bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace learning in Pakistani schools: a myth or reality?
Authors: Nawab Ali
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Literature on workplace learning emphasizes that learning should be continually generated and negotiated in the workplace. How does this concept unfold in the developing context? This paper aims at understanding teachers' workplace learning and the conditions which influence such learning in a private school of Pakistani context.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a brief review of literature on workplace learning is presented to develop a conceptual framework for the study. Next, the research methodology undertaken to collect data from the studied school is described. The paper then presents the findings, followed by discussion, limitations and suggestions for further studies.

Findings

Drawing upon the data collected through a qualitative case study, this paper reveals that in Pakistani schools, the theoretically powerful concept of learning is not the same in practice. Teachers' work load, lack of awareness about the possibilities and importance of workplace learning, non‐existence of structures for teachers' interactions and lack of rewards are the conditions impeding workplace learning. Since the study has been conducted in the developing context, it also brings forth some fresh findings about cultural aspects of the specific context.

Originality/value

The study suggests that the change agents should concentrate on developing structures and cultures inside schools to facilitate teachers' workplace learning. Moreover, the external courses conducted for teachers should include the concept of workplace learning in their contents to make teachers learn how to learn in the workplace.
State road transport undertakings in India: technical efficiency and its determinants
Authors: Kumar Sunil
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is not only to gauge the extent of technical efficiency in 31 state road transport undertakings (SRTUs) operating in India but also to explore the most influential factors explaining its variations across SRTUs.

Design/methodology/approach

Three popular data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, namely CCR, BCC and Andersen and Petersen's super‐efficiency models, have been utilized to compute various efficiency scores for individual SRTUs. A censored Tobit analysis is conducted to see which factors significantly explain the inter‐SRTU variations in efficiency.

Findings

The key findings of the DEA analysis are only five SRTUs define the efficient frontier, and the remaining 26 inefficient undertakings have a scope of inputs reduction, albeit by the different magnitude; the extent of average overall technical inefficiency (OTIE) in these SRTUs is to the tune of 22.8 percent, indicating that the sample SRTUs are wasting about one‐fourth of their resources in the production operations; managerial inefficiency (as captured by the pure technical inefficiency) is a relatively more dominant source of OTIE; and operation in the zone of increasing returns‐to‐scale is a common feature for most of the undertakings. The multivariate regression analysis using Tobit analysis highlights that the occupancy ratio is the most significant determinant for all the efficiency measures, and bears a positive relationship with overall technical, pure technical and scale efficiencies. Further, scale efficiency is also impacted positively by the staff productivity.

Practical implications

The results of this paper can be applied from management's perspective. The managers can assess the relative efficiency of their SRTUs in the industry and take corrective measures to improve efficiency by altering input‐output mix.

Originality/value

This paper provides more robust estimates of relative efficiency of the SRTUs and highlights the key determinants of overall technical efficiency.
Roadmapping the convergence of technologies for services over broadband
Authors: Daim Tugrul U. , Dash Pranabesh
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present an application of the technology roadmapping approach for exploring the implications of technologies converging for a service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the fundamental concepts behind creating a technology roadmap. These include market and business analysis, product analysis, technology analysis and resource allocation.

Findings

The study demonstrates the use and modification of technology roadmaps for technology driven service business segments.

Originality/value

The process of developing a roadmap for services over broadband presented in this paper can be used as a standard process of developing a technology roadmap for any organization in a similar business.
An assessment framework for disruptive innovation
Authors: Hang C.C. , Chen Jin , Yu Dan
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present an assessment framework which captures the essential characteristics and holistic success factors for disruptive innovation based on the original theory of Christensen, a number of clarifications as reported in the literature and a study of known, successful cases in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was designed based on the improved understanding of disruptive innovation challenges and on the holistic consideration of innovation as a dynamic process. It consists of structured questions which could be used to guide detailed data collection and analysis needed to answer the key questions which constitute the assessment framework. They are grouped under market positioning, technology and other favourable drivers.

Findings

A simple yet comprehensive assessment framework for disruptive innovation has been developed. Two of the known successful cases, namely the steel minimill of Nucor and the 3.5 inch disk drive of Conner/Seagate, were presented in more detail to illustrate the use of this systematic framework in assessing the success potential of these cases of disruptive innovations in either the low‐end or new markets. A third and fairly new example, that of the limited mobile phone system/product of UTStarcom, was then presented to illustrate a case where the framework revealed reasons for potential failure. A fourth example of Google's web‐based office applications then illustrated how the framework might be used to study the disruptive potential of a new product.

Originality/value

This paper enables a more accurate and systematic assessment of disruptive innovation. The framework also has the potential to be further developed into a systematic tool for answering the question of whether the disruptive innovation theory could indeed be used to provide ex ante prediction of the success of a new disruptive innovation.
Patent analysis for analysing technological convergence
Authors: Karvonen Matti , Kässi Tuomo
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Fusion of new technologies and convergence has led to the emergence of new industries. This paper aims to present experiences of the concept of convergence from a patent citation analysis viewpoint. The main objective of the paper is to develop a tool for anticipating the emerging new industry segments.

Design/methodology/approach

The patent analysis methods have been used to get an idea of the stage of new industry segment in the intersection of the paper and electronics industries. The authors distinguish self‐citations from external citations, and further divide citations into two groups: within the industry and beyond the industry. Backward citations are used to evaluate the spill‐overs between industries and forward citations are used to evaluate the significance of technology‐based industry transformation.

Findings

The recognized trends of the trajectory changes and growing overlaps of technological fields show indications for possible convergence between industries. Differentiating between external and self‐citations within and beyond industry citations helps to provide more comprehensive prospects of a future technology competitive environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study evaluated technology development in converging environments. It would be a scientifically significant contribution if the novel patent analysis methods could be used effectively for creating understanding in advance about the technology development and industry convergences.

Originality/value

The presented patent citation methodology provides new insights into the analysis of industry evolution, technological innovations and business development related to converging industries and technologies.
A comparison of lean and CMMI for services (CMMI‐SVC v1.2) best practices
Authors: Kundu Goutam Kumar , Murali Manohar B. , Bairi Jayachandra
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the elements of lean concept and identify those principles which are applicable to service organizations, also, to compare the lean best practices with CMMI‐SVC v1.2 model goals and practices and find out the compatibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The capability maturity model integration (CMMI) for services (CMMI‐SVC v1.2) model, developed by Software Engineering Institute is a collection of best practices applicable to service operations. Lean concepts, on the other hand, originated from manufacturing but of late lean principles and best practices have been implemented in some services organizations. As lean concepts originated from manufacturing and CMMI‐SVC v1.2 from software industry, there could be some overlapping content and some differences and each may offer some distinct advantages. This paper is based on the review of the contemporary literature on lean concepts and CMMI‐SVC v1.2 model, including books, journal articles and handbooks. The authors involved a group of practitioners and experts with theoretical and practical expertise on the CMMI framework, software process improvements as well as lean principles and services to find out which lean principles are applicable to service organization and also the compatibility of lean and CMMI‐SVC v1.2 practices.

Findings

The authors have defined a set of lean best practices which can be applied to service organizations. It is concluded that integration and harmonization of both lean and CMMI‐SVC v1.2 practices is possible and in many ways the practices are complementary. In the future, a unified model based on both lean and CMMI‐SVC v1.2 can be developed by combining the best practices of both.

Originality/value

This paper has reviewed the lean literature and grouped the lean best practices which are applicable to service organizations. It has compared the lean best practices with CMMI‐SVC v1.2 best practices. Little research has been done on comparison of lean best practices with CMMI‐SVC v1.2 model.
The influence of total quality management (TQM) on operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals
Authors: Naser Alolayyan Main , Anuar Mohd Ali Khairul , Idris Fazli
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The importance of total quality management (TQM) to organizational achievement and performance has been established by many studies. Nevertheless, studies on the implementation of TQM and its relationship to operational flexibility have been limited, particularly in the developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap by exploring the extent of the application of TQM and its influence on operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covers both public (King Abdullah University Hospital) and private (Jordan Hospital and Medical Center) health care services. A survey was conducted using a quantitative approach where the researchers distributed 400 questionnaires to selected respondents. The response rate was 57 percent out of the total questionnaires distributed. TQM is an independent variable which consists of eight principles, namely, leadership, employee management, information analysis, training, customer focus, continuous improvement, process management, and supplier management was examined in relation to operational flexibility as a dependent variable which comprises external flexibility and internal robustness.

Findings

The findings reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between TQM and operational flexibility. The authors conclude that TQM practices significantly influence the intensity of operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals.

Originality/value

The significant impact of TQM on operational flexibility has been argued to be positive. The value of the paper is that it points out the influence of TQM on operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals in order to improve hospital performance and efficiency.
A survey on nature‐inspired metaphors for pervasive service ecosystems
Authors: Zambonelli Franco , Viroli Mirko
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Emerging pervasive computing scenarios require open service frameworks promoting situated and self‐adaptive behaviors, and supporting diversity in services and long‐term evolvability. This suggests adopting a nature‐inspired approach, where pervasive services are modeled and deployed as autonomous individuals in an ecosystem of other services, data sources, and pervasive devices. However, there are many possibly nature‐inspired metaphors that can be adopted, and choosing one may require a careful analysis of the pros and cons of the different metaphors. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the key requirements and desiderata for next generation pervasive computing services and associated infrastructures.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors introduce and critically analyze a number of natural metaphors that can be adopted to realize these concepts and survey relevant proposals in the area.

Findings

The key result of this survey is that a uniform reference architecture can be a useful guide when framing the challenges involved in the design and implementation of future self‐adaptive pervasive service ecosystems.

Originality/value

The survey in this paper, along with the proposed reference architecture, can be effective starting points towards the definition and implementation of general‐purpose nature‐inspired pervasive service ecosystems.
Towards an intelligent integrated language learning environment
Authors: Wahl Harald , Winiwarter Werner , Quirchmayr Gerald
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Computer‐assisted language learning (CALL) comes in many different flavors. The purpose of this paper is to focus on developing an integrated e‐learning environment that allows improving language skills in specific contexts. Integrated e‐learning environment means that it is a web‐based solution that performs language learning tasks using common working environments such as, for instance, web browsers or e‐mail clients. It should be accessible on different platforms, even on mobile devices. Natural language processing (NLP) forms the technological basis for developing such a learning framework. The use of NLP technologies, or in broader view artificial intelligence technologies, in CALL has also been dubbed intelligent CALL. The paper gives an overview of the state of the art in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

On the one hand, the paper explains creation processes for NLP resources and gives an overview of language corpora. On the other hand, it describes existing NLP standards. Based on the authors' requirements, the paper gives special attention to the evaluation and comparison of toolkits that can suitably support the planned implementation. In consideration of the evaluation results, the authors give a closer look at the system architecture of the CALL platform. An outlook at the end points out necessary developments in e‐learning to keep in mind.

Findings

Based on evaluation result, the authors have designed the framework architecture for the intelligent integrated CALL (iiCALL) system. A first prototype shows a web browser plug‐in communicating with the framework started in an Apache Tomcat server environment.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extended version of a paper that has been selected as one of the invited papers for journal special issue consideration at iiWAS2010. It focuses on the evaluation of several NLP toolkits which might be of importance for those who plan to integrate NLP technologies in their projects.
A recursive visual query language for XML data
Authors: Ykhlef Mourad
Published: September 2011

Purpose

eXtensible Markup Language (XML) data are data which are not necessarily constrained by a schema, XML is fast emerging as a standard for data representation and exchange on the world wide web, the ability to intelligently query XML data becomes increasingly important. Some XML graphical query languages for XML data have been proposed but they are either too complex or too limited in the power of expression and in their use. The purpose of this paper is to propose a recursive graphical query language for querying and restructuring XML data (RGQLX). The expressive power of RGQLX is comparable to Fixpoint. RGQLX language is a multi‐sorted graphical language integrating grouping, aggregate functions, nested queries and recursion.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology emphasizes on RGQLX's development which is base of G‐XML data model syntax to express a wide variety of XML queries, ranging from simple selection, to expressive data transformations involving grouping, aggregation and sorting. RGQLX allows users to express recursive visual queries in an elegant manner. RGQLX has an operational semantics based on the annotated XML, which serves to express queries and data trees in form of XML. The paper presents an algorithm to achieve the matching between data and query trees after translating a query tree into annotated XML.

Findings

Developed and demonstrated were: a G‐XML model; recursive queries; annotated XML for the semantic operations and a matching algorithm.

Research limitations/implications

The future research work on RGQLX language will be expanding it to include recursive aggregations.

Practical implications

The algorithms/approaches proposed can be easily integrated in any commercial product to enhance the performance of XML query languages.

Originality/value

The proposed work integrates various novel techniques for XML query syntax/semantic into a single language with a suitable matching algorithm. The power of this proposal is in the class of Fixpoint queries.
Identifying commonalities in web content management system engineering
Authors: Souer Jurriaan , Joor Dirk‐Jan , Helms Remko , Brinkkemper Sjaak
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to improve a web content management system (WCMS) product line for future implementations by identifying software commonalities in WCMS‐based web applications. WCMS plays a central role in modern web application development: most large public and internal web sites are based on a WCMS foundation. If we can improve the implementation process, the effectiveness and efficiency of web application development will increase significantly.

Design/methodology/approach

This research identifies reusable solutions from existing WCMS implementations using problem diagrams and structured goal modeling. From configurations were matched with atomic e‐business models by linking them to the strategic competencies through bottom‐up goal modeling. A designed method was constructed on how requirements can be elicited for WCMS implementations using goal modeling and problem frames.

Findings

The resulting method provides insight in relevant e‐business models and their relation to software product lines. Moreover, the approach is applied in a WCMS study which demonstrates its applicability.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research is twofold: WCMS developers now have a method to improve their product line based on e‐business models; and requirements engineers implementing WCMS can use this model to apply reusable software and prioritize requirements. Both will potentially have a large impact on the effectiveness of implementations since most web applications are developed with WCMS.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel approach for efficient and effective identification of software commonalities. This research is part of the web engineering method that focuses on development of web applications based on WCMSs.
Dependency on smartphone and the impact on purchase behaviour
Authors: Hooi Ting Ding , Fong Lim Suet , Siuly Patanmacia Tanusina , Gie Low Ca , Chuan Ker Gay
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of convenience, social needs and social influences on university students' dependency towards smartphones and the impact on future purchase behaviour in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested with a random and judgemental sampling (students who use smartphones only) of 358 university students using a face‐to‐face survey method. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that university students' dependency on smartphones is influenced by convenience, social needs and social influences and dependency is positively related with future purchase behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

Results of this study are limited by the absence of equal distribution across different races and culture of university students.

Originality/value

The domain of research, smartphones, is a new technology that is largely adopted and deserves investigation for future mobile market strategies. Although this research of smartphone dependency is limited to universities, this study contributes to the field by adding new investigation in this new target segment of smartphone users.
The influence of image consciousness, materialism and compulsive spending on credit card usage intentions among youth
Authors: Nga Joyce K.H. , Yong Lisa H.L. , Sellappan Rathakrishnan
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This study aims to bridge the gap in the literature on consumer behaviours such as image consciousness, materialism and consumer spending on credit card usage intentions among Malaysian college students.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling design was employed using a sample of 191 business and management students at a private higher education institution in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. An anonymous survey questionnaire was administered to the students. Structural equation modeling was then used to determine the validity of the path diagram and model fit.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that materialism is a partial mediator in the relationship between image consciousness and compulsive spending. The study also found that compulsive spending is not a mediator in the relationship between materialism and credit card usage intentions. However, compulsive spending does exert a sizable influence.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is required to investigate whether family background has an impact on youth abilities to be more responsible and rational when undertaking more lavish lifestyles and credit.

Practical implications

The implication of this study is that there needs to be more concerted efforts made in instilling credit card awareness and financial discipline among youth to avoid them falling into the debt trap at an early age.

Originality/value

This study highlighted the existence of the credit card debt problem which can inhibit Malaysia's vision to achieve a developed nation status in 2020.
A global culture of cool? Generation Y and their perception of coolness
Authors: Ferguson Shelagh
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore whether the global market segment Generation Y shares a common perception of a specific consumption activity, namely bungy jumping, and how perceptions of cool operate around that.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology is adopted, appropriate to the exploratory aims of the research, which utilises existing filmed interviews to elicit responses from other members of Generation Y. The research explores shared identification, meaning and knowledge of a specific consumption practice, namely commercial bungy jumping.

Findings

The actual form of consumption, bungy jumping was widely accepted as being “cool” but a global consensus on a “cool” consumer and their story could not be reached. The research concludes by proposing a hierarchy for the attribution of cool from one Generation Y member to another; thus extending theoretical discussion and knowledge by investigating an established concept in a specific context to illustrate the complex and uneven nature of cultural globalisation.

Research limitations/implications

This research interprets global Generation Y culture from a small convenience sample from America, Ireland, Scotland and England, thus generating avenues for further research as discussed.

Originality/value

These findings have value for businesses that create consumption experiences for Generation Y customers and scholars seeking insight into the plural and complex function of cool.
Improving the uptake of the Australian Home Medicines Review (AHMR) through patient segmentation
Authors: White Lesley , Klinner Christiane , Cobelli Nicola
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problems patients and caregivers have with using medicines appropriately, their desire for assistance with managing medications and their self‐perceived need for the Australian Home Medicines Review (AHMR).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research study was conducted with eight semi‐structured focus groups, including a total of 50 HMR‐eligible patients and caregivers. Participants who were purposively sampled represented older males, older females, younger chronically ill patients, patients from Chinese and Arabic backgrounds and the general HMR target group.

Findings

According to the types of medicine problems encountered by participants, their level of medicine understanding and their desire for assistance with using medicines, four distinct patient segments are identified and explicated: the heedless patient, the aware patient, the scrupulous patient and the self‐sufficient patient.

Practical implications

The uptake of the HMR service can be effectively increased by direct‐to‐consumer HMR promotion that is tailored to the behaviors, needs, and desires of eligible patients and caregivers. The proposed segmentation model of HMR‐eligible consumers addresses these differences and can be used to inform health policy makers regarding a more effective promotion of the HMR service.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate how the HMR‐uptake could be increased, from the perspective of eligible patients and their caregivers.
Gain the most from your marketing spend on loyalty
Authors: Stephens Balakrishnan Melodena
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to highlight common mistakes organizations make when designing loyalty programs and provides the reader some questions to ponder before spending money in the pursuit of loyalty. It is based on a review of 300 journal articles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a detailed review of literature, and the author's observation in researching loyalty over the last three years.

Findings

Loyalty is of many types and the biggest mistake organizations make is thinking they all need attitudinal loyalty. This is not so and organizations should look at the industry, customers and more importantly their own goals before deciding how much money to spend.

Originality/value

The study prioritizes perceived value, satisfaction, behavioral loyalty and attitudinal loyalty in the context of the organizational goals and industry. It provides a simple process to relook ROI in loyalty programs.
Decision‐making styles of young Iranian consumers
Authors: Moosavi Kavkani Seyyed Ali , Seyedjavadain Seyedreza , Saadeghvaziri Faraz
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to define Iranian consumers' decision making styles.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative, non‐experimental, and descriptive‐analytic survey design was used in this study. The questionnaire statements were adapted from the instrument used by Sproles and Kendall. Like the study of Sproles and Kendall, the sample under consideration was made up of students. A convenience sample was drawn from students of two large universities (Tehran University and Azad University). A total of 650 questionnaires were distributed, and 600 of them were returned.

Findings

The results identified seven decision‐making styles: perfectionism consciousness, novelty and fashion consciousness, recreational and hedonistic consciousness, confused by over choice, impulsiveness and carelessness, price and value consciousness, and brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that the sample used in this study was chosen from university students that may have resulted in sampling biases.

Originality/value

Considering previous studies showing that researchers have selected different populations and found different results. Also, it must be stressed that there is no research investigating Iranian consumer's decision making styles. Thus, this study added new empirical findings to the current body of knowledge through new evidences and also demonstrated new decision making style.
Predictors and outcomes of relationship quality: a guide for customer‐oriented strategies
Authors: Tohidinia Zahra , Haghighi Mohammad
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of a number of factors on relationship quality and also study the impact of relationship quality on customer's behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on prior studies we tried to develop a comprehensive model. The model covered different antecedents and consequences of relationship quality. Responses of a total of 217 key customers of a semi‐private bank were considered. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was then used to test the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

This research evaluated the impact of a series of potential factors on relationship quality. While trust, competency and commitment had a positive impact on relationship quality, communication and conflict handling did not show a significant relationship with this variable. Moreover relationship quality had a significant relationship with customer satisfaction. Furthermore, customer satisfaction had a positive impact on re‐purchase intentions, positive word‐of‐mouth and customer's positive feedback.

Originality/value

While most studies have considered only the perquisites or the outcomes of relationship quality, this study has tried to provide a comprehensive understanding about both antecedents and consequences of relationship quality in one model. Since there was a lack of such research especially in countries with rather collective cultures like Iran, this paper can provide theoretical basis for future studies as well as practical implications for managers and practitioners.
Removing communication barriers at work
Authors: Madera Juan M.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the contribution made by this theme issue to the literature examining workforce diversity in the hospitality industry and methods that can be used to remediate communication barriers due to differences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews some of the key contributions arising from this theme issue.

Findings

The summary highlights the research on workforce and diversity and communication barriers and discusses the implications of diversity for hospitality employers and researchers.

Research limitations/implications

Diversity is a modern day reality that brings challenges and opportunities to hospitality operators.

Originality/value

The research in this theme provides insight from both practitioner and academic perspectives as to how employers can remove communication barriers at the workplace.
Against the odds: researcher development in teaching‐focused HEIs
Authors: O'Byrne Carol
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the emergence of a “researcher” dimension in the academic professional identities of lecturers operating in the teaching‐focused Institute of Technology (IoT) sector of Irish higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Margaret S. Archer's social realist conceptualisation of the reflexive formation of personal and social identities as a theoretical lens, life history data from ten research‐active lecturers working in one of Ireland's 13 IoTs were analysed. The research aimed to understand both the factors that influence the development of “researcher” identities in this context and the nature of the identities that develop.

Findings

The analysis suggests that sectoral location acts as an obstacle to researcher development but that the restrictions at sectoral level can be counteracted by positive intervention at institutional level. Challenges created by lecturers' involuntary placement in schools and departments that may be home to a range of disparate disciplines can be resolved. This generally occurs through voluntary alignment with alternative collectivities that provide individuals with coherent conceptual homes. Lecturers can and do develop researcher identities in this context but what it means to be a researcher can vary from one individual to the next.

Originality/value

The study provides a valuable insight into the process by which individuals operating in teaching‐focused higher education institutions develop the researcher dimension of their academic professional identities. It should be of benefit to individuals striving to become researchers in similar contexts. Its conclusions may also be of value to institutions striving to develop research cultures and to encourage staff to become research‐active.
A changing environment: narratives of learning about research
Authors: Raddon Arwen E.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The literature demonstrates how the environment for and value of research is changing. The purpose of this paper is to explore the narratives of 30 UK researchers and academics to consider how they learned about the nature and value of research through the researcher development process and within this broader context of change.

Design/methodology/approach

A biographical‐narrative approach is adopted, emphasising subjective experience and meaning and how this is shaped by wider social structures.

Findings

Respondents' stories highlight the continued informality of much of the development process and how a lack of systematic support can leave much to chance, potentially undermining future views of professional development. Data from respondents across generations also enable examination of some of the changes that have taken place over time in the higher education (HE) environment and the impact this has had on individuals' understanding of research. In particular, changes such as the introduction of the Research Assessment Exercise/Research Excellence Framework appear to have had a significant – and not entirely positive – shaping influence on how individuals perceive, and experience, research and its aims, leading to an emphasis on outputs over knowledge building.

Research limitations/implications

A biographical‐narrative approach necessarily involves a smaller sample, nevertheless, shared themes were generated by this size of sample and inferences can be drawn.

Practical implications

Despite increased emphasis on research and publishing in the UK, these stories across generations suggest that training and development for researchers often remain very informal, with much left to chance. A more overt approach to researcher development, such as through a “scaffolded” learning process, in which an experienced colleague guides development activities, could help to avoid negative early experiences and increase the likelihood that individuals will develop their own sense of a “culture of developmentalism”.

Originality/value

Focusing on what individuals learn about the nature and value of research as they go through the development process adds to our understanding of researcher development and how this is situated within the wider HE context. Data from respondents across generations equally enable examination of some of the changes that have taken place over time, and how these re‐shape researcher development.
Doctoral experience as researcher preparation: activities, passion, status
Authors: Turner Gill , McAlpine Lynn
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Social science doctoral graduates increasingly are moving into higher education research positions yet the nature of these roles is under researched. The purpose of this paper is to compare the experiences of research staff (RS) and doctoral students (DS), to bring an awareness of the extent to which doctoral experience can be preparation for research roles.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a narrative perspective. Using multi‐method data collection the authors compared seven RS and seven DS from the social sciences, capturing their experiences during the first year of a longitudinal study. Analysis involved developing case summaries and thematic coding.

Findings

The findings detail similarities in the work undertaken by each group; show that passionate thought for academic work is rooted early in academic life; and illustrate that status is more complex and fluid than previously noted, regardless of role.

Research limitations/implications

Numbers are small; however, although attrition is a possibility, this longitudinal approach should allow us to explore further our notions of doctoral experience as researcher preparation, as participants move from doctoral study into research positions.

Originality/value

This is a rare account of a comparison between RS and DS. The paper argues that the experiences of RS are not discrete and specific only to their role but are part of the same journey as that undertaken by DS.
Postgraduate researcher employability
Authors: Houston Kathleen , Lumsden Peter
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study‐based evaluation of a newly accredited career exploration and development module for researchers. It assesses the value of the pilot module in terms of how it succeeded in stimulating career thinking and “work wisdom” in researchers. Career destinations data suggest that fewer than 50 per cent of researchers will establish careers in academia or higher education; it is therefore notable that 73 per cent of respondents to the postgraduate research experience survey expected to pursue a research career in higher education. Given that researchers' expectations conflict somewhat with the reality of potential career directions, the need for a career development programme that allows them to explore career possibilities within and without academia seems relevant. The module examined was delivered through a mixture of taught and interactive workshops (examined in this article), structured reflective journaling, online peer‐sharing discussions and group driven action learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A practitioner research, case study, approach was employed, with the intention of informing practice and delivery.

Findings

The paper presents evidence of positive qualitative outcomes for the researcher participants, and of a successful learning intervention.

Originality/value

The paper describes an accredited programme incorporating action learning. It is unusual since much career training for researchers within universities is ad hoc and unaccredited.
The effect of tobacco control policies on smoking prevalence and smoking‐attributable deaths. Findings from the Netherlands SimSmoke Tobacco Control Policy Simulation Model
Authors: Nagelhout Gera E. , Levy David T. , Blackman Kenneth , Currie Laura , Clancy Luke , Willemsen Marc C.
Published: September 2011

Aim  To develop a simulation model projecting the effect of tobacco control policies in the Netherlands on smoking prevalence and smoking‐attributable deaths.

Design, setting and participants  Netherlands SimSmoke—an adapted version of the SimSmoke simulation model of tobacco control policy—uses population, smoking rates and tobacco control policy data for the Netherlands to predict the effect of seven types of policies: taxes, smoke‐free legislation, mass media, advertising bans, health warnings, cessation treatment and youth access policies.

Measurements  Outcome measures were smoking prevalence and smoking‐attributable deaths.

Findings  With a comprehensive set of policies, as recommended by MPOWER, smoking prevalence can be decreased by as much as 21% in the first year, increasing to a 35% reduction in the next 20 years and almost 40% by 30 years. By 2040, 7706 deaths can be averted in that year alone with the stronger set of policies. Without effective tobacco control policies, almost a million lives will be lost to tobacco‐related diseases between 2011 and 2040. Of those, 145 000 can be saved with a comprehensive tobacco control package.

Conclusions  Smoking prevalence and smoking‐attributable deaths in the Netherlands can be reduced substantially through tax increases, smoke‐free legislation, high‐intensity media campaigns, stronger advertising bans and health warnings, comprehensive cessation treatment and youth access laws. The implementation of these FCTC/MPOWER recommended policies could be expected to show similar or even larger relative reductions in smoking prevalence in other countries which currently have weak policies.
The impact of small changes in bar closing hours on violence. The Norwegian experience from 18 cities
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Norström Thor
Published: September 2011

Aims  To estimate the effect on violence of small changes in closing hours for on‐premise alcohol sales, and to assess whether a possible effect is symmetrical.

Design, setting, and participants  A quasi‐experimental design drawing on data from 18 Norwegian cities that have changed (extended or restricted) the closing hours for on‐premise alcohol sales. All changes were ≤ 2 hours.

Measurements  Closing hours were measured in terms of the latest permitted hour of on‐premise trading, ranging from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. The outcome measure comprised police‐reported assaults that occurred in the city centre between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. at weekends. Assaults outside the city centre during the same time window should not be affected by changes in closing hours but function as a proxy for potential confounders, and was thus included as a control variable. The data spanned the period Q1 2000–Q3 2010, yielding 774 observations.

Findings  Outcomes from main analyses suggested that each 1‐hour extension of closing hours was associated with a statistically significant increase of 4.8 assaults (95% CI 2.60, 6.99) per 100 000 inhabitants per quarter (i.e. an increase of about 16%). Findings indicate that the effect is symmetrical. These findings were consistent across three different modelling techniques.

Conclusion  In Norway, each additional 1‐hour extension to the opening times of premises selling alcohol is associated with a 16% increase in violent crime.
Scuba Diving Is Not Associated With High Prevalence of Headache: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Men
Authors: Di Fabio Roberto , Vanacore Nicola , Davassi Chiara , Serrao Mariano , Pierelli Francesco
Published: September 2011

Objective.— To study the prevalence of cephalalgia in male divers.

Background.— Scuba divers work in stressing environments and have a high cerebrovascular risk, both conditions which are supposed to contribute to the genesis of cephalalgia. However, no study assessed expressly the prevalence of cephalalgia in divers, to date.

Methods.— We enrolled 201 professional male scuba divers (41.0 ± 7.2 years) and controls (41.1 ± 7.2 years), and the risk ratio and its corresponding 95% confidence of suffering from cephalalgia was calculated.

Results.— We found that 16% of divers and 22% of matched controls were affected by cephalalgia (P > .05), accounting for a risk ratio of 0.71 (95% CI 0.47‐1.07). Divers reported fewer attacks per month (1.8 ± 0.7, n = 32) with regard to controls (2.5 ± 1.8, n = 45) (P = .02), but no differences concerning age at onset and severity were detected (P > .05). Divers suffered from migraine, migraine with aura and tension headache as much as controls.

Conclusion.— Scuba diving, an intense physical activity characterized by cerebral micro‐vascular distress, is not associated with cephalalgia, as a whole, or migraine, tension headache or migraine with aura, more commonly than in a matched, non‐diving, population. A longitudinal study may disclose if diving may act as a protective factor in the occurrence of crises of cephalalgia.

(Headache 2012;52:385‐392)
Feature Selection for Fault Detection in Rolling Element Bearings Using Mutual Information
Authors: Kappaganthu Karthik , Nataraj C.
Published: September 2011

Rolling element bearings are among the key components in many rotating machineries. It is hence necessary to determine the condition of the bearing with a reasonable degree of confidence. Many techniques have been developed for bearing fault detection. Each of these techniques has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this paper, various features are compared for detecting inner and outer race defects in rolling element bearings. Mutual information between the feature and the defect is used as a quantitative measure of quality. Various time, frequency, and time-frequency domain features are compared and ranked according to their cumulative mutual information content, and an optimal feature set is determined for bearing classification. The performance of this optimal feature set is evaluated using an artificial neural network with one hidden layer. An overall classification accuracy of 97% was obtained over a range of rotating speeds.
Generalized Coupling Management in Complex Engineering Systems Optimization
Authors: Alyaqout Sulaiman F. , Peters Diane L. , Papalambros Panos Y. , Ulsoy A. Galip
Published: September 2011

Decomposition-based design optimization strategies are used to solve complex engineering system problems that might be otherwise unsolvable. Yet, the associated computational cost can be prohibitively high due to the often large number of iterations needed for coordination of subproblem solutions. To reduce this cost one may exploit the fact that some systems may be weakly coupled and their interactions can be suspended with little loss in solution accuracy. Suspending such interactions is usually based on the analyst’s experience or experimental observation. This article introduces an explicit measure of coupling strength among interconnected subproblems in a decomposed system optimization problem, along with a systematic way for calculating it. The strength measure is then used to suspend weak couplings and, thus, improve system solution strategies such as the model coordination method. Examples show that the resulting strategy may decrease the number of required function evaluations significantly.