bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in learning content management
Authors: Little Bob
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the latest trends in technology‐delivered learning.

Design/methodology/approach

An interview with Fabrizio Cardinali, co‐chair of European Learning Industry Group (ELIG) and CEO of Giunti Labs.

Findings

Greater emphasis on increasingly informal and personalised content and learning experiences is producing increases in “just‐in‐time”, informal, personalised, customised pieces of learning content, combining to produce “just‐in‐time”, informal, personalised, customised learning experiences. The increasing use of mobile and location‐based content delivery means that learning is becoming localised and personalised. There is a growth in informal access to learning via portals and software‐as‐a‐service (SaaS) systems. This means that the learning content can now be customised by the learner rather than the developer or producer. With the development of digital marketplaces, a network of content providers operating as “learning clearing houses” has grown up. They take content, version it, deliver it and track it once it has been delivered.

Practical implications

Today's big challenge facing providers of corporate learning materials is how to enrich existing standards for learning content publishing and distribution such as SCORM – especially adding web services protocols to content packages making the learning experience richer and more personalised. Other challenges relate to how to develop web‐based services to search, query and retrieve repositories of learning content.

Originality/value

This paper explores the latest trends in technology‐delivered learning, especially as they affect national and international competitiveness.
On entering the workforce
Authors: Rabey Gordon
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider whether secondary school education is adequately preparing young people for entering into the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks to match the expectations of the employee with the qualities which might be expected in school‐leaver appointees.

Findings

The paper suggests there are gaps, but accepts that to date this has not been challenged. Recommends consideration of some components for bridging this area.

Originality/value

Implementation would require some new thinking of teaching and presentation, but the benefits could be significant.
Reductionism and library and information science philosophy
Authors: Jones Bonna
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to consider the meaning of “reductionism” within the context of renewed efforts to make library and information science philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article argues that the question of reductionism, as discussed in other traditions of thought, is relevant to the conversation about development of new library and information science (LIS) philosophy. Based on the viewpoint that one can be opposed to philosophical reductionism yet still be in favour of science, some forms of reductionism are described and links are drawn to library and information science by way of examples.

Findings

How reductionism is defined and understood should be addressed in the efforts to make new LIS philosophy.

Originality/value

Being “non‐reductionist” can be a stance in its own right, as evidenced by broader transdisciplinary conversations, but this is yet to be considered at any depth in LIS.
Exploring fact‐focused relevance and novelty detection
Authors: Otterbacher Jahna , Radev Dragomir
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Automated sentence‐level relevance and novelty detection would be of direct benefit to many information retrieval systems. However, the low level of agreement between human judges performing the task is an issue of concern. In previous approaches, annotators were asked to identify sentences in a document set that are relevant to a given topic, and then to eliminate sentences that do not provide novel information. This paper aims to explore a new approach in which relevance and novelty judgments are made within the context of specific, factual information needs, rather than with respect to a broad topic.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment is conducted in which annotators perform the novelty detection task in both the topic‐focused and fact‐focused settings.

Findings

Higher levels of agreement between judges are found on the task of identifying relevant sentences in the fact‐focused approach. However, the new approach does not improve agreement on novelty judgments.

Originality/value

The analysis confirms the intuition that making sentence‐level relevance judgments is likely to be the more difficult of the two tasks in the novelty detection framework.
Gender differences in the online reading environment
Authors: Liu Ziming , Huang Xiaobin
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in the online reading environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey and analysis methods are employed.

Findings

Survey results reveal that female readers have a stronger preference for paper as a reading medium than male readers, whereas male readers exhibit a greater degree of satisfaction with online reading than females. Additionally, males and females differ significantly on the dimension of selective reading and sustained attention.

Originality/value

Understanding gender differences would enable a better understanding of the changing reading behavior in the online environment, and to develop more effective digital reading devices. Factors affecting gender differences in the online reading environment are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.
Product innovativeness and performance: a focus on SMEs
Authors: Salavou Helen , Avlonitis George
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to classify firms according to dimensions of product innovativeness (PI) and identify differences in performance on the product and the firm basis in the context of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the questions this empirical study raises, a sample of 128 SMEs is clustered on the basis of the PI construct. After validating the clusters, an analysis of variance is performed to detect differences, if any, across performance measures on PI profiles of SMEs.

Findings

This paper provides evidence in support of three groups featuring different levels of PI, namely the straight imitators (low PI), the product innovators (high PI) and the concept innovators (medium PI). Further, it shows that these groups demonstrate differences in their performance potential at the product but not at the firm level.

Research limitations/implications

This paper refers to an empirical study of SMEs in a European Union (EU) member state since 1981, namely Greece, which is far from restricted to the evidence provided herein. Further research is needed to confirm and extend the present results by replicating the principal features of this study with SMEs in countries within the EU, especially small ones.

Practical implications

The identification of successful PI profiles could become a major challenge to the management of SMEs. At a national context, this identification could direct efforts in designing different supportive actions for different groups of SMEs according to their PI profiles within the wider EU innovation policy initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into supportive actions for different groups of SMEs according to their PI profiles.
The nature of market orientation and the ambidexterity of innovations
Authors: Li Ci‐Rong , Lin Chen‐Ju , Chu Chih‐Peng
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This study aims to consider that a proactive‐ and responsive‐market orientated firm is able to align with the development of radical (exploratory) innovations as well as incremental (exploitative) innovations to realize its organizational ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a questionnaire survey/analysis of a sample of 227 high‐technology firms in Taiwan.

Findings

The research findings reveal that both types of market orientation provide different managerial efforts to develop and foster different types of innovation competencies; and then, those effects would be moderated through external and organizational factors.

Practical implications

Through the deployment of ambidextrous structures, managers could effectively arrange the portfolio of product‐markets with an array of proactive‐ and responsive‐ market orientation to align the potential conflicts concerning the exploration and the exploitation.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer in the field that reveals how a proactive‐ and responsive‐ market orientated firm could systematically operate to accomplish its ambidexterity of innovations.
Perceptions of core elements for sustainability management systems (SMS)
Authors: Esquer‐Peralta Javier , Velazquez Luis , Munguia Nora
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The concepts of sustainable development (SD) and management systems (MS) are finding increasing acceptance in a variety of fields, including academy, politics, and non‐governmental organizations. These concepts are also being used by the general population. This paper aims to describe the perception of different experts by discussing the usefulness of sustainability management systems (SMS) as holistic systems that might integrate environmental, social, and economic elements.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was framed by the general systems theory and its nature is totally qualitative and exploratory in order to understand the significant attributes that affect or benefit a management system to reach sustainability. A total of 14 interviews were conducted with several experts around the world. Some are professional persons in sustainability issues in general, and some in environmental, health and safety (EHS) issues in particular.

Findings

The results shows that, although there is a continuous debate on the sustainability approach, several core elements can be addressed for sustainability management systems (SMS). For instance, 71.4 percent of the interviewees agreed that management systems are useful for sustainable development, or at least potentially useful, and 42.9 percent of the experts declared that having a clear understanding of the long‐term economic benefits for the company is an important incentive for their implementation.

Research limitations/implications

Interviews were conducted with a limited number of experts and there was no field verification of claims. Therefore, conclusions derived from these sources depend on the veracity of the information provided by participants. Expert bias may also have an impact on the outcomes of this research.

Practical implications

The findings provide management systems' practitioners with key elements when sustainability management systems are being created, maintained and evaluated.

Originality/value

The findings are not results from general concepts, but rather elicited from empirical data from fourteen sustainability, and health and safety experts around the world.
Dancing “the management”: on social presence, rhythm and finding common purpose
Authors: Atkinson David
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the concept of dance as a metaphor for relating to the challenges of management and human relations within the organisational space. It asks in what way can the art‐related concept of dance be applied to the benefit of a dominant science‐led management learning and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores its topic through counter‐factual argument, drawing on a recently published theory of art‐related management practice. It invokes dance as an application of the theory to further explore that theory's relevance to management and organisational thinking.

Findings

The concept of an organisational dance is explored by considering the notions of presence and rhythm. A definition for social presence is derived in order to present an ability of the individual to perceive a socially constructed reality, against which collective movement – aligned within a concept of organisational rhythm – permits a form of dance to emerge. The organisational dance sets up a form of social constructionism in which new forms of knowledge might arise through creative play.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the metaphor of dance can usefully provide new insight into thinking about management, by providing an intellectual basis for writing about organisational dance. The paper concludes that the research question is not (empirically) “what dances are being practiced” but, in order to better support managers in practice, “how do we make the organisation dance?”
Social software and libraries: a literature review from the LASSIE project
Authors: Secker Jane
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the published literature and current use of social software by libraries primarily in the UK and USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is a literature review and desk research.

Findings

Libraries are experimenting considerably in this area and many Web 2.0 applications have been developed by libraries and librarians over the past few years. These tools offer the potential to enhance library services.

Research limitations/implications

The area is one of rapid change, so the findings will date quickly.

Practical implications

An overview of which technologies are being used most widely and might offer the most potential for library staff considering experimenting in this area.

Originality/value of paper

Web 2.0 is an area with which many library staff need to become familiar quickly. This paper provides a useful overview of the topic.
Second Life: the seventh face of the library?
Authors: Parker Lyn
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a brief introduction to Second Life, and to provide an outline of how one academic librarian has got involved with using it and reviews the issues that have arisen from a library perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a reflection on whether library activities in Second Life are different from library services in the real world and suggests that Second Life is just another “face” of the library.

Findings

Second Life is still in the very early stages of development. There are various barriers and challenges to overcome before it can be used widely within universities. However, this paper shows it does provide an opportunity to experiment and explore what information resources are required in this environment and how librarianship and librarians need to evolve to cater for users in a three dimensional world.

Originality/value

This paper is based on personal experience and offers as many questions as answers.
New generation of catalogues for the new generation of users
Authors: Merčun Tanja , Žumer Maja
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the problems and issues faced by online library catalogues. It aims to establish how libraries have undertaken the mission of developing the next generation catalogues and how they compare to new tools such as Amazon.

Deign/methodology/approach

An expert study was carried out in January 2008 to evaluate six library catalogues (one traditional and five recently modernised) and compare them to Amazon.

Findings

While the traditional catalogue has stayed far behind, the modernised catalogues have taken two different approaches in becoming the “next generation catalogue”. Two catalogues focused on improving functionality while two others decided to introduce Web/Library 2.0 trends first. At this point, none of the catalogues offer as vast a range of features as Amazon does, but one catalogue managed to surpass Amazon in some of the examined features.

Research limitations/implications

The chosen set of tested catalogues may not be representative and we cannot draw conclusions for the whole population of library catalogues.

Originality/value

The paper shows the current state of library catalogues and draws attention to some important issues concerning Web 2.0 trends. Features presented in the tabular outline can be used as pointers for further development of library catalogues.
Use of Web 2.0 technologies in LIS education: experiences at Tallinn University, Estonia
Authors: Virkus Sirje
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiences of the Institute of Information Studies of Tallinn University in introducing ICT, including Web 2.0 technologies, in library and information science education, and to explore the role that these can play in new models of learning and teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

Web 2.0 applications are reviewed in this paper and the role that these can play in new models of learning and teaching. The introduction of new technologies into library and information science (LIS) education is examined through a case study at the Tallinn University.

Findings

Web 2.0 is influencing the way in which people learn, access information and communicate with one another. The Institute of Information Studies of Tallinn University has a long history in using ICT in its teaching and learning. Experiences with open and distance learning and e‐learning have transformed teaching and learning, provided new alternative delivery modes, and helped to reach new target groups. Recently the staff have been experimenting with Web 2.0 technologies and a few have successfully adopted them in teaching and learning.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that in order to be successful in our modern society LIS educators should take advantage of new ICT and consider the learning preferences of digital natives as well as digital immigrants. Web 2.0 supports constructivist approaches to learning and has great potential to socialise online learning to a greater extent than we have previously seen. Web 2.0 technologies should be implemented taking into account pedagogical perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper supports the idea that integration of information and communication technologies, including Web 2.0 technologies, into LIS education is an important challenge for LIS educators.
Digital libraries and repositories in India: an evaluative study
Authors: Mittal Rekha , Mahesh G.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify and evaluate the collections within digital libraries and repositories in India available in the public domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The digital libraries and repositories were identified through a study of the literature, as well as internet searching and browsing. The resulting digital libraries and repositories were explored to study their collections.

Findings

Use of open source software especially for the creation of institutional repositories is found to be common. However, major digital library initiatives such as the Digital Library of India use custom‐made software. The collection size in most digital libraries and repositories is in a few hundreds.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the state of digital libraries and repositories in India in late 2007.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind that attempts to identify and evaluate digital libraries and repositories in India. It also gives a comprehensive listing of digital libraries and institutional repositories in India available in the public domain.
Implementation of an open source library management system
Authors: Bissels Gerhard
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the selection process and criteria that led to the implementation of the Koha 3.0 library management system (LMS) at the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Library and Information Service (CAMLIS), Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a report based on internal documentation.

Findings

Koha 3.0 was selected because the GNU licence (open source) was considered more future‐proof than proprietary products, and more open to customisation to meet the special needs of the library.

Research limitations/implications

The library is still in the early stages of the LMS implementation. How far the Koha LMS implementation has met the library's needs will only become clear after at least one year's use.

Practical implications

The conclusions drawn from this report relate to the concept of implementing an open source LMS. The author will report on the completed implementation in a year's time.

Originality/value

This is amongst the first implementations of Koha in the UK. Experience and conclusions from this installation might influence decisions at other libraries.
Nutritional evaluation of ladoo prepared from popped pearl millet
Authors: Singh G. , Sehgal S.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop two types of ladoo from pearl millet grain subjected to processing treatment i.e. popping. The paper also aims to analyse the developed popped pearl millet ladoo for nutritional evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Pearl millet forms a staple food for large population living below poverty line. The fat, proteins and minerals of millet is comparable to other cereals but rough texture, lack of gluten and typical flavour of grain limit their uses in various food preparation. So pearl millet grain was subjected to popping (method given in research paper). Popping produces low bulk density and improved in vitro digestibility. Two types of ladoo were prepared from popped pearl millet. In I type, roasted and dehulled chickpea and groundnut were also added to improve the nutritional quality, whereas II type of ladoo was prepared using 100 per cent popped pearl millet.

Findings

The research revealed that type I popped pearl millet ladoo had significantly higher calcium, phosphorus and iron content. Higher polyphenol and phytic acid and lower in vitro protein and starch digestibility were also found in type I ladoo. Cellulose and lignin content was found to be more in type II ladoo compared to type I ladoo.

Originality/value

Literature regarding the puffing of pearl millet was very less and utilization of popped pearl millet for product development was scanty. Moreover, not much study has been done on nutritional evaluation of popped pearl millet product. This research paper provides a new avenue for diversifying the uses of this underutilized pearl millet for increasing its consumption.
Effect of legume dietary fiber on rat disaccharidase activity in vitro
Authors: Benito Infante Ramón , Garcia Omar E. , Carmona Andrés , Rivera Carlos J.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Brush border intestinal disaccharidases (maltase, sucrase and lactase) play an important role in carbohydrate assimilation. These enzymes are located on the brush border and may interact with legume seed components such as dietary fiber and polyphenols. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of legume dietary fiber on rat disaccharidase in vitro.

Design/methodology/approach

Rat intestinal disaccharidases from Sprague‐Dawley rats fed a basal diet for 21 days were partially purified from intestinal scrapings. Enzyme activities were tested in vitro in the absence and presence of total dietary fiber isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris (Varieties Tacarigua and Montalbán) and Vigna unguiculata (Varieties Unare and Tuy) seeds that differ in fiber and polyphenol content. Dietary fiber was purified using the AOAC method.

Findings

The specific activities of the intestinal brush‐border disaccharidases from rats fed the basal diet were 3.29 ± 0.06, 3.13 ± 0.62 and 0.18 ± 0.04 umoles of glucose released/mg of protein/min for maltase, sucrase and lactase, respectively. Total dietary fiber from the legume tested inhibited both sucrase and maltase. Fiber from the four seeds tested affected sucrase similarly (average inhibition 35 per cent) whereas the fiber residue from P. vulgaris Montalbán was more effective on maltase (26.7 per cent) than that from P. vulgaris Tacarigua (12.2 per cent). Effect of V. unguiculata fibers on maltase was similar and somewhat in between those from P. vulgaris.

Originality/value

These results suggest that dietary fiber, as well as other factors from beans with anti‐physiological effect, such as condensed tannins and fitic acid possibly associated with the dietary fiber, may impair carbohydrate availability and may contribute to the low glycemic index proper of these foodstuffs.
Nutritional composition, microbial status, functional and sensory properties of infant diets formulated from cooking banana fruits (Musa spp, ABB genome) and fermented bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc) seeds
Authors: Ijarotimi O.S.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Protein‐energy malnutrition is regarded as one of the public health problems in many parts of developing countries. One of the factors responsible is poverty, which has reduced quality of dietary intakes of many homes, particularly children. Therefore, this study aims at formulating weaning food from locally available food materials using traditional processing methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The cooking banana and bambara groundnut seeds were purchased from local market in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The cooking bananas were peeled manually and sliced into pieces length wise, oven‐dried at 60 °C for 24 h, dried, milled and sieved through a 0.4 mm wire mesh screen. The undehulled bambara groundnut (BG) seeds were cleaned, cooked for 1 h, dehulled and fermented for four days using traditional methods. The fermented BG samples were oven dried, milled and sieved. The food samples were mixed in ratio of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 of cooking banana and BG flour, respectively. Nutrend (commercial formula) and ogi (corn gruel, traditional weaning food) were used as control. The samples were subjected into chemical, physical properties (water absorption capacity, least gelation and swelling capacity) and sensory attributes (taste, aroma, colour, texture and overall acceptability) using standard methods.

Findings

Of all the developed food samples CBG3(70 per cent of cooking banana and 30 per cent of BG flour mixed) was rated highest; and the amount of CBG3needed to supply the nutritional requirements of infant was almost within the range of nutrend. The microbial and antinutrient level of the food samples were relatively low and within the tolerable range for animal consumption.

Originality/value

It can be concluded that the nutritional composition of cooking banana can be enhanced through fermented BG flour supplementation. The nutritional composition of the food sample containing 70 per cent cooking banana and 30 per cent BG flour is adequate to support child growth and development. Hence, it can be used as a substitute for the expensive commercial weaning formula.
Production of dialyzable iron by in vitro digestion of whey and whey components
Authors: Shinde Rahul M. , Mahoney Raymond R.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of whey and whey components on the production of dialyzable non‐heme iron – an in vitro indicator of bioavailable forms of the mineral.

Design/methodology/approach

Whey, processed whey and whey components were mixed with ferric iron and digested in vitro with pepsin and pancreatin/bile using a dialysis bag containing bicarbonate for pH adjustment. Total and ferrous dialyzable iron were measured and compared to values from protein and non‐protein controls.

Findings

Whey produced much more dialyzable iron than egg albumin but less than deproteinized whey. Most of the iron was ferric. Whey protein concentrate was as effective as egg abumin but whey protein isolate, α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin slightly reduced dialyzable iron formation. Milk salts produced more dialyzable iron than whey and about as much as deproteinized whey. The major component of whey producing dialyzable iron was citrate, which competes for iron chelation with the whey protein.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that whey generates a large amount of dialyzable iron from ferric iron sources and that the iron is primarily due to chelation with citrate rather than to digestion of whey proteins. However, the effect of citrate is reduced by whey proteins.
Effects of sour cherry juice on blood glucose and some cardiovascular risk factors improvements in diabetic women
Authors: Ataie‐Jafari Asal , Hosseini Saeed , Karimi Farzaneh , Pajouhi Mohammad
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Some studies on anthocyanins have revealed their antioxidant activity and beneficial effects for diabetes control and reducing the risk of coronary heart diseases. It has been found that sour cherries contain high levels of anthocyanins that possess insulin‐releasing stimulatory properties on pancreatic β‐cells in vitro. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether concentrated sour cherry juice (CSCJ) beneficially alters serum glucose and some cardiovascular risk factors in diabetes type 2 subjects.

Design/methodology/approach

In this quasi‐experimental study, 19 diabetic women with FBS ≥ 110 mg/dl were recruited from patients referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Shariati Hospital. Subjects were asked to consume 40 g of CSCJ daily for 6 weeks. Before the onset of the study (week 0) and after 6 weeks, weight and blood pressure measurements were done and fasting blood samples were drawn. FBS, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and blood lipid profiles were measured. In addition, a 24‐hour food record was taken from all of the individuals in both stages. The Wilcoxon signed test was used for statistical analysis.

Findings

After six weeks' consumption of CSCJ, significant reductions in body weight (p < 0.01), blood pressure and HbA1c (p < 0.05) was seen. Total cholesterol and LDL‐C decreased significantly in a sub‐group of patients (n = 12) with LDL‐C ≥ 100 mg/dl as well.

Originality/value

Based on the results of this study, consuming 40 g/day of CSCJ decreases body weight, blood pressure and HbA1c in diabetes type 2 women after 6 weeks and improves blood lipids in diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia.
Employee agency: challenges and opportunities for psychological contract theory
Authors: Seeck Hannele , Parzefall Marjo‐Riitta
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine what employee agency entails for psychological contract theory. The paper aims to explore how employee agency manifests itself, how it is reflected in employees' perceptions of their psychological contract obligations, and what it implies for psychological contract theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on a qualitative interview study of employees from the mobile phone content production industry in Finland. The analysis is based on 15 semi‐structured employee interviews, which were supported by a discussion of the interviewees' weekly agendas.

Findings

This study reveals that employee agency manifests itself as self‐actualisation, action, influence and creativity, all of which have implications for employees' psychological contracts. Employees emerge as active parties to the psychological contract, consciously modifying and constructing it instead of simply reacting to employer behaviour, as is assumed in current research.

Originality/value

This study contributes to psychological contract theory by providing one of the few empirical attempts to demonstrate how employees actively manage the exchange relationship captured by the psychological contract. It highlights the importance of acknowledging employee agency in future psychological contract research.
Integrating realistic job previews and realistic living conditions previews
Authors: Richardson Julia , McBey Ken , McKenna Steve
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of realistic job previews (RJPs) and realistic living conditions previews (RLCPs) during the recruitment of a group of internationally mobile knowledge workers who elect to go overseas independently rather than as part of an overseas assignment. It also aims to explore individual perceptions of the value of RJPs and RLCPs in contributing to work and general living adjustment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a qualitative study of international faculty in six Canadian universities using in‐depth interviews to examine their experiences of recruitment and focusing specifically on the extent to which RJPs and RLCP were provided.

Findings

The findings reflect the need for realistic recruitment that includes information about position specifications and responsibilities as well as non‐organizational factors such as opportunities for spousal employment. Thus, respondents did not conceptualize the recruitment process in terms of two separate components of “job” (RJP) and “living conditions” (RLCP). Instead realistic recruitment emerged as a holistic process, with each individual having his/her own differential weighting of the relative importance of different factors.

Research limitations/implications

The sample comprises mostly white‐western faculty, thus ethnic minority faculty are underrepresented. Further research might also explore the perceptions and experiences of international recruiters.

Originality/value

The paper extends the current literature on RJPs and RLCPs to consider internationally mobile knowledge workers who elect to go overseas independently. Located within an interpretive perspective it also enhances our understanding of individual experiences and the need for a more holistic approach to international recruitment.
The moderating effect of organizational slack on the relation between perceptions of support for innovation and organizational climate
Authors: Ruiz‐Moreno Antonia , García‐Morales Víctor J. , Llorens‐Montes Francisco Javier
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to examine how firms employ slack resources to enhance the relationship between organizational climate and perceptions of support for innovation to obtain sustainable competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the different contributions to the study of the relation between dimensions of the organizational climate, perceptions of support for innovation and organizational slack. Building on previous research, a series of hypotheses are formulated on the influence of the dimensions of organizational climate on perceptions of support for innovation and on how organizational slack moderates these relations. In contrast to earlier studies, the paper's work is based on managers' perceptions. A sample of 202 quality managers is then used to verify empirically the hypotheses which have been proposed. Finally, the main conclusions of the research are presented.

Findings

The results of the investigation reveal first, that the relation between the dimensions of organizational climate, perceptions of support for innovation and performance is moderated by organizational slack. Second, that a strong connection exists between the different dimensions of organizational climate. Finally, the results of the research also show that a strong connection exists between the different dimensions of organizational climate and perceptions of support for innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions of this study may be subject to several limitations that suggest further possibilities for empirical research. First, survey data based on self‐reports may be subject to social desirability bias. Second, the cross‐sectional nature of the research allows us to analyze only a specific situation in time of the organizations studied, not their overall conduct through time. Future research should place more emphasis on longitudinal studies.

Practical implications

This paper maintains that the relation between the different dimensions of organizational climate, perceptions of support for innovation and performance are determined and limited by the nature and variety of resources that the organization can bundle and apply to the maintenance and development of competitive advantages, according to the availability of organizational slack to be applied directly to organizational climate and perceptions of support for innovation.

Originality/value

The paper has provided evidence of how managers, depending on the presence or absence of slack, combine the dimensions of organizational climate differently to create the perception of support for innovation necessary to implement innovations, which in both cases means improvement in the organization's performance.
Becoming simultaneously thicker and thinner skinned
Authors: de Haan Erik
Published: August 2008

Purpose

There is a hidden paradox inherent in the ideal of continuing professional development (CPD) for executive coaches, stemming from the fact that the coach wishes to retain or preserve the freshness and openness of a “beginner”, whilst also acquiring greater robustness and resilience in the face of difficult assignments. The paradox reminds us of the “castle and battlefield” metaphor of Roger Harrison: on the one hand a strong container is needed and on the other vulnerability to allow the coach to be affected and even hurt by the coaching experiences. The objective of this paper is to find ways of resolving this paradox, based on what coaches themselves say about critical moments in their practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 69 critical moments as reported by 60 coaches are content‐analysed with the help of grounded research.

Findings

In the analysis a picture emerges of doubts (instrumental, relational and existential), which the coaching process opens up for coaches, and which CPD may help them become aware of, explore and lay to rest. The most promising methodology for doing this seems to be coaching supervision, conducted in the safest possible environment.

Research limitations/implications

From this qualitative research by a single researcher inter‐rater reliabilities cannot (yet) be reported.

Practical implications

It emerges that what coaches need most from their CPD is robustness in the face of their instrumental and existential doubts, and vulnerability when it comes to their relational doubts.

Originality/value

With the growth of the executive coaching profession, there is increasing interest in the value of CPD for coaches. Executive coaches are embarking on CPD in large numbers, and are asking what is most relevant to them in their ongoing development. This paper offers empirical data that may inform CPD.
HR outsourcing: threat or opportunity?
Authors: Delmotte Jeroen , Sels Luc
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The debate on human resource (HR) outsourcing is polarised. HR outsourcing is seen as an opportunity for the HR function by some and as a threat by others. The first view suggests that HR outsourcing is an instrument creating time for HR to become a strategic partner. The second view considers HR outsourcing as a cost‐cutting instrument gradually reducing HR staff. The purpose of this study is to examine whether HR outsourcing is a manifestation of a strategic HR focus, a cost‐cutting HR focus or both.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is obtained from an economy‐wide, cross‐sectional survey. The data cover 1,264 organisations with ten employees or more.

Findings

Results indicate that organisations with a strong focus on HR cost‐cutting do not outsource more than organisations with a weaker focus on HR cost‐cutting. The analyses show a positive relationship between a strong focus on strategic human resource management (HRM) and the level of HR outsourcing.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study examines the breadth of HR outsourcing. Further research might consider the depth of HR outsourcing. Second, as results are based on cross‐sectional data we cannot draw causal inferences. Finally, future research might focus on the impact of HR outsourcing on the organisation of the HR function and internal HR customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

HR outsourcing empowers the HR department. It frees up HR professionals to focus on strategic HRM.

Originality/value

HR outsourcing has been heavily debated. Yet, empirical research into the impact on the HR function is extremely limited. This study helps to fill this gap.
Gender counts: “work”, “life” and identity in accounting practice and education
Authors: Ball Amanda , Brewis Joanna
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a special issue, consisting of a selection of papers on the subject of gender, paid employment and life issues in accounting practice and education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies relationships between work, life and identity in accounting practice and education.

Findings

The paper finds that the vast majority of those taking up WLB initiatives are women, who organize their paid work around the needs of their children.

Originality/value

The paper raises challenging and perhaps demoralizing questions and it is hoped that it goes some way to reinvigorating discussions and debates around the work‐life intersection in accounting practice and academia.
Being President, being myself
Authors: Bovaird Denise
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to recount the author's career trajectory to date, and the choices, challenges and opportunities she has faced along the way.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an autobiography.

Findings

The central message is that “you don't have to be one of the blokes to succeed”.

Originality/value

The paper presents candid reflections on negotiating the gendered world of professional accounting.
New Zealand chartered accountants' work/family strategies and consequences for career success
Authors: Whiting Rosalind H.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the strategies that New Zealand chartered accountants use to combine work and family responsibilities, and to relate these strategies to chartered accountants' career success.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analysed qualitative career history data obtained from interviews with 69 male and female experienced chartered accountants.

Findings

A comprehensive work/family strategy typology for New Zealand chartered accountants was developed. The five types identified were Traditional Men, Traditional Women, Work First Women, Family Balancers, and Stepping Stone Men. In general, those who followed a male linear career model (Traditional Men and Work First Women) demonstrated higher levels of career success. Some notable exceptions showed that career success could be achieved by those with higher levels of family responsibilities, if the employing organisation does not demand rigid conformance with the linear career model.

Research limitations/implications

The purposeful bias in the sample selection and the diversity in the interviewees' workplaces decrease the study's generalisability. But those factors contributed to the ability to identify a wide range of current work/family strategies.

Practical implications

The paper provides a basis for the accountancy profession to adapt to the feminisation of the profession and the increasing demands for work/life balance by developing policies and practices targeted at enhancing career progression for a more diverse range of work/family strategic types than is currently recognised.

Originality/value

There are no prior data describing the diversity in New Zealand chartered accountants' work/family strategies.
Work and work‐family values in accountancy
Authors: See Jean‐Marie , Kummerow Elizabeth H.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

An important aim of this paper is to ascertain the extent to which students held realistic expectations about the work cultures they were soon to enter. The paper also aims to investigate the link between value congruence (in relation to both work and work‐family values) and “expected” job satisfaction and organisational commitment, in the case of the students, and “actual” job satisfaction and organisational commitment, in the case of the professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to survey a sample of final year BCom students from the University of Adelaide (n=52) and accounting professionals from the same city (n=50).

Findings

Significant person‐culture fit discrepancies, in relation to both work and work‐family values, were observed for both groups. For accountants, these were negatively associated with job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Students also expected to enter organisational cultures that supported work values that were significantly more supportive of these values than were the actual organisational cultures described by the accountants. For work‐family values, students' expectations, surprisingly, fell significantly short of what the accountants' actual experience suggested they would be likely to encounter.

Originality/value

A life stage interpretation of the findings for work‐family values is offered and consideration is given to their implications for a broadening of traditional conceptualisations of reality shock.
Exploring ourselves
Authors: Haynes Kathryn , Fearfull Anne
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine gendered identities of women academics by exploring the interplay and exploitation of internal and external, personal and academic, identities. The paper also considers the relative prioritisation of the three main academic activities of teaching, research, and administration, in which an enhanced emphasis on research performance, as opposed to teaching and administration, is what is often deemed to represent “success” in academia.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on autoethnographical detail, the paper reflects on the complexities of identities as they are constructed, developed, experienced and understood both by themselves and by others. By presenting several short autobiographical vignettes, the paper examines perceptions of the gendered identity of women in academia as caring, “motherly” and nurturing, and demonstrates attempts to exploit so‐called “natural” feminine, mothering traits as a means of fulfilling the pastoral and administrative components of universities.

Findings

In considering such stereotypes, the paper addresses examples of their self‐fulfilment, whilst considering how academic structures and practices also impose such distinctions, in a context where academic “success” is often typified by research, publications and academic networking.

Originality/value

The paper considers both possibilities for resistance and the negative implications for the career success of women academics, arguing that, until these gendered stereotypes are challenged, women academics will continue to be disadvantaged within academic institutions.
Introduction: employment relations in Africa
Authors: Wood Geoffrey
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This introduction aims to review the present state of research on employment relations in Africa, and provide an overview of subsequent papers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a brief review on the journal issue.

Findings

Despite considerable diversity across the continent, a number of common issues and themes emerge. These would include the sharp divide between formal and informal work, the problems faced by unions in organizing in contexts where formal employment is shrinking, and the often negative effects of liberalization. What all the articles in this special issue point to is that the prospects of enhancing the quality of working life, and imparting greater fairness to the implementation of the employment contract is contingent on both national institution building – allowing for the nurturing of complementarities conducive to the expansion, entrenchment and development of higher value added production paradigms – and fairer terms, more equitable relations with the developed world.

Practical implications

Understanding of the practice of employment relations in Africa can be greatly advanced through collaborative initiatives aimed at developing the capacity of emerging scholars and ensuring that the work of more mature scholars of employment based at African universities receives the exposure it deserves.

Originality/value

The article introduces the papers in the issue.