bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mainstreaming gender in disaster reduction: why and how?
Authors: Ginige Kanchana , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of gender mainstreaming into disaster reduction decision making as a way of reducing disaster vulnerabilities of women, a highly vulnerable group to disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds a discussion around disaster reduction, the importance of gender mainstreaming in disaster reduction and the ways of mainstreaming gender based on a literature review. It reviews academic literature as well as papers and reports produced by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) and various other institutions.

Findings

The paper highlights the importance of the role of gender mainstreaming in disaster reduction as a means of reducing disaster risk through considering women's needs and concerns in particular. Further, on the basis of the literature reviewed, the paper emphasises the need for enhancing gender balance in disaster reduction decision making in order to understand the possible effects of policies and measures developed for disaster reduction on gender roles.

Practical implications

The paper paves the way forward to identify how gender mainstreaming could be achieved in the context of construction as construction has a significant relationship with development that could create or reduce disaster risk.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to contribute to disaster reduction through emphasising the need for mainstreaming gender into the disaster reduction decision‐making process and also towards reducing disaster vulnerabilities of women. In this context, the paper brings an insight into the necessity for mainstreaming gender in disaster reduction in construction.
Evaluation of a statewide initiative in the United States to prevent/reduce sexual harassment in schools
Authors: Weist Mark D. , Bryant Yaphet U. , Dantzler Joyce , Martin Saran , D'Amico Marie , Griffith Brian , Gallun Betsy
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify best practices in the implementation of school‐based sexual violence prevention education.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐phase plan was implemented to evaluate the Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention Project (SHAPP) in one state in the USA. First, a structured review of the prevention curricula of the participating communities was completed. Second, a survey of school personnel on best practices and challenges associated with their initiative was conducted. Third, school staff school climate surveys were administered, focus groups with teachers, students, and parents were conducted, and behavioral incident records were reviewed in two middle schools, one implementing SHAPP, and the other with no programming for sexual violence prevention.

Findings

Compared to the school with no programming, in the SHAPP school, staff reported better school climate and safety, and student participants reported more positive opinions about their school's prevention efforts.

Practical implications

The implementation of sexual harassment/sexual assault and bullying prevention programs may result in a more positive school climate, an increased sense of safety among students and staff, and a decrease in incidents of sexual harassment/assault and bullying.

Originality/value

The study suggested that building sexual harassment and assault prevention efforts from the platform of a school‐wide, evidence based, bullying prevention strategy offers many advantages.
Active travel to school: views of 10‐13 year old schoolchildren in Scotland
Authors: Kirby Joanna , Inchley Joanna
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of Scottish schoolchildren on active travel to school and their ideas about promotion strategies for school‐based interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group discussions were conducted with 66 students from four primary and three secondary schools.

Findings

The most common perceived barriers to active school travel were personal safety, weather conditions and time/distance. To a lesser extent, image, physical discomfort and aspects of the physical environment also prevented children from walking or cycling to school. Perceived benefits centred on health and fitness, environmental and social factors. Enjoyment, confidence and social influences were all discussed, with the latter appearing to have the most significant impact on active travel behaviour. Students suggested a number of potential promotion strategies, including incentives and reward schemes to enhance motivation. Practical exercises such as a group walk or cycle were more popular than classroom‐based activities.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are limited to Scottish schoolchildren aged 10‐13 in rural and semi‐rural locations. Further research covering younger and older children, as well as more urban locations will broaden understanding of the impact of age and geographical location.

Practical applications

The findings identify a number of influences on active travel behaviour among young people. Advancing understanding of determinants of context‐specific physical activity is important for the development of effective interventions.

Originality/value

This paper draws on students' own ideas about the ways in which active travel should be promoted and, as such, has important implications for the development of appropriate and acceptable school‐based active travel programmes.
Development intention of support staff in an academic organization in The Netherlands
Authors: Renkema Albert , Schaap Harmen , van Dellen Theo
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate which psychological determinants relate to the intention to participate in development activities. Psychological determinants such as attitude toward development activities, self‐efficacy, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and management support are related to the intention of support staff workers of a University Medical Centre in The Netherlands to participate in job‐related and/or career‐related development activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire study was conducted in a sample of support staff employees. By means of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study analyses the relationship between the two intentional orientations and a number of determinants.

Findings

Analyses revealed that job satisfaction relates positively with the intention for job‐related development activities and negatively with career‐related activities. Surprisingly, there was no direct relation between management support and either of the two orientations of development intention. Furthermore, the study revealed that the respondents prefer development in their current job over career development to obtain other functions in the current or future organization.

Research limitations/implications

Although it is a small‐scale study focused on one labour organization, the paper presents two independent developmental orientations and reveals their distinct relationships with job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Practical implications

The paper argues that a better fit between HRD strategies and manager‐employee dialogue may encourage the influence of managers on development intention.

Originality/value

The paper discusses two independent developmental orientations and their distinct relationships with psychological determinants.
Personal initiative at work and when facing unemployment
Authors: Lantz Annika , Andersson Kin
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Learning at work generalises through socialisation into behaviours away from the workplace. The aim of this study is to give empirical evidence of a positive relationship between job design, self‐efficacy, competence efficacy and personal initiative at work, and proactive job search while under notice of redundancy and in unemployment.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are based on a detailed work task analysis and self‐reported data by individuals who had been made redundant (n=176).

Findings

The paper finds that the theoretical model received substantial, but not full support. Job design has impact on personal initiative through self‐efficacy and competence‐efficacy as mediating variables between job design and personal initiative. Personal initiative at work affects proactive job search when facing unemployment.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is that the respondents in general had jobs that were low‐skilled and routine. It is likely that a research group with larger differences in job design would show stronger relations between job design and personal initiative.

Practical implications

Work task analysis identifies conditions at work that minimise and mitigate individual initiative and makes it possible to correct them in order both to enhance organisational effectiveness and the individuals' long‐term employability.

Originality/value

The paper proposes that autonomy and complexity, which are the aspects most predominant in the study of how job design affects personal initiative and self‐efficacy, are too limited. The sequential completeness provides a broader or narrower scope of work tasks and more or less feed back which is crucial for learning and mastery‐experiences. Demand on cooperation, demand on responsibility, cognitive demand and learning opportunities affect initiative‐taking as well.
Knowledge sharing in an American multinational company based in Malaysia
Authors: Wai Ling Chen , Sandhu Manjit S. , Kishore Jain Kamal
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the views of executives working in an American based multinational company (MNC) about knowledge sharing, barriers to knowledge sharing, and strategies to promote knowledge sharing

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out in phases. In the first phase, a topology of organizational mechanisms for knowledge sharing was developed. A review of academic and practitioner literature provided the basis for this topology. In the next phase, a detailed field‐base case study of the knowledge sharing conceptualization in a large MNC was performed based on a sample of 81 employees.

Findings

The results show that most of the respondents agreed that there is a knowledge sharing strategy and there is a growing awareness of the benefit of knowledge sharing in the organization. However, it was worrying to know that 22 percent responded negatively to the statement “KS is important to the organization”. Also, 27 percent of the respondents were also not willing to share knowledge. The most effective method to promote knowledge sharing was to link it with rewards and performance appraisal. Top management support was also vital to ensure the success of knowledge sharing in the organization.

Research limitations/implications

The survey did not cover the non‐executive level employees such as operators, technicians, facilitators and shift leaders due to difficulties in gaining access to these groups of people as they work in shifts. In addition, most of the operators would have difficulty in understanding the survey objective and content.

Originality/value

While existing studies on knowledge sharing are more of a generalized nature, this study examines the perceptions about various aspects of knowledge sharing more in a country and company specific setting.
Teaching and assessment for an organisation‐centred curriculum
Authors: Choy Sarojni
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the teaching and assessment strategies for an organisation‐centred curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a case study. Data were collected from interviews and a focus group with worker‐learners enrolled in a Graduate Certificate in Education (Educational Leadership) course.

Findings

The study finds that a project that piloted an organisation‐centred curriculum framework where learning was integrated in the context of the workplace met the needs of both individuals and their workplace. The success of such learning for a cohort of worker‐learners was contingent on especially designed teaching and assessment strategies, aligned learning and assessment to the strategic goals of the organisation where the cohort was based and to needs of the individuals. The evaluation of the strategies in the framework shows their potential to optimise learning outcomes for other cohorts and courses. It also highlights the importance of skilling learners for work‐integrated learning and making explicit the pedagogies and affordances available in the workplace.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the transition from university‐centred to organisation‐centred curriculum that employs work‐integrated learning to meet the needs of the workplace and the learners.
Cutting through the confusion of contemporary work
Authors: Paton Steve
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature of contemporary work. There is much discussion surrounding the meaning of the term knowledge worker and the value these workers generate for the organisation. This paper agrees that the value to organisations of workers who possess knowledge is increasing but argues that the nature of the knowledge worker is unclear within current literature. It acknowledges that there is a high level of knowledge in contemporary work and that many workers can claim to be knowledgeable, however these workers while necessary to the firm do not provide it with competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that there are four tensions running through the literature on the nature of the knowledge worker and proposes that the elements that comprise knowledge work fall into three groups that are knowledge possession, knowledge activity and knowledge context. First, the nature of contemporary work and its relationship to traditional categorisations of work is discussed; second, worker types that have been proposed in the literature are discussed; third, the factors within work types that are relevant to knowledge are discussed; and a summary of the main points of contention and a proposal for the research direction that should be taken to progress this debate are presented.

Findings

This paper proposes that knowledge work should not be automatically associated with service work or new forms of work; the nature of knowledge work cannot be defined by one specific attribute; the elements that comprise knowledge work fall into three groups, knowledge possession, knowledge activity and knowledge context.

Practical implications

Based on these findings organisations must rethink their approach to identifying the characteristics that define the valuable activity that is knowledge work within their industry sector.

Research limitations/implications

Further study must be carried out into the nature of the worker, not only in their embodiment of skill and knowledge but also into how they use it, what their work context is and the support they should be given while engaging in their activities.

Originality/value

The value of the knowledge worker lies in combining these elements in a specific way and applying this formula to further our understanding of the nature of the knowledge worker.
Cultural and social issues for knowledge sharing
Authors: Barachini Franz
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that knowledge sharing is primarily based on a trading process – the business transaction process. Motivators as well as morale hazards for knowledge sharing based on existence needs, biosocial needs and cognitive needs are described.

Design/methodology/approach

An industry survey followed by interviews discovers arguments supporting the business transaction theory. Results of the interviews are clustered and categorized according to Alderfer's pyramid. Morale hazards hampering knowledge sharing are derived thereof.

Findings

The comprehensive online survey, combined with personal interviews, supports the business transaction theory. According to this theory, knowledge sharing is based on a trading process. During this process, which can be regarded as information exchange process, people evaluate information on individual basis in an asymmetric way. Modern portfolio theory can help to understand the motivation behind this process. Motivators as well as morale hazards for knowledge sharing were detected.

Research limitations/implications

The business transaction theory is valid independent from cultures. However, the findings about morale hazards are cultural dependent. These findings represent hopes and fears of the Central European society. It would be interesting to perform the study in other regions and to compare the results.

Practical implications

The results are valuable for companies which plan to improve their rewarding and incentive systems.

Originality/value

Until recently researchers regarded trust, attitude and group support as the main drivers of successful knowledge‐sharing cultures. This paper shows that the underlying mechanism for knowledge sharing is rather based on a trading process.
Soft‐system knowledge management framework for new product development
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Acharia Sourish , Baveja Alok
Published: February 2009

Purpose

In today's knowledge economy, a major challenge for the managers is to effectively link the knowledge management (KM) initiatives with the ever‐changing organizational needs. The problem arises due to disjoint strategic alignment between these two, which is mainly due to inappropriate KM framework and adoption of some quick‐fix solutions to achieve business results. Hence, for effective management and utilization of knowledge assets, KM initiative should be dovetailed to link with key organizational goals like new product development (NPD), customer satisfaction and manufacturing excellence. The purpose of this paper is to propose a suitable KM system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an approach for KM system development to ensure a fit between the organizational needs during NPD and KM initiatives. Soft system methodology (SSM) has been adopted to design this framework.

Findings

This research identified a list of knowledge‐sharing methods, which help in intra‐level or inter‐level knowledge flow. The proposed framework highlights the hierarchal nature and bi‐directional flow of knowledge. Further, this work observed that there are two additional key enablers to effective knowledge management system – competency and infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

This work focuses on an auto‐component supplier in India. Therefore, this work is limited by the organizational culture, location, business model and the sector in which this research was done.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that a technical knowledge driven process like NPD has three strategic enablers – technology, people and process. The sustenance of the NPD process is affected by the balance among these enablers. Fundamentally, a comprehensive and integrative framework not only ensures a structured framework but also helps in better adoption due to stakeholders' buy‐in of the process.
Forecasting quantitatively using micro/meso/macro‐economics with scenarios for qualitative balance
Authors: Forge Simon
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to report on a novel approach to assessing long‐term policy and technology impacts. This approach combines a qualitative forecast with a tri‐level quantitative projection to provide a broadly socio‐economic analysis. It is aimed at forecasting problems, such as impact assessment for future policy formulation in the light of socio‐economic, technological and market developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a variety of research methods including scenario planning, and techniques taken from analysis of stochastic processes to identify and correlate behaviour, combined with the concepts meso‐economics, in order to produce more robust tri‐level quantitative estimations, driven by qualitative analysis.

Findings

The paper finds that it is possible to join micro‐economic behaviour to macro‐economic, using meso‐economics to attack what was previously seen as a difficult gap between the two. It also finds that quantitative forecasting, based on socio‐economic behaviour using the qualitative assessment from a scenario – i.e. from stories about the future – can form a basis for quantitative forecasting. Different scenarios may be linked to corresponding quantitative economic estimations using key indicator parameters at each economic level, those which are the most relevant to the scenarios, and so exploit statistical techniques across the three levels in a balanced fashion.

Originality/value

This paper summarises a novel approach, taking a fresh look at forecasting economic impacts assessments by shaping the quantitative form with a qualitative tool, while introducing the linking powers of meso‐economics. General economic theories in widespread use today seem to be weak when dealing with the non‐deterministic nature of real markets and economies and especially in linking micro‐economic parameters to macro‐economic. The approach attempts to resolve this dilemma. An example is presented of its use in a recent study.
Futures research at the frontiers of mind
Authors: Anthony Marcus
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce futures researchers to simple and practical ways they can employ intuitive intelligence to enhance their research.

Design/methodology/approach

The author outlines five specific intuitive tools which have been developed and are used regularly. The incorporation of these tools into the research process potentially makes research more efficient, meaningful and exciting. This paper contains a strong anecdotal component, to exemplify the processes. There is also a theoretical aspect. The author expands the mundane definition of intuition, and use it in the classical sense, where it incorporates the idea of the extended mind. This is referred to as “integrated intelligence”. While this definition places it beyond generally accepted definitions of intuition found in modern psychology, it has a long tradition in the history of art, literature and science right through to the modern era. It is also consistent with recent experimental scientific evidence. Further, it fits well into recent developments in critical and post‐conventional futures studies, where “other ways of knowing” are being increasingly legitimatised.

Findings

Intuitive intelligence can be used by futurists to make research more fluid, efficient and exciting

Research limitations/ implications

The theory of integrated intelligence is a new theory and has not been tested. It lies beyond conventional approaches to research in the West

Originality/value

This is a highly original and innovative approach which enhances research.
Rethinking risk and return: Part 1 – novel norms for non‐normality?
Authors: Powers Michael R.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper (the first of two) is to consider measures of risk commonly used in the analysis of both investment and insurance portfolios, and argue that there is a need for more appropriate measures to capture the uncertainty inherent in non‐normal (i.e. asymmetric and/or long tailed) probability distributions.

Design/methodology/approach

In Part 1, the risk measures used most frequently in finance and insurance – i.e. the standard deviation (variance), value at risk, tail value at risk, default value, etc. – are reviewed and then the paper explores whether such measures are sufficient for all contexts, including those in which the subject random variable is characterized by asymmetry and/or long tails. As an alternative to conventional measures, the paper assesses the potential of a general p‐norm‐based definition of “risk”.

Findings

Virtually, all commonly used risk measures, even those designed specifically to capture the behavior of asymmetric randomness, require that the underlying random variable possess a finite variance, or at least a finite mean. To overcome such difficulties, the paper considers a general definition of “risk” based upon a quantity closely related to the p‐norm – the p‐mean of absolute‐centered deviations (of which the standard deviation is a special case) – and show that this approach yields a single, but degenerate, result for all distributions.

Originality/value

The paper explores the use of p‐norm‐based measures in constructing a general definition of “risk” that is equally applicable to asymmetric and long‐tailed random variables as to normal random variables.
Ten years' analysis of sovereign risk: noise‐rater risk, panels, and errors
Authors: Erik Carneiro Pedro
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the informative power of rating agencies in the process of establishing sovereign risk, over a ten‐year period (1997‐2006).

Design/methodology/approach

First, following an earlier model, the concept of noise‐rater risk is introduced. Second, four panels were carried out to identify the most significant macro factors in determination of sovereign ratings, taking into account contemporaneous and lagged variables. The dependent variable is sovereign rating issued at the end of each year. Third, three kinds of errors committed by rating agencies when altering the sovereign ratings of emerging countries are defined.

Findings

Noise‐rater risk amplifies the chances of noise traders obtaining higher returns than arbitrators. The panels show that, with the exception of debt, all other factors are sample dependant, and that variables and samples leave ample space for subjective factors. Analysis of errors demonstrates that rating agencies appear to lose their focus/modus operandi/principles in times of crisis, and that they commit more errors immediately prior and after the onset of a financial crisis.

Practical implications

The paper argues for a cautious analysis of rating agency's informative power. Like any other stakeholder, rating agencies are influenced by cognitive limitations, erroneous beliefs, and the cost of acquiring and using information.

Originality/value

The paper uses behavioral finance methodologies to observe rating agencies and demonstrates, from its observations of sovereign ratings, that agencies tend to fail at times of financial turmoil, i.e. when they are most needed, by abandoning their “look at the future” principle.
On the accuracy of loss‐given‐default prediction intervals
Authors: Samuel Baixauli J. , Alvarez Susana
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the common assumption, made by many credit risk models such as the Moody's KMV Loss‐Calc model, of a β distribution for the loss‐given default (LGD). The paper shows that this assumption does not perform well in constructing analytic prediction intervals for LGD.

Design/methodology/approach

Simulation experiments were conducted to highlight the potential problems associated with this distributional assumption in constructing prediction intervals for LGD.

Findings

The simulation experiments show that, when starting from a different assumption concerning the shape of the population distribution, the beta distribution does not perform well in constructing prediction intervals for LGD.

Originality/value

The analysis performed in this study addresses a relevant subject. Indeed, a correct estimate of a credit exposure LGD is particularly relevant not only for internal risk management and management purposes, but also for regulatory reasons within the context of the internal ratings based approach of the recently approved capital regulation framework (Basel II).
Prediction of variability in mortgage rates: interval computing solutions
Authors: He Ling T. , Hu Chenyi , Casey K. Michael
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to forecast variability in mortgage rates by using interval measured data and interval computing method.

Design/methodology/approach

Variability (interval) forecasts generated by the interval computing are compared with lower‐ and upper‐bound forecasts based on the ordinary least squares (OLS) rolling regressions.

Findings

On average, 56 per cent of annual changes in mortgage rates may be predicted by OLS lower‐ and upper‐bound forecasts while the interval method improves forecasting accuracy to 72 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

This paper uses the interval computing method to forecast variability in mortgage rates. Future studies may expand variability forecasting into more risk‐managing areas.

Practical implications

Results of this study may be interesting to executive officers of banks, mortgage companies, and insurance companies, builders, investors, and other financial decision makers with an interest in mortgage rates.

Originality/value

Although it is well‐known that changes in mortgage rates can significantly affect the housing market and economy, there is not much serious research that attempts to forecast variability in mortgage rates in the literature. This study is the first endeavor in variability forecasting for mortgage rates.
Multiscale Fama‐French model: application to the French market
Authors: Trimech Anyssa , Kortas Hedi , Benammou Salwa , Benammou Samir
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a multiscale pricing model for the French stock market by combining wavelet analysis and Fama‐French three‐factor model. The objective is to examine the relationship between stock returns and Fama‐French risk factors at different time‐scales.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploiting the scale separation property inherent to the maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform, the data set are decomposed into components associated with different time‐scales. This wavelet‐based decomposition scheme allows the three Fama‐French models to be tested over different investments periods.

Findings

The obtained results show that the explanatory power of the Fama‐French three‐factor model becomes stronger as the wavelet scale increases. Besides, the relationship between the portfolio returns and the risk factors (i.e. the market, size and value factors) depends significantly upon the considered time‐horizon.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology offers investors the opportunity to construct dynamic portfolio management strategies by taking into account the multiscale nature of risk and return. Moreover, it gives a new insight to fund rating and fund selection issues in relation to heterogeneous investments periods.

Originality/value

The paper uses wavelets as a relatively new and powerful tool for statistical analysis that allows a new understanding of pricing models. The paper will be of interest not only for academics in the field of asset pricing but also for fund managers and financial market investors.
A benefits realisation road‐map framework for ERP usage in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Esteves José
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a benefits realisation road‐map for ERP usage in the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Direct interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of 48 MBA students and 87 business managers (CIO/IT directors and CFO roles).

Findings

The ERP benefits road‐map suggests that a long‐term vision is required in order to obtain a successful realisation of the potential benefits that ERP could bring. Thus, this analysis suggests that ERP benefits realisation dimensions are interconnected, and that managers should perceive ERP benefits realisation as a continuum cycle along the ERP post‐implementation. Furthermore, new ERP updates and maintenance projects must take into account the results of ERP benefits realisation auditing to review ERP configuration, correct possible mistakes, and improve the efficiency of some expected ERP benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study focuses on the factors that influence ERP benefits realisation, it fails to differentiate between some factors that may influence the realisation of these benefits, such as size and type of company, ERP system implemented, and organisational context.

Practical implications

The results may help to improve the understanding of ERP success and satisfaction levels, both expected and perceived, from ERP stakeholders. The findings also suggest that auditing the realisation of ERP benefits is a crucial stage in ERP usage phase.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the current literature in the benefits of ERP systems by defining a benefits realisation road‐map to achieve the ERP benefits identified in the literature.
Development of measures to assess the ERP adoption of small and medium enterprises
Authors: Shiau Wen‐Lung , Hsu Ping‐Yu , Wang Jun‐Zhong
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of measures to assess the ERP adoption of small and medium‐sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows Churchill's guideline for developing measures that have desirable reliability and validity. The pilot data are used to develop a proper measurement. The survey data, based on the 126 valid responses of 328 companies, are analysed by structural equation modelling (SEM) statistical methods.

Findings

The paper finds that the dimensions affecting ERP adoption show that characteristics of the CEO and perceived benefits possess positive effects on ERP adoption, while cost and technology have negative effects on ERP adoption. However, only “perceived benefits” is a significant dimension. It is surprising that the cost of the ERP system does not significantly affect ERP adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that the sample size should be taken into consideration when generalising the findings, and extended data and measures are required for further in‐depth investigation in specific areas.

Practical implications

The paper points out that the managers of SMEs with limited resources can find many ways to get more resources from governments. Government managers should be more realistically set the goal of helping firms in a healthy condition to adopt e‐business instead of setting the goal of improving the e‐business readiness of all SMEs. To help all CEOs of SMEs to realise the potential benefits, governments can work with academic research groups to set up forums and workshops to broadcast knowledge.

Originality/value

The paper develops measurements to assess the ERP adoption of small and medium‐sized enterprises. The results offer practical help for government managers to better understand ERP adoption with institutional help in Taiwan. Meanwhile, researchers interested in IT/IS can use the information provided here to guide their future enquiries.
Factors affecting IT and business alignment: a comparative study in SMEs and large organisations
Authors: Gutierrez Anabel , Orozco Jorge , Serrano Alan
Published: February 2009

Purpose

There are significant differences in terms of resources and expertise available between small and medium enterprises and large organisations. These differences may be significant for assessing and attaining alignment between IT (information technology) and business strategies. Thus this paper aims primarily to identify whether the differences between small, medium and large enterprises have an impact on the way they perceive strategic alignment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 104 participants, five attributes are ranked for each of the following alignment factors: communication, competency/value measurement, governance, partnership, architecture and scope, and skills. This paper reviews and compares their relevance according to organisational size (SMEs and large organisations) and planning integration strategies (independent, sequential and simultaneous).

Findings

The results from this survey suggest that, when ranking these factors, there are not significant differences among SME and large organisations. It was found, however, that the ranking of these factors has a positive correlation with the degree of IT/business planning integration applied in the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to an understanding of the complex dynamic of aligning IT with business objectives and the implications for SMEs where few models have been tested. The results suggest that SMEs and large organisations perceived alignment in a similar way, however, there are significant differences in the way SMEs and large organisations implement their planning integrations strategies.

Practical implications

Although current studies in alignment have not explored in much detail the differences between large and small organisations most of the theories around alignment can be applied to small and medium organisations with more confidence. Additionally, the analysis strongly suggests that companies following a simultaneous planning integration can improve the chances to make better use of IT, and thus attain better levels of alignment.

Originality/value

This study contributes towards the study of alignment in SMEs, which is currently not very much explored. It also raises awareness about the importance of developing IT and business strategies together.
Transformational learning experiences of female UAE college students
Authors: Madsen Susan R.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

To begin understanding how best to develop and train Emirati women so they can become more influential in business, government, and the community, research was conducted that explores the backgrounds and experiences of these women in learning environments. The purpose of this paper is to explore how college students are transformed through their learning experiences, and this paper reports on two categories: backgrounds (i.e. confidence, learning environment, lack of previous opportunities, and family support) and personal and professional development (i.e. confidence, personal responsibility for learning, and skills and competency development).

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth qualitative interviews (using the phenomenological methodology) were conducted with Emirati students at a women's college in Abu Dhabi.

Findings

This paper presents findings related to four of the ten stages in Mezirow's perspective transformation process: disorienting dilemma, critical assessment of assumptions, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and building competence and self‐confidence in new roles, behaviors, or relationships. This is a portion of the full study that demonstrates that these women have experienced ongoing transformational learning experiences during college.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory nature of this study and the self‐selection of participants limit the generalizability of this study.

Originality/value

This paper provides helpful insights for educators, scholars, and practitioners to help them more effectively design successful developmental programs for Emirati women in educational and non‐educational settings. Understanding more about their lives and journeys toward and during higher education can provide new perspectives that will be helpful in developing future competency‐building programs for Emirati women.
Time management in higher education
Authors: Farras Oran Ahmad
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Since its introduction into higher education, the “philosophy” behind the credit hour system (CHS) and its use has not fundamentally changed. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to study time management in higher education as demanded by the students' CHS.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analysis current courses scheduling and in‐class teaching time (frequency and session's duration), as applied in Jordan' higher education, vis‐à‐vis time management efficiency and productivity.

Findings

The length of the school year may be cut by two months without any qualitative or quantitative losses. This result is expected to lead to economic and educational benefits for students, faculty, educational institutions, and the economy at large.

Research limitations/implications

The paper takes higher education in Jordan as a case of study and Jordan's higher educational system may have its own peculiarities.

Practical implications

The paper offers an alternative time framework and class scheduling that could be applicable in any country in which higher education institutions are applying the CHS, as in Jordan. Larger number of classrooms may be needed.

Originality/value

The proposed time framework and class scheduling, and the consequent change of the meaning and definition of the credit hour arguably is a significant innovation in higher educational time management.
Clinical trial: effects of botulinum toxin on levator ani syndrome – a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: RAO S. S. C. , PAULSON J. , MATA M. , ZIMMERMAN B.
Published: February 2009

Background  Levator ani syndrome is characterized by anorectal discomfort/pain, treatment of which is unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that Botulinum toxin relieves spasm and improves symptoms.

Aim  To perform a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study to examine the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in patients with levator ani syndrome.

Methods  Twelve patients with levator ani syndrome (≥1 year) received anal intra sphincteric injections of 100 units of botulinum toxin A and placebo at 90‐day intervals using EMG guidance. Daily frequency, severity, duration and intensity of pain (VAS) were recorded. Anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion and pudendal nerve latency tests were performed to examine the physiological changes and adverse effects.

Results  Seven patients (male/female = 4/3) completed the study and three had incomplete data, but all 10 underwent in an ITT analysis; two others dropped out. After administration of botulinum toxin, the mean frequency, intensity and duration of pain were unchanged (P = 0.31) compared with baseline. The 90‐day mean VAS pain score was 6.79 ± 0.27 vs. baseline score of 7.08 ± 0.29 (P = 0.25). Anal sphincter pressures, rectal sensory thresholds, pudendal nerve latency and balloon expulsion times were unchanged after drug or placebo administration.

Conclusions  Injection of botulinum toxin into anal sphincter is safe, but it does not improve anorectal pain in levator ani syndrome.
Obesity and weight gain as risk factors for erosive oesophagitis in men
Authors: NAM S. Y. , CHOI I. J. , NAM B. H. , PARK K. W. , KIM C. G.
Published: February 2009

Background  Although obesity and weight gain increase the risk for symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, their association with erosive oesophagitis is still unclear in the male population.

Aim  To evaluate, in men, the association of body mass index (BMI) and weight gain with endoscopically proven erosive oesophagitis.

Methods  A total of 8571 Korean men in a comprehensive screening cohort were enrolled. Effects of BMI and abdominal obesity on erosive oesophagitis were estimated with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression analysis. We also evaluated the association between erosive oesophagitis and BMI change after 1–3 years.

Results  The prevalence of erosive oesophagitis was 6.4% (552/8571). In univariate analysis, the ORs for erosive oesophagitis increased as BMI or waist circumference increased (P for trend <0.001, both). In multivariate analysis, OR for erosive oesophagitis increased as BMI increased (P for trend = 0.002), while the significance of waist circumference was attenuated (P for trend = 0.13). Increase in BMI (≥1 kg/m2) was associated with persistence of erosive oesophagitis (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.01–7.92, P = 0.04) and new development of the disease (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.38–3.28, P = 0.001) compared with BMI change less than 1 kg/m2.

Conclusions  Elevated BMI and weight gain have a significant association with erosive oesophagitis.
Cell‐cycle inhibition and apoptosis induced by curcumin and cisplatin or oxaliplatin in human ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Montopoli M. , Ragazzi E. , Froldi G. , Caparrotta L.
Published: February 2009

Alteration of appropriate cell‐cycle progression and of closely related apoptotic process is a basic feature of tumour cells, and development of new tumour‐targeted agents focus on apoptosis, either during cell‐cycle arrest or following premature cell‐cycle checkpoint exit. Increasingly, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that curcumin protects against cancer, not only because of its well‐known antioxidant properties, but also because it modulates intracellular signalling, which is related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin are first‐line drugs in treatment of many types of epithelial cancer and their combination with other cytostatics are under investigation to limit their side effects and resistance to them.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of a combined treatment using curcumin with cisplatin or with oxaliplatin, in a human ovarian cancer cell line (2008) and in its cisplatin‐resistant variant (C13).

Results:  Curcumin per se caused concentration‐dependent (0.1–100 µm) and time‐persistent (24–72 h) reduction in cell proliferation, as well as altered cell cycle parameters and induced apoptosis, in both cell lines. When carcinoma cells were simultaneously exposed to curcumin and to cisplatin or oxaliplatin (at concentrations lower than IC50) cell viability was reduced more than with single‐drug treatment. Moreover, dose and time related effects of curcumin, when combined with platinum drugs, were linked to consistent reduction in cell cycling and increased apoptosis, in comparison with single‐drug treatment. These effects were significant both in wild type and in cisplatin‐resistant cells, indicating that curcumin was also able to increase sensitivity of resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin.

Conclusions:  The data suggests that curcumin is an interesting natural compound capable of limiting cell proliferation and possibly increasing clinical impact of platinum drugs, in ovarian cancer patients.
Seismic characterization of reservoirs containing multiple fracture sets
Authors: Sayers Colin M.
Published: February 2009

Natural fractures in reservoirs play an important role in determining fluid flow during production and knowledge of the orientation and density of fractures is required to optimize production. Variations in reflection amplitude versus offset (AVO) are sensitive to the presence of fractures but current models used to invert the seismic response often make simplified assumptions that prevent fractured reservoirs from being characterized correctly. For example, many models assume a single set of perfectly aligned fractures, whereas most reservoirs contain several fracture sets with variable orientation within a given fracture set. In addition, many authors only consider the azimuthal variation in the small offset amplitude versus offset and azimuth response (the variation in AVO gradient with azimuth), while the effect of fractures on amplitude versus offset and azimuth increases with increasing offset. In this paper, the variation in the reflection coefficient of seismic P‐waves as a function of azimuth and offset due to the presence of multiple sets of fractures with variable orientation within any fracture set is used to determine the components of a second‐rank fracture compliance tensor αij. The variation in the trace of this tensor as a function of position in the reservoir can be used to estimate the variation in fracture density with position in the reservoir and may be used to choose the location of infill wells in the field. The principal axes of αij reveal the most compliant direction within the reservoir and may be used to optimize the trajectory of deviated wells. The determination of the principal axes of αij requires wide azimuth acquisition and the use of the small‐offset amplitude versus offset and azimuth (the azimuthal variation of the AVO gradient) may give misleading results.