bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to orient employees into new positions successfully
Authors: Davis Valerie D. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

States that the successful orientation of new employees is vital for any business. Considers the various phases which the process can involve such as new employees and promotional employees. Outlines factors which should be considered within the process and provides some practical examples for use. Summarises some recent studies in this area. Argues that the processes discussed are applicable to organizations of all sizes and an effective policy can lead to better retention and achievement of company goals.
Global trends in managing innovation and quality
Authors: Liu Vincent C. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at the success of total quality management (TQM) and the principles of completeness. Considers the quality requirements and the performance standards as essential factors within a total quality plan and states that the adaptation of the theory to the particular industry is key to success. Looks at TQM in the medical and legal profession and suggests that the practice of implementation can be helped or hindered by outside influences such as the state of the business and the culture it possesses.
Managing and understanding the French employee
Authors: Lavaty Suzanne , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Considers the growing diversity in the workplace and the need for managers to be able to manage such a diverse workforce. Cites cultural differences as one important area which requires attention. Looks at the French culture in particular and compare this with the American culture in areas such as verbal communication, non verbal communication, meetings, reasoning and problem solving techniques, and leadership, status and authority. Concludes that there are significant differences which must be treated with understanding and respect.
The compensation of directors in organisations
Authors: Nguyen Teri , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Questions the use of the board of directors and what they need to do in order to earn their keep. Looks at the worst and best ranked boards of directors and then considers the attributes needed for a success. Provides suggestions on how to build including limiting members, limiting meetings, share options and stock payments and length of service.
Exploring Taiwan’s competitive advantages: present and future
Authors: Wong Yim‐Yu , Maher Thomas E. , Li‐Hsing Wang James , Long Fu
Published: June 2007

States that competitive advantage is like a moving target, changing over time as market conditions, consumer demand and resource availability vary. Provides a case study of Taiwan’s present advantages within the heights of the Asian economic growth and the recent economic crisis. Considers the ability of the country to sustain its remarkable growth rate and ask whether it needs to develop a new set of advantages. Uses Porter’s Diamond model in the “Competitive Advantage of Nations” (1990) to examine this issue. Concludes that the biggest threat is that of China’s claim to Taiwan’s territory.
Managing human resources in the military
Authors: Jayme Robert B. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Takes a critical look at the empowerment of the members of the 61st Communications Squadron at Los Angeles Air Force Base in preparation for its Quality Airforce Assessment. Compares the military need against the normal business ideas, looking at the principles of customer satisfaction, employee empowerment and powerful management and statistical tools. Covers in some detail the processes used to assess and improve the unit and the difficulties overcome. Concludes that the experience helped the writer understand and appreciate the concepts of human resources/behaviour within the military.
Recognising the impact of technology and communication on work and school environments
Authors: Poon Teng Fatt James
Published: June 2007

Looks at how work and school environments compare, and asks what areas each will contribute to a new understanding of the uses of communication and technology to improve the respective environments. Reviews briefly previous literature before addressing the issue of division of labour and the way that technology has impacted on the work environment. Considers the school environment, and addresses questions regarding technology in the education system. Concludes with an assessment of the support systems from the business world to the school environment and provides some direction for the future.
Managing human behaviour in City Government
Authors: Hahn Raymond M. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Describes management techniques under three topics, leadership, motivation of employees and orientation of new employees. Outlines 14 points to becoming a successful leader. Lists 15 work‐related motivational factors and considers their order of importance and discusses the concerns of new employees. Briefly gives a synopsis of a successful orientation programme.
A review of exchange rate policies and their effect upon nations and firms
Authors: Beth Stanek Mary
Published: June 2007

Discusses the way countries can operate their exchange rate policies. Covers areas such as fixed exchange rates, floating rates and pegged rates, citing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Considers the example of the Euro‐zone countries and the problems they face. Looks at countries which use official dollar‐linked systems. Outlines the three primary types of risk exposure, transaction, economic and translation and presents some examples of how companies have mitigated risk. Briefly looks at rate forecasting. Concludes that a global market could lead to fewer currencies.
Globalisation, strategic co‐operation and economic integration among Islamic/Arab countries
Authors: Zineldin Mosad
Published: June 2007

The globalisation of western countries creates large forces with which to compete. States that Islamic/Arab countries often compete with each other rather than forging strong partnerships. Attempts to outline the strategy needed to achieve the Arab shared objective of co‐operation and peaceful existence. Builds on existing research and presents a theoretical, conceptual and empirical discourse based on recent developments in economics and relationship management and marketing theories using semi‐structured interviews. Discusses the barriers to success and makes recommendations for change such as an Arab Common market.
Toyota transitioning to hydrogen fuel cells – a management of technology protocol (MOTEP) analysis
Authors: Chacko George K. , Tan Thean Beng Kelvin , Yeoh Siew Ling Agatha , Nasihin Nazlina , Muhamad Harlimi , Jiun Jye Ong
Published: June 2007

What should a Multi‐National Corporation (MNC) like UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. set as its targeted growth in revenue by the Year 2020 to help its host country Malaysia realise its “Vision 2020”? To survive/succeed, Toyota has to anticipate its high technology niche, which is but a “Technological Gleam” today in the eye of Toyota’s “Technical Entrepreneur”. Significant segments of corporate resources will not be committed to the “Technological Gleam” unless the “Technical Entrepreneur” can present an irresistible transformation boost converting the Technology‐Push into Market‐Pull. What will be the market for the hitech product embodying the yet‐to‐emerge hitech? What present product is closest to the potential product? Can its life cycle profile be applied to the potential product? Using the theoretical structure of the Management Of TEchnology Protocol (MOTEP), we analyze Toyota’s transition from the present hybrid fuel (gasoline‐and‐hydrogen combination) to the potential hydrogen fuel in five years.
Let the auctioneer/manager beware
Authors: Potter Stephen , Lovatt Chris
Published: June 2007

Analyses the law covering the role of the management of auction sales and the implications they bring. Explores the legal obligations of the parties to an auction sale with specific reference to the newly defined liability of the managers of the auction where articles or property are sold “without reserve”. Concludes that it is now clear that if an auctioneer refuses to sell to the highest bidder then he will incur liability to the bidder. States that this could have dire consequences. Examines existing case law and new precedent materials to draw such conclusions and provides some recommendations.
Do all carrots look the same? examining the impact of culture on employee motivation
Authors: Di Cesare Justine , Sadri Golnaz
Published: June 2007

Investigates primary differences between employee motivation in the USA and Japan. Spotlights how workers in both countries work towards promotion and advancement. Stresses that Americans are individualists and that the Japanese are organization‐loyal. Concludes self‐actualization is likely to mean different things to employees in both cultures.
The use of cognitive mapping technique in management research: theory and practice
Authors: Ahmad Rusli , Azman Ali Noor
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this article is to analyse the use of a qualitative approach using cognitive mapping techniques in the study of a decision‐making process. This study takes place in a public sector and in the context of a performance appraisal system (PAS). This is in line with recommendations by scholars and researchers to conduct a management research in a public service context (see Brown, 1999; Bissessar, 2000; Jabroun and Balakrishnan, 2000; O’Donnell and O’Brien, 2000; Redman, Snape and Thompson, 2000). This article also intends to elucidate and justify the methodological approach used, examine the assumptions underlying the use of a particular research design, and provide arguments for the preference of the methodology used. It is hoped that this will contribute to the understanding of the nature and validity of the research undertaken. This article begins by reviewing the theoretical issues of the research framework, the main features of the qualitative methodologies, and finally, the research method applied in this research is determined and justified.
The politics of researching gender in organisations
Authors: Broussine Mike , Fox Pam
Published: June 2007

This article is based on a study of the experiences of women chief executives in British local government. Our emphasis will be on our experiences of carrying out the study, and, in particular, on encountering and working with the political aspects of our research. Following a brief outline of our main findings, we review some of the dangers of “doing research” on women. We continue by describing our first encounters with the politics of gender research – the voices of discouragement that questioned the need for the research. We then outline our attempts to understand more about how our relations with each other as a pair of researchers enabled us to surface the political properties of our research. The article discusses the role of reflexivity in maintaining awareness of researcher bias, and how this might affect our analysis of the experiences of women in the system being studied. Next, we discuss how action researchers inevitably become part of a political system that is characterised by different actors holding different aspirations for research outcomes, and argue that collaborative forms of research are necessary if one is to listen to the range of voices that stakeholders represent. We tackle the question about how researchers may “let go” of research of this kind given their political attachments to the topic. Finally, we conclude that spelling out the dilemmas inherent in research of this kind is more likely to achieve results that are well grounded in the political and organisational realities of participants’ experiences.
New developments in executive relocation practices
Authors: Rushing Kristine , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at domestic relocation practices and how the expatriation assignments have worked out in recruitment and retention. States that both domestic and international assignment relocation face similar issues but that there are many extra items in international assignments. Records around 70 per cent of all employee relocations fail due to personal or family difficulties. Concludes that employers now realise that managing the employee’s concerns better will be an advantage to both parties in the long run, with fewer failures for employees in their assignments and for management in cost.
New developments concerning pesticide laws
Authors: Short Jennifer , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Quantifies the US Federal Government’s stance on pesticides and the prosecution of the laws governing their use. Discusses the Health and Society laws regarding pesticides and the use of agricultural chemicals. Concludes that the USA has much to thank pesticides for, but that they are also a threat to the health and safety of people and the environment, if used indiscriminately or without control.
Trends in ethics education at US colleges and universities
Authors: Farnsworth John R. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Concentrates on ethics, leadership and responsibility in the business world in the USA today. Looks at how distrust in the workplace has increased for workers, which breeds dissatisfaction. Comments on ethics courses and pinpoints some of them and the universities involved. Employs tables to aid in explanation and methods. Sums up that educational institutions cannot accomplish the mission alone and students can have a two‐way experience with regard to experiences prior to enrolment.
New developments concerning wages and hours in the restaurant industry
Authors: Chuang Andrea , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Segments the US restaurant business as quick service and drive‐in, and goes on to discuss each of these components in more detail. Elaborates on employee costs, showing these rise percent wise as the restaurant’s profile does also, but emphasizes that labour laws only allow full‐time employees to have entitlement to full medical benefits. Notes that the quick service restaurant chains include such as McDonalds, Burger King, etc., and the drive‐in area includes both public and speciality sectors. Concludes that only the tip of the iceberg has been touched here with regard to wages and time in the industry.
New developments concerning negligent hiring in public schools
Authors: Dorris Mark J. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Chronicles what “due care” is and how it applies in the public school area of the USA. Highlights a New York Supreme Court case with regard to an assault by a teacher on two students in their home; and also an Akron City court case brought against an education board employee who was accused of abuse. Lists some safeguards to try to prevent such actions having to be brought: the application forms, interviews, background checks, and reference checks. Stresses there is no valid reason for schools not engaging in full and thorough investigations of all applicants.
The workers’ compensation exclusivity rule and the special employer relationship
Authors: Avitabile Louis , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Discloses that, in 1911, the USA enacted the first voluntary workers’ compensation plan, which has since been changed and enhances so that it resembles the present day workers’ compensation laws only in philosophy. Reports on the varying advantages and disadvantages but states that the pros outweigh the cons.
How to assess credibility when conducting workplace investigations
Authors: Avitabile Louis , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Specifies that every manager’s “repair kit” should contain tools such as: complete and updated policy manuals; frequent performance evaluations; performance improvement plans; and internal complaint and disciplinary process; and an in‐house investigation process. States that, in complaints, fairness and respect must be given and displayed to all parties involved, gives some guidelines to aid in this.
New developments concerning the implied contract requiring good cause for termination
Authors: Craw Bret , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at wrongful termination and in particular, three landmark cases defining this in California, USA, e.g. Pugh v. See’s Candles, Inc., 1981; Wilkerson v. Wells Fargo Bank, 1989; Ralph Cotron v. Rollins Hudig Hall International, Inc., 1998 (which is the current interpretation in the state of California). Gives the backgrounds involved in each case and the rulings made. Sums up that currently the view is: an employer can be factually wrong in its conclusions of whether a misconduct has occurred, as long as it has done a thorough investigation.
New developments concerning wrongful termination
Authors: Stahlhoefer Larry , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Chronicles that managers and organizations are faced with unforeseen liability from situations and circumstances that have typically been standard employment practices. Discusses how some managers, through their actions, create wrongful termination liability – many times without the knowledge that they have created the situation themselves. Defines when wrongful termination liability is created; what constitutes wrongful termination; when and how to terminate an employee; and recent developments in wrongful termination.
The relationship between adult playfulness and viewers’ response to advert execution: an initial exploration
Authors: Caruana Albert , Vella Joseph
Published: June 2007

Adult Playfulness with advertising can be described as the way individuals derive enjoyment during their interaction process with advertising. It is an area that has received little attention in the literature. The study adopts an interactionist approach to playfulness that recognises the role of both trait and state theory. It investigates the correlations among the dimensions of adult playfulness and those on the Viewer Response Profile and considers whether the level of adult playfulness impacts on viewer response to different advertisement execution. Findings indicate that advertisement executions are not equally effective at reaching individuals with higher levels of playfulness. Implications for theory and management are discussed, limitations are noted and directions for future research indicated.
WIPRO: from coding to consulting: a case study
Authors: Chacko George K.
Published: June 2007

Case Studies generally ask: (1) What accounts for the success/failure of this real‐life “Case” (Corporation, Government or Organization)?; (2) How can we transport the lessons learned across time and space?; (3) What immediate/eventual issue/objective(s) should the “Case” pursue to enhance its survival/success; and How? The student is graded on the Case Study on the force of his/her reasoning and arguments, two diametrically‐opposite action plans both scoring “A”. But which one should the CEO implement? Why? Are there minimal criteria that any Case Study of management should fulfill? The raison d etre of management is the pre‐committing of scarce resources for unknown/unknowable results (e.g., market share, mind share), which are generated by interactions of variables and/or participants. Does the Case Study identify the cogent interactions; does it suggest how to allocate resources to achieve pre‐specified results? This Case Study has been checked by the corporation for accuracy. Westructure the narrative by systems theory which provides a framework to assess what the company has achieved, and to formulate what it should do to improve its chances of survival/success. The theory is buttressed by illustrations of systems approach to complexity, ranging from Apollo lunar landing to the $91‐billion IT Services Company, IBM. According to National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), IT exports rose 30.5 percent to $12.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2003‐04 ending on March 31, 2004 from $9.6 billion in Fiscal 2002‐03. Indian exports totaled $52.72 billion in 2003‐04. Applying the growth in the first five months, we estimate the total exports in 2003‐04 at $54.8 billion. The IT exports contributed 18.2 per cent in 2002‐03, rising to 22.8 percent in 2003‐04.
Understanding the ethical decisions and behaviours of Hong Kong business managers: an implication for business ethics education
Authors: Lam Che‐fai
Published: June 2007

Posits that Western business schools have placed significant emphasis on business ethics, and many have made this topic a compulsory part of their curricula. Reckons the failure of so many business‐school trained professionals (particularly MBA graduates), to observe the tenants of this discipline, however, places the effectiveness of these syllabi in question. Wonders whether business ethics as it is presently taught, does not fit into the capitalist economy, and therefore fails to influence highly‐educated professionals? Questions if many business school graduates ignore their ethics classes and therefore never really learn what they should have learned. Proposes the question to be answered, therefore, concerns the influence of business ethics courses beyond the examination hall: do business ethics courses have any influence on the workplace environment?
Drug testing in the workplace
Authors: Lu Ying‐Tzu , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at drug use (and testing for it) in the workplace, and how it affects businesses. States, although drug users affect fellow workers through accidents at work, the non‐users may also experience lowered morale. Directs employers how to introduce and operate drug testing programmes, listing six considerations. Concludes that once employers are aware of the legality of their actions they can perform drug testing programmes and provide both a drug‐free workplace and a safe working environment.
Effective franchise management
Authors: Luangsuvimol Theeranuch , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

States that franchising has grown into a dynamic and mature business activity, with varying types of public recognition. Looks at what types of franchise are available and gives eight arguments to advance prospective franchisees in their decision. Sums up that there are two key aspects in the franchise management: which are keep the good relationship between franchisor and franchisee; and managing day‐to‐day franchise operations successfully.
INFOSYS: new game, new rules: a case study
Authors: Chacko George K.
Published: June 2007

Case Studies generally ask: (1) What accounts for the success/failure of this real‐life “Case” (Corporation, Government or Organization)?; (2) How can we transport the lessons learned across time and space?; (3) What immediate/eventual issue/objective(s) should the “Case” pursue to enhance its survival/success; and How? The student is graded on the Case Study by the force of his/her reasoning and arguments, two diametrically‐opposite action plans both scoring “A”. But which one should the CEO implement? Why? Are there minimal criteria that any Case Study of management should fulfill? The raison d etre of management is the pre‐committing of scarce resources for unknown/unknowable results (e.g., market share, mind share), which are generated by interactions of variables and/or participants. Does the Case Study identify the cogent interactions; does it suggest how to allocate resources to achieve pre‐specified results? This Case Study has been checked by the corporation for accuracy. We structure the narrative by systems theory which provides a framework to assess what the company has achieved, and to formulate what it should do to improve its chances of survival/success. The theory is buttressed by illustrations of systems approach to complexity, ranging from Apollo lunar landing to the $91‐billion IT Services Company, IBM. According to National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), exports rose 30.5 per cent to $12.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2003‐04 ending on March 31, 2004 from $9.6 billion in Fiscal 2002‐. Indian exports totaled $52.72 billion in 2003‐04. Applying the growth in the first five months, we estimate the total exports in 2003‐04 at $54.8 billion. The IT exports contributed 18.2 per cent in 2002‐03, rising to 22.8 per cent in 2003‐04.
Styles of Managing Team Conflict in Professional Sports: The Case of Greece
Authors: Laios Athanasios , Tzetzis George
Published: June 2007

Coaches as leaders of sports teams should identify the causes of conflict between the athletes and handle conflict effectively. The aim of this study was to examine the methods and ways coaches use to handle conflict in professional teams in Greece. The sample consisted of 42 professional football‐soccer, basketball and volley ball coaches, which were surveyed using questionnaires. Using the descriptive statistics and the one‐way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), it was found that: a) coaches are using five styles in order to manage conflict, and b) the most effective styles that can resolve team conflicts are the collaborating style, the compromising style and the avoiding style and the least effective styles from those suggested are the competing style and the accommodating style.
Brand and Club Alliances: Manchester United and Britannia Building Society
Authors: Rowley Jennifer
Published: June 2007

Britannia Building Society has launched a collec tion of financial services products in partnership with Manchester United Football Club. Other products have also been launched that are designed ‘exclusively for Manchester
City Supporters’. These brand alliances are particularly interesting because both parties have ‘membership clubs’ which reward customers for loyalty. The nature of member association with the respective clubs is different.
Britannia Building Society (Britannia) is a mutual building society in the tradition in which investors and borrowers are building society members. Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) is a leading football club and a major consumer brand. The brand straplines on the two Rewards leaflets capture this difference: Britannia: ‘where membership means a great deal’ MUFC: ‘you win, we win’.
Effective human resource management of school districts
Authors: Thompson John , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

This article addresses many essential ongoing school district human resource issues; however the central focus is on the extraordinary actions that make human resource management in school districts truly effective. This is achieved through research of human resource management books, articles and case studies and by drawing on nine years of personal experience in auditing school districts. This article focuses on effective human resource management of instructors in public school districts. The major topics explored within human resource management are recruiting, employment and labour relations.
New developments in industry hygiene
Authors: Atthayuwat Khemawat , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The field of industrial hygiene is very broad because it includes all kinds of occupational hazards in all industries. There are a lot of new things emerging every year due to changing technology and environment. Therefore, it is necessary for industrial hygiene practitioners to be able to anticipate the trends in industrial hygiene and keep up with new changes. Five trends that might be an indication of the future of industrial hygiene are considered. Moreover, some interesting examples about new developments in industrial hygiene are raised. One thing that could be inferred from these trends and examples is that information and high technology are increasingly being integrated into many industrial hygiene products, making them automated. As a result, many governmental regulations have to be revised in order to better reflect the current technology.
How to distinguish between independent contractors and employees
Authors: Luis Fragoso J. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this report is to help the reader understand the difference between independent contractors and employees. Employers use independent contractors for many reasons, including cost, seasonal fluctuations, temporary assignments or highly skilled services. Independent contractors are different from employees in that they usually are not eligible for benefits such as health insurance or paid time off, are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance and are responsible for submitting their own income taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. However, someone does not become an independent contractor just because he or she is labelled that way, is not offered certain benefits or because her or his income taxes are not with held. In fact, not even the signing of a contract or agreement ensures that the independent contractor will not be classified as an employee by a government agency or the courts. The ultimate test to determine whether some one is an employee or an independent contractor is the degree of control an employer exercises over that individual’s work.
Managing compensation in the financial service industry
Authors: Huang Chiungman , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The US financial services industry, especially banking, has undergone substantial technological change and industry restructuring during the 1990s. A variety of new techniques and services have been introduced in all areas of
the financial services sector, and industry restructuring through mergers and consolidation has been a defining feature of the banking industry in recent years. Through the effects on cost, quality and the types of services provided,
technological change and industry restructuring are likely to generate gains for stockholders and customers. However, there shaping in this industry also implies that companies are struggling to implement their strategy with antiquated incentive compensation systems.
Effective human resource management of county employees
Authors: Huntley Jeremy , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Government is a very labour intensive enterprise. Public organisations provide services, enforce laws and regulations, solve problems, and have varied missions. Their varied missions include protection of the environment, food safety, elderly and disabled assistance, education of our children, and civil rights enforcement. All of these activities require the use of human resources. The quality of employees in the county directly relates to how well the county performs. Essential tasks of human resource managers are to find qualified employees for these government positions, as well as to promote an
attractive work environment for these employees. Failure to use effective human resource management risks low productivity and a lack of commitment to the community. County managers have the challenge of meeting multiple objectives including productivity, staffing and many more.
New developments concerning public personnel management
Authors: Liu Dezhong , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Historically, it was taken for granted that public services would be delivered by a staff of career civil service employees, working within the structure of centralised public agencies budgeted with appropriated funds. Today, none
of these are true‐public programmes are more than likely performed by alternative organisations or mechanisms rather than by public agencies (International City Management Association, 1989); and when public agencies are
used, they are more likely to be staffed by contingent workers hired through flexible employment mechanisms rather than permanent employees protected by civil service regulations and collective bargaining agreements (Kilbom, 1995).
The difference between termination and layoff
Authors: Teratanavat Ratapol , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Every year a number of employees are dismissed in American companies. Several names have been used to call these circumstances such as dismissal, separation, termination, discharge, firing, or layoff (Paula, 1985). Most people use these words interchangeably even though they are slightly different in the meaning regarding the cause of unemployment. The purpose of this study is to show the distinction between “termination” and “layoff” including the definition, the cause of termination and lay off, and the strategy to handle both the termination and layoff situation more properly and effectively. In addition, the study will demonstrate how the layoff has an impact on the American Corporation.
Quality in research as “taking an attitude of inquiry”
Authors: Marshall Judi , Reason Peter
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to offer the notion of “taking an attitude of inquiry” as a quality process in research, enabling researchers to be aware of and articulate the complex processes of interpretation, reflection and action they engage in. The purpose is to consider this as a quality process that complements more procedural approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on 25 years experience in an action research community – in which the authors have developed theory and practice in the company of colleagues – to articulate and illustrate what “taking an attitude of inquiry” can mean. The paper seeks to make quality practices thus developed available to a wider community of researchers.

Findings

Two schema with illustrations are offered. Qualities that enable taking an attitude of inquiry are suggested: curiosity, willingness to articulate and explore purposes, humility, participation and radical empiricism. Disciplines of inquiring practice are identified as: paying attention to framing and its pliability; enabling participation to generate high quality knowing, appreciating issues of power; working with multiple ways of knowing; and engaging in, and explicating, research as an emergent process.

Research limitations/implications

Research is depicted as both disciplined and alive. Researchers are invited to engage fully in self‐reflective practice to enhance quality and validity.

Originality/value

An articulation of a depth view of quality in self‐reflective research practice which has been developed in an action research context and can be applied to research more generally.
New games, new rules: will traditional mentality work in the marketplace?
Authors: Reza Kiani G.
Published: June 2007

States that advertisers on the World Wide Webb (WWW) rely on a traditional mass communication model, which may be inappropriate for electronic commerce. Sets out to explore how marketing could happen on the WWW. Explains the WWW, its origins, its phenomenal growth, and the opportunities it opens up for commercial transactions, particularly in the USA. Refers to literature which indicates that conventional marketing activities need to be revisited and turned into virtual marketing if there is to be any success in electronic commerce. Cites five phases in this evolutionary process. Focuses on interactivity between the consumer and the marketing organization, predicting that good marketing will be based on good conversation, customer satisfaction and consumer access to the company.
Managing human behaviour in the motor vehicles and parts industry
Authors: Woods Ronald L. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks into sexual harassment complaints at Mitsubishi Motors in Illinois, USA, which could become the largest sexual harassment case in US history with nearly 500 female plaintiffs eligible to receive a total amount of US$150 million in compensation and damages. Mentions other foreign companies operating in the USA, which have been charged with violation of employee rights. Mentions Employment Practices Liability insurance, which protects companies against the costs of workers winning damages in cases of discrimination or wrongful discharge. Attributes some of these employee abuse problems to the lack of flow of information within a company’s communication network. Points out that most companies have got downward communication from top management to employees sorted out, but that other forms of communication are lacking. Suggests that this might be due to control, incompetence, lack of understanding and unfairness when dealing with various societal groups – all of which can cost organizations a load of money, particularly in the litigious USA.
New developments concerning wage and hour administration
Authors: Yu Richard , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines recent US legislation regarding immigrant workers, prevailing wages, domestic workers, minors and overtime pay. Discusses the Hay method of evaluating jobs and then considers a modern point factors job evaluation plan. Briefly covers managerial strategies for implementing pay equity and advocates the need to be consist in the treatment of all workers. Lists a broad policy which, if be followed, should ensure consistency and fairness throughout a company.
Anatomy of qualitative management PhD. Part two – getting finished
Authors: Carter Simon
Published: June 2007

Looks at the process of conducting qualitative management research. Concentrates on data collection used in fieldwork, the way in which data is analysed and the various output from the work. Uses a PhD based upon the management of group moves as a case study. Defends the overall research strategy in terms of confirmability, dependability, credibility and transferability of findings.
Human resource management: issues and challenges in the new millennium
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed‐Mahmoud
Published: June 2007

Investigates three aspects of human resource management facing future challenges, personnel, technology and globalization. Suggests that the human resource professionals in a successful business must be able to attract and retain individuals who have the ability to manage a globally responsive business. Covers the use of technology for competitive advantage; advocates global strategies in operations management and empowerment of the individual.
The politically aware leader
Authors: Richardson Bill
Published: June 2007

Examines the nature of business environments and reports on the
potential danger they have for organizations operating unresponsively
from unrealistically safe views of reality. Argues that these
organizations need to adopt an objectively rational view of their
position in their environment, and adapt accordingly. Concludes that new
paradigms can put the organization in a better position to cope with new
changes taking place in their environment. Argues that modern
environments have therefore created a need for politically aware
leaders.
Critical review of current trends in shape memory alloy actuators for intelligent robots
Authors: Sreekumar M. , Nagarajan T. , Singaperumal M. , Zoppi M. , Molfino R.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the current application areas of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators in intelligent robotic systems and devices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses how actuation and sensing functions of the SMA actuator have been exploited and incorporated in micro and macro robotic devices, developed for medical and non‐medical applications. The speed of response of SMA actuator mostly depends upon its shape and size, addition and removal of heat and the bias force applied. All these factors have impact on the overall size of the robotic device and the degree of freedom (dof) obtained and hence, a comprehensive survey is made highlighting these aspects. Also described are the mechatronic aspects like the software and hardware used in an industrial environment for the control of such nonlinear actuator and the type of sensory feedback devices incorporated for obtaining better control, positioning accuracy and fast response.

Findings

SMA actuators find wide applications in various facets of robotic equipments. Selecting a suitable shape, fast heating and cooling method and better intelligent control technique with or without feedback devices could optimize its performance.

Research limitations/implications

The frequency of SMA actuation purely depends on the rate of heat energy added to and removed from the actuator, which in turn depends upon interrelated nonlinear parameters.

Practical implications

For increasing the dof of robots, number of actuators also have to be increased that leads to complex control problems.

Originality/value

Explains the suitability of SMA as actuators in smart robotic systems, possibility of miniaturisation. It also highlights the difficulties faced by the SMA research community.
Peddling policy: street vending in historical and contemporary contest
Authors: Morales Alfonso
Published: June 2007

Focuses on street vending in Chicago, in the USA, taking a historical perspective. Shows how it was used to alleviate unemployment in the volatile progressive era but then became mired in complaints about corruption and vice. Uses a case study of an entrepreneurial Mexican family and highlights the wisdom of earlier days by showing how street vending offers a series of choices that are different from the choices made by larger forms only in that they are more accessible to the poor.
Social policy and its application to students with learning disabilities in US institutes of higher education
Authors: Proctor Briley E.
Published: June 2007

Reviews the current social policy and its application as it relates to the education of students with learning disabilities attending US institutes of higher education. Attempts to differentiate between the legal rights and these students in primary and secondary settings versus those in higher education. Reviews the definition of learning disabilities and eligibility criteria in colleges and universities and gives an overview of common services provided to college studetns with learning disabilities. Summarizes the results of several follow‐up studies on students with learning disabilities who attend post‐secondary institutes.
Gender in the Australian higher education system
Authors: Ramsay Eleanor
Published: June 2007

States that the situation of women in higher education in Australia is remarkably better than in other Western countries such as the USA. Gives a statistical overview from enrolment figures up to the proportion of women in vice chancellor positions in Australian universities. Emphasizes the State research policy and the efforts of universities which has led to these results. Outlines some of the practices employed.
Explaining the pay disparity between women and men in similar jobs
Authors: Hessaramiri Hoda , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

States that the narrowing pay gap between genders reached a plateau in the 1990s. Describes the scope of the disparity before discussing possible explanations such as working hours, preferences, experience and tenure. Suggests how an organisation can identify and avoid pay disparity. Cites some case law examples. Concludes with recommendations for resolution including strengthening the Equal Pay Act and creating family‐friendly policies.
The role of gatekeepers in limiting HIV transmission
Authors: Bell David C. , Atkinson John S. , Mosier Victoria
Published: June 2007

Describes how HIV and AIDS are carried and spread, particularly for high‐risk groups, but adds that it is not only behavioural but also those behaviours in conjunction with others. Employs figures and tables for added explanation and emphasis. Chronicles some individual case studies showing different “risk” behaviours and types of “unsafe” practices. Makes clear that the use of varied types of education are of major importance in the fight against ignorance and nonchalance in the battle against AIDS.
Social capital and economic cooperation among Israeli emigrants
Authors: Gold Steven J.
Published: June 2007

Discusses the unequal allocation of social capital in society and makes the point that network membership is not at once available to all. Sees social capital as springing from small groups that work together, perhaps competing with others, to achieve common rewards, thereby pursuing locally shared benefits. Concludes that specific definitions of social capital are superior to others especially in examining the full array of social ties which migrants use in creating ethnic economies and communities.
Rockefeller philanthropy and the “Flexner Report” on medical education in the United States
Authors: Hewa Soma
Published: June 2007

Ponders on whether Abraham Flexner was responsible for the change in medical education in North America in the early 20th century, owing to his report of 1910. Tries to demonstrate that medical education in the USA was part of a greater whole of major changes at that time. Concludes, though there was a philanthropic influence, Flexner (who refused to accept credit for change) was not the father of the medical reform plan.
Humans and other animals: sociology’s moral and intellectual challenge
Authors: Nibert David
Published: June 2007

Sociology, narrowly defined and almost universally practiced as the study of human society, is limited in its benefits to human animals because it ignores how hegemonically crafted and unjust human social arrangements are intertwined with the oppressive treatment of other animals. This article promotes a wider definition of sociology and its practice, one that includes the lives and experiences of other species. The analysis uses a recrafted minority group theory that highlights the entangled oppression of humans and other animals. A historicalmaterialist reflection on relationships between humans and other animals demonstrates the efficacy of this more inclusive theory. Sociologists must become aware of and engage this wider approach to the study of society in order to understand how social arrangements create oppressive conditions for both humans and other animals and to increase the possibility for the discipline to have substantive impact on deteriorating societal and global conditions.
Lesbian subtext talk: experiences of the Internet chat
Authors: Hanmer Rosalind
Published: June 2007

This article’s principle aim is the investigation into the underdeveloped field of lesbian audience research. It theorises the relationship between the text of Xena Warrior Princess a television programme and a fanclub called Xenasubtexttalk that evolved on the Internet. The researcher has drawn on evidence from a case study and participant observation over a twelve month period, the gathering of postings from bulletin boards and continuing interviews lasting between one and two hours conducted over the Internet. This has revealed some of the practices and rituals of two self‐identified lesbians who participated in this fanclub. Informed by a postmodernist feminist framework several issues of methodology are discussed. The main theme in this study’s findings is that these fans have produced through the appropriation of this particular text, biographies that represent a “coming out narrative”.
Healthcare restructuring in Canada
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: June 2007

Expounds that in hospitals the organizational restructuring, downsizing and retrenchment currently being carried out in a complicated and demanding change which is unlikely to be carried out without some upset for the parties involved. Involves a five country study involving 43,000 nursing staff, who expressed varying amounts of dissatisfaction. Concludes the nursing profession is in crisis.
Animal sacrifice: a model of paternal exploitation
Authors: Luke Brian
Published: June 2007

The late Nancy Jay described a striking feature of animal sacrifice: in many different cultures it functions to establish paternity. This article develops a theoretical framework for understanding just what it is about animal sacrifice that makes it so cross‐culturally well‐suited for establishing paternity. The main premise of this framework is that sacrifice communicates menace – not so much towards the domesticated animals ritually killed, but primarily towards those subordinated humans (children in particular) who are similarly disempowered vis‐à‐vis the class of male sacrificers. By demonstrating their willingness and ability to kill, sacrificing men gain a material basis for claiming credit for human reproduction, namely, that children live only by virtue of the sacrificers’ decision to kill animals in their stead. This framework is explicated through reference to Old and New Testament discourses of sacrifice.