bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women's small and medium enterprises for poverty alleviation in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Siringi E.M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to focus on women small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) financed by Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT) for poverty alleviation in Kakamega District‐Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized cross‐sectional data from KWFT and follow‐up field survey data of women beneficiaries of KWFT credit. Multi‐stage stratified sampling technique was adopted to identify 90 women entrepreneurs of the total population of 300. Primary data were gathered using structured and non‐structured questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. The study adopts both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Findings

KWFT micro credit has had a positive impact upon women entrepreneurs on income savings, asset creation and their general social welfare. However, the KWFT's fight against poverty is constrained by socio‐culture and other institutional policy issues such as: right to own property, right to education, own land, manage and inherit property, conduct business, among others.

Practical implications

Women have shown that they are strong entrepreneurs, borrowers and change agents through WSMEs. Government of Kenya should urgently adopt a gender policy to address socio‐culture issues constraining WSMEs. Further, KWFT should avoid cumbersome loan procedures but rather provide quick and convenient access to credit for women entrepreneurs, simple product offerings, with some flexibility to boost fight against poverty.

Originality/value

Linking women entrepreneurship in the context of overall fight against poverty in Western Region in Kenya through KWFT; provide opportunity to add knowledge to current literature critical for academia and women entrepreneurship policy in Kenya in particular, as well as Sub‐Saharan African region.
Learning from business support in Africa
Authors: Irwin David
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review approaches to providing support to entrepreneurs adopted by four business support organisations, originally created with similar objectives, in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Cameroon to examine entrepreneurial heterogeneity in Africa and the hypothesis that local solutions are required to support entrepreneurs effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical review of each business support organisation's approach, including a stakeholder analysis was undertaken.

Findings

Although the trusts were established to achieve broadly similar objectives, all have followed a different path, apparently in response to the need to provide support in different ways. All are successful, demonstrating the importance of this approach. All learn from each other, adopting and, importantly, adapting successful programmes.

Research limitations/implications

The research whilst systematically covering stakeholders was limited to gathering qualitative perceptions of the organisations and their successes. Further research, based on systematic performance measurement by the trusts, and with appropriate control groups, could provide further insights.

Practical implications

The study is relevant to policy makers, particularly in donors and multi‐lateral institutions, considering how further to encourage and support small business development. It should encourage the designers of new programmes to spend more time ensuring that they understand how the needs of local entrepreneurs can best be addressed.

Originality/value

The study is unique in being able to use four business support organisations, in four countries, all with a common core sponsor and similar values, to make comparisons of supporting entrepreneurs. The paper makes a contribution towards demonstrating that there is little homogeneity amongst entrepreneurs in Africa and those entrepreneurs therefore require assistance tailored to meet their particular culture.
Challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Nigeria
Authors: Halkias Daphne , Nwajiuba Chinedum , Harkiolakis Nicholas , Caracatsanis Sylva M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the business and social profiles of 67 women entrepreneurs in three regions of Nigeria in order to identify patterns of entrepreneurship and social and economic challenges facing women business owners in Nigeria. The study aims to support and encourage sustainable small‐scale economic development activities by Nigerian women and determine ways to integrate these small businesses into existing urban economic development projects and strategies for poverty alleviation, expand understanding of the business and social profiles of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, examine the contextual influences on their work, raise the level of awareness of women entrepreneurs amongst all economically active agents and researchers, influence social and economic policy addressing issues of women entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed and administered to a sample of 62 practicing Nigerian female entrepreneurs. The survey was divided into sections that recorded personal demographics, the entrepreneur's perceptions of the business environment and their venture and the motivations and drives that led to the birth of their business. Data were collected and processed to produce frequency distributions on every question/variable in the survey followed by cross‐tabulations between all variables and χ2 tests in order to reveal strong associations.

Findings

With no or few significant differences shown to exist between male and female business owners or managers once they have already started an enterprise, there is a strong indication that Africa has sizeable hidden growth potential in its women. From the results presented, it is evident that female entrepreneurship in Nigeria is driven by micro‐financing as well as family dynamics that work to shape and influence the birth of a business.

Research limitations/implications

Future research initiatives need to explore the gender dimension and the influence of education levels on the role models that influence and drive female entrepreneurship. In addition, the evolution of the complete life cycle of the entrepreneur's business should be examined and dependencies on the variables presented should be investigated. Finally, research should focus studies whose aim is to influence social and educational policy that encourages women's entrepreneurship in the fight for poverty alleviation in Africa.

Originality/value

Unique contribution with information being provided regarding an area that has not been studied before with a quantitative and qualitative method both within the same study.
How relevant is OM research to managerial practice?
Authors: de‐Margerie Victoire , Jiang Bin
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Thus far, no study collects evidence from practitioners directly to investigate the characteristics of operations management (OM) research that appears to have impacts on OM practice, nor do we know how practitioners evaluate the managerial relevance of OM research. This paper aims to answer two interesting and important questions: how do practitioners judge the managerial relevance of OM research; and whether practitioners' criteria on managerial relevance can help OM researchers improve the relevance?

Design/methodology/approach

A panel of senior executives was asked to read the top 10 most downloaded papers from theJournal of Operations Managementand fill the designed questionnaire. Following Cronbach's cumulative theory‐building process through which progress is made by successively testing the efficacy of the measures, this research examined the diverse disciplines, consolidated relevant findings, and integrated them into a tractable, meaningful research framework.

Findings

This paper reveals that practitioners evaluate our OM research by three criteria: whether academic research is applicable or implementable (solution oriented), whether academic research provides novel insights or new perspectives to management (eye opening), and whether academic research helps practitioners recognize their situations (accessibility).

Originality/value

While the awareness of managerial relevance in OM research has been growing, few systematic, quantitative‐oriented empirical studies of practitioners' attitude toward academic OM research exist in current literature. This paper directly explores practitioners' opinions on managerial relevance through quantitative analysis and identified several possible dimensions to pursue managerial relevance in OM research.
Drivers and obstacles of product recovery activities in the Greek industry
Authors: Kapetanopoulou Paraskevi , Tagaras George
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the current state of affairs in the product recovery domain as perceived by Greek industry. The extent of involvement of original equipment manufacturers in product recovery activities (PRA), the direct profitability of PRA and the most important specific drivers and barriers to the implementation of PRA are the main issues that are explored. The paper also investigates whether these issues are affected by two factors: level of PRA and profitability of existing PRA.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted and 312 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of the responses was carried out via non‐parametric χ2‐tests for homogeneity, Mann‐Whitney U‐tests and Friedman two‐way analysis of variance.

Findings

The results suggest that PRA are not very much developed by manufacturing companies in Greece. The companies engage in PRA mainly because they want to provide service to their customers; they are hesitant to embark on an unknown set of new activities, which complicate their manufacturing operations.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is the variability in the manufacturers' responses as the data comes from the entire Greek industry.

Originality/value

The paper responds to the repeated calls for more empirical research in reverse logistics. It is the first survey‐based study of PRA in an industry that is not as developed as the industry in the USA or Western Europe, where most similar empirical research is conducted.
The role of actor associations in understanding the implementation of Lean thinking in healthcare
Authors: Papadopoulos Thanos , Radnor Zoe , Merali Yasmin
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The importance of networks in effecting the outcomes of change processes is well‐established in the literature. Whilst extant literature focuses predominantly on the structural properties of networks, our purpose is to explore the dynamics of network emergence that give rise to the outcomes of process improvement interventions. Through the use of actor‐network theory (ANT), the purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics in the implementation of a process improvement methodology in the complex organisational setting of a UK National Health Service Trust. The paper illustrates the utility of ANT in articulating the dynamic nature of networks underpinning socio‐technical change, and our analysis provides insights for the management process change initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a rich qualitative study in the Pathology Unit of a UK National Health Service Trust, using ANT as the theoretical lens for tracking the emergence and transformation of networks of individuals over the course of a management intervention to promote “Lean thinking” for process performance improvements.

Findings

ANT is useful for explicitly tracking how organisational players shift their positions and network allegiances over time, and for identifying objects and actions that are effective in engaging individuals in networks which enable transition to a Lean process. It is important to attend to the dynamics of the process of change and devise appropriate timely interventions enabling actors to shift their own positions towards a desired outcome.

Research limitations/implications

The paper makes the case for using theoretical frameworks developed outside the operations management to develop insights for designing process interventions.

Originality/value

By understanding the role of shifting networks managers can use timely interventions during the process implementation to facilitate the transition to Lean processes, e.g. using demonstrable senior leadership commitment and visual communication.
Terrorism and military actions pose the ultimate challenge to gas sensing
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of the uses of gas sensors to detect explosives' vapours and chemical warfare agents (CWAs).

Design/methodology/approach

Following a brief introduction, this paper first considers the use of gas sensors to detect explosives. Second, gas sensors that respond to CWAs are discussed. Some mentioned is made of commercial devices but the emphasis is on emerging technologies and recent research.

Findings

Detecting explosives is an emerging application for gas sensors. Despite some commercial products, it is the topic of a major research effort and poses a significant technological challenge due to the very low vapour concentrations involved. Many optical and solid‐state techniques are under development and some have shown ppt levels of resolution to TNT and allied compounds. Detecting CWAs is a far more mature application and many products exist, often based on analytical methods. Nevertheless, research into improved sensing techniques continues, frequently aimed at detecting ppb concentrations of nerve agents. Much of this research is aimed at meeting the needs of, and is being funded by, the US military and security agencies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a technical review of recent developments in the use of gas sensors to detect explosives and CWAs.
Developments in organic lasers and their role in sensing
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a technical insight into recent developments in organic lasers and their applications to sensing.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of progress in organic lasers, this paper considers a number of recent sensor developments based on this technology. Finally, future prospects are briefly considered.

Findings

This shows that organic lasers are the tropic of a major research effort. The broad aims are to reduce the optical pumping power and ultimately to achieve purely electrical operation. Few sensors based on organic lasers have yet been reported but recent examples include explosive vapour detectors, lab‐on‐a‐chip devices and biosensors.

Originality/value

This paper provides a review of organic laser developments and sensors that exploit this technology.
Hydrogen detection in organic gas mixtures based on analyzing the transient response
Authors: Bahraminejad Behzad , Basri Shahnor , Isa Maryam , Hambali Zarida
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ability of capillary‐attached gas sensor (CGS) in detecting components of gas mixtures, including a volatile organic gas and hydrogen in a wide range of concentrations.

Design/methodology/approach

Diverse feature extraction and classification techniques were employed to analyze the response of CGS when applied to different mixtures.

Findings

It was observed that the response of CGS to the above gas mixtures could be distinguishable. While evaluating the results of the classification technique, it was implied that hydrogen, in the presence of the volatile organic gases, could be detected perfectly by analyzing the response of the CGS. Separating techniques, which yielded a high rate of classification, were used to separate mixtures containing hydrogen and organic gases from other organic gas mixtures without hydrogen.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper prove the ability of CGS in fabricating an olfactory machine for analyzing the components of gas mixtures.
Fabrication of a membrane type double cavity vacuum‐sealed micro sensor for absolute pressure based on front‐side lateral etching technology
Authors: Rathore Pradeep Kumar , Akhtar Jamil
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the fabrication of a miniaturized membrane type double cavity vacuum‐sealed micro sensor for absolute pressure using front‐side lateral etching technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Potassium hydroxide‐based anisotropic etching of single crystal silicon is used to realize the cavities under the membrane type diaphragms through channels on the sides. The diaphragms consist of composite layers of plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) of silicon nitride and silicon dioxide. PECVD of silicon dioxide is done for sealing the channels and the cavity in vacuum. Boron thermal diffusion in low‐pressure chemical vapour deposition of polysilicon layer over the membrane is done for realizing resistors. The fabricated device uses Wheatstone half bridge circuit to read the variation of resistance with respect to an applied pressure.

Findings

A double cavity vacuum‐sealed absolute pressure micro sensor has been fabricated successfully using front‐side lateral etching technology and has been measured for pressure range of 0‐0.45 MPa. The measured pressure sensitivity of two pressure sensors is 9.28 and 10.44 mV/MPa.

Originality/value

The paper shows that front‐side lateral etching technology is feasible in the fabrication of small vacuum‐sealed cavities and absolute pressure sensors.
Effect of chirality and atomic vacancies on dynamics of nanoresonators based on SWCNT
Authors: Joshi Anand Y. , Sharma Satish C. , Harsha S.P.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of chiral single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as mass sensors. Analysis of SWCNT with chiralities is performed using an atomistic finite element model based on a molecular structural mechanics approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The cantilever carbon nanotube (CNT) is modeled by considering it as a space frame structure similar to three‐dimensional beams and point masses. The elastic properties of the beam element are calculated by considering mechanical characteristics of covalent bonds between the carbon atoms in the hexagonal lattice. The mass of each beam element is assumed as point mass at nodes coinciding with carbon atoms. An atomistic simulation approach is used to find the natural frequencies and to study the effects of defect like atomic vacancies in CNTs on the resonant frequency. The migration of the atomic vacancies along the length is observed for different chiralities.

Findings

A reduction in the simulated natural frequency is observed with the maximum value occurring, when the vacancy is found nearer to the fixed end. It is quite evident from the simulation results that the effect of vacancies is significant, and the effect diminishes at 10−2femtograms mass. Using the higher modes of vibration of SWCNT‐based mass sensors, the amount and the position of the mass on the nanotube can be identified.

Originality/value

CNT have been used as mass sensors extensively. The present approach is focused to explore the use of chiral SWCNT as sensing device with vacancy defect in it. The variation of the atomic vacancies in CNT along the length has been taken and is analyzed for different chiralities. The effects of defect like atomic vacancies in CNTs on the resonant frequency have been analyzed and observed that the maximum reduction in natural frequency occurs when the vacancy is found nearer to the fixed end due to large stiffness variation.
Theoretical and experimental studies on concave mirror‐based fiber optic displacement sensor
Authors: Yang H.Z. , Harun S.W. , Ahmad H.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, theoretically and experimentally, a concave mirror‐based fiber optic displacement sensor performance for three‐axes directional measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical model is constructed based on spherical mirror properties of the concave mirror and the simulated result is found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.

Findings

Both theoretical and experimental results show that the focal length and radius of the concave mirror make significant influence to the displacement response. In the x‐axes measurement, six linear slopes are obtained with four of them are located in the vicinity of the position, two times of the focal length. The maximum measurement range of about 20 mm is obtained using a focal length of 10 mm. In the y‐ and z‐axes displacement measurements, the linear range increases as the diameter of concave mirror increases. The longest linear range of 8 mm is achieved at mirror radius of 10 mm.

Originality/value

This is the first demonstration of three axes directional displacement measurements using a concave mirror as a target
Zero drift NDIR gas sensors
Authors: Wong Jacob Y. , Schell Mike
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Output stability or drift overtime has long been a major performance deficiency for gas sensors irrespective of what technology or methodology is used for their conception. Software correction may alleviate the problem somewhat but it is not always applicable. It has long been the objective of many researchers in this field to overcome this problem fundamentally and for good. The purpose of this paper is to show that this objective has now finally been achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional non‐dispersive infrared (NDIR) dual beam methodology utilizes the ratio of signal channel output over reference channel output for signal processing. The signal filter overlaps the absorption band of the gas of interest while the reference filter does not. However, this ratio changes as the source ages. The current methodology uses an absorption bias between signal and reference channel outputs. This absorption bias is created by using a path length for the signal channel greater than that for the reference channel. Both the signal and reference detectors carry an identical spectral filter overlapping the absorption band of the gas to be measured.

Findings

Implementation of the currently patented NDIR gas‐sensing methodology has been carried out in different gas sensor configurations for over a year in the laboratory. Performance results for these sensors showing insignificant output drifts overtime have been repeatedly demonstrated via simulated aging for the source.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward the view that the recent breakthrough of the Near Zero Drift methodology for NDIR gas sensors will very quickly change the hierarchy of technology dominance and utility for gas sensors at large.
High‐performance substrate based on a highly filled thermoplastic polymer
Authors: Apeldorn Thomas , Wolff‐Fabris F. , Altstädt V.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and present the properties of a new substrate material based on thermoplastic polymers (so‐called LuVo Board) for high‐frequency applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of a new thermoplastic substrate are investigated and compared to conventional substrates for printed circuit board (PCB) applications.

Findings

The new LuVo Board exhibits similar properties to commercially available high‐performance substrates. The main advantage of the LuVo Board is a reduction of manufacturing costs in comparison to conventional substrates, as a highly automated manufacturing process can be employed. Moreover, the LuVo Board exhibits some further advantages: the material is inherently flame resistant and can be thermally shaped after the assembly process.

Originality/value

This paper presents an entirely new thermoplastic substrate, which can be employed in high‐frequency applications. In comparison to standard materials, a further advantage of the thermoplastic substrate is lower production costs.
Experimental study on drilling force in printed circuit board micro drilling process
Authors: Shi Hongyan , Song Fumin , Fu Lianyu
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a system for accurately measuring drilling force in the printed circuit board micro drilling process and to characterize the drilling force to provide a better understanding of the micro drilling process.

Design/methodology/approach

The drilling force measurement system was established first. Then the drilling force in printed circuit board micro drilling process was characterized experimentally. In particular, the drilling forces in drilling halogen‐free and lead‐free assembly compatible printed circuit boards and the drilling force characteristics in ultra small hole drilling were investigated.

Findings

A drilling force measurement system, with the key component of a KISTLER 9256C2 dynamometer, can accurately measure the drilling forces in the printed circuit board micro drilling process. The micro drilling process can be characterized by drilling force. Meanwhile, drilling force is very sensitive to drill breakage and drilling force can be utilized to detect drill breakage in the micro drilling process.

Originality/value

The paper presents a system for accurately measuring the drilling force. Drilling force provides fundamental information for the optimal design of micro drill bits. Drilling force can also characterize the micro drilling process, especially the ultra small hole micro drilling process.
An innovation in horizontal processing
Authors: Lymn Peter , Bishop Ken
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail an innovative new equipment enhancement for use in the horizontal processing of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes a non‐contact laminar or streamline flow process chamber. It also describes a transport and guiding method suitable for both thick and thin materials and expands on the mechanics and fluid dynamics that further reduce equipment length and operating cost.

Findings

The new process chamber and its related enhancements result in a faster and more uniform chemical reaction than is obtainable with conventional flood chambers. This enables the equipment to have reduced length and to offer reduced operating costs.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new approach to horizontal processing that can offer reduced equipment footprints and reductions in operating costs.
Printable electronics: towards materials development and device fabrication
Authors: Das Rabindra N. , Lin How T. , Lauffer John M. , Markovich Voya R.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

There has been increasing interest in the development of printable electronics to meet the growing demand for low‐cost, large‐area, miniaturized, flexible and lightweight devices. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the electronic applications of novel printable materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses the utilization of polymer nanocomposites as it relates to printable and flexible technology for electronic packaging. Printable technology such as screen‐printing, ink‐jet printing, and microcontact printing provides a fully additive, non‐contacting deposition method that is suitable for flexible production.

Findings

A variety of printable nanomaterials for electronic packaging have been developed. This includes nanocapacitors and resistors as embedded passives, nanolaser materials, optical materials, etc. Materials can provide high‐capacitance densities, ranging from 5 to 25 nF/in2, depending on composition, particle size, and film thickness. The electrical properties of capacitors fabricated from BaTiO3‐epoxy nanocomposites showed a stable dielectric constant and low loss over a frequency range from 1 to 1,000 MHz. A variety of printable discrete resistors with different sheet resistances, ranging from ohm to Mohm, processed on large panels (19.5×24 inches) have been fabricated. Low‐resistivity materials, with volume resistivity in the range of 10−4‐10−6 ohm cm, depending on composition, particle size, and loading, can be used as conductive joints for high‐frequency and high‐density interconnect applications. Thermosetting polymers modified with ceramics or organics can produce low k and lower loss dielectrics. Reliability of the materials was ascertained by (Infrared; IR‐reflow), thermal cycling, pressure cooker test (PCT) and solder shock testing. The change in capacitance after 3× IR‐reflow and after 1,000 cycles of deep thermal cycling between −55°C and +125°C was within 5 per cent. Most of the materials in the test vehicle were stable after IR‐reflow, PCT, and solder shock.

Research limitations/implications

The electronic applications of printable, high‐performance nanocomposite materials such as adhesives (both conductive and non‐conductive), interlayer dielectrics (low‐k, low‐loss dielectrics), embedded passives (capacitors and resistors), and circuits, etc.. are discussed. Also addressed are investigations of printable optically/magnetically active nanocomposite and polymeric materials for fabrication of devices such as inductors, embedded lasers, and optical interconnects.

Originality/value

A thin film printable technology was developed to manufacture large‐area microelectronics with embedded passives, Z‐interconnects and optical waveguides, etc. The overall approach lends itself to package miniaturization because multiple materials and devices can be printed in the same layer to increase functionality.
Correction of FPC solder position error based on mutual information entropy
Authors: Huang Jie‐xian , Ye Feng , Dong Zhi‐Jie , Li Di
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the application of advanced computer image processing techniques for solving the problem of solder position error correction for flexible printed circuit (FPC) solder.

Design/methodology/approach

To correct position error, image information is defined according to information theory, and the mutual information entropy (MIE) is applied in evaluating the correlation between the images. A reference image is acquired which is used to evaluate the correlation with the inspecting image. The MIE increases as the FPC solder positioning accuracy increases. When the referent and inspecting FPC solders are aligned with the same place, the MIE is at a maximum. According to the principle, a genetic algorithm integrated with MIE as a fitness function is applied to search for the best optimal correction parameters to improve positioning accuracy.

Findings

The method is verified by a simulation and applied to the inspection system. As a result of experiment using four FPC solder samples, it has been demonstrated that the method can correct position errors.

Research limitations/implications

The method of defective detection is not involved, although that of searching for and locating FPC solder is presented.

Originality/value

The method of correcting position error based on MIE has high flexibility and can help improve positioning accuracy. In particular, it provides a new way to correct position error and can be implemented on any sort of target which is regular or irregular based on image technology.
Organisational factors and teachers' professional development in Dutch secondary schools
Authors: Evers Arnoud T. , van der Heijden Béatrice I.J.M. , Kreijns Karel , Gerrichhauzen John T.G.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study that investigates the relationship between organisational factors, Teachers' Professional Development (TPD) and occupational expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered among 152 Dutch teachers in secondary education.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed that of the organisational factors, in particular, the availability of organisational facilities contributes positively to the amount of TPD (that is, in training programmes, and social networks). Furthermore, participation in social networks appeared to have a positive influence on the development of occupational expertise.

Research limitations/implications

The study is cross‐sectional (all data have been collected at one point in time), and data have been gathered in one country, i.e. The Netherlands. It would be interesting to examine the proposed model in a longitudinal study, in order to address issues of causality. More research is also needed to explore the extent to which the findings would generalise to other occupational settings and/or to other countries. Owing to the relatively small sample size, a mediation model was not empirically tested. Future research using larger sample sizes is needed in order to test whether participation in learning activities (partially) mediates the relationship between organisational factors and occupational expertise.

Practical implications

It is important that HRM departments and HRD managers in schools offer organisational facilities for teachers. These facilities should focus not only on the traditional formal training activities, but also on creating opportunities for participation in social networks. This study indicates that, particularly, participation in intra‐ and extra‐organisational social networks enhances occupational expertise. Managers can stimulate participation in these social networks by providing enough social support.

Originality/value

Although teachers' professional development is increasingly perceived as being important in school settings, until now little empirical research has been available that investigates the relationship between organisational factors, TPD, and occupational expertise.
Organizational training across cultures: variations in practices and attitudes
Authors: Hassi Abderrahman , Storti Giovanna
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis based on a review of the existing literature with respect to the variations in training practices and attitudes across national cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis technique was adopted with a comparative cross‐cultural management perspective as a backdrop to address the occurrence of differences in practices and attitudes across various national cultures.

Findings

Most of the extant literature remains distant from providing a systematic and analytical repertoire on the subject. In efforts to bridge this gap, a synthesis of the literature has been elaborated, identifying a range of variations that have been grouped around the following categories: importance of organizational training; access to organizational training; different types of training provided to employees; actors involved in organizational training; and organizational support for training.

Research limitations/implications

The heterogeneity of the literature impeded the use of a theoretical training management framework for the present review.

Practical implications

Organizations operating overseas and HRM/HRD practitioners should consider the complexity of diverse cultural differences, while managing employee training in culturally diverse settings. Nations ought to be aware of training practices abroad to observe trends and changes caused by globalization, as they may influence the shaping of national training practices and regulations. From a theoretical point of view, it is important to undertake conclusive research by further examining training practices and attitudes through the various national cultures with the objective of better circumventing the differences and by highlighting their prominent characteristics and implications.

Originality/value

The present contribution is the first documented synthesis of the literature on the subject.
Establishing a formal cross‐cultural mentoring organization and program
Authors: Kim Sewon , Egan Toby
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to offer potential insight regarding formal cross‐cultural mentoring organization and program development in higher education contexts and beyond, by elaborating regarding the founding and programmatic efforts of an International Student Mentor Association (ISMA) at a large university in North America.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach used was an exploratory case study. Data were collected from various secondary sources. As ex‐post factor reporting, data analysis was also based on memory and experiences recalled by the first author – one of the ISMA founding members.

Findings

ISMA was distinctive in employing cross‐cultural mentoring. International, cultural components were embedded in the overall organization structure, board and team designs, paired mentor system, mentor and protégé matching, training content, and multilevel mentoring activities. Organization and program flow charts were identified.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should examine dynamics of cultural dimensions, such as age, gender and other cultural orientations, in the cross‐cultural mentoring relationships and programs.

Practical implications

Human resource development (HRD) practitioners can use formal cross‐cultural mentoring to facilitate cultural adjustment and exchange as well as psycho‐social and career supports in multinational or multicultural organizations. Employing multilevel mentoring relationships can further social network and capital of an organization and its members.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies in formal cross‐cultural mentoring organization and program development. Organization establishment process, organization structure, matching system, and program flow charts can be used as a potential guidance for implementation of other cross‐cultural mentoring organizations and programs.
Provision of public service infrastructure – the use of PPPs in the UK and Australia
Authors: Ball Robert
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify key similarities and differences between the approach to employing public‐private partnerships (PPPs) for provision of infrastructure in the UK and Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a comparison of published studies together with semi‐structured interviews with academics and state government representatives.

Findings

There are a number of issues on which similar debates are taking place in both countries and which are summarised in the paper. Such issues include the use of the public sector comparators, the process of initiating PPPs, choice of discount rate and differences in costs of capital between conventional procurement and PPPs. There are, however, also significant differences in that there tends to be fewer social projects in Australia which has a strong emphasis on transportation projects. Importantly there is much more discretion about whether to use PPPs in Australia than in the UK.

Research limitations/implications

There are considerably fewer schemes in Australia.

Practical implications

The main practical implications are that both countries need to at least reconsider their policies in a number of areas, but particularly the issue of the higher cost of borrowing in PPPs. UK government should consider the advantages of the more flexible approach towards adopting PPPs shown in Australia. This should also mean that the evaluation process will be taken more seriously.

Originality/value

There are a significant number of articles about PPPs in both the UK and Australia. The author has never come across a report of a comparative study. There are important insights that can be gained from such a comparative study.
Towards a theory of collaborative advantage for the sports tourism policy arena
Authors: Devine Adrian , Boyle Emily , Boyd Stephen
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Collaboration is now an important part of public sector management. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that have helped shape the relationships between public agencies involved in sports tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using critical case sampling 54 in‐depth interviews were conducted with public officials in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Findings

The authors have produced the “Theory of collaborative advantage in relation to sports tourism”. This model captures the dynamics of collaboration in the sports tourism policy arena. A total of 12 practitioner themes and four cross‐cutting themes were identified and although each theme and the issues and tensions identified within it can affect inter‐organizational relationships in a particular way, the model illustrates how each theme is interlinked and is part of a larger, more complex picture.

Research limitations /implications

Like all empirical research, this paper has its limitations but if the issues that affect collaboration are not identified then they cannot be addressed. Although no two collaborative settings are the same, public sector managers need to be aware of the factors that affect, or may affect, inter‐organizational relationships so that they can pre‐empt problems and maximise the use of resources.

Practical implications

Hopefully this paper will, in some way, lead to better planning and management of sports tourism and encourage those involved in sports tourism policy to adapt a collaborative, rather than an isolated, approach.

Originality/value

This study has contributed to knowledge by providing a better understanding of the inter‐relationships in the sports tourism policy arena.
Organisational amnesia: a serious public sector reform issue
Authors: Wettenhall Roger
Published: January 2011

Purpose

However well‐intentioned are public sector reform movements, they are often compromised by misunderstandings about meanings and directions and by the organisational amnesia that comes from too rapid change and too little attention to the past. A better appreciation of these problems is needed. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines discussion about factors that inhibit successful outcomes of many reform programmes with examples drawn mostly from the Australian experience.

Findings

Reform programmes are likely to have better outcomes if they are designed with these possible impediments in view. Similarly theoretical understandings will be safer and sounder if more attention is given to administrative history and more care is taken to reconcile conflicting views.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on issues that have not been given much attention in the literature of public sector reform.
A critical review of techniques for classifying quality attributes in the Kano model
Authors: Mikulić Josip , Prebežac Darko
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is: to review the most commonly used approaches to the classification of quality attributes according to the Kano model; to identify the theoretical/practical strengths and weaknesses of these techniques; and to provide guidance for future research and managerial practice in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive review of the literature on the Kano model and the relevant marketing/management literature, five approaches (Kano's method; “penalty‐reward contrast analysis”; “importance grid”; qualitative data methods; and “direct classification”) are evaluated in terms of their validity and reliability for categorising attributes in the Kano model. Several illustrative examples provide empirical evidence for the theoretical arguments advanced in the study.

Findings

The Kano questionnaire and the direct‐classification method are the only approaches that are capable of classifying Kano attributes in the design stage of a product/service. Penalty‐reward contrast analysis (PRCA) is useful for assessing the impact of product/service attributes on overall satisfaction with a product/service, but its applicability to the classification of Kano attributes is questionable. The importance grid (IG) is not recommended for use with the Kano model. The critical incident technique and the analysis of complaints/compliments are valid for the Kano model, but have questionable reliability.

Originality/value

The study makes some important points about accurate semantic terminology in describing issues related to the Kano model. In particular, researchers should be aware that an attractive quality element (must‐be quality element, respectively) might in fact be a dissatisfier (satisfier, respectively), due to significant conceptual differences between performance in terms of the Kano model (i.e. objective performance) and subjective performance perceptions.
Relational impact of service providers' interaction behavior in healthcare
Authors: Singh Gaur Sanjaya , Xu Yingzi , Quazi Ali , Nandi Swathi
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine how patients' loyalty, and confidence in their doctors, are influenced by doctors' interaction behavior, namely, listening and explaining behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through a survey of patients in an advanced developing economy – India. Patients visiting the same specialist doctor more than three times a year, in selected clinics in the city of Mumbai, were asked to complete the study instrument. All the constructs were measured using multiple items and well‐established scales were revalidated to suit the context of the research. A total of 320 responses were analyzed to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results confirm that the doctor‐patient relationship is positively influenced by the interaction behavior of service providers, i.e. doctors. The study demonstrates that doctors' interaction behavior is instrumental in developing an effective relationship with their patients and boosts patients' confidence in their doctors. Furthermore, effective interaction enhances patients' loyalty to their service providers.

Originality/value

This would appear to be the first study of its kind conducted in the context of an advanced developing economy. The study suggests that development of effective communication skills in doctors warrants due attention in medical education. Furthermore, this study validates relevant measurement scales in India's context.
Storytelling research on international visitors
Authors: Martin Drew , Woodside Arch G.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Using brand netnography (analyzing consumers' first‐person on‐line stories that include discussions of their product and brand use), this article aims to probe how visitors interpret the places, people, and situations that they experience while traveling in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of online consumer stories about their trip experiences, Heider's balance theory is applied to visitors' trip experiences. Follow‐up contact with the consumers allows application of autodriving methodology to gather additional post‐trip insights.

Findings

The results show immediate and downstream positive and negative associations of concepts, events, and outcomes in visitors' stories. Maps of consumer stories identify kernel concepts and include descriptions of how visitors live a specific destination's unique promises (e.g. distinct cultural history). Using the kernel concepts as a basis, Holt's five‐step strategy for building icons is applied to the travel destination to show how a destination can create a brand identity.

Research limitations/implications

Bloggers reporting their travel experience may not be representative of the population of travelers. On the other hand, travel blogs potentially can influence trip planning by other visitors collecting travel information.

Practical implications

Blog reports represent an unobtrusive method of collecting emic interpretive information from consumers. Emic reporting provides deep insights about consumers' trip interpretations. Tourism and hospitality managers can use this information to improve service experiences and design communication strategies to strengthen positive iconic imagery reported by consumers.

Originality/value

Emic and etic interpretations of travel experiences create a bricolage of the travelers' experiences. Autodriving methodology is extended to tourism research to gather additional insights and to better clarify informants' interpretations. This article also expands on a revisionist proposal to Holt's five‐step strategy for building destinations as iconic brands and suggestions for tourism management.