bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation and preemption for competitive advantage
Authors: Ma Hao
Published: July 2002

Competitive advantage arises from the differential among firms along any dimension of firm attributes and characteristics that allows one firm to better create customer value than do others. Generic sources of competitive advantage include ownership of assets or position; access to distribution and supply, as well as proficiency ‐ knowledge, competence, and capability ‐ in business operation. To achieve and sustain competitive advantage, a firm needs to creatively and proactively exploit the three generic sources, preempt rivals attempt at these sources, and/or pursue any combination of proactive and preemptive efforts. Juxtaposing creation and preemption as well as ownership‐based, access‐based, and proficiency‐based sources, this article advances an integrative framework that helps management practitioners systematically analyze the nature and cause of competitive advantage.
The confluence of gender and culture: sexual harassment in the international arena
Authors: Gee Michele V. , Norton Sue M.
Published: July 2002

Two trends in business currently receiving much practical and theoretical discussion are diversity and globalization. Issues related to these trends can create significant challenges for managers but may also represent potentially rich learning experiences. This paper explores the confluence of gender and globalization, particularly in the context of sexual harassment. Two hypothetical dilemmas are presented. Information on demographic and global trends is presented. The legal and economic status of women in a number of different countries is reviewed, as is the legal definition of sexual harassment in the United States. Finally, directions for future research focusing on diversity‐related training and the issue of cultural relativism are discussed.
Strategic downsizing: critical success factors
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Everard Andrea , Hung Loretta T. S.
Published: July 2002

Aims to review the literature pertaining to downsizing with an emphasis on the organization level, and establish the critical success factors of downsizing, that is, guidelines to the successful implementation of downsizing activities. Addresses these objectives by examining first, how downsizing is defined in the literature reviewed, then discusses the different ways in which or measures by which organizations carry out downsizing activities and the reasons that prompt companies to downsize. Addresses the rationale utilized by firms to downsize, the expected outcomes in terms of economic and human consequences, the approaches to downsizing (reorientation and convergence) and specific strategies such as workforce reduction, work redesign and systemic strategy. Also downsizing tactics, human resources as assets vs costs, planning, participation, leadership, communications, and support to victims/survivors are examined. Both laboratory experiments and empirical research concerning survivors’ reactions are explored. The role of trust as well as the human resource professional in the process are included. Conclusions and recommendations complete the article.
Determinant factors of international development: some empirical evidence
Authors: Galán J. Ignacio , Galende Jesús , González‐Benito Javier
Published: July 2002

Building on previous literature, proposes a theoretical approach to the study of the factors affecting the major decisions related to the internationalisation process of firms. Provides some empirical evidence through the study of a group of newly internationalised companies in one of the less industrially developed regions of Spain. Uses a descriptive methodology to rank a literature‐based list of factors according to their relevance for the decisions to internationalise, to choose a form to do so and to select a destination. The results contribute to determining which capabilities and governmental policies should be primarily developed to promote the global strategies and international success of firms.
An automated approach to online digital reference: the Open University Library OPAL Project
Authors: Payne Georgina F. , Bradbury David
Published: July 2002

Online Personal Academic Librarian (OPAL) is an Open University research project looking at the development of a fully automated 24/7 online system designed to respond to routine and repeat enquiries from Open University distance learners. Looks at the desk and field research conducted to date, and is divided into five sections. First, the reason and need for such an automated question‐answer service are considered. Then examines the current digital reference climate, and a range of possible solutions and technologies is described, including the use of real‐time technologies such as chat and Web contact software, and also the use of fully automated online conversational robots. Then looks at enquirer behaviour and enquiry patterns, drawing on data collected through field research and a data analysis of user e‐mail enquiries. Further research has also revealed the importance of the user’s context and the need for user profiling in delivering an appropriate response to the user, and this is briefly discussed. Concludes with a description of the OPAL prototype to date, and looks ahead to some possible future directions.
A nutrition open‐ learning pack for practising midwives
Authors: Barrowclough Diane , Ford Fiona
Published: July 2002

Many practising midwives feel neither confident nor competent to answer the nutritional concerns of pregnant women in their care. This study was designed to develop and evaluate a nutrition open‐learning pack for practising midwives. A statistically significant increase (p< 0.001) in midwives’ nutrition knowledge scores was demonstrated following study of the nutrition open‐learning materials. Evaluation of the nutrition open‐learning materials was positive with constructive comments and suggestions being made for further development. Open learning is a time‐consuming activity that requires support from managers in terms of study time. As a strategy, open‐learning materials can be developed for whatever the topic and academic level required, which could encompass pre‐registration midwifery education, post‐graduate study and continuing professional development (CPD).
Northern Ethiopia: what’s on the menu?
Authors: Barnett Anna
Published: July 2002

Drought has been such a common occurrence in Ethiopia in the last 200 years that not only have wild foods become a significant part of the daily diet, but they have also impacted on local culture – people are insulted because of the plants they consume. In some of the remotest parts of Ethiopia the author investigated how the people of northern Ethiopia are coping when their livelihoods are threatened by drought. Having been awarded a Churchill Memorial Trust Travel Fellowship for 2000, the author put together a small team, Ethiopian Venture, to carry out this work. The results of this project will go towards a “famine foods” database being set up in Ethiopia by the United Nations Development Programme. It is hoped that with further research some of these wild foods, that are ideally suited to the Ethiopian climate, could be domesticated and so bridge a food gap between harvests.
Can the bioelectrical impedance method help to interpret weight change during breastfeeding?
Authors: Cláudio Benevenuto Luís , Granhen Tavares Colares Luciléia , das Graças Tavares do Carmo Maria
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this research was to verify the changes in the body weight of breastfeeding women, using the anthropometric and the bioelectrical impedance (BIA) methods. The sample was formed by 30 women who were exclusively breastfeeding their children, with an average age of 27.9±4.4 years old, followed up during four appointments in a public hospital of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The anthropometric data showed a significant reduction of body weight during the studied period. Regarding skinfolds, we observed a greater loss in the lower part of the abdominal region, in the suprailiac region and in the thigh. The same occurred to the body circumferences. Resistance values remained unaltered, thus indicating that the total body water content was preserved. We concluded that the significant reduction of body weight was mainly due to the mobilization of the fat tissue, being unrelated to changes in the body water content. In addition, we verified how important it is to associate different methods to assess the change of body weight during breastfeeding.
Chemical and sensory qualities of home‐level flake maize product
Authors: Fasoyiro S.B. , Obatolu V.A. , Ashaye O.A. , Oyewole O.O.
Published: July 2002

Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple crop in Nigeria, mostly processed into fermented porridges. Describes an attempt to develop a convenience food from fermented maize. Maize was processed into flakes through home level processing of dry‐milling, steeping, sieving, cooking and drying. Three fermented products were formulated by varying the proportions of cooked porridge and fermented maize slurry. The moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash and starch content ranges of the products varied. Cooked paste viscosity showed that the sample with highest cooked porridge concentration (75 per cent), CSWC, had the highest starch set back and gelatinisation indices. Ease of cooking for the products ranged between 5‐6 min. Sensory qualities revealed that the sample with the least cooked porridge concentration (25 per cent), CSWA, had the least overall acceptability while CSWB and CSWC were as acceptable as Ogi pap in taste, odour and overall acceptability at 5 per cent level of significance.
Nutritional qualities of snails (Archachatina marginata) fed solely with fresh kola testa
Authors: Hamzat R.A. , Jaiyeola C.O. , Longe O.G.
Published: July 2002

This experiment was set up to assess the potential of fresh kola testa in feeding the African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) raised in a kola plantation. The nutritional qualities of the snail meat were then assessed after the trial. The feed intake, weight gain, shell breadth, aperture radius, shell length carcass values of the snails, the proximate analysis and the sensory evaluation of the snail meat were assessed for snails fed on four different diets.
How do consumers use nutrition label information?
Authors: Higginson C.S. , Kirk T.R. , Rayner M.J. , Draper S.
Published: July 2002

Previous studies have shown high levels of self‐reported nutrition label use, yet when tested consumers have difficulty in using label information effectively. Using verbal protocol analysis, this study explored nutrition label use directly, identifying the tasks consumers actually undertake, and how these are used to inform choice. The implications of the findings for labelling policy and nutrition education are discussed.
Influence of Nutrition Information on the Attitudes and Knowledge of
Dieters
Authors: Eves Anita , Gibson Sigrid , Kilcast David , Rose David
Published: July 2002

Reports a study in which a structured questionnaire was used to elicit
the attitudes and knowledge of 451 women (18‐35 years), 217 dieters and
234 non‐dieters to nutritional issues. It included questions on
frequency of reading labels, attitudes to and likelihood of buying
products labelled with qualitative terms, and understanding of
nutritional terms. Data were analysed to determine differences between
dieters and non‐dieters. Dieters were significantly more likely to read
labels, and gave more priority to “low in calories”. Both groups most
often ranked “no additives” as most important. “Calories” and “fat” were most
often associated with “fattening”, but “energy” and “joule” were less
widely recognized. Dieters recognized more energy‐related terms.
Significantly, more dieters knew that fat has more calories than sugar,
but the majority of both groups thought saturated fatty acids had more
calories than polyunsaturated fatty acids. Results indicate dieters to
be slightly more knowledgeable, but that confusion remained over a
number of issues.
Fish oil and the immune system
Authors: Hughes David A.
Published: July 2002

Fish oil contains uniquely high amounts of n‐3 (or omega‐3)
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). N‐3 PUFA‐rich diets are associated
with suppression of the immune system, and populations which have high
dietary intakes of fish, such as Greenland Eskimos, have a low incidence
of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. These observations have led to
a growing interest in the potential use of n‐3 PUFAs as a
nutritionally‐based approach to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,
psoriasis and other inflammatory disorders. Although fish oils may not
be as effective as either steroidal or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory
medications, they may prove useful in reducing the dosage (and
associated side‐effects) of these medications required to bring about
clinical benefit. A greater understanding of the mechanisms by which
fish oil affects immune function should aid in improving its efficacy in
the treatment of over‐reactive immune disorders.
Selenium in the environment, food and health
Authors: Foster L.H. , Sumar S.
Published: July 2002

Describes the importance of selenium (Se) for human health.
Outlines the sources of Se in the environment and food. Gives UK
recommended intakes. Calls for further research into the nutritional
significance of Se.
Practical approaches to increasing vegetable consumption
Authors: Kilcast David , Cathro Jo , Morris Lynda
Published: July 2002

Reports the results of a Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food‐funded research project which examined practical approaches to increasing vegetable consumption. Identifies ways of overcoming obstacles to increasing the consumption of both vegetables and fruits. Develops practical strategies for implementing the findings.
The nutritional implications of food choices from catering outlets
Authors: Eves A. , Corney M. , Kipps M. , Lumbers M. , Price M. , Noble C.
Published: July 2002

Reports on a study which addressed meal selection in catering outlets (e.g. school or workplace canteens) from the perspective of the caterer and consumer. Asks what foods are supplied and why these are chosen. Questionnaires were sent to a selection of catering colleges, school and workplace canteens and to a general catering industry sample.
Food safety for babies
Authors: Worsfold Denise
Published: July 2002

Young babies are vulnerable to food‐borne disease. Examines the results of a questionnaire survey of parents and carers in day nurseries to examine the practices used to sterilize feeding equipment, reconstitute infant milk feeds and prepare weaning foods. Reports on observations of infant feeding practices carried out in six day nurseries. Standards of food handling in the nurseries were high but there was a lack of knowledge about current food hygiene regulations. Parents generally complied with recommended techniques for sterilizing equipment and reconstituting infant feeds. Extensive use was made of convenience weaning foods but foods were also prepared in the home. Recommended cooling and reheating techniques were not widely used. Some potentially unsafe practices were used to transport reconstituted milk feeds or weaning foods.
HeartWell ‐ healthy alliances in action
Authors: Holmes Lisa , May Ward Tina
Published: July 2002

Describes the steps taken to develop the national award‐winning community‐based project. HeartWell is built on the formation of alliances and commitment of key players from health, local government and voluntary organizations. The whole project was developed as a result of, and in response to, local coronary heart disease (CHD) research which identifies the health authority covered as having one of the highest mortality rates from CHD in England. Some of the food‐related projects are described to highlight the significance of food in relation to promoting positive heart health at a community‐based level. Utilizes qualitative and quantitative data in the evaluation of process and intermediate outcomes of the project, a key focus being the effectiveness of alliance partnerships and community involvement in the successful delivery of health initiatives.
School food ‐ turning the tide
Authors: Church Samantha
Published: July 2002

Notes the damaging effects of legal changes relating to the provision of school meals. Also points out that the National Curriculum has limited the time devoted to the development of nutritional awareness in children. Looks at the reasons why these factors are so important for children’s health and focuses on action being taken to improve the situation. Considers various initiatives of the School Meals Campaign and cites some localized activities such as the use of a healthmobile in East Sussex and a health promotion pantomime in South Yorkshire. Concludes that moves such as these need, however, to be backed by national policies.
Technology and food production
Authors: Hart Bob
Published: July 2002

Looks at the major differences between food manufacture and domestic cooking. In the home, food is generally prepared immediately prior to consumption, whereas manufactured foods may need a long shelf‐life. This has great implications for the selection of ingredients and of processing and packaging techniques (and, especially, for food safety). Decisions that must be made in the selection of food ingredients and processing techniques are, in principle, much the same as those that are required in other areas of design technology. Food design and production requires a holistic approach, which can only be achieved with a good understanding of the product, the process and the packaging and how these affect one another.
The effect of ethnicity on the benefits of ready‐to‐eat cereal consumption at breakfast
Authors: Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Popkin Barry M.
Published: July 2002

The food pattern that includes ready‐to‐eat (RTE) cereals at breakfast is associated with important reductions in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and increases the likelihood of an individual meeting the recommended dietary allowances for iron and calcium for three sub‐populations studied (Anglos, African‐Americans, and Hispanics). Beverages, fruit, cereals, breads, and egg items represent the major components of breakfast. RTE cereals were consumed in 30 per cent of the breakfasts; they were fifth in the number of grams consumed per capita. Consumers of RTE cereals consumed a very different pattern of food from non‐consumers of RTE cereals. Individuals aged five and older with three days of dietary data from the US 1989‐91 Continuing Survey of Food for Individuals Intake were used for the analysis, n = 9,957. All breakfasts were combined (n = 26,271).
Aspects of food choice behaviour in adolescents
Authors: Jas Pauline
Published: July 2002

This article reports on two studies in which beverage consumption in adolescents was investigated. Different research methods were employed: a questionnaire was used to test the theory of planned behaviour, and diaries were used to measure self‐reported drinks intake. Differences and similarities in results as well as advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed.
Influences in the decision to breast‐feed: a study of pregnant women and their feeding intentions
Authors: Wilson Doreen , Colquhoun Anne
Published: July 2002

Accumulated evidence shows that breast‐feeding not only is beneficial for normal growth and infant development, but also provides a measure of protection against a number of diseases. Few women are unable to breast‐feed but the UK is noteworthy for having one of the lowest breast‐feeding rates in Europe. This paper reports a survey of 50 pregnant women and analyses factors associated with their stated feeding intentions. Over the years, a number of papers have investigated aspects of decision making but this study offers a snapshot of intention in the late 1990s and pessimistically concludes that any behavioural change is hard won. By the time that the women came into contact with midwives, feeding intentions were clearly established and professional procedures were not able to offer effective intervention.
The economics of food safety
Authors: Ritson Christopher , Wei Mai Li
Published: July 2002

Discusses the financial implications of maintaining acceptable levels of food safety. The case of BSE is used as an example ‐ loss of export market, fall in domestic sales, changes in consumption, large expenditure, cost of practice changes in rearing and slaughtering animals. There is a trade‐off between safety and costs. How much safety can be expected? There must be an optimum level of safety. There are few ways in which a market economy can “fail” in providing the optimum ‐ asymmetry in knowledge of risks; aspects of food safety which are public goods; social costs of food safety and the divergence between objective scientific evidence and consumer perception.
Energy intake compensation during snacking intervention ‐ a pilot study
Authors: Yates Helen , Crombie Norma , Kirk Terry
Published: July 2002

This pilot study was undertaken to assess whether a deliberate increase in eating frequency would cause an increase in overall energy intake and thus potentially contribute to weight gain. Ten adult male subjects were randomly allocated into two groups. One group consumed a given snack 30 minutes and the other 90 minutes before lunch and evening meals for a two‐week period. After a washout period, the snacking regimes were reversed. Body weights were measured at baseline and at the end of the two intervention periods. Subjects completed a seven day semi‐weighed dietary diary at baseline and a four‐day diary during the second week of the two intervention periods. The insertion of snacks between meals resulted in a reduction in energy consumed at subsequent meals. Surprisingly snacks taken 90 minutes before meals resulted in a reduction in energy consumed at subsequent meals. Moreover, the magnitude of the adjustment was greater at evening meals than at lunch. This study provides preliminary evidence that snacking does not necessarily lead to overconsumption and thus contribute to obesity. However, a full‐scale study is needed with a longer intervention period to thoroughly evaluate this issue.
Caffeine, coffee and health
Authors: Gray Juliet
Published: July 2002

Examines the history of coffee drinking. Describes the constituents of coffee and its physiological effects on the drinker. Reviews the research done in the past on caffeine’s effects on health. Recommends a safe level of consumption at between 300‐400mg of caffeine per day which translates to four or five cups of average strength coffee.
The future role of metalworking fluids in metal cutting operations
Authors: Stanford M. , Lister P.M.
Published: July 2002

As more stringent environmental legislation is enforced throughout Europe manufacturing businesses, employing metal cutting processes, can no longer ignore the growing importance of environmental aspects relating to cutting fluids. Businesses, through market forces, are being forced into offering a “clean solution” to the metal cutting processes which they operate. Cutting fluids despite playing an important role in metal cutting, have considerable environmental impact. There is a need therefore to understand the role of cutting fluids within the cutting process in order to evaluate possible environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of cutting fluids. In order to achieve this the operating environment in which the process is being carried out, and the consequences of removing the cutting fluid from the process altogether has to be assessed. This paper therefore, reflects on the role of cutting fluid and the implications of their use. Viable methods of reducing cutting fluid consumption are also reported, together with efficient methods of cutting fluid utilisation (e.g. minimum quantity delivery systems). Finally, the difficulties experienced in removing cutting fluids from the metal cutting process are highlighted through the consideration of dry cutting technologies.
Multicriteria optimization approach for hydrostatic bearing design
Authors: Solmaz E. , Babalık F.C. , Öztürk F.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, computer‐aided design optimization approach for hydrostatic bearings is presented. The optimization problem is formulated in multicriteria strategy. The power loss and the temperature rise of oil are considered as performance measures for optimal hydrostatic bearing design. Optimization results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed combined approach which has advantages over the single criteria optimization. Sample results are presented to verify the proposed approach.
Environmentally adapted lubricants in the Nordic marketplace – recent developments
Authors: Norrby Torbacke T. , Kopp M.
Published: July 2002

The Nordic marketplace, and in particular the Swedish market, is a sizeable part of the world market for environmentally adapted lubricants (EALs). The largest segment, by far, is EAL hydraulic fluids for mobile hydraulics, and chain saw oils for the environmentally adapted forestry operations (mainly) by the international Swedish and, until recently, Finnish forestry companies. In this paper, some of the important parameters influencing the size and development direction are analysed. These include market regulatory factors, eco‐labels, OEM‐issued standards/specifications, end‐user demands and the market volume development for the period 1999‐2001. The spread of EALs to other forestry markets, Norway and the Baltic States, is also covered.
Unintegrated training? Exploring links between off‐ and on‐the‐job learning
Authors: Dymock Darryl , Gerber Rod
Published: July 2002

Looks at the nature of workplace learning, stating that there is a concern about the link between it and the classroom. Examines the transition from training to work by means of research carried out among two cohorts of students from a private vocational training college in Australia. Concludes that college‐based and workplace training are different which is a challenge that companies need to recognise and accommodate.
Psychosocial implications of shift work: a case study
Authors: Ahasan Rabiul , Mohiuddin Golam , Khaleque Abdul
Published: July 2002

Explores possible effects of work related problems and fatigue on shift workers’ attitude, aptitude and job satisfaction. Uses a simple case study to explore views identified from a literature review. Data were collected from subjective responses using questionnaires among adult male subjects working on a weekly rotating three‐shift system in a shoe factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results indicate that this particular form of shift work is seen as disruptive to family, conjugal and social life; it curtails leisure activities, affects sleep and causes health problems.
Novel ways to deal with seasonal manpower needs
Authors: Hung Rudy
Published: July 2002

Seasonal businesses have different manpower needs at different times of the year and, to remain efficient, must match manpower availability with manpower need. Common approaches are to maintain a stable workforce, allowing idle time/overtime during slow/busy periods; to maintain a basic workforce, augmenting it by temporary workers during busy periods; and to reduce workdays and pay during slow periods. Looks at novel ways in which some businesses are addressing the seasonal manpower problem.
Islamic work ethic – A moderator between organizational commitment and job satisfaction in a cross‐cultural context
Authors: Yousef Darwish A.
Published: July 2002

This study investigates the moderating impacts of the Islamic work ethic on the relationships between organizational commitment and job satisfaction. It uses a sample of 425 Muslim employees in several organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The empirical results indicate that the Islamic work ethic directly affects both organizational commitment and job satisfaction, and that it moderates the relationship between these two constructs. Results further reveal that national culture does not moderate the relationship between the Islamic work ethic and both organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Results also point out that support of the Islamic work ethic differs across age, education level, work experience, national culture, organization type (manufacturing or service), and ownership (private or public). Furthermore, empirical results suggest that there is a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Implications, limitations and lines of future research are discussed.
Globalisation, nationality of ownership and employee relations
Authors: Tüselmann Heinz‐Josef , McDonald Frank , Heise Arne
Published: July 2002

Based on a representative survey of German subsidiaries in the UK, their parent companies and a comparative analysis to the Workplace Employee Relations Survey 1998, the article examines the impact of nationality of ownership on employee relations (ER) in German multinational companies (MNCs) operating in an Anglo‐Saxon setting. It also assesses whether in light of heightened international competition and the problems in the German ER model, there has been a weakening of the home country effect over time. The study finds little evidence of a home country effect in relation to ER structures but reveals a pronounced country‐of‐origin effect in the ER approach and style. There is also evidence that German MNCs have responded to the globalisation pressures of the 1990s by a heightened emphasis on the country‐of‐origin collective approach in their UK subsidiaries, whilst at the same time developing comprehensive direct human resource management employee involvement schemes to complement, rather than substitute collective ER.
Foucault, Foucauldianism and human resource management
Authors: Barratt Ed
Published: July 2002

Examines and discusses the contribution to the analysis of HRM of those scholars who have sought to make use of the thought of Michel Foucault. Sympathetic to the achievements of Foucauldian studies but emphasising the different ways in which Foucault’s thought has been put to use, goes on to consider the critical debate that has subsequently emerged. An important objective is to offer a reading of Foucault that draws attention to certain features of his thought which appear to have been marginalised in recent debate. Against the critics and by rereading Foucault, the suggestion that “Foucauldianism” necessarily leads inter alia to a denial of the significance of legal and economic powers and relations in the employment relationship, to a postmodern indifference to forms of evidence and proof in analysis, is called into question. Accepting the plausibility of at least some of the criticisms levelled at Foucauldianism by the critics, goes on to argue that Foucauldians might equally benefit from revisiting Foucault. Argues in favour of the particular benefits of further reflection on the spirit of enquiry that animates Foucault’s project and his role as an engaged intellectual. The suggestion is that Foucauldians need to play a more active role in public debate, circulating their critical knowledge and analyses beyond the academy.
Gender, emotional labour and teamworking in a call centre
Authors: Mulholland Kate
Published: July 2002

This article examines teamworking in a call centre and how this is shaped for the employees by an increase in technical control, the dynamics of emotional labour and gender politics. The research is based on a case study of call centre work organisation in different sectors, and this paper draws specifically on ethnographic research on two teams and their managers in broadcasting. Drawing on theoretical insights, it suggests that teamworking results in a fundamental contradiction involving a “soft” discourse versus a regime of increasing managerial control. Participation is measured against Thompson and Wallace’s three‐dimensional notion of participation, showing that employees have little discretion over the way work is organised. The normative aspect of team organisation accommodates managerial coping strategies in conditions of staff shortage via numerical flexibility. However, management’s efforts to disguise control are resisted by employees who transform workplace discourses into an oppositional politics, shattering the illusion of unity promoted by the pundits of team organisation.
Collective and individual improvement activities: the role of reward systems
Authors: Kerrin Máire , Oliver Nick
Published: July 2002

Mechanisms for increasing participation of employees in problem‐solving activities such as continuous improvement (CI) programmes often include the use of problem‐solving teams. Teams can support problem solving by emphasizing accountability for the production process within the work unit, thereby increasing the sense of responsibility for (local) problems. However, it is unclear how effort within these organisational forms should be rewarded. This article describes the use of problem‐solving teams within a UK automotive component company, and examines the implications for human resource policy, in particular for the reward and recognition systems. The article outlines the outcomes that ensued when two reward systems existed, one for team‐based activities and another for individual suggestions. The contradictions of the two systems are considered in the context of the organisation’s historical individualistic approach to reward systems.
Reference librarians and the Internet: a qualitative study
Authors: Stover Mark
Published: July 2002

Reference librarians must interact daily with Internet‐based technologies. Communicating with others through listservs and e‐mail, avoiding information overload, answering reference questions with both print and electronic sources and dealing with patrons’ perceptions of the authoritative nature of Web‐based information are all many of the ways in which most reference librarians must navigate the depths of cyberspace. Uses qualitative survey data to find patterns and themes among librarians with regard to their attitudes toward reference services and related professional activities. Includes a selection of categorized survey responses, interpretation of the data by the author and suggestions for further research.
A marketing approach to the design of education programs for undergraduates
Authors: Cheuk Bonnie
Published: July 2002

Shows that undergraduates do have needs for user education programs but that existing programs are not well designed to meet these needs. Suggests that if librarians can better understand undergraduate needs, they then can redesign existing user education programs accordingly. Also presents models and theories that help to understand undergraduate needs and the factors affecting those needs. Concludes that it is unrealistic for librarians to serve every undergraduate’s needs. Effective segmentation is therefore necessary to identify realistic segments to be targeted. Suggests subject‐based segmentation to be an effective means.
“Wired travelers”: travel and tourism Web sites
Authors: Bernstein Judith , Awe Susan C.
Published: July 2002

Because of the amount of data and multimedia content available, searching the Web is a monumental task. Online commercial sites are growing, and travel is the fastest growing segment of online commerce, with no sign of slowing down. This article presents a selected list of travel sites to help librarians, and the traveling public, locate information to fit their needs. The sites are arranged in ten major categories: megasites, practical matters, lodging and restaurants, budget travel, specialty travel, transportation, maps, regional/country/city‐specific links, the travel business, and travelogues/current news/journal articles.
Industrial relations codes of practice: the 1999 Age Discrimination Code in context
Authors: Loretto W. , Duncan C. , White P.J.
Published: July 2002

Considers a neglected aspect of UK industrial relations. The effectiveness of earlier codes of practice is assessed according to various criteria: a thorough creative process; a high degree of consensus; and supporting institutions. These criteria are then used to gauge the potential impact of the 1999 Code on Age Diversity. The code’s non‐statutory basis is considered to have drawbacks which outweigh the merits. In consequence, it is contended that the code’s impact is likely to be small.
Something for nothing?
Authors: Loretto Wendy , White Phil , Duncan Colin
Published: July 2002

Against a background of partial, and often contradictory, information, this article explores the attitudes of over 1,000 employees in one firm in the financial services sector towards various issues related to retirement and pensions. The respondents regarded the existence of occupational pension schemes as having a major influence on their job searches. Among the various reasons for being members of the employer’s scheme, the principal ones were associated with the perceived qualities of the scheme itself, the zero charge for employees, and opportunities for planning for the future. Levels of ignorance about certain features of the scheme were discernible, and differentiated patterns of response among groupings of employees suggested that employees bring to pensions matters diverse expectations and awareness. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for employee recruitment, motivation and retention.
Gaining employee trust after acquisition
Authors: Nikandrou Irene , Papalexandris Nancy , Bourantas Dimitris
Published: July 2002

Acquisitions often have a negative impact on employee behaviour resulting in counter productive practices, absenteeism, low morale and job dissatisfaction. It appears that an important factor affecting the successful outcome of acquisitions is top management’s ability to gain employee trust. Explores a number of variables which bear an impact on managerial trustworthiness. Among them, frequent communication before and after acquisition, and the already existing quality of employee relations seem to play the most important role. Therefore, a carefully planned, employee‐centered communication programme, together with a good level of employee relations, seem to form the basis for a successful outcome as far as employee relations in the face of acquisitions is concerned.
HRM in UK hotels: a focus on commitment
Authors: McGunnigle Peter J. , Jameson Stephanie M.
Published: July 2002

Explores human resource management (HRM) and the established relationships between HRM, the management of “commitment cultures”, the recruitment and selection procedures, and the training and development practices considered necessary to develop employee commitment. The literature suggests that organizations adopting an HRM approach desire employee commitment, have in place sophisticated, objective recruitment and selection methods in order to achieve this, and have structured training and development systems to encourage commitment to the organization. Shows, however, that while there is a clear desire for commitment, little evidence is found of contemporary recruitment and selection methods commensurate with this aim. In contrast, there is strong evidence of relatively sophisticated training and development systems congruent with an HRM approach. Concludes that currently there is little to suggest a shift towards HRM in UK hotels
Quality management and trade unions in local government – Demonstrating social partnership?
Authors: Roper Ian
Published: July 2002

This article explores the implementation of quality management initiatives in four local authorities and considers how far such a scenario offers a possibility for social partnership between management and trade unions. Although no collective bargaining processes are defined in the social partnership model, it is contended here that the implied collective bargaining model in social partnership is Walton and McKersie’s “integrative bargaining” model. It is further contended that the scenario of implementing quality management in local government offers all the preconditions for integrative bargaining to take place – both in terms of the legitimate presence of recognised unions and through the pursuit of an issue in which management, staff and trade unions may have mutual interests. In practice, however, conditions for integrative bargaining outcomes did not emerge. Evidence for this was based on assessing senior manager and union branch official opinions through interviews, and on survey responses from Unison members.
An “expert witness” perspective on performance appraisal in universities and colleges
Authors: Simmons John
Published: July 2002

Effective performance management of professionals in knowledge based organisations has particular significance, but is an under researched area in the literature. Universities and colleges are knowledge based organisations especially dependent on the expertise, commitment and innovation of their staff. The paper analyses performance appraisal systems in universities and colleges with particular emphasis on staff perspectives and expectations. A brief history of performance appraisal in HE and FE is provided and related to issues of power, accountability and control. Academic staff from two business schools, together with a national sample of those teaching performance appraisal within CIPD professional programmes, were constituted as an “expert witness” group and their views sought on performance appraisal in their institutions. These data are used to develop a philosophy of performance appraisal for academic institutions, to assess the acceptability of particular performance criteria to academic staff, and to highlight the importance of staff involvement in appraisal system design.
Structure and Identity
Authors: Murray Gregor
Published: July 2002

What is the impact of union structure on the strategic capacity of
national union movements to respond to economic re‐structuring? Focuses
on the experience of five countries (Canada, France, Japan, the UK and
the US) and their common problems as regards, first, the movement of
employment into the service sector, second, transformations in the
organization of production within and beyond the firm, and third,
transformations in and the multiplication of collective identities in
the labour market. Structure does appear to condition union strategies,
albeit in a highly variable and contingent manner. Although most unions
are currently involved in some kind of structural review, the success of
these adjustments remains fairly equivocal. Structure can, however,
facilitate or hamper the development of strategies at appropriate levels
or foster the emergence of other forms of representation because it does
not furnish appropriate representational responses. In the conclusion,
reviews several new structural models but no single model is likely to
prove dominant.
Mid‐Career Change
Authors: Holmes Teresa , Cartwright Sue
Published: July 2002

The research summarized focuses on the career change experiences of
managers and professionals over the ages of 35. An initial pilot study
was conducted and formed the basis of a questionnaire which was
distributed to a sample of successful and unsuccessful career changers.
In addition, a third group of participants were tracked for six months
as they pursued a career change. In seeking to identify the key factors
predictive of a successful mid‐career change, the research findings
suggest that this is linked to three variables. Age itself did not
emerge as a major explanatory variable.
Trade unions in the UK: trends and counter‐trends since 1979
Authors: Farnham David , Giles Lesley
Published: July 2002

Analyses union membership trends in the UK since 1979. Confirms the
conventional wisdom that overall there has been a substantial membership
leakage from UK trade unions for almost a decade and a half. Summarizes
and discusses reasons for this. Goes on to show, however, that this
overall trend masks a surprisingly steady and sustained growth of
employee membership of “non‐affiliated” unions of
professional workers and of staff associations, during the 1980s and
early 1990s. Examines this stark contrast between falling membership
among highly unionate traditional unions and lowly unionate,
“non‐political” employee organizations. Explores the
characteristics of the “new moderate unionism” in terms of
its membership, size, sectoral, gender and industrial distributions and
discusses the future prospects of this remarkably resilient group of
employee organizations. Classifies them as “publicsector
professional associations” and “privatesector staff
associations”. Finally, evaluates the nature and ideologies of the
“new moderate unionism” in the context of recent managerial
employment strategies.
US labour law reform: a note on the Dunlop debate
Authors: James Philip
Published: July 2002

Examines the deliberations, conclusions and recommendations of the
US Commission on the Future of Worker‐Management Relations on the issues
of employee involvement and collective bargaining. Draws on the two
reports published by the Commission and testimony given by employer and
union representatives. Notes the Commission′s failure to discuss
non‐union forms of employee representation. Suggests that little legal
change is likely to result and any that does occur is unlikely to be
favourable to trade unions.
Transforming the HRM vision into reality
Authors: Cunningham Ian , Hyman Jeff
Published: July 2002

Line managers and supervisors have a prime role in ensuring the
success of performance outcomes under HRM. They are required to take on
new people management roles, whether it be through a style which is
“hard” and control centred or more “soft” and
facilitative. Presents findings from an in‐depth study of 45
establishments. Highlights concerns over whether line managers and
supervisors are sufficiently competent to take on demanding roles
required under change programmes, and the difficulties in attempting to
transfer an HR vision, which is senior management‐led, down to the line.
Organize and survive: unions and health and safety ‐ a case study of an engineering unionized workforce
Authors: Fairbrother Peter
Published: July 2002

The question of health and safety at work is a central issue for trade unions. In Britain it is an area of concern where there were important legislative initiatives in the 1970s and 1980s, although surprisingly this has received relatively little attention in the debates about trade unionism. This neglect results in an aspect of union activity about which little is known. Explores through a detailed longitudinal study of a middle‐range engineering firm, from the late 1970s into the 1990s, the ways in which trade unions organize and act on health and safety questions. Argues that it is almost “routine” that workers face dangers and hazards at work, a central feature of the work and employment experience of most workers. However, this is often difficult to deal with as individual issues, or as matters which are subject to collective consideration. On the one hand, workers often appear to accept the dangers and hazards they face. On the other hand, managements are preoccupied with questions relating to production and finance, rather than the day‐to‐day problems faced by workers. This tension suggests that the future wellbeing of workers in unionized workplaces lies not so much with legislative provisions and rights at work, but in education and the organizing ability of workplace unions, raising and addressing what often seem like individualistic problems in collective ways.
Two routes to managing diversity: individual differences or social group characteristics
Authors: Liff Sonia
Published: July 2002

Should managing diversity be seen as an attack on, or a contribution to, attempts to achieve greater workplace equality? Reviews US practitioner literature and US and UK research on the operation of equal opportunities policies. Suggests that there are two distinct strands to managing diversity approaches: one focusing on individual differences, the other on social group characteristics. Assesses the consequences both of a policy focus on differences and an individual versus a group approach to identifying these. Argues that both managing diversity and equal opportunity approaches could provide useful lessons.