bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information and consultation regulations 2004 – The opportunity and the challenge
Authors: Birkett Louise , Doswell Steve
Published: April 2007

The European Directive on Information and Consultation will come into force in the UK on 6th April, 2005 for all undertakings employing 150 people or more. In 2007 this threshold reduces to 100 employees or more and in 2008 to 50 or more employees. By that stage, 56.3 per cent1 of the UK workforce will enjoy a legal right to formalised information and consultation (I&C) in the workplace. This paper assesses the challenges and opportunities for communicators and assesses their role in implementing the new regulations.
Corporate responsibility: The communication challenge
Authors: Dawkins Jenny
Published: April 2007

An ever‐increasing number of companies are recognising the reputational risks and opportunities that corporate responsibility brings, and for these companies aligning corporate behaviour with stakeholder expectations is an ongoing business priority. Communication, however, often remains the missing link in the practice of corporate responsibility. The information requirements of a range of opinion leader and mass stakeholder audiences are not currently being satisfied by many companies, so they are not getting full credit for their responsible corporate behaviour. Of course, there are specific challenges in communicating corporate responsibility – including scepticism towards company messages and potentially hostile reactions from the media, campaign groups and others. The diverse information requirements of different stakeholder groups also present special communication challenges, and these requirements are examined in turn. Using MORI’s British opinion research to illustrate the case, this paper first examines communication to opinion leader audiences (such as legislators, business press, investors and non‐governmental organisations), and in particular the opportunities and limitations of the social report. It then goes on to address communication of corporate responsibility to the general public and the need to trigger wider consumer engagement in this topic. Lastly, it covers the communication opportunity presented by companies’ own employees and the internal communication challenges surrounding corporate responsibility. The paper suggests, in conclusion, that effective communication of corporate responsibility depends on a clear strategy which evaluates both the opportunities and the risks to the brand, and which tailors messages to different stakeholder groups. It calls for a coordinated approach, which ideally embeds corporate responsibility messages into mainstream communications. The paper also identifies internal communication as an under‐utilised and potentially powerful channel for enhancing a company’s reputation for responsibility among its key stakeholders.
Rediscovering what PR managers do: Rethinking the measurement of managerial behaviour in the public relations context
Authors: DeSanto Barbara , Moss Danny
Published: April 2007

This paper explores the nature of managerial work in the public relations context drawing comparisons with the way mainstream management research has defined the main elements and processes of management within organisations. The paper begins with a critical review of the public relations and management literatures relating to managerial work and behaviour, highlighting the distinctively different approaches taken by public relations and management scholars in defining the nature of managerial work and behaviour. The paper goes on to present the findings of a qualitative investigation into the role and work patterns of practitioners occupying senior positions in cross sections of both US and UK organisations. The study identifies a number of common elements in pattern of “managerial” work performed by both UK and US‐based practitioners. The study also reveals the extent to which senior practitioners participate as members of the dominant coalition within their organisations and contribute to strategic decision making. The paper concludes by reflecting on the adequacy of existing definitions and understanding of the managerial dimension of the role played by practitioners within organisations.
Hot bullets, cool media: The Middle East’s high stakes media war
Authors: Galloway Chris
Published: April 2007

Modern conflicts are increasingly battles over images and ideas, as protagonists seek to shape audiences’ views by managing the information available through the media. The stake are high: influencing public opinion in a desired direction can have tangible pay‐offs in economic and military terms and even – in the case of the Israel‐Palestine war – in territory. Against this background, the media war can be even more important than the shooting war. While each side in the Israel‐Palestine conflict alleges media bias in favour of the other, a theoretical perspective, the hostile media effect, illuminates seeming contradictions highlighted by these competing claims. While the Israelis are better resourced for public relations purposes than the Palestinians, a vigorous domestic critique of Israeli PR efforts illustrates the limits of PR and emphasises the fluid, “wicked” nature of problems that often face communication managers.
National and local newspaper trends and the new crisis of trust – What new crisis?
Authors: Keeble Richard
Published: April 2007

This paper looks at some of the major trends in the UK newspaper industry – circulation shifts, format changes, ethical controversies, the re‐emergence of the frees, the revival of the alternatives – in the context of the debate over trust in the mainstream media and political elites. It also identifies the elements of authentic communication that are needed for trust to exist between the newspaper writer/producer and the reader. The radical newspapers of the early 19th century are presented as examples of authentic journalism. While there are opportunities for the development of authentic journalism within the mainstream, it is suggested that the internet and today’s alternative press are opening up the best possibilities for the development of trustworthy media.
What the media are doing to our politics
Authors: Lloyd John
Published: April 2007

This paper describes the role of the media in a free society and their impact on civic life. Intellectual rigour in journalism is required to assist media to develop and understand itself.
Transparency and trust: risk communications and the Singapore experience in managing SARS
Authors: Menon K.U. , Goh K.T.
Published: April 2007

SARS was Singapore's worst experience of an infectious outbreak in its brief history as an independent nation. The key instruments in managing public fear and panic were transparency and trust. The highest levels of government were mobilised and every conceivable channel and medium utilised to educate the domestic populace and reassure the international community. Maintaining transparency and nurturing trust did not come easy. There was concern over public morale and resilience, the absence of an international level playing field and the difficulty in differentiating Singapore from countries which managed SARS badly. Achieving trust of the domestic populace was the more difficult task and the government and political leaders had to be seen doing and initiating a range of tangible actions and activities to reassure the public. Singapore also came in for much criticism from other countries for its ‘draconian’ measures to contain the disease through home quarantine orders and other stern measures on social discipline. Risk communications is an established methodology and lessons can be drawn from the experience of many countries in managing outbreaks touching on public health. While Singapore may be unique for its particular circumstances, its experience highlighted the critical importance of ensuring transparency and public trust in confronting the disease. This paper is based on a presentation to the plenary session at the first World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Consultation on Outbreak Communications held in Singapore from 21–23rd September, 2004.
Lobbying effectively in Brussels and Washington – Getting the right result
Authors: Mack Robert
Published: April 2007

Lobbying of politicians by business and other organisations has spread across the Atlantic and is now working strongly in Brussels. With the recent expansion of the European Union (EU) to 25 member states, the number of lobbyists in Brussels will soon equal those in Washington. The expansion of lobbying has mirrored the increase of the powers of central governments. Key components of effective lobbying are universal: intelligence, strategy and implementation. Implementation of lobbying strategies can now be as intensely developed as marketing or advertising campaigns. Lobbying has developed beyond the pursuit of individual and defined objectives to the development of corporate reputations. Attitude research in the sector suggests that lobbyists have become an intrinsic part of the political process. The debate over the influence of lobbyists on policy continues on both sides of the Atlantic.
Police crime recording and investigation systems – A user’s view
Authors: Adderley Richard William , Musgrove Peter
Published: April 2007

This paper provides an overview of the role computer software plays within police forces with particular attention paid to crime analysis and investigation computer systems. A distinction is made between major crime (e.g. murder, violent assault, rape, etc.) and volume crime (e.g. domestic burglary, shoplifting, etc.). Illustrative systems that are in practical use for tackling both major and volume crime are described. Particular attention is paid to the attempts that have been made to apply artificial intelligence techniques to tackling the volume crime of burglary. A topic of current research is the use of data mining techniques for automatically detecting patterns in reported crimes. The paper concludes by looking at the problems and benefits such systems may bring.
Cultural competency matters
Authors: Davidhizar Ruth , Newman Giger Joyce
Published: April 2007

Canada is one of the most multi‐cultural countries in the world. Because of this, a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and personal differences exists. These factors affect patients, their families and health care professionals. Nurses in particular need to be aware of these differences since they are the people most likely to interact closely with patients and all others who are associated with a particular case. Addresses some of those common differences and provides an awareness for professionals who deal with these issues.
Workplace learning and Generation X
Authors: Bova Breda , Kroth Michael
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the workplace learning preferences of the Generation X employee. A total of 197 Generation X employees were surveyed. Additional descriptive data were obtained from follow‐up interviews conducted with ten of the survey participants and one focus group. Participants indicated that they value action learning and incidental learning in the workplace. They also realize the need for formal training but offer suggestions for how it could be conducted better. The article concludes with a set of suggestions and a model of workplace learning for Generation X.
Managing organizational knowledge as a strategic asset
Authors: Bollinger Audrey S. , Smith Robert D.
Published: April 2007

Knowledge is a resource that is valuable to an organization’s ability to innovate and compete. It exists within the individual employees, and also in a composite sense within the organization. According to the resource‐based view of the firm (RBV), strategic assets are the critical determinants of an organization’s ability to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. This paper will combine RBV theory with characteristics of knowledge to show that organizational knowledge is a strategic asset. Knowledge management is discussed frequently in the literature as a mechanism for capturing and disseminating the knowledge that exists within the organization. This paper will also explain practical considerations for implementation of knowledge management principles.
Tacit to explicit knowledge conversion: knowledge exchange protocols
Authors: Herschel Richard T. , Nemati Hamid , Steiger David
Published: April 2007

In the knowledge management domain, the conversion of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge is critical because it is a prerequisite to the knowledge amplification process wherein knowledge becomes part of an organization’s knowledge network. In this article, knowledge exchange protocols are examined as a vehicle for improving the tacit to explicit knowledge conversion process. In an experiment testing the use of knowledge exchange protocols, it is learned that while structure may significantly improve the tacit to explicit knowledge conversion process, it also may matter how the structure is employed in this process.
Natural technologies for knowledge work: information visualization and knowledge extraction
Authors: Rao Ramana , Sprague Ralph H.
Published: April 2007

This paper ‘looks” into one of the most novel knowledge management technology products that has been brought to the market in the recent years. The authors describe two technologies, information visualization and knowledge extraction, for leveraging our natural abilities of vision, language and memory. They discuss a way for exploiting structure that is available in the information system in one case (traditionally called structured) and easily perceived by humans in the other (traditionally called unstructured). The two technologies focus on the two sides of this goal, respectively. They demonstrate the value of these technologies in supporting interaction with much larger amounts of information than was possible with previous graphical interfaces and in guiding access and use of the information and often for automating portions of the work.
Benchmarking excellence
Authors: Kristensen Kai , Jørn Juhl Hans , Eskildsen Jacob
Published: April 2007

A measurement system for business excellence is introduced. In what follows the development of this index is described and the first results obtained in Denmark in 1998, 1999 and 2000 are shown. Data and results from a similar study done in Sweden in year 2000 are also described. The presentation includes a discussion of the stability of the model across years for a given country and a discussion of the stability of the model across the two nations represented by Denmark and Sweden. Information about actual financial results for the companies is included and the paper discusses the possibility of using results from the Business Excellence Model as a proxy for actual financial results in Sweden and Denmark.
Integrity capacity as a strategic asset in achieving organizational excellence
Authors: Petrick Joseph A. , Quinn John F.
Published: April 2007

The authors propose that international organizational leaders can and should be held accountable for enhancing the intangible strategic asset of integrity capacity in order to advance global organisational excellence. After defining integrity capacity and framing it as part of a strategic resource model of sustainable global competitive advantage, the stakeholder costs of integrity capacity neglect are delineated. To address this neglect issue, the authors link the four dimensions of integrity capacity (process, judgment, development and system dimensions) with leadership development challenges, and recommend four management practices to better prepare leaders to be accountable for enhancing integrity capacity as a strategic organizational asset.
B2b, old economy businesses and the role of quality
Authors: Williams A.R.T. , Dale B.G. , Visser R.L. , Van der Wiele T.
Published: April 2007

This paper explores the impact of the Internet on the business transactions of organisations. Three main impacts – globalisation, customisation, and customer demands solutions are examined. It is argued that the medium and large old economy companies will be most affected by transactions within the new economy, and this leads to both problems and possibilities. The paper has identified three major ways in which these old economy companies are attempting to integrate the new economy as a development of their current business – treating the net as an extension of their normal service, using the net to expand and improve their current co‐makership relationship with suppliers, and a step‐back‐and‐reflect approach to assess how the Internet might affect their business.
The suspicious transactions reporting system
Authors: Ping He
Published: April 2007

Traces the history of the important obligation of financial systems and other vulnerable professions to report any suspicious transactions in order to combat money laundering. Contrasts the 1988 Statement of Principle of the Basel Committee on Banking Regulations and Supervisory Practices, which did not oblige banks to report suspicious transactions (reflecting the then deeply rooted concept of bank secrecy) with the 10 June 1991 EC Council Directive, which stipulates mandatory reporting. Shows how the institutions mandated to report suspicious transactions have widened out from banks to non‐bank financial institutions, and thence to non‐financial institutions. Outlines criteria for suspicious transactions, the work of Financial Intelligence Units, and implementation of suspicious transactions reporting in some European Union countries.
How terrorists exploit gaps in US anti‐money laundering laws to secrete plunder
Authors: Linn Courtney J.
Published: April 2007

Shows how terrorists finance their operations from crimes like immigration benefit fraud, cigarette smuggling, kidnapping and drug trafficking, and also petty crimes like benefit card theft, identity theft and welfare benefit fraud; this is especially easy if they avoid the banking system and use a cheque cashing business. Concludes that legislators and regulators need to plug gaps in existing anti‐money laundering legislation, by regulating cheque cashers more aggressively and enlisting help from traditional banks; banks should identify individuals making cash deposits into bank accounts, identify money transmitter clients, and close accounts of clients who are not licensed; and law enforcement agencies should look more strategically at Suspicious Activity Reports filed by banks.
Malta’s role in the international fight against money laundering
Authors: Vella‐Baldacchino Robert
Published: April 2007

Begins by putting Malta into perspective as one of the ten states that joined the European Union in 2004 and the one with the smallest area; its geographical position at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea makes it a target for drugs dealing, smuggling and illegal immigration. Describes the Malta Stock Exchange, and its role in anti‐money laundering. Outlines the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the work of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), a government agency charged with combating money laundering; among its duties of managing relevant information, it receives reports of suspicious money laundering transactions. Indicates the international affiliations of the FIAU with similar bodies. Concludes that Malta has acted swiftly in combating terrorist financing and money laundering.
Technology and intelligence
Authors: Jensen Neil J.
Published: April 2007

Describes the impact of technology on intelligence, which means that vast amounts of data can now be stored, accessed and securely sent and received. Shows how intelligence‐led policing combines with suspicious activity reports (SARs) and cash transaction reports (CTRs); it is the basis of the UK’s National Intelligence Model, which is charged with ensuring that information is fully processed. Describes Australian case studies which illustrate the proactive use of information technology and intelligence in law enforcement; they feature the Australian Transactions Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and its use of data mining and wire transfer monitoring.
Online crimes and advance fee fraud in Nigeria ‐ are available legal remedies adequate?
Authors: Salu Abimbola O.
Published: April 2007

Examines why advance fee fraud, or “419”, named after section 419 of the Criminal Code, is so prevalent in Nigeria, and how it centres around unemployed young people in cyber‐cafes, as well as more competent computer criminals. Explains how the scam works: typically a victim is chosen and contacted with the prospect of getting a slice of a huge sum of money in return for sending a ”processing fee”, which is of course appropriated by the fraudster. Describes the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud‐Related Offences Decree (which was made during the era of the military government), the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (Establishment) Act 2004, the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, and other laws. Discusses how adequate these laws are, and what additional measures can be taken.
Ethics in Nigerian banking
Authors: Uche Chibuike U.
Published: April 2007

Discusses the unethical practices of Nigerian banks from a historical perspective. Traces concern over unethical behaviour in banking back to the emergence of indigenous banks in colonial Nigeria, with the 1952 Nigerian Banking Ordinance as the foundation of later regulations aiming to improve banking standards. Moves on to the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) which was set up in 1986 by the military government of President Babangida; this was a series of measures which the Government was compelled to take to achieve Balance of Payments stability, and deregulation of the banking system was an integral part of it. Shows how SAP led to a great increase in the number of banks and facilitated arbitrage possibilities which have allowed perhaps the most notorious unethical practice of Nigerian banks, round tripping. Details the types of unethical practice which the banks use and concludes that Nigerian banking remains full of such practices, which arguably reflect the general degree of corruption in the country.
An integrated approach to innovative product development using Kano’s model and QFD
Authors: Shen X.X. , Tan K.C. , Xie M.
Published: April 2007

Under rapidly changing and highly competitive circumstances, the timely design, development and marketing of new products or services with creative and innovative features are essential for a company’s survival. In order to capture and retain market share, customer requirements and expectations should be met and exceeded through product innovation. For effective new‐product‐development project management, a systematic approach to understanding customer requirements and further embedding them into the future product is desirable. This paper analyses the notion of customer satisfaction based on the Kano model and points to the importance of product innovation in exceeding customer satisfaction. It further proposes an integrated process model for innovative product development by incorporating Kano’s model and the quality function deployment (QFD) technique. Analyses suggest that the proposed approach would contribute to the creation of attractive product attributes and product innovation.
Corporate real estate and stock performance in the international retail sector
Authors: Brounen Dirk , Colliander Gustaf , Eichholtz Piet M.A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose – To analyse the effect of corporate real estate ownership on the stock performance of firms active in the international retail sector. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 454 retail companies is separated into three geographical regions and six different sub‐sectors. We measure the corporate real estate holdings using balance sheets information and link these to the risk and return characteristics of the individual firms. Findings – We find that corporate real estate ownership varies greatly across subsectors. This variation is explained by differences in location and customisation demands of real estate. Retailers for which the micro‐location of real estate is a critical value driver tend to own more of it. In general, corporate real estate ownership for retail companies is associated with a strong relative performance, which contrasts markedly with the negative performance effects found for other industrial sectors. Research limitations/implications – Although we include as many firms as possible in our sample, we are still confronted with sample size limitations while performing sub sample comparisons. Practical implications – Our results show how owning real estate instead of renting it will impact the long run profitability of retailers. Originality/value – Where most of the extending literature focuses on sketching the impact of real estate ownership using theory and isolated cases, we no offer numerical proof based on a international dataset.
The increasing importance of sustainability for building ownership
Authors: Reed Richard G. , Wilkinson Sara J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose — This study seeks to investigate the degree to which energy efficiency is incorporated into office building refurbishment and capital expenditure with the emphasis placed on a cost‐benefit analysis from the owner’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach – In order to develop a research framework, a thorough literature review was conducted of three disciplines being construction technology, building refurbishment and property management. The study identifies differences between varying levels of capital expenditure to ensure an existing building is more energy efficient, with the emphasis placed on the cost of implementation and the potential for tenants to acknowledge the increased energy efficiency via higher rents. Findings – Office buildings have been identified as a contributor to global warming during the construction phase, however during the building lifecycle there is a greater contribution to CO2 omissions. Whilst various building designs and construction techniques have evolved to improve energy efficiency, the focus has largely been placed on new buildings where it is easier to incorporate change and innovative approaches. However, the proportion of new buildings constructed each year is relatively small in comparison to existing building stock, which requires regular capital expenditure to maintain and attract new tenants within a competitive marketplace. Practical implications – The increasing importance of energy efficiency affects the office market in a variety of different ways. Originality/value – This paper identifies important links between the environment and the built environment, and the implications for office building owners.
Chaos theory as a model for strategy development
Authors: Bechtold Brigid L.
Published: April 2007

Uses chaos theory as a model and explores the requirements for strategizing in a rapidly‐changing business environment. Conjectures that organizations in a fast‐paced business environment need continuous processes of strategy development to be strategic. Suggests that strategic thinking needs to be embedded in the manager’s role, all organizational processes, and the culture inself in order for an organization to be strategic.
The influence of affirmative action on SMME culture in South Africa
Authors: Visagie Jan C.
Published: April 2007

This paper explores the impact of affirmative action on the culture of small business enterprises in South Africa. The functions of organizational culture are explored and utilized to reach a deeper understanding of the desired impact of affirmative action. Managers are identified as holding key roles as change agents. Recommendations include managing change from a culture perspective directed at creating participative management processes and shifting the enterprise’s essential values.
Hybrid benchmarking
Authors: Keiley Dave , Jennings Tony , Topping Barbara , Watling Ken
Published: April 2007

Hybrid benchmarking was developed by HM Customs and Excise. They have used the methodology for three years as part of the drive to deliver continuous improvement at lower cost. After establishing the need and clearly defining the service to be delivered in terms of the outputs, managers empower staff to decide how best to deliver. The service is then benchmarked against similar activities in the public and private sector to test quality and cost. Service delivery and efficiency are monitored through a system of service level agreements. Results are comparable to those achieved through competitive tendering exercises and hybrid benchmarking is now attracting attention in the European Union, and further afield.
Stigma assessment: the case of a remediated contaminated site
Authors: Bond Sandy
Published: April 2007

The “stigma” associated with remediated contaminated land is the blighting effect on property value caused by perceived risk and uncertainty. Uncertainties relate to negative intangible factors such as the inability to effect a total “cure”, the risk of failure of the remediation method, the risk of changes in legislation or remediation standards, the difficulty in obtaining finance, or simply a fear of the unknown. Post‐remediation “stigma” is the residual loss in value after all costs of remediation, including insurance and monitoring, have been allowed for. It equates to the difference in value between a remediated contaminated site and a comparable “clean” site with no history of contamination. The initial results from a study of the market sales data of post‐remediated vacant residential land along the Swan River, in Perth, Western Australia, from 1992‐1998 are summarized. The aim of this ongoing research is to estimate the amount of “stigma” arising from a site’s contamination history and measure the effect of this on residential property values of remediated property. The results show that while a site’s contamination history impacts negatively on property prices, the price decreases are offset by the positive influence on price from additional amenities provided in the case study neighbourhood.
Uncertainty and feasibility studies: an Italian case study
Authors: French Nick , Gabrielli Laura
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Uncertainty affects all aspects of the property market, but one area where the impact of uncertainty is particularly significant is within feasibility analyses. Any development is impacted by differences between market conditions at the conception of the project and the market realities at the time of completion. This paper sets out to address this issue

Design/methodology/approach

The feasibility study needs to address the possible outcomes based on an understanding of the current market. This requires the appraiser to forecast the most likely outcome relating to the sale price of the completed development, the construction costs and the timing of both. It also requires the appraiser to understand the impact of finance on the project.

Findings

This allows the appraiser to address the issues of uncertainty involved and thus provide the decision maker with a better understanding of the risk of development. This technique is then refined using a “two‐dimensional technique” to distinguish between “uncertainty” and “variability” and thus create a more robust model.

Originality/value

The feasibility study needs to address the possible outcomes based on an understanding of the current market. This requires the appraiser to forecast the most likely outcome relating to the sale price of the completed development, the construction costs and the timing of both. It also requires the appraiser to understand the impact of finance on the project.
Shaping Thailand’s IT future through technology foresight
Authors: Ausadamongkol Ketmanee , Loveridge Denis
Published: April 2007

Technology foresight is becoming an important instrument in the policy‐making process in many countries. But unless foresight studies engage the full spectrum of users and industry sectors, they may never see implementation. In one study of the IT sector in Thailand, a tightly‐knit industry and the active participation of its trade association ensured maximum consultation and the most collective of visions. With a steering committee now monitoring implementation targets to 2010, what the Thai IT industry lacks in size it is making up for in resolution.
A framework for intergenerational planning
Authors: Miller Mel , Siggins Ian
Published: April 2007

Terms such as “intergenerational planning”, “intergenerational redistribution”, “intergenerational equity” and “intergenerational accounting” have all gained currency in recent years. This paper reviews recent debates about how to assess the extent and nature of future need, outlines some scenarios, and describes some of the principles that have been adopted for intergenerational planning. The paper goes on to set out some principles to guide government investment (including equity, research, and methods of allocating resources). Finally, the paper suggests some of the elements for a community intergenerational planning framework.
Waking up after the war
Authors: Slaughter Richard A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The war in Iraq raises questions about the global world order and this article aims to suggest the need for us to awaken to fresh thinking on the problems facing the world.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief analysis of the global problematic is presented. Next, the article concentrates on some of the ways in which futurists can respond. The third section takes up the theme of what it means to “wake up” at the cultural level. Finally the paper considers some examples of “post‐conventional” futures work.

Findings

The article describes advanced forms of futures enquiry and action that are being developed to help people to engage in‐depth with the multiple crises that threaten the world and its nascent futures.

Originality/value

The article provides a basis for futurists and foresight practitioners to find the “levers of change”, the strategies, the enabling contexts and pathways to social foresight.
Secrecy and new technologies
Authors: Bindé Jérôme
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Aims to explore a central contradiction in the so‐called information society – while it is characterized by calls for universal transparency, at the same time, there are demands for increased secrecy.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of lines of enquiry are sketched out including: the way in which new technologies radically reshapes the relationship between secrecy and both the public and professional spheres; transparency v. secrecy; and the prospect that a society of organized secrecy will take the place of democratic society.

Findings

New norms and rules should be defined so as to take into account the effects of information technologies on governance and human rights.

Originality/value

The article is a declaration that the Age of the Enlightenment, as with the open society, is incapable of being bounded. The author opposes the postmodern prophets of doom who have declared the Age of the Enlightenment to be dead and its democratic project to be nonsensical.
Twenty‐first century strategies for sustainability
Authors: Henderson Hazel
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Technological innovation is needed to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, recycling and redesigning industrial processes. More fundamental strategy levels need re‐examining: policy models, assumptions, institutional inertia and cultural values fueling today's drive toward increasing unsustainability. This study seeks to examine this issue

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews the current scientific debate about the unwarranted predominance of economics in public and private decision making; whether economics is a science or a profession and the demands by mathematicians, physicists and other scientists that the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economics be de‐linked from the original Nobel prizes.

Findings

Conventional economic models still drive such unsustainability: the malfunctioning “source codes” replicating traditional industrialism world‐wide. Scientific research on the human brain and ecosystems now refutes most of economics' core tenets. Multi‐disciplinary policies and appropriate metrics beyond money coefficients are needed for steering societies toward sustainability and quality of life.

Originality/value

Strengthens the case for strategies for global sustainability to address current economic models that are driving today's unsustainable forms of globalization.
The diffusion of information technology in Europe
Authors: Gruber Harald
Published: April 2007

Tries to unravel some main issues in the debate about whether Europe lags behind the USA in the IT revolution. Discusses also the supply and demand aspects of IT, following up with some broader policy options to stimulate the production and diffusion of IT within Europe. Employs copious figures and tables to aid in the explanation. Sums up that Europe lags in the IT sector, but it has a strong position in telecommunications.
W‐LAN hotspots: short‐term pain but a brighter long‐term view
Authors: Webb William
Published: April 2007

There has been much discussion about W‐LAN hotspots and the role they might play in communication systems. Over the last year, the number of hotspots around the world has grown rapidly. However, subscriber numbers have remained low and the industry continues to lose money. Some are now starting to accept that the current business model is not viable. This paper discusses the problems with the current deployment of hotspots and suggests that only when they become part of a wider integrated communications network will there be sufficient revenue potential to justify the current and planned deployment of W‐LAN hotspots.
Critique of existing business process re‐engineering methodologies
Authors: Vakola Maria , Rezgui Yacine
Published: April 2007

Explores the need for a business process re‐engineering methodology and presents a critique of the existing methodologies. The identified weaknesses served as a basis for the development of a new eight‐stage BPR methodology which was implemented and evaluated within three European construction companies. Summarises these stages, highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to organisational change where the human and organisational issues are incorporated in the implementation of the BPR initiative.
Analysis of a cultural change in a Spanish telecommunications firm
Authors: Claver Enrique , Gascó José L. , Llopis Juan , López Enrique A.
Published: April 2007

This paper analyzes the efforts made by the Telefonica Group (the main Spanish firm in the telecommunications sector) to evolve from a bureaucratic culture to another oriented towards total quality and the customer. The need for this change came as a result of the liberalization in the telecommunications sector in the early 1990s. Through an analysis of the internal documents generated in the process, and also by means of several interviews with executives and consultants who took part in the design and introduction of the change mentioned above, we study the validity and effectiveness of the steps taken. The methodology used by the firm was based on the “bubble‐like” (from one division to the whole organization) and “cascade‐like” (from the top management to the lowest levels) implementation systems, based on the support of strong training, communications and participation programmes.
Integrating business processes for global alignment and supply chain management
Authors: McAdam Rodney , McCormack Daniel
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a qualitative study of the integration of supply chain management and business process management activities. It reviews published literature in both fields and a number of supporting areas, revealing a minimal overlap in the research. A number of case studies of progressive organisations are examined, including an in‐depth study of Nortel Networks Corporation’s recent market repositioning and current supply chain integration activities. The study concludes that, while there is little evidence of research exploring the integration of processes extending throughout supply chains, some businesses are gaining competitive advantage by maximising the efficiency of their “global” supply chains or “virtual” organisations. A conceptual model of an integrated business process, derived from the case study, is presented, which highlights the importance of communication between processes and between partners in the supply chain.
Agile control in JIT ordering systems
Authors: Takahashi Katsuhiko , Nakamura Nobuto
Published: April 2007

As a just‐in‐time (JIT) ordering system for multi‐stage production inventory systems, both the kanban system and its alternative, the concurrent ordering system, have been proposed. For both JIT ordering systems, the reactive JIT ordering systems that adjust the buffer size responding to unstable changes in demand were proposed. In addition to the adjustment of buffer size, switching ordering systems between the kanban system and the concurrent ordering system is proposed in order to realize agile control in JIT ordering systems. In the proposed system, the time series data of demand is monitored, and switching the order release systems and adjusting the buffer size are considered when an unstable change in demand is detected with the exponentially weighted moving average charts. The effectiveness of the proposed system is analyzed using simulation experiments under unstable conditions. From these simulation experiments, it is clear that the proposed system can react to unstable changes in demand and satisfy the required level for the mean waiting time of demand. Also, to attain the required level, the proposed system must possess much less work‐in‐process inventories than the previous systems which adjust only the buffer size and do not switch ordering systems.
The role of information technology in enhancing patient satisfaction
Authors: Zabada Charles , Singh Sanjay , Munchus George
Published: April 2007

The rapid changes taking place in the health care sector have prompted health care organizations to pay more attention to the satisfaction of their patients. Many healthcare providers are therefore looking for ways to improve their performance as perceived by patients. This article points out the growing importance of the concept of patient satisfaction, and suggests that one of the ways to improve patient satisfaction rating is to put more emphasis on the use of appropriate information technology in the delivery of healthcare. A framework through which improvement can happen is designed to help managers conceptualize the process.
Survey of medical directors’ views and use of the Cochrane Library
Authors: Wilson Paul M. , Watt Ian S. , Hardman Geoff F.
Published: April 2007

A postal survey to determine UK medical directors’ (n = 491) attitudes on the importance of effectiveness information; their own access, awareness and use of a variety of sources for information on effectiveness, their own use of and views on the perceived usefulness of the Cochrane Library; their attitudes towards their own role in the local application of clinical governance. Respondents reported high levels of awareness and access to a number of sources of clinical/cost effectiveness information. Respondents regularly referred to paper‐based publications more than electronic databases (only 10 per cent regularly referring to the Cochrane Library). Respondents felt that the Cochrane Library could be improved by increasing the number and range of topics and clinical areas covered, and by improving access and availability.
Progress in clinical governance: findings from the first NPCRDC National Tracker survey of Primary Care Groups/Trusts
Authors: Campbell Stephen , Roland Martin , Leese Brenda
Published: April 2007

In April 1999, 481 English Primary Care Groups (PCGs) were created. The National Primary Care Research and Development Centre is leading a three year longitudinal study, in conjunction with the King’s Fund, to track the development of PCGs. The implementation of clinical governance is an important responsibility of PCGs. This survey aimed to describe initial progress in implementing clinical governance in primary care, and to describe barriers to change. Data were collected in autumn 1999, using a questionnaire to clinical governance leads, in a random sample of 72 PCGs. PCGs have put considerable effort into the development of clinical governance and an extensive range of activities were planned for tracking quality of care. However, PCGs face barriers in implementing clinical governance and they must foster a culture of engaged participation by practices and practice staff. PCGs must also be given the time and resources needed to implement clinical governance.
Preserving the pyramid of STI using buckets
Authors: Nelson Michael L. , Maly Kurt
Published: April 2007

Considers a formal publication to represent an abstract to a larger body of work: a pvramid of scientific and technical information (STI). While this abstract may be sufficient for some applications, an in‐depth use or analysis is likely to require the supporting layers from the pyramid. Describes how “buckets” have been developed to preserve this pyramid of STI. Buckets provide an archive‐ and protoeol‐independent container construct in which all related information objects can be logically grouped together, archived, and manipulated as a single object. Furthermore, buckets are active archival objects and can communicate with each other, people, or arbitrary network services. Buckets are an implementation of the Smart Object, Dumb Archive (SODA) DL model. Discusses the motivation, design, and implication of bucket use in DLs with respect to grey literature.
ResearchIndex: autonomous citation indexing on the Web
Authors: McKiernan Gerry
Published: April 2007

ResearchIndex is a recently‐announced service that can identify and index citations found within Web‐based electronic publications without human intervention. In addition to indexing electronic journals, ResearchIndex can automatically index non‐journal literature including reports, conference papers, and preprints, among other types of grey literature. It offers users the opportunity to view the textual context of a candidate cited work and provides access to the full‐text of any incorporated source document. Access to related and similar work in the ResearchIndex corpus is also made available.
Databases and political science research
Authors: Schaffer Thomas
Published: April 2007

To date, librarians have not produced a study comparing databases that are appropriate for political science research. This study compares the coverage, content, and retrieval methods for nine databases. The study uses sampling to evaluate search results for six topics, providing relevancy percentages for each database. The article also reviews the types of documents cited in these samples, and provides recommendations for matching each database to particular research needs.
International Aerospace Information Network: international cooperation and resource sharing
Authors: Blados Walter R. , Cotter Gladys A. , Paul Ryan R.
Published: April 2007

The identification, acquisition, and utilisation of scientific and technical information is of paramount importance to the efficiency of the research and development (R&D) process. With the advances in information technology and information management, increased international participation in the aerospace field, and the realities of scarce resources for every nation, the strategies and benefits for international cooperation and resource sharing are readily apparent. With this in mind, a Working Group was established in 1994 to examine the issues, strategies, and actions required to develop a mechanism for improving the access to, and use of aerospace and aerospace‐related information by developing a self‐sustaining, worldwide network of partner organisations committed to sharing their data and information resources. The Working Group decided that the Internet would be the most suitable vehicle to provide such a mechanism and developed a prototype International Aerospace Information Network (IAIN) Web site, providing a catalogue of aerospace information sources from which information searches can be launched.