bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of standards for PCBs when doing business in Europe
Authors: Weinhold Michael
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an overview of the importance of standards for PCBs when doing business in Europe and to provide information that will enable a better understanding of how to meet their requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of PCB standards and their implementation processes in different countries of Europe and further afield was conducted.

Findings

By applying the latest technical and ecological standards in a correct way and differentiating between “must have” and “desired” in a weighted process, a greater likelihood of success in business dealings will be achieved.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has highlighted the importance of producing PCBs to the required specifications of the end‐user and the locally implemented standards. Each potentially important standard needs to be identified in the context of the products being supplied, the end customer application and the specific regional requirements.

Originality/value

The paper details how individual standards are applied to printed circuit boards and circuit board materials. It outlines the important considerations that have to be taken into account when supplying PCBs to European customers.
Chemical characterisation of materials in electronic systems using infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Smith C.A.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the chemical characterisation of inorganic and organic materials found in electronic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an introduction to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which is used for the chemical characterisation and analysis of materials. Examples from recent case studies are given to illustrate the work.

Findings

It was found that Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy can successfully identify materials at various stages of their lifecycle. By this means any contaminants and their resulting detrimental effects can be eliminated.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how the chemical analysis of a material is conducted, and what can be learned from the investigation.
Inviting interactional change through “tricky situations” in consulting
Authors: Kykyri Virpi‐Liisa , Puutio Risto , Wahlström Jarl
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Consulting work aims to bring about changes in organizational performance. In OD‐consulting practices, changes are to be sought through conversational settings created for these purposes. The purpose of this paper is to take a discursive approach to change work and ask how interactional change is constructed and managed during multi‐party consulting conversations.

Design/methodology/approach

A case episode from an authentic consultation event is presented. By combining ideas from discursive psychology and conversational analysis, it is shown that a consulting conversation may be socially sensitive and face‐threatening for all concerned.

Findings

The paper shows how such a “tricky situation” is not to be avoided but to be actively constructed for facilitating change. The use of different discursive strategies for managing criticism and blame is demonstrated.

Practical implications

Tricky situations involving criticism and blame can be used in facilitating interactional change. The consultant's role is to invite personal and focused criticism and to utilize a meta‐perspective and to anchor the conversation in the present situational interaction.

Originality/value

The paper takes an interaction perspective on OD‐consulting (process consulting) using naturalistic data and shows in detailed analysis the activity of the consultant and the clients.
Metaphor, cultural imagery, and the study of change in public organizations
Authors: Sementelli Arthur J. , Abel Charles F.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how mechanistic and organic metaphors might be fused through the application of cultural imagery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a theoretical examination of metaphor and its application in public organizations. Specifically, this paper examines the possibility that images from popular culture might offer some insights. Selected metaphors linked by elective methodological affinities are examined in order to determine potential significance of the Robocop metaphor for guiding research in organizations.

Findings

The popular culture image Robocop from 1980s films can help us detect what is not being included in most theoretical analyses of public organizations, while simultaneously helping us to purge the negative connotations of the Robocop image.

Research limitations/implications

The popular culture image can help us to understand change in public organizations.

Originality/value

It is one of the few, if any, papers using popular culture images to bridge metaphor and imagery in the study of organizational change.
Dramaturgical analysis of organizational change and conflict
Authors: McCormick Donald W.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To better understand the process of organizational change by broadening Goffman's dramaturgical analysis to apply to the organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a case study of a failed organizational change effort focused on racial and gender harassment and intimidation in a federal organization. The data came from interviews and observation.

Findings

Goffman's dramaturgical analysis is expanded from the interpersonal to the organizational level. This study argues that organizations, too, have performances, a front stage, a back stage, and an audience. Conflict in the organization is seen as the management team exerting expressive control to maintain the organization's line, while activist teams (a feminist group and the Equal Employment Opportunity office) create scenes that disrupt it. The researcher/consultants who were called into study the situation were thrust into meta‐complementary position. Dramaturgical analysis is posited as a separate perspective for organizational analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The ability to generalize from this to other organizations is limited by the case study method used to generate the theory.

Practical implications

The dramaturgical approach presented in this paper can be used to analyze organizational change and help identify sources of resistance to change that other frameworks do not.

Originality/value

Goffman's dramaturgical analysis is a new frame for understanding organizational change.
A framework for facilitating adaptation to organizational transition
Authors: Lee Marks Mitchell
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Transitions – including mergers, acquisitions, downsizings, and restructurings – are used by organizational leaders to accelerate the achievement of strategic objectives. However, the manner in which most transitions are implemented runs counter to research findings on the process of effective change management and, in particular, disregards the natural process of human adaptation. As a result, mismanaged transitions tend to have negative consequences for organizations and their members. Ironically, the characteristic of transitions that prompts individual and organizational strife – the capacity to disrupt the status quo – also enables an opportunity for individual and organizational renewal. For that to occur, however, members must make progress through the natural process of adaptation. This paper aims to propose a framework for facilitating adaptation to organizational transition, to both overcome the undesirable consequences of transitions and to accelerate achievement of the transition's strategic objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper based on a review of the literatures on adaptation and transition and the author's own experience as a researcher or consultant in over 100 major organizational transitions.

Findings

The framework presented here should contribute to both the practice of organizational change management and empirical studies of interventions to facilitate individual adaptation to major organizational transitions.

Originality/value

The framework introduced in this paper should have a direct and substantial impact on transition management, employee well being and organizational effectiveness. It should minimize the negative consequences of transitions and accelerate the process of adaptation to organizational transition.
Defining corporate social responsibility
Authors: Silberhorn Daniel , Warren Richard C.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this comparative study is to explore how large German and British companies publicly define corporate social responsibility (CSR), as well as why and how the respective notion of CSR was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a qualitative content analysis of the CSR web sites of 40 British and German companies, and on a series of interviews with senior managers.

Findings

The main findings are that CSR is now presented as a comprehensive business strategy, arising mainly from performance considerations and stakeholder pressure. Companies focus on how they interact with stakeholders and how business activities impact on society. Most CSR policies addressed community, employee and customer issues. Increasingly, “quality of life” topics are emphasised. CSR policies varied with turnover, industry sector and nationality. In developing their notions of CSR, firms emphasized the primacy of reactive pragmatism and experience. Corporate culture also emerged as an influence, with institutionalised CSR functions and communications departments driving initiatives. The study concludes that business and CSR strategy appear to be on a convergent path, making business and CSR integration across the company the norm in future.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the study's exploratory character, the samples are not representative for the British and German economies.

Practical implications

The study suggests that especially German companies could benefit more from demonstrating a broad, business‐driven understanding of CSR.

Originality/value

Contributing to a deeper understanding of notions, rationales and influences, the study provides both science and practice with a more solid foundation for discussing and implementing CSR. It also broadens the perspective by looking at Germany and the UK.
Technology‐based entrepreneurship and regional development: the case of Sweden
Authors: Lindholm Dahlstrand Åsa
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse technology‐based entrepreneurship and its importance for economic growth. Firstly, it discusses the concept of technology‐based entrepreneurship, and, secondly, it moves on to question if the phenomenon is important for regional growth. New technology‐based firms (NTBFs) can influence economic growth both directly, by their own growth, and indirectly, for example, by providing specialised input to other firms. Quite frequently those indirect effects are established within a regional context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper contributes knowledge about the relatively successful Swedish case. Based on several of the author's earlier studies, some empirical data are used to illustrate some characteristics of the Swedish case. The background and origin of Swedish NTBFs, as well as the growth of these firms, are discussed. Since, technology‐based entrepreneurship is a strongly regional phenomena special attention will be paid to one of Sweden's major regions; the Gothenburg region.

Findings

The paper shows that the number of technology‐based new firms corresponds to a small share of general entrepreneurship. Technology‐based entrepreneurship is a highly regional phenomenon, where local large firms are important for the training and breeding of future entrepreneurs. Spin‐off processes are likely to enhance regional knowledge development and learning processes because it involves the diffusion and sharing of technological and managerial expertise within the region.

Practical implications

The results suggests that a country like Sweden, with high R&D spendings and innovative activities, should be encouraged to increase its entrepreneurial activities in order to benefit even further from its R&D and technology development.

Originality/value

Is of value by adding to the knowledge on technology‐intensive firms – how they tend to grow, how frequent they are and their role in economic growth.
Internationalization of small firms
Authors: Esra Karadeniz E. , Göçer Kenan
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that underlie the internationalization of small‐ medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and to identify the most significant factors/variables that are related to the internationalization process of these firms in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the analysis conducted in this study were collected from 471 owners/managers of SMEs in Turkey. This study examined the relationship of all variables in the internationalization of the small firms through use of Pearson and regression analysis.

Findings

This study showed that the ability to be an exporter was related to the business age and size, the intensity of R&D, the growth rate of the domestic markets and the planning for export, pursued by SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional nature of this study may have limitations in regards to observing the direction and causality of some of the variables. The caution should be also taken when generalizing the findings beyond the scope of this study. The findings are limited to Turkish SMEs.

Originality/value

A model in this study combines three classes of variables – firm, environmental, and management. Most empirical research has been concentrated on investigating one of these variables in relation to international performance. Earlier empirical research also concentrates on established larger firms and has not taken small firms into account. This study fills in a gap in the empirical research in terms of combining these variables to explain the internationalization process and studying the effect of these variables on smaller firms.
HRM strategies and MNCs from emerging economies in the UK
Authors: Ying Chang Yi , Wilkinson Adrian J. , Mellahi Kamel
Published: August 2007

Purpose

HRM practices in foreign subsidiaries have been the subject of much attention in recent years. However, research on HRM practices by subsidiaries of multinationals (MNCs) has so far focused largely on subsidiaries of western multinationals in western and or emerging economies. The authors have little knowledge concerning HRM practices of subsidiaries of multinationals from emerging economies in developed western countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine HRM practices of MNCs from emerging economies operating in western developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey.

Findings

A blend of practices has been adopted by the subsidiaries, ranging from emulating home country practices, adapting host country practices, and a Melange of home and host country practices.

Originality/value

First, HRM practices used by emerging economy MNCs in an advanced economy have been identified. Second, the results suggest that MNCs from emerging economies behave differently from MNCs from developed countries such as Japan, the USA and Western European countries. Past research shows that MNCs from advanced economies such as Japanese MNCs in the UK tend to transplant the ideas and practices of so‐called excellent human resource management systems from their own parent companies. However, Taiwanese MNCs deliberately adopt a varied HR approach to operate in an advanced economy as a result of dual pressures of home and host country effect. Consequently, apart from strategic issues wholly made by headquarters in Taiwan, other HR practices either adapt to local practices or use a hybrid style.
Ethical performance evaluation (EPE) in business practices: framework and case illustrations
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg
Published: August 2007

Purpose

A set of principal parameters (i.e. time, context, gap, outcome, and consequence) influences the ethical performance evaluation (EPE) of business practices in the marketplace and society. The purpose of this paper is to describe a managerial framework of EPE based upon these parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Case illustrations are used to underpin the introduced managerial framework of EPE.

Findings

The EPE of business practices is not only dependent upon the ethical values and principles of today, but those principles of tomorrow may be equally, or even more, crucial. The EPE of business practices is also dependent upon the surrounding context and its specific ethical values and principles. Furthermore, it is dependent upon the gap between different perceptions of ethical values and principles and if the outcome of the corporation's ethical values and principles are proactive or reactive in relation to the reigning ethical values and principles in the marketplace and society. Finally, it is also dependent upon the potential and eventual consequences of ethical values and principles.

Research limitations/implications

The only way that we can “objectively” evaluate past ethical values and principles is through the use of ethical values and principles at the time and in respect to the context at hand. Research tends to fail when considering the longitudinal and evolutionary dimensions in the exploration of ethical values and principles in business practices. There is too much focus upon on‐the‐spot‐accounts in the past and in current research efforts. An important area for further research is how to deal with the durability and variability of ethical values and principles in business practices in the marketplace and society. The key may be a stronger emphasis on longitudinal research efforts that may explore them over time and as contexts evolve. Ethical values and principles are connected and re‐connected over time and across contexts in one way or another. They have a past, a current status and a future.

Practical implications

The decision as to whether business practices are ethical or unethical is – relatively speaking – easy to determine from a narrow perspective, however, the decision whether business practices are ethical or unethical becomes complicated as the perspective is widened and deepened. An introduced managerial framework of EPE provides a generic foundation and structure to examine the acceptability versus unacceptability of business practices.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a managerial framework of EPE, followed by case illustrations. It addresses the impact of time on ethical values and principles in any context on the potential and eventual gaps, outcomes and consequences in business practices. The managerial framework of EPE may also be used in non‐business areas whenever found applicable and convenient to use.
Collaborative practice: a model of successful working in schools
Authors: James C.R. , Dunning G. , Connolly M. , Elliott T.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the notion of collaborative practice from theoretical and empirical bases.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analysed the concepts of collaboration, reflective practice and the primary task. It also examined the ways of working of 18 primary schools in Wales where the level of student attainment in national test scores was high, despite the pupils experiencing considerable social and economic disadvantage.

Findings

From the conceptual analysis, we contend that established models of joint working accord insufficient significance to the work task and that reflective practice is essentially a social process, which requires a task focus to be successful. In the schools we studied, there was a particular way of working which we have called “collaborative practice”. It contributed substantively to their success. Collaborative practice is highly developed and inclusive joint working on a clearly defined main task, or primary task, in a reflective way. There are thus three elements to collaborative practice: collaboration, reflective practice and focus on the primary task. All three elements must be present for collaborative practice to be successful.

Originality/value

The collaborative practice model provides a straightforward framework for analysing work in schools. It also gives a secure foundation on which to base successful practice in educational institutions. The collaborative practice model therefore has implications for research and practice in educational settings, for the practice of educational leaders and managers, and for the professional development of those who work in schools.
Academic optimism and student achievement in urban elementary schools
Authors: Smith Page A. , Hoy Wayne K.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study was two‐fold: to demonstrate a general construct of schools called academic optimism and to show it was related to student achievement in urban elementary schools, even controlling for socioeconomic factors, and school size.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 99 urban elementary schools in Texas and multiple regression and factor analyses were used to test a series of hypotheses guiding the inquiry.

Findings

The major hypotheses of the study were supported; academic optimism was a second‐order construct comprised of collective efficacy, faculty trust, and academic optimism. Moreover, academic optimism is a school characteristic that predicts student achievement even controlling for socioeconomic status.

Practical implications

The results support Bandura's social cognitive theory, Coleman's social capital theory, Hoy and Tarter's work on organizational climate, and demonstrate the existence of a cultural property of schools called academic optimism. Further, the findings have practical implications for developing strategies to improve the academic performance of urban schools.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate the existence of a new collective construct, academic optimism, which has the potential to help improve the effectiveness of schools.
“I just want to teach”
Authors: Timms Carolyn , Graham Deborah , Cottrell David
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The present study seeks to elucidate observed mismatches with workload in teacher respondents to a survey exploring aspects of the work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This phase of the study constituted a pen and paper survey of 298 currently serving teachers in independent schools in Queensland, Australia. Measures used in the research included the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWLS), which identifies matches or mismatches between the worker and organization on six areas of worklife, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES).

Findings

One sample t‐tests revealed respondents reported significantly higher matches in the control, community, fairness and values areas of work life than previously surveyed populations, whereas they reported no difference in reward, and significantly more mismatch with workload. Respondents reported significantly higher levels than previously established norms on the OLBI dimension of exhaustion, but similar levels of disengagement. Responses to the UWES revealed significantly higher dedication and absorption and lower vigor than previously established norms. In addition, respondents reported working long hours in order to fulfill all obligations. Expansion of the quantitative data with respondent comments indicated that teachers working independent schools in Queensland have reached a level of workload that is unsustainable and which constitutes a serious risk to their mental and physical health.

Originality/value

This article pinpoints the many reasons why demands made on teachers have extended to a level which is making their work unsustainable and will be of interest to those involved in the teaching profession.
Pre‐service teachers' beliefs and other predictors of pupil control ideologies
Authors: Rideout Glenn W. , Morton Larry L.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This study aims to examine a variety of demographic, experiential, and philosophical orientation variables that may be predictive of pupil control ideologies (PCI) for teacher candidates at the beginning of a pre‐service program. In particular, it sets out to provide empirically grounded generalizations regarding the relationship between philosophical orientations and PCI. Philosophical orientation variables identified candidates' beliefs about key educational concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methodology was used in this study. Data from approximately 720 pre‐service participants in a pre‐service teacher education program were analysed via a series of correlational and multiple regression analyses.

Findings

These data supported the conclusion that while demographic and experiential variables were predictive of PCI at the beginning of the teacher preparation program, the most predictive variables were contained within the philosophical orientations variable cluster.

Research limitations/implications

These findings provide empirical evidence of a link between what beginning teachers believe about education and their approach at the beginning of their teacher education program to pupil control in the classroom.

Originality/value

These findings identify circumstances that may assist in attracting males into elementary teaching at a time when major teacher organizations are highlighting this perceived weakness in the teacher recruitment process. Additionally, the study recommends inclusion in teacher preparation programs of curriculum units pertaining to pre‐service teachers' beliefs about education, and provides suggestions for the content of such units.
The social characteristics and demographics of Australian Vice‐Chancellors, 1960‐2000
Authors: O'Meara Bernard , Petzall Stanley
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key demographics and social characteristics of Vice‐Chancellors of Australian universities so that an accurate profile of Vice‐Chancellors can be established. At present, there is no contemporary profile of incumbents despite the high level of responsibility associated with these roles.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used in the research that required the collation and analysis of public domain material regarding vice‐chancellors. Multiple sources were used in order to ensure depth, breadth and accuracy of data collected. A questionnaire that was used as part of the PhD research allowed new data to be accessed and existing data verified. Finally, interviews with various incumbents allowed pertinent information to be discussed where applicable.

Findings

The research outlines the changes in the roles of Vice‐Chancellors that have occurred since 1960. The changes in the role reflect changes in government policy and social trends. Further, the research demonstrates that incumbents are now chief executive officers and require a broader range of business competencies and academic experience compared to their predecessors in order to meet contemporary challenges. These changes are reflected in the demographics and social characteristics of incumbents.

Originality/value

This paper addresses this gap in knowledge and provides information about the people who are appointed vice‐chancellors. The research gives an insight into all incumbents between 1960 and 2000 and where possible, examples of post‐2000 trends have also been given. The creation of this profile will allow further and more in‐depth research to be undertaken.
The absence of women's voices in Hofstede's Cultural Consequences
Authors: Moulettes Agneta
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Embedded in Western scientific rationality, Hofstede's model on national culture is constructed on a quantitative method, which among other things is characterized by its carefully selected sample consisting of a group of well educated white “men” from the middle classes working for the same company and sharing identical or similar occupations. The appointment of well educated men from the middle classes as the norm for national culture might mislead one to believe that Hofstede perceives of culture as equally distributed among men and women and that there are no differences in regard to the possession of power. However, considering that he has dedicated one of his five dimensions to gender and constructed his model on a bipolar distinction between masculinity and femininity this is clearly not the case. The purpose of the paper is to show that Hofstede's masculine/feminine dimension unveils a distinct perception of gender differences, even though women's voices were kept silent in his survey.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper approaches Hofstede's masculine/feminine dimension from a postcolonial angle, and focuses on how he discursively makes use of a gender dichotomy in his construction of national culture.

Findings

The analysis supports the argument that Hofstede's masculine/feminine dimension contributes to reproducing a collective and prejudiced understanding of both culture and gender.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in its attempt to urge for a relocation of research on culture and gender from logocentrism and dichotomies to a discourse that take local variations and multiplicity into consideration.
British army leadership: is it gendered?
Authors: Dunn Michael
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the female British Army officer, to determine whether female Army officers lead in different ways to male Army officers.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework was transformational and transactional leadership theory. Data were gathered in semi structured interviews with 24 Army officers, split 50:50 between men and women using repertory grid, and critical incident methods.

Findings

Women and men Army officers interviewed do lead in different ways with women demonstrating a gender management aspect to their leadership. The research also identified that women officers experience an “armoured glass” ceiling in terms of career progression, the research developed a conceptual model of military leadership that differs from the transformational/transactional leadership model. It also disconfirms contemporary leadership theory that conflates leadership and change management.

Research limitations/implications

The paper makes no claims for generalisability because of the unrepresentative sample. Further, research is needed on a representative sample basis.

Practical implications

The paper may inform policy on the management and development of female Army officers. It may also have utility in improving leadership development in the British Army and other UK Armed Services.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution in two areas; it adds to the growing body of research that indicates men and women lead in different ways and assessing the implications that flow from this. It is also a research‐based contribution to conceptualising leadership in the British Army officer cadre below 1 star level.
Understanding intention to continuously share information on weblogs
Authors: Lu Hsi‐Peng , Hsiao Kuo‐Lun
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Weblogs, or blogs, have been a significant new development in recent years. Many businesses have begun using blogs to stimulate discussions, garner ideas, and provide further visibility. Thus, blog usage as well as individual motives behind continued usage is an important area of research. This research aims to examine behavioral motivations underlying individual intention to keep using blogs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social cognitive theory and related technology adoption literature, this study considered knowledge self‐efficacy, subjective norms, feedback, and personal outcome expectations as the determinants of continuing to share information on blogs. The proposed model was empirically evaluated using randomized survey data collected from 155 users of a popular web site in Taiwan (WRETCH blog).

Findings

The results revealed that although both self‐efficacy and personal outcome expectations affected directly the intention of sharing information on blogs, personal outcome expectations had stronger impacts on behavioral intention. In addition, social persuasion has no direct but indirect impact via self‐efficacy and personal outcome expectations on the intention of sharing information.

Practical implications

This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of the factors that promote the usage of weblogs. For web log service providers, the results help them better develop tools to enhance people's intention to share information.

Originality/value

The paper verifies the effect of knowledge self‐efficacy, personal outcome expectations, and social persuasion on the behavior of blog users. Furthermore, verifies the determinants of knowledge self‐efficacy.
Classification and synthesis of quality approaches in e‐government services
Authors: Halaris Christos , Magoutas Babis , Papadomichelaki Xenia , Mentzas Gregoris
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a multi‐faceted summary and classification of the existing literature in the field of quality of service for e‐government and outline the main components of a quality model for e‐government services.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting with fundamental quality principles the paper examines and analyzes 36 different quality approaches concerning public sector services, e‐services in general and more specifically e‐government services. Based on the dimensions measured by each approach the paper classifies the approaches and concludes on the basic factors needed for the development of a complete quality model of e‐government services.

Findings

Based on the classification of literature approaches, the paper provides information about the main components of a quality model that may be used for the continuous monitoring and measuring of public e‐services' quality. The classification forms the basis for answering questions that must be addressed by the quality model, such as: What to assess?; Who will perform the assessment? and How the assessment will be done?

Practical implications

This model can be used by the management of public organizations in order to measure and monitor the quality of e‐services delivered to citizens.

Originality/value

The results of the work presented in this paper form the basis for the development of a quality model for e‐government services.
E‐tail spending patterns and the importance of online store familiarity
Authors: Stranahan Harriet , Kosiel Dorota
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This study aims to explore patterns in e‐tail spending across different demographic groups and to predict which households are the most frequent shoppers and highest spenders. Further, it aims to investigate which households are least likely to purchase from unfamiliar online stores.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a random sample of Florida households, the study is the first to use probit and ordered probit models to study Internet purchasing behavior.

Findings

Younger, college educated, higher income households living in suburban, rural and small towns spend and shop the most online. Caucasians purchase online more often than African Americans and Hispanics but spend about the same amount. The study also finds that male, Hispanic, college educated and younger consumers are more willing to purchase from unfamiliar online stores.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on factors affecting household online spending and buying decisions. Previous studies have not used an ordered probit to model different levels of spending and this new specification provides information about which demographic groups are the most (or the least) frequent buyers as well as which demographic groups are the highest (or the lowest) e‐tail spenders. This study also investigates which demographic groups are most likely to shop only at stores with whom they are already familiar.
Transformation from Internet portal to the world's largest Internet communications enterprise
Authors: Rau Karl‐Heinz
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to give the reader an insight into the evolution of a fast‐growing and innovative Internet company by helping to understand the web portal business in Germany and to identify and assess strategies to transform an Internet portal to an Internet communications enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The case is based on field research accomplished together with executives of the company.

Findings

The case shows that implementing a professional management structure and a continuous strategic analysis of the competitive environment are crucial for being successful in a dynamic Internet business.

Practical implications

Teachers can use this case study in advanced management courses for applying methodologies of strategic analysis, e.g. M. Porter's five‐forces‐model, value‐chain analysis, concept of key success factors, SWOT‐analysis. Students are expected to know basics about financial analysis, and information technologies. Managers can take the case as a best practice example for successful entrepreneurship in the Internet world.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into the strategies of an innovative Internet company.
Evolution of “Universal Business Excellence Model” incorporating Vedic philosophy
Authors: Sharma Anil K. , Talwar Balvir
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evolve the Universal Business Excellence Model (UBEM) with the integration of common features of business excellence models (BEMs) with universal laws of nature to facilitate multi‐dimensional business growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Business has focused on accumulation of wealth at the cost of society for decades. It has resulted in socio‐economic, political and environmental problems and led to the evolution of quality, environmental, HSE systems and BEMs, etc. Vedic philosophy emphasizes that a core function of business is to create wealth for “Well being of society”. To evolve UBEM, synthesis of BEM, e.g. the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), the European Quality Award (EQA) and the Deming Prize has been undertaken to identify the common and unique issues. In addition, certain issues not adequately addressed in BEM but emphasized in Vedic hymns have been empirically tested to check their applicability in the current business scenario.

Findings

The paper finds that UBEM stresses that profit is not the ultimate objective of the business, but a means to achieve the sustainable success. Interestingly, professionals of various age groups, different countries and backgrounds have overwhelmingly supported the concept in empirical study.

Research limitations/implications

Hymn from Rig‐Veda explains that physical as well as moral laws govern the entire universe. Vedic philosophy derives infinite creativity, actions and power from the universal laws of Nature. This paper is an attempt to integrate philosophy of the East with modern practices of the West. It is an example for researchers to explore several new areas to integrate the best of the both (East and West) and provide a new direction to the mankind.

Practical implications

The use of the UBEM will make it easier for practicing managers to reach the right decisions for sustainable success.

Originality/value

The UBEM identifies the “values and process flow” and measurement of “multiple bottom‐lines” as the key to success. Integration of “organization vision” with “universal wellbeing” leads to sustainable success and provides an access to the infinite power of “cosmic energy” to ensure multi‐dimensional growth.
Investigating the human resources context and content on TQM, business excellence and ISO 9001:2000
Authors: Vouzas Fotis
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to theoretically investigate the human resources (HR) context and content on total quality management (TQM), business excellence and ISO 9000:2000.

Design/methodology/approach

The HR‐quality relationship has largely been ignored or underestimated. This paper investigates the existing literature and digs into the various approaches and frameworks in order to evaluate the rhetoric and the reality of this relationship. The examination of differences, similarities and convergence is of high importance in understanding the contribution of HR issues to all of these quality approaches.

Findings

Besides the “good stories” of implementation of the European Quality Award (EQA) model, the ISO 9000:2000 certification and TQM, the paper reveals a number of problematic areas in relation to effective HR utilization such as: low utilization of employees' skills and knowledge, lack of a vision and a mission for HR followed by systematic design and implementation of strategic human resource management (HRM) practices.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first step towards an understanding of the current status of the HR context and content on TQM, business excellence and ISO 9000:2000. The paper addresses a series of issues concerning organizations worldwide in their road to quality improvement and business excellence. There is a need to further evaluate organizations by measuring their HR performance and the degree of quality implementation in the future.

Practical implications

The paper is aiming at both Quality and HR people within the organization. Quality cannot be achieved without fully utilization of organization's HR, and the HR function needs a new vision and practices that are focused on internal customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper provides a reliable and objective depiction of the current status of the HR context and content on TQM, business excellence and ISO 9000:2000 through the examination and analysis of a state‐of‐the‐art literature review studies, including all the various approaches, practices and perceptions recorded so far in the literature ‐some of them based on empirical data and some deriving from rhetoric and “good‐stories” or “how things ought to be” perspective.
Managing information flows for quality improvement of projects
Authors: Zeng S.X. , Lou G.X. , Tam Vivian W.Y.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

A quality management system based‐ISO 9001 focuses on confirming process conformance from the initial development of a product through production, test, installation and servicing. Information management has been a key factor affecting the effective implementation of the standard. The aim of this study is to explore management of information flows in quality assurance in project management. It is hoped to that it will be helpful in pursuing continuous quality improvement in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the characteristics of the construction industry, this study designed an organizational structure with three levels, including firm, sub‐firms and project departments. The paper examined the difficulties for the multi‐level organizational structure in information transferring and feedback.

Findings

It is found that there are information asymmetries in quality management from internal and external organizations. Internally, information asymmetry exists between contractor, subcontractors and suppliers; and externally, there is no information sharing mechanism between project departments. Information feedback is more difficult than information transferring in a construction firm.

Practical implications

The construction industry has always been bedeviled with great difficulties in sharing information among its participants. Although many construction firms have claimed to be ISO 9000‐certified, there is still missing an effective channel of information flow for quality management.

Originality/value

The paper proposes reengineering current management strategy for establishing an information network for quality management. This study could help construction firms to effectively manage information flow to achieve continuous quality improvement.
Integrating multiple manufacturing initiatives: challenge for automotive suppliers
Authors: Johnson Dana M. , Sun Jichao , Johnson Mark A.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The primary purpose of the research was to determine whether automotive manufacturers integrate multiple manufacturing initiatives and whether performance measures were impacted directly by these initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey questionnaire was used to gather data about the attitudinal attributes associated with implementing multiple manufacturing initiatives (i.e. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, lean manufacturing) and changes in key performance measures, both financial and nonfinancial. Descriptive statistics were utilized to gain a better understanding of the level of implementation of specific initiatives. Different forms of regression analysis were used to try to locate a statistically significant predictive model.

Findings

Two surveys of automotive suppliers were conducted during early summer 2001 and 2002 to gather information about multiple initiatives, customer mandates, and performance measurement. The results indicate that suppliers are not integrating the initiatives or linking them to financial and/or nonfinancial performance measurements. It was intended to develop a predictive model linking the implementation of multiple manufacturing initiatives and the impact on changing in performance measures. No statistically significant model was discovered. However, and not surprisingly, the level of implementation of different initiatives varies from one organization to another.

Research limitations/implications

The size of the sample could pose a limitation in terms of generalizabiity. Also, this study was applied to specifically to the automotive supply parts industry and it could be applicable to other manufacturing supply chains.

Practical implications

Automotive industry suppliers have been faced with multiple, mandated requirements from the original equipment manufacturers. Continuing pressures to reduce price, improve quality, while producing an environmental friendly product using lean manufacturing practices has placed a financial strain on suppliers operating with thin profit margins. Are these initiatives being integrated into the overall business strategy and what impact are they having on performance measures? Based on the research, it did not appear to be well integrated. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted to note differences between senior management and middle management/professional staff. It was not surprising to find that senior management has higher expectations and opinions regarding implementation levels and performance.

Originality/value

The information in this study is particularly useful to manufacturers or others implementing standards or methodologies and to understand whether there is a direct impact on performance measurements.