bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing organizational ethics: measuring the gaps
Authors: Connor K.T.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Ethics in organizations has become a critical issue, one which requires an accurate assessment of ethical vision and of the alignment among various elements of the organization. Moreover, the sensitive nature of the concept requires a measurement methodology which counteracts the bias potential of self‐report assessment. This article proposes a way to address these requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

It reviews the importance of addressing the ethics issue and delineates a methodology based on the logic of decision making rather than on taxonomies, codes, and self‐report. The basic understandings of axiology and axiometrics are described, as well as an axiological ethics model. Preliminary organizational analysis yields data addressing the issues of the relative importance afforded to key components of ethics by management and employees, and perceptions of the degree to which an ethical climate exists.

Findings

The data collected indicate that the organization studied had uneven alignment. Management misjudged the level of congruence between management's vision and employees' vision, and there were often wide gaps in both groups between vision and perceived reality. Moreover, some issues that were primary among employees received little attention by management.

Originality/value

The article proposes that this new axiometric methodology transcends the limits of both conventional self‐report and observation measures of sensitive issues, and provides an ideal resource for understanding an organization's targets for ethical training and transformation.
How to transform the profitability of city law firms: part I
Authors: Eales‐White Rupert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to demonstrate in detail precisely how any city law firm can transform its profitability. Part 1 considers relevant concepts – change preference, paradigms and different approaches to creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The four change preferences are defined, and the impact of difference on language and approach to leadership is considerd. The profiles of partners in a city law firm are examined. The organisational paradigm or recipe for success is defined, and the impact of implicit beliefs or blind spots is considered. The paper seeks to provide the reader with an understanding of cognitive thinking styles – adaptive and innovative, and connect to the “cautious control” and “positive creative” change management preferences.

Findings

Partners, on average, have a left‐brain bias and prefer to have a logically detached approach to change, rather than a focus on people issues. Decision takers have an innovative approach to change management. City law firms would best manage change by setting out a long‐term strategic intent, with a series of corporate challenges, implemented sequentially and connected to the past.

Originality/value

The paper will enable the reader to understand key relevant concepts and learn how law firms can most effectively manage change.
Towards an evolutionary perspective for human information behavior
Authors: Spink Amanda , Currier James
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Since the beginning of human existence, humankind has sought, organized and used information as it evolved patterns and practices of human information behaviors. However, the field of human information behavior (HIB) has not heretofore pursued an evolutionary understanding of information behavior. The goal of this exploratory study is to provide insight about the information behavior of various individuals from the past to begin the development of an evolutionary perspective for our understanding of HIB.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents findings from a qualitative analysis of the autobiographies and personal writings of several historical figures, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles Darwin, Giacomo Casanova and others.

Findings

Analysis of their writings shows that these persons of the past articulated aspects of their HIB's, including information seeking, information organization and information use, providing tangible insights into their information‐related thoughts and actions.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for expanding the nature of our evolutionary understanding of information behavior and provides a broader context for the HIB research field.

Originality/value

This the first paper in the information science field of HIB to study the information behavior of historical figures and begin to develop an evolutionary framework for HIB research.
Where is the wisdom that we have lost in knowledge?
Authors: Rowley Jennifer
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article aims to define and explore the nature of wisdom, managerial wisdom, organisational wisdom and wisdom management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on some of the diverse writings on wisdom, and explores the relevance of wisdom in the context of knowledge management.

Findings

Wisdom has received little attention in the information management and systems, knowledge management and management literature. This is surprising since in this knowledge‐based economy the link between data, information and knowledge is seen as pivotal by practitioners, consultants and academics.

Originality/value

The article explores the nature of organisational wisdom and identifies a number of areas for further theory‐making and empirical investigation.
Roadmap to change: emerging roles for information professionals
Authors: Obiora Omekwu Charles , Eteng Uwem
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To map out routes along which the library and information profession can chart its future development.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature‐based opinion piece which looks at “roadmaps to change” in library and information work from the historical, knowledge economy and information technology perspectives.

Findings

Change is inevitable for organizational survival and the maintenance of professional relevance.

Practical implications

Librarians and information professionals are by training positioned to continue to make a difference in information handling and management both now and in the future. The paper recommends the forms of repositioning that are vital for them if they are to continue to be relevant in information service delivery.

Originality/value

New and emerging roles for the profession are highlighted from various authors and authorities in the field.
Library and information science distance education and continuing professional development in Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Bhatti Muhammad , Arif Muhammad
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To reiterate and update previous work in this area in the light of intervening developments in educational technology; and in particular to demonstrate the value of distance education for those sections of Pakistani society who are not well served by conventional educational methods. Those in need of workplace learning and similar forms of educational outreach are an important subset of this population.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a historical account of distance learning in LIS education in Pakistan, with particular reference to the role of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), and also some conclusions and pointers for the future drawing on developments from 1999 to date.

Findings

Distance education has a unique role to play in Pakistan, where high university drop‐out rates in conventional Higher Education, the need for outreach to the remote, rural poor, and the social barriers placed between women and participation in traditional education are notable features of social and educational life.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents some of the challenges to be faced by practitioner researchers in helping further understanding of how distance learning and education can be offered successfully to a variety of sections of Pakistani society, including those with a need for vocational training in general and for continuing professional development in the workplace in particular.

Practical implications

The example chosen of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) gives a practical context to the paper's assertions about the value and potential of distance education in the developing world.

Originality/value

The paper gives some insight into how ‘developed’ world models of distance education, delivered via the new media, might offer the way forward to existing distance education activities in the developing world.
Internet adoption amongst final year students in Ghana's oldest business school
Authors: Hinson Robert , Amidu Mohammed
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness and utilisation of the internet for academic research and learning among level 400 (final year) students of Ghana's oldest business school.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised a cross‐sectional survey approach because it was restricted to final year students in the 2003–2004 year graduating class. The study also employed a convenience sampling technique and was executed by means of questionnaire administration and personal interviews. The final year students were asked to fill the questionnaires before a business policy lecture. The basic research instrument used in this research was a structured questionnaire with both open and close ended questions. Apart from questionnaires, in‐depth interviews with the respondents were also conducted with the respondents because we felt that because we were dealing with a research that had to do with technology, there could be latent issues that could only be uncovered by open discussions. Data were analysed and presented by means of simple descriptive statistics.

Findings

Developing countries, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa, are often rich in the resources of people and staffing, if not in material resources. The promotion of information literacy is essentially dependent on using people differently, that is to better effect, not on injecting more resourcing into under‐funded services (although this is also important in many regards). Authorities at teaching universities, including lecturers, and heads of departments, must, as a matter of urgency, adopt mechanisms for creating better information skills and internet usage awareness among the students. This should focus on what the internet is, the services available through the internet, and the basic skills required to use the internet. This policy is not limited by resourcing, it is simply a new way to better use the richest resource of developing nations, the people and their talents.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the exploratory nature of the research, the results cannot be generalised with certainty. The research however gives pointers to gaps in the internet use propensities of business students in Ghana's business school and an internet education policy has to be instituted immediately to properly prepare students for an increasingly online Ghanaian business environment.

Practical implications

The University of Ghana Business School should move towards the setting up of instructional labs. These labs should work in close association with the school's library to ensure that students are properly trained on business, teaching and research uses of the internet.

Originality/value

One of the first studies focussing on business students at the disadvantaged end of the global digital divides which regards skills training rather than resourcing as a key issue in information usage.
Corporate blogging strategies of the Fortune 500 companies
Authors: Lee Sang , Hwang Taewon , Lee Hong‐Hee
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the emerging new phenomenon of corporate blogging and its objectives. In particular, this study focuses on how Fortune 500 firms attempt to maintain control, while supporting employee autonomy in corporate blogging.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the framework of corporate blogging strategies proposed in this study, corporate blogging practices of the 2005 Fortune 500 companies were analysed.

Findings

Most organisations maintain high levels of control by implementing top‐down blogging strategies, while few support employee autonomy by applying a bottom‐up blogging strategy. Because of the inherent limitation of each strategy, many organisations attempt to take advantage of the complementary mechanism that balances autonomy and control. Organisations emphasising bottom‐up blogging tend to focus on product development and customer service content strategy, while those practising top‐down blogging focus on thought leadership or promotional content strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This study reports leading blogging firms among the Fortune 500 companies. However, the study sample accounts for only 3.6 percent of the 500 firms. The results of the study shed insights on newly emerging corporate blogging in terms of its trends, issues, and possible future direction.

Practical implications

Companies that adopt blogs must realise that developing a candid dialogue with customers is the best way to build a meaningful customer relationship.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to systematically investigate the corporate blogging phenomenon.
Dominant organizational logic as an impediment to collaboration
Authors: Boivin Caroline , Roch Joanne
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the role of dominant logics to assess the success potential of strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical validation of an approach based on the theory of conventions was carried out through an analysis of strategic alliances initiated by Apple involving the licensing of the Macintosh operating system.

Findings

The analysis reveals the presence of modes of justification issuing from the world of inspiration, which seems to oppose the merchant and industrial worlds, which are most conducive to successful strategic alliances.

Originality/value

The analysis of dominant logics within Apple Computer demonstrate that the inspirational logic is opposed to all forms of strategic alliances.
“Something made in language”: the poet's gift?
Authors: Saunders Lesley
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a meditation on what is especial, and especially difficult, about poetry in its guise as inspiration for, or expression of, efforts and accomplishments in other human and social disciplines such as teaching or research or leadership. At the time of writing, the author – an educational researcher, policy adviser and poet – has been invited to act as poet‐in‐residence at a conference on interprofessional learning and practice in spring 2006; she is taking the opportunity of this paper to think out loud about the possible responsibilities and rewards of such a role; about what kinds of relationship between poetry and these other modes of being‐in‐the‐world are feasible; and about what kinds of integrity, intrinsic to poetry, need to be made room for in such relationships. Responding to some persuasive ideas of Abbs (academic and poet) and Heaney (poet and literary critic) about the tasks of the poet and the value of poetry respectively, the author argues that poetry is characterised above all by its “gratuitousness” – a notion which is expounded in the paper – and that therefore the straightforward application of poetry to non‐poetic contexts and purposes, as a sort of superior didactic instrument, is worth questioning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper makes some recommendations for relating the practice of poetry to the practice of professionalism in whatever sphere without detriment to the essential tasks of poetry.

Findings

The paper concludes that the especial gift of poetry, as “something made in language”, is to enlarge our imaginations; that a poet's paradoxical responsibility is therefore to do the ungovernable work of the imagination; and that it is the quality of silences (as well as of words) in poetry which give such work its force and meaning.

Originality/value

Whilst acknowledging that poetry may often be used as an expression of efforts and accomplishments in other human and social disciplines, the paper takes poetry seriously as an aesthetic and ethical practice in its own right.
Verse, voice and va va voom!: illuminating management processes through poetry
Authors: Grisoni Louise , Kirk Philip
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the power of using poetry as a process of critical reflection and organisational analysis in the management process. It intends to bring to life Armstrong's concepts of “organisation‐in‐the‐mind” and use critical role analysis in the interactions between manager and member of staff.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative, interpretive study using first and second person inquiry. Poems are created from the experiences of two organisational members in dialogue in relation to their roles and focus on specific decision‐making critical incidents within the life of the organisation. The creation of poetry is used as a form of communication and provides a focus for thematic analysis of key organisational themes and issues.

Findings

The creative use of poetry to illuminate unconscious processes and organisational issues has enabled revitalised working relationships and a new perspective on the organisational dynamic. The critical incidents and surrounding events caused considerable emotional discomfort. Writing in the form of poetry enabled a finding of voice, increased personal learning, and new insights in relation to roles, management processes of decision‐making and interpersonal dynamics in the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to understanding the importance of unconscious processes in gaining an understanding of organisational dynamics and management processes. These processes are brought to light through the creation of poetry to sit alongside rational modes of understanding and analysis.

Originality/value

The approach is under‐developed and largely unrecognised in relation to management processes. Reflection and analysis through the use of poetry offers an important contribution to the work of organisational analysis.
Poetry as a way to inspire (the management of) the research process
Authors: Darmer Per
Published: July 2006

The purpose

The purpose of the paper is to argue that poetry should be integrated in research to a much larger extent than it is today, where poetry (at best) is considered inferior to research.

Design/methodology/approach

The arguments are based on qualitative studies of the Danish independent labels. The empirical data are applied both as backbone for and part of the article and its construction. The article argues with the help and illustration of own research and experience that poetry inspires, stimulates and develops the research process. Poetry should be considered as a way of writing alongside other writing styles that researchers apply to make sense of their fieldwork.

Findings

The different forms of reporting research can be used to give us different views, in general, and that poetry can be used throughout the research process to improve it, in particular. The paper provides some examples of how it can be done. It is certainly not an exhaustive list but inspirational for researchers to find new poetic ways to improve their research process.

Research limitations/implications

The article shows in practice (from own field research), the implications poetry might have on the research process, but it is limited related to all the non‐mentioned ways poetry could be helpful in the research process. The limitations are obviously those of the researcher, who has been reporting own experiences and ideas about how poetry improved his own research process. In other words: the limitations are found both in the imagination of the researcher and in the reported research.

Originality/value

The study and the reporting of it are original. No other articles have approached the subject in this particular way, making the article unique in form as well as contents. The article shows how poetry (the whole broad range of poetic forms) can contribute to research and the research process. The value of poetry is not limited to the research process it is exemplified by and related to in this article. It has value and can be applied far beyond that (e.g. to the practice of manager).
Crazy days call for crazy ways? Narrating Tom Peters
Authors: Collins David , Watkins Ceri
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a critical review of the work of Tom Peters.

Design/methodology/approach

Notes a degree of narrative experimentation in the works of Tom Peters. Offers a narrative typology to describe this narrative change, suggests a number of reasons for this narrative experimentation and outlines topics for future research in this area.

Findings

The paper suggests that Peters' narrative experimentation reflects twin frustrations. Namely Peters' frustration with the short‐term orientations and innate conservatism of the US business élite and peripheralization in Corporate America.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an original narrative typology for the examination of Peters' work and suggests directions for future research.
Balanced scorecard and causal model development: preliminary findings
Authors: Othman Rozhan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show a preliminary examination of the effects of the development of the causal model of the strategy in the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard. Studies on the Balanced Scorecard adoption show that many organizations that adopted the Balanced Scorecard did not develop a causal model of their strategy. The study seeks to examine the differences in Balanced Scorecard implementation of adopters who developed a causal model of their strategy and those who did not.

Design/methodology/approach

Mailed survey was used to collect the data.

Findings

It was found that Balanced Scorecard adopters who did not develop a causal model of their strategy experienced specific problems more than those who developed a causal model of their strategy. It affected the outcomes and ease of implementation of the Balanced Scorecard.

Research limitations/implications

The small number of responses obtained in this study due to the relatively recent adoption of the Balanced Scorecard in Malaysia limits the generalizability of this study. However, it does provide insights on the hypotheses to be examined in future studies.

Practical implications

The findings of this survey suggest that the successful implementation of the Balanced Scorecard requires that organizations develop and articulate a causal model of their strategy.

Originality

This study is probably the first attempt to examine the role of causal model development in effective implementation of the Balanced Scorecard.
Innovation and business growth through corporate venturing in Latin America
Authors: Rajagopal
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is aimed at discussing the external and internal strategic fit in corporate ventures in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on empirical investigation through semi‐structured interviews administered to the managers of multinational companies operating in Mexico. The success of the corporate ventures in Mexico has been evaluated from the perspectives of economic and relational attributes. The results of the study showed that the degree of fit between a corporate parent and venture affects the success of the venture. The success is associated with high levels of commitment, competitive skills and dynamics in the functional management of the venture. In this study the variables of economic and relational dimensions of external and internal fit have shown greater association with venture success. It has also been found that ventures opt for greater autonomy and less economic dependency with their parent ventures for leading success and these findings make an intuitive sense.

Findings

The study may have limitations on generalizing some of the findings because of the survey type study.

Research limitations/implications

Corporate venturing as a strategy for international business development has become significant in view of the process of globalization resulting in free trade and business development opportunities for multinational companies. This study provides an understanding of the venture managers to succeed in Latin American business environments in view of the organizational culture and employee behaviour.

Practical implications

This paper is based on the economic and behavioural indicators affecting strategic fit in the corporate venture.

Originality/value

This paper would contribute to important areas in Latin American business where such studies are scarce.
Crises, scenarios and the strategic management process
Authors: Pollard David , Hotho Sabine
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this exploratory paper is to consider the strategic importance of crisis management and integration of crisis planning with the organisation's strategy processes, in particular the utilisation of scenario planning as a crisis planning activity.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the crisis management literature was undertaken and key issues identified, subsequently strategic aspects of crisis management were developed in the context of scenario planning.

Findings

The paper contains a discussion of major factors related to a strategic approach to crisis management and a more proactive approach to building relationships with the media. Particular attention should be given to the roles and responses of the media and agencies acting on behalf of the company, as both should been treated in the same way as other relatively powerful stakeholders. The authors suggest that firms can obtain significant advantages through proactive preparation for major relevant contingencies, and its incorporation into the strategic management process.

Originality/value

This paper brings together the debate on the strategic position of crisis management with scenario planning processes to provide a mechanism for designing, evaluating and managing crisis futures. It should prove useful to managers considering the development of crisis management, especially in a strategic context.
Managers' opinions: reality or fiction
Authors: Valle Santos M. , García M. Teresa
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The current work aims to study the discrepancies that arise between the observed stimulus and the perception that managers form this reality. Individuals' bounded rationality, the complexity of the observed reality and the influence of the managers' beliefs are among the factors that give rise to these discrepancies. Thus, one can distinguish between different types of cognitive biases: simplification biases, affective influence biases, and interaction biases.

Design/methodology/approach

In the empirical application of this study, and using the narrative approach, this study analyses the opinions offered by CEOs of toy manufacturers about two questions: the current situation of their sector, and their firm's product portfolio.

Findings

The study reveals that managers' perceptions do not coincide with the information obtained from other bibliographic sources. Hence the results confirm the presence of biases in their opinions, which derive from simplification processes in the manager's cognitive process and from the influence of their belief schema.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of the narrative approach determines the limitations of this research. On the other hand, the information used to test the managers' opinions is also the result of a perception process, which undoubtedly entails cognitive biases.

Practical implications

This work examines the cognitive biases that are produced throughout the process of individual perception. Thus, the proposed model of perception stresses the factors that distort individual perception: the complexity of the stimulus and the individual's belief schema.

Originality/value

This research analyses the reliability of managers' opinions using a qualitative methodology that includes various information sources.
In search of relevance: conventional or critical management inquiry?
Authors: Smallman Clive
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article provides a critical appraisal of the relevance of conventional management inquiry to management, and a proposal to use the critical management paradigm to develop genuinely relevant management studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the relevance of conventional management inquiry to management.

Findings

Conventional management inquiry closely mirrors scientific inquiry, with strict adherence to scientific method in pursuit of “objective” and rigorous empirical evidence or “proof” of specific and universal managerial truths. The products of this research are published via a machine bureaucracy that reinforces the hegemony of science. However, some academics have expressed concern that there is little uptake in commerce of “new” management ideas, and that practising managers have little or no interest in academic research. Based on 20 years experience of commerce and academe the author explores the underlying reasons for the failure of management academe to be taken seriously by managers.

Research limitations/implications

The article proposes the need for a more applied and critical direction to management research. Some ideas for research are presented at the end of the piece, but the main message is that all management research should be more timely and relevant to practitioners' issues in the daily task of management.

Practical implications

The article is a commentary on the principles on which management should be studied (and to a lesser degree on how these studies should be published). As such it is difficult to suggest any implications for management practitioners. That said the author would advise management practitioners involved in the funding of research to question the relevance of research themes and conventional responses to them. There guidelines drawn for academic practitioners.

Originality/value

Similar ideas on “relevance lost” have been presented previously. However, the arguments have been lost in an academic hegemony that reinforces the requirements for a strictly scientific approach to the study of management. The original proposition of this article is one of the outliers of this approach, critical management theory, should take centre stage in ensuring relevance.
Utilisation and impact of The Essential Electronic Agricultural Database (TEEAL) on library services in a Nigerian university of agriculture
Authors: Oduwole A.A. , Sowole A.O.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study examined the utilisation of the Essential Electronic Agricultural Library database (TEEAL) at the University of Agriculture Library, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was by questionnaire following a purposive sampling technique. A total of 104 out 150 (69.3 per cent) responses were received and analysed.

Findings

Postgraduate and final year undergraduates are the major users of the TEEAL database. The study also revealed that though most of the users are computer literate, they still seek the assistance of library staff for database searching. The major constraints to the use of the TEEAL database include the high cost of printing of selected papers and the limited number of workstations.

Practical implications

The study recommends that the number of workstations be increased, the cost of printouts should be subsidised by the university and more library staff should be trained in ICT.

Originality/value

Offers recommendations to improve the accessibility of quality information for research in Nigerian universities.
Fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, Caucasian vegetarians and Caucasian omnivores
Authors: Costarelli Vassiliki , Sanders Tom , Reddy Sheela
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Differences in faecal bile acid excretion have been reported between vegetarians and meat‐eaters. The purpose of this study is to compare fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, white vegetarians and white meat‐eaters.

Design/methodology/approach

A human experimental study comparing fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, white vegetarians and white meateaters. Three groups of premenopausal women have been recruited: Caucasian omnivores (n  =  19), Caucasian Vegetarians (n  =  16) and Asian vegetarians (n  =  17). Fasting plasma bile acid concentrations were determined by gas‐liquid chromatography.

Findings

Although faecal bile acid concentrations were lower in the Caucasian vegetarians than in the omnivores, fasting plasma bile acid concentrations did not differ.

Originality/value

The present results indicate that fasting levels of plasma bile acids in premenopausal women do not necessarily reflect faecal bile acid concentrations.
Effects of chemical and plant based coagulants on yield and some quality attributes of tofu
Authors: Omueti Olusola , Jaiyeola Olayinka
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate the comparative effects of local and imported coagulants on tofu yield and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Soymilk was extracted from soybean variety, TGX‐923‐24 using cold water extraction method. The milk extract was coagulated to tofu using fermented maize liquor (FML), Alum solution (AS), lime‐juice (LJ), lime solution (LS), Calotropis procera stem extract (BSE) and calcium sulphate solution (CSS) fresh yields of tofu ranged from 318 to 380 per 200 g of bean, moisture content 60 to 72 per cent and protein 51 to 62 per cent. Yield of tofu coagulated with CSS was the highest (p < 0.05). Tofu coagulated with LS, AS, and FML gave similar yields which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than LJ and BSE coagulated tofu. The moisture content ranged from 60 to 72 per cent.

Findings

LS coagulated tofu had highest moisture content (p < 0.001) while AS coagulated tofu gave the lowest moisture content (p < 0.001). Protein content was significantly highest in LS coagulated tofu and closely followed by the value for FML coagulated tofu (p < 0.001). Sensory scores for both fresh and fried tofu showed that FML coagulated tofu was the most preferred by tasters in all parameters tested.

Originality/value

Fermented maize liquor is recommended for use in tofu production where available, based on its comparative yield, protein content and the superior acceptability attributes of tofu produced from it. The production of tofu using FML as coagulant could be easily achieved from an enterprise that only involves low capital input, thus making tofu a cheap and affordable source of protein for combating protein malnutrition.
Consumption and attribute perception of fluid milk in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Hsu Jane , Lin Yu‐Tso
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study aims to examine the consumption patterns of fresh milk, yogurt drinks, and flavoured milk along with the product attributes that consumers perceived.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 300 samples were collected from the three most populated metropolitan areas in Taiwan. The cluster analysis is applied in the study to segment respondents in order to reveal different consumption patterns.

Findings

Consumers who purchase larger quantities of fluid milk are those who have relatively higher household incomes. The taste and flavour of fluid milk products are the attributes that consumers value. Consumers who purchase more fresh milk products pay more attention to the fat content, calcium content, and whether the products have the certified labels. Consumers who consume large quantities of yogurt drinks value overall beneficial bacterium attributes of the products.

Originality/value

Based on the results of this study, appropriated marketing strategies are suggested and can be useful for firms to target customers.
RUL assessment of lube oil using AHP and vector projection approach
Authors: Sharma B.C. , Gandhi O.P.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The plant experience shows that the oil even after completion of a number of hours of recommended operation has some residual life. It is desirable to maximize its use to conserve this scarce resource but avoid failures. At present, continuation or change of the oil is decided, based on the manufacturer's recommendation and experience in the plant. The suggested oil change period is conservative and results in non‐efficient usage of oil. This practice needs refinement to include all possible properties/attributes of oil and use of appropriate procedure to assess its realistic performance degradation and determine the remaining useful life (RUL) of lube oil.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multi criteria decision‐making method, in conjunction with vector projection approach is applied to assess the remaining useful life of lube oil.

Findings

Physical and chemical properties related to degradation of the lube oil are considered as lubricant attributes and their weights for given application is assigned, using AHP. The value of these attributes from time to time, obtained by testing samples drawn from the system, are analyzed through vector projection approach. In this approach, module, cosine of angle and projection are defined and evaluated at different time intervals. The projection is related to module and cosine of angle and is related to RUL of the lubricant. The suggested procedure is illustrated by means of an example.

Originality/value

The suggested procedure will be helpful for the maintenance personnel in planned oil replacement, with maximum usage of the lube oil but avoiding failures.
Tribology performances of molybdenum disulfide reinforced thermoplastic polyimide under dry and water lubrication conditions
Authors: Peng Zhu , Xiao Wang , Xiao‐dong Wang , Pei Huang , Jun Shi
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide some useful information on tribology performances of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) reinforced thermoplastic polymide under dry and water lubrication conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of MoS2 content on composites' mechanical and tribological performances was investigated and worn morphologies, elements distribution and wear mechanisms under dry and water lubricant condition were also analyzed.

Findings

As a result, the composites' main mechanical performances decreased partly compared with pure PI and it became more stable with MoS2 content unceasingly increasing (up to 20 wt%). In the dry sliding condition, the friction coefficient decreased obviously by filling MoS2. The wear of composites which filled 10‐15 wt% MoS2 was less than other composites in which MoS2 content was below to 5 wt% or high than 20 wt%. It was found that materials wear happened mainly at initial stages of tribology test which the temperature was so high and the adhesive wear had a dominant place during the test process. While in the water lubrication condition, the composites tribological performances were improved evidently and MoS2 was still an effective lubricant and the fatigue wear was the main factor during the tribology process.

Originality/value

The paper analyzed the MoS2's effect on materials mechanical and tribological performances and divided the tribology process into two parts according to materials friction and wear.
Learning style and student self‐assessment skill
Authors: Cassidy Simon
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In the light of the growing emphasis on independent learning and non‐technical skills in education and employment, the study aims to examine the relevance of learning style to student self‐assessment skill.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of first‐year undergraduate students was asked to provide self‐assessed marks for their coursework and to complete measures of learning style. Tutors' marks for student coursework were also gathered.

Findings

Results revealed a positive correlation between a deep approach to learning and self‐assessment skill, demonstrating the relevance of learning style to self‐assessment skill. A negative correlation between student‐estimated mark and a surface approach suggested that students are sensitive to the demand characteristics of assessments and are aware of how these correspond to their preferred learning style. Both strategic and deep approaches to learning correlated positively with tutor mark, as is commonly reported.

Originality/value

It is suggested that the study provides some insight into the composition of self‐assessment skill and implications for pedagogical practice are considered.
Unraveling learning, learning styles, learning strategies and meta‐cognition
Authors: Boström Lena , Lassen Liv M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the field of learning, learning style, meta‐cognition, strategies and teaching by classifying different levels of the learning process. The paper aims to present an attempt to identify how students' awareness of learning style and teachers' matched instruction might affect students' learning and motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual paper in which a theoretical framework built on empirical research was identified by connecting and systemizing different parts of the learning process.

Findings

The paper finds that teaching based on individual learning styles is an effective way to ensure students' achievement and motivation. Awareness of learning styles, it is argued, influences meta‐cognition and choice of relevant learning strategies. Consciousness of own improvement provides students with new perspectives of their learning potential. Such positive academic experiences may enhance self‐efficacy.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on unraveling concepts, methods and effects which can aid students, teachers and researchers in understanding, evaluating and monitoring learning, thus having practical implications for promoting lifelong learning, self‐efficacy and salutogenesis.
Skill sets: an approach to embed employability in course design
Authors: Cox Sharon , King David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate an innovative approach to embedding employability in the design of a university degree scheme using skill sets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at conventional approaches to course design, which begin with the resources already available within the higher education institute. The skill sets approach, however, begins with employers because they are the ultimate arbiters of employability. Employers working with the academic design team define coherent portfolios of skills: definitions which are then used to provide shape and form to the new degree scheme.

Findings

The paper finds that employers can identify skill sets that relate to long‐term employability as opposed to short‐term employment. These definitions can usefully inform the design of a degree scheme.

Practical implications

The approach of this paper may benefit the design of degree schemes that aim to educate a graduate to fulfil an identifiable role in industry. This approach is based on defining the continuing intellectual and critical thinking skills that enable a graduate to fulfil a role, rather than the immediate task‐related skills that enable a graduate to fulfil a job. The involvement of employers in formulating a portfolio of graduate skills can be applied to the design of other schemes.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new approach to making employability the priority when developing a new degree scheme.
It's not an exact science: teaching entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland
Authors: Hegarty Cecilia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the approach to embedding entrepreneurship within third level education in Northern Ireland by assessing the perceptions of lecturers and learners and monitoring the effectiveness of teaching methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys and focus groups were conducted with lecturers and learners from different disciplines as part of a pilot investigation under the Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship (NICENT) with a view to establishing a longitudinal study.

Findings

Evidence suggests that NICENT has increased interest and positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland. E‐learning can meet high demand, intensive programmes are equally effective in improving the skills set. Entrepreneurship education needs sub‐sequential support.

Research limitations/implications

The study provided preliminary findings for entrepreneurship teachings in different disciplines. Further dissecting of lecturer/learner analyses by course/year etc. is possible. Effectiveness could be assessed through graduate behaviours in the future in order to build longitudinal data.

Practical implications

The results prove that lecturers/learners are willing to embrace new subjects (entrepreneurship for scientists) and new teaching methods when blended with traditional approaches. Whilst WebCT environment can facilitate a comfortable action‐learning zone, entrepreneurship education needs personalisation and industry engagement.

Originality/value

The study reports from the developing face within Northern Ireland and provides insightful observations of new subject adoption, the learner's curve and changing cultural attitudes within tertiary education.
Enterprise education: revisiting Whitehead to satisfy Gibbs
Authors: Jones Colin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to demonstrate that a truly learner‐centred enterprise education programme can be developed within a traditional business school environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper unites the broad teaching philosophy of Alfred Whitehead with that of Allan Gibbs's enterprise specific teaching philosophies to consider the fitness of the recently developed hic et nunc enterprise framework. This is largely achieved by testing the framework for constructive alignment.

Findings

It is argued that the hic et nunc framework is consistent with the philosophies of both Whitehead and Gibb. Further, the framework illustrates a process through which enterprise education programmes can be developed independently of any pressures to conform to more traditional pedagogy.

Practical implications

Through careful consideration of the process of constructive alignment, an analytical approach to developing and/or refining an enterprise education program exists. Importantly, it represents an approach that is explicitly learner‐centred, and therefore free from the constraints of the environment within which the programme is delivered.

Originality/value

This paper brings to life the wonderful ideas of the great philosopher, Alfred Whitehead, combining them with the contemporary ideas of Allan Gibb. In doing so, the complementary nature of their thoughts helps to illustrate the minimal requirements of a learner‐centred approach to enterprise education.