bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new lean paradigm in higher education: a case study
Authors: Doman Mark S.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This case study aims to demonstrate that lean principles and practices utilized in industry can be successfully applied to improve higher education administrative processes through an innovative and engaging learning experience involving undergraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a first‐hand account by the instructor of a small group of undergraduate students in a seminar course working as a team to identify waste and redesign the university's grade change administrative process.

Findings

This case study found that a small group of undergraduate students can quickly learn basic lean principles, tools and practices, and reinforce that learning by applying them in a team effort to significantly improve a university administrative process.

Practical implications

With the changing higher education environment, where efficiency and effectiveness have become more imperative due to increasing budget constraints and competition for students, this case study shows that students can play a major role in the improvement of university administrative processes while at the same time gaining new knowledge and skills that are highly valued in industry.

Originality/value

This case study confirms an opportunity for universities to create a valuable learning experience for their undergraduate students, by involving them in improving the administrative processes of the university.
Knowledge management in Malaysian school education
Authors: Awang Marinah , Ismail Ramlee , Flett Peter , Curry Adrienne
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on changes in the Malaysian education system, with particular reference to the development of Smart Schools, and to evaluate progress with respect to knowledge management in school education.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is designed around questionnaires based on a knowledge management conceptual framework administered to random samples of 50 teachers in 25 Smart Schools and 25 Non‐Smart Schools so as to be able to make comparisons.

Findings

The findings provide evidence relating to a number of factors in knowledge management, its importance, the methods of managing knowledge, knowledge activities, barriers to knowledge management and factors contributing to knowledge management.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in its Malaysian context and the lack of research into knowledge management in the field of education in general.
Security mistakes in information system deployment projects
Authors: Sommestad Teodor , Ekstedt Mathias , Holm Hannes , Afzal Muhammad
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the influence of a set of human and organizational factors in information system deployments on the probability that a number of security‐related mistakes are in the deployment.

Design/methodology/approach

A Bayesian network (BN) is created and analyzed over the relationship between mistakes and causes. The BN is created by eliciting qualitative and quantitative data from experts of industrial control system deployments in the critical infrastructure domain.

Findings

The data collected in this study show that domain experts have a shared perception of how strong the influence of human and organizational factors are. According to domain experts, this influence is strong. This study also finds that security flaws are common in industrial control systems operating critical infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

The model presented in this study is created with the help of a number of domain experts. While they agree on qualitative structure and quantitative parameters, future work should assure that their opinion is generally accurate.

Practical implications

The influence of a set of important variables related to organizational/human aspects on information security flaws is presented.

Social implications

The context of this study is deployments of systems that operate nations' critical infrastructure. The findings suggest that initiatives to secure such infrastructures should not be purely technical.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused on either the causes of security flaws or the actual flaws that can exist in installed information systems. However, little research has been spent on the relationship between them. The model presented in this paper quantifies such relationships.
Impacts of organizational capabilities in information security
Authors: Hall Jacqueline H. , Sarkani Shahram , Mazzuchi Thomas A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This research aims to examine the relationship between information security strategy and organization performance, with organizational capabilities as important factors influencing successful implementation of information security strategy and organization performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on existing literature in strategic management and information security, a theoretical model was proposed and validated. A self‐administered survey instrument was developed to collect empirical data. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses and to fit the theoretical model.

Findings

Evidence suggests that organizational capabilities, encompassing the ability to develop high‐quality situational awareness of the current and future threat environment, the ability to possess appropriate means, and the ability to orchestrate the means to respond to information security threats, are positively associated with effective implementation of information security strategy, which in turn positively affects organization performance. However, there is no significant relationship between decision making and information security strategy implementation success.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a starting point for further research on the role of decision‐making in information security.

Practical implications

Findings are expected to yield practical value for business leaders in understanding the viable predisposition of organizational capabilities in the context of information security, thus enabling firms to focus on acquiring the ones indispensable for improving organization performance.

Originality/value

This study provides the body of knowledge with an empirical analysis of organization's information security capabilities as an aggregation of sense making, decision‐making, asset availability, and operations management constructs.
Boundary breaking in a hospital
Authors: Kajamaa Anu
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this article is to examine whether the boundary between the separate worlds of evaluation and frontline work in a hospital can be overcome. The study provides an example of a rare, innovative creation process of an assessment tool in which the tool users and the tool producer participated. The article aims to widen the understanding of employee initiated organizational change efforts, co‐creation of boundary objects and organizational boundary breaking, which may lead to expansive learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The article takes an activity‐theoretical approach to organizational boundaries, viewing them as tension‐laden triggers for learning and change. The analysis of expansive learning actions is based on longitudinal ethnographic field data on a collaboration effort between nurses and evaluation professionals in a Finnish hospital.

Findings

The collaboration effort between two organizational worlds led to boundary breaking. Initially, expansive learning actions were taken, but then obstacles started to emerge, and the collaboration between the two worlds was not sustained. To be sustainable, the collaboration would have required both a shared assessment tool (i.e. a boundary object) and management support. In this case the latter was missing.

Originality/value

The study analyzes a solid boundary, which delimited organizational learning and development. Rather than boundary crossing, as understood in the current literature, the challenging collaboration effort took the shape of conflictual boundary breaking. The study contributes to the literature on organizational boundaries and learning and has implications on management of employee initiated change efforts, collective tool creation processes and development of quality work in the public sector.
Is learning orientation in manufacturing and service firms different in India?
Authors: Awasthy Richa , Gupta Rajen K.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess employees' perceptions of their organizations' orientation towards learning in manufacturing and service firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) developed by Marsick and Watkins, was administered to 235 executives working in the National Capital Region (NCR) in India. Regression analysis with the help of Eviews 5 was utilized to investigate the difference between the dimensions of DLOQ in both the sectors.

Findings

Results suggest a significant impact of structural level dimension on a firm's financial and knowledge performance. Furthermore, no difference was observed between manufacturing and service sectors in context of a learning organization (LO).

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected only from organizations operating in India's National Capital Region.

Originality/value

This research fulfills the literature gap in the domain of LO. It applies the LO approach and the DLOQ tool to examine the learning orientation of both manufacturing and service organizations in the NCR which has not been done so far in the literature. The results indicated greater impact of the structural level dimension as compared to the people level dimension irrespective of the sector in India.
Developing digital immigrants' computer literacy: the case of unemployed women
Authors: Ktoridou Despo , Eteokleous‐Grigoriou Nikleia
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 40‐hour computer course for beginners provided to a group of unemployed women learners with no/minimum computer literacy skills who can be characterized as digital immigrants. The aim of the study is to identify participants' perceptions and experiences regarding technology, any barriers and challenges faced throughout the computer course and the extent to which the computer course assisted them in becoming computer literate and employable. This case study was based on the European Commission's EQUAL program.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was employed making use of qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data were collected using three different questionnaires (the background questionnaire, the Loyd/Gressard Computer Attitude Scale questionnaire and the Computer Skills Tests questionnaire) and qualitative data were collected through two focus groups. A total of nine unemployed women with no/minimum computer literacy skills were the focus of investigation. The 40‐hour computer literacy course and the data collection process took place in May‐June 2007.

Findings

Results demonstrated the effectiveness and necessity of computer courses for digital immigrants. The participants developed an acceptable level of computer literacy skills and a more positive attitude towards technology. They further realized the importance of possessing computer literacy skills specifically in relation to their employability, professional path and career development. Their self‐esteem in relation to technology was also increased on professional, educational, and personal levels.

Originality/value

The study confirms the necessity to explore further instructional design and implementation of digital immigrants' education and training regarding computer technology.
The Typology of Human Capability: a new guide to rethinking the potential for digital experience offerings
Authors: Korn Kim C. , Pine B. Joseph
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a new experience innovation framework to identify new customer value and develop potential new business models.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework, a Typology of Human Capability, illuminates the potential uses for digital technology across four dimensions of human experience.

Findings

When exploring the frontiers of discovery and innovation, the Typology of Human Capability can be a useful guide to innovation opportunities.

Practical implications

Digital technology enables new‐to‐the‐world possibilities for the delivery of emotion‐evoking experiences by an ever‐broadening array of methods that engage our human senses through endless sights, sounds, and other sensations.

Originality/value

Viewing value creation possibilities with the typology in this paperhelps companies tap the infinite possibility inherent in today's digital technology. Understanding this linkage between technology, human capability, and value creation can boost a firm's creative capabilities.
Globalization does lead to change in consumer behavior
Authors: Gupta Nitin
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically substantiate if the forces of globalization are impacting consumer culture and behavioral traits in a developing country (India).

Design/methodology/approach

Five hypotheses had been constructed to address the gaps in the literature with respect to the influence of globalization on prevalent consumer culture of a developing nation. Predisposition towards foreign brand among Indian consumers was taken as a proxy for global flows and its influence was studied on the existing materialistic values among the Indian consumers. The study covered a sample size of 557 respondents from five major cities in India. The raw data were collected with the help of structured questionnaire and analysis was done by using various relevant statistical techniques.

Findings

The results showed that predisposition towards foreign brands had a significant impact on materialistic values among the Indian consumers. The younger Indian consumers had significantly higher materialistic values than the older age groups. Lower income groups have showed significantly greater materialistic values than the higher income groups. Significant positive relationships were shown between materialistic values and the buyer behavior traits studied.

Practical implications

The managers should concentrate on the younger consumers, as they are the ones who are showing a definitive change in their buying behavior and increasing materialistic values. Alternatively, managers could modify their products to suit the requirements of older consumers.

Originality/value

The study empirically showed that Indian consumers' predisposition towards foreign brands and their materialistic values had significant positive correlation among them. Also, predisposition towards foreign brands along with demographical variables like age and gender significantly impact the materialistic values prevalent among Indian consumers.
Consumer‐based brand equity and status‐seeking motivation for a global versus local brand
Authors: Roy Rajat , Chau Ryan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore how a successful global and a local brand may compete side by side in an existing market place based on consumer‐based brand equity and consumers' status‐seeking motivation for purchasing a global versus local brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this research were collected through a self‐administered survey from students in a large Western Australian university.

Findings

The results show that a global brand is generally preferred in terms of all the dimensions of consumer‐based brand equity over a local brand. However, a significant interaction emerged between the type of brand and high versus low status‐seeking motivation consumers. A global brand is strongly favoured in terms of awareness, perceived quality and overall brand equity by high status seekers while a local brand seems to enjoy loyalty and overall brand equity among low status seekers. A global brand is also clearly preferred over a local brand along all dimensions of consumer‐based brand equity amongst high status‐seeking consumers. Further, a local brand is clearly preferred in terms of consumer‐based brand equity over the global brand by Australians whereas the global brand remains a clear favourite with non‐Australians.

Research limitations/implications

Findings may not generalize beyond Australian sample and the product category.

Originality/value

This empirical research explores how global and local brands may compete with each other based on their strengths. This research also addresses a theoretical gap identified by Yoo and Donthu.
Executives social representation of rurality and product adaptation
Authors: Sridhar Guda , Mishra Debiprasad
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the rationale and method for studying product adaptation in rural markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an exploratory design that includes; review of literature, pilot study, and survey method.

Findings

Findings of the study are contrary to the general understanding that rural is perceived very differently and hence operationalised differently by different organisation. However, results indicate that contingency theory holds true in case of product adaptation in rural markets also. With the increase in executives' representation of rurality, product adaptation degree also increased.

Originality/value

This is probably the first academic study on product adaptation in rural markets to the best of our knowledge. The study attempted to contextualise product adaptation construct from international marketing to rural marketing domain.
Investigating relationships between relationship quality, customer loyalty and cooperation
Authors: McDonnell John , Beatson Amanda , Huang Chih‐Hsuan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Franchised convenience stores successfully operate throughout Taiwan, but the convenience store market is approaching saturation point. This study attempts to empirically examine some important elements (e.g. relationship quality, loyalty, and cooperation) that might promote a successful long‐term franchising relationship between franchisors and franchisees of convenience stores in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 500 surveys were mailed to a random sample of convenience stores' franchisees among the four main franchisors in Taiwan. This research first used correlation analysis to explore the associations between the constructs and then used a regression analysis to further explore patterns of associations.

Findings

The results show that relationship quality is positively correlated with the cooperation between franchisors and franchisees, as well as with franchisee loyalty. Additionally, the cooperative behavior between franchisees and franchisors is significantly correlated with franchisees' loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Data were only collected through four key convenience stores' franchise chain systems in Taiwan. To develop a more global perspective, further replications of this study are necessary to examine the stability of our results in other contexts.

Practical implications

This research has highlighted that small business owners operating in a franchise system should pay attention to the importance of relationship quality, loyalty, and cooperation in stabilizing franchising relationships and enhancing competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The majority of studies on franchising relationships are conducted in a Western context. To date, there are no studies that explore the interaction between relationship quality, loyalty, and cooperation in a franchising relationship in an Eastern context.
Understanding the relationship between service convenience and customer satisfaction in home delivery by Kano model
Authors: Chen Mu‐Chen , Chang Kuo‐Chien , Hsu Chia‐Lin , Yang I‐Ching
Published: July 2011

Purpose

By applying Kano model, this study attempts to investigate the categorization of home delivery quality elements derived from service convenience model and their impact on customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the research framework and hypotheses are constructed through a literature review. Kano model is applied to classify the home delivery service elements into five quality attributes and gender is included to understand the difference of customer perception on the obtained quality elements. Statistical analyses of the collected questionnaires were computed based on the 476 effective responses regarding the home delivery service.

Findings

The results confirm that customers' perception of home delivery service elements are classified into one‐dimensional and must‐be attributes by Kano model, while this study contributes to the creation of attractive elements that significantly affect the customer satisfaction and owning an enormous potential to further differentiate competitors. Customer satisfaction is positively correlated with different types of service convenience. It also suggests that the customers with different gender have significantly different views to quality elements of home delivery service.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this study is that it attempts to examine the categorization of home delivery quality elements derived from service convenience model and their impact on customer satisfaction.
Sarbanes Oxley's impact upon investor‐relevant risk types
Authors: Vakkur Nicholas V. , Herrera Zulma J.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically analyze, with a greater degree of accuracy than is currently presented in the literature, the comprehensive risk impact of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Research to date is based upon a series of simple mean‐variance analyses and is therefore unreliable.

Design/methodology/approach

Rigorous statistical methodology to include a highly representative dataset, difference‐in‐difference analysis, comprehensive controls, and fixed effects (firm as well as longitudinal). As a reliability check, the authors also employ several pre‐ and post‐tests.

Findings

In support of Bargeron et al., the authors find that the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 significantly reduced firm risk. In particular, the law reduced firms' risk‐adjusted returns as well as “upside” risk. This is not a mere repeat of prior research, but a detailed analysis of the law's risk impact.

Research limitations/implications

As a study of corporate risk, there are inherent limitations, as contained in every study of this type. First, the authors are unable to account for every single factor that might influence firm risk. However, their methodology represents a significant improvement over the current literature, and therefore produces more comprehensive, detailed, and reliable findings.

Practical implications

The main practical implication is that Sarbanes Oxley, the most important and comprehensive US financial regulation since the New Deal, reduced firm (equity) risk. This represents a finding of enormous importance: comprehensive accounting regulation was never intended to alter firm risk, yet this study strongly suggests that it has in two specific ways.

Social implications

As a result of this study, the cost to investors – the “social” cost – of this important regulation can now be analyzed more conclusively. In particular, the authors suggest Sarbanes Oxley reduced “upside” risk as well as firms' risk‐adjusted returns. This is of enormous potential importance to investors of all types.

Originality/value

This study is original and hence important in several ways: the dataset is arguably an improvement – in terms of the degree to which it is representative of the US economy – over Bargeron et al., the most conclusive study of its type to date; the methods are a significant improvement over the current published studies in the literature; the risk measures analyzed are also entirely distinct and new from prior research in a manner that is important. Prior research, as based upon simple mean‐variance analyses, is unreliable.
The investigation of credit card fraud in Cyprus: reviewing police “effectiveness”
Authors: Papadopoulos Andreas , Brooks Graham
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the “effectiveness” of the Cyprus police in investigating credit card fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 19 semi‐structured interviews with key criminal justice personnel were undertaken to assess the current capacity of police in investigating credit card fraud.

Findings

The paper discovers that a far more co‐ordinated approach is needed to tackle credit card fraud in Cyprus, with a lack of specialised knowledge of fraud a major concern.

Research limitations/implications

All interview schedules were sent before the interviews took place and three of the respondents provided written responses only.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind that involved primary research interviewing 19 key personnel involved in policing credit card fraud in Cyprus.
Public‐private partnerships in the fight against crime
Authors: Avina Jeffrey
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The paper's aim is to demonstrate how organizations related to public security and safety can more effectively partner with private sector companies under the rubric of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of actual cases of collaboration between such bodies and the private sector informs a suggested engagement approach.

Findings

A structured approach of engagement to the private sector for CSR support is possible if public safety entities understand how to effectively involve private sector organizations in their work. This includes clear tangible asks with demonstrable returns and an eye to understanding what effective CSR encompasses from an outcome perspective but also from the perspective of what drives the private sector to engage in CSR.

Practical implications

The paper lays out a point‐by‐point engagement strategy which could increase public‐private partnerships in the public safety arena.

Social implications

This paper is a clear indication of how and where public sector engagement with the private sector in areas of security are a win‐win combination and augment public security and the effectiveness of both public and private sector bodies concerned with this outcome.

Originality/value

This paper lays out in a clear and novel way a “how to” guide for effective engagement with the private sector to public bodies with a relatively limited experiential base for this form of engagement. It offers a means to significantly expand this form of collaboration to the benefit of society overall.
Assessing the value creation process of e‐business along the supply chain
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Fynes Brian , Humphreys Paul , Chavez Roberto C. , McKittrick Alan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to report the results of an empirical study examining the value creation process of e‐business (EB) applications from a supply chain perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was sent to procurement managers located in the German automotive supply chain. Interaction effects were examined through regression analyses to illustrate the moderating role of the suppliers' EB readiness in the value creation process throughout the supply chain.

Findings

Based on the resource‐based view (RBV) and previous research this study illustrates that EB applications (i.e. EB interaction applications, EB coordination applications and EB integration applications) have a significantly stronger positive impact on operational performance when a company's key suppliers are ready and willing to engage in EB (suppliers' EB readiness).

Originality/value

Although research on the performance impact and business value of EB applications has advanced over the past years, there is still a scarcity of research taking a supply chain perspective on EB value. This study addresses this gap through reporting results of an empirical study examining the value creation of EB applications through the moderating role of suppliers' EB readiness on the EB applications‐operational performance relationship throughout the supply chain. This paper will thus be beneficial for supply chain managers considering investing in EB systems and will support further research in EB value creation in supply chains.
Antecedents for the adoption and execution of supply chain management
Authors: Kotzab Herbert , Teller Christoph , Grant David B. , Sparks Leigh
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model that includes drivers of supply chain management (SCM) adoption and execution identified in the literature, provide a set of measurement scales that operationalise constructs within this model, empirically verify a hierarchical order of antecedents that affects the adoption and execution of SCM, and assist management by providing a focus on those SCM conditions and processes that need to be prioritised to increase successful SCM adoption and execution.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is tested empirically through a survey of 174 senior supply chain managers representing the biggest organisations within a central European country.

Findings

Using structural equation modelling the hypothesised hierarchical order of three proposed antecedents is verified: “internal SCM conditions”, that affect “joint or external SCM conditions”, which in turn influence collaborative “SCM‐related processes”. Firms that adopt these steps should enjoy a rigorous and appropriate road to the full execution of SCM.

Research limitations/implications

The survey results reflect the views of large organisations in a country‐specific supply chain setting.

Practical implications

The findings provide a hierarchical focus for financial, personnel and management initiatives to increase integration within a supply chain and improve competitiveness.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this paper is that it provides empirical proof of the antecedents that affect the adoption and execution of SCM.
An examination of a modular supply chain: a construction sector perspective
Authors: Doran Des , Giannakis Mihalis
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present research which explores the application of modular practices and principles within a construction sector supply chain to demonstrate the degree to which supply chain practices are aligned with modular construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an exploratory case study approach to examine a construction supply chain from module manufacturer through to module client. Each member of the supply chain was involved in the provision of a modular hospital in the United Kingdom.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is a need to increase supply chain integration to ensure that modular solutions can compete more effectively with traditional, on‐site solutions and overcome some of the negative attributes associated with modular buildings.

Research limitations/implications

The study has focused on the key stages of a modular supply chain in order to identify the application of supply chain practices within the context of modular operations. Suppliers need to balance the inherent limitations associated with modular product architecture with the increasing needs of module clients for more bespoke modular solutions.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful insights into the dynamics of modular supply chain operations, which illustrate the difficulties associated with integrating modular operations and competing with the traditional on‐site construction, which currently dominates the sector.

Originality/value

The main theoretical argument put forward in this paper centres on the need for greater levels of supplier integration amongst suppliers to the modular construction industry. The study is one of the first to explore supply chain integration through the lens of a single modular supply chain and contributes to knowledge in this growing area through the development of a number of tools to position potential and current module suppliers.
A history of Republican public relations in Northern Ireland from “Bloody Sunday” to the “Good Friday Agreement”
Authors: Somerville Ian , Purcell Andy
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the public relations strategies of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) and their political wing Sinn Féin, throughout the historical period known as the Northern Ireland “Troubles”.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses semi‐structured élite interviews as its primary data. The study structures a historical account of the development of republican public relations around three main phases: the “propaganda of the deed” phase; the development of political public relations phase; and the peace process phase.

Findings

Much previous research traces a common trajectory for terrorist organisations, where they begin with large‐scale “propaganda of the deed” activities, and then move toward more typical PR activities when their “message” begins to be heard. The findings suggest that this is only partially true for the republican movement. Previous research also claims that peace settlements virtually never acknowledge the demands of terrorist groups. However, the findings indicate that the republican movement, via the use of skilful public relations techniques and disciplined internal organisational communication, pushed itself to the forefront and remained central in the efforts to develop a peace process.

Research limitations/implications

The study draws on interview data with a small group (six) of republican strategists, all of whom where involved in some capacity in public relations activities. While it is not claimed that they represent the views of the whole republican movement on the issues discussed, they do arguably represent the views of a “dominant coalition”. Future research could usefully investigate the public relations of power sharing since the Good Friday Agreement.

Originality/value

Previous approaches to analysing the subject of public relations and terrorism have tended to regard it as an activity engaged in by psychopaths or criminals. This paper's starting‐point is to problematise this definition of “terrorism” and at the same time widen the application of the term to include State actors. In this regard, it is in opposition to much current Western media, governmental and academic usage of the term. This research also differs from most other studies of terrorism in the public relations literature, in that it uses élite interviews as its primary source of data.
Trainer interventions as instructional strategies in air traffic control training
Authors: Koskela Inka , Palukka Hannele
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to identify methods of guidance and supervision used in air traffic control training. It also aims to show how these methods facilitate trainee participation in core work activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the tools of conversation analysis and ethnomethodology to explore the ways in which trainers and trainees act and interact in training situations. The data consist of the video recordings (total 38 hours) and ethnographic material gathered at a vocational institute for aviation and in two aerodrome control tower units.

Findings

The trainers used five different instructional strategies with which they guided and controlled the trainees' actions. In simulator training, learning was structured as a process through which the procedural knowledge possessed by the expert controllers was transferred to the trainees through interventions such as orders, test questions and additions. As the trainees progressed to the on‐the‐job training phase, interaction evolved from being trainer‐driven to trainer‐guided. The trainees' performance was fine‐tuned and guided towards local practices of particular work position by means of instructions and information deliveries.

Practical implications

The simulator training and on‐the‐job training appear as two distinctive forms of vocational training with their own aims. In order to improve the quality of the training, it is suggested that greater attention should be given to the ways in which these two separate areas of learning could be better reconciled.

Originality/value

This ethnomethodological study on training interaction complements the understanding of instructional strategies used at different stages of air traffic control training. It is proposed that research into the local and social production of training interaction can shed useful light on the complexities of workplace learning and training interaction, providing a novel perspective for those engaged in practice of vocational education.
Lifelong learning through SMEs: exploring workplace learning in the UK
Authors: Ahlgren Linda , Engel Laura C.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The primary objective in this paper is to examine the role of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in promoting and/or hindering educational opportunities to adult employees in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on 12 case studies of SMEs in England and Scotland, which form part of a larger European Sixth Framework Programme research project. Interviews were conducted with employers, line managers and employees participating in formal educational programmes, and were contextualized with policy documents and literature on lifelong learning and workplace education.

Findings

This paper highlights and explores findings related to human resource management (HRM) and the participation of employees in formal education, and the experiences of companies in providing educational opportunities to employees in England and Scotland. The paper argues that employers have a key role to play in driving and investing in employee training and development. However, the current focus of employers on formal educational opportunities appears narrowly focused on job‐specific, in‐house training.

Originality/value

The paper's value lies in its illustration of the restricted focus of the lifelong learning policy agenda on the development of human capital, which not only limits the development of portable skills and qualifications for employees, but also undermines the broader aims of lifelong learning.
Interactive knowledge management: putting pragmatic policy planning in place
Authors: Labedz Chester S. , Cavaleri Steven A. , Berry Gregory R.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine through a knowledge management lens the existing “art” of public policy making, suggesting instead an approach intended to improve knowledge processes and reduce unintended injurious consequences of legislating.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on pragmatic philosophy and limited government precedents, the authors identify and recommend the implementation of a prospective legislative impact statement requirement by and for the U.S. Congress. They suggest the development and the potential KM utility of the PLIS based on a brief case study of the 2009 American “cash for clunkers” incentive program.

Findings

The authors conclude that development and application of such prospective legislative impact statements is feasible and that they may support the statement and testing of dynamic hypotheses relating to the prospective effects of policies under government consideration.

Research limitations/implications

Pragmatic knowledge‐based scholarship is extended by integrating system dynamics and adaptive management approaches, and it acquires prominent governance relevance through this research.

Practical implications

Rigorous integrative government consideration of pending legislation, and ongoing assessment of consequences of enacted laws, could be systematized under this proposal.

Social implications

PLIS requirement extends knowledge process over the legislating process, thereby tempering current “legislative art” practices and wisely benefiting the polity.

Originality/value

This paper offers a practical solution to a wicked KM problem: improving the quality of knowledge in non‐hierarchical policy‐making groups, especially those in government.
Money laundering laws and principles of Shari'ah: dancing to the same beat?
Authors: Faridah Abdul Jabbar Siti
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the criminalisation of money laundering, corporate criminal liability for money laundering, equitable liability of professional intermediaries for money laundering and defence of disclosure from the perspective of Shari'ah.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to interpret and analogise the injunctions in the primary sources of Shari'ah, namely the Qur'an and Sunnah.

Findings

In Islam, money laundering can be classified as a criminal offence of ta'zir, corporations cannot be made criminally liable for money laundering, professional intermediaries can be made equitably liable for money laundering and defence of disclosure is acceptable.

Practical implications

Money laundering laws can be adopted with some modifications by Muslim jurisdictions where Shari'ah is the principal source of law.

Originality/value

The paper presents novel insights into the compatibility of money laundering laws with the principles of Shari'ah.
Mapping “infected” real estate property
Authors: Ritzen Luuk
Published: July 2011

Purpose

In 2009, the research team of Unger and Nelen was requested to study the scale of entwinement between money laundering activities and the Dutch real estate sector. For this, the team developed a data mining framework to detect real estate property at risk of being part of a money laundering scheme. Part of this study involved a criminological testing of the developed framework which resulted in the statement that improvements and alterations are necessary to increase the framework's validity and reliability. This paper aims to review this framework and generate refinements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is concerned with a review – on the basis of data mining theory – with respect to the original framework in order to generate refinements for a future model.

Findings

In general, three major shortcomings were identified, being: the use of unspecified detection clusters; the theoretical nature of some of the risk indicators in combination with data integrity issues; and the use of speculative/arbitrary risk indicators.

Originality/value

Addressing these shortcomings in a future data mining framework will very likely increase its effectiveness and so, increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to counter money laundering activities more effectively and efficiently.
Enforcement of prudential standards in Turkish banking law
Authors: Cetin Nusret
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The success of banking regulations depends on their effective and efficient enforcement. Therefore, the penalties or sanctions for failures to comply with prudential regulatory requirements shall clearly be specified in the law. The aim of this paper is to describe and discuss the enforcement of prudential regulations in Turkish banking law.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the necessity of the prudential standards in banking regulation and their enforcement, and elaborates the Turkish Banking Act to analyze the sanctions provided for the enforcement of prudential requirements.

Findings

The Turkish Banking Act comprises many of the contemporary prudential standards for banks. It also establishes an effective sanctioning regime to ensure the implementation of these standards. The sanctions in the Banking Act can be broadly classified as institutional and personal sanctions. Institutional sanctions consist of three categories: prompt corrective actions, revocation of license and closure, and financial penalties. Personal sanctions, on the other hand, comprise management overhaul and loss of job, temporary prohibition from employment in the banking sector, financial penalties, criminal liability, and civil liability of managers and controlling shareholders.

Originality/value

This paper systematically analyzes enforcement of prudential standards in Turkish banking law, and aims to introduce the Turkish system to international scholars.
The role of the human resources department in budgeting: evidence from Greece
Authors: Cohen Sandra , Karatzimas Sotiris
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the involvement of the human resources (HR) department throughout the budgeting process and furthermore to investigate the use of budgets for motivation, communication, performance evaluation and control in the Greek business environment, from the perspective of the HR department managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence is based on the responses received from HR department managers in 100 Greek companies with a distinct HR department to a structured questionnaire.

Findings

Results suggest that the HR department has limited involvement in the budgeting procedures, which in turn could explain the limited use of budgets as a means of performance evaluation and communication from a HR management perspective. Nevertheless, both the size of the HR department and the number of employees have a positive effect on the HR management and budgeting interaction. The survey presented in this paper provides corroborative evidence that HR departments in Greece do not fully exploit the wide potential offered through budgeting as a means to achieve their goals.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by analyzing the responses of HR department managers and their views towards the budgeting function from a HR management perspective in Greek companies.
Enabling collaborative innovation – knowledge protection for knowledge sharing
Authors: Hurmelinna‐Laukkanen Pia
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Collaboration for research and development (R&D) and innovation among various organizations can be beneficial and in some cases even imperative, but in order to realise the potential, effective management is required. Effective innovation requires firms to share their core knowledge, and simultaneously make sure that they will not lose their core knowledge and future competitive advantage. In line with this, this study aims to clarify the role of knowledge protection in relation to collaborative innovation endeavours.

Design/methodology/approach

This study approaches the knowledge protection and knowledge sharing issues through a literature review and subsequent empirical analysis of 242 Finnish companies.

Findings

The results indicate that when a firm has put effort in getting strong protection at its disposal, sharing knowledge with varying partners is more likely, which, in turn, improves innovation performance of the firm. It is not just about the strength of protection, but also – and even more importantly – using it efficiently that counts.

Research limitations/implications

The data are collected from one country only, with its specific features, and thus further research might reveal more on the studied phenomenon. Also utilising more detailed measures might reveal more.

Practical implications

This study augments both theoretical and managerial perspectives as it discusses a variety of protection mechanisms. In particular, it offers managers a new way of approaching the means of knowledge protection for innovation‐related collaboration.

Originality/value

This study shows that a wide range of knowledge protection mechanisms can be relied on, and that strategic use of these mechanisms improves knowledge sharing and innovation performance.