bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A note on research into the marketing of discreet services
Authors: Jones Peter , Pratten John , Brindley Clare
Published: June 2007

Identifies discreet activities in marketing – defined as a service in which customers keep their interests and participation secret or hidden; such as Manchester’s gay village, betting shops, telephone chat lines, massage parlours, dating agencies and blood sports (to name a few). Cites some of the problems market researchers may encounter in gaining access to any of these establishments and suggests the best method of obtaining access is to develop an open relationship of trust with the staff and customers of the discreet service organization. Provides an example with the case of Sh!, a female only sex shop in London. Proposes alternative means of gaining access to the above‐named establishments – posing as a customer or undertaking some professional work (such as accountancy) for the organization. Raises ethical questions about such a covert approach.
Leadership characteristics and strategic planning
Authors: Drago William A. , Clements Christine
Published: June 2007

Looks at the relationship between strategic planning and leadership characteristics, claiming that, in most research, leadership characteristics are seen as a dependent variable. Carries out a survey of 91 firms (through questionnaires sent to Chief Executive Officers) using a 7‐point Likert scale to measure responses. Performs varimax rotation and regression analysis to analyse the results. Focuses on three specific characteristics ‐ power/control, creativity, and people/dependence ‐ and attempts to establish the impact these characteristics have on plan intensity (the degree to which organization members are guided by an established plan) and the use of direction‐setting tools such as mission/vision, long‐term objectives, short‐term objectives and action planning. Reviews some literature in the separate fields of strategic planning and leadership, drawing together various strands to suggest that leadership characteristics are important predictors of plan intensity within organizations and that they will also be strong predictors on how direction‐setting tools are used within the organizational planning process. Discusses the findings as they link into the three leadership factors mentioned. Mentions, also, the planning index and how it relates to planning intensity. Concludes that leadership characteristics are strong predictors of planning intensity and planning tools. Notes limitations of the study.
How to hire employees effectively
Authors: Marshall Valarie
Published: June 2007

Focuses on the mechanics of conducting an effective interview rather than the entire hiring process, identifying the key elements as planning, controlling, evaluating and ensuring a legal and fair interview; offers some straightforward advice in each of these areas, together with common problems to avoid. The legal advice stems from US law.
Evaluating the verbal, quantitative, and problem‐solving skills of students entering the accounting curriculum
Authors: Sneed John , Ace Morgan Donald
Published: June 2007

From a roundup of recent literature on the effectiveness of the current accounting curriculum in the USA, identifies a consensus that additional education is needed to better prepare students for their careers in the accounting profession and seeks to determine which areas need to be addressed if substantial improvement is to be achieved within the curriculum; analyses data collected from the results of students’ tests undertaken over three consecutive semesters at a US Midwest university to assess students’ quantitative, verbal and problem‐solving skills, and finds that performance in the latter two areas was consistently less impressive than in the former. As each of these areas is seen as important to accounting careers, suggests that more attention should be paid to communication and problem‐solving skills as part of the curriculum, although not at the expense of technical skills; tabulates and briefly discusses a number of other findings from the research, for example with regard to gender differences across the skill areas.
The determinants of stock prices: evidence from the United Kingdom stock market
Authors: Tsoukalas Dimitrios , Sil Shomir
Published: June 2007

Draws together existing research on capital markets to understand how dividend/price ration and dividend growth predict movements in share prices. Analyses data from the UK stock market from January 1995 to December 1996 to test out two hypotheses ‐ the first, that there are no significant lag effects from stock price determinants (dividend/price ratio or dividend growth) to real stock returns; the second being the “information hypothesis” of dividends, which predicts that unexpected changes in dividend payments (for example, an increase in dividend payout ratio) may “signal” changes in future returns to investors, thereby leading to higher returns. Points out that this second hypothesis is consistent with the efficient market hypothesis. Analyses the movements in stock returns using Granger causality tests and finds that dividend/price ratio predicts real stock returns for the UK stock market, and that there is a strong relationship between real stock returns and dividend yields. Argues that this is consistent with the “information hypothesis”.
Are higher levels of returns less predictable? The case of US and UK
Authors: Tsoukalas Dimitrios
Published: June 2007

Looks at the stock returns of the two major stock markets in the USA, and the UK and concludes that there is evidence of strong predictability and volatility within the indexes caused by similar sources. Suggests that this has implications for the global pricing of securities and the regulatory policies of the markets.
A framework for research in internal marketing and the study of service quality: some propositions
Authors: Pitt Marelise , Bruwer Johan , Nel Deon , Berthon Paul
Published: June 2007

Considers the quality of service between internal partners within a company looking at how this can influence performance and quality. Looks at the different ways of defining the internal customer and suggests that measurement is most effective when complex procedures are broken down. States that internal marketing is a critical issue facing marketing professions, human resources and other executives. Argues that if poor service is provided between employees it is unlikely that good service will ultimately be provided to the external customer. Invites further research in this area.
Achilles revisited: the impact of incompetencies on firm performance
Authors: Drago William A. , Folker Cathleen A.
Published: June 2007

Considers the impact on a firm’s performance if weaknesses are not addressed. Uses SWOT analysis to show how a firm often concentrate on developing its strengths and opportunities, avoiding the weaknesses. Reports the findings of a survey covering 156 US Chief Executives suggesting that if firms minimised their weaknesses it makes it harder for others to differentiate themselves to gain competitive advantage. Concludes that whilst it is difficult to compare performance, any avoidance of tackling a weakness provides a vulnerable attack point for competitors, and therefore a narrow view concentrating on strength could therefore influence overall performance.
Helping individuals to cope with change: lessons from group move relocation
Authors: Carter Simon
Published: June 2007

Looks at organizational relocation and the stages experienced by individuals when an enforced move becomes necessary. Considers, from the company’s viewpoint, links between individuals coping, managing change and the management of group moves. Lists practical consideration which should be considered.
How to hire employees effectively
Authors: Lin Yei‐Fang , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines an effective procedure for recruitment. Briefly considers job analysis, methods of recruitment, methods of assessment, reference checks and job previews. Encourages employers to see this area as long term investment in their human resource portfolio.
Challenges of employee retention
Authors: Sigler Kevin J.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the difficulty of retaining new employees covering the problems, costs and methods used to retain productive employees. Suggests that there is often insufficient data regarding initial employee performance and the lack of incentives for better performers who are often treated equally with under performers. Considers the costs and benefits of using employment agencies. Briefly considers the use of pay as an incentive, including bonuses and stock ownership and job satisfaction through good job design to increase variety.
How to orient employees into new positions successfully
Authors: Coleman Jerry , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Considers how employees were traditionally introduced into the workplace, outlining the opposing methods of little introduction at all and the lengthy training room inductions by some large corporations. Outlines a cost effective middle option seeing each new individual as a valuable new asset. Suggests a checklist for all parties to ensure all information is covered which includes the relevant personal information, introduction to supervisor and allocating a sponsor help them through out the initial stages. Highlights the importance of follow ups, respect for the individual and support from senior management.
Theory, research and practice in library management 2: the balanced product portfolio
Authors: Walton Graham
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring together theory, research and practice to inform library management.

Design/methodology/approach

Explores the library context using CD‐ROM based services. Analyzes the product life cycle and portfolio matrix concepts.

Findings

Most library and information services function in an entirely different context so there needs to be caution when extrapolating between sectors is not straightforward. Despite these challenges, the ideas and concepts have resonances that can be used by those managing library and information services.

Originality/value

Reflects on how the concepts of product life cycle and portfolio matrix can be applied in library management.
Management research for information
Authors: Oulton Tony
Published: June 2007

Suggests that the conclusions of a research study, whether one′s
own or another′s, have value as a source of information for decision
making. Aims to remind experienced managers and prompt
“students” of management on various approaches to research.
Defines research, and evaluates its worth in terms of validity,
reliability and generalizability. Looks at various approaches to
research, in particular quantitative and qualitative research, and at
the interpretation of findings. Explains the use of statistical
inference, statistical expression of probability and non‐parametric and
multivariate statistics.
International bibliographic standards in Lithuania: the impact of
decentralization
Authors: Maceviciute Elena
Published: June 2007

Presents an outline of post‐Soviet Lithuanian attempts to bring
national standards of bibliographic practice into line with those of the
international community. Perceives international bibliographic standards
as the tools of international integration of library and information
work. UNIMARC is one of the first to be implemented in Lithuanian
libraries and is used as a national and inner format. It is closely
linked to the international standard bibliographic description. The
Centre of Bibliography and Book research is working on the translation
of ISBDs. Together with the Paris principles and UNIMARC/Authoritiesthey will serve as a basis for Lithuanian national cataloguing
rules. Universal decimal classification is used in subject cataloguing
in Lithuanian libraries. International standard publication numbers
(ISSN, ISBN, ISMN) are mandatory elements of the catalogue records in
computerized library stystems. The implementation of international
bibliographic standards in Lithuania is supported by IFLA and the
international library community.
Librarians: peacemakers in the new electronic world
Authors: Cornish Graham
Published: June 2007

Publishers and libraries serve and rely on the same community to produce and use materials. They need to work together to solve the problems of access, security, payment and integrity. Libraries are the essential intermediaries who can broker a satisfactory solution.
Effects of temporary hiring on the profits of Spanish manufacturing firms
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez César
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of the proportion of temporary workers on the profit‐to‐sales ratio (or price‐cost margin) of Spanish manufacturing firms in the 1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

The relation between the proportion of temporary workers and the profit‐to‐sales ratio is estimated using the information provided by the “Encuesta Sobre Estrategias Empresariales” (Entrepreneurship Strategy Survey), a panel data set for the Spanish manufacturing sector carried out over the period 1990‐1999. The model is estimated in logarithmic first differences in order to remove fixed effects. To correct endogeneity problems, the instrumental variables method has been used.

Findings

The outcomes show that the rise in the proportion of temporary workers reduces the price‐cost margin of Spanish firms. It also leads to a fall in labour productivity and in the hourly average wage, and to an increase in the total cost of production.

Research limitations/implications

The dataset refers only to manufacturing industry. It would be interesting to extend the analysis, if possible, to the service sector of Spanish economy.

Practical implications

The outcomes show that those policies oriented to reduce the high proportion of temporary workers (which has been over 30 per cent since 1990) by means of stimulating permanent labour contracts are expected to be positive for Spanish firms.

Originality/value

This article is the first empirical work aimed at assessing the impact of the proportion of temporary workers on the profit‐to‐sales ratio.
Vision effects in customer and staff satisfaction: an empirical investigation
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan , Avery Gayle C.
Published: June 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine the relationships between vision attributes (of brevity, clarity, challenge, stability, abstractness, future orientation, and desirability or ability to inspire) and content (relating to customer and staff satisfaction imageries), and customer and staff satisfaction in Australian retail stores, taking into account vision realisation factors of vision communication, organisational alignment, motivation, empowerment and a staff personal factor comprised of staff emotional commitment to and use of the vision. Design/methodology/approach – Variables of vision attributes and content, vision communication, organisational alignment, motivation, empowerment and staff personal factor were derived from the literature. Data were from store managers, staff and customers of 101 apparel stores in Sydney. These variables were tested for significant relationships through chi‐square and regression analyses. Findings – Findings endorse the importance of espousing a vision containing reference to customer and staff satisfaction, although the seven attributes variable was not significant in this study. Empowerment of staff and staff personal factor were directly predictive of enhanced customer satisfaction, while motivation and empowerment of staff, and staff personal factor were directly predictive of enhanced staff satisfaction. Practical implications – Retail store managers should develop a store vision containing reference to customer and staff satisfaction. They should communicate their vision, align organisational components with the vision, empower and motivate staff. Staff should also use the vision to guide their work and emotionally commit to the vision. Original/value – While vision is core to vision‐based leadership theories, little is known about what characterises an effective vision. This study attempts to uncover this unknown.
Workplace interactions and the polymorphic role of e‐mail
Authors: O'Kane Paula , Palmer Mark , Hargie Owen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

One of the principal organizational developments in the last decade has been the pervasive influence of computer mediated communication (CMC) tools. The purpose of this paper is to closely interrogate the day‐to‐day role of e‐mail in explicating, influencing and shaping social and information interactions within an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of in‐depth interviews (n=29) were undertaken to elicit employee opinions on their e‐mail adaptation, experiences and practices.

Findings

The paper provides insights into the polymorphic role of e‐mail, particularly the way in which it is adapted by individuals within the organization. Specifically, it shows how this tool interacts within day‐to‐day work activities and tasks.

Research limitations/implications

This paper investigates only one CMC tool, e‐mail, although it is envisaged that this initial work will be used to raise a new understanding of the socially skilled adaptation of other CMC tools by employees as well as leaders.

Practical implications

Previously unreported insights into employee opinion are delineated in order to provide a focus from which organizations can train and develop their employees and leaders to maximise knowledge creation within the organization.

Originality/value

This study assesses CMC from an under‐researched “real‐life” perspective in which everyday interactions are used to understand employee reactions to e‐mail communication and hence foster an atmosphere in which these interactions assist organizational development.
Applying adaptive leadership to successful change initiatives in academia
Authors: Randall Linda M. , Coakley Lori A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To propose Heifetz's adaptive leadership model as the primary process for initiating change in today's more business‐oriented academic environment in which colleges and universities are required to compete to attract students and are facing greater scrutiny and accountability from outside constituencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two case studies are presented that underscore some of the challenges facing today's academic institutions. Heiftez's adaptive leadership model is applied to each case.

Findings

Leadership is more than an individual acting in a position. It is a process in which change initiatives must emanate from key stakeholders, all of whom are engaged in that process. The two cases presented in the paper serve to illustrate the greater potential for successful change initiatives offered by the adaptive leadership model.

Research limitations/implications

The research examines two specific case studies in which adaptive leadership dimensions are used to examine the success or failure of a change initiative. The study needs to be expanded to other situations to more fully explore the merits of this model. Other case studies are being examined.

Practical implications

The leadership model applied in this study can be used in any organization, academic or non‐academic, which is confronting change initiatives that require both immediate action and commitment from myriad stakeholders.

Originality/value

To date, no other studies have employed adaptive leadership as a process to address the demands of the more business‐oriented, academic environment.
The complexity of the organizational renewal decision: the management role
Authors: Santos Valle , García Teresa
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on an analysis of the evolutionary process experienced by the firm over time, but from the perspective of the role played by the management.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis began with the elaboration of a questionnaire that was directed at a population of Spanish firms. A total of 105 useable questionnaires were received. The first stage in the analysis was to calculate the degree of perceived inertia in each firm, and next we defined two subsamples: inert firms and least inert firms. Finally, we used linear regression analysis and logit analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of this current research have highlighted the different ways in which the management role proves determinant in the design of the organizational renewal process. At the same time, the results obtained reveal the freedom available to decision‐makers with regards organizational renewal. The results also suggest that the availability of resources may constitute a key element in the organizational renewal.

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional nature of the study renders it vulnerable to some problems, so future studies should measure organizational renewal using longitudinal data and data from multiple sources. In addition, the small sample may foster sample bias and inhibit the generalizability of results.

Practical implications

The attitudes of managers are determinants of the organizational renewal process. Furthermore, the availability of resources may constitute a key element in the renewal, insofar as it can extend the limits of managerial discretion.

Originality/value

The organizational renewal decision is extremely complex because of the diversity of factors on which it depends: environmental changes, imitation, employee attitudes towards changes and particularly the management's attitudes.
Trading places
Authors: Thach Elizabeth , Thompson Karen J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify differences, if any, that exist in leadership style, behaviors, and competencies to drive performance between public/non‐profit and for‐profit organizational leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study describes the results of in‐depth interviews with leaders in small to medium‐sized organizations in California. Approximately half of the leaders work in non‐profit and public organizations, while the other half work in for‐profit companies.

Findings

The findings reveal both similarities and differences between the two groups.

Originality/value

The results are a first step in examining the key leadership competencies required for success in each sector and serve as a springboard for future research.
The attributes of leadership
Authors: Tait Ruth
Published: June 2007

Reports the conclusions of a study involving in‐depth interviews with 18 business leaders, focusing on the qualities and skills they felt to be essential for success in directing and guiding a large organization. These qualities include the ability to make sense of a complicated pattern of events and from this formulate clear goals for the organization; people and communication skills; integrity; drive and ambition. In selecting others, as potential future leaders and high‐flyers, this group of current leaders used the following criteria. There was high agreement that proven track record was vital, both as an indicator of future performance and to establish credibility. Another important characteristic is the ability to take an independent (even unpopular) line, and defend it. As could be predicted, interpersonal skills, team orientation, commitment and motivation were also seen as important.
Mentoring in the Information Age
Authors: Clawson James G.
Published: June 2007

Presents mentoring as a valuable social development phenomenon that has endured historical paradigm shifts and will survive the present transition from the Industrial Age to the Information Age. Views mentoring as one of several types of developmental relationships that will be important to people in the new age. Raises questions about how mentoring might be shaped by the operating realities of the new paradigm and offers some preliminary suggestions.
Adaptive force reflecting teleoperation with local intelligence
Authors: Cheung Yushing , Chung Jae H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to make an industrial robot intelligently and remotely cooperate with humans to work in unknown unstructured environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a bilateral adaptive teleoperation control approach involving a contact force driven compensation with an auto‐switching function, which utilizes a biologically motivated compliance function. Based on sensed contact force, the switching function can adjust its slave control input to decide how much robotic intelligences should intervene in the system by switching modes. Other schemes for robotic intelligence, robotic impedances and compensators, are investigated to guarantee good transparency without warranting human error and maintain a stable contact, based on the force feedback, in constrained motion while a communication delay exists.

Findings

The simulation and experimental results demonstrate transparency and contact stability in the presence of constant and time‐varying communication delays, respectively. The proposed bilateral adaptive teleoperation control method outperforms three other techniques.

Originality/value

This paper introduces an adaptive teleoperation control method with local robotic intelligence assistance. The developed method does not modify the existing designs of industrial robots. The contact force and position and force errors are well controlled to obtain a stable contact and transparency, through adaptation of robotic impedances.
SmartMove4: an industrial implementation of trajectory planning for robots
Authors: Antonelli Gianluca , Chiaverini Stefano , Paolo Gerio Gian , Palladino Marco , Renga Gerardo
Published: June 2007

Purpose

A minimum‐time path‐following algorithm for industrial robots is presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm generates off‐line a trajectory that, by exploiting knowledge of the dynamic model, takes into account the actuators' torque limits while preserving the geometric path.

Findings

The algorithm has been designed, implemented and extensively tested on a Comau SMART H4 robot, a closed‐chain six‐degree‐of‐freedom industrial manipulator.

Practical implications

The algorithm is currently part of the new generation of industrial controllers of the Comau robots, the C4G controller. It is a feature added as with the name SmartMove4.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new minimum‐time path‐following algorithm for industrial robots that, by exploiting knowledge of the dynamic model, takes into account the actuators' torque limits while preserving the geometric path.
Remote multi‐robot monitoring and control system based on MMS and web services
Authors: Wu Bin , Zhou Bing‐Hai , Xi Li‐Feng
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a service‐oriented distributed multi‐robot system based on manufacturing message specification (MMS) and new‐generation distributed object technology – web services for realizing remotely monitoring and controlling multiple heterogeneous robots in the internet environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents robot communication model and distributed multi‐robot monitoring and control software structure based on MMS and web services. In particular, monitoring and control software design of MMS concepts in web services environment using Unified Modeling Language model is discussed in detail. In addition, to verify the validity of the proposed design method, a multi‐robot prototype system for robot flexible assemble cell has been achieved. Its Server software is implemented in C++ with Visual Studio.NET being the development environment and Client software is programmed in Java with Borland JBuilder 9 being the development tool.

Findings

Finds that the communication structure following MMS can make the multi‐robot monitoring and control system have perfect robustness, interoperability and reconfigurability. Besides, web services technology can conveniently realize MMS services, also can successfully resolve the remote multi‐robot monitoring and control problem among cross‐network, cross‐platform and heterogeneous systems.

Research limitations/implications

Provides an easy and low‐cost method for realizing heterogeneous multi‐robot remote driving. The web‐based distribution of the presented system is critical in enabling capabilities such as e‐manufacturing, e‐diagnostics and e‐maintenance.

Practical implications

The proposed system can be seamlessly integrated into other automated manufacturing systems or management systems in plug‐and‐play fashion. The combination of MMS and web services is in favor of real manufacturing equipments being embedded in the network, so the presented systematic methodology can be a useful reference for constructing web‐based reconfigurable manufacturing systems.

Originality/value

Provides robot communication model based on MMS and web services and presents service‐oriented distributed remote multi‐robot monitoring and control software architecture.
CAD tools integration for robot kinematics design assurance with case studies on PUMA robots
Authors: Clark Seth , Lin Yueh‐Jaw
Published: June 2007

Purpose

In this paper, a CAD‐based integration method for analyzing and verifying robotic mechanisms design is proposed. The work is motivated by the fact that current structural design of complex mechanisms still requires substantial efforts of human intervention even with CAD assistance.

Design/methodology/approach

It is accomplished by blending the unique capabilities of two popular engineering CAD packages, namely, the mathematical computations in Matlab and the virtual prototyping functions in Pro/Mechanica. Here we take advantage of the numerical computation capability of Matlab to complete the first portion of design tasks. Consequently, the proposed integration of these two CAD tools comes into play, which involves writing the joint angle values calculated from Matlab to.tab text files first. These.tab files are then directly used as the input for joint angles' drivers in Pro/Mechanica's virtual motion analysis function.

Findings

The proposed method realizes design automation of robotic mechanisms and provides design flexibility by allowing the designers to change designated critical design parameters rather easily and quickly within the blended Matlab and Pro/Mechanica design environment. The results demonstrate that the design process of robot manipulators can be largely automated by using the integrated CAD means proposed in this paper. Thus, the contributions of the work in design cost saving, performance verification, structural flexibility, as well as assembly dynamics are all evidenced.

Research limitations/implications

Future research will consider the generalization of the methodology to include dynamics aspect for design of complicated mechanisms.

Practical implications

To show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method, several case studies are conducted aimed at the design analysis and verification of a six degree‐of‐freedom PUMA industrial robot.

Originality/value

The proposed method realizes design automation of robotic mechanisms and provides design flexibility by allowing the designers to change designated critical design parameters rather easily and quickly within the blended Matlab and Pro/Mechanica design environment. As a result, it greatly reduces total design cycle time of complex mechanisms.
Our first “IVF baby”: Israel and Canada’s press coverage of procreative technology
Authors: Birenbaum‐Carmeli Daphna , Carmeli Yoram S. , Cohen Rina
Published: June 2007

Provides a comparison of the press coverage of the introduction of IVF in different contexts, giving a vantage point for examining the variability and the context‐dependence of the issue. Sheds some light on the cultural‐political‐social problems that the new technology entails. Contrasts the differences between Canada and Israel, showing that both countries endorse modern technology in the field of medidine: in both countries, IVF was imported about the same time and both used the US and Britain as a frame of reference and model rather than local developments. Shows the cultural differences of how each culture embraced the new technology.
New Labour and the restructuring of welfare – what’s in it for women?
Authors: Scott Gill , Brown Usha
Published: June 2007

Considers the rise of welfare issues to the top of the political agenda and the place of feminist criticsm on this subject. Re‐evaluates the needs of women in light of their changing role in society. Looks at their need to be an income earner for the family and the demand for their skills in the workplace, followed by the changes in their domestic roles and looser financial dependency, together with a commitment to reform the welfare state based on the principle of welfare to work for all. Concludes that the impact has been negative on many women with responsibilities increasing faster than resources and rights, but also recognizes that choice has widened and independence has grown.
Disaster management and social development
Authors: Stanley Jaya Kumar G.
Published: June 2007

Considers the nature of disaster and its impact on large urban areas. Looks at the ways countries can provide relief in such events. Covers drought, floods, cyclones and earthquakes and preventive measures which can help alleviate damage. Discusses the definition of a disaster, the distinct phases of onset, climax and withdrawal and the social response in these events. Profiles the response of the Indian Government in preparing for disasters providing brief best practices for planners.
The consequences of neo‐corporatism: a syncretic approach
Authors: Wood Geoffrey , Harcourt Mark
Published: June 2007

Seeks to highlight the range of potential benefits flowing from neo‐corporatism. Profiles some of the principle critiques of the neo‐liberal orthodoxy followed by a more detailed review of the benefits in terms of limiting inflation, generating employment, promoting greater social equity, reducing the incidence of industrial conflict and providing the basis for a more stable growth trajectory. Considers the area where evidence is lacking and uses previous research for its evidence.
Population and environment by 2000AD – a social manifesto
Authors: Stanley Jaya Kumar G.
Published: June 2007

Considers the consequences of population growth in relation to space, resources and conflict. Covers environmental issues such as water and pollution. Uses India in the year 2000 as a case study, looking at areas such as housing, agriculture, transport, water, food and environment. Discusses the plans of the country and concludes that an integrated plan for population with development is needed to optimize the use of natural resources. Cites four phases of human development: primitive, active, uncontrolled and aware.
The dynamics of New Zealand’s largest street market; the Otara flea market
Authors: de Bruin Anne , Dupuis Ann
Published: June 2007

Attempts to explore the complexities in the operation of the largest and best example of New Zealand’s approximation of street vending known as the Otara Flea Market. Aims to understand the way that less formalized economic activity operates as part of the coping strategies of people in communities caught by the domestic response to changes in the global economy. Uses participant observation to categorize the nature, size and general profile of the vendors, document analysis of legal and newspaper reports, together with in‐depth interviews with vendors.
Expading dual labour market theory: crack dealers and the informal sector.
Authors: Cross John C. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: June 2007

Attempts to theorize the relationship between the informal and the illegal sectors of the economy. States that there are significant behavioural similarities. Proposes an emergent paradigm based on dual labour market theory to explain the similarites and differences in order to guide future research in each area. Applies the theory to the production and marketing of crack cocaine and shows how the model helps us to understand issues of exploitation and risk makagement within the drug market.
Competition in the informal sector of the economy: the case of market traders in Turkey
Authors: Varcin Recep
Published: June 2007

Looks at some assumptions of street vending such as its individualistic nature, inefficiencies and irrationality. Uses research into the market traders in Ankara, Turkey. Shows that important differences exist between different street vendors in terms of their goals, and their resulting strategies. Compares how traders make economic decisions in a competitive environment. Considers economies of scale, ethnicity and localism as three important characteristics.
Tips of the trade: street vendors and the state in Barbados, West Indies
Authors: Custinger Loran E.
Published: June 2007

Presents findings from a case study into official attempts to change street vending into an “appropriate” form for tourists in Barbados. Suggests this has had a negative effect ont he vendors. Focuses on a market relocation scheme and shows how the image and the reality of street vending have clashed in a way which has harmed many of the vulnerable vendors.
Collaboration and partnership: an effective response to complexity and fragmentation or solution built on sand?
Authors: Miller Chris , Ahmad Yusuf
Published: June 2007

Posits that collaboration in the UK is either recommended as good practice or enshrined within legislation as a necessity. Chronicles that there has been a sustained growth in the number of formal and informal collaborative relationships between state agencies and market, voluntary and community sectors, as well as within and between state agencies themselves. Uses illustrative case study materials drawn from the authors’ research and consultancy experiences, particularly in the areas of inner city community based mental health, urban regeneration, policing, and child and adolescent mental health. Concludes that research has extensively been drawn on to illustrate the dilemmas that regularly arise when attempting to implement this policy objective.
Asian crisis, social welfare and policy responses:Hong Kong and Korea compared
Authors: Tang Kwong‐Leung
Published: June 2007

Examines work investigating the impact of the crisis on social welfare policies two Asian countries — Hong Kong and Korea, and argues that these two states were not prepared for the crisis. States that Hong Kong is adopting a neoliberal approach to social welfare, contrasting this with Korea taking unprecedented steps to restructure the social security system, after its economy nearly collapsed, taking a more developmental approach to social policy. Posits that only time will tell whether Korea’s momentum of change can be sustained, while in Hong Kong social security policy will still be dictated by a neoliberal agenda in the near future.
What does development mean? Arejection of the undimensional conception
Authors: Trainer Ted
Published: June 2007

Reports, following the UN’s 1996 ‘Human Development Report’, that the world’s poorest 1.6 billion people (one‐third of the world’s population) are growing poorer. Indicates two major lines of argument: first, that the more that resource distribution and development are left to market forces, the more resources will flow to the richer few; and, second, that it is totally impossible for Third World people to rise to the living standards typical of rich countries. Closes by investigating Ladakh — a region near Tibet — a place that is completely without modern technology, with a GNP of almost nothing which is a complex, culturally rich, and admirable society that has much to teach affluent societies about civility, humanity, community, social justice and ecological sustainability.
Regulating informal markets: informal commerce in Mexico City
Authors: Pena Sergio
Published: June 2007

Attempts to explain the limitations and constraints of government policy makers in the regulation of street vending. Looks at ways that street vendors in Mexico City create alternative forms of regulation that complement and challenge the state’s attempt to impose a “one size fits all’ form of regulation for the national economy. Cites two distinct forms of regulation and how these resppond to the different needs of vendors depending on their ability to negotiate their status with the state. Covers the organizations which the vendors have formed to assist them and question the “Mafia” status applied to these by the establishment.
Passing the buck: risk avoidance and risk management in the illegal/informal drug trade
Authors: Cross John C.
Published: June 2007

Extends the notion of informality into the area of illegality, looking at how illegal crack vendors in New York use informality to reduce and pass risk to others. Focuses on the techniques used to avoid detection and arrest and the methods of placing risk of imprisonment on smaller, lower‐income dealers. Suggests that this process of exploitation only makes sense when seen in the broader context of inequality in US society where some have nothing to lose by going to jail.
Professions in European and UK markets: the European professional federations
Authors: Evetts Julia
Published: June 2007

Discusses the importance of professions within states asking questions such as “are these occupations monopolies whose anti‐competitive effects distort the social and economic organisation of society?” Continues by considering whether professions can serve both public and private interests. Looks at the international dimension and how professions are responding to the development of European Feferations, and attempts to assess their influence.
Understanding the learning styles of students: implications for educators
Authors: Poon Teng Fatt James
Published: June 2007

Aims to understand a group learning style so that teachers can best adapt their teaching style and materials to suit the students. Defines learning styles and briefly covers previous findings in this area. Looks at different types of thinking before covering how to assess learning styles using a questionnaire. Provides some implications for educators and looks at the design of assignments which can be tailored in different ways depending upon the findings.
Poverty in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Tisdell Clem
Published: June 2007

Examines the socio‐economic situation of the least developed Pacific Island nations (Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tuvalu and Kiribati) and the type of economics development advice which they have been given in recent years. Suggests that this advice was based on neo‐classical models and was insensitive to the institutional and cultural backgrounds of these countries. Argues that because of the insensitivity, proposed policies may be doomed and could result in further economic hardship.
Discrimination against employees who exercise their First Amendment rights: a US perspective
Authors: Spelber Sean , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Introduces the US First Amendment before considering different freedoms we have and how they relate in the workplace. Uses specific cases to demonstrate what is currently happening with regards to First Amendment lawsuits. Offers recommendations to protect employers and prevent future disagreements and lawsuits. Covers freedom of religion, expression and speech.
Rationality in an irrational world: a scenario
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Gibbs Manton C.
Published: June 2007

Focuses on the nature of world affairs and its impact on international business. Proposes three scenarios, China asserting its regional role, the India‐Pakistan war over Kashmir and peace in the Middle East. Cites that any of these scenarios constitute a real threat to world stability. Ascertains that irrationality is a persistent state of world affairs and is not yet the legacy of yesterday’s world.
Shaping public perceptions of immigrants on welfare: the role of editorial pages of major US newspapers
Authors: Yoo Grace
Published: June 2007

Focuses on editorial coverage in terms of two elements, volumes and themes. Uncovers themes from editorial articles in order to document who speaks and constructs such ideas. Uses contact analysis attempts to reveal hidden messages within the texts. Suggests that the findings demonstrate the influence of the press in terms of policy decision‐making and provides implications for public policy.
Explaining social exclusion
Authors: Jarman Jennifer
Published: June 2007

Explains that the following articles provide the opportunity to look at how the concept of social exclusion develops when it is approached sociologically. Outlines the content and briefly comments on each of their themes.
A story of “difference”, a different story: young homeless lesbian, gay and bisexual people
Authors: Prendergast Shirley , Dunne Gillian A. , Telford David
Published: June 2007

Suggests that research specifically at the homeless lesbian, gay or bisexual person is sparse. Presents some of the stories found from interviewing 19 cases within their category. Shows that whilst the samples share characteristics with other homeless groups that can also be characterised in four distinct ways based on their sexuality. Looks at each group in turn. Highlights that whilst sexuality is often portrayed as one more disadvantage to deal with, it can become a way to inclusion. Cites some examples.
New fatherhood in practice? Parental leave in the UK
Authors: Dermott Esther M.
Published: June 2007

Considers the exclusionary processes arising from the way in which fathers are excluded from childcare activities. Outlines the parental leave provisions in the UK and explores the nature of the assumptions made about fatherhood. Compares the take up of parental leave by both men and women in other European countries. Concludes that whilst the current system supports a balanced work and home life but the significant gender differences in take‐up of parental leave between men and women means that legislation may be making gender division with respect to early childcare more marked rather than reduced.
Inclusion or exclusion? Reflections on the evidence of declining racial disadvantage in the British labour market
Authors: Iganski Paul , Payne Geoff , Roberts Judy
Published: June 2007

Considers the position of ethnic minority groups in Britain in relation to economic exclusion. Suggest that earlier research overemphasised the extent to which these groups were economically excluded. Discusses recent evidence which implies that during the 1990s convergence was seen. Re‐examines the evidence and cites that there is much more to be done and that there are many different experiences between and within different ethnic groups. States that gender differences are greater than ethnic differences.
Women in higher education in Europe – a statistical overview
Authors: Mischau Anina
Published: June 2007

Focuses on questions such as “what does the situation of women at universities look like in Europe?” and “What does inequality mean today?” Continues by asking how has the situation changed recently and which national measures have been initiated in recent years and questioning their success. Answers some of these questions in a comparative way and provides a number of examples from Germany.
To the top in higher education: the case of the Netherlands
Authors: Mottier Ilja
Published: June 2007

Looks at the position of women in the Netherlands. Considers the opportunity of women to participate in the labour market before concentrating on the Dutch education system from a gender perspective. Concludes that although half of the student population is female, women are still under‐represented in responsible positions at university and therefore, despite some breakthroughs, much remains to be done.
Gender inequality at the University of Athens
Authors: Lambropoulou Voula
Published: June 2007

States that whilst more women are admitted to Greek universities than men and generally achieve higher grades, very few women are promoted to the highest academic ranks. Suggests that a women’s academic career depends on her social connections rather than on her qualifications. Analyses the situation of women at the University of Athens against the backdrop of the traditional philosophical debate concerning the gender issue.