and management of crises in construction projects : projects-as-practice observations
- 2008
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Project Management. - : Elsevier Ltd and IPMA. - 0263-7863 .- 1873-4634. ; 26:8, s. 830-838
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The uniqueness of projects introduces aspects of management associated with disruptions that threaten progress and crises that affect the organisations that conduct them. The purpose of this paper thus is to review the nature of crises and their remedies that have interfered with project progress of an international construction company. Fifteen crises were studied in a “projects-as-practice” approach. Characterisation was made of both the nature of these crises and how they were managed.
|
|
| 34. |
- Jacobsson, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
-
Construction of the Empire State Building : have we forgotten something?
- 2015
-
Ingår i: NFF Conference Proceedings.
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- What’s past is prologue. Or is it? 40% under budget and 25% faster than anticipated! The construction of the Empire State Building (ESB) was not only the fastest erection of a really tall building ever, but the construction company that took on the job allegedly began with nothing on hand as they had no equipment or supplies that would be adequate for the job. The project was also completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Instead of taking 18 months as initially anticipated, it only took 1 year and 45 days. With the iconic building completed, the construction costs totaled $24.7 million instead of the estimated $43 million. So, we ask how this was possible and is there something we could learn from this? Based on a review of existing literature describing the history of the ESB, we aim at outlining strategic, operational and contextual based explanations to what appears to be a great success from a project management perspective. In the paper we illustrate how, for example, inspiration from Henry Ford’s assembly line technique, the uniqueness of the logistics during the construction period, the economic decline of the Depression, and early ideas of concurrent engineering and fast-track construction, enabled the successful accomplishment. Utilization of private capital compared to public funds may also have been a factor. Our conclusion is that there are lessons to be learned in going back to basics. Nevertheless, somewhere along the line progress in management seems to have deviated from learning from history. Consequently, the development of expectations of construction projects coming in late and over budget is traced through the metrics associated with major installations.
|
|
| 35. |
- Jacobsson, Mattias, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
-
Revisiting the construction of the Empire State Building : have we forgotten something?
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Business Horizons. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 0007-6813 .- 1873-6068. ; 61:1, s. 47-57
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- What's past is prologue. Or is it? The construction of the Empire State Building (ESB) was not only the fastest erection of a skyscraper ever, but the construction company that took on the job allegedly began with no equipment or supplies that would be adequate for the job. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget; instead of 1 year and 6 months as anticipated, it only took 1 year and 45 days. The costs totaled $24.7 million instead of the estimated $43 million. So, we ask, how was this possible and is there something we could learn? Based on a review of existing literature describing the history and construction of the ESB, we outline strategic, operational, and contextual explanations for what appears to be a truly successful megaproject. We illustrate how, for example, inspiration from Henry Ford's assembly line technique, the uniqueness of the logistics during the construction period, the economic decline of the Depression, and early ideas of concurrent engineering and fast-track construction enabled the success. Our conclusion is that there are lessons to be learned in going back to basics when tackling a megaproject.
|
|
| 36. |
- Jacobsson, Mattias, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
-
The construction company as a service firm
- 2011
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mintzberg, in reflecting on management, suggests that we should be looking for new ways to look at things. In this regard, the construction industry is unique as it exists midway between manufacturing and service production. In this paper we argue that although the outputs of the industry are physical, operations tend to be service oriented. The three level model of Normann serves as the analytical framework and empirical illustrations come from a Swedish project that appears to mandate understanding at all three levels. At the macro level, a strong service management system was developed in part as an outcome of a partnering agreement; success at the intermediate level came as a result of some steps taken to blend cultures, and interactions at the micro level were implemented from the beginning by developing strong relationships with customers. These findings should have both conceptual interest for academics and practical implications for managers.
|
|
| 37. |
- Jacobsson, Mattias, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
-
Tinkerbell and the Empire State Building : Recalling what seems to be forgotten
- 2018
-
Ingår i: PM World Journal. - : PM World Inc.. - 2330-4480. ; VII:VII, s. 1-4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- “I do believe in fairies! I do! I do!!” (Peter Pan)In the 1905 play “Peter Pan; or the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up”, Sir James Matthew Barrie described how Peter Pan, through his strong beliefs, brought the fairy Tinkerbell back to life. In this short essay, we aim to initiate discussions on the role of strong beliefs and the so-called “Tinkerbell effect” in upholding taken-for-granted assumptions within the construction industry.As the basis for the discussion, the essay reports on a recently published journal article in Business Horizons entitled “Revisiting the construction of the Empire State Building: Have we forgotten something?” (Jacobsson and Wilson, 2018). Presently the article is also sold as a case study and teaching case by Harvard Business Review. (The case study can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/HBRcasestudy and the teaching case at https://tinyurl.com/HBPEcase)
|
|
| 38. |
|
|
| 39. |
- Jensen, Tommy, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
-
Rediscovering intellectual efforts
- 2011. - 1
-
Ingår i: On the Shoulders of Giants. - Lund : Studentlitteratur. - 9789144067384 - 9788740307511 ; , s. 13-23
-
Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
|
|
| 40. |
- Lindberg, Erik, et al.
(författare)
-
Enhancing students' entrepreneurial mindset : a Swedish experience
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Education + Training. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0040-0912 .- 1758-6127. ; 59:7-8, s. 768-779
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the test of a pedagogical intervention to enhance students' entrepreneurial mindset on a university course.Design/methodology/approach – The course where the authors tested the new course design is a mandatory one in the business school’s undergraduate business program. Pre- and post-evaluations of the students’ opportunity recognition (OR) and individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) were carried out to measure the effects of an intervention aimed at enhancing these capabilities.Findings – The results from paired-samples t-tests indicate significant positive changes (enhancements) of the students’ OR and IEO. The positive effects of the intervention methods are accounted for as evidence of the benefits of applying pedagogical methods that fit the learning style of young adults.Practical implications – The findings suggest that students’ mindsets can be positively affected by an intervention tailored to enhance their OR and IEO capabilities. The findings have implications for curriculum development because the strengthening of these capabilities is a precondition for further development of the participants’ innovative and creative thinking, as well as their entrepreneurial orientation. Since innovative and entrepreneurial activities have a positive impact on economies worldwide, the authors encourage the adaption of the intervention methods applied in this study in other settings.Originality/value – This paper reports the results of a pedagogical intervention aimed at enhancing students’ entrepreneurial mindset. The findings from the study demonstrate that the applied intervention method supports the development of functional skills, which complement the conceptual knowledge gained from other courses in the undergraduate program.
|
|
| 41. |
- Lindberg, Erik, 1953-, et al.
(författare)
-
Management by objectives : The Swedish experience in upper secondary schools
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Journal of Educational Administration. - : Emerald. - 0022-0639 .- 0957-8234. ; 49:1, s. 62-74
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – This paper seeks to explore how managing by objectives (MBO) has been adopted in Swedish schools and to reflect on some of the consequences in a longitudinal study. Results relate to whether introduction has increased student performance and whether it works as a tool for the principals to create more effective schools. Design/methodology/approach – A comparative cross-sectional study was made on the adoption of MBO as perceived by principals in upper secondary schools in Sweden. Initially, a mail questionnaire was distributed to every principal in Swedish upper secondary schools, which determined the extent to which mandated MBO practices were being implemented. Ten years later, the study was replicated, which made initial and subsequent practices comparable. Findings – Principals' perceptions suggest that the effects of MBO have diminished over the ten-year period. Ancillary measures of student performance correlated to MBO practices appeared statistically insignificant, or perhaps even negative. Thus, the change appears to have produced unimproved student performance, frustrated principals and perhaps somewhat less stressed teachers. Practical implications – These findings have implications on the direction the management of upper secondary schools subject to central direction may take. Although MBO may improve efficiency in staff performance, it appears to have little effect on effectiveness, if student performance is used as a criterion. Originality/value – Adoption measures of MBO have been obtained and associated with student performance for the first time.
|
|
| 42. |
|
|
| 43. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
A Case Study in Swedish Municipal Public Housing Refurbishment
- 2016
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Swedish public housing has commanded special international interest and tends to be an aspiration for other countries. That is, at a time when countries struggle to provide adequate public housing, it has been noted, “(Public) housing quality in Sweden is very high by international standards”. Perhaps more importantly, it tends to be self-sustaining. Provision of this housing is controlled by Municipal Public Housing Companies which are the dominating landlords in Swedish rental housing. Some portion of the presentation is given to describing and discussing their operations, which relates to investment, rental negotiations and new public management. More focus, however, is taken to indicate where this sector happens to be presently in management of operations, which happens to be in a refurbishment mode. That is, there comes a time in a building’s life when its proprietor-investors must make the decision of whether money will be reinvested in extending the structure’s life or not. Much of this housing was developed during the 60 and 70s. Buildings with expected useful lives of fifty years built in the 60-70s have now reached the question of refurbishment – yes or no? In this paper the pilot portion of a refurbishment project conducted within a municipal public housing complex is described and discussed through a case study, Project Alidhem in northern Sweden, which has a significant sustainability objective. The overall energy efficiency goal within the project was a 40-50% reduction in the supplied energy for domestic hot water, building electricity and space heating. In order to evaluate if these goals were feasible, a measurement system was installed in a pilot building and in a neighboring building used as a reference. A 43% improvement was observed in energy utilization in the pilot building compared to its reference companion (99.8 vs 174.5 kWh/m2 per year). When the approach described herein was applied to new construction, the present goal of 65 kWh/m2 was approached as measured by Swedish standards. Refurbishment did not stop with energy and ecological considerations in the pilot installation, but also included refurbishing and refinishing of rental interiors, entrances and stairwells, as well as a glazed-in winter garden for residents, conversion of a thoroughfare to a low traffic city street, and old waste-rooms converted to functional recycling facilities.
|
|
| 44. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
A fourth look at public housing in Sweden: The business model
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Economic Association Conference. - : Pennsylvania Economic Association. ; , s. 136-147
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Comparative housing analyses often find that the Swedish public housing model represents a success story. That is, a good class of housing is offered at a reasonable cost to all sections of the population – irrespective of income, ethnicity, age or type of household. This approach has been called the “Swedish public housing model” and the purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect upon its operation. The company utilized in this study as a research case, AB Bostaden, builds and manages housing in the Umeå municipality. With 15,400 apartments, it is the biggest actor in the Umeå housing rental market, with a market share of approximately 45 percent, and controls 27 percent of the Umeå housing market overall. The background section of the paper provides consideration of both the Swedish system of rental housing as well as aspects of business models. A typological-taxonomic approach to understanding business models is used to deconstruct Bostaden’s approach to its housing market. The business model that results through this approach indicates that the organization functions as a tenant-oriented, municipal utility with core values of human equality, transparency, care and a businesslike approach that captures a high return on rental revenue (~ 19.3% PBT) and a modest return on assets (7.9% ROA, including depreciation) within a value network of the kommun + the energy utility + the university by providing value-for-money rentals within the municipality and by helping tenants to turn their flats into homes and neighborhoods. Continued appreciation of its base assets and apparent economies of scale were instrumental in the success of the operations at the tactical level.
|
|
| 45. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
-
Developments in Swedish Rental housing : unanticipated consequences of Public Municipal Housing Companies Act 2011
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Competition Forum. - : American Society for Competitiveness. - 1545-2581. ; 16:1, s. 19-31
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper reflects some specific accommodations that have occurred in the Swedish rental sector as a consequence of Municipal Housing Companies (MHCs) complying with the Public Municipal Housing Companies Act of 2011, which required them to perform in a more business-like manner. It was not explicitly noted, but undoubtedly assumed, that the municipal sector of housing would function much as before. Unexpected consequences, however, have changed the competitive landscape. Not only have MHCs been affected, but independent rental companies as well. Further, tenants have not been particularly pleased with some of the developments. Three cases triangulate the observations.
|
|
| 46. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Public Housing in Sweden : The Umeå Two-Step
- 2017
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Comparative housing analyses often find that Swedish public housing represents an interesting story because it provides a good class of rental housing to all sections of the population. This approach has been called the “Swedish public housing model”. An in-depth case study has been used to develop a system-wide understanding of a participant’s involvement in its housing market. In this case study, the public utility/energy and water-sewage/solid waste companies played a significant role in the company’s ability to serve the local community. It thus behooves us to compare and connect the different components in the public housing company business model to complete the analysis of success in the value chain. Two-levels describe the situation. At the first level, the municipal public housing (MPH) organization is seen as functioning as a tenant-oriented, quasi-municipal utility within a value network composed of the municipality + the energy utility + the water-sewage/solid waste company. At the second level, a Shaffer analysis shows general harmony among the operations of each organization. In particular, the MPH provides value-for-money rentals within the municipality and helps tenants turn their flats into homes. Additionally, continued appreciation of its base assets and apparent economies of scale were instrumental in the success of the operations at the tactical level. Insofar as the Swedish public housing model is undergoing a shift to be more “business-like”, this study indicates how the model successfully works at the individual company level. Because there are certain commonalities with other organizations in public management, observations may be relevant in their successful operations.
|
|
| 47. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Reflections on sustainable Ålidhem : a case study in Swedish municipal public housing refurbishment
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Property Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0263-7472 .- 1758-731X. ; 36:2, s. 203-220
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: This work is initiated under the premise that reliable evaluation methods are necessary to ensure investments in energy conservation, and the purpose of this paper is to contribute to that literature. It describes some pilot changes and their impact in an actual field study oriented toward upgrading municipal public housing (MPH) units.Design/methodology/approach: The research for this paper was connected to an MPH refurbishment project situated in northern Sweden. The overall energy efficiency goal within the project was a 40-50 percent reduction in the supplied energy for central electricity, domestic hot water and space heating. In order to evaluate if these goals were feasible, a measurement system was installed in a pilot building and in a neighboring building used as a reference. The evaluation was conducted by comparing the post-retrofit performance of the pilot building with the performance of the reference building when it was kept in its initial state (a comparison possible because both buildings had initial similarities).Findings: Impacts could be quantified insofar as a reference (control) building in the same environment was sustained for comparison purposes. A 43 percent improvement was observed in energy utilization in the pilot building compared to its reference companion (99.8 vs 174.5 kWh/m2 per year). When the approach described herein was applied to new construction, the present goal of 65 kWh/m2 was approached as measured by Swedish standards.Practical implications: Results should be of interest to academics in the housing field, professionals involved in refurbishment and residents themselves, renting MPH flats.Originality/value: This study is unique in the following ways: first, it really was a field experiment with a control, thus it did not have any exogenous interference in interpreting results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind. The second interesting characteristic was that results were subsequently used in the refurbishment of other buildings in the complex and in the construction of others. The major value of the paper may be associated with its timing. It comes at a time when the Kyoto agreement has raised concerns about sustainability, but also at a time when many buildings are facing a need for refurbishment.
|
|
| 48. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Strategic Management in Swedish Municipal Housing : Indications of Change in Owner Directives
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Property Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0263-7472 .- 1758-731X. ; 34:2, s. 136-157
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Present directives in municipal housing have been imposed by the Public Municipal Housing Companies Act (PMCHA), put into force on January 2011 in Sweden. The Act, states that Public Municipal Housing Companies (PMHCs) should run their operation on “businesslike principles” e.g., commensurate with New Public Management (NPM). The purpose of this paper is to determine if forthcoming practices are apparent in the owner directives that govern operations of these companies.Method: The research is both exploratory and qualitative in nature and utilizes in-depth case studies of 20 selected PMHCs. Observations for 2013 were compared with similar documents collected 10 years prior (2004) using commercially available NVivo software to qualitatively analyze information.Findings: Results suggest that statistically significant changes in directives have occurred and adaptation to the new Act may already have started to take place at this relatively early date.Practical implications: Insofar as Sweden might be a model for other countries interested in extending their efforts in managing public housing, observations here provide some insights into possible results.Originality/value: This is the first attempt to determine the impact that complying with “businesslike principles” has on operations in Swedish housing, which tends to be a model of effectiveness in the global housing sector.
|
|
| 49. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Sustainability in Sweden : reflections from Zhang and London
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Competitive forum. - USA. ; , s. 134-141
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: To report on how sustainable development can be considered as one of the elements for industrial competitiveness in a country in which sustainable development has some priority. Method: The research is both exploratory and qualitative in nature and utilizes an in-depth case study approach to the Swedish international economy as might be reflected by Zhang and London’s International Sustainable Industrial Competiveness (ISIC) Model. Information drawn from current secondary information has been complemented by personal contemporaneous observations of individuals in the country of interest.Findings: Sweden does very well in nine of the ten categories the EU uses to measure sustainable development progress. Growth of gross domestic product, low risk of poverty, good employment rate of older workers and excellent health statistics suggests that short term competitive situation has not been hurt. Practical implications: Insofar as Sweden might be a model for other countries interested in extending their efforts in sustainable development, observations here provide some insights into possible results.Originality/value: The association of real-world observations with theory well serves underlying concepts and cannot help but build credibility of those concepts and theory.
|
|
| 50. |
- Lindbergh, Lars, et al.
(författare)
-
Swedish sustainability through a Zhang and London lens
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Competitiveness Review. - 1059-5422 .- 2051-3143. ; 26:4, s. 370-394
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: To describe how sustainable development has been initiated in a country (Sweden) in which sustainable development has priority and has produced observable results – essentially the definition and reshaping of contents (p. 107) referred to in the ZL paper therefore adding some validity to the model.Method: The research is both exploratory and qualitative in nature and utilizes an in-depth case study approach to the Swedish international economy as might be reflected by Zhang and London’s modified Porter model. Information drawn from current secondary sources is complemented by personal contemporaneous observations of individuals in the country of interest. Findings: The task of implementing Sweden’s strategy for sustainable development is holistic and the State has played a major role in its development. That is, sustainability is the responsibility of the Government Offices as a whole, which produces proactive programs in each of the interactions analyzed in the Zhang and London modified model. As an aside, the country has sustained a high level of competitiveness while producing a pleasant environment in which to live.Practical implications: Insofar as Sweden might be a model for other countries interested in extending their efforts in sustainable development, observations here provide some insights into possible approaches and results. Originality/value: The approach basically followed Siggelkow’s (2007) definition of the use of cases as illustrations, which is useful when the underlying development depends upon constructs. It follows that the association of real-world observations with theory well serves the underlying foundation and cannot help but build credibility of those concepts and theory.
|
|
