bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of message appeals countering unrealistic optimism on purchase intentions
Authors: Pornpitakpan Chanthika , Green Robert T.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to examine which types of message appeals are more effective in reducing unrealistic optimism (a tendency for people to believe that they are less susceptible than others to encounter negative outcomes) and inducing purchase intentions of preemptive products in collectivist and individualist cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment is conducted with 131 US, 111 Singaporean, and 127 Thai undergraduates.

Findings

The findings confirm the existence of unrealistic optimism in the marketing setting and show that: lower levels of optimism are associated with higher purchase intentions for the product; hazard‐related behavior‐priming ad appeals lead to higher purchase intentions than ads without priming; Singaporeans show higher purchase intentions than Americans for both the risk‐priming and the expert ad appeals, and they also show higher purchase intentions than Thais for expert ad appeals.

Research limitations/implications

The samples, while well matched, consist of undergraduate students who are not necessarily representative of the populations as a whole. The samples also come from only three countries. Finally, only one product is employed.

Practical implications

The study suggests that: external‐control/collectivist cultures may be more influenced by advertising, regardless of the appeal employed; different types of cultures may require different amounts of advertising to achieve equal levels of effectiveness; unrealistic optimism needs to be addressed by marketers of preemptive products; marketers should use ads that prime risky behaviors when promoting products for reducing/preventing undesirable outcomes/hazards.

Originality/value

The study has re‐affirmed that unrealistic optimism exists, and that this phenomenon exists internationally with respect to a relatively lower‐involvement risk product category than had previously been studied. It has unveiled relationships between optimism and purchase intentions. Finally, the study has identified both similarities and differences in terms of the existence of unrealistic optimism and the relative effectiveness of different message types across cultures.
Supply chain coordination issues: an SAP‐LAP framework
Authors: Arshinder  , Kanda Arun , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Supply chain coordination is concerned with managing dependencies between various supply chain members and the joint efforts of all supply chain members to achieve mutually defined goals. There are different coordination mechanisms reported in the literature that have been discussed in isolation like information sharing, information technology, long‐term partnerships, and joint decision making which help in coordinating supply chain members. Various coordination models have been proposed considering isolated activities of the supply chain. There is a need to consider a holistic perspective of coordination in the entire supply chain. This paper sets out to analyze a case study of XYZ, a leading automotive parts manufacturer in India, to throw light on the status of coordination in its supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A situation‐actor‐process (SAP)‐learning‐action‐performance (LAP) model has been applied to analyze the case study of XYZ. The situation represents the present scenario of the organization. Actors are the participants, influencing the situation to evolve different business processes. Based on SAP, various learning issues have been analyzed which lead to suitable action followed by impact of SAP on the performance of the supply chain of the organization.

Findings

Various issues that need attention are: the type of relationship with suppliers and buyers, coordination effort with supply chain members, various mechanisms like information sharing, information technology, information systems, joint decision making, and flexibility required to adopt the above‐mentioned issues of coordination.

Research limitations/implications

The flexible model of SAP‐LAP is used to explain soft and hard issues of supply chain coordination in a managerial context with reference to a dynamic SAP‐LAP model as applied to the case of XYZ.

Practical implications

The flexible model of SAP‐LAP presents the situation of coordination to participants who may initiate the processes needed to be coordinated. It also helps in identifying flexibility gaps in adoption of coordination mechanisms. The synthesis of SAP leads to LAP, which bridges the gap of flexibility by suggesting improvement actions on the gaps of flexibility or the learning from the present situation, actors and processes.

Originality/value

This is a novel approach to analyze quantitative and qualitative issues of supply chain coordination in a single model comprising various perspectives on coordination, coordination mechanisms, and flexibility required to coordinate, and the impact of coordination on performance of the supply chain.
Ethnically targeted advertising: views of those not targeted
Authors: Cyril de Run Ernest
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to extend current knowledge on advertising effects on those not targeted by noting unintended consequences on attitudinal, emotional, and behavioral reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tests these effects based on relevant theories in the communication and advertising literature on two distinct ethnic groups (Malay and Chinese) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia utilizing questionnaires based on a fictitious advertisement for the dominant and non‐dominant ethnic group in Malaysia. The advertisement used was for a fictitious can of drink and its design was common in Malaysia. Data collected were analyzed using Manova, General Linear Model, and Bonferoni.

Findings

There were negative attitudinal, emotional, and behavioral reactions by those not targeted who saw these advertisements.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is that the study used two different advertisements, but each respondent saw only one. The advertisement was also for a fictitious product. Future research will benefit from further improvements (impact of product type or advertisement format) and replication of other ethnic groups or targeted groups.

Practical implications

A practical implication is the importance of predetermining the appropriate use of language and dominance of the targeted group. Targeted communications strategy may not be the most effective method of communicating with a specific ethnic group in a plural society.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this paper consists of the determination of negative effects of advertising on those not targeted, and the finding that the level of dominance plays a role in consumers’ reactions towards targeted advertising. The paper is of value to advertisers, researchers in advertising, and social science scientists.
An in‐depth examination of China's advertising regulation system
Authors: Gao Zhihong
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a framework for systematically investigating international advertising regulation; to provide an in‐depth understanding of the Chinese advertising regulation system; and to use China as a case study to examine how various global and local forces interact and negotiate the landscape of international advertising regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs historical analysis; and textual analysis to achieve its purpose.

Findings

Chinese advertising regulation relies largely on government regulation, and self‐regulation plays a much subdued and marginal role. The Chinese regulator aims to control the negative effects of advertising through rigorous regulation as well as certification and censorship programs, but its various advertising laws and regulations are invariably phrased in vague and general terms, so that enforcement and compliance become a major issue. The lack of autonomous trade and consumer organizations combined with minimal public participation in the system further reduces its transparency and effectiveness.

Practical implications

The paper offers a detailed road‐map for advertising professionals to navigate the complex Chinese advertising regulation system.

Originality/value

The paper is the first English article to provide a systematic examination of Chinese advertising regulation.
Optimal wire sizing of buffered global interconnects
Authors: Tang Min , Mao J.F. , Jiang L.L.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to obtain the optimal wire sizing of buffered global interconnects and to investigate the impact of weight factor on the optimized system performance for various technology nodes.

Design/methodology/approach

The width and spacing of interconnects are optimized under two scenarios, and corresponding optimum line width is determined by minimizing the value of power‐delay product which is defined as a figure of merit (FOM). Based on the results, the impact of weight factor on the optimized system performance, such as delay and power dissipation per unit length, is analyzed for various technology nodes.

Findings

The analytical expressions of the optimum width are derived under two scenarios. Better FOMs can be achieved for theS=Wscenario, but the wireability of the chip degrades considerably. The optimized delay increases with the increasing of weight factor, while the optimized power dissipation decreases with it. For a given weight factor, smaller latency and less power dissipation can be achieved for theS=Wcase.

Originality/value

The analytical expressions of the optimum width of interconnects are given, and a comprehensive study of the impact of weight factor on the optimized results under two scenarios is presented.
Recent advances in wire bonding, flip chip and lead‐free solder for advanced microelectronics packaging
Authors: Zhong Z.W. , Tee T.Y. , Luan J‐E.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to review recent advances in wire bonding, flip chip and lead‐free solder for advanced microelectronics packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

Of the 91 journal papers, 59 were published in 2005‐2007 and topics related to wire bonding, flip chip and lead‐free solder for advanced microelectronics packaging are reviewed.

Findings

Research on advanced wire bonding is continuously performed for advanced and complex applications such as stacked‐dies wire bonding, wire bonding of low‐k ultra‐fine‐pitch devices, and copper wire bonding. Owing to its many advantages, flip chip using adhesive has gained more popularity. Research on the reliability of lead‐free solder joints is being conducted world‐wide. The new challenges, solutions and new developments are discussed in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

Because of page limitation of this review paper and the large number of the journal papers available, only a brief review is conducted. Further reading is needed for more details.

Originality/value

This review paper attempts to provide introduction to recent developments and the trends in terms of the topics for advanced microelectronics packaging. With the references provided, readers may explore more deeply, focusing on a particular issue.
Studies on laser ablation of low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC)
Authors: Yung Winco K.C. , Zhu Jijun
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) material is introduced as an excellent alternative to silicon, glass, or plastic materials for the fabrication of miniaturised analytical devices, though it is most widely used in the automotive and microwave industries. The paper aims to study the laser ablation of LTCC material.

Design/methodology/approach

This kind of green tape material is mechanised by excimer laser (KrF, 248 nm) and UV laser (Nd: YAG, 355 nm), and for the first time by infra‐red laser (1,090 nm). The optical photos and the scanning electronic microscope (SEM) photos of the LTCC ablated by different kinds of laser sources are given in this paper.

Findings

When using the UV laser, the tapered structure can be easily seen from the SEM photo. However, a kind of clear and perfect ablation of LTCC can be seen for the first time by the 1,090 nm infra‐red laser ablation.

Originality/value

The laser ablation of LTCC by optical fibre sources is discussed.
A 3.5‐GHz, low voltage, current draining folded mixer in 0.18‐μm CMOS technology
Authors: Ramiah Harikrishnan , Zainal Azni Zulkifli Tun
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to design and realize a highly linear, wide dynamic range and high switching efficiency integrated CMOS up‐conversion mixer for two‐step IEEE 802.1a WLAN transmitter application in 0.18‐μm deep submicron CMOS technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A folded current draining low‐voltage mixer architecture is explored and an extensive simulation carried out utilizing Cadence Spectre‐RF tool in optimizing the linearity, input third‐order intercept point (IIP3), the dynamic range, 1 dB compression point (P−1dB), power dissipation and reduction of switching quadCgs, input gate‐source capacitance, in enhancing the switching efficiency of the proposed architecture.

Findings

A highly linear, high input dynamic range, low voltage folded up‐conversion mixer architecture is realized in a significant comparable performance with respect to conventional reported architecture, indicating −8.87 dBm of OIP3 corresponding to 15.27 dBm IIP3 and 4.37 dBm of P−1dBin 0.18‐μm CMOS technology.

Research limitations/implications

The optimized mixer architecture is stringent to an up‐converter application. To be utilized as a down converter at the receiver end, parameters, namely as noise figure and conversion gain, are of additional importance.

Practical implications

The designed folded mixer architecture is in need of integration to a two‐step up‐conversion transmitter architecture which relaxes the injection pulling effect for a given low voltage headroom, with low power dissipation design.

Originality/value

In this work, an integrated folded architecture with on‐chip process, voltage and temperature compensated biasing circuit is explored and enhanced, raising awareness of adapting improved multiplier blocks in achieving optimal performance in WLAN transceiver architecture.
Thermal modeling of semiconductor devices in power modules
Authors: Ammous Kaiçar , Abid Slim , Ammous Anis
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to focus on the semiconductor temperature prediction in the multichip modules by using a simplified 1D model, easy to implement in the electronic simulation tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Accurate prediction of temperature variation of power semiconductor devices in power electronic circuits is important for obtaining optimum designs and estimating reliability levels. Temperature estimation of power electronic devices has generally been performed using transient thermal equivalent circuits. This paper has studied the thermal behaviour of the power modules. The study leads to correcting the junction temperature values estimated from the transient thermal impedance of each component operating alone. The corrections depend on multidimensional thermal phenomena in the structure.

Findings

The classic analysis of thermal phenomena in the multichip structures, independently of powers’ dissipated magnitude and boundary conditions, is not correct. An advanced 1D thermal model based on the finite element method is proposed. It takes into account the effect of the heat‐spreading angle of the different devices in the module.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on mathematical model of the thermal behaviour in the power module. The study leads to a correction of the junction temperature values estimated from the transient thermal impedance of each component given by manufacturers. The proposed model gives a good trade‐off between accuracy, efficiency and simulation cost.
Ku band response of Ag thick film microstripline to NixZn1−xFe2O4 overlay
Authors: Lonkar U.B. , Puri Vijaya
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to study tuning effects on thick film microstripline due to ferrite thick film overlay.

Design/methodology/approach

The possibility of obtaining tuning characteristics in the Ku band microwave region in the absence of external magnetic field by a simple process of using NixZn1−xFe2O4 thick film and bulk as in‐touch overlay over Ag thick film microstripline was investigated. The microstripline is basically a non‐resonant component with high‐transmission at a large microwave frequency band. The ferrite was synthesized by precursor method and the thick films were deposited by screen printing.

Findings

It was found that tuning characteristics were observed and composition, thickness and precursor dependent changes occurred. The changes with composition are more prominent in the 14.5‐16.5 GHz range. Also, the ferrite thick film overlay produces a deep notch at 15.7 GHz. It is observed that the pellet overlay also makes the microstripline very dispersive with a high‐insertion loss in the 16‐17 GHz range. The presence of permeability‐related effects interfering with the normal propagation of the microstrip circuits might be causing the changes in the circuits.

Originality/value

Owing to the NixZn1−xFe2O4 overlay the simple microstripline can be tuned to have narrow band filter type of characteristics. Thick film NixZn1−xFe2O4 overlay gives the added advantage of planer configuration along with cost‐effectiveness in the absence of magnetic field.
Thermal and thermo‐mechanical modelling of polymer overmoulded electronics
Authors: Sarvar Farhad , Whalley David C. , Hutt David A. , Palmer Paul J. , Joo Teh Nee
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The encapsulation of electronic assemblies within thermoplastic polymers is an attractive technology for the protection of circuitry used in harsh environments, such as those experienced in automotive applications. However, the relatively low‐thermal conductivity of the encapsulating polymer will introduce a thermally insulating barrier, which will impact on the dissipation of heat from the components and may result in the build‐up of stresses in the structure. This paper therefore seeks to present the results from computational models used to investigate the thermal and thermo‐mechanical issues arising during the operation of such electronic modules. In particular, a two‐shot overmoulded structure comprising an inner layer of water soluble and an outer layer of conventional engineering thermoplastics was investigated, due to this type of structure's potential to enable the easy separation of the electronics from the polymer at the end‐of‐life for recycling.

Design/methodology/approach

Representative finite element models of the overmoulded electronic structures were constructed and the effects of the polymer overmould were analysed through thermal and thermo‐mechanical simulations. Investigations were also carried out to explore the effect of materials properties on the overmoulded structure.

Findings

Models have shown that some power de‐rating of components is required to prevent temperatures exceeding those in unencapsulated circuits and have quantified the benefits of adding thermally conductive fillers to the polymer. Simulations have also clearly demonstrated the benefits of foamed polymers in reducing thermal stresses in the assemblies, despite their poorer thermal conductivity compared with solid polymers.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the thermal issues affecting the overmoulded electronics and gives some guidelines for improving their performance.
Predicting absenteeism and turnover intentions by past absenteeism and work attitudes
Authors: Cohen Aaron , Golan Ronit
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of prior absenteeism, demographic variables, and work attitudes (job satisfaction, perceptions of health, and work commitments forms) on absenteeism and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a longitudinal survey. The questionnaire used established scales of the research instruments. The sample was composed of 119 female employees working in five long term nursing facilities in northern Israel.

Findings

The findings showed a strong effect of prior absenteeism on later absenteeism. They also showed that among work attitudes, job satisfaction is a strong predictor of absenteeism, while commitment forms, particularly organizational commitment, are related to turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Using a survey questionnaire for collecting most of the data might cause common method error.

Practical implications

The findings of this study shed some more light on important work outcomes in general and in the health care industry in particular. Increasing job satisfaction and organizational commitment seem to be good strategies for reducing absenteeism and turnover intentions, as the findings here suggested. A higher rate of absenteeism provides an early indication of a withdrawal process among employees, and the organization should treat such information as more than just data on absence rates.

Originality/value

Very few papers have used a longitudinal design examining the effect of both prior absenteeism and work attitudes on turnover intentions and actual absenteeism.
Work values of surviving and non‐surviving managers during economic recession
Authors: Selmer Jan , Waldstrøm Christian
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to compare work values of surviving and non‐surviving managers during a period of general economic recession in Hong Kong associated with the Asian financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Involving a natural field experiment, data on work values were collected from ethnic Chinese Hong Kong managers employed by local companies. The two sub‐samples were established over the period of study, from 1995 to 1998, but all variables concerning these two groups were measured in 1995, well before the Asian financial crisis struck in 1997.

Findings

Results indicate that survivors attached more importance to independence in work and to have influence in the organisation than the non‐survivors. On the other hand, non‐surviving managers attached more importance to responsibility and to have an opportunity to meet people and interact with them than survivors.

Research limitations/implications

In future studies, the longitudinal investigation can be improved, non‐Asian locations could be included, and more work values as well as other personal characteristics can be added.

Practical implications

The findings may have consequences for the strategic retention of managerial staff.

Originality/value

As opposed to the traditional perspective, that firms in dire straits may lose their best and brightest first, the findings suggest that in a general economic recession, it could be possible to retain managers capable to ride out the crisis.
Career development in primary school children
Authors: Nazli Serap
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper has three objectives. The first is to determine the level of primary school students' career development, the second is to test Super's childhood years career development model, and the third is to determine the level of Turkish children's career development.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing qualitative research models, 145 primary school students participated in structured essay questionnaires. A descriptional and content analysis, as well as a qualitative analysis, were performed on the data collected.

Findings

The study established that the primary school students possessed the nine concepts that Super developed for childhood years. It was also determined that there were no differences in the students' level of career development in terms of gender and grades.

Research limitations/implications

This study has two limitations. First, the study was carried out on a limited sample. Second, the data were gathered from the primary school students in a written form. Career development levels of students from different countries should be studied with qualitative and quantitative research, and then compared with each other.

Practical implications

Career education programs in the Turkish education system should start at the primary school years. Additionally, classroom teachers and school counsellors should promote experiences to support the students' career development, and parents should provide more conscientious support for their children.

Originality/value

This study provides support for Super's childhood years career development model in Turkey.
Stakeholder assessments as a predictor of high potential and promotion to partner in professional service firms
Authors: Stumpf Stephen A.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine multisource feedback from a stakeholder perspective, arguing that select competency assessments that different rater groups provide are valid predictors of the “partner” potential and advancement of senior professional service professionals (PSPs).

Design/methodology/approach

A 360‐degree assessment tool for PSPs, the Relationship Management Survey (RMS), was administered to 391 principals as part of their professional development. Six RMS dimensions (clusters of competencies) were used to predict a principal's high‐potential promise and promotion to partner three to five years later.

Findings

The results support hypotheses detailing how different rater groups assess PSPs differently, and how these differences are relevant to PSP promotion to partner. The predictability of becoming partner increased by 50 percent compared to partner‐only assessments through the use of direct report assessments of the principals' leadership and coaching, peer assessments of collaboration, and client assessments of trust.

Practical implications

Professional service firms can improve their succession planning and promotion decisions by including multirater assessments in their decision making process; PSPs can guide their career planning and professional development by attending to the distinct competency interests of different stakeholders.

Originality/value

This article supports a broader use of different rater group assessments in promotion decisions and the career development of professionals. It suggests the need for dialogue and research regarding when different rater assessments in 360‐degree assessment tools are an index of instrument validity.
Workplace reformation, activebaand knowledge creation
Authors: Senoo Dai , Magnier‐Watanabe Remy , Salmador María P.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose propose a practical framework for the design and measure of activebaand assess whether workplace reformation initiatives actively contribute to promoting knowledge creation by activatingba.

Design/methodology/approach

The workplace reformation is first segmented into virtual and physical environments. Then, using the SECI knowledge‐creation process, the effects of each environment as well as their mutual interactions on activebaare analyzed. Next, the case studies of two workplace reformations are introduced, the first using a qualitative analysis and the second the results of a questionnaire survey carried out at three different stages of the implementation.

Findings

The effective implementation of workplace reformation in two separate entities enabled the creation of activeba. The influence of the physical and virtual environments on the creation of activebawere significantly different, thus justifying the assumption of the division of such environmental factors. The main factor of activebagenerated by a complete workplace reformation was shown to be direct communication.

Research limitations/implications

The two firms studied here belong to the same group of companies, and both departments' workplace reformations were conducted by the same person, whose widely known track record may be seen as a self‐fulfilling prophecy.

Practical implications

Because these two types of workplace reformation reversely impact the emergence of direct communication, and therefore the type of activeba, practitioners could avoid the co‐existence of groups organized under different configurations by simultaneously implementing a workplace reformation across both virtual and physical environments.

Originality/value

This research shows how workplace reformation – achieved with the same people, all things being equal, relatively immediately and inexpensively – can raise knowledge productivity.
Knowledge creation in strategy‐making: implications for theory and practice
Authors: Paz Salmador María , Bueno Eduardo
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the main implications for strategic knowledge management of uncovering the different knowledge flows and interactions in the strategy formation process in emerging and high‐velocity environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds on the findings of a case‐study approach of four innovative firms in the internet banking sector in Spain.

Findings

The research highlights the relevance of understanding and considering the different dimensions of knowledge involved in such a process in order to promote its emergence and interaction in the organization, and trigger the creation process.

Originality/value

In sum, the paper addresses the main theoretical and practical implications of understanding strategy making as a double‐loop knowledge creating process.
Organizational politics and the “process of knowing”
Authors: Edwards Tim
Published: July 2007

Purpose

In offering a critical account of project‐based innovation projects, this paper aims to assess the creation and sharing of knowledge from a social constructionist perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using findings from an in‐depth longitudinal study of a UK Government Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, the paper shows that the ability to adopt knowledge is linked to the efforts of actors to cope with the uncertainties that emerge from crisis events when actors can transform their social context in ways that allow them to overcome the politicisation of tasks. By conceptualising “knowledge” as a social process, this paper proposes that the individual and collective ability to introduce new meaning is not simply related to the propositional aspects of knowledge (through the acquisition of new systems and practices), it also relies on the socially embedded nature of knowledge – the legitimating role of the local context.

Findings

To ascertain a better understanding of knowledge creation and sharing this paper considers the process through which individuals appropriate knowledge where crisis events disrupt and jeopardise the social relations between the members of the innovation project. Here the paper demonstrates how actors renegotiate participation in projects and therefore reconstitute the context through which such activities are organised.

Research limitations/implications

Based on a single case study, this research offers a limited view of context. The study is also based on the appropriation of practices linked to TQM. Future work should look at a range of contexts and technologies to ascertain differentiation in the way the social context mediates knowledge communication.

Originality/value

This paper offers a critical account of knowledge management and innovation. It stands in contrast to more mainstream positivist accounts.
Offshoring, exit and voice: implications for organizational theory and practice
Authors: Mir Raza , Mir Ali , Bapuji Hari
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the impact of corporate offshoring moves on the economic and psychological contracts between firms and their employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon literature from diverse social sciences to explore the phenomena of social contracts and offshoring. Especially deploying the exit‐voice theory of Alfred Hirschman, it is argued here that offshoring decreases the regenerative power promised both by exit and voice in helping organizations recover from decline.

Findings

Organizational systems and processes designed to deal with the “post‐offshoring worker” only serve to accentuate the sense of alienation felt by workers at the way they are regarded. This scenario poses a serious challenge to researchers and practitioners who need to make sense of these effects and deal with them accordingly.

Originality/value

This paper highlights, honors and legitimates everyday relations at the workplace on both sides of the offshoring divide, as sites of class struggle, of worker alienation, of intra‐organizational bargaining and, sometimes, of relations of imperialism and cultural dislocation. Understanding the complexity of this context and managing the actions arising out of this are important challenges facing the managers.
Organizing: skyscrapers and multitudes
Authors: Parker Martin
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The article aims to provoke debate about the organizational implications of international business.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual argument relying on elements of social theory and contemporary politics.

Findings

The paper finds that organizing is not a synonym for hierarchy, management or markets, though they are all examples of organization.

Practical implications

The implication for research and practice is exploring alternatives to hierarchical market managerialism.

Originality/value

Many arguments and comments are put forward, suggesting alternative ways of thinking about formal organizing and organizations and will be of interest to those in the field.
Postcard from Chittagong: wish you were here?
Authors: Cairns George
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper, first, seeks to bring a discussion of the ship‐breaking industry of Bangladesh and other “less developed economies” (LDEs) into the academic arena, since almost no mention of it can be found in a journal database search. Second, in engaging with the multiple representations of the industry in a range of other media, from government and NGO documents, television and press reports, to photography and books, it seeks to contribute to discourse which considers the multiple stories of, amongst others, ship owners, environmentalists, journalists, photographers and, not least, those whose lives and work are the subject of others' observation – the ship‐breakers themselves. Third, it seeks to challenge a particular hegemonic “developed world” analysis of what is “good” and “bad” in relation to the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based upon alternative readings of secondary data, drawn from textual, photographic and video sources, in order to offer a range of interpretations.

Findings

From these multiple engagements, the paper seeks to show the complexity and ambiguity of the lives of those involved, and that their situation cannot be assessed by application of “developed” world notions of ethics, environmentalism, and “good” and “bad”. From this, it argues in support of ambivalence – as a contextual concern, rather than as apathy – as a necessary approach to analysis.

Originality/value

Attention is drawn to the lack of academic engagement with an industry which is of key economic importance to developing economies like those of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, but is attacked as immoral and dangerous by developed country NGOs. The author considers the framework of (or lack of) international governance which enables its continuance in the face of this opposition.
Electronic government and network security: a viewpoint
Authors: Winkel Olaf
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Creating network security is a crucial challenge not only in the area of electronic government, but also for the information society in general. The purpose of this paper is to show that the related problems cannot be tackled successfully by technical measures alone. More wide and encompassing solutions are required.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with the character, preconditions and implications of network security from a managerial point of view in order to identify the starting‐points for a sustainable promotion of network security in the area of electronic government.

Findings

This paper shows that the suitable starting‐point for the development of security solutions within a social unit like a public authority and in the society altogether is viewing the problem as a socio‐technical task. A rational design of security processes is required promoted by an effective security management, which in its turn is rooted in an appropriate security culture.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the problems of network security in the area of electronic government from a comprehensive point of view and offers a basic strategy to deal with them.
Local government and social or innovation value
Authors: Orange Graham , Elliman Tony , Lian Kor Ah , Tassabehji Rana
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a more realistic view of innovation in local government. A key element in this is the notion of innovation value based on people, processes and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are achieved by reviewing the background literature, a recent study of eGoverment achievement in the UK – VIEGO, and government assessments of innovation in both the EU and the UK. Some empirical evidence of the inherent complexity is also used.

Findings

Extant models of innovation tend to focus on the private sector values and their transfer to the public sector is questionable. This with combined with a weak approach to evaluation leaves local government vulnerable.

Originality/value

The political rhetoric that accompanied the introduction of eGovernment expected it to produce innovation in the way government agencies conducted themselves. It is assumed that this innovation is both “good” and inevitable. This paper challenges these simplistic assumptions and proposes a more realistic view.
Exploring relationships of shared service arrangements in local government
Authors: Janssen Marijn , Joha Anton , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Scant research attention has been given to investigating shared service organizations and in particular their relationships. The aim of this research is to investigate the critical decisions and design choices regarding the design of a shared service center (SSC) and the relationship with its users.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a framework developed by Kern and Willcocks published in 2000, this paper investigates the case of a shared services arrangement and its relationships in the Municipality of Amsterdam using qualitative research.

Findings

There are many mutually interrelated factors that need to be taken into account during the decision and design process of shared service arrangements. Antecedent conditions provide the basis for setting the objectives that the SSC needs to meet and determine the way the SSC is operationalized and designed in terms of its service and financial model, organizational structure, and communication mechanisms. In addition, this research also found that in practice the level of trust, cooperation and satisfaction increased between collaborating parties in a shared service arrangement when strategic choices are made in a systematic, collaborative and structured way during the decision‐making process leading to the initiation of an SSC.

Research limitations/implications

A single case study was investigated, which limits statistical generalization. Further research should generalize the findings and facilitate a better understanding of the benefits, decisions, relationships and operational aspects of shared service arrangements.

Practical implications

An essential part of any analysis and design of shared service arrangements is the relationship between the many users and the semi‐autonomous organization providing the services.

Originality/value

Shared services arrangements provide a solution for resource sharing among multiple users and are gaining importance in public administration as a means to innovate, reduce costs and increase service levels. There is hardly any research in the field of shared services arrangements and no research investigating the relationships among users and service providers in local government.
Factors affecting consumers' behavioural intention to adopt broadband in Pakistan
Authors: Dwivedi Y.K. , Khoumbati K. , Williams  , Lal B.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine various attitudinal, normative and control factors affecting the adoption of broadband internet by consumers in a developing country by focusing on Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach was employed to achieve the overall aim of this study. The empirical data concerning the attitudinal, normative and control variables were collected using a questionnaire. A regression analysis was performed to test the role of various variables on consumers' behavioural intentions (BIs) to adopt broadband internet in Pakistan.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that primary influence, facilitating conditions, resources, cost, perceived knowledge and perceived ease of use were all significant factors for explaining consumers' BIs to adopt broadband.

Originality/value

The primary value of this paper lies in extending the current understanding of broadband adoption, by providing insights from a developing country perspective. This has been achieved by synthesising and empirically testing previous research on broadband adoption conducted from a developed country (i.e. the UK) perspective.
Impact of culture on commitment, satisfaction, and extra‐role behaviors among Canadian ER physicians
Authors: Williams E.S. , Rondeau K.V. , Francescutti L.H.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of hospital emergency department culture on the job satisfaction, patient commitment, and extra‐role performance of Canadian emergency physicians. The conceptual model related four cultural archetypes from the competing valued model to the three outcome variables.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 428 Canadian emergency physicians responded to a national survey. The conceptual model was tested via structural equation modeling via LISREL 8.

Findings

Culture had a relatively weak impact on the outcomes. Human resources culture related positively to job satisfaction while bureaucratic culture related positively to patient commitment. Patient commitment, but not job satisfaction strongly and positively related to extra‐role behavior. A direct relationship between entrepreneurial culture and extra‐role behavior emerged from an extended analysis.

Practical implications

Organizational culture seems to have more distal relationships with outcome variables and its influence is likely to be mediated by more proximal workplace variables.

Originality/value

Of value by showing that a key modern leadership challenge is to create the kind of work culture that can become a source of competitive advantage through generating particular organizational outcomes valued by stakeholders.
Nursing staff turnover: does leadership matter?
Authors: Sellgren Stina , Ekvall Goran , Tomson Goran
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the relation between leadership behaviour of nursing managers and staff turnover with respect to the intervening variables “work climate” and “job satisfaction”.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different well‐documented questionnaires were used to assess perceived leadership behaviour, work climate and job satisfaction. Data on staff turnover were collected from a computerized follow‐up system. Different statistical analyses such as correlation analyses, regression analyses and analyses of variance were performed in order to explore the relations.

Findings

The results show strong correlations between leadership behaviour, work climate and job satisfaction. No significant direct relation between leadership behaviour and staff turnover was shown. Staff turnover shows statistically significant correlations with the job satisfaction variable “feeling” (p≤0.005), and the work climate variables “challenge” and “playfulness” (p≤0.001).

Practical implications

In order to limit staff turnover, decision makers should put effort into recruiting and retaining managers that perform very well according to the needs of staff. Managers that are both relations‐oriented and production‐oriented, can manage change and are able to stimulate the staff with challenges have the best opportunities to achieve low staff turnover.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge there is no study published that explores the influence of leadership behaviour, including the dimension “change”, on staff turnover in relation to intervening intrinsic factors of job satisfaction and creative work climate in nursing.
Personnel management in Finnish social and health care
Authors: Kokkinen Lauri , Konu Anne , Viitanen Elina
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine components of good personnel management and how they come true in accounts of social and health care managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained by means of a postal survey sent to middle‐line managers in positions above the first‐line management level in the responsibility area of Tampere University Hospital. The questionnaire was sent to 703 managers; 433 sent in responses indicating a response rate of 62 percent.

Findings

Middle‐line managers considered themselves as interactive, responsibility‐sharing and understanding leaders, but found shortcomings in the leadership style of their superiors. Only 18 percent of the middle‐line managers received feedback and only 42 percent received support from their superiors when needed. There were significant differences between genders, activity sectors and professional backgrounds in the responders' accounts concerning personnel management practices.

Research implications/limitations

The results of this study reliably describe how middle‐line managers consider things to be, not necessarily how things are in reality.

Practical implications

The findings confirm the assumption that the importance of personnel management is still not perfectly understood in the upper management levels of the social and health care sector. At the same time the self‐evaluations of middle‐line managers implied an ambition towards better personnel management.

Originality/value

This study identifies components of good personnel management from literature and uses them as the basis for analysing the data.