bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flying Ducks? Girls’ Schooling in Rural Vietnam
Authors: Liu Amy Y. C.
Published: March 2003

Using the Vietnam Living Standards Survey 1992–93, this paper has found significant gender differences in children's education – parents are less likely to keep girls in school. The method of Doiron and Riddell (1994) is applied to decompose the predicted probability gap of being in school between boys and girls. Their method takes into account the nonlinear nature of the probit model. The decomposition result suggests that most observed gender differences in the predicted probability gap may be driven by discrimination, which may be due to Confucian values. Girls are colloquially referred to as ‘flying ducks’ as they are regarded as a loss to the family upon marriage. Cultural values could shape the parents' perception of the rate of the children's income transfer to the parents. If the cultural norms dictate that sons provide old–age security to the parents, while daughters marry and provide no support to the parents, parents may not be willing to invest as much in girls' education relative to boys. Promotion of gender equality and reduction of the reliance on sons in providing old–age security to parents are necessary to ensure that girls have equal opportunities to receive education.

JEL classification: I2; J16; J71
Stock Market Linkages in South–East Asia
Authors: Hee Ng Thiam
Published: March 2003

The present paper examines the linkages between the South–East Asian stock markets following the opening of the stock markets in the 1990s. No evidence was found to indicate a long–run relationship among the South–East Asian stock markets over the period 1988–1997; however, correlation analyses indicate that the South–East Asian stock markets are becoming more integrated. The results from the time–varying parameter model also show that the stock market returns of Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand had all become more closely linked with that of Singapore.
Modelling the Credit Spreads and Long–Term Relationships of Thai Yankee Bond Issues
Authors: Batten Jonathan , Fetherston Thomas , Hoontrakul Pongsak
Published: March 2003

The present study investigates the yield spread between Thai government bonds issued in the US domestic market (‘Yankee’ bonds) and US Treasury bonds, to determine the long–term equilibrium dynamics and the factors that affect changes in credit spreads. The sample period investigated was from May 5, 1999 to March 26, 2002. The results suggest that the long–term equilibrium relationship holds only between Thai Yankee bonds and long–term US bonds, rather than shorter or equivalent maturity bonds. Also, changes in the credit spreads of Thai Yankee bonds are generally negatively related to changes in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index (see http://www.set.or.th/th/index.html). Changes in US Treasury bonds also tend to negatively affect spreads on short Thai Yankee bonds and positively affect spreads on long Thai Yankee bonds, although other macroeconomic factors – including exchange rate and capital flow variables – were generally not important.
Filial Piety and Loyalty: Two Types of Social Identification in Confucianism
Authors: Hwang Kwang‐Kuo
Published: March 2003

The Confucian concepts of filial piety and loyalty are examined in terms of social identity theory in order to illustrate the arrangement of interpersonal relationships between self and others in Confucian culture. Filial piety, the core idea of Confucian ethics for ordinary people, is explained in the context of my previous analysis of the structure of Confucianism (Hwang, 1995). The social consequences of practicing Confucian ethics for ordinary people in the agricultural society of traditional China are illustrated with Fei's (1948) concept of differential structure and F. L. K. Hsu's (1971) psychosociogram. The concept of loyalty is contrasted with filial piety with reference to the optimal distinctiveness theory. Empirical studies are cited to illuminate the psychological implications of holding filial attitudes and of the modification of filiaty under the impact of modernization. Finally, suggestions for future research are offered based on current analysis of issues related to this topic.
An unsupported common view: Comparing Japan and the U.S. on individualism/collectivism
Authors: Takano Yohtaro , Osaka Eiko
Published: March 2003

It has long been believed that the Japanese are more collectivistic than the Americans. To assess the validity of this common view, we reviewed 15 empirical studies that compared these two nations on individualism/collectivism. Surprisingly, 14 studies did not support the common view; the only study that supported it turned out to bear little relevance to the ordinary definition of individualism/collectivism. An examination of the supportive evidence of the common view disclosed that this view had been formed on an unexpectedly flimsy ground. It further turned out that the wide acceptance of the common view may have been the result of the fundamental attribution error, which may have led to an underestimation of situational factors in interpreting the past obviously collectivistic behavior of the Japanese.
Will the young support the old? An individual‐ and family‐level study of filial obligations in two New Zealand cultures
Authors: Ng Sik Hung , Loong Cynthia S. F. , Liu James H. , Weatherall Ann
Published: March 2003

Do people feel that they are obliged to look after older parents and grandparents, support them financially, respect, obey, and maintain contact with them, as well as please them and make them happy? Two surveys of filial obligations were conducted in New Zealand involving 100 Chinese and 103 European families respectively. Across the 587 individuals from two generations, a widely shared obligation hierarchy emerged with social contact and respect on top of all others. Chinese were higher than Europeans on obedience and financial support as predicted, but also on most other obligations. Gender differences, contrary to prediction, were generally absent; but children were significantly higher than their parents on obedience. Obligations were moderately intercorrelated, and also correlated with corresponding expectations. K‐means cluster analysis was used in a novel way to discover three European and four Chinese family obligation types. Further family‐level analysis showed that parental income, grandparents’ residence, and motivations in communicating with elders differentiated the family types.
Indigenous, cultural, and cross‐cultural psychology: A theoretical, conceptual, and epistemological analysis
Authors: Kim Uichol
Published: March 2003

This paper compares indigenous, cultural, and cross‐cultural psychology by examining their theoretical, conceptual, and epistemological foundations. They have been influenced by the three research traditions in psychology: (1) universalist, (2) contextualist, and (3) integrationist approaches. The goal of the universalist approach is to test and verify universality of existing psychological theories. Cultural psychologists, in contrast, point out that presumed universals are actually Western impositions and not universals. They affirm the contextualist approach and argue that every culture possesses its own unique characteristics, and they should be understood from within the culture. Integrationists argue that search for universals should include the content and context of culture, and they reject absolute universalism and relativism. In cross‐cultural psychology, two integrationist approaches can be identified: the derived etic approach (Berry, 1980) and the indigenous psychologies approach (Kim, Park, & Park, 1999). In the derived etic approach, researchers adapt and integrate existing theories to fit local knowledge. Indigenization as articulated by Sinha (1997) represents this approach. In the indigenous psychologies approach, the primary goal is to understand how people think, feel, and behave in a particular context. It advocates a bottom‐up model‐building paradigm that examines the generative capabilities of human beings. Detailed analysis of the indigenous psychologies approach is provided.
Bias Reduction using Stochastic Approximation
Authors: Leung Denis Heng‐Yan , Wang You‐Gan
Published: March 2003

The paper studies stochastic approximation as a technique for bias reduction. The proposed method does not require approximating the bias explicitly, nor does it rely on having independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) data. The method always removes the leading bias term, under very mild conditions, as long as auxiliary samples from distributions with given parameters are available. Expectation and variance of the bias‐corrected estimate are given. Examples in sequential clinical trials (non‐i.i.d. case), curved exponential models (i.i.d. case) and length‐biased sampling (where the estimates are inconsistent) are used to illustrate the applications of the proposed method and its small sample properties.
Theory & Methods: Simplifying Regression Models Using Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Vignaux V.A. , Scott J.L.
Published: March 2003

Dimensional analysis can make a contribution to model formulation when some of the measurements in the problem are of physical factors. The analysis constructs a set of independent dimensionless factors that should be used as the variables of the regression in place of the original measurements. There are fewer of these than the originals and they often have a more appropriate interpretation. The technique is described briefly and its proposed role in regression discussed and illustrated with examples. We conclude that dimensional analysis can be effective in the preliminary stages of regression analysis whendeveloping formulations involving continuous variables with several dimensions.
Theory & Methods: A Weighted Least Squares Approach to Levene's Test of Homogeneity of Variance
Authors: O'Neill Michael E. , Mathews Ky
Published: March 2003

In 1960 Levene suggested a potentially robust test of homogeneity of variance based on an ordinary least squares analysis of variance of the absolute values of mean‐based residuals. Levene's test has since been shown to have inflated levels of significance when based on the F‐distribution, and tests a hypothesis other than homogeneity of variance when treatments are unequally replicated, but the incorrect formulation is now standard output in several statistical packages. This paper develops a weighted least squares analysis of variance of the absolute values of both mean‐based and median‐based residuals. It shows how to adjust the residuals so that tests using the F‐statistic focus on homogeneity of variance for both balanced and unbalanced designs. It shows how to modify the F‐statistics currently produced by statistical packages so that the distribution of the resultant test statistic is closer to an F‐distribution than is currently the case. The weighted least squares approach also produces component mean squares that are unbiased irrespective of which variable is used in Levene's test. To complete this aspect of the investigation the paper derives exact second‐order moments of the component sums of squares used in the calculation of the mean‐based test statistic. It shows that, for large samples, both ordinary and weighted least squares test statistics are equivalent; however they are over‐dispersed compared to an F variable.
The Asymptotic Distribution of the S–Gini Index
Authors: Zitikis Ričardas , Gastwirth Joseph L.
Published: March 2003

Several generalizations of the classical Gini index, placing smaller or greater weights on various portions of income distribution, have been proposed by a number of authors. For purposes of statistical inference, the large sample distribution theory of the estimators of those measures of economic inequality is required. The present paper was stimulated by the use of bootstrap by Xu (2000) to estimate the variance of the estimator of the S–Gini index. It shows that the theory of L–statistics (Chernoff, Gastwirth & Johns, 1967; Shorack & Wellner, 1986) makes possible the construction of a consistent estimator for the S–Gini index and proof of its asymptotic normality. The paper also presents an explicit formula for the asymptotic variance. The formula should be helpful in planning the size of samples from which the S–Gini index can be estimated with a prescribed margin of error.
New Estimates of Australian GDP, 1861–1948/49
Authors: Haig Bryan
Published: March 2003

This article uses recently available historical data to compile new estimates of gross domestic product by sector for Australia as an alternative to the estimates by Colin Clark and Noel Butlin. These data are then compared with Clark’s and Butlin’s series, and with historical experience, as set out by Coghlan in Labour and Industry in Australia (1918). We caution against accepting Butlin’s results, and question whether his data, even when reliable, can form the basis for a new interpretation of economic history.
Mental Health and Wellbeing and Unemployment
Authors: Flatau Paul , Galea June , Petridis Ray
Published: March 2003

This article examines the relationship between mental health and wellbeing and unemployment utilising the 1995 National Health Survey (1995 NHS) and the 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults (1997 SMHWB) data sets. Three indicators of mental health and wellbeing are adopted. The first is a psychological wellbeing measure derived from responses to questions included in the 1995 NHS on time felt down, happy, peaceful, and nervous (the SF‐36 mental health scale). The second indicator relates to diagnoses of mental disorders including substance use disorders, affective disorders and anxiety disorders. Our final indicator relates to suicidal thoughts and plans and (unsuccessful) suicide attempts. On the basis of these measures, unemployed persons exhibit poorer mental health and wellbeing outcomes than the full‐time employed.
F.L. McDougall and the Origins of the FAO
Authors: O’Brien John B.
Published: March 2003

This article evaluates the role of Frank Lidgett McDougall, Australian economist, businessman and public servant, in the creation of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It traces McDougall’s development from an advocate of preferential trade within the British Empire to his embrace of a broader, more internationalist, concept of nutrition. By the mid‐1930s, McDougall’s advocacy of policies to improve nutrition worldwide through “marrying health and agriculture” led to the Australian government’s advocacy of such policies in the League of Nations. McDougall was successful in persuading Australian policy makers that proposals to improveworldwide nutritional levels were also in Australia’s best interest, by increasing demand for Australian agricultural exports. Finally, McDougall’s significant personal role in the establishment of the FAO is assessed as the culmination of his career as a major behind‐the‐scenes architect of public policy.
Corporate Entrepreneurship in the Public Sector: The Dance of the Chameleon
Authors: Sadler Robert J.
Published: March 2003

This article explores the application of corporate entrepreneurship within the public sector. It outlines research that investigates whether those factors, which the literature describes as stimulating corporate entrepreneurship in the private sector, apply to the public sector. It concludes that entrepreneurship is a strategic phenomenon and, as a consequence, the unique environmental influences on public sector bodies generate stimulants and constraints to corporate entrepreneurship,which vary from those applicable to the private sector.
Least‐Cost Planning and Electricity Industry Reform in Australia
Authors: Mills David
Published: March 2003

Least‐Cost Planning played a key role in the development of the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries in the USA. It has not been widely used elsewhere, largely due to differences in other nations' regulatory environments and the emergence of competitive markets as the dominant paradigm for electricity planning. Least‐Cost Planning, however, may offer valuable insights for creating regulatory frameworks for competitive electricity markets. This paper examines some lessons which may be extracted from an analysis of the Least‐Cost Planning experience in the USA and suggests how these lessons might prove beneficial in guiding Australia's electricity industry reform. This analysis demonstrates how market‐based reforms may be flawed if they ignore the history of previous reform processes.
The Liberal Economic Reforms of the Last Two Decades: A Review
Authors: Argy Fred
Published: March 2003

In reviewing the liberal economic reforms of the last two decades, the paper makes a distinction between three groups of reforms. One involved the improvements in the administration of government functions (managerialism, outsourcing and privatisation). Another involved the adoption of more direct or market‐based methods of policy intervention (such as budget subsidies, incentives, taxes and transfers in lieu of regulation, protection and financial controls). These two groups of reforms were economic‐driven: they sought to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government. Although many mistakes in design and implementation were made, they largely achieved their intended objectives. With sensitive implementation, the reforms achieved a better balance between efficiency and equity than in most other countries. A third group of reforms embodied a new set of policy paradigms (such as downgrading of full‐employment and unconditional need‐based welfare relative to other policy goals). They offered few efficiency or economical benefits and were mainly driven by idealogy.
Economic Progress, Social Disquiet: The Modern Paradox
Authors: Eckersley Richard
Published: March 2003

Surveys of social attitudes are revealing a perhaps unprecedented paradox: a booming economy but persistent community disquiet. The puzzling coincidence is fuelling interest in what is perhaps the ultimate public policy question: is life getting better ‐ or worse? The relationship between economic growth and human development is not as clear‐cut as conventional wisdom and government policy assume. Public opinion surveys suggest that the driving dynamic in Australia and other Western societies in the early decades of the new century will be a growing tension between values and lifestyles. How this tension is resolved will fundamentally determine national and global futures.
The Indigenous Land Corporation: An Analysis of Its Performance Five Years On
Authors: Altman Jon , Pollack David
Published: March 2003

The Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) is a relatively new Commonwealth statutory authority which commenced its operations on 5 June 1995. It is new not only in the sense of its short existence, but also in the unique framework enshrined in its enabling legislation that aims to provide improved outcomes in Indigenous land acquisition and land management. This article explores this unique policy and operational framework, contrasts it with past Commonwealth policies and practices for Indigenous land acquisition and management, and assesses the ILC’s performance in its initial five years. The article argues that notwithstanding this new framework, the potential for future success will lie in the ability of the ILC to substantially address long‐standing issues in the management of the Indigenous estate which now comprises in excess of 15 percent of Australia.
The Federation — What Makes It Work and What Should We Be Thinking About for the Future
Authors: Selway Bradley
Published: March 2003

The Australian Federation is unique. Like all federations there is a division of powers between the various levels of government. However, unlike almost all other federations, the Australian Federation requires the cooperation of the states and the Commonwealth in order to achieve their institutional functions. This federal system can properly be described as ‘cooperative federalism’. An understanding of the role of the states within this federal system suggests an urgent need for major constitutional reform at the state level.
Accountability and Joined‐up Government
Authors: Wilkins Peter
Published: March 2003

The Coombs Royal Commission identified a range of issues relating to the coordination of services. While there has been renewed interest over the last five years in the UK, Canada and Australia in initiatives that support joined‐up and cross‐cutting government, there has been only limited work to address the potential recognised by the Commission for these initiatives to result in unclear accountabilities. This paper reviews accountability approaches to joined‐up government and identifies that while the sharing of accountability for outcomes has emerged quietly over the past 25 years, joining‐up initiatives are demanding a clearer articulation of causal relationships regarding the sharing of outcomes and a fuller consideration of the multiple relationships in the partnership arrangements involved.
Self‐Determination vs. Family‐Determination: Two Incommensurable Principles of Autonomy
Authors: Fan Ruiping
Published: March 2003

Most contemporary bioethicists believe that Western bioethical principles, such as the principle of autonomy, are universally binding wherever bioethics is found. According to these bioethicists, these principles may be subject to culturally‐conditioned further interpretations for their application in different nations or regions, but an ‘abstract content’ of each principle remains unchanged, which provides ‘an objective basis for moral judgment and international law’. This essay intends to demonstrate that this is not the case. Taking the principle of autonomy as an example, this essay argues that there is no such shared ‘abstract content’ between the Western bioethical principle of autonomy and the East Asian bioethical principle of autonomy. Other things being equal, the Western principle of autonomy demands self‐determination, assumes a subjective conception of the good and promotes the value of individual independence, whilst the East Asian principle of autonomy requires family‐determination, presupposes an objective conception of the good and upholds the value of harmonious dependence. They differ from each other in the most general sense and basic moral requirement.
Harming the Non‐conscious
Authors: Persson Ingmar
Published: March 2003

Peter Singer has argued that nothing done to a fetus before it acquires consciousness can harm it. At the same time, he concedes that a child can be harmed by something done to it when it was a non‐conscious fetus. But this implies that the non‐conscious fetus can be harmed. The mistake lies in thinking that, since existence can be intrinsically bad for a being only if it is conscious, it can be harmed only if it is conscious. In fact, its being harmed only implies that it could have been conscious (and led a good life).
A Care Perspective on Coercian and Autonomy
Authors: Verkerk Marian
Published: March 2003

In the Netherlands there is a growing debate over the possibility of introducting ‘compassionate interference’ as a form of good psychiatric care. Instead of respecting the autonomy of the patient by adopting an attitude of non‐interference, professional carers should take a more active and commited role. There was a great deal of hostile reaction to this suggestion, the most commonly voiced criticism being that it smacked of ‘modern paternalism’. Still, the current conception of care leaves us with a paradox. On the one hand patients are regarded as individuals who have a strong interest in ( and a right to) freedom and non‐interference; on the other hand many of them have a desperate need for flourishing, viable relationships. In fact, part of their problem is that they cannot relate very well with other people. This creates a dichotomy, because respecting patients' autonomy often means that they cannot be given the help they so desperately need. In this respect current care practices do not answer the caring needs of these patients.The criticism on care practices is to be considerd as important. It invites us to reexamine and reevaluate the current conception of caring relationships and its main values. In line with this reexamination an alternative perspective on care is introduced in this paper, a perspective in which `compassionate interference' is not so much a threat to autonomy, but a means of attaining autonomy. For this we need a different definition of autonomy than that commonly used in current care practice.
Research, Informed Consent, and the Limits of Disclosure
Authors: Williamson T.M.
Published: March 2003

According to this paper, respect for informed consent implies that subjects should often be told a good deal more than ethical guidelines explicitly or implicitly require. Unless subjects are informed of the researchers’ personal characteristics, views, and sponsors whenever they would be likely to consider them significant, their autonomy is being overridden. However, overriding subjects’ autonomy is sometimes required by the interests of researchers in not being discriminated against or suffering intrusions into their privacy. This paper resolves the conflict between informed consent and the interests of researchers by recommending that (i) subjects generally should be told of the personal characteristics of researchers when relevant as part of the researchers’ job and (ii) that subjects should be told of researchers’ views when conceptually connected to the research and (iii) that subjects should almost always be told about sponsorship. While the paper explicitly limits the role of informed consent, these recommendations go significantly beyond most guidelines in their requirements about what information should be disclosed.
Informed Consent Procedures: Responsibilities of Researchers in Developing Countries
Authors: Sánchez Soledad , Salazar Gloria , Tijero Marcia , Díaz Soledad
Published: March 2003

We describe the informed consent procedures in a research clinic in Santiago, Chile, and a qualitative study that evaluated these procedures. The recruitment process involves information, counseling and screening of volunteers, and three or four visits to the clinic. The study explored the decision‐making process of women participating in contraceptive trials through 36 interviews. Women understood the research as experimentation or progress. The decision to participate was facilitated by the information provided; time to consider it and to discuss it with partners or relatives; and perceived benefits such as quality of care, non‐cost provision of methods and medical care. For some women, participation was an opportunity to express altruism. The main obstacles for participation were perceived side effects or risks. The final risk‐benefit balance was strongly influenced by women’s needs. Women perceived that the consent form benefited the clinic, proving that participants had made a free decision, and benefited the volunteers by warranting their right to free medical care. The most important problem detected was occasional misunderstanding of the information given on the form. We concluded that a full decision‐making process enhances women’s ability to exercise their right to choose, and assures research institutions that trials are conducted without coercion and that the participants are committed to the study. Researchers have the responsibility of conducting this process.
The Ethics of Euthanasia: Advocates’ Perspectives
Authors: De Haan Jurriaan
Published: March 2003

The Netherlands is currently the only country in the world in which euthanasia is legally permissible. More specifically, Dutch law (briefly explained) allows that a doctor terminates the life of a patient of hers on his voluntary, well‐considered and sustained request, if he is suffering unbearably and hopelessly. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct the Dutch debate on the moral permissibility of euthanasia so as to clarify and strengthen the various views that can be advanced in support of euthanasia. On the one view, The Pure Autonomy View (TPAV), the justification of euthanasia rests solely on the principle of respect for autonomy. That is, the reason for performing and permitting euthanasia is the patient’s voluntary, well‐considered and sustained, in one word: autonomous, request for euthanasia. On the alternative view, The Joint View (TJV), the principle of respect for autonomy and the principle of beneficence morally justify euthanasia together. That is, euthanasia is ethical if and partly because, since the patient is suffering unbearably and hopelessly, euthanasia is in his interest. According to this paper, there is no easy argument for one of these views rather than the other. Instead, as yet both TPAV and TJV seem inherently problematic. TPAV is unable to give a doctor a reason for performing euthanasia that appeals to her in her capacity as a doctor, such as relief of suffering. And TJV begs the question – for example, if a state were to legalize euthanasia on grounds of TJV, it would force the view upon its citizens that it may be in a person’s interest to die.
A Review of the Concept of Visual Literacy
Authors: Avgerinou Maria , Ericson John
Published: March 2003

Many people from very diverse disciplines have attempted to define the concept of Visual Literacy (VL), but with little general consensus so far. This is probably due to the fact that those representing the different disciplines and paradigms are each wanting to interpret Visual Literacy in a way that reflects and flatters their contribution or way of thinking. As a consequence, a theoretical concept with seemingly little practical value has been created, but cannot be used productively until an agreed definition is established.

It is self evident that if a concept does not have a broadly accepted definition, if the theory behind it is confusing, and if its viability on practical terms is a matter of continuing controversy, then the only reasonable way to cope with it is to abandon it. Nevertheless, with the exception of very few and of minor importance cases, no serious attempt has ever been made towards discarding VL altogether.
Meeting the needs of teachers and students within the CESAR training system
Authors: Díaz Paloma , Aedo Ignacio , Torra Nuria , Miranda Pilar , Martín María
Published: March 2003

Computers seem to be an unquestionably useful tool to support the learning process, although positive students' and teachers' attitude towards the system is required to guarantee a successful introduction of new technologies in traditional classrooms. Training or exercises provide the students with the challenge of using their knowledge to solve concrete problems, so that they incite students to participate actively. Training can be adapted to different learning styles in order to strengthen student involvement. Moreover, tools to adapt the didactic material to several educational methods must be provided, in such a way that teachers consider the system a helpful tool rather than a substitute. Taking into account the foregoing, this paper describes a training system to create and use exercises in a hypermedia learning environment for hearing‐impaired children called CESAR.
Effects of a television distance education course in computer science
Authors: Boulet Marie‐Michèle , Boudreault Serge , Guérette Louis
Published: March 2003

This paper presents an analysis of the learning outcomes pertaining to one unit of the undergraduate television distance education course Information Technology. This is a course from the undergraduate programme of computer science of Université Laval. The television distance education course was designed to permit students to interact with dynamic environments that support active learning.
The use of computer games as an educational tool: identification of appropriate game types and game elements
Authors: Amory Alan , Naicker Kevin , Vincent Jacky , Adams Claudia
Published: March 2003

Playing games is an important part of our social and mental development. This research was initiated to identify the game type most suitable to our teaching environment and to identify game elements that students found interesting or useful within the different game types. A group of twenty students played four commercial games (SimIsle, Red Alert, Zork Nemesis and Duke Nukem 3D). Results suggest that students prefer 3D‐adventure (Zork Nemesis) and strategy (Red Alert) games to the other types (“shoot‐em‐up”, simulation) with Zork Nemesis ranked as the best. Students rated game elements such as logic, memory, visualisation and problem solving as the most important game elements. Such elements are integral to adventure games and are also required during the learning process. We present a model that links pedagogical issues with game elements. The game space contains a number of components, each encapsulates specific abstract or concrete interfaces. Understanding the relationship between educational needs and game elements will allow us to develop educational games that include visualisation and problem solving skills. Such tools could provide sufficient stimulation to engage learners in knowledge discovery, while at the same time developing new skills.
The Evolution of Industrial Relations in UK Nationalized Industries
Authors: Pendleton Andrew
Published: March 2003

This paper explores the development of industrial relations in the UK nationalized industries by examining strategy, structure and industrial relations decisions, and the political influences upon them. It is suggested that the distinctive features of nationalized industry industrial relations lies not so much in particular institutions as in the specific effects of business strategy and organization structure, along with the extent to which political factors influenced industrial relations directly. Three phases of industrial relations development are identified according to the extent and objectives of governmental involvement in the formulation of business strategies, structures and labour relations: the 1950s, the 1960s and 1970s, and the period beginning in 1979.
The Future of Employee Representation
Authors: Hyman Richard
Published: March 2003

This article examines the future of employee interest representation in Britain against the broader European background. An attempt is made to define the character of interest representation in terms of the concepts of autonomy, legitimacy and efficacy. The core section of the article discusses recent and current developments with a focus on five themes: the level, structure, process, agenda and outcome of representation. A brief conclusion considers alternative scenarios and policy issues for employee representation. Underlying the whole discussion is the question: What future for (British) trade unions? No more than an imprecise and ambiguous answer can be suggested.
Decentralization in the NHS: Prospects for Workplace Unionism
Authors: Lloyd Caroline
Published: March 2003

The substantial changes that are taking place in the organization of the UK public sector are transforming traditional patterns of industrial relations based on centralized and institutionalized collective bargaining. Whether the trade unions can successfully respond to this process will be of prime importance for the future development of industrial relations in the public sector. The paper considers recent evidence of the impact of decentralization on union organization in four hospital units. The research findings suggest that there is a growth in union activity as a result of the process of decentralization, but that the effectiveness of unions is likely to vary considerably between hospitals.
Organizing Flexibility: The Flexible Firm in a New Century
Authors: Kalleberg Arne L.
Published: March 2003

Research on organizational flexibility should examine the linkages between numerical and functional flexibility. Unfortunately, studies of each type of flexibility generally neglect the other. Moreover, the most popular conception of the interplay between these two forms of flexibility — the core–periphery model — is incomplete in important ways. I discuss evidence and limitations of the core–periphery model of the flexible firm, and outline some promising attempts to conceptualize how organizations may combine functional and numerical flexibility. I focus mainly on the USA and the UK, though I also review evidence and issues involved in cross‐national differences in organizational flexibility.
Information Technology, US Union Organizing and Union Effectiveness
Authors: Fiorito Jack , Jarley Paul , Delaney John T.
Published: March 2003

This paper examines the effects of information technology (IT) on organizing and union effectiveness in US national unions. Original survey data and data from government and independent sources are combined to model outcomes including membership growth, success in representation elections, and union leaders’ assessments of effectiveness as a product of environmental and organizational characteristics. The results suggest that the practical impact of IT use on organizing outcomes can be quite important. Evidence regarding the impact of IT on overall effectiveness (i.e. organizational or union effectiveness) is more mixed.
Path(ological) Dependency? Core Competencies from an Organizational Perspective
Authors: Scarbrough Harry
Published: March 2003

The development of the ‘resource‐based theory of the firm’ has helped to reorient the field of strategic management towards a focus on the organizational processes and structures which produce ‘core competencies’. By challenging previous assumptions of market determinism this approach seems to open up the prospect of a greater dialogue with the theories and concerns of organization studies. This paper aims to determine the scope of such a dialogue by developing an appreciation and critique of the core competencies framework from an organizational perspective. In this context, the key feature of resource‐based theories is seen to be their focus on organizational knowledge rather than decision‐making processes as the engine of competitive performance. This focus has a powerful resonance with studies of knowledge in organizations, particularly those forms of knowledge which are linked to product and process design.

However, despite the important shift towards a knowledge‐based view of competition, the core competencies approach fails to follow the logic of its own argument as far as the organizational appropriation of knowledge is concerned. In their pursuit of an ontological model of competitive performance –defining the essential causes of firm competitiveness – resource‐based approaches neglect the socially embedded qualities of organizational knowledge. As a result, the social construction of knowledge, encompassing the dilemmas posed by the employment relationship and the pitfalls of institutionalization, is neglected. Instead, a smoothly linear model is developed linking skills, competence and competitiveness. This mechanistic view is further reinforced by reliance on a command and control model of the management process. Organizational knowledge is not a biddable resource at the disposal of top management.
The Nature, Social Organization and Promotion of Management Research: Towards Policy
Authors: Tranfield David , Starkey Ken
Published: March 2003

This paper argues for the distinctiveness of management research and develops a perspective concerning management research policy. It argues that the key defining characteristic of management research is its applied nature, and that its central concern should be ‘the general (engineering) problem of design’. Because a key goal of management research is to improve the relationship between theory and practice, a fundamental concern lies with its diverse nature and the consequential difficulty of integration of sub‐disciplines, as well as with the issue of the relevance and the application of findings. As a policy paper, it aims to introduce a limited number of analytical frameworks in order to develop a policy position, thus helping frame the debate concerning the role of management research. Specifically, it achieves this, first by exploring the ontology of management research, examining its form, features, peculiarities and idiosyncrasies using Becher's conceptual schema for exploring the nature of disciplines; second by identifying a requisite form of social organization to support management research activity using the Gibbons et al. taxonomy of knowledge production systems; and finally, by identifying some conclusions, research policy implications, and suggesting a set of policy propositions concerning the conduct of management research.
Understanding Management Performance
Authors: Robertson Ivan , Gibbons Patrick , Baron Helen , MacIver Rab , Nyfield Gill
Published: March 2003

Current models of the factors underlying management performance make use of a variety of variables at different levels of analysis. A framework is presented in which variables of three different types are linked together. Using data from a sample (n = 437) of British managers this article explores relationships between personality factors (using the big‐five factors), work competencies and managerial performance. Results from the analyses reveal a set of underlying competency factors, which show different patterns of correlation with two facets of performance: current proficiency and promotability. In turn, these factors and the facets of performance show relationships with the big‐five personality factors. Current proficiency is more closely related to competencies of organization, specialization and analysis – competencies more likely to be displayed by people who are conscientious and introverted. Promotability is linked more closely to competencies concerning action/motivation, flexibility/sensitivity and communication – competencies more likely to be displayed by people who are extroverted with lower conscientiousness and agreeableness.
From Knowledge Engineering to Knowledge Management
Authors: Shadbolt Nigel , Milton Nick
Published: March 2003

Knowledge management is seen by many to be a prerequisite for the successful organization, and one that relies heavily, though not exclusively, on a sound technological infrastructure. A major drawback, though, with current technology (e.g. Lotus Notes and www) is its focus on information management and communication rather than on knowledge itself. What knowledge management needs is tools and techniques that are more oriented towards knowledge – its creation, mapping, transfer and use. We show how many of the methods and tools used in the branch of artificial intelligence known as knowledge engineering can be adapted to provide such a knowledge‐oriented technology, and lead to significant benefits for organizations. A number of case studies are presented which illustrate our points, including decision‐making at Andersen Consulting and best practice at Rolls‐Royce. A more elaborated use is shown in the context of business process re‐engineering, where a new software tool kit called SPEDE is being applied and validated within the aerospace and automotive industries.
Intensity of Interaction in Supply of Business Advice and Client Impact: A Comparison of Consultancy, Business Associations and Government Support Initiatives for SMEs
Authors: Bennett Robert J. , Robson Paul J. A.
Published: March 2003

This paper assesses the supply of business advice using new empirical evidence from a large‐scale survey of SMEs. The chief focus of the paper is on a comparison of suppliers that operate in different environments of regulation, contract and reputation. The paper argues that interaction intensity varies with the level of information asymmetry of these different environments, between different types of service supplier and their clients. Interaction intensity between suppliers also varies as a result of the level of trust they enjoy: for example, the low trust enjoyed by consultants appears to encourage higher intensity of interaction which improves the tailoring of the service to the client's needs and enhances impact. The paper assesses interaction intensity using the existence of site visits and/or a written brief/contract as indicators. Although these measures have limitations, the paper demonstrates clear and significant differences between suppliers in terms of interaction intensity, use of contracts and impact in three broad categories: private‐sector consultancy (low trust, high intensity, high impact), business associations (high trust, low intensity, moderate impact) and government support agencies (moderate trust, moderate to high intensity, moderate or low impact). Multivariate estimation methods demonstrate that significant differences in interaction intensity, use of contracts and impact by client type are much less important than differences in supplier type. This indicates that suppliers generally develop more into niche service fields or groups of services rather than niches related to types of firm.
Creative Leadership Processes in Project Team Development: An Alternative to Tuckman's Stage Model
Authors: Rickards Tudor , Moger Susan
Published: March 2003

We propose that theories of project team development and of creativity can be integrated into a new conceptual framework. The framework proposes two structural barriers that bear on team performance, and modifies the well‐established team development model of Tuckman. Creative leadership is suggested as an important means of breaching the barriers. Its differentiating feature seems to be its effectiveness in establishing protocols that sustain the creative efforts of team members. We have designated the protocols ‘benign structures’. Empirical evidence is provided from a range of studies of project teams in industrial settings.
Diagnosing Customer Value: Integrating the Value Process and Relationship Marketing
Authors: Payne Adrian , Holt Sue
Published: March 2003

The concept of value and, more specifically, customer value is of increasing interest to both academics and practitioners. This paper undertakes a substantial review of past and current literature on value and categorizes this considerable body of research into nine streams of literature. Building on the emerging relationship marketing paradigm, it then proposes a framework for relationship value management. Nine core streams of value literature are identified and discussed: consumer values and consumer value; the augmented product concept; customer satisfaction and service quality; the value chain; creating and delivering superior customer value; the customer's value to the firm; customer‐perceived value; customer value and shareholder value; and relationship value. To date, the core focus of most of this literature has been on the nature of value from the perspective of the organization and its customers – the customer–supplier relationship. However, it is argued that the emergence of the relationship marketing paradigm has emphasized the role of other stakeholders in building relationships. An existing multiple stakeholder model of relationship marketing, the six markets model, is introduced and is integrated with key concepts from the value literature to produce a conceptual framework for relationship value management.
Time for a Change? Women's Accounts of the Move from Organizational Careers to Self‐Employment
Authors: Mallon Mary , Cohen Laurie
Published: March 2003

This paper is based on a study of women's transition from careers within organizations into self‐employment. It focuses on three key issues: the ways in which women accounted for their career transition, their decisions to opt for self‐employment, and the extent to which, in telling their stories, respondents engaged with emerging career discourses. First, this paper considers recent debates within the literature on women's exit from organizations, and emerging discourses of career and self‐employment, focusing on the position of women within these changing discourses. Research findings are then presented, examining three central themes: entrepreneurial orientation, dissatisfaction with the organization and balance of personal and professional life. The concluding section considers how women made sense of the web of factors involved in their career transition and reflects on whether indeed it is ‘time for a change’.