bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality Traits Valued by Practicing Nurses and Measured in Nursing Students
Authors: Bradham Charlene U. , Dalme Frances C. , Thompson Patricia J.
Published: June 2016

Human relationships are inherent in professional nursing practice, and are influenced by personality traits of the nurse. The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of personality traits desirable for nurses that could be used as a basis for preprofessional guidance and for teaching strategies that would promote the development of these traits. Nurses from four states indicated the level of personality traits desirable for nurses, based on Personality Research Form (PRF) definitions. The PRF was then administered to both associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate degree (BSN) students. Although some differences were demonstrated, the level desired by the nurses was congruent with student scores, and the scores of ADN and BSN students at point of entry and on completion of their nursing education did not significantly differ for the majority of the traits measured.
Ritualism as a Reflection of Social Transformation and the Researcher’s (Lack of) Power
Authors: Klobčar Marija
Published: June 2016

This paper describes various views of the Kamnik folklore event Traditional Costume and Clothing Heritage Days in order to illuminate the relationship researchers have with these cultural phenomena. It analyzes the origins of the Kamnik event, revealing its social significance, and also analyzes the reasons that this event has attained ritual status for some. Although the event still plays this role today for some people, it has gradually also gained completely different meanings. The researcher is present as an observer, but also as an advisor when asked by the organizers, at which point he is faced with numerous issues connected with the concept of authenticity. This article therefore places the researcher’s role within the context of views that problematize his a priori position and call attention to the fact that the researcher should participate at the level of informer. Considering the varied meanings this event has for individuals, and considering their diverse relations to folklorism, which are recognized in both the organizers and the participants, the question is which of these views ought to be taken into account.
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Prispevek z upodobitvijo različnih pogledov na kamniško folkloristično prireditev Dnevi narodnih noš in oblačilne dediščine odpira vprašanja odnosa raziskovalcev do teh kulturnih fenomenov. Z analizo geneze kamniške prireditve razkriva njene družbene pomene, hkrati pa analizira razloge za to, da je prireditev v očeh nekaterih dobila pomen rituala. Medtem ko ima prireditev Dnevi narodnih noš in oblačilne dediščine za nekatere to vlogo še danes, je postopno dobivala tudi povsem drugačne pomene. Raziskovalec je ob tem opazovalec, na željo prirediteljev pa tudi svetovalec, pri čemer se sooča s številnimi dilemami, povezanimi z vprašanji avtentičnosti. Prispevek zato vlogo raziskovalca postavlja v kontekst tistih pogledov, ki problematizirajo njegovo apriorno pozicijo in opozarjajo na to, da bi moral raziskovalec stopiti na raven informatorjev. Glede na različne pomene, ki jih ima prireditev za posameznike, in glede na različne odnose do folklorizma, ki jih prispevek prepoznava tako pri prirediteljih kot pri udeležencih, se sprašuje, katerega od teh pogledov naj ob tem upošteva.
The International Wildflower Festival and the Implementation of Sustainable Mobility as Touristic Practice
Authors: Bajuk Senčar Tatiana
Published: June 2016

This ethnographic discussion centers on the multi-faceted relationship between heritage and tourism in Bohinj, examining the ways in which heritage operates as a site for deliberating the challenges of developing and maintaining a sustainable form of tourism within Triglav National Park.
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Avtorica članka obravnava večplastno razmerje med dediščino in turizmom v Bohinju ter analizira, kako dediščina deluje kot stičišče za obravnavo izzivov razvoja vzdržne oblike turizma v Triglavskem narodnem parku.
Modulation of gregarious settlement of the stalked barnacle, Pollicipes pollicipes: a laboratory study
Authors: Franco Sofia C. , Aldred Nick , Cruz Teresa , Clare Anthony S.
Published: June 2016

Although recruitment patterns of Pollicipes pollicipes (Crustacea: Scalpelliformes) in the wild have been investigated, no studies have yet focused on the factors that affect settlement. In the present paper, settlement of P. pollicipes on conspecifics (gregarious settlement) was investigated in the laboratory as a function of environmental conditions (hydrodynamics, temperature, light and salinity), larval age and batch. This study aimed to understand how these factors modulate settlement in the laboratory and elucidate how they might impact recruitment patterns in nature. Maximum attachment on adults was 30-35%, with a one-week metamorphosis rate of 70-80%. Batch differences affected both attachment and metamorphosis. Attachment rate was higher at natural salinity (30-40 psu), with lower salinity (20 psu) decreasing metamorphosis rate. Cyprid attachment was stimulated by light conditions and circulating water. This might relate to a preference for positioning high in the water column in nature, but also to increased cyprid-surface contact in conditions of circulating water. Older cyprids (3 or 6 days) showed higher attachment than un-aged larvae, though fewer 6-day-old larvae metamorphosed. Temperature did not affect attachment rate, but the metamorphosis rate decreased at 14°C (compared with 17 or 20°C), implying that differences in temperature during the breeding season can affect how quickly cyprids metamorphose to the juvenile. Cyprids survived for prolonged periods ( ≥ 20 days; 40% survival), likely due to efficient energy saving by intercalating long periods of inactivity with fast bursts of activity upon stimulation.
Photo-physiological performance and short-term acclimation of two coexisting macrophytes (Cymodocea nodosa and Caulerpa prolifera) with depth
Authors: Tuya Fernando , Betancor Séfora , Fabbri Federico , Espino Fernando , Haroun Ricardo
Published: June 2016

Marine macrophytes are vertically distributed according to their ability to optimize their photosynthetic performance. We assessed the photo-physiological performance of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and the green seaweed Caulerpa prolifera at varying depth at Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands, eastern Atlantic). The biomass of C. nodosa decreases with depth, while the opposite occurs for C. prolifera. Photochemical responses of both macrophytes were measured in shallow (5 m) and deep (20 m) waters at two times via chlorophyll a fluorescence and internal content of photoprotective pigments and antioxidant activity. We additionally carried out a reciprocal transplant experiment by relocating shallow and deep vegetative fragments of both macrophytes to assess their short-term photo-physiological acclimation. Overall, C. nodosa behaves as a ‘light-plant’, including a larger optimum quantum yield and ETRmax under scenarios of high photosynthetically active radiation and a larger antioxidant activity. In contrast, C. prolifera is a ‘shade-adapted’ plant, showing a larger carotene content, particularly in shallow water. Deep-water C. nodosa and C. prolifera are more photochemically efficient than in shallow water. The alga C. prolifera shows a rapid, short-term acclimation to altered light regimes in terms of photosynthetic efficiency. In conclusion, decreased light regimes favour the photosynthetic performance of the green alga when both species coexist.
Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems on Flooding and Worm Attacks
Authors: Vetrivelan P. , Jagannath M. , Kumar T. S. Pradeep
Published: June 2016

The Internet has transformed greatly the improved way of business, this vast network and its associated technologies have opened the doors to an increasing number of security threats which are dangerous to networks. The first part of this chapter presents a new dimension of denial of service attacks called TCP SYN Flood attack has been witnessed for severity of damage and second part on worms which is the major threat to the internet. The TCP SYN Flood attack by means of anomaly detection and traces back the real source of the attack using Modified Efficient Packet Marking algorithm (EPM). The mechanism for detecting the smart natured camouflaging worms which is sensed by means of a technique called Modified Controlled Packet Transmission (MCPT) technique. Finally the network which is affected by these types of worms are detected and recovered by means of Modified Centralized Worm Detector (MCWD) mechanism. The Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (NIDPS) on Flooding and Worm Attacks were analyzed and presented.
Placing SMEs at the Forefront of SHRM Literature
Authors: Bendickson Josh , Liguori Eric W. , Muldoon Jeffrey , Newport Lindsay N. , Weaver K. Mark
Published: June 2016

High Performance Work Practices (HPWPs) provide firms with resources to improve employee- and firm-level outcomes. While recent literature in this field begins to explore the role and benefits of HPWPs in Small- to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), much remains unknown. To address this deficiency, the authors explore the dominant HPWPs used by SMEs, demonstrating that in some U.S. firms SMEs are just as human resource savvy as their larger counterparts. Ultimately, they both advance the SHRM literature and provide a better understanding of the common HPWPs (e.g., compensation, training, development, etc.) used by U.S. SMEs.
The Roles of Information Technology and Knowledge Management in Project Management Metrics
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: June 2016

This chapter reveals the roles of Information Technology (IT) and Knowledge Management (KM) in Project Management (PM) metrics, thus explaining the theoretical and practical concepts of IT, IT capability, Information System (IS) effectiveness, KM, and PM; the measures of IT, KM, and PM metrics; and the significance of IT and KM in PM metrics. The fulfillment of IT and KM is essential for modern organizations that seek to serve suppliers and customers, increase business performance, strengthen competitiveness, and achieve constant success in global business. Therefore, it is crucial for modern organizations to explore their IT and KM applications, establish a strategic plan to routinely inspect their functional advancements, and promptly respond to the IT and KM needs of customers. The chapter argues that applying IT and KM in PM metrics has the potential to enhance organizational performance and achieve strategic goals in the social media age.
A Model to Integrate Concepts of Project Management with Innovation and Knowledge Management
Authors: Neto João Carlos Araújo da Silva , Coutinho Ítalo
Published: June 2016

In this chapter, the main objective is to show the reader the interaction between the innovation process and the project management process. In today's world, the great concern of large companies takes place in the process of ensuring that the knowledge gained remains within company boundaries. In this chapter, the authors show how a proposed model retains the knowledge gained during the project management process and company investments through innovation and the use of lessons learned methodologies. In addition, the reader has the opportunity to see the evaluation of the process of emerging technologies against the paper of the strategic planning process through the well-aligned process of knowledge management within the companies. The chapter is divided into three major sections: the first presents the main concepts in project management and also in innovation and technology. In the second section, the reader has the opportunity to learn about the process of project management and learning. Finally, the authors present the proposed integration model as a source of knowledge retention through innovation and technology.
Analysis, Critique, and Proposed Revision of Crew Resource Management for Cockpit Automation
Authors: Lofaro Ronald John
Published: June 2016

It is well over 30 years since the first (then called) Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) training, now called crew resource management was introduced. It is a shibboleth, a sacred cow as it were, despite many issues, concerns, and changes over the years. Some 21 years ago, 1992, an Air Transport Association (ATA)/Federal Aviation Association (FAA)-Sponsored Workshop was convened in an attempt to deal with some specific CRM issues. Yet the issues and needs as articulated in that workshop, and some newer ones, remain. Thus, this chapter is 21 years overdue, leading to the questions: Why now and is it still relevant? As said, some needs, issues, and concerns remain. The relevancy is that both a critique of civil aviation CRM on many levels and a comparison with current USAF, USCG, and USN CRM are presented. The proposed skeletal template for the long-overdue revision of civil aviation CRM, the R-MPM is shown. Next, a new model for an intelligent cockpit automated decision aid/advisory system, Event Response Integrated Decision Advisories (ERICA), is shown. ERICA came about from 2009-2012 work in automated decision-making tools for the cockpit and the realization that the Revised Mission Performance Model (R-MPM) and ERICA were interrelated.
Human Resource Management and Sustainable Tourism Development
Authors: Chand Dhiman Mohinder , Dahiya Ashish
Published: June 2016

Research on human resource management (HRM) practices and sustainable development has increased in the tourism management literature over recent decades. Scholars suggest that commitment-based HRM practices contribute to the sustainability of the firm; however, prior research puts little emphasis on the conceptual relationship between sustainable tourism development and commitment based HRM practices. This chapter opens the black box by examining the role and contribution of HRM in achieving sustainable tourism development in India. The findings of the study suggests that the new HR competencies required for achievement of sustainable tourism development and the applicability of HRM pervades every aspect of doing business and needs to be embedded across an organizational all levels, becoming an ongoing change process. Subsequently, tourism innovation activities enhance destination performance, emphasizing their determinant role to achieve sustainable tourism development in the digital age.
Providing a Model for Virtual Project Management with an Emphasis on IT Projects
Authors: Nozari Hamed , Najafi Seyed Esmaeil , Jafari-Eskandari Meisam , Aliahmadi Alireza
Published: June 2016

With globalization of economy and increase of global competition to acquire rare resources, the organizations have moved towards geographical distribution to achieve competitive advantage. Users and project teams at various places within various countries with different national and local cultures throughout the world work on projects at the environment concerning geographical distribution. On the other hand, with increase of advancements in communication, the distributed project teams have been witnessed with more expansion, known with “virtual teams”. When members of virtual project team from various organizations and time zones attend in the projects, they will be more likely affiliated to electronic media such as email. With regard to virtualization of IT projects, the present study aims to develop a model for virtual project management with an emphasis on information technology projects, including several elements in geographically distributed environments. The final model of virtual project management of information technology projects was represented.
An Integrated Information System for Monitoring Construction Works
Authors: Maravas Alexander , Pantouvakis John-Paris , Lambropoulos Sergios
Published: June 2016

There is a global tendency towards implementing centralized project monitoring with the use of advanced information systems in large projects. This trend is mandated by issues such as the geographical dispersion of projects, the number of contractors and the total amount of works. In this respect, the integrated information system that has been utilized to monitor the construction works of the Egnatia Motorway project in Greece is presented. Reference is made to the software, hardware, information technology architecture, quality procedures and personnel training for the successful implementation of the system. Special mention is made to the data structures that are utilised (enterprise project structure, organizational breakdown structure, resource breakdown structure, and work breakdown structure). In addition, comments are made from the experiences drawn from the implementation of the system. Overall, it is concluded that the integrated system constitutes a central focal point for corporate scheduling and cost control.
ICT Strategic Project Management
Authors: Buwule Robert Stalone
Published: June 2016

Depending on how project managers strategically plan and utilize them, ICTs can prove to be either productive or counter-productive to any project. This chapter is about how project managers strategically plan and incorporate Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in forming long-term objectives as well as analysing the strengths and weaknesses of an ICT-based project. It has four subdivisions, where the first sub division dwells on the strategic use of ICTs in projects, then a brief synopsis on the theoretical approach to ICT Strategic Project Management, which provides foundation for a detailed discussion on the roles of key players in ICT strategic project management, characteristics of ICT-compliant projects, and the steps taken to strategically manage ICT-based projects. The chapter is wrapped up with a disposition on the impetus of strategically managing communication in an ICT-based project.
Investigating the Intention to Use Social Media Tools Within Virtual Project Teams
Authors: Giltenane Jerry
Published: June 2016

Enterprise social media tools are becoming more prevalent in project management, particularly where project teams have to operate on a global and virtual basis. It is becoming more critical that organisations understand the key attributes of such technology to encourage their teams to use them in order to achieve the perceived benefits. In this chapter we search for answers to the factors that influence the adoption of such tools in a virtual project setting by testing the applicability of the much cited technology adoption model known as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The model is modified to suit the sphere of virtual teams and focuses on the behavioural intention to adopt social media technology. The purpose of examining such a model is to see if it can explain some of the key factors that may influence the adoption of social media within virtual project teams.
The Project Management Perspective for a Digital City
Authors: Anthopoulos Leonidas G. , Ipsilantis Pantelis , Kazantzi Vassiliki
Published: June 2016

Digital cities have been evolved during the last decade and they have installed various information systems and information and communication technology (ICT) based infrastructures across various cities in the world. Most digital cities are ongoing investments, while their outcomes are differentiated from their primary objectives, and many of them are declined although their deliverables have been achieved. The aim of this paper is to approach the digital city as a unique project instead of a program of projects. In this context, a digital city can be considered a complex and large scale project, while the project management perspective will be applied on two representative forms of digital cities in order to conclude on a common management model, to underline the difficulties of such a project, and to provide with useful instructions that can be used by current and by future project managers who approach a similar initiative.
An Innovative Approach to the Development of Project Management Processes for Small-Scale Projects in a Large Engineering Company
Authors: Laporte Claude Y. , Chevalier Frédéric
Published: June 2016

A 400-employee Canadian division of a large American engineering company has developed and implemented project management processes for their small-scale and medium-scale projects. The company was already using a robust project management process for their large-scale projects. The objectives of this project were to reduce cost overruns and project delays, standardize practices to facilitate the integration of new managers, increase the level of customer satisfaction and to reduce risk-related planning deviations. For this project, the engineering organization used the ISO/IEC 29110 standards developed specifically for very small entities, i.e. organizations, having up to 25 people. An analysis of the cost and the benefits of the implementation of small and medium scale project management processes was performed using the ISO economic benefits of standard methodology. The engineering enterprise estimated that, over a three-year timeframe, savings of about 780,000$ would be realized due to the implementation of project management processes using the ISO/IEC 29110 standard.
Comparative Analysis of Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMS)
Authors: Patra Nihar K. , Jha Shiv S.
Published: June 2016

Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMSs) have been developed to manage e-resources by several proprietary and open source products, which are now available on the market. The main purpose of these ERMSs is to manage the workflow of e-resources, access, centralize data, and improve administrative interfaces, etc. This chapter compares and analyzes the 16 ERMSs' information available on their respective Websites. The comparison covers on ERMSs' functionality, use of standards and compatibility, distinguish features, modules, etc. These 16 ERMSs are Innovative Interface's Innovative ERM, TDNet's TDNet ERM Solutions, Ex Libris's Verde ERM, OCLC's Web-Share License Manager, SemperTool's SMDB, University of Notre Dame's CORAL, MIT's VERA, SerialsSolutions's 360 Resource Manager, HARRASSOWITZ's HERMIS, The Johns Hopkins University's HERMIES, Colorado Alliance's Gold Rush, WT Cox's Journal Finder, EBSCO's EBSCONET ERM Essentials, Simon Fraser University Library's CUFTS, SIRSI Corp's E-Resource Center, Priory Solution's Research Monitor. This comparison found that basic features and standards adopted are more or less common in all ERMSs. However, the modules, programming language, and platform used in the ERMSs are somewhat unalike. This study concludes with usefulness of ERMSs for librarians and end-users.
Effective Human Resources Management Practices in Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Chandrakumara Anil , Rao Pramila
Published: June 2016

This chapter explores HRM (Human Resource Management) practices in SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the MIST (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, and Turkey) economies. Researchers and consultancy firms such as Goldman Sachs have suggested that these nations will be potentially very strong trading economies for the next decade based on economic analyses. SMEs play pivotal roles in these nations as they contribute to a majority of their domestic employment and GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The focus of the chapter is based on a thorough investigation of secondary sources on HRM practices (recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, and compensation) of SMEs in the MIST nations. Institutional theory and Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) perspectives are showcased in understanding these practices better. The findings of the study suggest that HRM practices adopted in the MIST countries, both individually as well as a cluster, reflect the aspects of universalistic, contingency, resources bases, and institutional perspectives of the Strategic HRM (SHRM) model. The evidence also indicates the simultaneous adoption of both convergence and divergence theories of international HRM. The chapter also presents a model of HRM practices adopted by the SMEs in the MIST nations. Theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
Project Management in Library and Information Science
Authors: Avilés Rosario Arquero , Cuenca Gonzalo Marco , Serrano Silvia Cobo , Simón L. Fernando Ramos
Published: June 2016

This chapter aims to provide guidelines to design, create, and develop a Community of Practice (CoP) on university library planning and project management courses, based on description of real experience within the framework of an educational innovation project on the Master course in “Documentation, Library, and Archive Management” (Complutense University). A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodology (document analysis, brainstorming, case studies, group discussion sessions, and creation of a Master Catalogue of Values) was used by different members of the CoP: professors, researchers, university librarians, and students. This case study was found to advance means of establishing alliances and mergers between such players in the field of Library and Information Science and also a manner to encourage an enterprising culture among students in our expertise field. Furthermore, CoP has improved quality of University Libraries at Complutense University with a teaching dynamic that can be implemented in additional university courses related to Management.
Risk Management Decisions and Organizational Structure in the Case of a Development Management Firm
Authors: Baydoun Mohammad
Published: June 2016

This case aims to analyze risk management practices of Millennium Development International (MDI) and suggest enhancements based on a theoretical framework derived from the literature while considering the implications to its organizational structure. Al-Shamiyah project in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is used as an example to illustrate the practices of MDI. Due to a high level of risk associated with large-scale development projects, it is argued that the traditional risk management approach is not convenient to the context of these projects. Each large-scale project has a high level of uniqueness that renders benchmarks generated out of previous projects obsolete. Hence, a reactive risk management approach is being promoted. For the purpose of optimizing this approach, engaging necessary experts and securing the presence of key decision makers in the process, the formulated system defines key milestones at which risks need to be assessed and proper decisions need to be taken.
Effects of Social Media on Project Management
Authors: Sponselee Mark
Published: June 2016

This chapter provides insight into the effects of social media on (the execution of) project management. Billions of people nowadays make daily use of social media. This phenomenon also gradually found its way to the business world. With projects being an essential element of many organizations, project managers must be aware what social media is all about and how it can strengthen their projects. The time is right for project managers to explore and embrace social media as an additional tool to be used for managing projects more effectively. This chapter tries to bridge an existing knowledge gap within organizations about how to make effective use of social media within projects. It is described how the functionalities of social media may be used within project management. Moreover, several overall effects of social media on project management are illuminated. And finally, four barriers for social media use within project management are captured.
Harnessing Knowledge Integration in IS Design for Innovation Facilitation
Authors: Krone Oliver
Published: June 2016

This chapter examines from a Knowledge Integration (KI) perspective the innovation potential that resides in KI for the generation of Information System (IS) based on organizational innovation. The chapter does this by examining methodologically the process of Requirements Engineering (RE) as a research topic and uses for this purpose a mixed-method approach including literature review, participant observation, and recourse to secondary research. The chapter first outlines the emergence of KI as research topic in its own right before the emergence of IS as innovation in organizations is described. The chapter then examines the innovation inhibitors to KI as proxy for innovation generation. It argues in the conclusion that taking RE for IS premises and research methods employed in relation to research into KI might be guided by rationalistic efficiency-driven conceptions, while KI as research agenda seems to be premised on a notion of effectiveness.
Risk Profiles in Individual Software Development and Packaged Software Implementation Projects
Authors: Hoermann Stefan , Schermann Michael , Aust Marco , Krcmar Helmut
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is to compare risk profiles of individual software development (ISD) and packaged software implementation (PSI) projects. While researchers have investigated risks in either PSI projects or ISD projects, an integrated perspective on how the risk profiles of these two types of information system (IS) projects differ is missing. To explore these differences, this work conducted a Delphi study at a German-based financial services company. The results suggest that: First, ISD projects seem to be more heterogeneous and face a larger variety of risks than the more straightforward PSI projects. Second, ISD projects seem to be particularly prone to risks related to sponsorship, requirements, and project organization. Third, PSI projects tend to be predominantly subject to risks related to technology, project planning, and project completion. Finally, in contrast to available lists of risks in IS projects and irrespective of the project type, the paper found a surprisingly high prominence of technology and testing-related risks.
Strategic Human Resource Management in Facilitating Organizational Change
Authors: Çolakoğlu Saba , Chung Yun , Tarhan Ayşe Buyçe
Published: June 2016

This chapter reviews strategic human resource management (SHRM) theory and research and draws actionable implications for facilitating organizational change based on the main theoretical tenets of SHRM. Specifically, based on arguments related to achieving internal fit among mutually supportive HR practices and achieving external fit through aligning HR systems with an organization's context, it is argued that organizations can design strategically-anchored HR systems that emphasize, elicit, reward, and reinforce employee behaviors required by change initiatives. Integrating these SHRM arguments with well-established models of change management, this chapter establishes possible links between these two important areas of research. The chapter concludes with providing organizational examples that illustrate SHRM principles and different ways in which they can be applied to different forms of change management initiatives.
The Effect of Organizational Commitment on Project Outcomes under Common Agency
Authors: Hurst Bruce E. , McGivern Michael H.
Published: June 2016

This research was undertaken to look at possible ways to broaden the definition of project management success beyond the tradition measures of time, cost, and scope. The research was designed to determine if the human organization comprised of layers of relationships and governance would or could change and reduce the high failure rate attributed to IT projects. The human aspect of conflicting organizational goals, those established by the information technology principal and the business unit principal with the project manager acting as agent, was the foundation for the study. The study expanded project management theory as it related to three variables: organizational commitment, project governance, and complex agency relationships. This was accomplished through a survey distributed to 403 information technology project managers in the United States designed to measure the three variables against the dependent variable project success. The results indicated that governance, organizational commitment, and the effects of common agency on a project manager's performance in meeting what might be conflicting success criteria do have a positive correlation. This research could provide new directions for researchers, project management practitioners, and strategic corporate planners when establishing project success criterion.
The Role of Lean Production on Organizational Performance
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: June 2016

This chapter introduces the role of Lean Production on organizational performance, thus explaining the management practices of Lean Production of just in time, total productive maintenance, total quality management, cellular manufacturing, and human resource management. The successful Lean Production implementation programs can facilitate the manufacturing organization's quest for achieving enhanced business performance leading to competitive advantage. This chapter has highlighted some significant revelations about various facets of simultaneous implementation of Lean Production paradigms in the manufacturing organizations. Lean Production implementation dimensions are important to the manufacturing organizations trying to realize manufacturing excellence for competing in the highly dynamic global marketplace. The study also highlights that significant business performance enhancements can be realized through Lean Production implementation over considerable period of time. Organizations should focus on developing the management practices of Lean Production of just in time, total productive maintenance, total quality management, cellular manufacturing, and human resource management in order to achieve better organizational performance.
Career Management and Human Resource Development of a Global, Diverse Workforce
Authors: Konyu-Fogel Gyongyi
Published: June 2016

Career management and human resource development that focus on developing long-term capabilities within the organization are crucial to build core competencies and competitive advantage in a global environment. This chapter examines career management and human resource development factors of global competencies in management and leadership. Recent trends and research indicate that successful career management systems utilize organizational practices, processes, and people with capabilities for proactive decision making, information sharing, analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and innovation. Career management in a fast-changing environment must include continuous learning, cross-cultural and social understanding, communication skills, ability to differentiate and integrate information, tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity, positive attitude, and openness to learning new things. Human resource development in a global economy should include global understanding and competencies necessary for managing a global workforce. The author discusses trends and best practices of 21st century leadership for developing capabilities for competitive advantage through human resources.
Human Capital in Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Cafferkey Kenneth , Harney Brian , Teck Pua Eng
Published: June 2016

This chapter explores Human Capital in Malaysian SMEs. Malaysia has placed significant policy emphasis on indigenous SMEs as a basis for achieving economic growth and competitiveness. This renders the human capital infrastructure of SMEs of critical importance. However, the reality is that there is little information as to the nature of HR practices and their impact in Malaysian SMEs. This chapter aims to fill this void by exploring descriptive findings from a unique sample of over 200 Malaysian SMEs. Drawing on the work of Lepak and Snell in particular, the chapter offers insights into human capital uniqueness and human capital value in the firms investigated. The performance and policy implications of the research are discussed and future research avenues outlined.
Managing Intrapreneurial Employees in Internationalized Services
Authors: Calisto Maria de Lurdes
Published: June 2016

One of the most relevant sources of innovation for services is related to bottom-up informal processes that might originate anywhere in the organization, resulting from the autonomous behavior of individuals – i.e. intrapreneurial behavior. On the one hand, intrapreneurial behavior is particularly relevant for service firms because of the strategic importance of employee-client interactions. On the other hand, there is growing recognition in the literature as to the potential role played by a multinational workforce in innovation and organizational learning. The author's goal with this chapter is to provide the reader with insights on how strategic human resources management policies and practices are essential to provide the necessary environment for intrapreneurial behavior to emerge in service firms, and how these policies and practices have to take into account the circumstances of a multinational workforce.
Use Value and HRD and HRM Flexibility
Authors: Hughes Claretha , Stephens DeVaughn
Published: June 2016

Human Resource Development (HRD) and Management (HRM) flexibility emphasizes flexible learning, educational technology, flexible firm model, human resource flexibility, high performance work systems, and contingent employment. Human resource departments should examine the development and management of their human resources in the context of the employees' use value within organizations. This paper analyzes the concept of use value of the employees within the theoretical and practical applications of HRD and HRM flexibility and provides recommendations for organizations to increase the use value of workers. Employee use value directly contributes to the organization's success or lack thereof.
Critical Issues in E-Learning Project Management in the Context of Web Technologies Development
Authors: Amilevičius Darius
Published: June 2016

eLearning can cover a spectrum of activities from supporting learning to blended learning (the combination of traditional and e-learning practices), and to learning that is delivered entirely online. However, no matter what technology is used, learning is always the vital element. E-learning is no longer simply associated with distance or remote learning, but, instead, forms a part of a conscious choice of the best and most appropriate ways of promoting effective learning. The global demand for higher education continues to rise, and e-learning provides an alternative way for higher educational institutions to deliver knowledge to learners at a distance rather than in the traditional way. The success of e-learning starts and ends with project management. In this chapter, critical success factors of eLearning projects—organizational factor and technological factor—are considered as critical issues from the management perspective viewed in the context of the rapid development of Web technologies.
Corporate Strategy from the Bottom
Authors: Romano Luca
Published: June 2016

This chapter demonstrates that the connection between strategy and actions is key for a company to gain a conscious strategic advantage from what done in day-to-day activities. This connection is not always clear and often the officially stated strategy is far from the strategic direction showed from an analysis of the portfolio of initiatives undertaken by a company. Project Portfolio Management (PPM) methodology can help in assessing and improve this connection, as to start a PPM this connection must be clarified. This chapter aims to verify 2 hypotheses. The first is that it is possible to implement a Project Portfolio Management system in a company without a strategic planning process in place. The second is that the implementation of a Project Portfolio Management system helps companies to grow their strategic thinking and can be a first step in strategic planning.
Excellence in IT Project Management
Authors: Elliott Michael , Dawson Ray
Published: June 2016

With almost thirty years since the start of our quest to find Fred Brooks' magical “Silver Bullet” to slay our productivity horrors, and twenty years since the first Standish report on IT project success and failures, are we getting closer? This paper discusses and challenges current thinking on process improvement initiates to provide answers of how we can significantly improve IT project productivity and consider that to achieve a step change in improvement requires a different approach. Recent Standish research has highlighted the Agile Methodology as being particularly successful for the smaller IT project. However, what specifically is creating this improvement? Is it the process itself or is there something that the process enables? The hypothesis presented is that in order to create the step change improvement in IT project management delivery, we need to significantly improve the inter-personal skills of the whole IT project management team. The revolution for improved productivity will stem from challenging the typical career paths of technology learning to provide a much greater focus on the softer skills.
Grid Computing
Authors: Dumitru Ileana
Published: June 2016

To calculate the potential impact of grid on the enterprise, one just needs to look back a decade or so ago. Those who remember how LANs developed in company years before the Web was born can easily get a picture of how Grid Computing in corporations may change in the years to come. In the early days of the Internet, there was a strong opposition to linking computers together in a network. Ultimately, however, the Internet has become a ubiquitous tool, and many experts predict the same outcome for Grid Computing on the enterprise. There are still concerns to consider and obstacles to be overcome, but the momentum behind corporate Grid Computing is quickly gathering pace. The integration of Grid Computing technologies into enterprise computing systems can provide a much richer range of possibilities. This integration should provide enhanced capabilities and interoperability to meet current virtual organization demands.
Key Success Drivers for Large High-Technology Projects
Authors: Crosby Phil
Published: June 2016

Success in project management, and particularly in large, high-technology projects, continues to test the resources of organisations and their sponsors. This chapter revisits the conclusions of an earlier meta-study (Crosby, 2012a) that examined a large number of published case investigations and research efforts relating to the success and failure of projects. In that study, the success factors for general, and high-technology, projects were grouped and ranked as strategic success drivers for use prescriptively by project practitioners and approvers, and the principal drivers were examined closely to reveal any less obvious characteristics influencing project success. This chapter takes the original findings of ranked success drivers and investigates how these align with the experiences of three large contemporary high-technology projects. The conclusions show that, while the original set of drivers remains valid as predictors of project success, the ranking is likely to vary, even between projects that are technically and structurally similar. Two additional success factors are added as a result of the present study.
Spirituality
Authors: Barnes Sandra D. , Alabi Tosin O.
Published: June 2016

Religion appears to shape the daily lives of most children in America; the influence of religion often serves as a template for making decisions, establishing relationships, comprehending the world, and finding meaning in confusing and/or traumatic situations that children may encounter. To ignore the role of religion and spirituality in behavioral and mental health treatment is to dismiss a central domain of child and adolescent development as well as a potential path to healing. In this chapter, we discuss the role of spirituality and religion in children in rural communities and how they can be integrated into counseling and therapy as a path to healing.
“Rural-Specific” Types of Childhood Trauma in Rural Communities
Authors: Velasquez Roberto Jose , Juarez Yadira
Published: June 2016

In this chapter, the authors discuss eight types of trauma that Latino children are likely to encounter by residing in rural or geographically-isolated communities. The authors contend that there exist more “rural-specific” types of childhood trauma that Latino children are at-risk for when compared to “urban-specific” types of trauma. For example, Latino children who reside in rural communities are more likely to traumatized by parental deportation, migrating from one town to another because parents follow the harvest, language brokering or translating for their parents, experiencing or witnessing farming accidents, relocating from the city to the country, isolation from extended family, pesticide poisoning of the child or a family member, and living in labor camps or substandard housing. It is important to note that Latino children, like children from other cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, can experience all types of trauma irrespective of whether they reside in urban or rural settings.
Discrete Element Particle Modelling of Stone Masonry
Authors: Azevedo Nuno Monteiro , Lemos José V. , Rocha de Almeida João
Published: June 2016

Circular Particle Models (PM) are a class of discrete elements which has been increasingly used for detailed analysis in rock and concrete structures. There have been few applications to masonry, but the potential of these techniques appears significant, due to their proven ability to simulate fracture processes through random particle assemblies representing quasi-brittle materials at the grain scale. The present chapter presents the fundamentals of this approach and reviews some previous applications of PM models to masonry. The model capabilities are first exemplified by simple models involving a few irregular blocks formed by particles. Irregular stone masonry wall specimens under compression and under in-plane shear loading are then presented. In these models both the units and the mortar are represented by circular particles, and failure processes through the joints or through joints and stones are analyzed. The main issues regarding the use of these models are finally discussed.
Discrete Element Modeling of Masonry-Infilled Frames
Authors: Mohebkhah A. , Sarhosis Vasilis
Published: June 2016

In this chapter, the different modeling strategies for simulating the behavior of masonry infilled frames are investigated. Particular emphasis is given on the suitability of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to accurately represent the mechanical behavior, strength and ductility of concrete and brickwork masonry infilled frames. Within DEM, masonry infill panels are represented by individual bricks and blocks separated by zero thickness interfaces representing mortar joints. The assumptions adopted, the numerical implementation and the advantages and disadvantages of modeling masonry infilled frames using the discrete element method are discussed. This ‘discontinuum' approach, an alternative to modeling masonry as a homogenized continuum, is particularly suited for studying the mechanical behavior and interaction between the individual masonry brick/blocks and their interaction with the framed structure.