bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A layerless additive manufacturing process based on CNC accumulation
Authors: Chen Yong , Zhou Chi , Lao Jingyuan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Most current additive manufacturing (AM) processes are layer based. By converting a three‐dimensional model into two‐dimensional layers, the process planning can be dramatically simplified. However, there are also drawbacks associated with such an approach such as inconsistent material properties and difficulty in embedding existing components. The purpose of this paper is to present a novel AM process that is non‐layer based and demonstrate its unique capability.

Design/methodology/approach

An AM process named computer numerically controlled (CNC) accumulation has been developed. In such a layerless AM process, a fiber optic‐cable connected with an ultraviolet (UV) LED and related lens is served as an accumulation tool. The cable is then merged inside a tank that is filled with UV‐curable liquid resin. By controlling the on/off state of the UV‐LED and the multi‐axis motion of the cable, a physical model can be built by selectively curing liquid resin into solid.

Findings

It is found that the cured resin can be safely detached from the accumulation tool by applying a Teflon coating on the tip of the fiber‐optic cable, and controlling an appropriate gap between the cable and the base. The experimental results verified the curing and attaching force models.

Research limitations/implications

A proof‐of‐concept testbed has been developed based on a curing tool that has a diameter around 2 mm. The relatively large tool size limits the geometry resolution and part quality of the built parts.

Originality/value

By incorporating multi‐axis tool motion, the CNC accumulation process can be beneficial for applications such as plastic part repairing, addition of new design features, and building around inserts.
Enterprise orientations: a framework for making sense of fashion sector start‐up
Authors: Mills Colleen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present an original conceptual model that captures the orientations of new business founders in the fashion design sector as they navigate the tension between creative endeavour and business practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The start‐up experiences of 38 fashion designers from the four main fashion centres in New Zealand were examined using an interpretive narrative approach. The designers' enterprise development narratives were analysed using in‐depth literary and conceptual analyses to reveal the nature and context of their start‐up behaviour and the conceptual frameworks they employed to make sense of their start‐up behaviour.

Findings

The designers were, to varying degrees, preoccupied with a perceived tension between creative processes and business practices. This tension was typically experienced as a disjunction between self‐identity and the identities supported by the business models designers worked within. Successfully navigating this tension could require significant conceptual shifts or fundamental adjustments in business approaches which challenged designers' original rationales for start‐up. The analysis of designers' responses to the creativity‐business tension and how they made sense of this produced a conceptual framework, a space delineated by three basic enterprise orientations: creative enterprise orientation (CEO), creative business orientation (CBO), and fashion industry orientation (FIO).

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual framework has major implications for policy makers and providers of design education and business support as it offers a means of differentiating between the lived‐in experiences of designers. In so doing it could be used as a tool for tailoring support more appropriately to designers' needs. The narrative approach produced rich, contextualised insights and a template for the further studies that will be required to establish the wider applicability of the framework.

Originality/value

The original conceptual framework presented here provides much needed insight into creative business start‐ups that will allow better targeting of education, support and policy development. The approach used to create this framework is an innovative example of how narrative and sensemaking approaches can be combined to provide rich insights into enterprise creation from the entrepreneur's perspective.
Gender effects on risk‐taking of entrepreneurs: evidence from Bulgaria
Authors: Ivanova Yordanova Desislava , Ivanova Alexandrova‐Boshnakova Matilda
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The research objective of the study is to investigate the gender effects on risk propensity, risk perception, and risk behaviour of entrepreneurs distinguishing between direct and indirect gender effects. The study seeks to address the gap in the knowledge of the link between risk taking, risk propensity, and risk perception in the context of women and risk (Brindley).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Sitkin and Pablo's model of risk behaviour and the literature on cognitive factors as determinants of risk perception, the paper provides hypotheses about the link between gender, risk perception, risk propensity, and risk behaviour. The proposed hypotheses are tested on a sample of 382 Bulgarian entrepreneurs.

Findings

Although female and male entrepreneurs have similar risk perceptions, female entrepreneurs are likely to have a lower risk propensity than male entrepreneurs. Risk propensity mediates completely the effect of gender on risk behaviour. The effect of gender on risk propensity is mediated partially by risk preference, outcome history, and age. Gender has an indirect effect on risk perception via overconfidence and risk propensity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper's ability to draw causal inferences is limited by the cross‐sectional nature of the study. The results may not be applicable to other countries and occupations.

Practical implications

The findings help to clarify the reasons for gender differences in risk behaviour and risk propensity of entrepreneurs and to design behavioural interventions.

Originality/value

This paper is an attempt to create a better understanding of the factors that account for gender differences in risk taking.
Conceptualising employer branding in sustainable organisations
Authors: Kryger Aggerholm Helle , Esmann Andersen Sophie , Thomsen Christa
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reconceptualise employer branding in sustainable organizations at the intersection of branding, strategic human resource management (HRM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an outline of current conceptualisations of employer branding, the paper discusses the strategic potentials of merging corporate branding processes, strategic HRM and CSR into a theoretical framework for reconceptualising employer branding as co‐created processes and sustainable employer‐employee relationships.

Findings

When organizations adapt strategies for sustainable development (including CSR), it affects how to approach stakeholder relations and organizational processes, including the employee‐employer relationship and employer branding processes. However, current employer branding conceptualisations do not comply with such changed corporate conditions. The suggested framework reconceptualises employer branding as an integrated part of a CSR strategy, thus offering a new way of approaching employer branding as supporting sustainable organizational development and long‐term employer‐employee relationships.

Practical implications

The proposed conceptualisation of employer branding implies a shift in focus from end result to process. As part of the process, organizations need to approach employees as corporate partners in order to co‐create employer‐employee values.

Originality/value

This paper suggests and discusses a new conceptualisation of employer branding, which appreciates co‐creation and employer‐employee dialogue as strategic processes for supporting sustainable organizational development.
An identity‐based approach to the sustainable corporate brand
Authors: Joyce Stuart Helen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to progress research towards a model of the sustainable corporate brand by conducting a critical review of the research literature on sustainability, including theories and typologies that impact on and/or are relevant to the development of a sustainable corporate brand, that is a corporate brand that has sustainability embedded in its covenant or brand promise.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of the research literature is undertaken to investigate the drivers, factors and features that need to be included when developing the sustainable corporate brand.

Findings

The development process for a sustainable corporate brand was examined by reference to the available literature on sustainability in relation to corporate branding. The drivers and factors involved in the development and maintenance of a sustainable corporate brand discussed included the link between corporate identity and corporate brand using Balmer's typology, corporate rebranding, developing a consistent sustainable brand promise, supply chain challenges, signalling and communication issues including the application of discourse theory, the sustainable corporate brand as an innovation credibility, and reputational issues. Finally, the factors to be considered in developing a sustainable corporate brand were presented.

Research limitations/implications

Case study research is needed to confirm which processes and theories offer the most effective way of implementing the sustainable corporate brand in particular industries and countries.

Practical implications

The paper provides a framework for organizations considering implementing a sustainable corporate brand.

Originality/value

The paper provides several insights which emerged from an examination of how an organization might implement a sustainable corporate brand.
Modelling and wave velocity calculation of multilayer structure SAW sensors
Authors: Tošić Dejan V. , Hribšek Marija F.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model multilayer structure surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, incorporated in CMOS or micro‐electro‐mechanical system integrated circuits, and to derive the corresponding wave velocity as an analytic expression in terms of the layers‘ thickness and density, which is suitable for analysis and design.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is based on an electro‐mechanical equivalent model of multilayer structure SAW sensors. A multilayered SAW device is represented by a two‐port electrical equivalent circuit consisting of three parts: input transducer, output transducer, and between them the delay line, which is the sensing part. The sensing part is modelled as a mechanical two‐port network. The wave velocity is calculated using analogy between the mechanical and electrical quantities and the fact that the wave motion of the SAW extends below the surface to a depth of about one wavelength.

Findings

The presented model predicts very efficiently and accurately the velocity of SAW sensors with multilayer substrates in the case where the thicknesses of upper layers are much smaller than the signal wavelength. The velocity can be calculated from the formula, so that elaborate numerical computations involving partial differential equations are avoided.

Research limitations/implications

The model and the velocity calculation can be applied only to acoustically thin upper and middle layers where acoustically thin means that a layer is sufficiently thin and rigid (large shear modulus). The presented results provide a starting‐point for further research in the analysis and design of sensors fabricated using AlGaN, GaN, AlN/diamond.

Practical implications

Since the majority of SAW sensors is designed with acoustically thin layers, the proposed model and calculation can be of interest for many practical material combinations. The presented model and calculation can be used in most cases of the optimal sensor design with respect to the sensor sensitivity or required area on the sensor chip.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new original model of multilayer structure SAW sensors and a new method of SAW velocity calculation. The method gives good results, with much simpler calculations than in the wave equation method, in cases where certain layers are acoustically thin.
DC magnetron sputter‐deposited tungsten silicide films for microelectronic applications
Authors: Hoon Jian‐Wei , Chan Kah‐Yoong , Tou Teck‐Yong
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share valuable information about metallization in microelectronic industries by implementing tungsten silicide (WSi) thin film materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Direct current plasma magnetron sputtering technique was employed for the WSi film growth. Different sputtering parameters were investigated, and the WSi films were characterized using four‐point probe electrical measurement method.

Findings

The experimental results reveal that the sputtering parameters such as deposition pressure and substrate temperature exert significant influence on the electrical properties of the WSi films.

Research limitations/implications

By tuning the sputtering parameters, the electrical properties of the WSi films can be optimized and the film resistivity can be reduced significantly.

Practical implications

The investigation results presented in this paper are useful information for microelectronic industries in the area of microelectronic devices metallization.

Originality/value

The fabrication method described in this paper allows fabricating low‐resistivity WSi films by employing a lower deposition pressure and a lower substrate temperature.
X‐ray diffraction studies of AlxGa1−xN (0≤x≤1) ternary alloys grown on sapphire substrate
Authors: Sha Shiong Ng , Chin Guan Ching , Hassan Zainuriah , Abu Hassan Haslan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the structural properties of AlxGa1−xN (0≤x≤1) grown on sapphire substrate by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The main purpose of this work was to investigate the effects of Al(x) composition to the structural and microstructural properties of AlxGa1−xN ternary alloy such as the crystalline quality, crystalline structure and lattice constant c.

Design/methodology/approach

AlxGa1−xN thin films with wurtzite structure in the composition range of 0≤x≤1 are used in this study. The compositions of the samples are calculated using Vegard's law and verified by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The samples are then characterized by means of XRD rocking curve (RC) and phase analysis.

Findings

Investigation revealed that the full width half maximum (FWHM) of RC increase with the increase x value. This indicates that the crystalline quality of the samples deteriorate with the increase of Al compositions. The best fit of the non‐linear interpolation of the FWHM of the (002) diffraction RC data suggested that a maximum disorder should be expected in this mixed crystals system when the composition x≈45 percent.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable information on the effect of Al compositions to the structural characteristics of AlxGa1−xN alloy system. The availability of information about maximum disorder of Al composition in AlxGa1−xN (0≤x≤1) alloy system provides useful reference in device fabrications where researchers are able to choose correct alloy composition in order to fabricate good quality devices.
An investigation into the effect of fabrication parameter variation on the characteristics of screen‐printed thick‐film silver/silver chloride reference electrodes
Authors: Atkinson J.K. , Glanc M. , Boltryk P. , Sophocleous M. , Garcia‐Breijo E.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the fabrication parameters of screen‐printed thick‐film reference electrodes have been experimentally varied and their effect on device characteristics investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The tested devices were fabricated as screen‐printed planar structures consisting of a silver back contact, a silver/silver chloride interfacial layer and a final salt reservoir layer containing potassium chloride. The fabrication parameters varied included deposition method and thickness, salt concentration and binder type used for the final salt reservoir layer. Characterisation was achieved by monitoring the electrode potentials as a function of time following initial immersion in test fluids in order to ascertain initial hydration times, subsequent electrode drift rates and useful lifetime of the electrodes. Additionally, the effect of fabrication parameter variation on electrode stability and their response time in various test media was also investigated.

Findings

Results indicate that, although a trade‐off exists between hydration times and drift rate that is dependent on device thickness, the initial salt concentration levels and binder type also have a significant bearing on the practical useful lifetime. Generally speaking, thicker devices take longer to hydrate but have longer useful lifetimes in a given range of chloride environments. However, the electrode stability and response time is also influenced by the type of binder material employed for the final salt reservoir layer.

Originality/value

The reported results help to explain better the behaviour of thick‐film reference electrodes and contribute towards the optimisation of their design and fabrication for use in solid‐state chemical sensors.
Ethical and socially responsible investment funds
Authors: Watson Robert
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the marketing of ethical and socially responsible investment (ESRI) funds to retail investors and to analysis the plausibility of the claims made in regard to their performance, achievements and prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analysis of the claims and marketing strategy adopted in the ESRI industry's Action Guide for Financial Advisors document, produced for their National Ethical Investing Week, 2010.

Findings

The analysis indicates that the ESRI fund industry's Action Guide uses a number of unethical marketing techniques to induce retail investors into investing in ESRI funds and that many of the claims made on behalf of ESRI investing are implausible. Given the past history of mis‐selling in the investment fund sector, these findings ought to be of some concern to regulators and retail investors.

Originality/value

This is the first article that has linked the promotion and marketing of ESRI funds to possible mis‐selling practices.
Cause v. consequence‐based regulation: Basel III v. the Eurocodes
Authors: Vermorken Maximilian A. , Vermorken Alphons Th.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare two opposite approaches chosen to regulate an industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on studying the two selected regulation systems, Basel III and the Eurocodes and identifies how the one system regulates financial institutions and the other one civil engineering design.

Findings

The paper shows that the financial regulation uses a cause‐based approach to regulation, in which the causes of a crisis are found and controlled. The Eurocodes in civil engineering make no specific attempt to understand the specific causes of a failure; however, they provide a framework, which transfers full responsibility onto the designer if the designer decides not to adhere to a set of codes of practice. It is the trade‐off between less regulation and increased responsibility.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new way of understanding the impact and use of regulation by comparing it to a system which has the same purpose but uses opposite means. It shows how financial regulation in reality has limitations which are its inherent weakness.
Discontinued German life insurance portfolios: rules‐in‐use, interest rate risk, and Solvency II
Authors: Paetzmann Karsten
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview on potential impacts German primary life insurers are exposed to in relation to upcoming Solvency II regulation and potential strategic choices, especially in the light of halting low‐interest rates. Given a large degree of complexity, the paper aims at giving some guidance to decision makers considering a discontinuation of underwriting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds upon current observations made in the German primary life insurance industry, especially, recent strategic decisions of two market participants to discontinue their life insurance carriers. On the background of low‐interest rates but yet guaranteed interest participations and additional capital requirements arising from Solvency II, the paper illustrates the strategic options life insurers have in the German market, given the specific market environment.

Findings

Regulatory capital requirements of Solvency II will sanction guarantee products in a way that for some insurers life products will become unattractive. As there is evidence in the market that some participants have started to consider the run‐off option for selected carriers, the paper finds that this option may represent an appropriate consequence not only for foreign insurers ceasing their business in Germany but also for domestic insurance groups. Given the specific rules‐in‐use in the German primary life insurance market, the paper discusses the controlled run‐off approach as a strategic option for selected life insurers, enabling a harvesting strategy through maximizing cash flows from existing liabilities while avoiding further investments.

Originality/value

Discussions in this paper help to bring into focus the strong challenges by both the upcoming regulatory Solvency II and current market conditions. The brief case study included in this paper may illustrate the implications as well as some crucial success factors of discontinued life business.
Co‐operative and competitive enforced self regulation
Authors: Ojo Marianne
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The primary purpose of the paper is to demonstrate how corporate responsibility and accountability could be fostered through monitoring and the involvement of governments in the regulation of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

In considering why practices which stimulate incentives for private agents to exert corporate control should be encouraged, this paper highlights criticisms attributed to government control of banks. However, the theory relating to the “helping hand” view of government is advanced as having a fundamental role in the regulation and supervision of banks.

Findings

Governments have a vital role to play in corporate responsibility and regulation given the fact that banks are costly and difficult to monitor – this being principally attributed to the possibility that private agents will lack required incentives or the ability to supervise banks.

Research limitations/implications

Banks are costly and difficult to monitor – this being principally attributed to the possibility that private agents will lack required incentives or the ability to supervise banks.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates how structures which operate in various systems, namely, stock market economies and universal banking systems, function (and attempt) to address gaps which may arise as a result of lack of adequate mechanisms of accountability.

Social implications

The paper also draws attention to the impact of asymmetric information (generally and in these systems), on levels of monitoring procedures and how conflicts of interests which could arise between banks and their shareholders, or between governments and those firms being regulated by the regulator, could be addressed.

Originality/value

Through its supervision of banks, governments also assume an important role where matters related to the fostering of accountability are concerned – not only because banks may have the power to affect firm performance, but also because some private agents are not able to afford internal monitoring mechanisms.
The institutional framework against money laundering and its underlying predicate crimes
Authors: Mugarura Norman
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to underscore the current supranational anti‐money laundering (AML) regimes articulating challenges of harnessing them as a robust framework. Some aspects of the above framework are created under the auspices of the United Nations treaties, some are regional‐based initiatives while others are ad hoc arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper was written on the basis of the supranational framework against money laundering such as the United Nations Convention against drug trafficking and other psychotropic substances. Owing to the limitations of the above AML model law, the paper utilised a qualitative research methodology, exploring a wide range of the current AML regimes. The paper has also exploited the revised AML framework which expands the scope of the offence to encompass, not only proceeds from drug trafficking but also serious criminal activities (smuggling, fraud, serious financial crimes, and the sale of stolen goods). Ideally, the paper has been written based on the provisions of the United Nations Convention against transnational organised crimes and its attendant three protocols adopted in Palermo (2000); and the Financial Action Task Force (2004). The foregoing regimes underscore an essential framework for the study of money laundering and its attendant predicate offences globally.

Findings

The findings of the study clearly demonstrate that the current AML framework is not robust enough to caution countries against the threat of money laundering. There is a gaping gap in the law of money laundering within and between regions even though there is a global framework in place. This is presumably the reason why some countries have not fully transposed some aspects of current AML regimes locally.

Social implications

The gaps in the law against money laundering – both in relation to the way they are created and enforced signify that states still need to do more collectively to stem the threat of money laundering. The current intransigence in application of AML laws in some countries sign‐post the inherent challenges of globalisation of international finance.

Originality/value

While there is a growing body of literature generated on supranational AML regimes, this paper is distinctly based on the interplay of global and local factors in harnessing it. Thus, the research design of this paper is connected by two strands – a review of existing supranational AML framework and the inherent challenges faced by individual states in domesticating it. The paper is also written based on some practical experiences of harnessing global AML regimes in some countries.
The notion of stewardship from a company law perspective
Authors: Reisberg Arad
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The Stewardship Code, the first of its kind for the Financial Reporting Council, seeks to encourage better dialogue between shareholders and company boards. Given the UK market's role as a governance paragon, the code principles will be critical to practices of good stewardship taking root globally. But this new Code raises concerns, for example, as to how to treat non‐UK investors who collectively now hold upwards of 40 percent of the country's equity market. Would they voluntarily adhere to the code, and, if not, how relevant or effective would the code be? The purpose of this paper is to shed light on these topical questions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on stewardship as an important criterion for assessing the performance of larger shareholders (i.e. institutional shareholders). Section 2 explains the concept of “stewardship”. It also outlines its growing importance. Section 3 introduces the Stewardship Code, tracks back its genesis, focusing, in particular, on the underlying themes and the major principles and guidance in the Code. Section 5 then critically assess the Code, looking in particular at major possible obstacles. Finally, implications from the preceding discussion are drawn in Section 6.

Findings

Section 4 reveals a hidden truth (the “stewardship spectrum”), i.e. in practice, companies operate in an ever‐changing business world, a more rapidly changing business practice with more pressures and complexity and with more diverse “players” and conflicting interests at play. It is submitted that this hidden truth effectively poses a challenge to the success of the Code.

Originality/value

This paper is geared towards providing the reader with critical tools to assess the likely impact of the Code.
The aftermath of the financial crisis
Authors: Hardouin Patrick
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the international community efforts through the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in confronting tax evasion and money laundering (ML).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the confrontation of OECD's and FAFT's results with data produced by the World Bank and Transparency International.

Findings

The G20 has speeded up the fight against tax evasion. There is no dilemma between confronting tax evasion or organized crime/terrorist ML but a potential crowding out effect and a risk of facade compliance. Corruption and poor governance have regional aspects but generate money for global laundering. The OECD is impressive in countering tax evasion. Its listing is not universal and gives satisfaction to jurisdictions having bad corruption/governance indicators. The FATF's record is striking but governance remains an issue as well as fair cooperation, and the ML and terrorist financing (TF) threat is evolving. New risks include tax evasion know‐how, facade compliance, rising bad banks and financial centres in poorly governed jurisdictions. There is a destabilizing effect in the competition and linkage between weakly and highly compliant institutions and jurisdictions. The misuse of the financial sector has a bright future as long as poor governance continues to affect jurisdictions.

Practical implications

The paper is a call to practitioners, professionals and policy makers for keeping the momentum on ML and taking into account governance indicators.

Originality/value

The paper puts a parallel between the actions of the international community on tax evasion and ML and confronts official results with relevant assessments on corruption and governance.
Are local authority fraud teams fit for purpose?
Authors: Wesley Lane Simon
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse fraud investigative practice in London local authorities with reference to recognised best practice and two comparator organisations, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and National Health Service (NHS).

Design/methodology/approach

Primary research was undertaken through questionnaires to all London Boroughs and interviews with key personnel in two comparator organisations.

Findings

Each London Borough has a specialist anti‐fraud response with professionally qualified investigators, demonstrates compliance with best practice and excels in areas such as case supervision and joint working. However, concerns remain, regarding a lack of agreed national standards and some failing to use the full range of investigative techniques, such as surveillance and computer forensic examination.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to London local government and further work is needed outside the capital.

Practical implications

Recommendations are made for: the introduction of national professional guidance to investigators; minimum competency standards for fraud investigation; research into the applicability of the National Intelligence Model to high volume fraud; and a less fragmented approach both within and across local authorities.

Originality/value

There has been no previous research of this type and it may be useful to government when considering how to deal with fraud, local authorities and those with an interest in public sector fraud.
Supply chain management in health services: an overview
Authors: de Vries Jan , Huijsman Robbert
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to concentrate on the question whether any parallels can be found between the industrial sector and health care services with respect to the developments that have taken place in the area of Supply Chain Management. Starting from an analysis of existing literature, it is intended that different modes of Supply Chain integration will be discussed. Also, in doing so, it is intended that the lessons learned from the studies presented in this special issue will be summarized and placed into the perspective of future research that can be considered as necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted an exploratory, qualitative approach based on an analysis of existing literature in the area of Supply Chain Management in Health Services. Additionally, material from the case studies presented in this special issue is used to assess the current body of knowledge regarding Supply Chain Management in Health Services.

Findings

Starting from a classification of existing research, five main research areas with respect to Supply Chain Management in a health care setting are defined. Additionally, it is concluded that next to studies with a mono‐disciplinary focus, an interdisciplinary focus on Supply Chain Management issues in health services seems to be necessary.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to both the supply chain management literature and literature in the area of healthcare management by identifying some important research areas which are linked to both fields. This paper helps both academics and managers to gain a better understanding of the complexity of supply chain management in health services.
Developing lean and agile health care supply chains
Authors: Aronsson Håkan , Abrahamsson Mats , Spens Karen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The objective of this exploratory paper is to find out what is important to consider when developing a supply chain in health care, what is required in order to establish a supply chain orientation and how lean and agile can be used as process strategies in order to improve supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to build an empirical framework for using both lean and agile strategies in health care supply chain management illustrative examples are provided from a Swedish health care setting describing the patient flow and planning processes.

Findings

Supply chain management has potential to work well as a philosophy for patient flow in the health care sector. However, it should not only be about the use of the concept of lean in health care, as in fact is the case in practice today. It is rather about organizing for quick response and flexibility in a hybrid strategy through combining lean and agile process strategies. This can only be done if a systems approach is applied together with a strategic orientation, where cooperative efforts by the supply chain members should synchronize and converge operational as well as strategic capabilities into a unified whole.

Practical implications

The analysis in the paper underlines the importance of focusing on both agility and leanness combined. Hospitals or health care systems that introduce such an approach, as opposed to only relying on lean strategies, could gain both competitive advantages and improved performance.

Originality/value

In health care, even more so than in the manufacturing industry, containment of costs without sacrificing quality is important. This paper applies SCM techniques, tools and concepts that have not been used previously for patient flow in a health care setting, combining lean and agile in one and the same analysis.
Collaborative implementation of e‐business processes within the health‐care supply chain: the Monash Pharmacy Project
Authors: Bhakoo Vikram , Chan Caroline
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the implementation of e‐business processes in the procurement area of a healthcare supply chain when multiple stakeholders are involved.

Design/methodology/approach

A single longitudinal case study spanning three years is presented using data collected from interviews, participant observation, and documentary analysis.

Findings

This study identifies the lack of consistency and poor data quality as well as the global nature of suppliers as key issues in the e‐business implementation in the healthcare supply chain. It also points out the need for collaboration and trust for a successful implementation.

Practical implications

This study provides practitioners with a useful guide to the various technology‐related, management, and business issues that can arise during the implementation of e‐business processes in the context of supply chains involving multiple stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study is distinctive on two grounds: the longitudinal nature of the study over three years; and the wide variety of participants in the Monash Pharmacy Project (including a large general hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, government regulatory agencies, and technology providers).
Expanding the temporal context of research on non‐permanent work
Authors: Clinton Michael , Bernhard‐Oettel Claudia , Rigotti Thomas , de Jong Jeroen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an expanded temporal context of non‐permanent work through an examination of the influence of previous experience of temporary working, contract duration and time remaining on contract and expectations of continued employment on reports of job insecurity, job satisfaction, in‐role performance and organisational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using responses of 1,169 temporary workers from a multi‐national, cross‐sectional questionnaire study.

Findings

Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that having previous experience of temporary work was associated with higher in‐role performance. No significant effects were found for contract duration, but shorter time remaining on present contract was associated with greater job insecurity and also greater in‐role performance. However the strongest effects were found for expectations of continued employment, with stronger expectations being linked to more positive reports of each outcome. A number of moderation effects were found that indicated interactions between temporal variables and revealed a moderating role of preference for temporary work.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to formally consider the influence of a broader temporal context on attitudes and behaviours of temporary workers. Significant associations were found between elements relating to each of the past, present and future and important individual and organisational variables in the present. These effects were sustained above and beyond the influence of variables such as country, sector, preferences, skill level, contract type, and demographics that are known to affect temporary workers' attitudes and behaviours.
Perceived employability
Authors: Kinnunen Ulla , Mäkikangas Anne , Mauno Saija , Siponen Katri , Nätti Jouko
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to examine how perceived employability relates to job exhaustion, psychological symptoms and self‐rated job performance in involuntary and voluntary temporary employees compared to permanent employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a cross‐sectional design using a sample of university teachers and researchers (n=1,014) from two Finnish universities. Of the sample, 40 percent (n=408) are permanent employees, 49 percent (n=495) involuntary and 11 percent (n=111) voluntary temporary employees. Most respondents (54 percent) have education above a Master's degree, the average age is 43 years, and 58 percent are women.

Findings

The results of general linear model analyses show that perceived employability promotes favorable outcomes among all respondents. However, the negative relationship between perceived employability and job exhaustion and psychological symptoms is stronger among voluntary than among involuntary temporary employees.

Originality/value

The study indicates that although perceived employability seems to be important to all employees, involuntary temporary employees benefit least from high perceived employability in terms of individual well‐being.
Training is an investment with return in temporary workers
Authors: José Chambel Maria , Sobral Filipa
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether a social exchange relationship between temporary workers and organizations is possible. The authors aim to consider whether, when training is perceived by an employee as an organizational practice that promotes his or her employability, this entails a social exchange relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys from 240 call centre workers were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression to explore relationships between training to promote employability, perceived organizational support (POS) and affective commitment.

Findings

The data support the idea that social exchange theories are useful frameworks in explaining temporary workers' affective commitment towards organisations. Organisational investment in training was positively related to the affective commitment of these temporary workers. However, employees attributed greater importance to the fact that training increased their employability than to the number of training hours received. The relationship between this human resource management practice and affective commitment partly occurred through the perceived organisational support. Such perception partially mediates the relationship between training as a promoter of employability and this positive attitude.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited due to sample nature and the lack of longitudinal design. It does not provide implications for other types of commitment that may be relevant for temporary workers (continuance commitment, for example).

Practical implications

An important implication from this research is that employers should not assume that training is an investment without return from temporary workers. Developmental opportunities, while important to all employees, did make temporary workers more committed to organizations.

Originality/value

The paper is the first, to the authors' knowledge, to assess training as promoting employability with a specific measure. While the results are simple, they refute many stereotypes of temporary workers and add an important perspective to the human resource management literature.
Predicting temporary agency workers' behaviors
Authors: Connelly Catherine E. , Gallagher Daniel G. , Webster Jane
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This empirical study aims to determine whether justice perceptions formed in one context (i.e. the agency or the client) relate to work behaviors in another context (i.e. the client or the agency). To provide a balanced perspective, it seeks to examine both organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) and counterproductive workplace behaviors (CWBs). It also aims to understand how workers' “volition” or their attitudes towards temporary employment would affect their behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, 157 temporary agency workers were surveyed; these data were analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM). To ensure that the measures were appropriate for the context of temporary agency employment, a two‐stage pretest was conducted.

Findings

The results suggest that temporary agency worker perceptions of interpersonal justice from their agencies and their client organizations “spillover” and are indeed related to their OCBs and CWBs in both contexts. Furthermore, the extent to which workers voluntarily chose temporary agency employment related to agency‐directed OCBs, while a preference for permanent employment related to client‐directed OCBs.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the ways in which perceptions formed in one context (i.e. interpersonal justice) may spill over and affect behaviors in another context. The findings also contribute to the broader literature on how volition affects temporary agency worker behaviors.
The role of professional identity commitment in understanding the relationship between casual employment and perceptions of career success
Authors: Allen Belinda C.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine potential differences in identity commitment and career success perceptions between casually and permanently employed nurses. Specifically, it aims to investigate whether casually employed nurses have lower levels of commitment to their professional identity, as compared to permanently employed nurses, and whether this in turn negatively affects their perceptions of career success.

Design/methodology/approach

Role identity theory was used to predict the career success perceptions of casually employed (n=181) versus permanently employed (n=476) nurses. Data were collected via a self‐report questionnaire.

Findings

The data revealed that casual nurses had lower levels of identity commitment and more negative career success perceptions. Affective commitment fully mediated the relationship between employment status and subjective career success.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should test the replicability of these findings with longitudinal data.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel insights to the temporary employment and careers literatures. Given the previously uncharted territory of understanding the role of identity in the career success perceptions of different categories of workers, it opens avenues for future research, while also answering theoretical questions about the identity and career consequences of temporary employment.
The double‐edged sword of legitimacy in public relations
Authors: Merkelsen Henrik
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to clarify the various aspects of legitimacy in public relations in order to establish a better understanding of the limits of professionalization. Legitimacy has always been a central concept in public relations. In order to ensure a license to operate, the conduct of organizations needs to be perceived as legitimate by their stakeholders and the public in general. Public relations has since its conception as a modern profession been confronted with several issues concerning the profession's own legitimacy. The overall cause for these legitimacy problems is often ascribed to the immaturity of the profession and professionalization is generally regarded as an appropriate cure.

Design/methodology/approach

Through theorization of the connection between legitimacy, power and professionalization the paper points to two important challenges to the professionalization of public relations: the conflicts of legitimizing the potentially disputed role of public relations as an intermediary function between client and public interests; and the dilemma of legitimizing a profession that has legitimacy as its own object and therefore is dependent on discretion in order to be successful.

Findings

The paper identifies four axes of legitimacy in public relations, each constituting different relationships with specific and often conflicting legitimacy claims: client‐public, profession‐client, profession‐public, and profession‐academia.

Originality/value

As a consequence of these distinct legitimacy claims the paper stresses some important limits of the professionalization project in public relations.