bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalisation in academic libraries
Authors: McCarthy James P. , Tarango Ortiz Javier
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper attempts to compare two academic libraries in very different parts of the world. It aims to look at the influences which their local origins have had on them as well as the commonality which the internationalisation of the library profession has brought on them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks inferences about the impact of globalisation on the world of academic librarianship. It looks at commonality of experience past, present and future. The process of investigation was to pose a number of questions regarding what academic libraries are, their role in academic landscapes, the impact of globalising technologies and the future of the book.

Findings

The findings are that there is a commonality of experience and that modern library technologies have changed the nature of professional practice significantly in recent decades; that indigenous traditions of practice at local level are being replaced by an integration of internationally shared experience.

Originality/value

The paper should interest those researching the future of academic libraries, comparative developments in academic libraries worldwide, the future of repository storage in the face of digitisation and the future of academic landscapes.
Internet freedom
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recount a disastrous result from a computer virus infection. A proposed quarantine scheme to combat malicious activity is discussed, as well as several issues bearing on internet freedom, including illegal music copying, politically motivated censorship and censorship of offensive material. Reference is made to an initiative to establish international Ackoff Centers for Design Thinking, following a suggestion by the late Russell Ackoff.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

Internet freedom is a complex issue, with practical, political and social implications.

Practical implications

Maintaining virus protection is important for all computer users. The proposed quarantine scheme has much to commend it, but the thorny issue of internet freedom needs careful consideration.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
International consumer admiration and the persistence of animosity
Authors: Maher Amro A. , Clark Paul , Maher Ahmed
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the concept of admiration for members of other countries as an emotion related to people's perceptions of, and preference for, products that originate from the admired country. It also aims to examine the longitudinal effects of animosity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by asking members of an internet consumer panel in the USA to complete an online questionnaire. A total of 300 questionnaires were received and 20 were eliminated for extremeness. Panel members were aged 18 and above and the average age of the sample was 44; 60 percent of the participants are female.

Findings

The effects of animosity on the preference for foreign products attenuate over time. Admiration is positively related to a preference for a product from an admired country over a product from another country. Admiration was found to be positively related to Japanese product judgments.

Originality/value

The paper extends the work of Klein, and suggests that animosity can be displaced by a positive emotion, namely admiration. Managers therefore need to assess the emotions directed towards their countries to capitalize on such information when marketing their products.
The role of intimacy in service relationships: an exploration
Authors: Beetles Andrea C. , Harris Lloyd C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Relationship marketing is now commonly acknowledged as an alternative marketing paradigm. However, despite the use of the relationship metaphor in marketing contexts for many years, recently there have been criticisms of this cross‐fertilization of theory into consumer marketing contexts. The objectives of this paper are twofold. First, it attempts to explore and elucidate how consumers' assessments of the extent of intimacy between themselves and their service providers affect their interpretation of relational ties. A second aim is that it will generate insights into consumer attitudes towards relationship marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking an exploratory approach and using qualitative methods to allow for depth of research, this paper uses 30 semi‐structured interviews with consumers to investigate the role of intimacy in service relationships.

Findings

The findings reveal five forms of intimacy; no relationship, social intimacy, physical intimacy, emotional/psychological intimacy and sexual intimacy.

Research limitations/implications

This is a qualitative study, now that some insight of the relevance of intimacy in relationship marketing has been gained, testing a model of the framework using quantitative analysis in order to make wider assertions would be beneficial.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates that organizations need to be able to facilitate multiple approaches to customers. They need to be able to allow customers to engage with them, should the customers wish to do so but also allow the customers to opt out of relational interactions.

Originality/value

Scant research has explored the role of intimacy in service relationships; this study addresses that gap in the literature.
Synergistic effects of operant knowledge resources
Authors: Phillips Melancon Joanna , Griffith David A. , Noble Stephanie M. , Chen Qimei
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Building on the service‐centered dominant logic, this paper aims to investigate the effects of firm knowledge (knowledge of customers, industry, and practices) and synergistic combinations of different types of employee knowledge as a foundation for competitive advantage in retail and service organizations. Specifically, it seeks to theorize that the firm's operant knowledge resources combine to develop the service‐based value proposition of enhanced ability to meet customer needs that results in greater performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey methodology was used to test the hypotheses using a sample of 293 retail and service providers.

Findings

Employees' knowledge of its customers and competitors allow the firm to enhance its ability to meet customer needs, whereas knowledge of firm practices, in isolation, does not enhance a firm's ability to meet customer needs. When looking at the synergistic combination of employees' knowledge (i.e. the two‐way interactions and the three‐way interaction of knowledge of customers; knowledge of firm practices; knowledge of industry) several interesting insights emerge to help to understand how to enhance a firm's ability to meet customer needs.

Research limitations/implications

Since researchers have yet to fully explore the effects of knowledge as operant resources and their conversion into capabilities, this study uses a dynamic capabilities approach and demonstrates that providing front‐line employees with the knowledge necessary to understand the firm's consumer base allows the firm to develop the ability to meet customer needs (i.e. a capability), which in turn allows the organization to reap the economic benefits of a satisfied and returning customer base.

Practical implications

The two‐way and three way interactions provide new insights into the synergistic employment of operant knowledge resources.

Originality/value

The results suggest that operant knowledge resources may not be equally created as different combinations of operant resources result in superior capabilities than other combinations.
Pissing down your leg
Authors: Oakman B.N.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is a reflection on how the aridity of economic speeches, lectures and presentations usually conceals an underlying human drama, often a tragedy.

Design/methodology/approach

A fictional poem presents the reflections.

Findings

Meditation on how economic policies cannot be divorced from their social context despite their often bland and “distancing” forms of expression.

Research limitations/implications

The paper stimulates thought on the economic and social consequences of decisions, including those individuals with whom we are in direct contact.

Originality/value

The poem is an individual comment on the “realities” behind economic decisions and how ignorance or considerations of personal safety constitute weak moral defences.
Disentangling the driving force of pyramidal firms' capital structure: a new perspective
Authors: Bany‐Ariffin A.N.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to disentangle the driving force of pyramidal firms' capital structure from nine East Asian economies.

Design/methodology/approach

To disentangle the driving force, this paper develops a new theoretical framework for the pyramidal firms'. Using panel regression, the new theoretical framework is tested on a set of 1,433 pyramidal firms covering a period from 1992 to 1997.

Findings

The regression results reveal that the separation of cash flow rights and control rights in the pyramidal firms have led to high usage of leverage for the purpose of preserving the ultimate owners' (UO) dominance in the pyramidal firms that he or she controls. Based on the findings, the study concludes that the actual driving force of the pyramidal firms' capital structure is the UO non‐dilution entrenchment motive.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the new theoretical framework developed which enable us to disentangle the driving force behind pyramid firm's capital structure.
The heterogeneity of Chinese consumer values: a dual structure explanation
Authors: Lin Xiaohua , Lu Wang Cheng
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss inconsistent and often contradictory consumer values and consumption behaviours in contemporary China. The seemingly paradox is explained by the dual structure theory of consumer value system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a comprehensive overview and an in‐depth analysis of Chinese cultural values from a theoretical perspective.

Findings

Although the Chinese value system may appear coherent relative to those of other societies, it contains inconsistent elements that are the seeds of conflict, confusion, and change. Those contradictory values have coexisted and interacted with each other from a historical perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Although the argument raised in this paper has support from prior literature and anecdotal observations, it should undergo further empirical validation.

Practical implications

Given that consumption values vary across different consumer segments, different strategies should be developed for each segment. Those Western businesses who capitalize on these inherent contradictory, heterogeneous value elements will have the advantage over those who do not.

Originality/value

This work challenges the conventional view that the Chinese have preserved homogeneous values, and provides a case in which there is a danger in using the nation‐state as a surrogate for culture and as a unit of analysis.
War on savings: modern monetary management in crisis
Authors: Oberholster Sarel Johannes
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine modern monetary policy as practiced and promoted by the officials of Central Banks, with the Federal Reserve Bank of the USA and the Bank of Japan in leading roles.

Design/methodology/approach

Modern monetary policy is assessed for its rhetoric and its philosophies steeped in Keynesian traditions. The fallacies of relying on patently incorrect economic theory with specific critique on the assumption that saving is equal to investment (S=I) is exposed in the policy failures of themes such as quantitative easing, approaching the zero bound, wealth effects, the liquidity trap, forbearance lending and an unwavering belief in the power to inflate. An alternative credit theory is presented and discussed to explain the accumulation of monetary interventions in the modern banking environment. The credit theory is further expanded to evaluate an economy in distress as a result of an accumulation of monetary stimulations against a background of the philosophies of the Austrian school of economics.

Findings

Three decisive monetary policy outcomes are identified and substantiated in the Austrian philosophy of laissez faire; the probable outcome of modern monetary policies in deflationary stasis; and the destructive outcome of extreme monetary and fiscal interventions resulting in a hyperinflationary depression and destruction of the money unit.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework and content of the paper are mostly original and will contribute to the study of political and monetary economics.
What caused the Irish banking crisis?
Authors: O'Sullivan K.P.V. , Kennedy Tom
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the Irish banking crisis and explain how various factors contribute to a collapse in asset prices, an economic recession and the near failure of the banking system. The paper seeks to document the dangers of pro‐cyclical monetary and government policies, particularly in an environment of benign financial regulation and pent‐up demand for credit.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper maps the Irish banking crisis against its general background. It describes the roots of the crisis, with particular attention given to government and monetary policies, the practices of the financial regulator and banks during the property bubble, together with the difficulties associated with the international sub‐prime crisis.

Findings

While the global financial crisis exacerbated matters, the banking crisis in Ireland was largely a home‐grown phenomenon. The crisis stemmed from the collapse of the domestic property sector and subsequent contraction in national output. Its root cause can be found in the inadequate risk management practices of the Irish banks and the failure of the financial regulator to supervise these practices effectively.

Originality/value

The paper documents the “Celtic Tiger” phenomenon of the last decade: the Irish economic and property miracle, its sharp decline, and the sub‐prime crisis. It delineates one of the most severe banking and economic crisis in a developed country since the great depression with a number of key policy lessons for rapidly expanding economies.
Authenticity and the construct's dimensions in public relations and communication research
Authors: Molleda Juan‐Carlos
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the construct authenticity and its dimensions and to propose an index to measure levels of authenticity in organisational messages and actions, as well as perceived authenticity from the stakeholders' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a comprehensive literature review.

Findings

The construct authenticity and its dimensions are defined from a multidisciplinary perspective, including literature from advertising, communication studies, marketing, and public relations.

Research limitations/implications

Items for an authenticity index are proposed. Such a scale could be used to measure the effectiveness of public relations efforts and techniques and, therefore, the perceived authenticity of organisations, including its actions, operations, product, services, and spokespeople in the mind of stakeholders.

Practical implications

The consistency between authentic claims, offerings, and promises and the management philosophy and behaviour of organisations would determine the effectiveness of public relations efforts assessed by measuring the responses, actions, and behaviours of stakeholders.

Social implications

The evenness between the genuine nature of organisational offerings and their communication is crucial to overcome the eroding confidence in major social institutions. Authenticity claims must capture the experiences, aspirations, and expectations of the involved segment of society that organisations aim to engage; otherwise, a clash of values may occur.

Originality/value

The paper provides ideas for measuring authenticity in organisational messages and actions as a guide to best ethical practices and support for teaching the value of the studied construct.
Factors affecting the bid/no bid decision in the Palestinian construction industry
Authors: Enshassi Adnan , Mohamed Sherif , El Karriri Ala'a
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and rank the factors that affect the bid/no bid decision according to their relative importance from the perspective of the contracting parties operating in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives of this research were investigated through a postal questionnaire, which covered a randomly selected sample of 63 contractors, 29 clients and 13 consultants operating in the construction industry in the Gaza strip. The questionnaire was structured based on related literature, the pilot study and actual factors affecting bidders' decisions to bid or not that arise from special conditions in the Gaza Strip. A total of 78 factors that affect the bid/no bid decision were identified. These factors were then ranked according to their relative importance to contracting parties operating in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Findings

The results illustrate that the financial capability of the contractors, the financial capability of the clients, the financial values of the project, the due date of the payments, the availability of construction raw materials in local markets, and the stability of the construction industry were the most critical factors affecting the bid/no bid decision, as agreed by all respondents.

Originality/value

The paper provides supportive practical solutions for contractors, clients and consultants to enhance and improve bidding decisions. It is recommended that clients and consultants consider the financial capabilities, technical capabilities and staff competencies of the contractors during the awarding stage, and not simply focus on the lowest bid.
Learning at air navigation services after initial training
Authors: Teperi Anna‐Maria , Leppänen Anneli
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This study aims to find out the means used for individual, group and organizational learning at work at one air navigation service provider after the initial training period. The study also aims to find out what practices need to be improved to enhance learning at work.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were collected over four years from several air traffic control (ATC) units of the organisation using different methods. In total, 155 subjects (operative personnel, supervisors) answered a reporting system questionnaire, 20 supervisors participated in interviews and 142 subjects (operative personnel, supervisors) responded to a safety culture questionnaire.

Findings

Several learning methods were used in ATC. Some of them were organisation‐wide and mandatory, but others were dependent on the activity of the unit or a single person. Individuals reported problem areas in operative work and learned from them. Group level learning was not actualized in all units of the organisation. Learning was insufficient at the organisational level.

Practical implications

A reporting system is a useful way of learning for individuals working in complex systems such as ATC. To use it for communicative and organisational learning, however, demands the formation of an integrated learning system for the different parts of the organisation and its stakeholders. This system could support conscious analysis of learning material arising from everyday work. These improvements would contribute to securing safety in the field of aviation during major changes.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on the strengths and weaknesses of learning in one complex, high reliability, work area. The study shows that the latest knowledge regarding learning at work was not utilized effectively.
The effect of corruption factor in harnessing global anti‐money laundering regimes
Authors: Mugarura Norman
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of corruption on the transposition of global anti‐money laundering regimes (AML), such as customer due diligence (CDD) locally.

Design/methodology/approach

The global AML framework for purposes of this paper is underscored by the 40+9 recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the principles of the Basle Committee on Banking Supervision. These standards are contained in FATF recommendations 2003; and the FATF nine special recommendations against Financing of Terrorism 2001 (updated in February 2008). The paper examines some aspects of the current anti‐money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework such as CDD and know your customer to highlight the challenges of harnessing the global AML/CFT regimes locally in some jurisdictions.

Findings

The paper establishes that money laundering (ML) and corruption are embedded in each other. By way of examples, cases of ML are rampant in highly corrupt countries.

Research limitations/implications

The dichotomy of corruption and its effect negates the global efforts on fighting ML/financing of terrorism.

Social implications

Corruption in its various manifestations undermines a country's capacity to harness the global framework against ML and financing of terrorism. Thus, the twin offences of corruption and ML should be accorded the same level of attention as serious financial crimes at a global level.

Originality/value

The paper is written based on the challenges of harnessing the global AML/CFT regimes in inherently corrupt governments. It draws particularly on experiences of corruption and ML in some countries in Africa.
Proposal of data warehouse in the context of healthcare process reengineering
Authors: Ayachi Ghannouchi Sonia , Mabrouk Karim , Ghannouchi Slah
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to set out the relationship between business process reengineering (BPR) and data warehouse (DW) and identify the advantages brought by the integration of DW technology in BPR projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is primarily based on a case study which was conducted in a Tunisian hospital and allowed some lessons to be learned.

Findings

Introducing changes in the field of healthcare services has become a necessity to provide better satisfaction to patients and to offer faster services and of better quality. So, the BPR approach can be applied to introduce these changes and provide better satisfaction to recipients of services, i.e. the hospital patients. This study is based on a case study based on the BPR application for healthcare process in some services of Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia. This case study has mainly contributed to a proposed DW for healthcare services.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed DW and the new corresponding process have not yet been implemented in the real life of the considered services. The research work in this project allowed the provision of detailed and rational justifications for the information technology introduction in BPR applied in healthcare services and in particular to the implementation of the DW concept. In addition to the detailed justifications, the research paper provided the prerequisite for the success of the project as well as its technical specifications and appropriateness to the specifity to the local setting.

Originality/value

The lessons learned were related in one hand to the particularities of BPR projects using the DW technology and on the other hand to the advantages brought by the DW technologies in the BPR projects. The following questions are considered in this paper: what are the particularities of the BPR projects using the DW technology? What are the main contributions of the DW technology to BPR projects?
Intangible assets valuation in the Malaysian capital market
Authors: Salamudin Norhana , Bakar Ridzwan , Kamil Ibrahim Muhd , Haji Hassan Faridah
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This study examines the intangible assets value of the Malaysian market. It measures the relationship between intangible assets and corporate market value of Malaysian firms and whether they are consistent with findings in other advanced markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the development of intangible assets of Malaysian companies over 2000 to 2006 were measured statistically using Landsman's balance sheet identity model. Then, cross‐sectional multi‐regression procedure was used to ascertain the relationship between intangible assets and financial performance.

Findings

The findings reveal that the Malaysian market developed intangible assets at a rather slow pace, with significant development from year 2004 onwards. It also reveals that the book value of net assets (BVNA) are still dominant in Malaysian corporate valuation but this trend is declining as greater interest has now been developed in employing intangible assets and earnings as important variables. Furthermore, the results indicate that there is a positive trend in intangible assets development in Malaysia, consistent with those of advanced markets such as the US, Europe and Australia. However, the Malaysian market lags by about 20 years as compared to the more advanced ones.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this paper are as follows: the time frame for this study was seven years and it looked at the post‐financial crisis period. A longer time frame may be desirable covering both pre‐ and post‐crisis periods. Secondly, this study did not look into intangible assets at the micro‐level perspective. Unless solid definition, classification, measurement and valuation of intangible assets have been ascertained, it is not worth dwelling on individual assets, such as brand, research and development (R&D), and human capital.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is that it provides empirical evidence that intangible assets or intellectual assets are strategic assets that require close attention in line with development of the knowledge‐based economy.
Designing leadership development initiatives: clarifying the why, who, what, how and when
Authors: Killian Shaun
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This article will help HR and L&D professionals design leadership development initiatives that deliver a real return on investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Good leadership makes a significant impact on organizational success. And, as we have seen, poor leadership can launch organizations into turmoil and scandal. If the prevailing wisdom is that anyone can learn to be a better leader, then why is effective leadership lacking in many of our organizations? Many factors can work against your efforts to develop leadership. Some of these are outside of your control, but one is not: sound program design. Sadly, too many HR and L&D professionals use a hit and miss approach to leadership development instead of using a systematic process to design their programs. This article outlines five timeless principles – the why, who, what, how and when of program design.

Practical implications

The article offers practical, evidence‐based advice on how to go about the process of designing any leadership development initiative.

Social implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

A practical summary of what has been learnt about what works and what doesn't in leadership development.
Perceptions of tourists at risky destinations. A model of psychological influence factors
Authors: Aschauer Wolfgang
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present a model including essential constructs for the measurement of travellers' characteristics in a perceived unsafe destination. This model functions as the basis for three empirical case studies testing the relevance and explanatory power of stable factors regarded as crises‐resistant (e.g. values and holiday preferences) and dependent aspects regarded as crises‐sensitive (attitudes, perceptions and holiday activities).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 930 tourists completed a standardized questionnaire in three regions confronted with or threatened by terrorist attacks as a specific form of tourist crisis (Bali, Indonesia; Sinai, Egypt and Catalonia, Spain). Owing to the coincidence that during fieldwork the second attack on Bali happened it was possible to compare travellers before and after the attack and to test the conception of crises‐stable and crises‐sensitive factors (RQ1). Linear multiple regressions were run to detect significant influence factors on sensation seeking and holiday needs (based on the whole sample) (RQ2) and on risk perceptions and intercultural contact efforts (analysed separately for every destination) (RQ3).

Findings

The results in Bali predominantly justify the model of crises‐stable and crises‐resistant indicators. Considering influences on the stable level values referring to openness for change (self direction, hedonism and stimulation) and to self transcendence (universalism, benevolence) exert the highest influence on travel needs. The weak influences of sensation seeking on security feelings during a holiday lead to the conclusion that these two constructs have to be clearly differed. The perception of a convenient, relaxing atmosphere, a low awareness of risks on holidays and a commitment towards tourism‐related problems seem to be highly relevant for open contacts with the host society.

Originality/value

The empirical results of the study in Bali are of particular importance because there is still little scientific knowledge about the immediate psychological reactions of tourists to crises states in destinations. Highly relevant explanatory factors are reported in this study due to high effect sizes regarding sensation seeking, holiday needs and intercultural communication efforts.
Critical elements that discriminate between successful and unsuccessful ERP implementations in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Gunawardena Vathsala
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation project performance of successful and unsuccessful implementations; critical elements (CEs) that are conducive to success; and whether implementation project performance and CEs vary across the number of modules implemented, product type, and number of employees affected by the ERP.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research methodology was used and data collected from 74 ERP implementation projects in Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression.

Findings

ERP implementation project performance significantly differs between successful and unsuccessful implementations. The importance given to CEs of training and education, user involvement, managing user expectations, interdepartmental cooperation, ERP teamwork and team composition, software development, testing and troubleshooting, project management, project champion, BPR and customisation, change management programme and culture, and effective communication significantly differ between successful and unsuccessful implementations. Although ERP implementation project performance does not vary by the number of ERP modules implemented, product type, and number of employees affected by the ERP, several CEs were found to vary by these three contextual variables.

Originality/value

Despite extensive literature on ERP implementations, empirical studies are needed for a better understanding of CEs that are conducive to success. In the context of globalisation of business operations and interlocking supply chains, research on CEs that are conducive to success in Sri Lanka is interesting, relevant and timely, since there is an increasing interest in understanding the work environment in Asia.
Corporate social responsibility: finding the middle ground
Authors: Hussein Magdy M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to examine CSR theorists' criteria from the corporate executive's perspective. It aims to find out how corporate executives perceive CSR and how they would like to be perceived as CSR implementers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses Delphi research and data analysis to build up three sets of questionnaires. It was only the first set where the author introduced his questions but the other two sets were created from the executives' answers in previous stage. It is then all about executives' perception; no one has put words in their mouths. The study compares KLD (the famous research and analytics company) criteria which are used to celebrate annually the 100 best corporate citizens list with the participating executives' criteria.

Findings

The study found that executives lean more towards self‐regulation and self‐determination. Panelists disregarded any suggestion of regulating executives' salary/compensation as CSR criteria. They reject CSR criteria as a measure of good, bad, or ugly performance. They focus more on non‐profit organizations and their charitable contributions. However, the study was able to identify great agreement in the area of transparency, ethical practices, consumer rights, and diversity.

Research limitations/implications

The study picked up its sample of executives from the high tech industry, mainly in Silicon Valley, California. The panelists did not represent a random and mixed sample of executives from different industries.

Originality/value

The study might be the first Delphi research conducted online to suit time‐constrained, busy panelists who know how to use the internet effectively.
Characteristics of a successful shared services centre in the Australian public sector
Authors: Borman Mark
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Organisations are increasingly looking to establish shared services centres (SSCs) yet there is limited guidance available. The paper aims to propose a structured framework that will form the basis for identifying a series of characteristics associated with a successful SSC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon Scott‐Morton's organisational framework a series of dimensions were proposed for the analysis of SSCs. A case study was then presented as a starting point for identifying specific characteristics along each dimension associated with a successful SSC.

Findings

Based on the framework, a case study highlights characteristics associated with a successful SSC. Specifically, the SSC is given responsibility for demonstrably reducing costs through economies of scale and process improvement of multiple transaction‐oriented tasks. An enterprise resource planning system is seen as key to realising those savings. Use of the SSC is compulsory and charged for. SSC management feels they require a good understanding of each task under their remit and are focused on leading change and developing an appropriate human resource base.

Research limitations/implications

The research is exploratory in nature and limited by the empirical work consisting of a single case study. Additional case studies are required to determine if the findings are generalisable.

Originality/value

A structured framework for the analysis of successful shared services is provided. A case study illustrates the application of that framework. Together, the theoretical and empirical components of the paper enhance understanding of the requirements for a successful SSC.
The research on human dimensions of global environmental change in Latin America
Authors: D'Almeida Martins Rafael , da Costa Ferreira Leila
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Environmental studies have developed slowly within social sciences in Latin America. This paper seeks to assess and systematize the contribution of social sciences in the research on the human dimensions of global environmental change (HDGEC) in the region outlining its state of the art and process of development.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is the organization of a manual compilation and systematic review of publications on topics related to the HDGEC in order to investigate major research topics covering the period between 2001 and 2008.

Findings

Although it is possible to identify an emergent body of the literature and scholarship in the region, the involvement of Latin American social science in the HDGEC research is still timid and tentative and not yet institutionalized. The evidence from this compilation has shown that this literature is fragmented bringing difficulties for the homogenization of criteria for analysis and assessment.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the very few attempts to assess and analyze the research on HDGEC in Latin America through an international perspective. It provides an overview of its development building upon the progress of environmental studies in the region and looks to its challenges ahead in order to call for more involvement of social sciences in these research activities.
Framing climate change adaptation learning and action: the case of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Janjua Saleem , Thomas Ian , McEvoy Darryn
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and critically examine a framing of key characteristics for climate change adaptation learning and action in the context of urban Pakistani local government.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a combination of approaches; predominantly literature review and interview methodologies. Recognising the need to understand climate change adaptation as an iterative learning process, the literature review concentrated on organisational and policy learning, with special consideration given to those characteristics most pertinent to urban governance in the Pakistani context. This analysis was then furthered through primary data collated through a series of interviews, with the City District Government of Lahore as the chosen case study for this piece of research. Initial scoping interviews were followed up by a series of in‐depth, semi‐structured, interviews with local government officials, an assessment process used to examine conceptual evidence and findings in the Pakistani urban context. A total of 21 Pakistani professionals, working in a variety of roles for local government, were subject to the interview process.

Findings

From a critical analysis of conceptual and real world evidence, the authors identified six discrete characteristics that could be used to frame the context of climate change adaptation learning and action in the Pakistani urban local government context. These have been categorised as: leadership for adaptation, vision for adaptation, culture for adaptation, good governance for adaptation, innovation and creativity for adaptation and resources for adaptation.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is several‐fold: it applies a learning perspective to the climate change adaptation debate, identifies a framing of key characteristics for climate change adaptation learning and action, and uses an actor‐based approach to examine some of the key conceptual ideas in the Pakistani urban context.
Exploratory innovation, exploitative innovation, and performance
Authors: Li Yi , Zhou Nan , Si Youhe
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of a firm's innovation activities on performance, and focus on the internal fit and external fit of two types of innovation activities – exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts the survey data of 397 enterprises in eastern, middle, and western China. The business strategy attributes analysis based on strategic orientation of business enterprises (STROBE) scale was used to classify the business strategy types, and hierarchical regression analyses were employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show: both exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation have a positive effect on firm performance; the internal fit between exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation, whether it is fit as moderating or fit as matching, has no significant effect on firm performance; the fit between innovation activity and firm business strategy has significant effect on firm performance, therefore, exploratory innovation activity fits defenders and exploitative innovation activity fits prospectors; and the fit between the innovation activity and external environment has a slight effect on firm performance. Environmental competitiveness can enhance exploratory innovation outcome but diminish exploitative innovation outcome.

Originality/value

The paper has supplied the empirical evidence discovered in the context of China to the theoretical views of exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation, and achieved some results which differ from the ones drawn by similar researches done abroad.
Constitutional Environmental Rights: A Case for Political Analysis
Authors: Hayward Tim
Published: August 2010

‘Constitutional environmentalism’ has not been a prominent topic of political study, but in practice the phenomenon has been developing apace. It has become appropriate to ask, in a UK and European context, as elsewhere, whether constitutional environmental rights are valid, necessary, practicable or desirable. Accordingly, after clarifying the scope of a potentially feasible environmental right I assess the case for it in the light of four critical questions: whether environment protection can be considered a genuinely fundamental right; whether a new right is necessary for achieving that end; whether the right is practicable; and whether pursuing environmental ends by means of rights is democratically legitimate. While presenting arguments for an affirmative answer on each score, I also show that the strength of the case ultimately depends on a number of contextual issues. In the concluding section, I indicate issues which warrant further research by political scientists and theorists.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN TOTAL NITROGEN, CARBON AND AMINO ACIDS IN MACROCYSTIS INTEGRIFOLIA AND NEREOCYSTIS LUETKEANA (PHAEOPHYTA)1
Authors: Rosell Karl‐Gunnar , Srivastava Lalit M.
Published: August 2010

Seasonal variations in tissue nitrogen, carbon, amino acids and ammonium were determined for the brown algae Macrocystis integrifolia Bory and Nereocystis luetkeana (Mertens) Pastels and Ruprecht, For M. integrifolia, the proportions of tissue nitrogen and carbon in blades, bulbs and stipes were also determined. The composition of the two algae in terms of the above constituents was similar. In addition, ammonium, nitrogen and protein‐bound amino acids showed distinct seasonal trends with high values during the winter and low levels during the summer. The range for nitrogen was 0.8–3.0% and for proteins 7.6–11.7% of dry weight. In contrast, carbon content and C/N ratio showed the reverse trend with higher values during the summer and lower values during the winter. The range for carbon was 19–31% of dry weight, and the C/N ratio showed a range of 9–37. The free amino acids did not show any specific seasonably. Tissue nitrogen and carbon showed higher values in the blades than in the bulbs and stipes.
Making the ordinary school special
Authors: DESSENT TONY
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. In recent years there has been considerable debate about how the education service should provide for children with special educational needs. In arguing for keeping such children in mainstream schools the author begins by focusing upon some of the myths which have developed in the field of special education and which may themselves act as barriers to change. Then a number of critical issues are outlined along with some indications of the kinds of changes in policy and practice which might be required if ‘ordinary schools are to become special’. Particular emphasis is placed upon the important, but neglected, area of policy and directions at the LEA level. This article is based upon the book Making the Ordinary School Special by Tony Dessent (Falmer Press, 1987).
Who decides? Child care reviews in two Scottish social work departments
Authors: KENDRICK ANDREW , MAPSTONE ELISABETH
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. There has been controversy for several years about the role of child care reviews‐are they for decision‐making or only for monitoring progress of children in care. At the heart of this debate have been the questions of involvement of children, their parents, and professionals from other agencies. This article takes forward these arguments based on research in two Scottish social work departments. As well as reporting and discussing the key issues and identifying when different people participate in reviews, it takes in the specific implications of the external monitoring and decision‐making role of the Children's Hearing.
The child as project and the child as being: parents' ideas as frames of reference
Authors: HALLDEN GUNILLA
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: This article discusses the implicit psychological theories of parents, viewed as being related to the culture and analysable in term of ideology and world view. In a study in Sweden, parents of four year old children were interviewed concerning their ideas of child development Contrasting images of the child could be seen, sometimes co‐existing in one and the same person. It is argued that parents adopt contrasting ideas of child as a means of dealing with conflicting demands of parenthood ‐ creating a free zone for individuality while helping one's child adapt to the environment.
Passivity in Childminded Children: Problem or Prejudice?
Authors: Barrett Helen , Jones David
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Many people still believe that healthy social and emotional development in very young children depends upon the presence of maternal care. Some research work in the UK has also suggested that childminded children, when away from their mothers, typically manifest withdrawn and passive behaviour. Drawing on findings from unpublished research and illustrations from an exploratory study in which childminded children and childminders' own children were videotaped and compared, it is argued that such conclusions cannot easily be demonstrated empirically. Rather, they may result from observational and interpretative biases which overlook the role of factors such as children's age and social experience.

Further, it is suggested that attempts to quantify and measure theoretical constructs such as passivity may be less informative than observations focused more specifically upon the behaviour of individual children in day care.
‘All feasible measures’—Children's Rights and Violent Conflict in Northern Ireland
Authors: Titterton Miriam
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: The UK, having ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is bound to take ‘all feasible measures' to protect children in armed conflicts; yet in its First Report on progress on the Convention, the Government barely acknowledged the impact on children and young people of violence in Northern Ireland. By contrast the Children's Rights Development Unit in its ‘alternative’ report, the ‘UK Agenda for Children’, examined in detail children's rights in Northern Ireland, and how the Government could comply with the Convention. This article describes the consultation process informing CRDU's report, and highlights the need for children's rights to be addressed as part of both healing the past and shaping the future of Northern Ireland.