bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The integrative structure of employee commitment
Authors: Hoon Song Ji , Min Kim Hong
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This research primarily aims to explore the influences of the individuals' perceptional characteristics and cultural aspects of the learning organization on organizational commitment in Korean organizational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of examining the integrative determinants of performance improvement, designed as a research framework, which conceptually shows the relations among the environmental variable – supportive learning culture, individuals' characteristics – interpersonal trust, collectivistic tendency and motivation to collaborate, and organizational commitment. The samples were collected from Korean profit organizations. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the construct validity of the hypothesized measures, and structural equation modeling was adapted to examine the sequential effects among the variables.

Findings

The results suggest that interpersonal trust and collectivistic tendency have significant impacts on the employees' motivation to collaborate; in turn, through the organizational supportive learning culture, they have positively significant impacts on the employees' organizational commitment. Furthermore, supportive learning culture plays a mediating role to enhance the effect of the individuals' perceptional variables to organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

In order to more accurately measure human behavioral, longitudinally quantitative and in‐depth qualitative approaches are recommended for future research. The conceptual research framework was developed based on theoretical assumptions. Therefore alternative frameworks possibly could be considered.

Originality/value

The research presents evidence that the learning culture could lead to management‐related beyond simply learning‐related outcomes. In this regard, the supportive learning organization culture could be assumed as the overall aspect of organizational culture promoting positive non‐learning outcomes in the workplace.
An integrated localization system for robots in underground environments
Authors: Xiong Caihua , Han Donggui , Xiong Youlun
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design an integrated localization system for mobile robots in underground environments for exploring and rescuing tasks after incidents and detection of hazard gas in tunnels before ingress.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated localization system mainly based on a strap‐down inertial measurement unit and a digital compass is designed for exploring and rescuing task in coal mines and tunnels. After a system model was founded, a filtering algorithm combining a wavelet‐based pre‐filter with unscented Kalman filters was developed for reckoning tracks of robots and localizing it.

Findings

Based on this research, an integrated localization system for robots in underground environments can be developed to explore some regions and rescue people. Although errors of localization exist, performance of the integrated system should be improved if some sensors and landmarks or maps of tunnels are introduced.

Originality/value

What is proposed in this paper is an integrated localization system used in underground environments. In this research, property of environments has been taken into account as an important disturbance when filtering thresholds were set.
Design and fabrication of magnetic couplings in vacuum robots
Authors: Liu Pinkuan , Wang Yulin , Wu Jun
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the design and fabrication of magnetic couplings to use for vacuum robots. The permanent magnetic coupling (PMC) is appropriate for torque transmission in ultrahigh vacuum and highly clean environments. However, conventional structures of PMC are always unsuitable to use for vacuum robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Two types of design scheme for radial magnetic couplings are introduced and compared. The major characteristic of the novel design scheme is that the inner part uses a nonmagnetic mantle to enclose the magnets and yoke, and the outer part uses two end closures to position magnets. The locating groove on the end closure may be manufactured as T‐shape or dovetail shape.

Findings

The 3D finite element analysis simulation results and experimental studies have demonstrated that the proposed Design B had a lower contamination rate and a higher transmission efficiency than the Design A.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the research to date is that issues of control, path‐planning, and communication have not yet been addressed.

Practical implications

The proposed PMC is successfully applied in vacuum robots which uses combined direct drive techniques and magnetic transmit techniques.

Originality/value

These results suggest that the proposed PMC is suitable for using in vacuum robots.
Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for camera calibration
Authors: Zhu LiMin , Luo HongGen , Zhang Xu
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a unified approach to uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for camera calibration.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the fact that camera calibration is a problem of parameter estimation and the parameters of interest are given by the optimal solution of a least‐squares problem.

Findings

A system of linear equations relating the errors of the extracted feature points to the errors of the estimated parameters is derived, and the expression of the covariance matrix of the estimated parameters is given. Also, a system of linear equations characterizing the influence of the uncalibrated parameters on the calibrated ones is presented. Simulation results show that the camera's position and orientation are less sensitive to the lens distortion than the offset of the image center.

Research limitations/implications

The models developed can be applied to optimize the layout of the calibration marks and design multiple‐stage calibration algorithm. The rationale can also find applications in image registration and robot calibration.

Originality/value

A generic approach is proposed to perform uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for camera calibration. By using the optimality condition for an unconstrained optimization problem, two mathematical models are developed in a unified framework.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the equity preference questionnaire
Authors: Miller Brian K.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the factor structure of the equity preference questionnaire (EPQ).

Design/methodology/approach

Individual level data are collected from two samples (n1=382,n2=455) and subjected to confirmatory factor analysis of ana prioritwo‐factor structure for equity sensitivity. Sample two is randomly split and one half subjected to structural equation modeling.

Findings

Superior fit in both samples is found for a two‐factor structure compared to a one‐factor structure. Additionally, in sample two empathy, positive affectivity, and feminine gender role identity related differentially to the factors of entitlement and benevolence.

Research limitations/implications

Samples are comprise of college students. However, the average level of full‐time work experience (sample one 45.6 percent > 1 year, sample two mean 23.57 months) is large and the racial groups in sample two are diverse (76 percent non‐white). Additionally, the data are collected cross‐sectionally so causality cannot be inferred.

Practical implications

Entitlement and benevolence seem to be two different components of equity sensitivity. Thus, people can be high or low on one or both by choosing different comparison others in different situations.

Originality/value

Previous research has not used a confirmatory framework to analyze the EPQ, but rather it focuse on the relationship between scores on the EPQ and other variables or used exploratory factor analysis.
Using design thinking to improve patient experiences in Japanese hospitals: a case study
Authors: Uehira Taisuke , Kay Carl
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The paper seeks to use a case study to describe work by a Japanese qualitative research specialist with leading office furniture manufacturer to spur innovation in product development and sales strategy in a newly targeted hospital furniture market. It aims to show how qualitative research can allow product development and sales teams to accelerate learning and pace of innovation by providing a window on needs in new market segments from a customer's point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐phase study included phase one interviews with experts in and from outside the hospital field, which were analyzed at a workshop with the client choosing the research theme and identifying key topics. Phase two involved user observation at hospital lobbies and non‐hospital settings, plus in‐depth interviews with patients and hospital staff. Three patient experience styles were identified and personas created for each type. Personas and further analysis facilitated creating criteria for interaction, emotional and functional design. Detailed functional design criteria were used to generate five service ideas and 11 product ideas leading to creation of prototype product.

Findings

The study finds that lobby is key factor in shaping overall patient experience. Waiting and navigation are negative patient experiences that not adequately addressed. As frequency of hospital visits increase, patients move from anxiety to irritation to boredom. Severity of illness and patient activity level affect patient desire for engagement with surroundings while waiting. Kiosk displaying map and waiting time meet the urgent needs of anxious patients and support others. Modular design elements updated seasonally vary the physical environment of the hospital and provide context for periodic contacts by sales staff with client hospitals.

Originality/value

This study highlights the reality that ample opportunities exist for successful user‐centered innovations in Japanese healthcare. This study offers insights into patient waiting experience at hospitals and offers a methodology for user‐centered research in healthcare setting.
Innovating health care delivery: the design of health services
Authors: Duncan Alan K. , Breslin Margaret A.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The structure of health care financing, the lack of vertical and horizontal integration, and the slow translation of basic research into meaningful health outcomes for the population conspire to make innovation in health service delivery a difficult task. However, health service organizations that can more effectively and systematically understand patient needs – needs that are now poorly understood and often unarticulated – have an intrinsic advantage in delivering high value care. This ‐paper aims to describe a program for translating those needs into health services innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The Mayo Clinic, a large integrated multispecialty medical group based in Rochester, Minnesota developed an in‐house design program, the SPARC Innovation Program, to bring design thinking and business analysis together to develop innovations in care delivery. A project example is described to illustrate how designers, business strategists, health care professionals, and patients create new high‐value health care experiences.

Findings

The paper finds that health service organizations need to pay more attention to the patient experience if they are to meet patient needs. The design program described here is one approach that organizations can take if they are serious about deeply understanding patient needs and developing innovations to address them.

Originality/value

While the discipline of design is the core of innovation in many industries, it is not widely known or practiced in health service organizations despite a natural affinity between design and medicine. Understanding and employing the power of design in health services will allow medical institutions to develop more effective health services, enhance patient satisfaction, and meet important human needs.
Pirate this: breakthrough mindsets from the web
Authors: Schauer Brandon
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The recent mix of economic constraints and new capabilities has encouraged web‐based businesses to explore creative new strategies and unusual innovation processes. After years of refining these practices online, a potent set of approaches are surfacing that could transform businesses beyond the web. This paper aims to extract the new business models and practices that might be transferred into other industries to create more agile organizations and engaging customer experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper extracts new and powerful business practices related to design and development, service management, and research and development (R&D) from a series of web‐based case studies. The practices are packaged as four “mindsets,” or new orientations towards customers and services.

Findings

Four new mindsets have propelled the selected cases of web‐based business to success: designing and delivering a service, not a product; delivering more value by doing less; creating a service that naturally improves with use; and enlisting customers in R&D. The practices related to these four mindsets reveal interesting characteristics about innovation: innovation does not arise from sudden “Eureka!” moments, but rather requires continuous pursuit; innovation can be about focus rather than boundless exploration; and relinquishing control to customers can remove friction from the processes of commercializing innovations.

Originality/value

The particular catalog of case studies and new business practices are original to this paper. The set of examples and practices was selected for its potential to invigorate and transform a business. Specifically, this paper presents these practices of successful web‐based businesses in a framework that can be extrapolated to apply to non‐web‐based businesses.
Beyond good: great innovations through design
Authors: Sato Steve
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that high quality innovations benefit both companies and customers. Most businesses have formal systems to ensure benefit to company, and weaker, informal systems to retain or add value to customers. This paper aims to provide a way to formally apply heuristics designers use (“design thinking”) to maintain a line‐of‐sight to company and customer needs in all decisions from concept through production. This approach should result in offerings that are compelling to customers and are profitable to companies.

Design/method/approach

The paper has developed a concept to maximize the contribution of relatively few people in organizations with design thinking heuristics expertise. The concept was developed within Hewlett Packard (HP), and by studying the roles of customer experience, marketing and design organization in other companies. The approach has been validated through establishing new roles on pilot projects and is the basis for architecting the design practice at HP.

Findings

Although similar methods may be employed, insights from design research differ from findings yielded from market research. Design research is optimized for designing offerings and market research is often optimized for marketing a product. Design research is the basis on which design thinking works. The role for design planning and applied design (both rely on design thinking) varies, depending on the type of innovation that best suits a business' strategy.

Originality/value

The quality of innovations can be improved by leveraging the design thinking heuristics from designers, and first applying the design thinking to solving business issues and frame opportunities, then to inform decision‐making related to the ensuing offerings via applied design.
A process for practicing design innovation
Authors: Kumar Vijay
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Companies are increasingly adopting design processes as a key driver for their innovation practice. Design processes help companies develop innovations that produce high user value as well as economic value and business value. The purpose of this paper is to describe how design processes can be effectively used in innovation projects through a good understanding design principles, tools, and frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

The frameworks in this paper are based on our direct experience with several innovation projects within leading companies. The processes adopted by many other companies and innovation projects, both academic and professional from around the world, were also studied as drawn from various sources. The goal was to uncover insights about the types of processes adopted by successful innovators.

Findings

These analyses reveal that there is a new focus on “design innovation” that produces offerings with a better fit with users and results in higher rates of adoption. It is found that these design processes are transforming the innovation practice of companies. The paper has identified four key principles that innovators use to ensure the success of their innovation practice. Further, it has developed a generic design process model that can be used as a guide for innovation projects, and identified a set of specific tools and frameworks that support the various stages of this generic process.

Originality/value

As design innovation processes are increasingly becoming a core part of the innovation practice in companies, there is a growing need to understand how companies can gain competence in this area. The generic design process model discussed in this paper, and a good understanding of the associated tools and frameworks, is a valuable resource for successful innovation practice.
Obstacles to children developing as mature persons
Authors: O'Boyle Edward J.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on obstacles to the development of children into mature, responsible persons whether those children are classified as poor or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper concentrates on four obstacles: home, health, school, and neighborhood.

Findings

Regarding home‐based obstacles, parents with incomes above the poverty line stated that 10.4 million of their children require more time than they anticipated, and 1.3 million children make them angry. As to health obstacles, with few exceptions, American children are generally in good health. Specifically, the general health status of more than 95 percent of all children is reported as excellent, very good, or good. With respect to school‐based obstacles, there are 1.8 to 2.5 million school‐age children who do not like school, are not interested in school, or do not work hard in school. Nonpoor children outnumber poor children by 4:1. Finally, regarding the neighborhoods in which they live, 33.9 million of all children under age 18 agree that there are neighboring people who might be a bad influence and 15 million who agree that children are kept indoors to protect their personal safety. As many as 10.3 million disagree that neighbors help neighbors, people watch other children, there are people one can count on, adults who would help, or safe places to play.

Originality/value

This analysis is based on the dual proposition that in the USA there are large numbers of children – millions in some instances – whose development is not assured and their numbers include many children in families with incomes above the poverty threshold. The data refer to all American children under age 18 and derive entirely from Census Bureau surveys published in 2004 to 2007.
Analysis of the economic differences between capitalist and labour‐owned enterprises
Authors: Fernández Guadaño Josefina
Published: May 2009

Purpose

In recent years, an increasing interest in the participative practices of the workpeople in their companies has taken place in the European Union. Taking advantage of this situation, the purpose of this paper is to show additional evidence of the benefits from companies with majority worker's capital participation as opposed to firms that do not follow this approach. Bearing in mind, also, that Spain is the only European country with the juridical form of financial majority participation of the workpeople, in order to recommend it in the European context according to the reached results.

Design/methodology/approach

To study whether or not there are differences in the two types of companies, a logistic regression model is used.

Findings

In this study, results indicate that business profitability (return on assets), productivity and equity capital coefficient are not significant variables for the purpose of determining the distinguishing features of labour‐owned firm (LOF) as against capitalist firm. The only variable of those originally included which has turned out to be significant is the financial profitability (return on equity).

Practical implications

Initial proposal: specific European law governing investment capital of employees.

Originality/value

The study will be useful to show the characteristics of Spanish LOFs (operating under their own legal structure) and their benefits.
The pace of poverty reduction across the globe: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Kalirajan Kaliappa , Singh Kanhaiya
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This is an account‐taking paper on the status of global poverty and its reduction. The purpose of this paper is to examine why some countries reduce poverty more quickly than others.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on the population living below $1 a day during 2000 and 2002 reported in the World Development Indicators (WDI) 2004 have been used to identify the status and determinants of poverty across countries. Next, using the national data on poverty level with respect to countries having a $1 poverty level of more than 3 percent as reported in WDI‐2004, the rate of change in the poverty level was calculated. In both cases, the explained and the explanatory variables used in the multiple regression frameworks were selected based on theory and other empirical findings.

Findings

The results indicate that countries with sustainable agricultural growth, foreign capital flows, and better infrastructure tend to achieve a faster reduction in poverty. Research limitations/implications – In a cross‐country empirical analysis, it is difficult to obtain consistent and uniform infrastructure indices. The proxies used in this paper could be improved.

Practical implications

The practical implications of policy formulations are to strengthen economic activities such as labour‐intensive export promotion, emphasis on agriculture productivity, improved communication and infrastructure, besides effectively implementing policy initiatives such as population control, reduced dependency on aids and reducing malnutrition to achieve a lower incidence of health expenditure.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the common economic characteristics that prevail across the countries with extreme poverty by developing a statistically consistent model from a pool of explanatory variables selected from earlier cross‐country poverty studies.
Changing perspectives on distribution policy
Authors: Weigand Robert A. , Kent Baker H.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the literature on the changing perspectives of corporate distribution policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes and interprets the theoretical, empirical and survey‐based research on corporate payout policy.

Findings

Dividends once constituted a prominent part of an investor's total return, but this role has declined over time. Although many companies still pay cash dividends, share repurchases have risen dramatically and are now a significant component of payout.

Research limitations/implications

New theories and perspectives on corporate distribution are likely to be introduced; while this paper represents an up‐to‐date view on the topic, it is not possible to anticipate new research developments that may affect some of the perspectives expressed herein.

Practical implications

No single explanation fully accounts for the changes in distribution policy, most notably, the declining incidence of dividend‐paying firms and the increasing level of repurchase activity. Factors that explain the popularity of share repurchases in the USA include the improved regulatory environment, economic conditions, and the flexibility of repurchases relative to dividends. Developing a comprehensive model that explains the choice between dividends and share repurchase remains a challenge facing researchers.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the body of knowledge by providing an integrated perspective on dividends and share repurchase, summarizing decades of theoretical, empirical, and survey‐based research.
Cross‐sectional differences in the profits, returns and risk of firms initiating dividends
Authors: Fargher Neil L. , Weigand Robert A.
Published: May 2009

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine cross‐sectional differences in the profits, returns and risk of high‐ and low‐market‐to‐book ratios (M/B) stocks before and after the initiation of regular cash dividend payments. Design/methodology/approach– This study uses parametric and non‐parametric statistics and ordinary least squares regression to test for differences in the profits, returns and risk of high‐ and low‐M/B stocks before and after dividend initiation. Findings– Low‐M/B stocks display the most positive price reaction to dividend initiation announcements. High‐M/B firms have larger profits, cash levels and capital expenditure before and at the time of dividend initiation, but more closely resemble the low‐M/B firms in terms of these characteristics within three years following dividend initiation. Excess returns earned by low‐M/B firms are related to decreases in systematic risk, while the returns of high‐M/B firms are related to their higher profitability. Research limitations/implications– Averaging results from 1965‐2000 does not account for possible changes in the information content of dividend initiations over time (as evidenced by steadily declining dividend yields over this period). Practical implications– The findings are consistent with the idea that firms begin paying dividends as they are maturing into a slower growth period, and do not support the idea that dividend initiation signals faster future earnings growth. Originality/value– The analysis adds to the body of knowledge by explicitly conditioning the expectations from various dividend theories based upon individual firms’ growth phase as reflected in their M/B ratios, and suggests that signaling, agency and risk explanations for dividends must be considered jointly with a firm's growth prospects when studying dividend events.
The impact of dividend initiations on Greek listed firms’ wealth and volatility across information environments
Authors: Dasilas Apostolos , Lyroudi Katerina , Ginoglou Demetrios
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of dividend initiations on shareholders’ wealth using a sample of 38 Greek listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The event study methodology of Brown and Warner was employed to examine the share price reaction to initial dividend announcements across different information environments.

Findings

Results show that dividend initiations bring about significant positive abnormal returns in the announcement period. The price response to dividend initiations is inversely associated with the information environment. Finally, the volatility of stock returns is higher in the low information environment group of firms than in the high information environment group of firms.

Research limitations/implications

The observations are not many, although the whole population is included, since there are no data available prior to 2000.

Practical implications

These findings are useful to researchers, practitioners and investors who have an interest in firms listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) for their proper strategic decision making.

Originality/value

For the first time the stock price behaviour of firms listed on the ASE around dividend initiation announcement dates is examined.
The management of managers: challenges in a small economy
Authors: Gilbert John , Boxall Peter
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings of a study of the management of senior managers. The aim is to describe the ways in which firms in a small economy, such as New Zealand, manage their managers and analyse how they deal with the strategic challenges that are involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies the Boxall and Gilbert typology of company styles in the management of senior managers. A case‐study approach is used with data collected through interviews with directors, chief executive officers and senior managers in firms chosen as characteristic of New Zealand conditions.

Findings

The case studies confirm the main expectations of the model: difficulties with the recruitment and retention of talented managers are severe in New Zealand, overshadowing all other problems, such as “agency” risks. The findings underscore the need for boards of directors to take a more proactive and comprehensive approach to the management of managers.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of a qualitative, case‐based approach are acknowledged. However, the intent is to discern and analyse patterns and problems in a particular societal context. There is ample scope for similar studies in other contexts.

Practical implications

The study underlines the challenges firms in small economies can face in securing, developing and retaining a credible senior management team and suggests ways in which firms may approach these problems more effectively.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original study of how firms manage senior managers and uses a novel framework in drawing together themes from organisational economics, human resource development and strategic human resource management to provide an integrated analysis of how managers are managed.
Performance templates and the regulation of learning
Authors: Lyons Paul
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed, theoretical underpinning for the training and performance improvement method: performance template (P‐T). The efficacy of P‐T, with limitations, has been demonstrated in this journal and in others. However, the theoretical bases of the P‐T approach had not been well‐developed. The other purposes of this paper are to: explain the features and functions of the P‐T and to highlight the action theory of Frese as the theory supports P‐T and offers trainers some information regarding the regulation of feedback and learning. This paper adds to the procedures and practices of human resource development.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach in this paper is to explain how a training and development partnership among trainers, managers, and employees is forged so as to create P‐T for use in the field. The main aspect of the methodology was to attempt to map the elements of action theory onto the specific steps (phases) of the P‐T approach. This mapping activity was achieved.

Findings

The key findings in this study is that action theory offers a hierarchical and reasonably complete explanation of how learning occurs and how individuals regulate what they know. As explained in this paper action theory provides a map of the cognitive elements in the training model employed.

Practical implications

Assuming that the P‐T approach has value, it is important to demonstrate how theory helps to ground the approach. In this paper, action theory has been used to offer a substantial foundation for the P‐T approach. In addition, action theory helps trainers to examine learning, feedback, and regulation of performance in a comprehensive manner.

Originality/value

Action theory offers several features that help explain the regulation of learning and behavior, yet the theory has received very little attention in formal literatures. Value: the template approach adds to our repertoire of training methods. This paper helps to better explain the approach and it offers useful theories to support practice.
The relationship between organizational learning and SME performance in Poland
Authors: Michna Anna
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and define dimensions of organizational learning and the way it affects small‐ or medium‐size enterprise (SME) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research is carried out in Polish SMEs (the sample size is 211 enterprises). In order to test the constructed hypotheses we use factor analysis with varimax rotation, correlation analysis and cluster analysis. The sales and employment growth figures and synthetic McKenzie index are used to evaluate SME performance.

Findings

In the empirical study, 11 empirical dimensions of organizational learning are identified and defined. The empirical research shows that sales and employment growth is most dependent on the following dimensions: dialogue and empowerment of the employees, collaboration, team learning, leaders' attitudes. In this research, it is suggested that there is an empirical relationship between organizational learning and organizational performance. In practice it means that organizations reaching a higher level of organizational learning probably achieve higher performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research uses a single‐respondent questionnaire. Further research could include analysis of other SME members and take into consideration subjective measures of SME development.

Practical implications

The research results in some important recommendations for SME leaders, who should make every effort to inspire the employees' confidence in each other and create an atmosphere of honest and frank exchange of information and ideas.

Originality/value

The results of the research fill a gap in the current knowledge of strategic management and can be used by managers, specialists, independent experts.
Future leadership competencies: from foresight to current practice
Authors: O'Brien Emma , Robertson Phillipa
Published: May 2009

Purpose

With tectonic plate shifting change and continuous uncertainty, a reliance on leadership competencies rooted in the past will no longer be successful. Instead, it is argued that the emerging business environment now demands a new set of leadership skills that are aligned to the requirements of the future. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A foresight orientation was taken to identify leadership skills necessary for success in the near future. Based on in‐depth analysis of key business, societal, organisational and leadership trends, nine key leadership competencies were identified. An exploratory study was then conducted to assess the current level of future leadership capability in a diverse sample included of current and emerging leaders from a variety of organisations across Europe and Asia Pacific.

Findings

Results suggest that both current and emerging organisational leaders are significantly under prepared for the challenges ahead.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides a starting‐point for further research exploring the leadership capabilities needed for success in the emerging business environment.

Practical implications

It is argued that unless organisations begin to cultivate requisite skills for the future, they will inevitably forfeit their potential for future success.

Originality/value

The paper adds clear value to the field of study due to its unique futures perspective and orientation, in addition to its practical applications.
An exploratory analysis of the state of software maintenance research
Authors: Ramanujan Sam , Nerur Sridhar
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Resources allocated to software maintenance constitutes a major portion of the total life cycle cost of a system. The enormous effect that this can have on an organization's ability to react to dynamic environments has been the primary motivation for researchers to study issues related to software maintenance. The purpose of this paper is to take stock of the research conducted in this area in order to identify the intellectual trails embodied in the coherent body of knowledge on software maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

An author co‐citation analysis (ACA) involving authors who have made seminal contributions to the field of software maintenance was performed. The data for the study were obtained from the Science Citation Index (SCI) and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI).

Findings

The results indicate that most of the software maintenance research has focused on eight areas: Program logic characteristics, Quality of processes/metrics, Effort and productivity issues, Cognitive issues in repair maintenance, Organizational Issues: Strategies for software evolution/maintenance, Object‐oriented (OO) maintenance, Domain specific language issues and Program construction and design. Research limitations/implications – Some of the limitations of this study include: exclusion of data after 2003, giving equal weight for all citations, and implicit assumption that a relationship exists between the citing and cited documents.

Practical implications

The extension of software maintenance research in the areas suggested in this study may lead to new innovations for practice.

Originality/value

The paper not only introduces new methods for meta analysis, it also suggests that opportunities abound for extending the frontiers of software maintenance research, particularly in the context of contemporary software development approaches.
Evolution of an IS development effort
Authors: Mitra Amit , Campoy Laura
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to stand back from the debate of success and failure and develop an interpretive account based on narratives of major actors to enable project managers with a rich understanding of a complex organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Actor network theory (ANT) was the method that was applied to both frame and sum narratives that were gathered from the six subjects along with anecdotal evidence and confidential documents used for this research.Findings –Success is based on the perception of both actors as well as the principal audience of the Commonwealth Games (CWG). Second information systems (IS) success is uniquely associated to an event like the CWG.

Research limitations/implications

Most of the data used for the research was after the conclusion of the games. Therefore usefulness of interpretation may have a time dimension. Probably if the subjects had included spectators and other project managers during the games, the quality of conclusions could have been further enriched.

Practical implications

Project managers of future events may be able to internalise the role of co‐ordination and agreement that is necessary among different actors to achieve success.

Originality/value

Originality of present paper stems from its “unusual” identification of success – as it has attempted to outline distinctions between certainty of success and anything contrary to success. Project managers, organisers and researchers of IS projects are likely to find value in the paper in being able to appreciate the evolutionary nature of IS success.
Enablers and impediments to IT adoption in business relationships
Authors: Cripps Helen , Salo Jari , Standing Craig
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe the impediments to information technology (IT) adoption and possible solutions in the context of business relationships by drawing on case studies conducted in both Australia and Finland in the heavy manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The in depth case studies were conducted in the steel manufacturing industry in Finland and in the marine defence (shipbuilding) industry in Australia.

Findings

The findings indicate that doubts about the security of shared information, missing mutual benefits, incompatibility of IT systems, inadequate IT resources, uncertainty about the future directions of the relationship, information rich working routines, i.e. face to face communication, IT deployment not being part of the industry standard and investments not justified by the relationship seems to be the most significant impediments to IT adoption in heavy manufacturing in Australia and Finland.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on one industry sector using case studies. Further work could be conducted in other industry sectors to determine if the same impediments arise.

Practical implications

Through the cases discussed an attempt is made to identify some of the impediments to IT adoption, strategies for overcoming them and by doing so, adding to the body of marketing knowledge on business relationships. For managers this paper provides some insights to manage IT adoption in the heavy manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

Across various industry sectors managers have adopted different types of IT tools to coordinate their relationships with their counterparts. However there has been little academic research in this area until recently, as the research has been focused on large firms in technology rich industry sectors. This paper broadens the discussion on IT adoption in the context of business relationships in industry sectors that have not been traditionally targeted.
A note on ratings of international banks
Authors: Matousek Roman , Stewart Chris
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the quantitative determinants of individual ratings of commercial banks (as conducted by Fitch Ratings).

Design/methodology/approach

The ordered probit model is applied as an extension of the standard binary probit model. The model is estimated using a sample of 681 international banks.

Findings

Banks with a greater capitalisation, larger assets, and a higher return on assets have higher bank ratings. Further, the greater is a bank's liquidity, the larger is its net interest margin and the more is the ratio of its operating expenses to total operating income the lower is a bank's rating.

Originality/value

Modelling the determinants of international bank ratings spanning a sample of 90 countries. Applying a model with dynamics that considers whether the rating is determined by information up to four years prior to the rating date.
Measuring and regulating extreme risk
Authors: Nielsson Ulf
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss two important extensions to the well‐known value‐at‐risk (VaR) methodology, namely extreme value theory (EVT) and expected shortfall (ES). Both of these extensions address the weaknesses of VaR, in particular the methodology's tendency to systematically underestimate risk of extreme market events.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of VaR and the two extensions are reviewed and the methodology is evaluated in light of the Basel II regulatory framework that calls for the use of VaR by financial institutions.

Findings

The paper clarifies the use of VaR and its extensions to make practitioners more aware of the pitfalls and how to address them. It is recommended that the two extended measures of extreme event risk (i.e. EVT and ES) be included into every risk manager's information pool.

Originality/value

A compact review of these approaches and their regulatory connection has not previously been compiled. This review is of particular value to risk managers and policy markers given the turbulent market conditions of the past year.
On the economics of fixed‐mobile convergence
Authors: Rokkas Theodoros , Varoutas Dimitris , Katsianis Dimitris , Smura Timo , Renjish Kumar , Heikkinen Mikko , Harno Jarmo , Kind Mario , Von Hugo Dirk , Monath Thomas
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that fixed‐mobile convergence (FMC) has gathered much interest in the telecommunications industry lately. Integrated operators (who own both fixed and mobile networks), are keen to exploit FMC benefits in order to save costs and generate new revenues. This paper aims to analyze the effects of converged network and service environment on the business of existing telecommunication operators.

Design/methodology/approach

After an introduction to the regulatory, market, and technology related issues of convergence, the authors focus on analyzing the role of FMC technologies and services in their businesses of an integrated operator with existing fixed and mobile operations in a large Western European country.

Findings

Results reveal that an integrated operator can benefit from cost savings, customer retention and prevent revenue erosion by migrating to FMC.

Originality/value

This paper examines the effects of fixed‐mobile convergence to an integrated operator.
Evaluation of FSO and FTTH technologies using techno‐economic and risk analysis
Authors: Rokkas Theodoros , Katsianis Dimitris , Kamalakis Thomas , Varoutas Dimitris , Sphicopoulos Thomas
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a techno‐economic evaluation of the business prospects of Free Space Optical (FSO) technology as an alternative last mile solution

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the results from the TONIC tool that takes into account parameters such as network topology, area characteristics, service demand, price evolution forecasting and calculates several economic figures‐of‐merits. Furthermore in order to analyze market and technologies uncertainties a thorough risk analysis has been performed

Findings

The results reveal that FSO technology could provide a viable alternative in cases where the existing duct availability is limited especially compared to the Fiber‐to‐the‐Home (FFTH) solutions.

Originality/value

This paper studies two alternative last mile broadband technologies FSO and FTTH
Demographic analysis for consumer spend in communications
Authors: Pöllänen Ossi , Eloranta Lauri
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a global view of consumer spending, taking into account income and rural population density in countries where mobile communications is still in the growth phase.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain a view of the applicable demographic conditions, information in four different databases was analyzed. Gross domestic product (GDP) formation was studied per geographic area within rural population. A short case study on South Africa is also included to provide detail on how communications penetration can increase rapidly in a favorable environment.

Findings

Communications seems to be a necessity once relative spending increases towards the lower income segments of world population. It is assumed that where people live in arable land the population densities in many low income countries are very high. When different spending patterns were analyzed it became clear that mobile communications gain most notably from travel‐related expenditure.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study are general, which opens a large field for further studies in each country; to analyze how social, economic and political development occur when mobile communications become more popular.

Practical implications

This study should help operators in different countries plan their investments better. It may also well be that future innovations for mobile communication and information access emerge from growth countries.

Originality/value

Only few public papers have approached this topic in the past. More detailed studies and analysis will remain to be performed for scientists and practitioners.