Ines Herrero

An AHP-based methodology to rank critical success factors of executive information systems

For academics and practitioners concerned with computer-based information systems, one central issue is the study of critical success factors (CSF) of information systems development and implementation. Whereas several critical success factors analyses appear in the literature, most of them do not have any technical background. In this paper, we propose the use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to set critical success factors priorities. Results suggest that technical elements are less critical than information and human factors and that an adequate knowledge of the information requirements of users is the most important critical success factors related with executive information systems (EIS).

Different approaches to efficiency analysis. An application to the Spanish Trawl fleet operating in Moroccan waters

Several approaches exist for the estimation of technical efficiency. In this paper the four most relevant ones (data envelopment analysis, stochastic production frontiers, panel data and distance functions) have been compared. The different approaches have been applied to the to the Spanish Trawl fishery that operated in Moroccan waters. The study highlights some of the problems arising from the wrong management of the fishery. It can also be concluded that in most cases, the multi- vs single-output feature is determinant in producing higher differences in the efficiency estimates, though the effect of either ignoring or taking into account random error also influences the results.

Operations research in the natural resource industry

Operations research is becoming increasingly prevalent in the natural resource sector, specifically in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining. While there are similar research questions in these areas, e.g., how to harvest and/or extract the resources and how to account for environmental impacts, there are also differences, e.g., the length of time associated with a growth and harvesting or extraction cycle, and whether or not the resource is renewable. Research in all four areas is at different levels of advancement in terms of the methodology currently developed and the acceptance of implementable plans and policies. In this paper, we review the most recent and seminal work in all four areas, considering modeling, algorithmic developments and application.

Using the DEA methodology to rank software technical efficiency

The use of Data Envelopment Analysis to evaluate software efficiency offers a more formal and effective option.

Team Creative Environment as a Mediator Between CWX and R&D Team Performance and Moderating Boundary Conditions

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate how high-quality dyadic co-worker relationships (CWXs) favour or hinder team performance. Specifically, we examine the role played by CWX, team creative environment, job complexity and task interdependence to achieve higher levels of team performance.Design/Methodology/ApproachWe analyse data from 410 individuals belonging to 81 R&D teams in technology sciences to examine the quality of the dyadic relationships between team members under the same supervisor (co-workers) and team performance measured by the number of publications as their research output.FindingsHigher levels of team average CWX relationships are positively related to the establishment of a favourable creative team environment, ending into higher levels of team performance. Specifically, the role played by team average CWX in such relationship is stronger when job complexity and task interdependence are also high.ImplicationsTeam’s output not only depends on the leader and his/her relationships with subordinates but also on quality relationships among team members. CWXs contribute to creative team environments, but they are essential where jobs are complex and tasks are highly dependent.Originality/ValueThis study provides evidence of the important role played by CWXs in determining a creative environment, irrespective of their leaders. Previous research has provided information about how leader’s role affects team outcomes, but the role of dyadic co-worker relationships in a team remains still relatively unknown. Considering job complexity and task interdependence variables, the study provides with a better understanding about how and when high-quality CWXs should be promoted to achieve higher team performance.

How Familial Is Family Social Capital? Analyzing Bonding Social Capital in Family and Nonfamily Firms

Family social capital (FSC) is acknowledged to be a unique asset that can provide firms with competitive advantages. Certain scholars, however, have questioned whether nonfamily firms can reproduce FSC and benefit from its advantages. If so, FSC may not be as unique as has been assumed. Our study analyzes three types of bonding social capital: capital held by nonfamily firms, and capital held by family and nonfamily members of family firms. We assess the effects that these types of bonding social capital exert on performance. Our empirical analysis of 400 firms suggests that FSC is unique and that nonfamily firms can only attempt to imitate it imperfectly.