bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical study on the dynamics and mass transfer characteristics of a radial offset jet
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Huai Wenxin , Yang Zhonghua , Qian Zhongdong , Zeng Yuhong
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– A radial offset jet has the flow characteristics of a radial jet and an offset jet, which are encountered in many engineering applications. The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamics and mass transfer characteristics of the radial offset jet with an offset ratio 6, 8 and 12.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three turbulence models, namely the SST k-? model, detached eddy simulation model, and improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES), were applied to the radial offset jet with an offset ratio eight and their results were compared with experimental results. The contrasting results, such as the distributions of mean and turbulent velocity and pressure, show that the IDDES model was the best model in simulating the radial offset jet. The results of the IDDES were analyzed, including the Reynolds stress, turbulent kinetic energy, triple-velocity correlations, vertical structure and the tracer concentration distribution.

Findings

– In the axisymmetric plane, Reynolds stresses increase to reach a maximum at the location where the jet central line starts to be bent rapidly, and then decrease with increasing distance in the radial direction. The shear layer vortices, which arise from the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability near the jet exit, become larger scale results in the entrainment and vortex pairing, and breakdown when the jet approaches the wall. Near the wall, the vortex swirling direction is different at both front and back of attachment point. In the wall-jet region, the concentration distributions present self-similarity while it keeps constant below the jet in the recirculation region.

Research limitations/implications

– The radial offset jet with other offset ratio and exit angle is not considered in this paper and should be investigated.

Originality/value

– The results obtained in this paper will provide guidance for studying similar flow and a better understanding of the radial offset jet.
Social entrepreneurship and services for marginalized groups
Authors: Kidd Sean , McKenzie Kwame
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of the social entrepreneurship (SE) framework in highlighting effective models of service development and practice in mental health equity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a rigorous SE search process and a multiple case study design, core themes underlying the effectiveness of five services in Toronto, Canada for transgender, Aboriginal, immigrant, refugee, and homeless populations were determined.

Findings

– It was found that the SE construct is highly applicable in the context of services addressing mental health inequities. In the analysis five core themes emerged that characterized the development of these organizations: the personal investment of leaders within a social justice framework; a very active period of clarifying values and mission, engaging partners, and establishing structure; applying a highly innovative approach; maintaining focus, keeping current, and exceeding expectations; and acting more as a service working from within a community than a service for a community.

Practical implications

– These findings may have utility as a guide for individuals early in their trajectories of SE in the area of mental health equity and as a tool that can be used by decision maker “champions” to better identify and support SE endeavours.

Originality/value

– In a context characterized by increasing attention given to models of SE in health equity, this study is the first to directly examine applicability to mental health equity.
“Packaging logistics”: promoting sustainable efficiency in supply chains
Authors: García-Arca Jesús , Prado-Prado J. Carlos , Gonzalez-Portela Garrido A. Trinidad
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the aspects of internal and external transformation that take place in each company along the supply chain when a “sustainable packaging logistics” approach is implemented. Before this can be achieved, it is necessary to identify and characterise the principal cornerstones and stages associated with this implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the paper the combination of “case study” and “action research” techniques have been chosen. It has been analysed the implementation of “sustainable packaging logistics” in the supply chain of Mercadona (one of the largest retailers in Spain), paying special attention to the implementation and evolution in one of its main food suppliers.

Findings

– To adopt a “Sustainable Packaging Logistics” approach allows for a proactive integration of the efficiency and sustainability in supply chains. The proposal to implement “sustainable packaging logistics”, based on four cornerstones and three stages of evolution is particularly significant, while contributing to improved competitiveness. This implementation constitutes an evolutionary process which is conditioned by how each area, department or company along the supply chain interpret and assess different packaging features over time.

Research limitations/implications

– The model is based on a single supply chain analysis.

Originality/value

– This paper may be of interest both for researchers and professionals, because the model can aid companies in improving their global vision of product and packaging design in order to jointly increase sustainability and efficiency in the supply chain.
The benefits of the emissions trading mechanism for Italian firms: a multi-group analysis
Authors: De Giovanni Pietro , Esposito Vinzi Vincenzo
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test the impact of internal and external environmental management (EM) on performance to verify the emission trading (ET) mechanism
'
s effectiveness. It aims to investigate whether EM that is carried out by ET firms has a higher influence on performance than EM that is carried out by no-ET firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual model is drawn up based on the existing literature in green supply chain management (GSCM) and is tested on a large sample of Italian firms. A multi-group analysis in structural equation modeling allows for the estimation of the impact of internal and external EM on economic and environmental performance over the two groups.

Findings

– Firms under ET regime do not perform better than no-ET firms environmentally or economically; moreover, environmental collaboration is significantly less effective for ET firms.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the ET mechanism has been introduced by the European Union to combat and reduce the emissions, research has shown its marginal effectiveness. Data comprises only data about Italian firms. Items in the questionnaire allow for a two-year lag period. Interviewed firms have been selected according to EM criteria only.

Practical implications

– Firms subjected to the ET mechanism should find more effective and efficient practices to improve their environmental performance because the ET is marginally beneficial.

Originality/value

– The findings supply insights to managers about the real effectiveness of ET as well as to decision planners for the development of future sustainable mechanisms.
Reducing transportation emissions
Authors: Pålsson Henrik , Kovács Gyöngyi
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate why companies reduce transportation emissions by examining the relative importance of external drivers vs internal motives for companies in considering CO2 emissions in freight transportation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A framework is suggested that captures internal, competitiveness-driven motives and external, stakeholder-driven drivers for companies seeking to reduce CO2 in freight transportation. These factors are tested in a large industry survey in Sweden. The survey resulted in 172 responses from corporate heads of logistics, a response rate of 40.3 per cent.

Findings

– Variations in responding to stakeholder pressure vs company strategy for reducing transportation emissions are identified. Company strategy outweighs stakeholder pressure in determining whether a company intends to green its transportation. The strategy leads to company-internal motives for reducing transportation emissions which differ from company to company. These differences, in turn, lead to different levels of intended reductions. Stakeholder pressure sets the minimal levels that elevate the performance of a group of companies in an industry or a country, but the differentiation effect across companies is lost. The intention to reduce emissions is greatest if a company has both economic and image motives. The logistics resource configuration does not seem to impact drivers and motives.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is based on companies in Sweden. Studies across several countries are needed to investigate the impact of national requirements.

Originality/value

– The paper shows that the combination of the resource-based view and stakeholder theory presents a better explanation as to why companies reduce transportation emissions than either of them do separately. By combining the two theories this research differentiates between how stakeholder pressure and company strategy influence intents to green transportation.
Critical reflection on professional development in the social sciences: interview results
Authors: Zuber-Skerritt Ortrun , Cendon Eva
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to present an interview and postscript that examine the specific meaning, rationale, conceptual framework, assessment and teaching of critical reflection in and on professional development in management and higher education from an action research perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article is presented in the new genre of PIP (Zuber-Skerritt, 2009): Preamble – Interview – Postscript. The Preamble (P) sets out the background, purpose, structure and conduct of the interview (I), which addresses six probing questions and is followed by a Postscript (P) that reveals additional comments and reflections on the interview, and identifies learning outcomes and implications.

Findings

– Reflective practice is essential for a deep approach to learning, research and professional development and it is a driving force to enable learners to be adequately equipped for constant and complex change in today's and tomorrow's turbulent world.

Research limitations/implications

– The article is positioned to inspire further R&D in the current debate on urgently needed radical and rapid change in higher education for the twenty-first century.

Practical implications

– As well as the article's practical suggestions about why and how to develop reflective learning/practice, the PIP conceptual model applied in this article offers a useful practical approach for researchers to explore self-ethnography through interviews.

Originality/value

– Two conceptual models illustrate the essence of this article, providing practical help to academics and other professionals to advance reflective practice in research and learning.
Young consumers' innovativeness and hedonic/utilitarian cool attitudes
Authors: Noh Mijeong , Runyan Rodney , Mosier Jon
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the relationship between young consumers' innovativeness and their hedonic/utilitarian attitudes toward cool clothing and to examine the moderating role of income on this relationship. This study uses five cool factors (singular cool, personal cool, aesthetic cool, functional cool and quality cool) under the hedonic and utilitarian cool dimensions to test the hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a web-based survey, 265 responses were used for analysis. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the measurement scales. Single-group SEM and multiple-group SEM were performed to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

– Innovative young consumers tend to have stronger hedonic cool attitude toward clothing than non-innovative young consumers. In contrast, innovativeness and utilitarian values of cool products are not interrelated for young consumers. Innovative, high-income young consumes have a tendency to purchase cool products to reflect their personality, individuality, and self-identity.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has limitations for future research with regard to the generalization of the findings because this study focused on a sample of college students.

Practical implications

– This study will provide some valuable information about young consumers' purchasing behaviours toward cool products for commercial marketers.

Originality/value

– This study provides an initial contribution to the literature on the relationships between young consumers' hedonic/utilitarian attitudes and their innovativeness and income levels.
Evolution of the lubrication regime of a cylindrical journal bearing in the starting phase
Authors: Mehala Kadda , Bendaoud Nadia , Youcefi Abdelkader
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to analyze the evolution of the lubrication regime by studying the variation of friction coefficient with the rotational speed of the shaft and the impact of the applied load in the starting phase of a cylindrical journal bearing. The paper also aims to ensure that the oil layer is large enough for the rough edges of the outer layer of the bushing and the shaft cannot come into contact. The bearing is made of steel backing material and babbitted (88 per cent tin) on its inner surface.

Design/methodology/approach

– A numerical analysis is performed taking into account the thermal effect to better predict the operating performance of a hydrodynamic plain cylindrical journal bearing during the start-up and observe the variation of the heat production in bushing inner surface. The flow is modeled based on the Reynolds equation and discretized using the finite volume method.

Findings

– The evolutions of the start-up speeds of the bearing have remarkable influence on friction torque; average temperature and dissipated power increased with increasing speed and increasing load, but the maximum pressure and the eccentricity decreased with the increase of the start-up speed. The friction coefficient, minimum film thickness and attitude angle increase with elevation of start-up speed.

Originality/value

– For the start-up speed of 750, 1,000 and 1,800 rpm and an applied load of 1,000 N, the regime of lubrication of the bearing passes the hydrodynamic regime to the mixed regime; therefore, during start-up and under heavy loads, the bearing must move very quickly at these speeds to avoid contact of the inner surface of the bearing and the shaft.
Effects of lubricant on the mechanical properties of aluminum 6063 alloy after ECAE
Authors: S. Ajiboye Joseph , A. Adebayo Saheed , M. Azeez Temitayo
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the degree of improvement in mechanical properties of aluminum alloy (AA6063) after processing with equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) using four environmentally benign lubricants.

Design/methodology/approach

– Aluminum (Al) 6063 bar was annealed at 350°C for 1 hour, machined and cut to billets measuring 14 × 14 × 44 mm3. These specimens for extrusions were machined to the specified dimension to a visibly good finish. The billets were extruded through ECAE die of 14 × 14 mm2 channel cross-section area; the channel angle was 120°; and the angle of the outer arc of the channels was 30°. The punch and container used for the experiment were made of tool steel alloy AISI D2, and were chromium-coated and polished. Four lubricants such as palm, olive, coconut and groundnut oils were used in this study.

Findings

– The yield, ultimate tensile strengths (UTS) and the ductility of the material ECAEed with palm oil as lubricant, which gave the least extrusion pressure, produces the maximum yield, UTS and ductility, followed by groundnut oil and coconut oil, while olive oil gave the least yield strength, (UTS) and ductility. However, palm oil and olive oil have better load reduction than other lubricants. Furthermore, from the hardness results, though scattered, all of the points at the tensile strained side of the extrudate lie within a reasonably narrow band, suggesting a high degree of homogeneity and greater hardness value within the rod than the compressive side after being ECAEed.

Originality/value

– It is shown in the paper that all the lubricants tested greatly enhanced mechanical properties of Al 6063 and can effectively replace the petroleum-based lubricants used in forging operations.
The effect of applied load and sliding speed on the tribological properties of Nylon 6 and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
Authors: Unal Huseyin , Hakan Yetgin Salih , Findik Fehim
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the study was to find the best performance polymer material to be used in railway car bogies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Wear tests and optical and scanning electron microscopy were used.

Findings

– The friction coefficients of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and Nylon 6 polymers, as opposed to AISI 4140 steel, reduced with the increment of applied loads. With the increment of sliding speed, the friction coefficient increased in both UHMWPE and Nylon 6 polymers. The specific wear rate of the UHMWPE polymer was determined to be about 10-14 m2/N, whereas the rate of Nylon 6 was determined to be 10-13 m2/N.

Practical implications

– The aim of the study was to find the best performance polymer material to be used in railway car bogies.

Originality/value

– The friction and wear performance of UHMWPE and Nylon 6 engineering polymers were studied and compared to their AISI 4140 steel counterparts. It is an original work and it is not published in any media.
A novel benztriazole derivative for enhancing the anti-oxidation properties of synthetic ester-based oils
Authors: Zhao Gaiqing , Zhao Qin , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Weimin
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study a novel Mannich adduct of benztriazole-containing diphenylamine (coded as BD) and its anti-oxidation properties as an additive in two typical synthetic ester-based oils.

Design/methodology/approach

– The anti-oxidation properties in two typical synthetic ester-based oils were evaluated in detail, using rotating pressure vessel oxidation test. The tribological properties of BD in synthetic ester-based oil (A51) were also tested with Optimal SRV-I oscillating friction and wear tester at atmosphere.

Findings

– The results of tests demonstrated that the novel BD compound is, indeed, a high-performance anti-oxidation additive that was able to remarkably improve the oxidation stability of synthetic ester-based oils, when it was added at only 0.5 per cent concentration and compared with the base oils containing 0.5 per cent of the commercial available antioxidant additives such as 2, 6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol and octyl-butyl diphenylamine. A plausible mechanism of exceptional synergistic anti-oxidation was proposed.

Originality/value

– This paper first investigated the anti-oxidation properties and mechanisms of the compound with the structure of BD, which can be very useful and would promote the application of BD antioxidant in the lubricant industry.
Sequential combination of consumer experiences and their impact on product knowledge and brand attitude
Authors: Keng Ching-Jui , Tran Van-Dat , Liao Tze-Hsien , Yao Chao-Ju , K. Hsu Maxwell
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the sequential combination of consumer experiences on product knowledge and brand attitude. Additionally, the moderating role of desire for unique consumer products (DUCP) was also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four types of sequential combinations of consumer experiences were designed: exposure to escapist virtual experience preceding direct experience (VEescapist→DE), exposure to education virtual experience preceding direct experience (VEeducation→DE), exposure to escapist virtual experience preceding indirect experience (VEescapist→IDE), and exposure to education virtual experience preceding indirect experience (VEeducation→IDE). A total of 302 undergraduate college students in Taiwan participated in this study.

Findings

– The results revealed that DUCP moderated the sequential combination of consumer experiences on product knowledge. For the high level of DUCP, there are significant differences among the effects of the sequential combination of consumer experiences on product knowledge. Specifically, it was found that VEescapist→IDE produces the highest product knowledge while VEeducation→DE produces the lowest product knowledge. Regarding the low level of DUCP, there are not significant differences among the effects of sequential combination of consumer experiences on product knowledge.

Originality/value

– This study extended the studies of Daughertyet al.(2008), Pine and Gilmore (1999), and Kenget al.(2012) to further explore the effects of the sequential combination of experiences.
Adoption readiness, personal innovativeness, perceived risk and usage intention across customer groups for mobile payment services in India
Authors: Thakur Rakhi , Srivastava Mala
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to accomplish two objectives – to test the functional relationship between adoption readiness (AR), perceived risk (PR) and usage intention for mobile payments in India and to investigate the stability of proposed structural relationships across different customer groups.

Design/methodology/approach

– The literature concerning major attributes of technology acceptance were systematically reviewed to develop construct of AR. Post that a comprehensive model consisting of AR, personal innovativeness and PR was put together. The model was then empirically tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– On appraising the proposed model, five out of six hypotheses were fully supported while one hypothesis was partially supported. Test of invariance showed significant variance among users and non-users.

Research limitations/implications

– The results of the study may vary with national context, service offerings, regulatory framework and other customer personal variables (i.e. lifestyle) suggesting future research opportunities.

Practical implications

– The results facilitate the comprehension of the role of different factors on the mobile payments usage intention among customers. In addition, the results expand the knowledge on consumer behaviour towards financial technological innovations.

Originality/value

– The results expand one's knowledge on this relationship, propounding interesting empirical evidence of the model invariance among different consumer groups.
Nature and duration of the accounting differences between Italian and US GAAP
Authors: Mura Alessandro , Roberto Gianluigi
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on alternative accounting treatments over time to assess their impact on the level of conservatism in a comparison between Italian local accounting standards and USA generally accepted accounting principles.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach is adopted to investigate the accounting adjustments applied to net income and shareholders’ equity as included in the Form 20-F reconciliations reported by all Italian firms that were listed on a US market over the period 1999-2008. The methodology first introduced by Gray (1980) and frequently applied over 30 years to several international accounting comparisons is adapted to recognise a multi-period dimension of the accounting choice. In particular, the paper focuses on the temporal dimension of such adjustments in order to capture their attitude to reverse or become permanent over time.

Findings

– The results show that the level of conservatism is visible in the measurement of net assets and is shaped by the prevailing directional effect of accounting adjustments that become permanent as their cumulative reversal is persistently delayed. Such a phenomenon arises and intensifies when the accounting differences relate to recurring operations and/or to long-term assets and liabilities. Amongst them those violating the clean surplus relation are the most controversial as they not only generate a permanent effect in the measurement of net assets, but also an opposite permanent effect in the measurement of earnings.

Research limitations/implications

– Future empirical research confirming the finding in different contexts might overcome the limitations of a relatively poor number of observations in the case study.

Practical implications

– Identifying the duration of alternative accounting treatments is relevant to assess their potential influence on stakeholders decision-making process as this may steadily influence the future of a firm.

Originality/value

– The propositions express a sequence of the timing effects of alternative accounting treatments that highlight the primary role of permanent differences in persistently shaping the value of net assets and help to provide a less erratic interpretation of the level of conservatism.
Application of humanitarian last mile distribution model
Authors: Battini Daria , Peretti Umberto , Persona Alessandro , Sgarbossa Fabio
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend a routing model so that it may be applied to a real case study of material deliveries involved in a development operation, typical of regular humanitarian logistics, and to explore the impact of variations in available logistic assets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The introduced model is a conceptual evolution of the study recently presented. It concerns the resource allocation and vehicle routing decisions in the well-known Haitian case. Different scenarios are analyzed and a sensitivity analysis is provided. Constraints related to transportation resources in a complex environment, transportation vehicle capacities, and delivery time restrictions are here considered.

Findings

– This research shows how the logistic assets characteristics and their availability affect the distribution system performances, in terms of total distribution cost and shortages.

Originality/value

– The present work explores the last mile distribution problem by providing a case study to assist decision makers in making effective and efficient distribution across the last mile. The research focusses upon the distribution systems management coupled with material distribution modalities.
Social prescription and the role of participatory arts programmes for older people with sensory impairments
Authors: Vogelpoel Nicholas , Jarrold Kara
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the benefits of a social prescribing service for older people with sensory impairments experiencing social isolation. The paper draws on the findings from a 12-week programme run by Sense, a voluntary sector organisation, and illustrates how integrated services, combining arts-based participation and voluntary sector support, can create positive health and wellbeing outcomes for older people.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research took a mixed-methodological approach, conducting and analysing data from interviews and dynamic observation proformas with facilitators and quantitative psychological wellbeing scores with participants throughout the course of the programme. Observations and case study data were also collected to complement and contextualise the data sets.

Findings

– The research found that participatory arts programmes can help combat social isolation amongst older people with sensory impairments and can offer an important alliance for social care providers who are required to reach more people under increasing pecuniary pressures. The research also highlights other benefits for health and wellbeing in the group including increased self-confidence, new friendships, increased mental wellbeing and reduced social isolation.

Research limitations/implications

– The research was based on a sample size of 12 people with sensory impairments and therefore may lack generalisability. However, similar outcomes for people engaging in participatory arts through social prescription are documented elsewhere in the literature.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for existing health and social care services and argues that delivering more integrated services that combine health and social care pathways with arts provision have the potential to create social and medical health benefits without being care/support resource heavy.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils a need to understand and develop services that are beneficial to older people who become sensory impaired in later life. This cohort is growing and, at present, there are very few services for this community at high risk of social isolation.
Time series trending for condition assessment and prognostics
Authors: Mosallam Ahmed , Medjaher Kamal , Zerhouni Noureddine
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The developments of complex systems have increased the demand for condition monitoring techniques so as to maximize operational availability and safety while decreasing the costs. Signal analysis is one of the methods used to develop condition monitoring in order to extract important information contained in the sensory signals, which can be used for health assessment. However, extraction of such information from collected data in a practical working environment is always a great challenge as sensory signals are usually multi-dimensional and obscured by noise. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a method for trends extraction from multi-dimensional sensory data, which are then used for machinery health monitoring and maintenance needs. The proposed method is based on extracting successive features from machinery sensory signals. Then, unsupervised feature selection on the features domain is applied without making any assumptions concerning the source of the signals and the number of the extracted features. Finally, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm is applied on the projected features with the purpose of following the evolution of data in a compact representation over time.

Findings

– The method is demonstrated on accelerated degradation data set of bearings acquired from PRONOSTIA experimental platform and a second data set acquired form NASA repository.

Originality/value

– The method showed that it is able to extract interesting signal trends which can be used for health monitoring and remaining useful life prediction.
Value-driven engineering of E-maintenance platforms
Authors: Macchi Marco , Crespo Márquez Adolfo , Holgado Maria , Fumagalli Luca , Barberá Martínez Luis
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for the engineering of E-maintenance platforms that is based on a value-driven approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology assumes that a value-driven engineering approach would help foster technological innovation for maintenance management. Indeed, value-driven engineering could be easily adopted at the business level, with subsequent positive effects on the industrial applications of new information and communication technologies solutions.

Findings

– The methodology combines a value-driven approach with the engineering in the maintenance scope. The methodology is tested in a manufacturing case to prove its potential to support the engineering of E-maintenance solutions. In particular, the case study concerns the investment in E-maintenance solutions developed in the framework of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system originally implemented for production purposes.

Originality/value

– Based on literature research, the paper presents a methodology that is implemented considering three different approaches (business theories, value-driven engineering and maintenance management). The combination of these approaches is novel and overcomes the traditional view of maintenance as an issue evaluated from a cost-benefit perspective.
Revisiting organizational age, inertia, and adaptability
Authors: Chen Chung-An
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The literature of organizational change hints that adaptability and inertia not only counterbalance but also reinforce each other, and the inertia-adaptability balance over time is nonlinear. The author aims to address this view more clearly by presenting a multi-stage conceptual model that delineates how adaptability and inertia take turns to override each other. In addition, data collected from over 400 nonprofit organizations within the USA were used to test this model.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses polynomial regression to examine the multi-stage conceptual model. More precisely, it tests how organizational age influences an organization's innovativeness, managerial risk aversion, and red tape.

Findings

– The findings support the multi-stage conceptual model. The results imply that organizational ecology and rational adaptation are mutually compatible perspectives in explaining organizational age dynamics.

Originality/value

– This study introduces a multi-stage model that more clearly examines how adaptability and inertia counterbalance and reinforce over time. More importantly, the author empirically examines the nonlinear organizational age dynamics using quantitative data.
Social care mentorship and employee engagement in the transformation of the Social Care Workforce
Authors: McCray Janet , Turner Hazel , Hall Barbara , Price Marie , Constable Gill
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper presents the findings of a small scale research project exploring mentorship programme participants experiences and learning about their managerial role in an adult social care service seeking to build management practice, resilience and well-being in the context of transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of one public sector workforce development project is presented. The programme involved the use of an individual social care mentorship model and continuing professional development framework to support and engage 60 social care managers in the facilitation of workforce practice transformation. A small scale research study of 15 managers was undertaken. Participants provided a written reflective review and narrative of their individual experience and of learning. The narrative of a purposive sample of 15 managers was analysed using a work by Tamboukou and informed by a work byLabov and Waletzky as a guide.

Findings

– Thematic analysis of managers' reflective accounts, identified the adaption of coaching methods and the used of role modelling skills in the workplace. Emotional well being and resilience was maintained during the mentorship programme. Structural analysis emphasised sequences or messages in the narrative indicating manager's cooperation with the organisation in achieving its' transformational goals and gaining employee engagement.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a small scale study exploring one aspect of the project's goals.

Practical implications

– The project delivery and research findings will be of interest to other organisations considering the implementation of mentorship to support transformation and change.

Originality/value

– There are very few evaluations and research studies of social care mentorship in the literature and this paper and the case study presented provides interesting new insights into the process and its possible outcomes.
A theoretical model of the antecedents and outcomes of employee engagement
Authors: Rana Sowath , Ardichvili Alexandre , Tkachenko Oleksandr
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model that links the major antecedents, outcomes, and moderators of employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses the first part of Dubin's two-part, eight-step theory-building methodology, and builds on existing research and empirical studies on engagement. In particular, the following five steps of the Dubin's methodology are addressed in this study: units (or concepts) of the theory, laws of interaction among the units, boundaries of the theory, system states of the theory, and propositions of the theory.

Findings

– The proposed theoretical model of employee engagement identifies job design and characteristics, supervisor and co-worker relationships, workplace environment, and HRD practices as the major antecedents to employee engagement. The paper also proposes that job demands and individual characteristics act as moderators to the relationships between job design and characteristics, supervisor and co-worker relationships, workplace environment, and employee engagement. Finally, it is proposed that employee engagement is related to three major organizational outcomes: job performance, turnover intention (inverse relationship), and organizational citizenship behavior.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses the paucity of structured literature on the antecedents and outcomes of employee engagement and presents a comprehensive, holistic model that offers a logical ground on which empirical indicators and hypotheses could be further identified and tested to verify the theory.
HRD challenges when faced by disengaged UK workers
Authors: Keeble-Ramsay Diane , Armitage Andrew
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper seeks to consider employees' perceptions of engagement from their lived experiences of UK employees following the global credit crisis, post 2008. It draws from the prior studies of Hassardet al.(2009), which researched work practices in the period preceding the study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research utilised focus group discussion, which was analysed by template analysis from an interpretive perspective and adopts narratives to facilitate a critical interpretive paradigm.

Findings

– There is clear evidence of theories surrounding the positive value of employee engagement, however the findings do not demonstrate that it is necessarily valued by UK management by their responses towards the work environment given post 2008 trading conditions.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation of the study lies with the size of the sample participating. While this reflects the need for further future research to be undertaken, the study also recognises that the findings are determined by the perceptions of employees which may not reflect the intentions of the management within the organisations which they work.

Originality/value

– There is a dearth of empirical study into the post 2008 period. This research attempts to ground theories of engagement within the post global credit crunch timeframe.
Rethinking the literature on “multiple embeddedness” and subsidiary-specific advantages
Authors: Ferraris Alberto
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to synthesize the literature on embeddedness of MNE subsidiaries, rethinking the concept of “multiple embeddedness” in order to clarify the importance of the subsidiary-specific advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

– A new and innovative framework based on four key relationships: home country-specific advantages (CSAs)-Headquarters (HQ); HQ-subsidiary; subsidiary-host CSAs; and subsidiary-HQ. This framework is used to discuss the complex phenomenon of “multiple embeddedness”.

Findings

– The framework proposed sheds light on the subsidiary's need to develop and sustain over time its subsidiary-specific advantages (SSAs) and, where possible, to “upgrade” these SSAs and to integrate them across the entire network of the MNE. The framework is based on two pillars. The first one is the “creation and development” of firm-specific advantages (FSAs) (in the home country) and SSAs (in the host country); the second one is the “transfer” of these advantages from the parent to the subsidiary and vice versa. In addition, several interesting interrelations are found between the four main relationships, and the central role of the recombination capabilities and the importance of distance are highlighted.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of the first to develop a framework incorporating all the relevant relationships in multiple embeddedness. The framework is innovative and “embeddedness” is analyzed in a novel way, as many studies only partially analyze this complex phenomenon and neglect one or more of these relationships.
The University – the shifting past
Authors: P. Abeles Tom
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss the shifting purpose of the post-secondary institutions since the first-century founding, the fundamental changes in the mid-nineteenth century and the various factors pushing for competitive innovations and alternatives to the current institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– This editorial piece is a cross-disciplinary critical analysis.

Findings

– Universities are faced with a series of disruptive innovations. While academia applies the theories of disruptive innovation to a variety of institutions, it is slow to turn these tools inward. Currently, this imperils the institution at all levels from groundskeepers of physical campuses to faculty and administrative personnel in virtual space. Knowledge is now fungible and transferable across geo/political boundaries.

Originality/value

– This is an original piece assessing the effects of the cost of knowledge acquisition asymptotically approaching zero on the institution that, at one time, was the gatekeeper and transmitter of such knowledge.
“To listen or to read?” Audio or written assessment feedback for international students in the UK
Authors: Chew Esyin
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– In response to the less satisfied National Student Survey, UK universities have committed to transform assessment and feedback experience. This paper aims to explore how the diversity of online assessment and feedback offer a better learning experience for international students.

Design/methodology/approach

– By using the action research method, the research investigated academic and international students' first experience on audio feedback and online text. Video interviews and online questionnaires were carried out.

Findings

– All research participants would like to receive assessment feedback in audio form. This reflects the learning experience of students and suggests that the support of a higher educational institution or a tutor could provide for assessment and feedback enhancement in the digital world is mandatory. Other than the technological and instrumental advantage, the “human element” of audio feedback makes it unique and interesting to listen to in contrast to online written feedback.

Research limitations/implications

– It is recognised that the number of student participants was small but the qualitative findings demonstrate some key issues in relation to international student experience and the effectiveness and engagement of assessment feedback that may inspire future empirical research.

Practical implications

– Some conditions under which feedback is likely to be effective are not met as frequently as originally believed, audio feedback can be thoughtfully considered as an alternative assessment feedback mechanism for international students.

Originality/value

– The “‘human element’ of audio assessment feedback” defeats online written text for international students. They appreciate the effort spent by the tutor to provide them assessment and feedback personally by “talking to them”.
Exploring research data in Indian institutional repositories
Authors: Hanief Bhat Mohammad
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore various types of research materials in Indian institutional repositories.

Design/methodology/approach

– The repositories are identified from the Registry of Open Access Repositories (ROAR). The repository sites were visited to collect the data necessary for the study.

Findings

– The present study reveals that barring a few repositories the collections of most of the repositories are very low. The percentage of archived materials is high for journal papers, and moderate for conference papers/thesis. However it is very low for preprints/working papers, teaching resources and patents.

Originality/value

– The study provides an overview of archived material in institutional repositories in India.
Neuropsychology of memory function: a guide for clinicians
Authors: Cullen Breda , J. Evans Jonathan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to summarise key models of the neuropsychology of memory function, illustrating how they can be used to inform the assessment and formulation of memory disorders in clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Models of short term and working memory, long-term memory and prospective memory are described. Commonly used tools and methods to assess these functions in adults are summarised.

Findings

– It is argued that a clearer understanding of models of memory function adds value to the process of cognitive assessment, guiding the selection of appropriate tests and aiding diagnosis, formulation and rehabilitation planning.

Originality/value

– This paper is intended to serve as a resource for professionals who encounter memory disorders in their clinical practice.
Is culture change a fad? Driving business results at Penna, ten years on
Authors: White Bev , Browning Gary , Bajer Javier
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Ten years ago Penna, the global HR services group, needed a radical business and culture re-invention if it was to survive. This article aims to tell the story behind Penna's journey and describe how a sustainable culture change intervention became the cornerstone of a successful business.

Design/methodology/approach

– This case study is the result of an initial ethnographical research followed by concrete and systemic interventions.

Findings

– The case study identifies four elements that sustained the business impact of a culture change program over a significant period of time.

Originality/value

– This longitudinal case study follows a culture change program in an organizational context over a period of ten years.
The triangle of poverty, economic growth, and inequality in Central America: does tourism matter?
Authors: Vanegas Manuel
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between tourism, economic growth, inequality, and poverty reduction in the five countries of Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study represents the first application of panel data modeling of poverty, economic growth and inequality as related to Central America. Unbalanced panel data are employed for the five Central America countries for the period 1980-2012.

Findings

– The findings reveal three results: the relationship between poverty, inequality and economic growth varies relatively very little for different measures of economic growth; the null hypothesis that economic growth and inequality does not matter is rejected at the 1 percent level, and the coefficients are highly significant and with the expected signs; tourism matters for poverty reduction in Central America.

Originality/value

– The paper represents the first application of panel data modeling poverty, economic growth, inequality, and tourism development in the context of Central America. Additionally, the study puts together the largest number of comparable observations on poverty, income, and income distribution for Central America during the period 1980-2012.