bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning from preschool magazines
Authors: Harding Jacqueline
Published: June 2007

Explains the educational value of character‐led preschool magazines within the context of child development; the study by Browne shows that they are of more than purely leisure value. Defines media literacy, and distinguishes the world of children’s popular culture from that of adults. Shows how magazines function as an educational tool because of their interactive format, familiar characters from television, and non‐challenging nature, which however allows children to develop puzzle‐solving skills as well as reading skills. Outlines in a table the developmental stages of children from two to five years in terms of general and physical development, linguistic and symbolic development, cognitive development, and emotional and social development.
Measuring the pulling power of promotions
Authors: Lawrence Dave
Published: June 2007

Describes a new way that marketers can determine the success of their promotions in store, and discovers the types of supermarket promotions that work, and why: for instance, it confirms the promotional value of free toys with cereals, especially for younger children. Outlines how the PromoPull evaluation tool was developed to measure promotional pull, ie the share of buyers who bought the product due to the promotion, using children’s food products with both large and small promotional budgets; the database enables analysis of promotions against category, brand, mechanic and demographic averages. Shows in tabular form the top performing supermarket promotions in July 2004.
Advertising to children in India
Authors: Vadehra Sharad
Published: June 2007

Outlines Indian law relating to advertising to children, and stresses that the legislation has far to go in order to meet European and American standards. Explains the provisions of the Cable Act on books and magazines, focusing next on the controversial children’s TV programme series “Shaktiman”, which has caused child fatalities. Moves on the lack of guidelines over acceptable advertising or the use of child models in advertisements; there are however specific laws and a procedure for complaints to the Advertising Standards Council, and control of the Internet is strict, while the Board of Film Certification awards viewing ratings. Concludes that the laws relating to advertising to children, while better than they were, are not comprehensive and are often flouted; there is no restriction on advertising to schools, although there are guidelines on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol, and the government’s emphasis on breastfeeding has led it to prohibit the promotion of commercial alternative baby foods.
The importance of food and drink propaganda
Authors: Tucker Greg
Published: June 2007

Explains how parents influence their children in food likes and dislikes, and how this influences the importance of defining the emotional benefits of brands. Emphasises that many companies associated with children fail to recognise that messages transmitted in the home environment differ from those expressed in classical research techniques, and that overpromising (;ie exaggerating what will be experienced); is poor marketing. Illustrates this by showing how hostility among children to “healthy” foods has resulted from excessive overselling of these products by mothers; in contrast, demonisation of burgers has actually increased their appeal by associating them with thrills, novelty and rebellion. Shows how emotional pairing, such as the association in French stores of the child’s homecoming from school with certain food brands, uses a complex set of emotional benefits that are distinct from purely physiological attributes and thus enables brands to command a premium.
Video research: a way forward for the industry
Authors: Geeson Andrea
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of the benefits of using video in research, especially for studies involving young children.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper points out the benefits of the use of video‐based research.

Findings

The paper suggests that video‐based research can work alongside traditional research techniques – by adding a camera researchers can record and document non ‐verbal responses, allowing much more data to be captured and analysed, from facial expression to a plethora of emotions. The implications of using video in research are beneficial to both the researchers and respondents alike. Video has a very high response rate – respondents reply to an innovative approach and seize the opportunity to climb on to the closest thing they have to a real life soapbox. Young consumers, who can find it difficult to articulate their thoughts in other forms of research, can be observed and understood much more easily through video. Video research also has the possibility to transform not only the way research is conducted, but also the image of the MR industry. By updating research techniques to include video one can change the perceptions consumers have of the practice and increase the speed at which research is delivered and the amount of people with whom it is shared.

Originality/value

It is more memorable and safer to have visual evidence of consumers rather than relying on mental pictures; as face‐to‐face contact research dwindles with the rise of e‐research this paper will be of value to anyone looking to find ways to tackle the problem of the faceless consumer.
Uncovering retail shopping motives of Indian youth
Authors: Kaur Pavleen , Singh Raghbir
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The retail boom in India brings tremendous opportunities for foreign as well as domestic players. The changing lifestyle of the Indian consumer makes it imperative for the retailers to understand the patterns of consumption. The changing consumption patterns trigger changes in shopping styles of consumers and also the factors that drive people into stores. Hence, the key objective of this paper is to uncover the motives that drive young people to shop in departmental stores or malls.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 115 students has been taken and their responses have been gauged through a personally administered, structured questionnaire.

Findings

The results reveal that the Indian youth primarily shop from a hedonic perspective. They importantly serve as new product information seekers, and the retailing firms can directly frame and communicate the requisite product information to them.

Originality/value

As not much work in India has been done in this context, the paper seeks to provide fruitful insights into the motives of Indian youth that can benefit academics as well as marketers.
“Black Day to Freedom”: informal multicultural education initiative
Authors: Hardaker Glenn , Sabki Aishah
Published: June 2007

Purpose

“Black Day to Freedom” project was the culmination of five years of performance ethnography research that continues today in various forms through BeyondLabels. The title “Black Day to Freedom” came from an asylum seeker participating in a “free verse” workshop where all participants expressed their views on globalisation, social movement of people and identity. “Black Day to Freedom” his title, provides an insight into his perceptions of life and this framed a need to conduct further research into providing a voice for refugees and asylum seekers through informal multicultural education and associated visual arts expression.

Design/methodology/approach

The research follows a performance ethonographic perspective into the informal multicultural education project specific to exploring expressions of identity of refugee by migrant artists.

Findings

The informal multicultural education initiative specific to exploring expressions of identity of refugee by migrant artists was highly personalised and immersive in style with both educators and learners being co‐producers. This immersive, challenging, absorbing project required a passion by all to the mode of communications (visual arts) and the subject focus of refugee identity. The key implication of the informal multicultural education initiative is the unique insights provided by the migrant voices.

Research limitations/implications

A key implication of this research into informal multicultural education practice in the context of supporting expressions of refugee indentity by migrant artists is the need for further research into pedagogy equity in the context of personalised learning design for non‐traditional learners. One key question for future studies would be how we can improve our understanding of the “bridge” between informal and formal education and as a consequence engage the non‐engaged from cultural diverse backgrounds in our educational institutions.

Originality/value

Provides insights into multicultural education initiatives.
An electronic system to support novice teachers' reflective lesson design
Authors: Calandra Brendan , Brantley‐Dias Laurie , McNeal Kezia
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an electronic support tool that can be used by teacher educators and novice teachers to foster habits of reflective, systematic instructional planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a rationale for their work, present a theoretical framework, propose a unique instructional design model, and illustrate one approach to implementing the model – as an electronic support system.

Findings

The paper discusses a feasible and novel approach to promoting habits of systematic lesson design combined with guided reflection. Although the authors describe a particular electronic system as context for this paper, the theoretical model is flexible in nature and can be applied in many modern teaching contexts.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the approach can be refined and implemented as part of a systemic effort to address like issues in teacher education. The paper will be of particular value to teacher, educators and educational researchers focused on multicultural issues and technology.

Originality/value

The design model and support system discussed in this paper address pedagogical gaps typical of novice teachers, the complexity of technology integration, and tenets of critical thinking and reflective practice in a unique fashion. This distinctive combination was specifically designed for beginning teachers in today's multicultural teaching environments.
Data analysis and profiling
Authors: Scarisbrick‐Hauser AnneMarie
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper discusses the role and importance of data analysis and data mining within the context of direct marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers some of the prominent data analysis and data mining issues related to direct marketing. It has been designed to make those involved in direct marketing activities more cognizant of potential competitive advantages, and possible pitfalls, in the areas of data collection, analysis, and mining.

Findings

In order to be effective and successful, both strategically and tactically, a comprehensive data collection and analysis strategy must be incorporated into all aspects of direct marketing activities. This is illustrated through anecdotal evidence, industry sources, real‐life/real‐time examples, and a framework that can be employed by firms of any size.

Originality/value

The underlying value of the paper is that, beyond showing the importance of efficiently employing both existing and future data into the operational activities of direct marketing firms, it also provides guidelines as to how individual firms can establish a culture that enables the firm to use data as a means of leveraging competitive advantage resulting in increased growth and revenues.
Recruitment and retention of ICT skills among MNCs in Taiwan
Authors: Hu Mei‐chi , Zheng Connie , Lamond David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The existing research on multinational companies (MNCs) tends to emphasise the diffusion of knowledge and skills in information, communication and technology (ICT) from the more advanced industrialised nations to less‐developed or latecomer countries. Few studies have examined the ICT work force supply and development of local ICT skills among MNCs' overseas subsidiaries. This paper aims to fill the gap by evaluating the issues relating to the host country's ICT work force planning and supply and the recruitment and retention of ICT skills among MNCs at their local subsidiary.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 100 MNCs in Taiwan, Republic of China was used for analysis. The self‐administered questionnaire was designed to examine the extent of difficulty experienced by MNCs in recruiting high, medium and low levels of ICT skills in the manufacturing and service sector. Attrition rate of the ICT skilled workers in Taiwan was also examined.

Findings

The results suggest some degree of ICT skill deficiency at the firm level, despite many efforts attempted by the Taiwanese government to develop and supply ICT skills at the national level. A gap between national advancement in technology and firm level of skills deficiency exists. These findings lead to consideration of a better alignment in providing local government support programs to meet MNCs specific skill requirements.

Originality/value

The study provides some insights especially for the emerging economy of China, which tends to heavily impose government intervention in developing strategic industries.
Financial distress prediction of Chinese listed companies: a rough set methodology
Authors: Wang Zongjun , Li Hongxia
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To empirically estimate a rough set (RS) model in financial distress prediction for Chinese listed companies and assess its classification accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

RS model is used to test the effect of financial ratios and some non‐financial ratios on the probability of financial distress with a sample of 212 financial distressed firms and 212 healthy firms through years 1998‐2005.

Findings

Growth ratio of per share of equity, net return on assets, earnings per share, interest coverage, ownership concentration coefficient, net profit margin, pledge, retained‐earnings ratio and total assets turnover have strong classification power in financial distress prediction of Chinese listed companies, especially the ownership concentration coefficient. Prediction model combining financial and non‐financial ratios outperforms the one just containing financial ratios.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this research is that it relies on publicly available data and the RS method. Further research can be devoted to making comparisons between the RS method and other prediction methods, and constructing hybrid prediction models with the use of RS and other artificial intellectual methods as well.

Practical implications

It is necessary to consider every aspect of the company when making financial distress prediction, not just financial ratios, to improve the explanatory power of the prediction model.

Originality/value

This study explores how financial ratios and non‐financial ratios, with the help of RS theory, under the restricted tradability of stocks in the emerging stock market, impact on corporate financial distress. The prediction model employed here considers not only accounting ratios, but also cash flow and corporate governance variables, thus improving the prediction accuracy.
Realising integrated e‐government services: a UK local government perspective
Authors: Sarikas Omiros D. , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the challenges that local government face in the UK when implementing fully integrated electronic public services.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study based research approach using interviews with employees and citizens in a large local authority was utilised to examine both the government and citizen's perspective of electronic government (e‐government) and related service improvement efforts.

Findings

From a theoretical perspective, process and information systems integration are identified in the literature as key challenges for enabling fully functional e‐government services. However, empirical research in this paper highlights that broader issues of technical, political, and organisational origin are of equal importance but tend to be overlooked in practice.

Research limitations/implications

Although the empirical research discussed in this paper is limited to one local authority, its size, geographic location and ethnic diversity makes the local authority a good illustrative example of local e‐government implementation efforts in the UK.

Originality/value

The findings and issues raised in this paper are of practical importance to the UK public sector and elsewhere, and can aid to enable the identification of objectives, priorities and barriers to e‐government, and options for successful implementation thereof. Conversely, the process and information systems integration issues discussed in the paper is timely and novel as national e‐government efforts are now moving from initial e‐enabling efforts to a process transformational phase in the UK.
Integration of legal constraints into business process models
Authors: Olbrich Sebastian , Simon Carlo
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To demonstrate the value of formal process modelling languages for the description of legal constraints and their verification in public and private business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A highly regulated governmental process in Germany – applying for premium rate service numbers at the German Federal Network Agency – is taken as an example to demonstrate that laws and rules define processes for those who want to use them. A novel formal process language is used to verify whether applicants' processes fulfil these constraints or not.

Findings

With the presented approach, contradictions between business processes of private organisations and the given laws could precisely be identified.

Research limitations/implications

The results are currently restricted to the use of formal process languages as the one suggested in the paper. It would be helpful to extend the work on conceptual process models.

Practical implications

The paper motivates a process‐oriented analysis of laws and rules. The approach can be used for both, verification after the event and as a normative guideline for the development of new workflows.

Originality/value

This paper identifies a need for formal process definitions as a medium to understand legal constraints and to behave in accordance with them.
Assessing analytical robustness in cross‐cultural comparisons
Authors: Dolnicar Sara , Grün Bettina
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically review past recommendations to correct for cultural biases in empirical survey data sets, and propose a framework that enables the researcher to assess the robustness of empirical findings from culture‐specific response styles (CSRS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes to analyze a set of derived data sets, including the original data as well as data corrected for response styles using theoretically plausible correction methods for the empirical data at hand. The level of agreement of results across correction methods indicates the robustness of findings to possible contamination of data by cross‐cultural response styles.

Findings

The proposed method can be used to inform researchers and data analysts about the extent to which the validity of their conclusions is threatened by data contamination and provides guidance regarding the results that can safely be reported.

Practical implications

Response styles can distort survey findings. CSRS are particularly problematic for researchers using multicultural samples because the resulting data contamination can lead to inaccurate conclusions about the research question under study.

Originality/value

The proposed approach avoids the disadvantages of ignoring the problem and interpreting spurious results or choosing one single correction technique that potentially introduces new kinds of data contamination.
Training exercise in interpreting causal maps in tourism research
Authors: Woodside Arch
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how to go about interpreting causal maps and provides an introduction to the literature of causal mapping.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes two international causal maps showing the favorable antecedent conditions of Germans towards visiting Britain and the negative antecedent conditions of Brits towards visiting Germany. The paper provides training exercise questions with a solution in interpreting causal maps.

Findings

The training helps make implicit, automatic, thinking explicit and provides clues for the marketing strategist of actions necessary to changing long‐term negative implicit associations that potential visitors retrieve regarding tourism destinations.

Research limitations/implications

This report does not include the results of applying the exercise in executive training programs. Does completing the exercise help improve decision making?

Practical implications

Executives need to experience specific training exercises to improve decision‐making skills. Obvious solutions usually only become so only following experiencing the process of making decisions; such training exercises as the one this paper presents builds on this premise.

Originality/value

This paper breaks new ground in participative learning by executives to improve their skills by solving real‐life tourism marketing problems.
The overlooked rugged communitarians of Ireland
Authors: Ní Bhrádaigh Emer
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To provide a general review of religious entrepreneurs in Ireland from the late nineteenth to early twenty‐first century.

Design/methodology/approach

The achievements of numerous male and female religious entrepreneurs' activities and achievements are described and discussed. Examples are given from Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Quaker religions in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Findings

Up to the middle of the twentieth century religious life was often a path to higher education and the achievements of one's full potential. Up to that stage most of the enterprises established by religious entrepreneurs were schools and hospitals, housing associations, and textile and leather manufacturing. The enterprises were primarily aimed addressing the needs of the poorer sections of society. From the second‐half of the twentieth century to date, social services, tourism services and cross community organisations predominate. Many of the foundations of the so‐called Celtic Tiger lie in the pioneering work of religious entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

In linking entrepreneurship with religion, this paper highlights the valuable role many religious entrepreneurs have played in social innovation. Many references to web sites are provided, to allow readers to easily learn more about organisations of particular interest.
South Cone energy integration: a look from Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Adilson
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper intends to offer an understanding of the regional energy integration in the South Cone of Latin America as perceived in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

It assesses the Brazilian need of energy imports to balance its supply to demand and then reviews the strategy followed by successive Brazilian governments in order to move forward the process of energy integration domestically and, more recently, regionally. The reaction of the Brazilian energy establishment to the integration strategy implemented in the 1990s is studied as well.

Findings

The main findings of the paper are that the strategy pursued to regional integration (bilateral commercial contracts) is not providing the benefits originally envisaged and that the main reason for this outcome is the focus on the convergence of national energy regulations and policies.

Originality/value

To move the process of integration forward, the paper proposes that the focus should be on a multilateral agreement that can provide reliability to the national energy systems and can reduce domestic energy prices volatility as well. It is suggested that an agreement on the cooperative management of part of the large hydro and natural gas reservoirs available in the region offers the opportunity to institutionalize multilateral regional security reservoirs.
CDM potential of windmill pumps in India
Authors: Purohit Ishan , Purohit Pallav
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The clean development mechanism (CDM) provides industrialized countries with an incentive to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions at lowest cost that also promotes sustainable development in the host country. Windmill pumps could be of interest under the CDM because they directly displace greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to sustainable rural development. This study aims to assess the maximum theoretical as well as the realistically achievable CDM potential of windmill pumps in India.

Design/methodology/approach

To estimate the CDM potential of windmill pumps in case of electricity replacement (by the substitution of electric motor pumps) regional baseline(s) has been used whereas in case of diesel replacement (by the substitution of diesel engine pumps) the IPCC emission factor(s) has been used. The authors have analyzed the financial feasibility of five designs of windmill pumps at ten select locations in India to justify the financial additionality of windmill pump‐based CDM projects. To analyze the future dissemination levels of windmill pumps logistic growth model has been used.

Findings

The annual CO2 emissions mitigation potential through windmill pumps in India could theoretically reach five million tones. Under more realistic assumptions about diffusion of windmill pumps based on past experiences with the government‐run programmes, annual CER volumes by 2012 could reach 13,000‐46,000 and 0.07‐0.3 million by 2020. This would require that the government sets the subsidy level for windmill pumps at a level that allows them to become viable with the CER revenue. From a macro‐economic point of view, this makes sense if the sustainability benefits are deemed sufficiently high to warrant promotion of this project type.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the vast theoretical potential of CO2 mitigation by using windmill pumps for irrigation water pumping in India.
Industry features and energy efficiency in Indian small enterprises
Authors: Bala Subrahmanya M.H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

How do energy consumption, efficiency and economic performance vary between small enterprises belonging to two different product clusters whose production process and technologies differ?

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are analyzed based on empirical data gathered from a field survey of small enterprises with reference to auto ancillaries in Shimoga and brick‐making enterprises in Malur of Karnataka State in India. Simple averages, correlation and multiple‐regression techniques are used for the analysis.

Findings

The study brought out that higher energy intensity results in higher share of energy cost in total variable cost. Energy intensity had a negative relationship with value of output. Energy makes a statistically significant contribution to returns to scale. The classification of small enterprises into two groups based on above average energy intensity and below average energy intensity, and the subsequent regression analysis brought out that energy intensity had a positive influence on returns to scale in auto ancillaries whereas a negative influence on returns to scale in bricks enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

The sample‐size formulation could not be done on a scientific basis due to the absence of comprehensive data on all small enterprises operating in the respective clusters and therefore, the findings may not be generalized.

Practical implications

Industry specific characteristics must be taken into account while introducing “energy efficiency improvement” programmes as a means of enhancing competitiveness in “energy intensive” small enterprises.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the scope for energy conservation and efficiency improvement in Indian small enterprises.
US oil import dependence: which way out?
Authors: Yañes Juan , Grosse Robert
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To explore the relationships among oil import dependence, energy (in)efficiency, and environmental damage for the USA. The goal is to illuminate possibilities for reducing oil import dependence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses current information about costs of oil imports and energy alternatives for transportation vehicles, and environmental concerns, along with information about alternatives for energy provision for this purpose, to demonstrate feasible ways to reduce dependence, including government policy steps.

Findings

The USA is dependent on imported oil: two‐thirds of US oil used today is imported, and mostly used as gasoline for autos – close to 70 percent of all oil is used in transportation. This greatly affects the US BOP; oil imports cost almost US$300 billion in 2006. Current energy efficiency of auto engines is about 15 percent. Using hydrogen fuel cells would at least double this value, as well as reducing waste and completely eliminating carbon dioxide emissions. An efficient means of producing the hydrogen must be developed. A related problem is damage to the environment caused by greenhouse gas emissions. This problem also can be attacked by increasing engine efficiency, and ultimately by replacing gasoline in auto engines with alternative fuels such as hydrogen in fuel cells, as well as by reducing auto use, via mass transport. Policy alternatives include: encouraging energy efficiency via new technologies for vehicle engines; encouraging mass transportation; and higher production of fuels in the USA. Reducing demand via taxes, as in Europe, could reduce consumption, but at a cost to overall GDP unless alternative fuels become competitively priced.

Research limitations/implications

The two main limitations on our recommendations are technology for making fuel cells more competitive, and willingness of government to take the needed policy steps. The practical implication is that dependence can be reduced with these steps.

Originality/value

The paper links the three corners of the energy triangle: dependence; efficiency, and environment.
The development history and philosophical sources of Herbert Simon's Administrative Behavior
Authors: Kerr Gerry
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To examine the impact of the philosophical sources on Herbert Simon's Administrative Behavior, a central work in the management canon.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a conceptual approach, tracing the influence of the major philosophers – William James, John Dewey and the logical positivists (A.J. Ayer and Rudolph Carnap) – cited in the book.

Findings

An understanding of the philosophical platform supporting Administrative Behavior is crucial to a more complete reading of the book and to furthering research in the area.

Practical implications

Future research focused either on extending Herbert Simon's work or, more generally, on advancing the study of management, will benefit from deeper consideration of the implications of the chosen philosophical platform supporting the endeavour.

Originality/value

The paper provides the reader a means for better understanding the contributions of a key work in management, with implications that extend to its overall study.
Linking learning methods to outcomes in public health leadership development
Authors: Miller Delesha L. , Umble Karl E. , Frederick Steve L. , Dinkin Donna R.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to present evaluation findings from the National Public Health Leadership Institute (PHLI) regarding how the curriculum's learning methods work singly and together to produce outcomes for learners and their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Six months after graduation from PHLI, four recent cohorts of PHLI graduates were asked to report overall reactions to PHLI by using an online survey. The survey consisted of quantitative questions about key leadership behaviors taught in the program and the usefulness of PHLI's five learning methods as well as qualitative questions about changes in understanding, skill, practices, and outcomes.

Findings

The evaluation survey yielded a 66 percent response rate (n=133). PHLI's learning methods are interrelated and lead to such outcomes as changed leadership understanding, knowledge and skill development, increased confidence, increased self‐awareness, leadership practice changes, and organizational results. The learning project was strongly associated with development of collaborations, whereas assessment tools and coaching were most often associated with increased self‐awareness.

Research limitations/implications

These preliminary findings support the idea that particular learning methods are related to specific outcomes. However, graduates often integrate information and skills from multiple methods to achieve outcomes. Future research should investigate whether the associations identified in this evaluation are present in other leadership development programs.

Originality/value

This is the first published evaluation that has attempted to link specific learning methods with outcomes for participants of a public health leadership development program.
Retaining top women business leaders: strategies for ending the exodus
Authors: Cormier Denise
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This research‐based article explains why top women leaders still feel like outsiders in their organizations, and identifies strategies for retaining and supporting women in leadership today.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted research through individual interviews with 40 successful women – COOs, VPs, directors, and senior managers – who have broken through the “glass ceiling.” These women represented industries including pharmaceuticals, health care, manufacturing, high tech, and higher education in the USA and Europe. By identifying the reasons for these leaders' dissatisfaction, I hoped to help stop the exodus of successful women from their organizations by helping them find greater satisfaction in the leadership roles they have achieved and by helping organizations to change in ways that will make a difference.

Findings

The main impetus for women leaders' dissatisfaction is that they do not feel fully integrated as leaders. This dissatisfaction derives from not fitting in as equals in the leadership ranks, a lack of networks, and low social capital experienced by these women leaders. The article calls for a new corporate culture based on integration rather than inclusion.

Research limitations/implications

The article is based on a qualitative research study conducted using one‐on‐one interview methodology. It is not statistically significant.

Practical implications

The article discusses specific strategies for retaining and developing women leaders to help to solve the current critical gap in leadership. These include reducing isolation, developing networking opportunities and creating a culture of integration – critical to retaining women at the top. Individual, team and group coaching can be a successful and cost‐effective solution.

Originality/value

Most research on women's leadership focuses on famous women leaders and CEOs or is conducted as survey research, but this article discusses leadership from the personal perspective of “ordinary women” who have made it to the top.
Making organizational learning happen: the value of “creative failures”
Authors: Kriegesmann Bernd , Kley Thomas , Schwering Markus G.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The article seeks to highlight an unconventional way out of the “innovation dilemma”, relevant to many business organizations. Innovative management and risk friendliness are necessary, but the way in which failure is handled and the resulting fear of making mistakes block the (innovative) efforts of specialists and managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on theoretical as well as empirical work. First, the seemingly crystal‐clear concept of “error” is elaborated and the rare category of “creative errors” is introduced. Second, illustrative findings from a case study in the automotive sector are reported.

Findings

The paper suggests that a culturally exacerbated antipathy towards errors ultimately leads to a situation of pronounced innovation incompetence in which creative behavior is avoided. The article points out that it is not an “absolution of mistakes” that is required, but a tolerance for legitimate errors which should only occur under exceptional circumstances. The authors underlines that fairness in dealing with errors is considerably more important than a misguided attempt to create or maintain harmony. In addition to the philosophy and potential of this unusual incentive system, possible practical implementation problems are considered.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization is limited because the findings are based on only one case study. However, because of the vital importance of the so‐called “innovation dilemma”, the exploratory findings of the study may trigger further empirical research on “creative errors”.

Practical implications

An initiative like the “Creative Error of the Month” may help to bring about cultural change towards a climate of trust and confidence in which innovative commitment is treated fairly even if it does not in fact succeed.

Originality/value

Common approaches to enhance organizational innovativeness reward “success stories” or praise “zero‐based cultures”. This case study suggests that a sophisticated initiative revolving around the “hidden” innovative potential of “creative errors” and “tragic failures” might prove to be a successful offbeat attempt at stimulating creativity and innovative behaviour in enterprises.
Business visualization: a new way to communicate financial information
Authors: Helweg‐Larsen Robin , Helweg‐Larsen Eliza
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article introduces a new way of presenting financial results, information and priorities as a dynamic three‐dimensional, colorful and live landscape that provides a rich, deep understanding of business on a conceptual level.

Design/methodology/approach

The article demonstrates how business visualization facilitates the communication of the financial results for individual companies, as well as for comparing companies and for following a company through time.

Findings

Business visualization does not replace the use of traditional financial statements, but complements them to give a sense of relationships and priorities. It provides the tangible, concrete representation people need for a conceptual grasp of the big picture as a prerequisite for understanding the meaning inherent in abstract numbers.

Practical implications

Business visualization makes big‐picture financial information understandable to everyone, promoting buy‐in, credibility, effective decision‐making and training. It facilitates competitive analysis, provides a competitive edge, assists in global communication and the identification of trends, and generally increases speed and accuracy of communication.

Originality/value

The article introduces a completely new way of communicating financial information.
The balanced scorecard equates interests in healthcare organizations
Authors: Funck Elin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper investigates how the balanced scorecard (BSC) has been translated to fit the public healthcare environment. The paper discusses how the context, consisting of politicians, administrators, and medical professionals has influenced the design and function of the BSC.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study approach involving semi‐structured interviews were conducted with key informants on the political, administrative, and medical professional levels of a Swedish county council.

Findings

The study indicates that different interests are made visible within the perspectives of the BSC without giving priority to one interest over another. Thus, the BSC plays an important role in the formation of an equal relationship between organizational interests.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the accounting change literature by identifying a function of the BSC that has not been observed previously within the public healthcare context.
Guide to drug porphyrogenicity prediction and drug prescription in the acute porphyrias
Authors: Thunell Stig , Pomp Erik , Brun Atle
Published: June 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Many drug safety lists for acute porphyrias, largely based on anecdotal evidence, are put forward, but no methods or rationale for the risk estimates are given.

• Many unexplained discrepancies between the lists exist.

What this study adds

• A standardized method for assessment of the risk that a certain drug may activate these diseases has been developed.

• It also allows risk assessments for drugs lacking porphyria related clinical experience.

• About one thousand therapeutic drugs have been classified with regard to porphyrogenicity by the proposed method, which is most valuable for the care of porphyria patients.

Aims

This paper addresses two common problems in the care of carriers of acute porphyria: the choice of safe drugs for pharmacotherapy and the strategy to apply when potentially unsafe drugs cannot be avoided.

Methods and results

A technique is presented for prediction of risk that a certain drug may activate the disease in a gene carrier for acute porphyria. It is based on a model explaining the clinical manifestations as a result of the acute overloading of a deficient enzyme within the hepatic heme biosynthetic chain. The capacity of the drug for induction of the rate‐limiting enzyme in heme biosynthesis, e.g. housekeeping 5‐aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS1), is assessed by critical appraisal of reports of the outcomes of clinical use of the drug, and by theoretical criteria. The assessment occurs within the frame of a flow‐scheme employing variables of increasing specificity, i.e. endocrine properties of the drug, structure and metabolism pointing to affinity to cytochrome P450, hepatic load in therapeutic use, recognized affinity to major CYP species, capacity for CYP‐induction or irreversible inhibition, and capacity to activate or modulate the transduction mechanisms of nuclear receptors affecting ALAS1‐gene transcription. It is proposed that in the absence of a safer alternative, an urgently needed drug not should be withheld on the grounds of potential porphyrogenicity. After risk‐benefit analysis it should be prescribed, but individualized preventive measures adapted to patient vulnerability may be needed.

Conclusions

About 1000 therapeutic drugs categorized with regard to porphyrogenicity by the technique proposed are presented on the internet (http://www.drugs‐porphyria.org).
Effective dose of nefopam in 80% of patients (ED80): a study using the continual reassessment method
Authors: Beloeil Hélène , Eurin Mathilde , Thévenin Aude , Benhamou Dan , Mazoit Jean‐Xavier
Published: June 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Dixon's up‐and‐down technique allows the calculation of the median effective dose (ED50) of a drug with a limited number of patients.

• However, it is not possible to calculate the effective dose in more than 50%, i.e. in 80% or 90% (ED80 or ED90) of the patients with this technique.

What this study adds

• We used the continual reassessment method, which is a Bayesian method to determine ED80, the dose of nefopam relieving pain in 80% of postoperative patients. The ED80 was close to 60 mg, higher than the usual dose of 20 mg.

Aims

The effective dose in 50% of patients (ED50) is far from being relevant for clinical purposes. We used the continual reassessment method (CRM) to determine the effective dose of nefopam in 80% of the patients suffering from moderate pain in the postoperative period (ED80).

Methods

Patients with a pain intensity >3 on a 1–10 numerical pain score (NPS) received increasing or decreasing doses of nefopam (20, 30, 40, 60, 80 mg) postoperatively. The criterion of success was a NPS ≤3, 30 min after the beginning of infusion. The initial dose was 20 mg and the subsequent doses were determined by the continuous reassessment method (CRM). The data were also fitted a posteriori with the maximum likelihood technique.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were enrolled. Nefopam 60 mg gave a probability of success of 0.818 (95% credibility interval 0.606–0.941). Using the maximum likelihood technique, we determined an ED50 of 27.3 mg and a dose leading to a probability of 0.8 (ED80) of 74.4 mg. We did not observe a high incidence of side‐effects.

Conclusions

The ED80 of nefopam, close to 60 mg is higher than the usual dose of 20 mg. The CRM allowed us to determine the ED80 of nefopam with reasonable accuracy in a small number of patients as compared with the classical dose‐probability curve fitting. We did not observe an increased incidence of side‐effects when compared with the literature or to our previous studies.
Series, Child development in developing countries. Strategies to avoid the loss of developmental potential in more than 200 million children in the developing world
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: June 2007

.
 
Engle PL,
Black MM,
Behrman JB,
Cabral de Mello M,
Gertler PJ,
Kapiriri L,
Martorell R,
Eming Young M, and
. (
2007
)

,
369
,
229
–
242
.
 
doi: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(07)60112‐3
A continuous‐scale measure of child development for population‐based epidemiological surveys: a preliminary study using Item Response Theory for the Denver Test
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: June 2007

.
 
Drachler ML,
Marshall T,
De Carvalho Leite JC
. (
2007
)

,
21
,
138
–
153
.
Pulmonary and systemic effects of inhaled PACAP38 in healthy male subjects
Authors: Doberer D. , Gschwandtner M. , Mosgoeller W. , Bieglmayer C. , Heinzl H. , Petkov V.
Published: June 2007

Background Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide 1‐38 (PACAP38) displays biological activities (e.g. bronchodilatory, pulmonary vasodilatory and anti‐inflammatory properties) that are relevant in several pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability and the pulmonary and systemic effects of inhaled PACAP38 in humans.

Materials and methods Twelve healthy male subjects (mean age 28) were studied in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled dose escalation trial with inhalation of PACAP38 to a cumulative dose of 480 µg. Lung function was measured by body plethysmography. Systemic absorption was evaluated by plasma levels, skin blood flux (estimated by laser Doppler imager fluxmetry) and systemic haemodynamics.

Results Inhalation of PACAP38 did not cause relevant adverse reactions or an increase of PACAP38 plasma levels. No statistically significant changes in lung function tests and no systemic effects (blood pressure, pulse rate or skin blood flux) occurred.

Conclusion Inhaled PACAP38 was well tolerated without systemic side‐effects in healthy male subjects.