bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic approach to disaster management: lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Banipal Kulwinder
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aftermath of hurricane Katrina has reinforced the role of communication networks and information management in providing effective response to a large‐scale disaster. The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of communication networks and information systems during hurricane Katrina, list causes of failure and propose design for reliable and scalable networks.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed study of communication networks and information systems was undertaken in the Gulf Coast area.

Findings

Breakdown of backhaul circuits, flooding of PSTN and disruption of electricity contributed to failure of communication systems. Overall wireless voice and data networks had faster recovery time and performed better than the landline networks. Absence of inter‐agency information system contributed towards delayed response.

Practical implications

During the reconstruction activity in Gulf Coast and to prepare strategy for disasters in future, officials will need to refocus on the design of networks and information management systems so as to improve inter‐agency communication, speed up recovery efforts and limit loss in business value.

Originality/value

It is imperative that organizations involved in the disaster recovery process have all the information they need – quickly and accurately. Quick response to disaster has the potential to significantly reduce total loss. This paper proposes integrated disaster management strategies for coordinated response to disaster.
New NICE and public health
Authors: Kelly Michael P.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the public health guidance development activity of the new National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the origins of the public health guidance development work, the types of guidance in public health which NICE will produce, the methodological approach which will be used, the advisory body structure, the health economics which will inform judgements about cost‐effectiveness, the audiences for the guidance and the approach to health inequalities which will be taken.

Findings

The future recommendations which NICE will make in public health are signalled.

Originality/value

The paper provides a summary of the key processes which will be used in the production of public health guidance.
Church leaders' opinions about tobacco prevention
Authors: Reinert Bonita , Carver Vivien , Range Lillian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To assess what volunteers‐ and ministers of faith‐based organizations (FBO) think about their own expertise in delivering a tobacco prevention initiative, the impact of such an initiative on youth, their potential for burnout in doing so, and their interest in other health initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 149 volunteers and ministers attending a tobacco prevention workshop anonymously answered questions about its impact, and their own expertise, potential for burnout, and interest in other health initiatives.

Findings

Respondents strongly endorsed their personal expertise and the impact of tobacco prevention on youth. On burnout, ministers were significantly lower (an average answer of “don't know”) than teachers and others (an average answer of “disagree”); on other health initiatives, ministers were significantly more interested (an average answer of “strongly”) than teachers (an average answer of “moderately”). All were significantly more positive about offering other health initiatives if they had materials than if they had money.

Research limitations/implications

Most respondents were African‐American, a higher percentage of ministers were men than among those in other positions, and all respondents came from a church that applied for, and received, a tobacco‐prevention grant – points that limit generalizability.

Practical implications

Those responsible for health initiatives would be well advised to direct their resources into developing appropriate materials rather than into paying people to deliver the programs.

Originality/value

Although FBOs provide fertile ground for health initiatives such as tobacco prevention, ministers may be more susceptible to burnout than volunteers.
The application of household expenditure data in the development of anti‐smoking campaigns
Authors: de Meyrick Julian , Yusuf Farhat
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Despite widespread anti‐smoking campaigns, prevalence and the consequent damage to the community remains high and are therefore of concern to health educators. Several studies have identified a clear socio‐economic status gradient in smoking prevalence. One purpose of this paper is to re‐examine this gradient to assist in the more accurate targeting of anti‐smoking campaigns. Another purpose of this paper is to examine the financial cost of smoking from a household perspective and also to compare survey data with data compiled by other means to test whether smokers are accurately reporting their smoking behaviour. This can assist in the refining of anti‐smoking message strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a large‐scale survey of Australian households – the Household Expenditure Survey – was analysed and compared with data from other sources to examine demographic correlates and self‐reported estimates of smoking behaviour.

Findings

Approximately one third of households reported expenditure on tobacco. Expenditure is more prevalent among households with a female head and among lower status occupations. Young people are continuing to take up smoking. Smoking households appear to underestimate their expenditure on tobacco by more than 40 percent.

Research limitations/implications

Data are drawn from households, not individuals; therefore exact estimations of smoking prevalence and individual smoking behaviour are not possible.

Originality/value

The findings provide important guidance for health educators developing anti‐smoking campaigns. The findings provide assistance in the development of targeting and message strategy guidelines.
Improving the quality of school health evaluations
Authors: St Leger Lawrence
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To highlight the challenges and identify options to improve school health evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial draws on recent international and national meta‐evaluations and the experiences of the author.

Findings

A simple set of questions is needed for discussion between those commissioning evaluations and those conducting them to make school health evaluations more effective and relevant to stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper identifies important steps which need to be considered in undertaking evaluations of school health interventions.
Health promotion and complementary medicine: the extent and future of professional collaboration and integration
Authors: Hill Faith
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the professional interface between health promotion (HP) and complementary and alternative medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

A discussion paper, based on qualitative research involving in‐depth interviews with 52 participants from either side of the interface.

Findings

The current interface is predominantly limited to information exchange but there are innovative examples of partnership working on both sides. Key determinants of future collaboration include: the changing nature of both HP and complementary medicine; the place of science and biomedicine; the role of the individual; and perceptions of health, holism and spirituality. There is a perceived need for professional training and development in the area.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion presented is based on a small scale, qualitative study and further research is needed to explore the issues raised.

Practical implications

One‐third of the public in the UK now use complementary medicine and this paper explores ways in which HP may respond to this development.

Originality/value

The paper makes an important contribution to an area where there has so far been little professional debate.
Implementation and evaluation of the modified feeling great program for oncology children
Authors: Nadeane McCaffrey C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Designed to reduce anxiety and boost self‐concept, The Modified Feeling Great Program (MFGP) consisted of a series of mental training exercises used to improve the quality of life for 6‐17 year old children (N=20) with cancer. More specifically, the children were taught how to relax, look for highlights (good things that happen to them), and turn‐off negative thoughts that came into their heads. This paper aims to assess the program's effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre‐/post‐test design was used to determine the effectiveness of the MFGP. To participate, children had to be of school age and diagnosed with cancer during the past five years. Six questionnaires/scripts were administered to obtain pre and post information on the dependent variables: highlights, relaxation, stress control, heart rate imagery/excitement and heart rate imagery/relaxation, self concept, and anxiety. Heart rate monitors (DT1000, Polar, New York) measured the physiological effects of the MFGP relaxation component. The 37‐item Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) and Song and Hattie's 15‐item self‐concept scale were also used in this investigation to measure the dependent variables. All instruments had established validity and reliability.

Findings

An examination of pre‐ versus post‐test results showed that the MFGP program produced significant (0.05 level) reduction in (RCMAS) worry/over‐sensitivity, (RCMAS) social concerns/concentration, e.g. physical anxiety, highlights, exciting heart rate/imagery, and relaxation heart rate/imagery. Further statistical analysis revealed that the MFGP was equally effective for boys and girls.

Research limitations/implications

Six children were unable to do the mental training exercises on a regular basis due to ill health from chemotherapy treatments. There was no control group and sample size was small (N=20). A more robust research design should be used during future investigations.

Practical implications

To date, most of the treatment for children with cancer is concerned with the physical aspects of the problem, i.e. the use of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that greater attention needs to be given to psychological factors, e.g. anxiety, poor self‐concept and problematic interpersonal relations with parents, teachers and medical personnel. These results suggest that positive effects can be obtained by using the MFGP.

Originality/value

These results are useful for hospital personnel, parents, teachers, and other persons who provide services to children with cancer.
The impact of an educational intervention on breastfeeding
Authors: Costa Mônica M. , Diniz‐Santos Daniel R. , Santana José S. , Silva Luciana R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Given the importance of education‐based approaches in stimulating breastfeeding, the paper aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of discussing breastfeeding with school children..

Design/methodology/approach

Two workshops about breastfeeding and on the view of the human being as a mammal were carried out in schools in Brazil. Children were invited to express their views of breastfeeding based on what they had learned. Questionnaires were applied immediately before and 15 days after the workshops to assess the impact on children's knowledge.

Findings

There was on average a low level of knowledge about breastfeeding previous to the interventions. The interventions increased children's self‐perception as mammals, and managed to enhance their knowledge about several important issues regarding breastfeeding.

Research limitations/implications

There was a fairly small number of participants and a restricted age range. More studies with other age ranges are warranted.

Practical implications

Educative interventions on breastfeeding targeting young school children can have very positive results, suggesting that school could successfully include breastfeeding.

Originality/value

This is the first study to demonstrate the impact of this innovative approach on school children's awareness on breastfeeding and it demonstrates this pedagogic approach to be effective.
Teenage sexual health needs: asking the consumers
Authors: Lester Carolyn , Allan Alexandra
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In response to rising prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) among teenagers, this study was designed to examine teenage perceptions of sex education, access to services, and attitudes relevant to STI.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group study was conducted in three schools to discuss the sexual health needs of teenagers. Four single sex groups of 14‐15 year olds (two male and two female) comprising six to nine participants met for two one‐hour sessions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by two researchers.

Findings

Sex education was reported to vary considerably in quality and content both between and within schools. Participants felt that this was due to some teachers being embarrassed, resulting in didactic delivery and lack of discussion. Most participants had received very little information about STI, including how it could be avoided or what to do if infection was suspected. Many felt that it would be useful to have an organised visit to a sexual health/contraceptive clinic as part of the curriculum and that it would also be helpful if clinic staff contributed to their sex education.

Research limitations/implications

Teachers selected participants based on their maturity and willingness to take part, which may have resulted in failure to include those in greatest need of sexual health services.

Practical implications

Teenagers need more comprehensive sex education at an earlier age, delivered by individuals who are expert in the subject and comfortable in its delivery. Information alone is not enough but should be linked to accessible user‐friendly services for contraception and general sexual health.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on teenage sexual health needs in general and to the field of STI in particular.
What lies beyond the glass ceiling?
Authors: Ryan Michelle , Haslam Alex
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the glass ceiling, but does this metaphor fully describe the experiences of women today? Recent research being conducted at the University of Exeter has identified a further barrier that women must conquer in order to succeed.

Design/methodology/approach

Looks at “the glass ceiling” over a 20‐year period.

Findings

Extending the metaphor of the glass ceiling, we describe the phenomenon of the glass cliff whereby women are more likely to occupy risky or precarious leadership roles than are men.

Originality/value

Takes the glass ceiling into the twenty‐first century. Identifies current challenges facing women now they are in the workforce.
Geert Hofstede: challenges of cultural diversity
Authors: by Sarah Powell Interview
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article provides an interview with Geert Hofstede.

Design/methodology/approach

Geert Hofstede answers questions about the challenges of cultural diversity.

Findings

Geert Hofstede provides views and opinions on cultural diversity.

Originality/value

Provides an insightful interview with Geert Hofstede.
DoCoMo creates new knowledge
Authors: Beal Brian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article examines the role of knowledge management in the telecommunication industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a case study on the creation of entirely new digital services for delivery over mobile telephones to the Japanese consumer market by the DoCoMo company, following the formation of a new organization directed by top management.

Findings

Points out that, by producing organizational capabilities as networked strategic communities, one can integrate the core competence of each strategic community, build a new business model, and create new knowledge in the form of successful new product and service development.

Practical implications

Shows that community leaders serve an important function in creating networked strategic companies.

Originality/value

Provides a new, practical viewpoint regarding the knowledge management and leadership theory of corporate innovation.
Getting personal on the topic of leadership
Authors: Goffee Rob , Jones Gareth
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article describes how effective leaders become aware of what is different about them that makes them attractive to others, and learn to use these differences to their advantage in a leadership role.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents examples of the use of this technique, including Microsoft's Bill Gates, ICI's John Harvey‐Jones, Sony's Akio Morita, Kimberly‐Clark's Darwin E. Smith, and London mayor Ken Livingstone.

Findings

Shows that there is an almost endless list of differences that individuals might communicate, but the differences must be authentic to the individual as a leader, and must be significant, real and perceived.

Practical implications

Argues that, in all the examples, leaders are using personal differences that work for them appropriately in context. They convey the right message – and they are real. Ultimately, it is this sense of authentic self‐expression that makes them so convincing.

Originality/value

Demonstrates how John Harvey‐Jones built upon his entrepreneurial pizzazz, Bill Gates his technological “geekiness”, Darwin E. Smith his modesty, and Ken Livingstone's identification with Londoners.
An empirical study of information security policy on information security elevation in Taiwan
Authors: Hong Kwo‐Shing , Chi Yen‐Ping , Chao Louis R. , Tang Jih‐Hsing
Published: July 2006

Purpose

With the popularity of e‐commerce, information security is vital to most organizations. For managers, building and implementing an information security policy (ISP) has long been assumed to be an effective managerial measure to elevate an organization's security level. This paper attempts to investigate the dominant factors for an organization to build an ISP, and whether an ISP may elevate an organization's security level?

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was designed and the data were collected from 165 chief information officers in Taiwan.

Findings

The empirical results show that some organizational characteristics (business type and MIS/IS department size) might be good predictors for the ISP adoption and that the functions, contents, implementation and procedures of an ISP may significantly contribute to managers' perceived elevation of information security.

Practical implications

Building or adopting an ISP is examined empirically to be an effective managerial measure to elevate its security level in Taiwan, and that the building of an information security should focus on the comprehensiveness of its contents, procedures and implementation items, rather than on the documents only.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies have been conducted so far to examine the effectiveness of an ISP, thus the value of this paper is high.
Home page usability and credibility
Authors: Brown William , Rahman Mezbahur , Hacker Travis
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the research was to compare web site designs used by the fastest growing companies in the USA to the largest companies in the USA and to benchmark those designs against best practices as defined by a leading consultant in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach surveyed the web site designs by each group of companies against a set of best practices and developed summary data about the observations.

Findings

The largest companies in the USA used designs that are more consistent with the best practices as defined by a leading consultant in the industry.

Research limitations/implications

The fastest growing companies did not use best practices in their web site design and still maintained very rapid growth as evidenced by their national rankings. A poorly executed design was less of a detractor to the company's success than anticipated. Web site design may have a role (positive or negative) in the company's growth rate but further research is required to understand the scope and nature of the role.

Practical implications

The reason why a company maintains a rapid growth rate may be dependent on numerous factors and as such, a comprehensive evaluation of why a company sustains a rapid growth rate should be undertaken. The role of the web site in the company's success should be evaluated in more depth.

Originality/value

This paper has value for web site designers, entrepreneurs, IT management, IT consultants, and large company personnel involved with web site design.
The role of curriculum in organizational significant change planning
Authors: Chrusciel Don
Published: July 2006

Purpose

With significant change as an ongoing challenge, the development and use of a flexible change curriculum is identified as a success factor that will allow an organization to optimize the outcome from change transformations.

Design/methodology/approach

After discussing significant change, this paper will contrast two organizations in support of a flexible curriculum taking into account multiple theories addressing change, learning, planning, utilization of a curriculum, and assessment, all to enhance the change transformation experience.

Findings

The research, investigation, introduction, implementation and refinement of the action plan play a very important role in how the enterprise accommodates change. It is further suggested that at the heart of any action plan is a flexible curriculum by which the organization can use a formulated educational plan to adjust its current mode of operation to incorporate an ongoing change philosophy.

Research limitations/implications

The intent is to identify benefits in using a curriculum to aid significant change transformations where logic and reality can justify its use.

Practical implications

It is postulated that a well‐developed yet flexible curriculum with assessment to track the impact of changes throughout the process will serve to enhance the flexibility of the enterprise and its ability to deal with change. The curriculum serves as the means that provides the organizational membership with identified learning and instruction to mix corporate culture with change urgency.

Originality/value

Taking into account change and learning theories, an action plan in the form of a flexible curriculum with assessment is recommended to optimize significant change transformations.
KM critical success factors
Authors: Choy Chong Siong
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research examines the level of perception and implementation of 11 identified knowledge management (KM) success factors and their differences among the information and communication technology (ICT) companies operating in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data was obtained from a study of 427 middle managers from 194 ICT companies using a set of structured questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to confirm that the 11 KM variables are valid and are in conformity to the literature review. Pairedt‐test was then used to identify the differences between the KM factors perceived as important and the implementation of those factors.

Findings

The results show that all the 11 factors are perceived as important for successful KM implementation, but there are significant differences between all the factors perceived as important and the level of implementation of those factors.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should include a bigger sample size and from various industries so as to ensure that the results can be generalised. It is also important that the success factors presented can be correlated with organisational performance. Since the study examines the level of implementation of KM factors, a longitudinal study is necessary.

Practical implications

Such significant findings reinforce the findings of previous researchers on the importance of the various KM success factors proposed. In addition, it provides information on the current level of KM implementation in these companies in Malaysia. Based on the differences between the two, strategies are recommended on how the Malaysian ICT companies can improve their KM practices and thus narrow the gap between the two.

Originality/value

This paper has implications on the Malaysian ICT companies in formulating strategies on how to deploy a full swing KM programme as a strategic weapon for their business success.
Towards a framework for organizational learning
Authors: Small Adrian , Irvine Paul
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Many tools exist to chart the progress of an organisation in its quest to become a learning organization or achieve organizational learning. Aims to expand a tool already developed to include learning organization conditions as they occur through dialogue between individuals within an organisation with an emphasis on social learning theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature relating to creating learning organizations as well as undertaking organizational learning is reviewed and critiqued. An argument for a tool in identifying learning activity functions as they take place through dialogue is presented along with the argument for expanding the tool to incorporate learning organization conditions that have been identified within the literature. The tool this work expands is the DISCOUNT scheme as developed by Pilkington. The paper closes with a discussion on justifying the use of the scheme and the future work that is to be undertaken.

Findings

Demonstrates that a tool can be expanded to take into account learning organization and organizational learning conditions and how they could be identified.

Research limitations/implications

Individuals who use the tool need a number of hours practice to become familiar with the scheme and its structure.

Practical implications

A tool has been expanded to look at learning activities as they take place within an organisation. By identifying these activities, more successful approaches to learning may be encouraged by looking at an individual's behaviour, personal and cognitive factors and the environment as is stated to apply when viewed through social learning theory.

Originality/value

This paper offers a practical tool that can be used on dialogue and other speech acts to look at learning activities within organizations with a specific focus on organizations wanting to improve organizational learning or try to create learning organizations.
Operationalizing the concept of value – an action research‐based model
Authors: Näslund Dag , Olsson Annika , Karlsson Sture
Published: July 2006

Purpose

While the importance of measuring customer satisfaction levels is well established, less research exists on how organizations operationalize such knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to describe an action research (AR) case study resulting in a workshop model to operationalize the concept of value. The model facilitates organizational learning and mindset changes in order to remove both cultural and structural barriers to change.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on AR in three case organizations. The research, over four years in the primary case organization, included phases of planning, action (implementing), observing (evaluating), and analysis and reflection as a basis for new planning and action. By using secondary case organizations the results and methods from the primary case organization were validated and further developed.

Findings

The model includes methods to help organizations understand and define what customer value is for any given specific organization, tools to change the employee outlook from a functional/feature oriented mindset into a process/values oriented mindset, and tools to help organizations design and manage the value‐adding core processes. The results after implementation clearly indicate that cutting costs and eliminating waste does not necessarily mean that the processes will be less effective. On the contrary, customers are significantly more satisfied than before while the processes cost less and take less time. Furthermore, throughout the project, the employee satisfaction index improved.

Originality/value

The model presented expands the steps of understanding, creating and delivering value by changing internal processes and employee mindsets.
Quantitative assessment of a Senge learning organization intervention
Authors: Kiedrowski P. Jay
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To quantitatively assess a Senge learning organization (LO) intervention to determine if it would result in improved employee satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A Senge LO intervention in Division 123 of Company ABC was undertaken in 2000. Three employee surveys using likert‐scale questions over five years and correlation analysis were used to compare the impacts in the division, and with the company.

Findings

Employees in Division 123 accepted Senge's concepts more and had improved employee job satisfaction over those five years demonstrated by statistically significant gain scores and positive correlation results. However, the division's gain scores were not statistically better than the bank, and correlation analysis did not show a positive relationship between the intervention and job satisfaction compared to no intervention.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited by the survey questions used by the bank, by the difficult conditions in Division 123, and by the implementation approach. Additional research is needed to quantitatively assess another organization undergoing a Senge LO intervention.

Practical implications

Aspects of a Senge LO intervention such as team learning, systems thinking, and shared vision were valuable as part of a change effort in an organization. Senge's disciplines appeared insufficient as a total change methodology.

Originality/value

This research meets the need for comprehensive empirical testing of Senge's disciplines which has been lacking here‐to‐fore. It also helps leaders better understand, from a leader's perspective, the tools to use in creating a learning organization.
IT sophistication, performance and progress towards formal electronic communication in the Hong Kong construction industry
Authors: Rowlinson Steve , Croker Norman
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The adoption of computer technology by the construction industry has been driven by the competitive advantages offered by the available technology. The continuing evolution of information technology (IT) in the construction industry has led to widespread e‐mail use for informal project communications but, as yet, only limited use of IT for formal communications. This study aims to address this issue

Design/methodology/approach

An industry survey was conducted to assess the improvement towards IT literacy and increased competitiveness through the use of IT in Hong Kong, by comparison with previous surveys in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong.

Findings

The research found that the Hong Kong construction industry's IT technical maturity and technical infrastructure are well advanced and remain at about the same level as Australia and the UK. Construction professionals commonly perceived benefits in migration to formal electronic communications.

Originality/value

The perceived obstacles to the industry's adoption of formal IT‐based communications were found to be additional cost and security/confidentiality concerns, but there are underlying obstacles in the industry's structure and lack of incentive (and budget) at project level.
Construction craft skills requirements in sub‐Saharan Africa: a focus on Zambia
Authors: Muya Mundia , Price Andrew D.F. , Edum‐Fotwe Francis T.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

As the development agenda for sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA) gains momentum, it has become necessary to refocus attention on effective and sustainable human resource development strategies for the construction sector in the region that include craft skills. Aims to provide insight into the availability and quality of construction craft skills in Zambia, and the SSA region in general.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Zambia as a country case study, results of a survey that was designed to assess the construction industry's perceptions of the quality and availability of construction craft skills in Zambia are presented. The surveyed contractors' support for the introduction of a sector‐specific training levy in Zambia was also investigated and is reported.

Findings

Findings point to both poor quality and shortage of construction craft skills in Zambia. Results suggest that construction sector‐specific training levy would be the most viable, sustainable and industry‐wide supported option for supplementing government funding in the training of construction craft skills in Zambia, and probably in the SSA region.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was exploratory in nature and depth, and SSA is a vast and diverse region. The results of the case study may not correctly reflect construction skills exigencies across the whole SSA region.

Originality/value

The results provide information and advice for both policy makers and contractors concerned with construction crafts skills issues in Zambia, and SSA in general.
Project management quality and the value of flexible strategies
Authors: Ford David N. , Bhargav Shilpa
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Construction strategies for competitive bidding and operations are used to avoid the consequences of poor schedule performance such as delay penalties. Flexible strategies in the form of options can increase project value if uncertain conditions cannot be adequately forecast before operations begin. However, project management purposefully manipulates the project performance that drives the use of options and thereby the value added by options. Therefore project management quality may influence option values. Seeks to address this question.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigates the interaction of project management and option value by operationalizing a common use of real options in construction and valuing the option with different levels of project management quality. A simple but realistic dynamic simulation model of a project is described and exercised to reveal some impacts of project management on option value.

Findings

The results support a hypothesis that increased project management quality decreases option value and that real options in managing construction projects can be explained with real options theory. The model structure suggests causal explanations that are consistent with real options theory.

Originality/value

The results suggest that practising managers can significantly increase project value by structuring managerial flexibility and thereby improving their evaluation, development, and use of flexibility. However, ignoring the multiple means of managing uncertainty that are often available can distort valuation. Results also suggest that researchers of strategic flexibility in projects should consider multiple forms of uncertainty in modeling options. Increasing the number of available options or the effectiveness of options in a multiple‐option environment can decrease individual option values.
Innovations in new product development at Universal Pipe and Fittings
Authors: Swan Hobart , Pitta Dennis
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To describe an innovative practice that has implication for new product developers.

Design/methodology/approach

The case describes an approach to building creativity used in an actual company. The name of the organization has been changed at its request. Interviews with company representatives, organizational concept papers and publicly available data were used to write the case study.

Findings

Provides information and action approaches to new product developers that may increase the success and accuracy of resulting new products. The subject company applied the mind mapping technique, previously used in project management, to new product development. Their results offer encouraging implications for new product development teams.

Research limitations/implications

As in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.

Practical implications

The case depicts an innovative application of the mind mapping technique to the new product development process. Other organizations may find the technique of value in their own efforts.

Originality/value

The case is the first to describe a successful application of the mind mapping technique to the new product development process. It offers the potential of improving the success of new products in the marketplace, increasing company success.
Does the tail wag the dog? Brand personality in brand alliance evaluation
Authors: James David O. , Lyman Madge , Foreman Susan K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to identify and test some strategic elements that consumers use when evaluating brand alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores branding elements previously identified in the literature as being important to understanding brand extensions, and seeks to identify whether these elements apply to brand alliances. Consumer reactions to, and their beliefs and attitudes about, various fictitious brand alliances are explored.

Findings

Managers should focus on finding a similarity between brand alliance partners, not only in concrete dimensions but also in areas such as brand personality. Where brands do fit together, the likelihood of consumers purchasing the new product is improved

Originality/value

When looking for brand alliance partners, there are strong consumer‐based brand equity issues that need to be considered. This study shows that there are other ways to measure these variables, and because of their impact on consumers' decisions, they should be investigated along with financial factors when considering an alliance.
The new product development process: let the voice of the salesperson be heard
Authors: Judson Kimberly , Schoenbachler Denise D. , Gordon Geoffrey L. , Ridnour Rick E. , Weilbaker Dan C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide an empirical examination of the role of the salesperson in the new product/service development process.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was mailed to 2,650 sales managers representing US firms across the nation, and the resulting sample size consisted of 246 respondents with a response rate of 9.3 percent. The survey sample included firms with a business‐to‐business emphasis, and those with a minimum of 50 employees.

Findings

The majority of the respondents reported that salespeople are indirectly or directly involved in the new product/service development process. In spite of this contribution, many firms do not directly reward salespeople for their involvement. Offering appropriate incentives could greatly increase their efforts to collect information for new product/service idea generation.

Research limitations/implications

Suggested future research includes the perspectives of salespeople, new product development directors, etc. In addition, the study was strictly domestic and could benefit from an international focus, as well as a comparison of products versus services sectors.

Practical implications

The findings from this study can be used by managers as a benchmark for assessing sales force participation in the new product/service development, and to identify ways to encourage increased participation by the sales force with incentives.

Originality/value

Little formalized research has been conducted on the specific role that salespeople play in the new product/service development process. The findings from this study may provide strategic guidance to organizations with respect to the role of salespeople in the critical new product/service development process.
How are prices set? An exploratory investigation in the Greek services sector
Authors: Avlonitis George , Indounas Kostis
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to explore the pricing methods that service companies adopt in order to set their prices, along with the service, organizational and environmental characteristics that influence these methods.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objectives, data were collected through personal interviews in 170 companies operating in six different services sectors in Greece.

Findings

The study concluded that the two most popular pricing methods are the traditional “cost‐plus” method and “pricing according to the market's average prices”, while all the other methods (including customer‐based methods) are adopted by a small number of companies in the sample. Similarly, “service cost” along with “competitors' prices” were found to be the two most important characteristics that are taken into consideration when setting prices.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the importance attached to cost and competitive issues when setting prices, pricing decisions need to be treated from a more “holistic” approach, where apart from cost and competition, emphasis will also be placed on other company and environmentally related characteristics, including customers. The significance of these findings notwithstanding, the context of the study is a caveat, since it limits the ability to generalize the results to other countries.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper lies in the fact that it presents the first attempt to examine empirically the potential impact of these characteristics on the pricing methods used.
Demand restrictions in price‐based decisions: managers versus consumers
Authors: María Rosa Díaz Isabel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of qualitative demand factors in companies' pricing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out, interviewing price managers in a selection of 74 companies from Andalusia (Spain).

Findings

It has been observed that qualitative aspects play a secondary role in pricing decisions. There are two main reasons: quantitative information is easier to obtain, use and interpret than qualitative information; and most companies, and in particular smaller ones, have no budget available for qualitative market studies.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical research is based on a sample of companies in the food sector. This opens several lines of future research: to diversify the areas of activity participating in the study; to include other company characteristics in the analysis; and to design operative methods for incorporating qualitative demand factors into pricing decisions.

Originality/value

The relevance of this study lies in the strong influence that can be exerted over consumers' purchasing decisions by qualitative aspects of demand.
Synchronous web‐based communication using text as a means of enhancing discussion among school students
Authors: Fullick Patrick L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the use of asynchronous and synchronous text‐based communication using the internet as a means of promoting discussion among a knowledge‐building community of school students carrying out a science investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Activity theory is used to bring together the various theories associated with the study, both those framing the context and those concerned with data analysis. Logfiles from both asynchronous and synchronous discussion forums were analysed to identify critical incidents – sequences of interactions between students indicating significant discussions concerned with knowledge‐building – which were then the subject of critical incident recall through group interviews with the students involved. This method of data analysis allows the subjects of the research to engage in the construction of meaning, giving access to aspects of the discussions that are otherwise not available from the transcripts of online discussions.

Findings

Although it was not expected that synchronous interactions would yield significantly rich interactions between students, logfile analysis shows this is not the case. Critical incidents from synchronous interactions can lead to a large amount of information about the social processes of knowledge‐construction.

Practical implications

The significance of synchronous text‐based interactions in this study suggests that an appropriate pedagogy may prove valuable for teachers employing this strategy, providing a way to reveal students' tacit understandings as they engage in knowledge construction.

Originality/value

There is little comparable work involving school students undertaking knowledge‐building in a synchronous, text‐based environment.
Successful e‐courses: the role of synchronous communication and e‐moderation via chat
Authors: Hlapanis Giorgos , Kordaki Maria , Dimitrakopoulou Angelique
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study investigates: what kind of e‐moderation is more effective in the formation of successful web‐based courses, and the essential characteristics of synchronous communication (SC) that have a positive contribution in the formation of successful courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The previously mentioned issues investigated a five‐month learning experiment that took place in the context of an e‐learning community consisting of 18 e‐courses dedicated for primary and secondary school teachers. About 59 school teachers participated in this community as trainees, 23 professionals as trainers and two professionals as moderators. In terms of methodology this research can be characterized as a case study. Various data (quantitative and qualitative) were collected from both trainers and trainees regarding the teaching and learning which took place within the context of e‐learning community. These data were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed.

Findings

The analysis of the data shows that: the role of SC is crucial for the formation of successful e‐courses. Four categories of language used that constitute effective SC via chat, applied by an e‐moderator, were identified: social, encouragement, learning and negotiation.

Originality/value

This study contributes in the understanding: that SC is crucial in the formation of successful e‐learning courses, and which are the essential characteristics of SC in order to moderate effectively electronically supported courses.
Applying synchronous computer‐mediated communication into course design
Authors: Olaniran Bolanle A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The increased pressure to incorporate communication technologies into learning environments has intensified the attention given to the role of computer‐mediated communication (CMC) in academic settings. However, the issue of how and why these technologies, especially synchronous CMC applications, has been given less attention in pedagogical literature. This paper aims to address this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides issues for consideration in the deployment of synchronous CMC in educational settings.

Findings

Shows that there are differences in asynchronous and synchronous CMC with related issues of productivity of student learning and control.

Originality/value

This paper outlines advantages and disadvantages of using synchronous CMC in education while offering practical guides.