bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexibility, turnover and training
Authors: Forrier Anneleen , Sels Luc
Published: May 2003

Addresses the question of whether a high turnover of staff is accompanied by lower investment in company‐training. By means of a written questionnaire, data were collected from 223 companies in four different sectors: the food sector, the wholesale trade, the printing industry and the software sector. Besides the turnover of staff, introduces the degree of contractual flexibility and the existence of an internal labour market as explanatory variables in the discussion. In contradiction to most labour economic thinking on training, finds a positive relationship between fluctuations in the number of employees and the investment in training. The findings indicate that company training is particularly concentrated on inflow and replacement problems. Therefore, concludes that financial support measures of governments might benefit more the recruitment policy of companies instead of the high ideal of “lifelong learning”.
Commitment from a contractor workforce?
Authors: McKeown Tui
Published: May 2003

This paper examines the notion of work commitment within the professional contractor workforce – a working relationship that typifies the growing number falling outside that of the traditional and ongoing employer/employee relationship. In particular, attention is given to the commitment‐related implications associated with the contracting relationship where both an employing organisation and a contracting agency are involved as both have a vested interest in managing the contractor within this construct. A specific focus of this research is the ability of a contractor to hold dual commitment and to investigate the factors that influence the levels of commitment to each party. The limited nature of data available within Australia means this study is supplemented with the much larger body of data and research from the USA. Implications from the findings of this study for human resource management practices in both contracting agencies and host organisations as well as future research needs are discussed.
Virtually working
Authors: Hjalager Anne‐Mette
Published: May 2003

The focus of this paper is on virtual working and the ultramobile – contingent – workforce in a Nordic welfare economy. The institutional frameworks for virtual working are investigated and analysed. Danish legal frameworks and collective bargaining arrangements are shown to provide substantial opportunities for flexibility, which benefits small and medium‐sized enterprises in particular. Since the early 1990s, temp and recruiting agency activity has somewhat widened in scope and scale, in accordance with a general deregulation of this labour market service. Restrictions that still exist in many European countries have been abolished in Denmark, but other forces counteract a rapid development of the agency sector. The Internet is opening up new opportunities for a flexibilisation of work by expanding geographical and organisational limits and lowering search and promotion costs. Finally, the paper also discusses the new “meta” organisations, the aim of which is the social protection of virtual workers in an increasingly competitive, globalised and individualised world.
Workforce diversity status: a study of employees’ reactions
Authors: Kundu Subhash C.
Published: May 2003

Primary data based on 1,083 observations were analyzed to examine the reactions and perceptions of male and female employees across categories about workforce diversity status in Indian organizations. Results indicated the prevalence of gender and category (racial) discrimination in Indian organizations. Male employees rated female employees less qualified, less competent, and less productive than females rated themselves. General category employees perceived that minority and socially disadvantaged employees were less competent and productive. Almost all employees believed that minority, socially disadvantaged, and disabled employees were provided with comparatively less organizational support in terms of working facilities, promotions, and salary increases. Even females of the general category believed that they had less chance of receiving working facilities, promotions, and salary increases than males from the general category. Further, each category of employees believed themselves to be more important than others. Females from all the categories valued diversity more highly than males. Females from the general category and both males and females from minority, disabled, and socially disadvantaged categories placed higher value on employers’ efforts to promote diversity compared with general category males.
Managing human capital supply chain in the Internet era
Authors: Kumar Sameer
Published: May 2003

The past decade has witnessed dramatic changes in the types and composition of the workforce. A greater number of employees are able to work from home. Job seekers have better access to available jobs today than ever before. Likewise, employers have greater access to available potential candidates. In this context, a variety of approaches including intelligent agents to facilitate the search for employment are reviewed. The impact of the Internet on human resources management from employees’ and employers’ perspectives and resulting trends are analyzed. Based on the author’s industry interactions and statistics, answers are sought to many pertinent questions relating to quality human resource initiatives to link with a technologically adept workforce. A human capital supply chain management framework is proposed which has decision‐support capability in an Internet environment that provides value‐based relationships between partners.
A strategy‐based model for e‐commerce planning
Authors: Kao Diana , Decou Judith
Published: May 2003

Poor planning practice is one of the reasons for the inferior results of some e‐commerce ventures. In this paper, it is suggested that a strategy‐based e‐commerce planning model containing seven specific dimensions, with strategy at its core, should be considered when entering into a new e‐commerce venture. Implications for managerial practice upon the adoption of such a planning model are also discussed.
Did your efforts really win customers’ satisfaction?
Authors: Chien Te‐King , Chang Tien‐Hsiang , Su Chao‐Ton
Published: May 2003

The national customer satisfaction index (NCSI) shows that these indices compare and estimate the competitiveness and financial benefits for countries and industries. However, general enterprise uses the concepts of NCSI deficiently in the practice of CS activities. This paper will express the latent variables in the NCSI models of different countries in order to highlight all the efforts companies have made in promoting CS activities to win customers’ satisfaction and loyalty. Through the successful experience of a Taiwanese company, the relationship between the NCSI and the various concrete issues within the CS program is compared. Also, this article proposes the concept of a “matching rate” to show how the necessary concrete issues of all CS activities must link with the latent variables of NCSI. Finally, the managerial implications of the matching rate are explained, and it is suggested how an enterprise can use the rate to draw up the strategy of the CS program.
Development of an intelligent customer‐supplier relationship management system: the application of case‐based reasoning
Authors: Choy K.L. , Fan Kenny K.H. , Lo Victor
Published: May 2003

In increasingly competitive markets, customer satisfaction is a vital corporate objective. Key elements to increasing customer satisfaction include producing consistently high‐quality products and providing high‐quality customer service. Also, supplier relationship management (SRM) contributes to the supplier selection and increases the competitive advantage of manufacturers. SRM can enhance customer satisfaction and increase market share. Thus the development of a customer‐SRM system in the areas of outsourcing is essential for a company to remain competitive. Discusses an intelligent customer‐SRM system (ISRMS), using case‐based reasoning to help solve problems such as supplier selection and the help desk problem‐solving approach. By using ISRMS, companies can select the most suitable suppliers from the supplier list, as well as establishing a good customer‐supplier relationship between parties.
An empirical analysis of software volatility and related factors
Authors: Zhang Xiaoni , Windsor John
Published: May 2003

Despite the belief that software enhancements must be designed into software applications, there is only little research that has rigorously investigated the relationships that exist between software characteristics and software volatility. The objective of this research is to investigate the relationship of software characteristics with software volatility and its theoretical model is based on two models for software volatility. In this study, software volatility refers to the frequency of enhancements per application. A survey of critical software applications used at a major integrated oil company was used to test the hypotheses. Findings indicate that complexity, software age, and program size are significant predicators for software volatility. These findings could assist companies in their decision process about choosing between maintaining existing software or replacing it, often at substantial financial cost.
Key factors for achieving organizational data‐mining success
Authors: Nemati Hamid R. , Barko Christopher D.
Published: May 2003

Project management factors affecting the implementation of IT projects have been widely studied; however, there is little empirical research investigating the implementation of organizational data‐mining (ODM) projects. ODM is defined as leveraging data‐mining tools and technologies to enhance the decision‐making process by transforming data into valuable and actionable knowledge to gain a competitive advantage. Organizations of all sizes are developing and implementing ODM technologies. A cross‐sectional survey based on The Square Route Framework was conducted to determine the relationship among project factors affecting ODM implementations. Findings from 111 organizations indicate that a number of implementation factors have a significant influence on the successful implementation of ODM projects.
Aid type and its relationship with human well being
Authors: Gani Azmat , Clemes Michael D.
Published: May 2003

This paper examines the effects of foreign aid type on human well being. Cross‐country regressions revealed aid for education and water to be positively correlated with human well being in low‐income countries while aid for education and health are positively correlated with human well being in lower‐middle‐income countries. The results also confirm growth in output and gross domestic investment to be positively associated with human well being in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries. In the low‐income countries, it is also found that unproductive government expenditure, conflicts and rural populations are negatively correlated with human well being. Conflicts and rural populations are also negatively correlated with human well being in the middle‐income countries.
The productivity paradox and the business cycle
Authors: Spithoven A.H.G.M.
Published: May 2003

From the early 1980s to the late 1990s overall productivity rates did not reflect the rising investment in information and computer technology (ICT). This paradox, the productivity paradox, which was widely discussed among economists may well turn out to be mainly a mirage once the assumption is excluded that investment has a short‐run effect on productivity. The apparent productivity paradox seems to be rooted in an ICT infrastructure that is inadequate and in an increase in income disparities that thwart the realization of economies of scale.
Global structural change and its de‐materialization implications
Authors: Torras Mariano
Published: May 2003

Employing World Bank data, this article finds that the observed worldwide transition from industrial to service activity has an insignificant long‐term impact on global de‐materialization. Unlike earlier studies that focus on actual material flows for specific sectors, this study considers economy‐wide sectoral composition changes from 1960 to 1998 for 206 countries, and infers some future scenarios based on observed trends. Sensitivity analysis under alternative assumptions about technological change and average industry material intensity indicates that, unless de‐materialization is “weakly” defined, a leveling off of world gross domestic product at some time this century will probably be required to achieve it.
Money and academic finance: the role of paradigms
Authors: Ardalan Kavous
Published: May 2003

Any adequate analysis of the nature and role of money necessarily requires fundamental understanding of the worldviews underlying the views expressed with respect to the nature and role of money. This paper starts with the premise that any worldview can be positioned on a continuum formed by four basic paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. It looks at the current state of mainstream academic finance and notes that it is founded on the functionalist paradigm. It argues that any view expressed with respect to the nature and role of money is based on one of the four paradigms or worldviews. It, therefore, discusses four views expressed with respect to the nature and role of money. The paper emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the nature and role of money from a certain paradigmatic viewpoint. It concludes that there are opportunities for mainstream academic finance to benefit from contributions by the other three paradigms.
Institutional economics and economic development
Authors: Prasad Biman C.
Published: May 2003

This paper discusses the institutionalists' economic thought and how they saw the role of property rights in economic development. It points out that the role of various institutions in the economic performance of many developing countries cannot be ignored. One of the important institutional factors in many developing countries and transitional economies is the nature and definition of property rights. This paper therefore addresses the impact of property rights on overall economic performance of a country and more specifically on agricultural production and on the conservation and management of the environment. It is generally agreed that property rights are a claim to a benefit stream where the state provides protection from others who may interfere with the benefit stream. Well‐defined property rights are considered vital for transitional economies which are undertaking major structural changes. The recent literature on property rights in transitional economies is largely concentrated on the former socialist and communist economies of Eastern Europe, which are embracing the market economy. However, this also has significant implications for many developing countries like Fiji which can also be considered as transitional economies. For Fiji the transition is from a highly protected, inward‐looking economy towards an export‐oriented economy. Getting the property rights “right” seems to be one of the major obstacles to economic reform agendas for many of the South Pacific countries including Fiji.
Misplaced marketing Gardening, pizza, tacos, truck parts and fake jewelry: misuse and misdirection of sex in advertising
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack
Published: May 2003

Looks at how sex has an effect on advertising, albeit that it is misused and misdirected at times. Stresses that these types of advertisements are aimed at both male and female markets, depending on the product type – though some are aimed at both sexes. Concludes that often the end does not justify the means as it is the product that is important – as this will outlive any titillating adverts – if it is any good!
Which decision heuristics are used in consideration set formation?
Authors: Laroche Michel , Kim Chankon , Matsui Takayoshi
Published: May 2003

This study empirically investigates consumers’ use of five heuristics (conjunctive, disjunctive, lexicographic, linear additive, and geometric compensatory) in the consideration set formation, a critical first phase before actual choice behavior. Data were collected on the selection of beer brands and fast food outlets by real consumers. Using a decomposition approach in determining the consumers’ choice heuristics, it was found that the conjunctive heuristic is the most often used decision model in the consideration set formation for the two product classes. Implications for brand managers and future research directions are developed.
Fads: segmenting the fad‐buyer market
Authors: Lilly Bryan , Nelson Tammy R.
Published: May 2003

Marketers occasionally seek short‐term opportunities through marketing fads. The literature offers little guidance to these marketers and is even discouraging by noting that fads do not satisfy strong consumer needs. Our research examines the fad construct. We offer a revised conceptualization of fads and examine the importance of fads in consumption. Interviews and surveys are used to develop and validate a segmentation typology. We find eight motivation‐based segments that differ in ways that suggest how marketers might target buyers in these segments. In contrast to prior views, an encouraging finding for marketing is that we find that fad purchases often do satisfy strong consumption needs.
The quality of health purchasing
Authors: Øvretveit John
Published: May 2003

Much has been written about quality in patient care and clinical support services, but very little about the quality of purchasing. This paper gives an overview of quality issues in purchasing, and offers guidelines and practical steps for purchasers to improve service quality – both their own and their providers’. It defines quality in purchasing and considers how purchasers can influence markets and work with providers to improve health services quality. The paper gives practical guidance for improving quality, which recognises the limited resources and skills which purchasers have for the task. It addresses some issues raised by purchaser/managers: How does a purchasing organisation measure and improve quality? Is there a better way of specifying and monitoring quality than the “shopping‐list of standards” approach – what should be asked of providers? How can information about clinical quality, outcome and costs, be obtained in a form in which reliable comparisons can be made? Is quality accreditation or registration a good predictor of future quality?
Compliance with instructions for writing structured care management tools
Authors: Labarère José , Bos Cécile , Bedouch Pierrick , Fourny Magali , Pavese Patricia , Allenet Benoit , François Patrice
Published: May 2003

The aim of this study was to assess whether clinical guidelines complied with the instructions for writing structured care management tools in a French university hospital. A cross‐sectional study of guidelines for appropriate antimicrobial agent use in the authors’ institution was carried out. A total of 221 guidelines were retrieved in 62 hospital units. The number of guidelines by unit ranged from one to 22 and 198 guidelines (90 per cent) had been developed at the local level. None of the guidelines fully complied with the ten criteria of the instructions. Each guideline met, on average, 4.2 criteria (3.9‐4.5). The partial compliance rate was 75 per cent (68‐80). In two‐level multivariate analysis, factors associated with partial compliance were: dissemination of guidelines after implementation of the instructions (odds ratio=6.25 (2.41‐16.21)), existence of more than one storage site for guidelines in each unit (OR=3.26 (1.03‐10.32)), and hospital unit (variance of the intercept=1.54).
Specialty audit leads – has this concept been effective in implementing clinical audit in an acute hospital?
Authors: Renshaw M. , Ireland A.
Published: May 2003

Clinical audit has a pivotal role to play in improving the quality of patient care. As part of the programme for co‐ordinating clinical audit across the trust each clinical area has a nominated doctor to lead and co‐ordinate the audit programme in their specialty. This qualitative survey reviews the effectiveness of having specialty audit leads and reviews the progress that specialties have made in developing their audit programme. The semi‐structured interviews with 30 clinical audit leads identified an uneven level of development of clinical audit across the trust, and demonstrated that dedicated time would be needed to make these posts more universally successful. Although one size will not fit all, the interviews highlighted some recurring themes – seeds of success – in functioning audit programmes.
Gap analysis of patient meal service perceptions
Authors: Jessica Hwang Li‐Jen , Eves Anita , Desombre Terry
Published: May 2003

The provision of food and drinks to patients remains a largely unexplored, multidimensional phenomenon. In an attempt to ameliorate this lack of understanding, a survey utilising a modified SERVQUAL instrument measured on a seven‐point Likert scale was carried out on‐site at four NHS acute trusts for the purpose of assessing the perceptions and expectations of meal attributes and their importance in determining patient satisfaction. The results of factor analysis found three dimensions: food properties, interpersonal service, and environmental presentation, with a high reliability (Cronbach’s α from 0.9191 to 0.7836). Path analysis further established sophisticated causal relations with patient satisfaction. The food dimension was found to be the best predictor of patient satisfaction among the three dimensions, while the interpersonal service dimension was not found to have any correlation with satisfaction. Bridging the gaps that exist between perceptions and expectations can improve the quality of meal services for the purpose of maximising patient satisfaction and ultimately aiding in patient recovery.
Developing a departmental culture for reporting adverse incidents
Authors: Bhatia R. , Blackshaw G. , Rogers A. , Grant A. , Kulkarni R.
Published: May 2003

A simple, reproducible model for reporting adverse events was developed in order to promote cultural awareness and acceptance of risk management within the authors’ department. A departmental proforma was created and prospective reporting of adverse events was encouraged. In the six months prior to commencing this study only four adverse incidents were reported. Following the introduction of the proforma 64 critical incidents and near‐misses were reported in the one‐year period. In conclusion a simple model for reporting critical incidents and near‐misses has been established. This has fostered a cultural change within the department and all members of staff feel more comfortable with reporting such incidents. The process is seen as educational and an important part of continuing professional and departmental development. Protocols and changes in organisational practice have been developed to reduce and prevent the occurrence of adverse events and offer patients continuous improvement in care.
Review of an incident at a petrochemical plant
Authors: ’L Razi Ahmadun Fakhru , Shalu Ibrahim M. , Said Aini Mat
Published: May 2003

Major hazard installations (MHIs) are dealing with hazardous substances which exceed the threshold quantity. MHIs are characterized by tight coupling and high complexity. Due to their complexity, MHIs require well trained managers who have good experience at all levels to manage the operations successfully. The managements of major hazard installations play a vital role in the success or failure of their installation. The world has witnessed many incidents in major hazard installations due to failure of the management at all levels. This paper summarizes in brief the management errors for several incidents which occurred worldwide. Also, the paper reviews the management errors which led to an incident at a petrochemical plant in East Malaysia.
Environmental compliance by chemical facilities with Emergency Planning and Community Right‐To‐Know Act
Authors: Mitra Amlan , Falk Gideon , Barczyk Casimir C.
Published: May 2003

This paper is a part of some on‐going research to evaluate environmental compliance by chemical facilities with Title III requirements. The purpose of this paper is to report on a case study in Lake County, Indiana. We evaluate environmental compliance of chemical facilities through the perceptions and opinions of the members of the Lake County Local Emergency Planning Committee. We find that major problems perceived by the local emergency planners are the lack of knowledge of reporting requirements by the small chemical facilities and the difficulty of monitoring these facilities. Recognizing the limitations of this study, we hope that it will help to understand how local communities can effectively encourage facilities to comply with Title III without direct government involvement.
Emergent phenomena and the sociology of disaster: lessons, trends and opportunities from the research literature
Authors: Drabek Thomas E. , McEntire David A.
Published: May 2003

Research on emergent behavior has been a significant topic within disaster studies. Through a detailed review of the literature we provide background information about this particular branch of disaster sociology. Following a brief discussion of the process by which literature was selected, important trends and areas of debate are discussed. These include the validation of previous findings, an expansion of the discussion on emergent phenomena and a critique of the bureaucratic approach. We conclude with implications for the theory and practice of emergency management.
Towards the development of standards in emergency management training and education
Authors: Alexander David
Published: May 2003

This paper discusses the possible future role of standards in assuring the quality and content of programmes for educating and training people in the fields of emergency planning and management. Principles for the establishment of standards are presented. Existing standards in the civil protection and emergency preparedness fields are reviewed. The requisites for a training standard are described. Finally, a prototype standard is presented. The paper also addresses the question of whether standards are appropriate instruments and concludes that they would help ensure comparability, quality assurance and international compatibility of training.
Research degree examining: quality issues of principle and practice
Authors: Powell Stuart , Green Howard
Published: May 2003

Raises questions about the research degree examination and in particular the apparent reluctance on the part of institutions and both regulatory and funding agencies to develop a common and transparent approach. Research degree examining is discussed as a quality issue in which the absence of norms adopted for taught programmes is questioned. What results is a confusing and muddled picture of assessment of the highest award of UK universities. The editorial reviews issues arising from candidates’ perceptions of the process of examination, including the viva, prior to the event, the choice of examiners and the approach adopted by the examiners. Examining the criteria employed in the examination and the approach taken, the paper highlights the enormous diversity of practice. The resulting discussion highlights the need for national guidelines and points to the lack of clear direction in the recent joint funding councils’ report.
The process of examining research degrees: some issues of quality
Authors: Powell Stuart , McCauley Clare
Published: May 2003

This paper reports the findings of a small survey of the views of individual academics in relation to four issues regarding research degree examiners: the use of their reports; the scope of criteria they use to make judgements and the assessment remit given to them; their training; and the criteria used for their appointment. The responses indicate lack of consensus on almost all points and suggest some fundamental differences of view on the nature of research degree study, its subsequent examination and on the roles of examiners within the assessment process.
Assessing the PhD: a constructive view of criteria
Authors: Denicolo Pam
Published: May 2003

Research and informed debate reveals that institutional practices in relation to research degree examining vary considerably across the sector. Within a context of accountability and quality assurance/total quality management, the range and specificity of criteria that are used to judge doctoral work is of particular relevance. First, a review of the literature indicates that, although interest in and concern about the process is burgeoning, there is little empirical research published from which practitioners can draw guidance. The second part of the paper reviews that available research, drawing conclusions about issues that seem to pertain at a general level across disciplines and institutions. Lest the variation is an artefact of discipline difference, the third part of the paper focuses on a within discipline study. Criteria expected/predicted by supervisors are compared and contrasted with those anticipated and experienced by candidates and with those implemented and considered important by examiners. The results are disturbing.
The PhD examination: support and training for supervisors and examiners
Authors: Cryer Pat , Mertens Peter
Published: May 2003

Two linked schemes have been developed to provide greater support for academics involved in the supervision of postgraduate students. One, the Training and Accreditation Programme for Postgraduate Supervisors (TAPPS), was originally designed and developed at the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) in collaboration with BBSRC. The other is a Web gateway on research supervision. The schemes provide advice, a forum for peer group discussion, training in specific aspects of supervision, recognition (accreditation) for the role and contribution of the supervisor and annotated links to relevant information sources via the Web. Details are available on www.iah.bbsrc.ac.uk/TAPPS and www.iah.bbsrc.ac.uk/supervisor‐training. This paper explores the rationale for the existence of the schemes; considers their operation – first generally and then with respect to the PhD examination; presents evidence of benefits to academics and students; and concludes with an outlook on the futures of the schemes.
Figuratively speaking: six accounts of the PhD viva
Authors: Wallace Sue
Published: May 2003

This paper is based on research into the conduct of PhD vivas, whose aim was to investigate how this examination is experienced by successful candidates, and specifically to address a question raised by previous researchers: Why does a successful viva outcome nevertheless leave some candidates feeling negative about their experience? The focus in this paper is on the language – particularly the figurative language – which successful candidates use to describe their oral examination. It explores the fact that those who reported feeling a sense of achievement were found to employ metaphors and similes of sporting competitions or debate, while candidates who report feeling negative, despite their success, employ imagery relating to imprisonment and interrogation. It goes on to argue that neither of these conceptual models is appropriate for the examination of higher degrees, and that such discrepancy may arise from the way some examiners interpret their role.
Students’ questions and their implications for the viva
Authors: Murray Rowena
Published: May 2003

This paper draws on viva preparation workshops conducted at the University of Strathclyde and at other universities in the UK. In workshop discussions, students’ questions reveal anxieties, expectations and gaps in their understanding of the viva. A comprehensive list of questions would suggest that every aspect of the viva is unknown to students. However, analysis reveals recurring issues and underlying ambiguities in the viva. Given that universities provide so much information to students, it is surprising that students have so many questions. However, students’ questions do not indicate ignorance, but show them positioning the viva as a new communication event. The implications of this analysis for the viva are that a panel of examiners, rather than national standards, might provide the foundation for transparency and rhetorical development, rather than more information, would enhance students’ and supervisors’ understandings and preparations.
Questions in doctoral vivas: views from the inside
Authors: Trafford Vernon
Published: May 2003

Knowing what occurs at doctoral vivas is restricted to those who attend. Since 1998 the author has observed the transactions of doctoral vivas in the disciplines of applied sciences, education, environmental sciences and social science as either Chair, examiner or supervisor. With the agreement of participants the author’s participation in, and observation of, viva processes enabled him to collect data. Records were made of examiners’ questions, and the discussions that were held with participants. The evidence shows that patterns of generic questions transcend disciplines, and their respective types of questions reflect relationships between examiners. The evidence portrays how examiners approach, and explore, the nature of doctorateness. Questions asked in doctoral vivas follow discernible patterns, and specific clusters of questions are critical as examiners determine the outcome of doctoral viva examinations. Questioning by examiners follows different patterns in the natural and social sciences.
The selection of external examiners for research degrees
Authors: Joyner Richard W.
Published: May 2003

The external examiner (EE) is the most important arbiter of whether a student’s submission earns the research degree for which it is entered. Based largely on personal experience as a research degree examiner and administrator, suggests that there are two main characteristics that should be required of any potential external examiner: they should be sufficiently aware of the intellectual frontiers of their subject that they can judge whether the thesis makes a contribution to knowledge or scholarship sufficient to justify the award; and they should also be mature adults, of enough humanity to ensure that the examination process is a worthwhile and developmental experience for the candidate, irrespective of the outcome. Argues that there are thus two principles that underlie the successful selection of an external examiner (EE): institutions should have carefully constructed regulations defining the qualifications and experience expected of the EE, and a scrutiny framework sufficient to ensure that they are followed; and supervisory teams have a duty to prepare and inform themselves well in advance of the selection of external examiners. Ways in which these principles can be made effective will be discussed and current practice at Nottingham Trent University outlined.
The trials of being a PhD external examiner
Authors: Grabbe Lester L.
Published: May 2003

The external examiner is the backbone of the system for PhD awards in the UK. Yet, when external examining is discussed in the abstract, the examiner is often seen as a villain who victimizes poor, helpless students. The assumption frequently seems to be that if students complain about the examining process, their view is automatically justified against the examiner. This paper draws on extensive personal experience, both in chairing research examinations and in being an external PhD examiner, to present the other side of the coin: the perspective of the examiner. It concludes with seven recommendations to improve the present system of PhD examining.
A study of entrepreneurial brand building in the manufacturing sector in the UK
Authors: Boyle Emily
Published: May 2003

Entrepreneurial brand building is an area of study in its infancy. The nature of entrepreneurship which typically implies serious limitations on the availability of resources suggests that entrepreneurs need to take an unconventional approach to brand building. This article provides an analysis of how one entrepreneurial manufacturing concern in the UK, Dyson Appliances, successfully built a strong brand of vacuum cleaners during the 1990s. In particular it considers the importance of brand image and the role of product attributes and the development of the brand’s personality in creating this. It argues that a key aspect of a brand’s personality is its values and therefore one of the tasks of brand builders is to find a way of imbuing the brand with these values. One of the richest sources of society’s values is mythology, which emphasizes especially the values of its heroes. A brand can be imbued with these values through association with mythology. This was the approach adopted by Dyson Appliances as it built its vacuum cleaners into a leading national brand.
Determinants of habitual behavior for national and leading brands in China
Authors: Lin M.Y. , Chang L.H.
Published: May 2003

Despite the existence of some research into habitual behavior, there is a noticeable lack of investigation into its determinants. Since the only influential factor generally discussed is brand awareness, our study includes other factors in order to provide a complete understanding of the determinants of habitual behavior. We consider the influence of various marketing and demographic factors on consumers’ habitual behavior towards national and leading brands of low involvement products in mainland China. A conceptual model is proposed and logistic regression used to analyze data on southwestern China, with the results indicating that all four marketing factors, brand awareness, perceived quality, channel convenience and price, exert significant influences on habitual behavior. The results further suggest some discernible demographic features of habitual buyers. Marketing implications are also discussed, highlighting in particular, the association between “satisfaction” and “channel convenience”, which is clearly demonstrated as the critical determinant for retaining leading brand consumers.
Branding universities in Asian markets
Authors: Gray Brendan J. , Shyan Fam Kim , Llanes Violeta A.
Published: May 2003

Although universities are increasingly competing for international students, little has been written about the influence of cross‐cultural values on the positioning of international education brands. This study investigates the values that students in three Asian markets place on overseas university education, and the media they use to gain information about universities. The results suggest that a common media mix can be utilized in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, and that a standardized or adapted branding strategy could be adopted, depending on how many of these markets universities wish to target. The results have important implications for the positioning of international university brands in Asian markets.
Digital redemption of coupons: satisfying and dissatisfying effects of promotion codes
Authors: Oliver Richard L. , Shor Mikhael
Published: May 2003

Coupons, in the form of “promotion codes”, are now a mainstay of the online shopping experience, but online coupon redemption differs substantively from that in traditional retailing. Offline redemption of coupons is customer‐initiated while Internet shoppers are usually prompted to enter a code towards the conclusion of the checkout process. This prompting may influence shopper perceptions and behaviors such as shopping cart abandonment. Results showed strong negative effects on price fairness, satisfaction, and purchase completion in the code‐absent group and positive effects on fairness and satisfaction in the code‐present group. Presents implications for effective market segmentation through the use of online coupon codes.
Clinical quality improvement project: finding a repeatable approach for improving STAT lab testing
Authors: Lutes Lynette , Logsetty Sarvesh , McGuinness Jan , Carlson Joan M.
Published: May 2003

Explores the development of a clinical quality improvement pilot project at the University of Alberta Hospital and Stollery Children’s Hospital which aimed to establish a team of individuals that could disseminate a culture of quality improvement and develop a framework for a quality process that could be replicated and repeated. Outcomes of the clinical pilot project included improved performance as well as opportunities to learn some key lessons around team membership and involvement.
Student volunteers: why hospitals must invest in their futures
Authors: Andersen Karen
Published: May 2003

As the current volunteer work force ages, hospitals are faced with the challenge of evolving their student volunteers into active adult volunteers. Engaged student volunteers may be nurtured by the hospital to become future employees, links to the community or potential donors. Currently, retention rates among student volunteers indicate that once the majority of students begin post secondary education, they discontinue their association with the hospital. Using a scientific marketing research approach, this paper addresses three questions aimed at producing a model to increase long‐term retention among student volunteers. Why do seemingly committed volunteers discontinue their association with the hospital? How does the hospital develop a system that allows and encourages students to maintain contact with the hospital? How can a hospital integrate a virtual volunteering model into its traditional volunteering model? The conclusions lead the reader to reassess the way they view student volunteers and strongly encourage the reader to view the students not just as volunteers, but also as long‐term potential active members of the hospital community.
A Neo‐Gramscian Approach to Corporate Political Strategy: Conflict and Accommodation in the Climate Change Negotiations*
Authors: Levy David L. , Egan Daniel
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT A neo‐Gramscian theoretical framework for corporate political strategy is developed drawing from Gramsci's analysis of the relations among capital, social forces, and the state, and from more contemporary theories. Gramsci's political theory recognizes the centrality of organizations and strategy, directs attention to the organizational, economic, and ideological pillars of power, while illuminating the processes of coalition building, conflict, and accommodation that drive social change. This approach addresses the structure‐agency relationship and endogenous dynamics in a way that could enrich institutional theory. The framework suggests a strategic concept of power, which provides space for contestation by subordinate groups in complex dynamic social systems. We apply the framework to analyse the international negotiations to control emissions of greenhouse gases, focusing on the responses of firms in the US and European oil and automobile industries. The neo‐Gramscian framework explains some specific features of corporate responses to challenges to their hegemonic position and points to the importance of political struggles within civil society. The analysis suggests that the conventional demarcation between market and non‐market strategies is untenable, given the embeddedness of markets in contested social and political structures and the political character of strategies directed toward defending and enhancing markets, technologies, corporate autonomy and legitimacy.
Post‐acquisition Integration as Sensemaking: Glimpses of Ambiguity, Confusion, Hypocrisy, and Politicization
Authors: Vaara Eero
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT Though many studies have examined post‐acquisition integration challenges, they have mainly focused on rationalistic explanations for the difficulties encountered in post‐acquisition integration. There remains little knowledge of how the ‘irrational’ features of post‐acquisition decision‐making may impede organizational integration. This study attempts to bridge that gap by examining post‐acquisition decision‐making from a sensemaking perspective. The paper presents an in‐depth analysis of a merger between a large Finnish furniture manufacturer and three smaller Swedish furniture companies. By focusing on the sensemaking processes surrounding integration issues, we uncover four interrelated tendencies that illuminate why the frequent problem of slow progress during post‐acquisition integration occurs: inherent ambiguity concerning integration issues; cultural confusion in social interaction and communication; organizational hypocrisy in integration decision‐making; and the politicization of integration issues.
The Changing Roles of Personnel Managers: Old Ambiguities, New Uncertainties
Authors: Caldwell Raymond
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT  There have been notable attempts to capture the changing nature of personnel roles in response to major transformations in the workplace and the associated rise of ‘HRM’. A decade ago Storey (1992) explored the emerging impact of workplace change on personnel practice in the UK and proposed a new fourfold typology of personnel roles: ‘advisors’, ‘handmaidens’, ‘regulators’ and ‘changemakers’. Have these four roles changed now that HRM has increasingly become part of the rhetoric and reality of organizational performance? If Storey's work provides an empirical and analytical benchmark for examining issues of ‘role change’, then Ulrich's (1997) work in the USA offers a sweeping prescriptive end‐point for the transformation of personnel roles that has already been widely endorsed by UK practitioners. He argues that HR professionals must overcome the traditional marginality of the personnel function by embracing a new set of roles as champions of competitiveness in delivering value. Is this a realistic ambition? The new survey findings and interview evidence from HR managers in major UK companies presented here suggests that the role of the personnel professional has altered in a number of significant respects, and has become more multifaceted and complex, but the negative counter‐images of the past still remain. To partly capture the process of role change, Storey's original fourfold typology of personnel roles is re‐examined and contrasted with Ulrich's prescriptive vision for the reinvention on the HR function. It is concluded that Storey's typology has lost much of its empirical and analytical veracity, while Ulrich's model ends in prescriptive overreach by submerging issues of role conflict within a new rhetoric of professional identity. Neither model can adequately accommodate the emergent tensions between competing role demands, ever‐increasing managerial expectations of performance and new challenges to professional expertise, all of which are likely to intensify in the future.
Psychological Contract Breach in a Chinese Context: An Integrative Approach
Authors: Lo Susanna , Aryee Samuel
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT  This study examined the antecedents and outcomes of psychological contract breach as well as why and how psychological contract breach is related to these outcomes. Respondents were Hong Kong Chinese employees (N=152). Results showed organizational change and history of contract breach to be related to psychological contract breach which, in turn, was related to turnover intentions, psychological withdrawal behaviour, and civic virtue. Further, trust in employer fully mediated the relationship between psychological contract breach and the work outcomes of psychological withdrawal behaviour and civic virtue but partially mediated the psychological contract breach–turnover intentions relationship. Lastly, interactional justice failed to moderate the relationship between psychological contract breach and the work outcomes.