bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal empowerment, efficacy, and environmental characteristics
Authors: Edwards Jennifer L. , Green Kathy E. , Lyons Cherie A.
Published: January 2007

Examines the personal empowerment and efficacy of teachers, and relates these constructs to environmental characteristics in order to provide information for principals to assist teachers in personal growth. Presents multiple regressions for the Vincenz empowerment scale with The School Culture Survey, teacher efficacy scale, learner‐centered battery, paragraph vompletion method, as well as for satisfaction and age‐related variables. Multiple Rs were low to moderate for all variables except for the paragraph completion method, which were nonsignificant. Significant predictors of personal empowerment were administrator professional treatment of teachers, reflective self‐awareness, honoring of student voice, personal teaching efficacy, and satisfaction with teaching as a career. Presents strategies for principals to use in helping teachers increase in empowerment.
Social innovators or lagging behind: factors that influence managers' time use
Authors: Blunsdon Betsy , Reed Ken , McNeil Nicola
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The broad aim of this paper is to investigate whether managers in Australia allocate their time differently than other occupational groups, and the impact gender and life situation (using marital status and presence or absence of dependent children as a proxy) has on time allocation.

Design/methodology/approach

To address these broad aims, data are drawn from the 1997Australian Time Use Survey. This is a nationally representative survey that examines how people in different circumstances allocate time to different activities.

Findings

The results of this study highlight three important issues. The first is that male and female managers display different patterns of time use. Male managers' time is dominated by paid employment activities, whereas female managers' time is spent predominantly on employment and domestic activities. The second is that life situation impacts on the time use of female managers, but not male managers. The third important find of this study is that managers' time use is different to other occupational groups.

Practical implications

These findings have policy implications relating to work‐life balance, career progression and changes in patterns of work. In terms of work‐life issues, it reveals that male and female managers face a “time squeeze”, with some evidence of a “second‐shift” for female managers. In addition, the findings provide insight into the work‐life issues faced by male and female managers.

Originality/value

The results of this inquiry provide insight into how different individuals spend their time – insight into “lifestyles”. However, in‐depth qualitative studies are required to reveal why individuals allocate their time in this way and to understand the opportunities and constraints individuals face in time allocation.
Differential effects of price‐beating versus price‐matching guarantee on retailers' price image
Authors: Desmet Pierre , Le Nagard Emmanuelle
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to study the effect of a low‐price guarantee (PG) on store price image and store patronage intention. Two kinds of low‐price guarantee are studied: a price‐matching guarantee (PMG) where the price difference is refunded and a price‐beating guarantee (PBG) where a retailer offers an additional compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire is used to collect information on 180 non‐student respondents in an experimental framework where low‐price guarantee dimension is manipulated through three advertisements for printers.

Findings

Findings are: first, that PG indeed lowers store price image, increases the confidence that the store has lower prices and increases patronage intention; second, that, compared with a PMG whose effects are positive but rather small, a PBG further lowers the store price image on the low prices dimension without increasing the intention to search for lower price, this intention being already rather high in the PMG condition; third, that a larger effect is observed for non‐regular customers.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations are associated with the data collection. For greater reality the study uses an existing retail chain, so specific effects coming from this chain could influence the results but this bias cannot be evaluated as the experiment involves one retailer only.

Practical implications

Practical implications are that price image can be manipulated without any change in pricing policy by a low‐price guarantee and that the interest to adopt a price‐beating guarantee is real.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study lies in its focus on a large PBG level that retailers already apply and in demonstrating that a PG depends on the relationship between the consumer and the retailer with a stronger effect on non‐regular customers.
“Surfing Global Change”: how didactic visions can be implemented
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to examine a negotiation‐oriented and partly web‐based game “Surfing Global Change” (SGC) invented by the author based on didactics of self‐managed learning and successfully implemented in WebCT.

Design/methodology/approach

Along three historic generations of web‐based teaching (WBT), the key functionalities of any platform (content, discussion and evaluation) are perceived to be utilized in a characteristic way depending on the prevalent didactic concepts. The changing roles of teacher and students are highlighted using the example of SGC Level 3, where students assess one another's competence, each trying to outdo the others in controversial arguments

Findings

The outlay of Surfing Global Change aims at accomplishing sustainable results for complex themes. Thus SGC sets out to weigh out competition vs consensus, self‐study vs team work, emphasizing one's own standpoint vs readiness to compromise, differentiation into details vs integration into a whole. SGC hence wants to mirror professional realities along five interactive game levels: learn content and pass quizzes; write and reflect a personal standpoint; win with a team in a competitive discussion; negotiate a complex consensus between teams; integrate views when recognizing and analyzing global long‐term trends.

Research limitations/implications

Some interactive assessment functionalities are still missing in current platforms.

Practical implications

In advanced university courses the negotiation game SGC was repeatedly used as a procedural shell for interdisciplinary themes.

Originality/value

The paper shows that a “communicative space” is created by utilising mainstream web platform technology, capable of transposing visions of “progressive education”. The definition of three generations of WBT allows for a functional differentiation in the styles of using web‐based tools.
Enhancing customer privacy while searching for products and services on the world wide web
Authors: Elovici Yuval , Glezer Chanan , Shapira Bracha
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To propose a model of a privacy‐enhanced catalogue search system (PECSS) in an attempt to address privacy threats to consumers, who search for products and services on the world wide web.

Design/methodology/approach

The model extends an agent‐based architecture for electronic catalogue mediation by supplementing it with a privacy enhancement mechanism. This mechanism introduces fake queries into the original stream of user queries, in an attempt to reduce the similarity between the actual interests of users (“internal user profile”) and the interests as observed by potential eavesdroppers on the web (“external user profile”). A prototype was constructed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.

Findings

The evaluation of the model indicates that, by generating five fake queries per each original user query, the user's profile is hidden most effectively from any potential eavesdropper. Future research is needed to identify the optimal glossary of fake queries for various clients. The model also should be tested against various attacks perpetrated against the mixed stream of original and fake queries (i.e. statistical clustering).

Research limitations/implications

The model's feasibility was evaluated through a prototype. It was not empirically tested against various statistical methods used by intruders to reveal the original queries.

Practical implications

A useful architecture for electronic commerce providers, internet service providers (ISP) and individual clients who are concerned with their privacy and wish to minimize their dependencies on third‐party security providers.

Originality/value

The contribution of the PECSS model stems from the fact that, as the internet gradually transforms into a non‐free service, anonymous browsing cannot be employed any more to protect consumers' privacy, and therefore other approaches should be explored. Moreover, unlike other approaches, our model does not rely on the honesty of any third mediators and proxies that are also exposed to the interests of the client. In addition, the proposed model is scalable as it is installed on the user's computer.
Withdrawing a declaration of will
Authors: Lekkas Dimitrios , Gritzalis Stefanos , Mitrou Lilian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to investigate the legal and technical reasons why a declaration of will, denoted by a digital signature, can be cancelled and how this cancellation can be technically achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposes a technical framework for establishing a signature revocation mechanism based on special data structures, the signature revocation tokens (SRT), and investigates the alternatives for disseminating the signature status information (SSI) to the relying parties.

Findings

A relying party has to take into consideration the possible existence of a signature revocation, in order to decide on the validity of a digital signature. A scheme based on a central public repository for the archival and distribution of signature revocation tokens exhibits significant advantages against other alternatives.

Originality/value

Identifies various intrinsic problems of the digital signature creation process that raise several questions on whether the signer performs a conscious and wilful act, although he/she is held liable for this action. The law faces the eventual right of the signer to claim a revocation of a previously made declaration of will, especially in cases of an error, fraud or duress.
The ecology of the academy
Authors: Abeles Tom P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The increasing ability to move knowledge across political and geological borders changes the nature and function of a university in much the same way that unique biological niches are changed by the movement, intentional and accidental, of plants, animals and micro‐organisms via improved transportation systems. Knowledge transfer, while often seen as positive, also, as in the bio/physical universe, has negative consequences, including cultural changes, merging or closing institutions with a concomitant loss in intellectual diversity. As with traditional ecologies, little can be done to restore or prevent further cultural integration. How this will affect individual institutions is not clear, nor are the potential response options visible. The purpose of this editorial is to examine this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial points out the changes which are occurring in universities as a consequence of increased mobility of ideas across political and geographically determined borders and across the walls of the Ivory Tower. It raises concerns for the university and seeks to understand what responses might be appropriate.

Findings

This editorial finds that the university, today, is radically altered and most faculty need to step outside of the Ivory Tower and see that it has, indeed, changed.

Originality/value

The editorial speaks to administrators and policy analysts who must make decisions on the potential survival and direction of universities in an increasingly global society.
A right‐of‐way strategy
Authors: Weiner Edie , Brown Arnold
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To show how managing the right‐of‐way asset, a lesson the railroads didn't learn when they gave or bartered it away in the nineteenth century, will be a key to business success in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Businesses large and small, dot.com and brick and mortar, spend years establishing a network of customers, suppliers, creditors, investors, employees, and stakeholders that is, in effect, a right‐of‐way. Unfortunately, few have understood how to capitalize on their right‐of‐way, thus leveraging one of the most currently underutilized assets in the economy.

Findings

Learn to imagine the effect of disruptive innovation on an established right‐of‐way and how to discern what capabilities will be needed to take advantage of such potential opportunities. Having invested in building a business or a professional practice or an organization or a network, you have developed associated strategic assets that you need to leverage adequately to provide additional returns.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper provides historical research only.

Practical implications

Focusing on right‐of‐way enables companies to see and benefit from the potential customer instead of just the “best” customers. This amounts to a key recognition – that managing access to the customers equals managing the right‐of‐way, one of the most valuable assets a business can have in a time of growing competition.

Originality/value

To understand its true value and possibilities you must first escape the mental trap of limiting your asset management to just the business you think you're in. Then a strategy based on creative leveraging is not only possible, it is desirable.
Modelling of international market selection process: a qualitative study of successful Australian international businesses
Authors: Rahman Syed H.
Published: January 2007

The importance and need for systematically evaluating and selecting potential foreign markets has been stressed by many researchers, and several models for selecting international markets have been prescribed. If models are simplified pictures of reality, current IMSP models do not pass the test of reality. Further, there has been limited research carried out in Australia on this issue. Using grounded theory methodology, explores how a cross‐section of successful Australian international businesses select their international markets and develops a model based on the findings. The conclusions drawn are: international businesses follow a stepwise IMSP; the first stage of this two‐stage process is based on the evaluation of market size attractiveness which takes into consideration some macro‐ and micro‐economic variables along with some other macro level and firm related variables; and the second stage is based on the evaluation of a market’s structural attractiveness which takes into consideration some cost, structural compatibility, government policy variables, along with some firm related variables.
Jigsaw puzzles: fitting together the moral pieces
Authors: Hogan Stephen P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Fitting ethical responsibilities into day‐to‐day business practice represents a challenge for marketers who have to operate at the customer interface. When young children are the target market the puzzle becomes more complex. Based on a case study of the toy industry, this paper examines the moral issues of “care” and “vulnerability” and evaluates toy company practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds upon Ross' proposedprima facieduties of benevolence, fidelity, and nonmaleficence (1938), which it argued are particularly relevant when vulnerable consumers are involved. The supporting fieldwork is based on qualitative interviews with senior managers in 12 leading UK‐based toy companies and compares the findings with other documentary evidence.

Findings

Evidence of some ethical responsible practice was discovered although this appeared to be primarily driven by external forces rather than company philanthropy. Although the companies argued that targeting children directly is supported by their human rights, this practice will always attract criticism on moral grounds because of children's widely accepted vulnerability. The study identifies a paradox that it is parents who fund most toy purchases but are often overlooked in the marketing process who are vulnerable as well as their children.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited literature on ethical issues in marketing to children and provides empirical evidence from an important children's market. The paper seeks to provide a balanced account of where the toy companies are adopting a responsible approach and where they still need to improve their moral credentials.
Emotions and team projects and processes
Authors: Peslak Alan R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To explore the relationships between emotions and overall team processes and task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The work begins with a literature review of the major studies performed on emotions and their affects on teams. This study then specifically surveys a group of information technology student teams at various stages of a term‐long project to determine their level of feelings in 15 separate emotions at each stage. Also measured are effects of emotions on attitudes towards team processes. Regression analysis was used to measure the significance of several hypotheses.

Findings

Overall findings specifically measured the five hypotheses. It was found that team emotions at the start of the project are more positive than negative. Negative emotions grow more than positive over the life of the project. Emotions show increased intensity over the life of the project. Initial emotions did not significantly affect overall team processes. Final emotions somewhat affected overall team processes.

Research limitations/applications

The small sample size does limit generalizations but the work can serve as a framework for more extensive and industry situated studies.

Practical implications

The work suggests issues related to the impact and evolution of emotions on team projects. Practitioners can begin to focus on efforts that can improve emotions and potentially overall team success.

Originality/value

There is little work done on the evolution of emotions and their effects on team processes. The paper begins the dialogue on an important aspect of team dynamics.
Psychological diversity and team interaction processes
Authors: Olukayode Afolabi A. , Osayawe Ehigie Benjamin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine how psychological diversity among work team members affects team interaction processes. Psychological diversity is described in terms of personality attributes (emotional stability, extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experience, and agreeableness), need for achievement (nAch), and emotional intelligence. Team interaction processes include workload sharing, team communication, member flexibility, social cohesion, team viability.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research was conducted that involved 1,421 oil‐drilling workers in 54 work teams. The participants were drawn from five major oil drilling companies in Nigeria. Standardized measures were used to collect data on each of the variables examined.

Findings

It was found that each of the measures of team interaction processes is predicted by different psychological diversity measures. However, emotional stability, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional intelligence are significant in predicting overall team interaction processes.

Research limitations/implications

The psychological diversity measures examined are not exhaustive. It is also not clear the extent to which the findings can be generalized to other work settings that are different from oil‐drilling companies.

Practical implications

Human resources management in organizations that work in teams needs to include in their selection programs, psychological measures for identifying applicants who possess requisite psychological features for team work.

Originality/value

Study of the efficacy of psychological variables in enhancing work teams in oil drilling firms in Nigeria.
Fuzzy set‐valued and grey filtering statistical inferences on a system operating data
Authors: Guo Renkuan , Love Ernie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Intends to address a fundamental problem in maintenance engineering: how should the shutdown of a production system be scheduled? In this regard, intends to investigate a way to predict the next system failure time based on the system historical performances.

Design/methodology/approach

GM(1,1) model from the grey system theory and the fuzzy set statistics methodologies are used.

Findings

It was found out that the system next unexpected failure time can be predicted by grey system theory model as well as fuzzy set statistics methodology. Particularly, the grey modelling is more direct and less complicated in mathematical treatments.

Research implications

Many maintenance models have developed but most of them are seeking optimality from the viewpoint of probabilistic theory. A new filtering theory based on grey system theory is introduced so that any actual system functioning (failure) time can be effectively partitioned into system characteristic functioning times and repair improvement (damage) times.

Practical implications

In today's highly competitive business world, the effectively address the production system's next failure time can guarantee the quality of the product and safely secure the delivery of product in schedule under contract. The grey filters have effectively addressed the next system failure time which is a function of chronological time of the production system, the system behaviour of near future is clearly shown so that management could utilize this state information for production and maintenance planning.

Originality/value

Provides a viewpoint on system failure‐repair predictions.
Circular hole recognition for STL‐based toolpath generation
Authors: Qu Xiuzhi , Stucker Brent
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper presents a unique method to recognize circular holes from 3D models in the STL format. The topological information generated by this method enables identification of holes and tool path generation for holes which should be drilled rather than milled.

Design/methodology/approach

A method based on a set of developed algorithms is used to identify closed loops from a STL model, identify which closed loops correspond to cylindrical holes, find hole orientations, locations and diameters, and calculate the depth for the recognized holes. The developed procedure and algorithms have been implemented in Visual C++ to illustrate the efficacy of the method.

Findings

The implementation results showed that the developed algorithms can successfully recognize circular holes of differing sizes on both simple and complex surfaces, and in any orientation. Tool paths can thus be generated from STL models to more efficiently and accurately machine circular holes.

Research limitations/implications

The developed method requires that at least one simple closed loop exist for each potential hole.

Originality/value

A new and unique hole recognition method for use with STL models was developed. This method is useful for accurately and efficiently machining parts with circular holes from STL models as well as finish machining near‐net shape parts with circular holes created using rapid prototyping.
Cultures, organizations and philanthropy
Authors: Genest Christina M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the influence of corporate culture on the practice of corporate philanthropy in a global environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses content analysis of corporate texts and media; interviews with global philanthropy practitioners.

Findings

The paper finds that: corporate philanthropy is a reflector of corporate values; global corporate philanthropists have a history of commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities; global companies practice international philanthropy; program delivery differs as a reflection of corporate history, values, mission, and business drivers; global corporations utilize CSR to gain and maintain their “license to operate”; and corporate cultural learning is pursued as an explicit activity; cross‐cultural learning is generally perceived as an implicit outcome. CSR shares values, opportunity for integrated cultural learning.

Research limitations/implications

This research is not generalizable. Its findings could be explored by surveying a larger purposive sample.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research are the sharing of corporate values and the inclusion of cultural learning through the integration of CSR activities, including philanthropy.

Originality/value

The study found corporate opportunities for cultural learning valuable to the development of the global corporation as global corporate citizen, a prerequisite to the effective practice of philanthropy and for doing business globally.
Seeing eye to eye
Authors: Fagenson‐Eland Ellen A. , Gayle Baugh S. , Lankau Melenie J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the influence of demographic differences on congruence of mentors' and protégés' perceptions of developmental support and frequency of communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on demographics (organizational tenure, age, gender, and educational level), mentoring functions, and frequency of communication were collected from both the mentor and protégé in 27 mentoring dyads from two medium‐sized high technology companies. Correlation and pattern analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results indicated significant congruence between mentor and protégé perceptions of developmental mentoring and frequency of communication. Differences between the mentor and protégé on organizational tenure and age reduced congruence of perceptions, whereas differences with respect to gender and education did not.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size limits the statistical power of the analysis and the inclusion of high technology companies limits generalizability.

Practical implications

While mentors and protégés generally view aspects of their relationship in a congruent manner, large discrepancies in age or tenure in the organization may lead to disagreement about the nature of the relationship. This information should be considered in developing formal mentoring programs.

Originality/value

This research is one of only a few studies that use the mentoring dyad as the unit of analysis. Unlike others, this study focuses on how the participants view the mentoring relationship itself.
Global mentoring as a means of career development and knowledge creation
Authors: Crocitto Madeline M. , Sullivan Sherry E. , Carraher Shawn M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This article aims to examine the process of mentoring and career development within the global arena. Although much has been written on the adjustment of expatriates, relatively little research has examined the exchange of information and knowledge among workers in different countries via the mentoring process.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is offered of how an expatriate progresses through learning cycles aided by multiple mentors. Multiple mentoring contributes to the individual's career development and facilitates the development of organizational tacit and embedded knowledge.

Findings

Using Hall and Chandler's conceptualization of multiple learning cycles over the life span, it is proposed that the expatriate cycles through a learning cycle over the course of an extended assignment. These learning cycles are shorter than the traditional career stages, often lasting two to four years – similar to the length of an expatriate assignment. It is suggested that the stages of an expatriate assignment – predeparture, on‐site and repatriation – represent a learning cycle. A successful expatriate experience is more likely to occur if multiple mentors in various locations are available – as needed – to offer information and career support to the expatriate.

Originality/value

With increasing globalization and rapid technological advances, mentoring relationships that cross national and other types of boundaries have increased, yet theory has not kept pace. A framework is provided for the further examination of expatriate careers and how mentoring can increase career outcomes and knowledge transfer.
Departmental and citizen complaints as predictors of police coercion
Authors: McCluskey John D. , Terrill William
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine a variety of measures of complaints and their relationship to police officers' use of coercion in encounters with suspects.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the Project on Policing Neighborhoods, involving the systematic social observation of police, were combined with complaint data from the St Petersburg Police Department to examine the influence of complaints on use of coercion in everyday encounters. Hierarchical models, which included theoretically relevant control variables, were used to test multiple measures of departmental and citizen complaints as predictors of officers' use of coercion.

Findings

The analyses indicate that, net of other important predictors, officer complaint rate for force and verbal discourtesy is associated with higher levels of coercion in encounters with suspects. The analyses also indicate that officers' verbal discourtesy complaint rate is associated with higher levels of coercion, but complaint rates for physical force are not related to higher levels of coercion.

Research limitations/implications

The current results do not necessarily generalize to all police departments, since the department, at that time, was a leader in community policing.

Practical implications

The influence of complaints for force and discourtesy on coercion suggests that police departments could benefit from greater attention toward officers who generate complaints for discourtesy from the public.

Originality/value

This paper examines the utility of official complaint data as a determinant of officers' coercive behavior in encounters with suspects. The research would be of interest to police executives concerned with creating “early warning systems” as well as police scholars concerned with the determinants of officer coercion.
Political culture, hegemony, and inequality before the law: law enforcement in Pakistan
Authors: Mohammad Fida , Conway Paul
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to document attitudes and patterns of behavior in Pakistan's criminal justice system over the past 30 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion and approach are taken following extensive interviews, conducted in 1992‐1993, with members of the police, judges, civil service bureaucrats, torture victims, psychiatrists, political detainees, criminal lawyers and others.

Findings

The patterns of behavior are longstanding and deeply rooted despite periodical changes in political leadership. Cynicism about law enforcement is widespread throughout the country and much crime goes unreported as a result. There is a lack of faith and support for police officials and legal safeguards for criminal suspects are often ignored.

Originality/value

The conditions in Pakistan's criminal justice system are explained theoretically with reference to the concept of hegemony in Pakistan's prevailing political culture.
The importance of a new philosophy to the post modern policing environment
Authors: Clark Mark
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide a concept for a different policing organizational model, founded upon democratic policing principles and a victim‐centered philosophy, which may be more useful for a postmodernist society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an alternative model of policing; based upon a literature review of authoritative material concerning the postmodernist environment, the historical background of policing, police organizational research, and the philosophy of victim‐centered policing.

Findings

The paper presents a literature review, which identifies that the bureaucratic model of policing may no longer be functional for policing post‐modern society and inconsistent with modern governance principles. A more democratic heteronomous model of policing, where management determines the broad philosophical principles and co‐ordination of tasks while the policing practitioner makes localized decisions, may improve organizational effectiveness. A philosophy of victim‐centered policing may assist in achieving a policing legitimacy and the development of a new administrative approach. An existing model of this new approach may be found in the community beat officer, which is currently operating in many jurisdictions.

Practical implications

The implementation of the principles espoused in this paper may improve the policing legitimacy in heavily fragmented societies, reduce deviant behavior by police officers while increasing job satisfaction, support restorative justice issues for victims, and assist the maintenance of public order.

Originality/value

The paper may be of value of policy‐makers, police administrators, police union officials, anti‐corruption units, and criminal justice academics/practitioners.
Effects of community policing upon fear of crime
Authors: Roh Sunghoon , Oliver Willard M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To identify intervening factors between perceptions of community policing and reduction of crime fear among citizen, which can provide a better understanding of the causal linkage between these two variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study employs the research data from the 1998 study “Criminal Victimization and Perception of Community Safety in 12 United States Cities,” which was conducted as a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). This study used only the personal data, which included information on respondents' demographic characteristics, personal crime and victimization experiences, perceptions of neighborhood crime, and experience and satisfaction with local police.

Findings

The finding reveals that while vulnerability variables (indirect victimization model) do not affect the relationship between community policing and fear of crime, the perception of incivilities (perceived disorder model) and the dissatisfaction with life‐quality (community concern model) in the neighborhood intervene between community policing and fear of crime.

Originality/value

Despite the abundant research in the area of community policing, less attention has been paid to the causal process between community policing activities and its presumed effect, reduction of crime fear in communities. This study helps us to understand how fear of crime is reduced by the implementation of community policing.
The digital library: a case study in intelligent content management
Authors: Warren Paul , Alsmeyer David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper describes the application of semantic knowledge technology to a case study in intelligent content management, specifically the BT digital library. The intention is to test the technology being developed within semantically‐enabled knowledge technology (SEKT) and provide feedback to the development process. This will verify the viability of our technology and verify that we are using semantic knowledge technology to satisfy the real requirements of users. The case study will also serve as a shop window for the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

During the initial stage of the project, user requirements were collected by means of a questionnaire and also an in‐depth focus group. Combined with a study of the existing literature on digital libraries, this enabled an enhanced digital library system to be designed using SEKT technologies.

Findings

Work so far has verified that semantic knowledge technologies can be used to enhance the value of digital libraries. During the later stages of the SEKT project detailed trials will enable the SEKT functionality to be fine‐tuned for the precise needs of users.

Practical implications

To be of value, semantic knowledge technologies must take into account the needs and behaviour of users. For example, a strong lesson from our focus group was that users wish to feel in control of the technology.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates how semantic knowledge technology can be used in a specific application. This application is valuable in itself, and will provide feedback to help understand how semantic knowledge technology can be used to provide user benefit in general.
Evaluating user quality and business value of applications using semantic knowledge technology
Authors: Bösser Tom
Published: January 2007

Purpose – The paper introduces methods for the evaluation of new software applications that build on semantic knowledge technology for use in information‐ and knowledge‐intensive application domains. Design/methodology/approach – While user‐centred design is a mature and proven field, the new knowledge‐centred applications also require that information quality is assessed in a more profound manner than was considered previously, and the business value generated by semantic knowledge technology is quantified. The methods to be used in different phases of the development cycle are described. Findings – The approaches used in ongoing RTD projects and in different user organizations are described. Research limitations/implications – The analysis of organisational aspects of knowledge management and the benefits of improvements in cooperation mechanisms provide further challenges for methodological development. Practical implications – Recommendations and suggestions for similar innovative research and application development projects are given. Originality/value – While some of the methods are proven and well documented, there is a need to collect further experience with the user validation of applications using semantic knowledge technology.
Effects of transformational leadership and organizational position on knowledge management
Authors: Crawford C.B.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research report is to empirically explore the relationship between transformational leadership, organizational position, and knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

Adult subjects (n=1,046) were asked to complete a survey battery consisting of questions about their leadership abilities, organizational position, and knowledge management behaviors.

Findings

Knowledge management behaviors were significantly predicted by transformational leadership accounting for 19.5 percent of the variance. Organizational position was a significant predictor of knowledge management and, with transformational leadership, accounted for 21.1 percent of the variance of knowledge management.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to more clearly focus on the specific aspects of transformational leadership, position, and knowledge management in a variety of contexts, but the results of this study clearly support the basis for a relationship between these variables. Furthermore, future research should continue to clarify the causative details surrounding leadership and knowledge management such that more specific cause and effect relationships might be exposed.

Practical implications

Transformational leaders are better suited to handle even the most technical aspects of the modern workplace than are transactional or laissez‐faire leaders. Additionally, as individual leaders move up in an organization they are better suited to engage in knowledge management, at least partially, because they are more transformational in leadership style.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that the relationship between knowledge management and effective organizational management is not just theoretically sound, but, in fact, empirically proven. This report has applicability to any leader, or aspiring leader, in an organizational setting seeking to improve their abilities.
Tacit knowledge: philosophic roots and role in KM
Authors: Mooradian Norman
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and clarify a central concept of knowledge management, tacit knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the philosophical roots of the concept of tacit knowledge and compares its core elements with current uses of the concept in contemporary knowledge management research. Different interpretations of the concept are identified, analyzed and clarified. A more explanatory and useful interpretation is developed and applied to current issues in knowledge management. A new KM implementation model is described based on a fuller understanding of the tacit/explicit distinction.

Findings

The main conclusion of the paper is that the concept of tacit knowledge as it appears in the literature is vague and ambiguous. This vagueness creates confusion that, in turn, makes developing and implementing KM strategies more difficult. However, by understanding the philosophic roots of the concept of tacit knowledge it becomes possible to develop a clearer and more useful interpretation of the concept that can be used to guide KM implementations.

Practical implications

A new KM implementation model is described based on the analytical findings of the paper. An implied model based on a confused understanding of the tacit/explicit distinction is identified and rejected.

Originality/value

The paper clarifies and develops one of the most important concepts in KM. It provides a fuller description of its role in KM and disentangles it from related but distinct concepts. The paper reframes the tacit/explicit distinction and provides a set of guiding principles to be used by researchers and managers.
Forget value‐based management and the balanced scorecard! An interview with Professor Ken Merchant
Authors: de Waal André A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To elicit the views of Ken Merchant regarding management control and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An interview with Ken Merchant before his keynote speech during the lustrum congress of the Dutch Controllers Institute in November 2004.

Findings

Provides an overview of the pros and cons of present performance‐measurement techniques and discusses the possible future directions performance measurement and management control may take.

Originality/value

Of interest to academics and professionals in the field of performance measurement and management.
A human resource accounting transmission: shifting from failure to a future
Authors: Theeke Herman A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present the positions and conclusions of scholars to support a proposition that the asset approach to human resource accounting has failed.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews the history of human asset accounting.

Findings

The paper offers an alternative “liability approach” to account for and report human resources.

Originality/value

The paper provides an argument and rationale to demonstrate that a liability paradigm would be compatible with normal accounting and reporting procedures.
The context of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong
Authors: Man Thomas W.Y. , Lau Theresa
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The context of Hong Kong has nurtured numerous small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in which the owner/managers have exhibited rather consistent set of characteristics over decades despite shifts in the industrial structure. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how such characteristics can sustain in different industrial environments.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the competency approach on a sample of 153 SME owner/managers in the wholesale trade and IT services industries, we conducted hypothesis testing on comparing first, the overall rankings of ten competency areas for SME owner/managers, and second, the ratings of individual competency areas between the two industries.

Findings

While there are consistent patterns of competencies across these two contrasting industries in Hong Kong, the owner/managers in IT services industry have significantly higher ratings in innovative, strategic and learning competencies than those in the wholesale trade industry.

Research limitations/implications

Entrepreneurial competencies are not only stimulated or sharpened by the requirements of different industrial environments, but also rooted in the common socio‐cultural background of the owner/managers.

Practical implications

With the ever closer economic and socio‐cultural integration with China, a completely new pattern of entrepreneurial competencies may be required in a new context of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong.

Originality/value

The application of the competency approach allows us to investigate the respective impacts of industrial and socio‐cultural factors in the development of entrepreneurial characteristics, particularly those about Chinese SME owner/managers in Hong Kong.
Climbing the mountain: management practice adoption in growth oriented firms in Wales
Authors: Packham Gary , Brooksbank David , Miller Christopher , Thomas Brychan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper proposes that owner‐managers of growth firms are more likely to have developed or acquired managerial practices that facilitate such expansion. The paper, therefore, examines how growth oriented firms in Wales have adopted management practices to build the necessary entrepreneurial capacity to sustain growth.

Design/methodology/approach

A group interview technique was utilised to examine the management development process in 18 growing firms across the manufacturing, construction sectors.

Findings

The research highlighted that whilst firms argued that the management practices they had implemented were to facilitate further growth, the relative importance of practices such as marketing, financial management and planning varied across sectors. Furthermore, it was apparent that growth firms identified in this study were more inclined to look at the adoption of management practices from a strategic perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory nature of this study means that it is difficult to generalise these findings outside the boundaries of the adopted research strategy. In addition, links between performance and managerial action are always very difficult to demonstrate conclusively as this process is often dependent on owner‐managers recounting and recognising cause and effect relationships. Nevertheless, the study does strengthen existing academic argument that key management practices outlined in this paper are regularly adopted by growing firms.

Practical implications

The findings will assist policy makers and owner/managers with regard to identifying and understanding why certain management practices engender small business growth.

Originality/value

The paper adds its support to the growing literature which examines the process of management development in small growth firms. Moreover, given Wales' current dearth of growth oriented firms, the paper implies that policy makers should support training and initiatives that develop entrepreneurial and managerial competencies that are industry specific.