bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does manufacturing need to make JIT delivery work?
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed‐Mahmoud
Published: June 2007

The Just‐In‐Time (JIT) was found to be a management philosophy. Two main principles that JIT relies on are the elimination of waste and the complete utilization of capabilities of people. The crucial points will be touched upon and will help determine the advantages along with the disadvantages of the new method. The goals of the method will be examined, comparing the most important to the least. A discussion of companies that have implemented the JIT method will be touched with their results. Examples of how a company may increase their revenue will also be examined. A conclusion of opinions will be added to discuss feeling of how companies can benefit from the JIT method.
Marketing in Czech firms: 1999‐2003
Authors: Kloudová Jitka , Medway Dominic , Byrom John
Published: June 2007

Marketing is one of the key pillars of the successful management of an enterprise. For the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe, this had previously been a neglected aspect. The aim of this paper is to assess the development of marketing practice in the firms of one of those economies, the Czech Republic, between 1999 and 2003. It analyses the implementation of the Internet as amarketing tool and how Czech enterprises approach marketing and marketing strategy. With the accession of the Czech Republic and other formerly communist countries to the European Union in 2004, the importance of marketing to such firms cannot be overstated, if the benefits of the enlarged marketplace are to be realised fully.
Betting on the exchanges: changing customer relationships in the sports betting market in the UK
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David , Turner David , Comfort Daphne
Published: June 2007

The recent advent of betting exchanges, which allow customers to bet against each other, rather than against the bookmaker or betting shop chain, may herald a change in the nature of customer relationships within the sports betting market. This article outlines the size and current characteristics of the sports betting market, describes the emergence and operation of betting exchanges and discusses the possible impact that these exchanges may have on traditional sports betting transactions and markets.
The weather report for the supply chain: a longitudinal analysis of the ISM/Forrester Research Reports on Technology in Supply Management, 2001‐2003
Authors: Wyld David C.
Published: June 2007

This article presents an analysis of three years results from the quarterly Report on Technology in Supply Management, conducted through a joint effort of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) (formerly the National Association of Purchasing Managers) and Forrester Research. This report provides the best snapshot on the growth of e‐procurement in the United States. However, the sponsors do not publicly provide any analysis on the trends the data show from quarter‐to‐quarter. Now, with three years of available data from the twelve quarterly surveys conducted to date, there is an opportunity to analyze the adoption rates of e‐procurement tools, techniques and protocols in the American marketplace. The author of this study has conducted just such a longitudinal analysis of the ISM/Forrester data, examining the trends for organizations across the U.S. marketplace. What is demonstrated is that overall, both in manufacturing and service‐oriented firms and in large and small purchasing organizations, e‐procurement methods are rising and reaching “critical mass” in most areas with the “e‐way” fast becoming “the way”. However, important differences due exist between the groups and their specific needs, motivations, and results in their shift to an electronic acquisition environment. These are highlighted and discussed in this article.
Stress management: stressors, diagnosis, and preventative measures
Authors: Raitano Robert E. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Stress management is a continuous process of monitoring, diagnosing, and prevention of excessive stressors that adversely affects employees, managers, and productivity. These stressors are as much a function of the environment as one’s perception of the environment. Therefore, stress management is as much the responsibility of employees as it is managers. Both must maintain the lines of communication and feedback to determine appropriate means of diagnosis and a suitable mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention methods. Diagnosis may be as simple as circulating questionnaires throughout the office or as extensive as group discussions to investigate possible problems and resolutions. From diagnosis results, managers and employees must agree upon an effective method(s) of prevention. If lapses in either diagnosis or prevention methods occur, employees and managers risk a decline of productivity, morale, and a deterioration of physical and mental health.
New developments concerning the Orange County employee retirement law
Authors: Morelos Saundra K. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 paved the way for employer‐sponsored retirement programmes to be created. One such programme is the Orange County Employees Retirement System. It was implemented in 1945 to provide retirement benefits for public service employees. Since that time, many new developments have resulted in changing the system to better service the members. Those new developments include SB 558, the cancer presumptive bill, AB 1817 affecting disability retirement, AB2841 increasing employer contributions, and AB1937 increasing retirement allowances. Using Orange County as an example, these developments are analysed according to their affects upon employees. The significance of these developments for employers and employees of all companies is to encourage the appropriate action necessary to implement change in a positive way for all members of a retirement scheme.
New developments concerning managing mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Huang Christine T.W. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Posits most mergers and acquisitions deals still face many challenges. States several studies show that cultural incompatibility is always rated as the biggest barrier against integration being a success, and gives examples of this. Acknowledges that surveys have shown employees are apprehensive if integration is slow‐paced and gives guidelines for post merger/acquisition management. Concludes that the integration process is key to making acquisitions work.
Effective management in the food industry
Authors: Leung Joyce , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Contends that effective management is crucial for the food industry in the USA, in anticipating forthcoming changes, also to respond to people’s ever changing needs and demands. Adumbrates that open communication helps to make an effective management and that trust of employees via empowerment will make them be more motivated.
Effective human resource management in employment agencies
Authors: Cai Liou , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Recognizes that the employment service is an industry in which the employment agency is now more than just a service – it is now a business. Acknowledges that human resource management planning is key to match employee competency for an employer, as without employees nothing gets done. Looks at what employment agencies provide, e.g.: regular employment; contract services; temporary to hire; and payroll services. Concludes that employment agencies and human resource professionals should be in tandem to help the organisation to best use its process for change continuously.
Effective employment screening practices
Authors: Wang Jund‐Ming , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Contends that an employer must reduce his risk, and that therefore choosing the right employee is important for this. An effective employee screening practice helps employers to make the right hiring decisions, benefitting both employer and employee alike. Lists out the employer’s seven deadly hiring mistakes in full. Looks also at negligent hiring and retention. Discusses pre‐employment screening, listing out what to look for in an employee’s resumé, and also discusses post‐employment screening, which keeps employers aware of employees’ changing attitudes, etc., thereby avoiding possible pitfalls.
The dynamics of concentration and inequality in Spanish industries (1990‐2001)
Authors: Martinez Bobillo Alfredo , Fernández Temprano Miguel A. , Tejerina Gaite Fernando
Published: June 2007

This study develops a systematic analysis of the concentration and inequality levels of 20 Spanish industries over the period 1990‐2001. The methodology traced is based on the use of indices both for evaluating the inequality (Gini,MRD&Coefficient of Variation), and for studying the concentration (Herfindahl‐Hirchman, Theil & Hannah‐Kay). This article adopts a dynamic approach, through the Distributional Change Index. The analysis confirms the different behaviour within the durable and non‐durable goods groups of Spain’s industries. Significant differences also appear with respect to the characterisation of the sectors. These characteristics are centred on the intensity of capital and skill, the capacity for technological development and the intensive use of agricultural inputs. Another of the most relevant conclusions is that referring to the increase competition of certain industries in Spain, particularly those belonging to the non‐durable goods group.
Executive compensation in internet‐related businesses
Authors: Chen Mei H. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

This article discusses the pay packages of executive officers at internetrelated business. Generally, the executives’ total compensation include salary, bonuses, commissions, stock options, and other financial compensation, such as forgiveness of loans, automobile expenses, etc. The 70 to 80 percent of the CEOs’ compensations are from gains of exercising stocks. In this tumbling market, shareholders are suffering the loss from the declining stock prices. However, many CEOs are still left with a mountain of wealth. Meanwhile, the board of directors also raises the stock options to retain their top talents even to those who are under‐performing. Besides CEOs’ compensations, we will also compare the CEO pay with non‐CEO pay packages. The CEOs compensations are still the highest. Furthermore, the average CEO made 42 times the average hourly worker’s pay in 1980, 85 times in 1990, and a staggering 531 times in 2000. Many shareholders are against these out of control pay packages. We conclude that it is time to review the process of determining the CEOs compensation, and that the significant presence of pay‐by‐performance should be taken into account in any examination of the practice and regulation of corporate governance.
Organisational strategic orientation and its impact on non‐financial performance measurement in the financial services industry
Authors: Hussain Mostaque
Published: June 2007

Management Accounting (MA) practice is one strand in the complex weave that makes up the social fabric. Social patterns of interaction and societal presuppositions that impel people to act in certain ways are all factors that potentially impinge on the role and nature of MA. Some researchers recognise that normative pressures, as they are associated with social obligations and appropriate social conduct in human behaviours, are significant as far as MA practices are concerned. Thus, MA practices should be understood along with the effects of organisational, vis‐à‐vis management’s, strategic orientation (as a part of normative pressures) in organisations. This empirical study investigates the effect of organisational strategic orientation on performance, especially Non‐financial Performance (NFP) measurement in different types and kinds of financial institutions in Finland, Sweden and Japan. The study reveals that organisational strategic orientation highly influences NFP measurement in financial institutions, though the effects of this factor are different in different financial institutions. After providing the empirical result, some research directions are given for further research.
Turkish companies’ ethical statements: content analysis with comparisons
Authors: Halici Ali , Kucukaslan Asli
Published: June 2007

The aim of the study is to determine the ethical concept of the companies’ statements and correlations with each other. Therefore, content analysis with quantitative methods were applied to the formal and written documents of 192 companies. In addition, corporate characteristics were determined. Consequently, statements were determined in 36 different subject areas. Among these, “high quality production” is the most frequently mentioned subject, while “supplier satisfaction” and “union relations” are the least. Also, “human resources” is the most, while “environmental issues” are the least examined subjects in the context of business functions. Companies’ ethical statements are affected by their year of establishment, the number of personnel, market values and ISO certificates.
Derivatives and the 1987 market crash
Authors: Glenn Baigent G. , Massaro Vincent G.
Published: June 2007

We examine the role of program trading and portfolio insurance in the market crash of 1987. We argue that the only plausible explanation for the sequence and magnitude of the events in October 1987 is the existence of portfolio insurance. Other explanations such as in vestor behavior are discussed.
An analysis of the relevance of off‐balance sheet items in explaining productivity change in post‐merger bank performance: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Ibrahim Suraya
Published: June 2007

By applying a non‐parametric Malmquist Productivity Index to a sample of all post‐merger Malaysian banks over 2001‐2003, this paper attempts to investigate to what extent the inclusion of OBS items in the output definition of banks affect the estimated total factor productivity change indexes. It is found that the inclusion of OBS items results in an increase in estimated productivity levels for all banks under study. However, the impact seems to be the largest on technological change rather than efficiency change.
International linkage of stock prices: the case of Indonesia
Authors: Ibrahim Mansor H.
Published: June 2007

The paper evaluates the international linkage of Indonesian stock market during pre‐crisis and post‐crisis periods using time series techniques of cointegration and vector autoregression (VAR). We find evidence for lack of cointegration among the Indonesian market, other ASEAN markets (Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) and two advanced markets (the US and Japan) during both pre‐crisis and post‐crisis periods. Looking at short run dynamics, we document evidence for substantial interactions among the ASEAN markets. However, it seems that the Indonesian market becomes more segmented from other ASEAN markets during the post‐crisis period. Additionally, while most ASEAN markets respond quickly to shocks in the US regardless of the sample period and seem to be less influenced by the Japanese market post crisis, the Indonesian market becomes more responsive to the developed markets of the US and Japan during the post crisis period.
Futures Markets: Speculator Participation and Risk Premiums
Authors: Lee Jeong W. , Beneda Nancy
Published: June 2007

This study seeks to determine whether changes in future prices are determined by the shifting of price risk and the presence of risk premiums in transactions between hedgers and speculators. The alternative explanation is that the returns accruing to speculators are a result of the superior forecasting ability processed by speulators. The study examines the characteristics of price movements and net hedging positions in twenty‐nine futures markets.The results of the study are consistent with the presence of both risk shifting to speculators and superior forecasting ability of speculators in futures markets. While the risk bearing explanation may be valid for particular markets under special conditions, forecasting ability may be present in other markets.The implication is useful for investors in determining which markets may reflect ongoing and unidirectional price changes.
Effectively Managing Korean‐American Businesses
Authors: Hargittay Peter , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Korean‐American firms are becoming powerful business units, yet some questions arise as to how to manage them in the most effective manner. In order to avoid confusion, a definition of Korean‐American firms is required. Korean‐American firms are Korean firms that have set up operations in the United States in the form of factories, storage facilities, and sales offices. In others words, the companies are owned by Korean business people who are used to the Korean way of doing business, and yet employ many Americans. Korean executives must deal with American workers and managers and understand the corporate structure that is commonly used in the United States. While Korean executives would like to implement their management practices, they need to remember that America employees may respond differently than Korean workers. Consequently, this article will be useful to Koreans investing in the United States, as they will learn about American organisation models. At the same time, this article will be useful to American workers who want to learn about their Korean employers and the business practices and values used in Korea. The main objective of this article is to determine how to maximise the performance of Korean‐American firms.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System: An Effective Tool for Production Management
Authors: Kakouris A. P. , Polychronopoulos G.
Published: June 2007

Independent of the size of the company, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can either boost or doom a company, if implemented successfully or unsuccessfully. There is a great deal of supporting evidence from the literature, mainly from large manufacturing and service organisations. This article adopts a case study approach to investigate the selection and im plementation activities in a manufacturing company in Greece focusing mainly on production management aspects. The goal is to provide insight into the ERP functionality with respect to production and thus the selection of an actual business case proves how the enterprise successfully implemented and integrated such a system, highlighting the processes used, the obstacles faced and how they were overcome, as well as the gains achieved. Finally, it provides useful information and practical suggestions that may help production managers and users to get a better understanding of how to deploy such systems.
Boards of Directors for Small Businesses and Small Private Corporations: The Changing Role,
Duties and Expectations
Authors: Teksten Eric L. , Moser Steven B. , Elbert Dennis J.
Published: June 2007

Today the governance and management structure of business organizations, particularly publicly traded corporations uti lizes a board of directors. Organization use of boards of directors is considered an openly accepted and utilized structure to provide leadership and management direction in business organization. Because large public companies recognize the value to the corporation and because of the increased regulatory requirements placed on publicly traded companies, the use of boards of directors are strongly endorsed. For small businesses and privately held companies, however, a board of directors is not always viewed as a useful part of the corporate structure. This paper reports on the results of a study which focused on the board functions and operations of small privately held corporations. A survey of 180 small, of ten family owned, non‐public corporations was conducted in one Mid western state. The study corroborated the expanding body of literature suggesting the lack of formality in board functions for small privately held companies. Critical factors influencing board function and action included needs of the company, abilities of the directors, sophistication of ownership and management, as well as life cycle stage, percent of family ownership and trading status of the corporation’s stock.
Memory Management in Country and Corporate Survival Decisions
Authors: Chacko George K.
Published: June 2007

Absent Chief Entrepreneur/Intrapreneur (‘Ntrepreneur) Officer (CNO)
Churchill’s un wavering commitment of significant resources to the unproven radar (Decision to Dare) as early as the autumn of 1937, Great Britain would have not survived as a nation: No country survival. Absent Watson,
Jr.’s unwavering determination to push IBM into computers, launching in 1951 the Defense Calculator, which at $3 million “was by far the most expensive project in IBM history,” IBM would not have survived: No corporate survival. From the [rather flimsy] briefing by Dr. R.V. Jones weaving fact and fancy, how did Churchill draw the firm conclusion that radar would be invented; and risk rewriting the entire plans for the air defense of Great Britain around radar? How did Watson, Jr. dismiss the unanimous recommendation of IBM’s 18 best systems experts that magnetic tape had no place at IBM; and launch the most expensive project at IBM to break into the unknown field of
computers? Based on first‐person narratives, how could the single input of relatively flimsy data produce as the output, the certain realization of a futuristic technology? The most‐cited work on the psychology of decision‐making (Kahneman‐Tversky) is seen to be in applicable. Sigmund Freud’s Self‐Analysis offers a method of systematic introspection/ret rospection. We develop an established sequence of ordered procedures (Protocol) of memory management (Memory Management Disequilibria Dimensions (MD2) Protocol) which applies equally well to both the country and corporate survival decisions, and offers some suggestions to improve Memory Management for Decisions to Dare.
Daily Variation, Capital Market Efficiency and Predicting Stock Market Returns
Authors: Jarrett Jeffrey E. , Kyper Eric
Published: June 2007

Studies of capital market efficiency are important because they infer that there are predictable properties of the time series of prices of traded securities on organised markets. We examine the weak form of the efficient markets hypothesis to indicate its usefulness in terms of the results of this study. Furthermore, this study of individual securities prices of traded securities on organised markets corroborate previous findings of studies of stock market indexes both in the United States and for foreign stock exchanges that daily patterns are present in the times series of securities prices. You will note also, that the models identified reflect the closing prices on one day less the closing price on the previous day. In this way, we study returns and not average or closing prices.
How to Write Job Descriptions Effectively
Authors: Gan Marie , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

A job description can best be thought of as a blue print of the position. It outlines the essential duties and responsibilities that are expected of the employee and the basic purpose of the work the employee is expected to
perform. It also defines account ability in an organisation, which helps to prevent overlap of duties and assigns task responsibility.
Perspectives on the Management of Public Sector Organisations
Authors: Ashworth Rachel , Entwistle Tom , Gould‐Williams Julian , Marinetto Michael
Published: June 2007

This monograph contains abstracts from the 2005 Employment Research Unit Annual Conference Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, 6‐7th September 2005
Compensation management of commissioned sales employees
Authors: Shipley Christopher J. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this article is to recognise the different types of compensation programmes for commissioned sales employees and to establish ways to manage these programmes in an ever changing business environment. This article will identify companies who use compensation programmes for their commissioned sales employees. This article will also compare and contrast the differences between the company’s different compensation plans. Compensation management is becoming increasingly more difficult for or ganisations to control because sales employees are wanting more and more. Managers need to find out what sales employees want and give it to them in a way that is fair and specific. Being specific in compensation and incentive plans is becoming the new method for managers to follow, while at the same time promoting a team atmosphere among sales employees. Results for compensation management of commissioned sales employees do not point to one best method, but managers are encouraging sales employees to work as a group and not against each other. This would create camaraderie among employees, thus enhancing the work environment and increasing quality and quantity of sales.
The role of California’s department of industrial relations
Authors: Thanh Tam Nguyen Nhat , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this article is to define the role of California’s Department of Industrial Relations as well as its division in improving the effectiveness of a union management relationship, improving the quality of work life, and resolving the conflicts between the workers and the employers within California. California’s Department of Industrial Relations has the responsibilities in such major fields as Worker Compensation, Occupational Safety and Health, Labour Law, Apprenticeship Training, Mediation and Conciliation, and Statistics and Research. The materials presented in this article are to demonstrate the roles of California’s Department of Industrial Relations in the major fields. In addition, there are some case studies included in the article to demonstrate the approaches used by the California’s Department of Industrial Relations in fulfilling its role in protecting the rights of workers.
An overview of CAL/OSHA requirements
Authors: Burton Diane , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Cal/OSHA, federally approved in 1973, has set standards on California’s occupational safety and health. Cal/OSHA requirements can be separated into the distinct sections of record keeping, plan for illness and injury (formally the Illness and Injury Prevention Programme), the inspection process and citations. Keeping records and implementing an Injury and Illness Prevention Programme can save companies from costly errors in the future. Managers have the opportunity to work with Cal/OSHA representatives during inspections to promote a positive work environment. Citations will help managers better understand work place health and safety, though penalties prove to be expensive mistakes that managers can easily avoid. Posting Cal/OSHA requirements in every department and taking it step‐by‐step will increase the clarity of work place safety.
Effective franchise management
Authors: Saleh Saif , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

This article tries to address some of the issues managers face in franchise systems; the use of high tech systems and marketing. Using these two tools in the best way possible is of great importance to franchisees and franchisors. Both the advantages and shortcomings of these aspects are discussed. The importance of such an examination comes from the fact that these tools could be of very high value if applied appropriately or harmful if misapplied. Some examples of franchise systems that have been involved in these aspects are discussed to show the two‐sided nature of the application of them.
How to write a proper Internet usage policy
Authors: Welebir Brad , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Increased usage of the Internet at work has prompted organisations to write Internet Usage Policies to establish appropriate use. This article addresses the main components of an Internet Usage Policy, including security, monitoring and filtering, privacy rights, intellectual property, organisation representation, acceptable personal use, unacceptable personal use, investigation of violations and corrective action, and notification of policy. Each section explains what should be written in the policy, and how it should be written. Internet Usage Policies should be tailored to fit the organisation’s culture. Management must enforce the policies, but be careful not to act like big brother policing every activity employees engage in. Organisations will find that Internet Usage Policies provide a written basis for discouraging Internet misuse, but ultimately the organisational culture will have the strongest effect on employee behaviour.
Effective human resource management in the entertainment industry
Authors: Hoai Anh Nguyen , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

This article focuses on the human resource management of the amusement and theme park industry which has been growing significantly over the last decade. To be successful in the entertainment industry, most theme park companies apply four general human resource strategies: (1) Hire the right people (2) Develop people to deliver service quality (3) Provide needed support systems (4) retain the best people. These strategies are commonly used and shown in the cases of the Disney Company, Universal Studios, and LEGOLAND. However, most of the research in this article focuses on the Disney World theme park, which has become the epitome of excellent customer service, and has set an example for other theme parks to follow. Successful companies must develop various strategies to select the right employees for the right positions, train them for superior customer service, and reward their performance for customer satisfaction. To achieve employee success, it requires a lot of efforts from many individuals in an organisation. Especially, the organisation’s corporate culture and policies must reinforce superior customer service to give clear guidelines for employees’ behaviours. Top management needs to reward and recognise employees who perform extraordinarily in the area of guest service. After all, superior guest quality is that which brings differentiation and profit to any theme park company. Therefore, if customer service is an important issue to an organisation, then people have to be important.
Effective management of pension plans
Authors: Staab David , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The scope of pension plan management is very wide. There are many different meanings to the term pension plan, which varies vastly from self‐directed plans such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs), to union sponsored defined benefit plans. The scope of this article will outline the various types of pension plans and the problem or problems employers may face when offering them to their employees.
Effective management of state employees
Authors: Tilden Chris , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Managing state employees is similar to managing private sector employees, although there are many subtle differences. An effective manager will acknowledge these differences, seize them, and use them to their advantage. On the other hand, an ineffective manager will attempt to lead and motivate employees using only techniques from the private sector. This manager will have a harder time obtaining their objectives, or worse, may lose their job because of ineffectiveness. This article organises the differences into two categories: opportunities and concerns. When comparing and contrasting a state organisation to a for‐profit private sector company opportunities are the advantages of a state organisation and concerns are the disadvantages. An effective management style will minimise concerns and capitalise on opportunities.
How to recognise and handle potentially violent employees
Authors: Gupta Vick , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Employees are an integral part of an organisation. They are important assets for a company. Employees with their hard work and sincerity can either make a company or break a company with their insincerity or disruptive behaviour.
Employees should be treated like a family. It is important for an organisation to keep employees happy. If employees are satisfied and feel part of the organisation, they will work harder and ultimately the organisation will grow by leaps and bounds. On the other hand, if they are not happy, it could adversely affect company’s growth. If employees are dissatisfied or frustrated, there is a potential that they can turn violent. Companies should take appropriate measures to make sure that the employees are free from any kind of harm.
To blow or not to blow the whistle? That is the question
Authors: Rocha Ester , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Whistle blower was a word created in the 70s to specifically differentiate allegations from somebody from inside the company as opposed to allegations of a wrong doing by someone from outside the company. The agreed‐upon definition of whistle‐blowing has four components: 1) A person acts with the intention of making information public;
2) The information is transmitted to people outside the organisation who make it public and a part of the public record; 3) The information has to do with possible or actual nontrivial wrong doing in a company; and 4) The individual exposing the organisation is not a journalist or ordinary citizen, but an employee or former employee of the organisation. (Johnson, 2003:3‐4).
The effective management of employment agencies
Authors: Taerattanachai Adchana , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

In order to be able to manage a business, it is wise to study the nature of that particular business. Employment agencies are also known as recruiters, head hunters and career counselors. There are differences amongst these
types of organisations but, here, the article’s focus is geared toward employment agencies.
Managing for excellence in public transportation
Authors: Tran Toan , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Public transportation is defined as transportation by a conveyance that provides continuing general or special transportation to the public; excluding school buses, charter and sight seeing service. Public transportation includes
various modes such as buses, subways, rail, trolleys and ferry boats. It also includes demand response services for seniors and persons with disabilities as well as vanpool and taxi services operated under contract to a public transportation agency (Overview, par. 1). In addition to providing the traditional transit service, many public transportation agencies also over see freeway improvement projects, improvements on local streets and roads, and other transportation related elements.
Insider action research: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Coghlan David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Within the context of the changing nature of research and of universities, insider action research provides a particular expression of action research that poses considerable challenges to those engaging in it. The purpose of this article is to address the challenges of insider action research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on such research undertaken in Sweden.

Findings

Insider action researchers need to confront the issues pertaining to preunderstanding, role duality and organizational politics. Attention to experience, understanding and judgement which leads to action, provides a methodology through which they can affirm what and how they know. They need to do so in a critical realist approach which challenges them to transcend their own subjectivity through the quality of how they are attentive to the data, intelligent in their understanding, reasonable in their judgements and responsible in their actions. Such transcendence provides the criteria for a rigorous epistemology and quality action research.

Originality/value

This paper brings the work of Bernard Lonergan to the field of action research and insider action research in particular and addresses in concrete terms how his critical realist approach may be actualized in practice by those engaging in insider action research.
The social ecology of action research
Authors: Hillon Mark E. , Boje David M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a reflexive commentary on the nature and validity of actionable knowledge from the authors’ experience with action research in New Mexico and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have situated their localized experience in the history and theory of the broader field of action research by posing the question of whether the validity of action research depends more upon the observer's worldview than upon the quality of change in the lives of those involved in the intervention.

Findings

Three fundamental tenets of action research are identified. A pragmatic perspective underlies the need for locality grounded criticality in reflection, instrumental participation leading to trust and genuine understanding of behavior, and a shared desire to actualize untapped human potential to solve a problem.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offer's reflection on the validity of actionable knowledge from the authors’ experience, supported by a brief case example to illustrate the dialogical convergence of theory and practice. Thus, this perspective may not be relevant and useful to all readers.

Practical implications

Reflection, regardless of when or how long it takes, is an essential catalyst in the transition of actionable knowledge into change.

Originality/value

The article attempts to separate a few essential elements of action research from the accumulated bits of technique, personal beliefs, ideology, and collected experiences that practitioners and theorists have attached to the question of validity and utility of knowledge produced by action research.
Exploring the complexities of validity claims in action research
Authors: McInnes Peter , Hibbert Paul , Beech Nic
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the problematics of validity that are inherent to the conduct of an action research project because of the disparate language games of both practitioners and academics.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploration is offered of the tensions between different understandings of a research setting at different stages of the research process.

Findings

In each phase of the research there are a number of tensions between different epistemological assumptions about the “reality” of the research setting. Validity is not, therefore, about capturing a singular objective picture of the organisation, but rather it is produced through the negotiation of a temporary intersection of language games.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a framework for understanding the role of the researcher in the research process and the issues underlying validity claims made from different epistemological positions.

Practical implications

The paper provides insights in to the mechanisms through which practitioners and academics come to understand each other and the limitations of this knowledge.

Originality/value

The article raises awareness of the different normative assumptions at play within a variety of action research contexts.
Customer complaints about airline service: a preliminary study of Turkish frequent flyers
Authors: Atalik Özlem
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to identify common complaints made by Turkish frequent flyers related to their program membership.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered via the internet for the research study reported here. The population consists of 15,000 passengers who are Elite members of the Frequent Flyer Program of Turkish Airlines (THY). For sampling purposes, 2,000 members were randomly selected from the Elite membership in February 2003. Following the survey, 608 usable questionnaires were included in the analysis stage, which represented a response rate of 30.4 per cent.

Findings

In the context of this study of the Elite members of the Miles&Miles program of THY, the common complaints of members fall into five categories. The main concerns are related to the availability of free tickets and upgrades of the flight class, the behaviour of personnel, card ownership issues (e.g. high number of miles needed to retain membership), level and type of priority services offered within the program and the lack of alliances with other airlines.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the sample – THY is the only airline that provides a frequent flyer program in Turkey. Nevertheless, the findings provide a fresh perspective on the opinions of Turkish frequent flyers about the quality of their particular program.

Originality/value

Although customer complaints have become increasingly common in many industries, research on this aspect of marketing is not extensive. In particular, studies about the specific complaints of frequent flyers concerning their respective program are limited. This paper will be of interest to executives in Turkey, airline companies with operations in Turkey and researchers interested in international management and marketing practices generally.
How to coach teams in business: the John Wooden Way
Authors: Ige Christine M. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Explains that John Wooden was a basketball coach at the USA’s University of California, Los Angeles, who led his team to success, winning ten championship titles in twelve seasons. Takes his philosophy – get the players in the best condition, teach them to execute the fundamentals quickly, drill them as a team – and applies it to self‐managed teams in the business environment. Recognizes the important effect of positive feedback has on team members, encouraging their willingness to contribute and growth in confidence. Provides the model developed by John Wooden – his pyramid of success.
Implement a winning marketing strategy
Authors: Dobbins Richard , Pettman Barrie O.
Published: June 2007

Asks which orders you would like to win and states that the answer lies in marketing and satisfying customers, with profit as a pleasant potential result. Suggests that companies should refocus their priorities, placing customers and improvements to customers’ lives at the forefront of any and all activity. Talks about specialization, competitive advantage, segmentation, customer characteristics, customer needs, product range, joint marketing, opportunity gaps, advertising and marketing. Concludes that successful business people are those who can identify the benefit that they sell which improves their customers’ lives.
Braque to the future: the benefits of using a Cubist methodology to investigate the management of change
Authors: Carter Simon
Published: June 2007

Suggests cubist methodology as a possible approach to studying the management of organizational change; the result of having gleaned data on organizational change processes from many different sources over five years. Quotes the cost of organizational change and the frequency of failure. Puts forward this cubist methodology as a means of rationalizing an intuitive approach. Refers to literature on research strategy, research methodology and research method, combining it into one synthesized view (a la Picasso and Braque). Claims that the advantage of the cubist methodology is its ability to turn many diverse components into one holistic picture.
A preliminary investigation into the correlation between teaching and research in the Florida State university system
Authors: Eugene Baker H. , Bates Homer , Victoria Garbacik‐Kopman J. , McEldowney John
Published: June 2007

Investigates the controversy surrounding the issue of empirical research productivity and quality teaching and whether or not they enhance each other or represent a trade‐off. Focuses on recent developments in Florida, where monetary incentives were provided to reward excellent teaching – the Teaching Incentive Programme (TIP). Reviews literature in the field of teaching effectiveness and research productivity. Sets out to test the results from previous studies (which found very little correlation between research productivity and teaching effectiveness) by identifying the recipients of Florida’s TIP awards, matching them with non‐recipients at the same university, gathering information on the publication record of each individual, and using sign tests to compare the recipients and non‐recipients of the TIP award. Finds that there was little significant difference in the publication records of recipients and non‐recipients. Concludes, therefore, that quality teaching and research are not mutually exclusive.
Predicting organisational objectives: role of stakeholder influence and volatility of environmental sectors
Authors: Drago William A.
Published: June 2007

Investigates the link between stakeholder influence and environmental sector volatility on organizational objectives. Uses a questionnaire survey (with findings drawn from 86 firms listed in Industrial Compustat) to determine the three most important long‐term objectives for the organization and the level of influence five different stakeholder groups have on strategic decision making. Reports that three significant associations were revealed between stakeholder influence and profitability. Performs Pearson correlation tests to provide validity and stepwise regression to determine the predictive power of stakeholder and environmental sector volatility on objectives. Finds that customer influence was the only stakeholder group which failed to be significantly linked to any organizational objectives. Concludes that both stakeholder influence and environmental sector volatility are important in determining organizational objectives. Notes limitations of the study due to the small sample size and recommends areas for further research.
Evaluating tangible asset investments: the value of cross functional teams
Authors: Dufrene Uric , Wadsworth Frank H. , Bjornson Chris , Little Eldon
Published: June 2007

Criticizes the attitude of separatism used in evaluating management performance. Asserts that looking at narrow functional areas does not provide a holistic picture of an organization, for example, production may reduce its costs by using inferior quality materials but marketing and sales may not be able to sell the product so their performance declines. Suggests that some organizations suffer from conflict between functional areas because they are evaluated on the outcomes from activities they control, affecting overall organizational performance. Indicates that asset investment decisions should be based on the interdependent relationship between accounting, finance and marketing departments, and that this can best be achieved if a cross‐functional team makes the asset investment decisions. Points out the inherent difficulties in evaluating intangible assets. Focuses on advertising and research and development (R&D) and how investments could be evaluated using functional and cross‐functional teams, based on financial data (on 126 firms) accessed from the Compustat PC Plus database. Takes a look at economic value‐added, which questions the differences between the accounting and economic models of a firm. Uses regression analysis to examine the impact of advertising, R&D and other explanatory variables on market value, accounting profitability and sales. Finds support for using cross‐functional teams in evaluating intangible asset investments. Recommends areas for further research.
The effect of nonverbal cues on bank patrons
Authors: Poon Teng Fatt James
Published: June 2007

Claims that, in Singapore, there is intense competition among local banks, hence increasing emphasis is being placed on offering a high quality customer service. Investigates how customers choose which banks to use, taking into account factors such as non‐verbal communication (including behavioural/interpersonal communication and environmental – deriving meaning from one’s surroundings); convenience; reputation; supply of information; and cosmetic factors such as the bank’s stationery. Uses a verbal questionnaire survey to examine the effect non‐verbal communication has on bank patrons’ attitudes. Evaluates banks’ businesslike approach, competency, friendliness, warmness, environment, electronic tellers, location and queueing. Makes a number of recommendations on how banks can improve their image and the service they offer.