bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of the dimensions of the fairness of affirmative action: A pilot study
Authors: Vermeulen L. P. , Coetzee M.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions of affirmative action (AA) fairness in order to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess employees’ perceptions of the fairness of AA decisions and practices, and to explore the relationship between employees’ biographical characteristics and their perceptions of the dimensions of AA fairness. The research sample consisted of 349 participants connected to a large financial institution in South Africa. Principal axis factor analysis with a varimax rotation was performed on the data in order to uncover the different factors that employees perceived to be important for the fair and just management of affirmative action practices. Four factors define AA fairness: namely interactional, procedural (input), procedural (criteria) and distributive justice. One-way MANOVAs and associated ANOVAs revealed that the importance of the justice factors in AA fairness differed significantly across ethnicity and staff category. This study enables a better understanding of the dimensionality of AA fairness. It should ultimately contribute to more effective management of AA in the workplace.
The formation of self-efficacy beliefs of skilled professional employees in a South African fruit export organisation
Authors: Anyster W. , Goodman S. , Wallis T.
Published: July 2019

This research explores the formation of self-efficacy beliefs from the perspective of individual employees occupying formal work roles within the supply chain division of an international fruit-marketing organisation. Bandura’s (1977; 1986; 1997) Social Cognitive Theory and research contributions on the formation of self-efficacy beliefs define the context in which this research is located. Qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews with fifteen subjects with more than two years work experience. Results indicate that employees derive efficacy information primarily through performance accomplishments, persuasive feedback from significant others and social comparative information. Specifically successful performance experiences appear to enhance perceptions of self-efficacy more than information derived from any other source.
An application of the American customer satisfaction index (ACSI) in the South African motor vehicle industry
Authors: Terblanche N. S.
Published: July 2019

Longer relationships with customers, with an anticipated concomitant increase in profitability flowing from such relationships, have become the focus of many businesses. Over time numerous measures to gauge and predict loyalty and commitment have been developed with the purpose to assist management in this respect. However, one of management’s major challenges is to employ a model that is appropriate to explain and predict customer retention for a particular company or brand. This study investigates the reliability of the ACSI for South Africa and reports on the empirical findings in respect of the relationships between various dimensions in the ACSI model as applied in the South African motor vehicle industry. Apart from a paper in press, no research or application of the ACSI has been published in any South African academic journal (Terblanche, 2006). The motor vehicle industry as a whole as well as two individual motor vehicle brands is the focal point of this study. The strengths of various relationships such as, for instance, the relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty and the relationship between customer expectations and perceived value were studied. The interpretations of the findings between the various dimensions, which are useful from both a theoretical and a managerial perspective, are offered.
A supportive organisational culture for project management in matrix organisations: A theoretical perspective
Authors: Morrison J. M. , Brown C. J. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: July 2019

Although the need for organisational cultures to be supportive of project management is frequently expressed in the project management literature, a comprehensive explanation of what supportiveness comprises, has not yet come to light. The field of organisational culture research recognises culture as a complex and multi-dimensional topic. To date, the project management literature has taken a superficial view of culture instead. It specifically lacks progress towards a converging set of organisational culture dimensions as predictors of effective project management. Against this apparent shortcoming, a research project was launched, aiming to define the dimensions of a project management supportive organisational culture. This article presents the findings of the literature study phase of this research. Ample evidence was found, although dispersed amongst a diversity of project management research themes, to give substance to the notion and to postulate a multi-dimensional framework of organisational culture expected to be relevant to project management. The researchers make no premature claims about the conclusiveness of the proposed framework, but introduce it as a thoroughly researched hypothesis for empirical study. The study makes its contribution by converging literature evidence, previously lacking such coherence, into a consolidated organisational culture perspective. The hope is that it will spark further theory development in respect of the organisational context of project management.
Towards an understanding of the success factors in international twinning and sister-city relationships
Authors: De Villiers J. C. , De Coning T. J. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: July 2019

The twinning of cities has evolved from an international instrument of friendship and cultural exchange to a powerful tool for capacity building and economic development. Within this context it can be defined as a ‘long-term strategic alliance between communities in different cities or towns, in which their municipalities are key actors’. There exists, however, a paucity of research about the twinning phenomenon and its success factors. In order to understand more fully which factors contribute to success, success factors reported in the available literature were identified, and a number of hypotheses formulated. These were then empirically tested from a survey conducted amongst all the municipalities of South Africa.
Exploring a conceptual model, based on the combined effects of entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation and relationship marketing orientation on South Africa’s small tourism business performance
Authors: Van Zyl H. J.C. , Mathur-Helm B.
Published: July 2019

This article explores the relationships between entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation and relationship marketing orientation and South Africa’s Small tourism business performance. The entrepreneurial leadership construct is a product of the fusion of entrepreneurship and leadership constructs. This article firstly explores the relationship of entrepreneurial leadership as an antecedent to the blend of market orientation and relationship marketing orientation on small tourism performance, and secondly the relationship of the combined effects of entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation and relationship marketing orientation on small tourism business performance. It is a descriptive and theoretical article, and thus secondary data from previous studies are used as comparative analysis for examination and discussion. The findings indicate that there is a relationship between the identified constructs. However, the exact nature and extent of these relationships need to be further investigated.
A holistic exploration of leadership development
Authors: Von Krosigk B.
Published: July 2019

Aligning body, mind and spirit, acquiring emotional intelligence, an unshakable belief in their own intuition and producing outcomes in the context of organisational abilities encompass the attributes of leaders that emerged from this holistic exploration of leadership development. Emotionally aware leaders demonstrated their authenticity and cared for peaceful process. In this exploration such leaders started at the bottom within their enterprise working their way up over time. Agreeableness and flexibility were the core competencies they developed amongst others. A complex mix of behaviour, thoughts and emotions were the specific leadership attributes that were found to differ for different organisations. These specific leadership attributes needed to fit with the character and dynamics of the organisation. Since leadership development was found to be a holistic character development over time leadership courses are recommended for all scholars and students, with a strong emphasis on self-development. A grounded theory approach to this holistic exploration of leadership development serves the community well, by promoting the emergence of grounded theories which are free from practical impossibilities.
Perceived usefulness, service quality and loyalty incentives: Effects on electronic service continuance
Authors: Naidoo R. , Leonard A.
Published: July 2019

This paper examines the interrelationships between perceived usefulness, service quality and loyalty incentives on e-service continuance. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was adapted from the information systems (IS) literature and integrated with theoretical and empirical findings from prior marketing research to theorise a model of e-service continuance. Results from a survey of a financial healthcare’s e-service users indicate a positive relationship between perceived usefulness, service quality and loyalty incentives on continuance. Further analysis strongly suggest that continuance is determined solely by the higher perceived usefulness of the e-service while service quality is more effective at lower levels of perceived usefulness. Loyalty incentives did not moderate the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance. Implications of these findings for firms contemplating e-service initiatives are discussed.
A survey of the prevalence and nature of teambuilding interventions in South African organisations
Authors: Kriek H. S.
Published: July 2019

South African organisations follow international trends and also increasingly make use of teams and teambuilding. However, no study can be found on the prevalence and nature teambuilding interventions used by South African organizations. As an explorative study the current research uses a survey to study the existing scenario regarding the application of teambuilding in local organizations. It reports on the prevalence, nature, type and purpose of teambuilding interventions used. It is found that the use of teambuilding is widespread and confirms perceptions that most organizations make use thereof. The study also raises issues that would warrant further research, like the real or perceived success of teambuilding; reasons to why it is so prevalent and why particular types are preferred and the need to bridge the gap between academia and practice through research focusing on the local and therefore “African” context.An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Eastern Academy of Management International Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in July 2007.
Towards the development of a knowledge management practices survey for application in knowledge intensive organisations
Authors: Steyn C. , Kahn M.
Published: July 2019

Various surveys of Knowledge Management Practices (KMPs) in private firms show how an increasing awareness of Knowledge Management (KM) is a critical determinant of an organisation’s competitiveness. While private sector strategies favouring internal knowledge sharing and external knowledge protection often provide strategic advantage, public sector research organisations such as South Africa’s science councils operate in an environment where, for reasons of wider public interest, transparency is encouraged and knowledge is rendered widely accessible. Unfortunately, however, little has been done to develop rigorous measurements of KMPs in such knowledge intensive organisations (KIOs) that primarily engage in knowledge intensive service activities. To complicate matters further, the majority of studies have been inter-organisational and multi-sectoral, focusing on large organisations in the private sector. Few studies have measured perceptions of KMPs amongst employees of a single organisation and even fewer have focused on KMPs within the public sector. This paper will discuss the theoretical and methodological approach used in the development of a survey aimed at measuring employee perceptions of KMPs within the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), one of South Africa’s largest public KIOs dedicated to ‘social science research that makes a difference.’ Principal component analysis of the survey data revealed six factors or constructs applicable to the measurement of KMPs. The results validate the survey instrument and offer a contribution toward the development of a KMP measurement instrument that may be applied across other KIOs in South Africa.
The relationship between leader emotional intelligence and psychological climate: An exploratory study
Authors: Klem C. , Schlechter A. F.
Published: July 2019

This study, which was conducted in a clothing manufacturing plant, investigated the relationship between two important constructs for organisations, namely: leader emotional intelligence and psychological climate. A random cluster sample of 600 participants were drawn from a total employee population of 1725 and 297 completed responses were returned for analyses (49,5% response rate). An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on both the Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Test (SUEIT) and the Organisational Climate Questionnaire of Koys and DeCotiis (1991). Both scales were found to be valid and reliable. Stepwise Discriminant analysis provided evidence that a single psychological climate existed in the organisation. The results of a Pearson correlation analysis and Hierarchical Multiple Regression further indicated that leader emotional intelligence is significantly positively related to the psychological climate.
Perceptions of the corporate identity management process in South Africa
Authors: Bick G. , Abratt R. , Bergman A.
Published: July 2019

This article reports on a qualitative study of how the corporate identity management process is perceived and managed by senior executives in large South African companies. The concepts of identity, corporate reputation, corporate branding, and the corporate identity management process are discussed. It is suggested that these concepts create confusion among executives and academics and therefore the image and reputation of a company may be affected. Results are reported from an in-depth study of 14 senior managers and directors from 8 large companies. Key recommendations are made and a step-by-step guide is given on how to develop an effective and successful corporate identity, leading to a good reputation in the long term.
Preparation, support and training requirements of South African expatriates
Authors: Vögel A. J. , Van Vuuren J. J. , Millard S. M.
Published: July 2019

A major issue in international human resource management is the failure of expatriates. The failure rate of expatriates has been reported to range anywhere between 10 and 80 percent, costing multinational enterprises (MNEs) between US$40 000 and US$1 million for each failed assignment. In order to address the problem it is recommended that MNEs provide sufficient preparation, support and training to not only the expatriate but also to their trailing spouses and children. This research has, however, proven that not only are South African MNEs not providing the preparation, support and training required by their expatriates, they are also falling short in the preparation, support and training provided to expatriate’s trailing spouses and children. The research does, however, provide guidelines on the preparation, support and training that can be offered to expatriates, their trailing spouses and children.
The impact of organizational culture on project management in matrix organizations
Authors: Morrison J. M. , Brown C. J. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: July 2019

This research empirically examined the relationship between organizational culture and the effectiveness of project management. The study made use of two conceptually developed constructs. The one, a framework of organizational culture, consists of twelve dimensions that emerged from a study of the project management literature as important organizational conditions for effective project management. The second construct, project management effectiveness, comprises eleven dimensions constituting the persistent leading and outcome indicators of project management success, similarly based on literature. The research found a statistically significant relationship between the two constructs in a sample of matrix organizations. Each of the twelve dimensions of organizational culture also correlated significantly with project management effectiveness. A total of 29 organizations, operating within the boundaries of South Africa, took part. Although generalizability is not possible, given the sample size, the study nevertheless takes a substantial step forward in this important context of project management. Pointers are offered for future research, and for organizations that find that project management fails to perform in accordance with their expectations.
Factors influencing venture capitalists’ project financing decisions in South Africa
Authors: Van Deventer B. , Mlambo C.
Published: July 2019

This study explores and identifies the investment criteria used by South African venture capitalists in their venture screening and evaluation processes. Using a Likert scale type of questionnaire, South African venture capitalists (VCs) were asked to rate the investment criteria identified in similar studies abroad and to report any additional criteria of their own. By evaluating the mean ratings, it was found that South African VCs consider the entrepreneur’s honesty and integrity; a good expected market acceptance; and a high internal rate of return (IRR), to be the three most important criteria. The South African VCs, just like their overseas counterparts, regard management considerations to be the most important criteria group in the evaluation of new investment projects. The results of this study are deemed useful to both venture capitalists in their decision-making process and to entrepreneurs in their venture capital applications to maximise their success rate.
Relationship between ethical and Islamic banking systems and its business management implications
Authors: Saidi T. A.
Published: July 2019

Islamic banking has become the fastest growing sector in the financial markets of the world in the past three decades, and this growth trajectory has coincided with the world’s renewed interest in the ideas of ethical banking. This raises the question regarding the actual nature of the relationship between ethical and Islamic banking systems, and the analysis in the current paper intends to provide answers to this question. The analysis has shown that the practices of Islamic banking system fit into ethical banking framework to a greater extent. It concludes that Islamic banking forms part of the broad ethical banking brand, and thus its rapid growth at the time when the ethical banking movement gathers new momentum could not be a matter of sheer coincidence.The paper also examines three business management implications of its findings. One implication is that proper name selection is an important aspect of successful branding and marketing of products or services; and the second is that we are in the age of committed consumption whereby principles, ethics and image are issues of importance in people’s choice of brands. The third implication is that market niching business strategies could bring success if properly designed and executed.
Development of an integrated system for distribution planning in supply chain
Authors: Modares A. , Sepehri M.
Published: July 2019

Distribution planning, which includes Vehicle Routing and Scheduling Problem (VRSP), has become an important element in Supply Chain impacting its service level and efficiency. Computer Aided Routing and Scheduling (CARS) has been developed and implemented, which can handle complicated distribution models using advanced heuristic optimization algorithms. A classification scheme is introduced to classify various types of routing and scheduling problems in a structured manner, based on the main objects of VRSP. The integrated system described in this paper can manage the dynamic aspects of the Supply Chain in practice. The modelling and solution approach in the CARS optimization engine, its user interface, sample performance measurements, and planning and operational features of the system are described in detail.
Quality, value, satisfaction and loyalty amongst race groups: A study of customers in the South African fast food industry
Authors: Terblanche N. S. , Boshoff C.
Published: July 2019

The retention of customers has become a key concern for many businesses. Various drivers of loyalty such as satisfaction, loyalty and commitment have, over time, been studied with the objective to improve customer retention. This study reports on the empirical findings in respect of the relationships between various dimensions of a loyalty model for the South African fast food sector and considers differences amongst race groups in respect of perceived quality, value, satisfaction and loyalty.Respondents in this empirical study were consumers drawn randomly from the seven major metropolitan areas of South Africa. The respondents are all customers of a national firm in the South African fast food sector and they were required to respond to items from (mostly) the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scales. The empirical findings provide support for the theoretical model proposed but there is not much difference in how the various race groups’ loyalty intentions are shaped.
Creating change in responsible tourism management through social marketing
Authors: George R. , Frey N.
Published: July 2019

The global threat of climate change, diminishing natural resources and significant socio-economic inequalities is forcing companies and individuals to evaluate the impact they are having on the natural, social and economic environments. This trend has led to an increased availability and demand for socially, environmentally and economically responsible products. The tourism industry relies heavily on the sustained beauty and hospitality of the places and communities it operates in and has come under pressure to manage its negative impacts. Change in the industry has, however, been limited. This paper investigates the current attitudes and perceptions of tourism business owners in Cape Town towards responsible tourism management (RTM) practices in order to develop social marketing strategies that can influence positive behaviour change in management. Cape Town as an internationally acclaimed top tourism destination needs to urgently address its low levels of responsible tourism evidence. Survey data of 244 tourism businesses was used to statistically test what factors are causing the low levels of RTM practices in Cape Town. Findings suggest that despite general positive attitudes towards RTM, tourism businesses are not investing time and money into changing management practices. This is a common emerging market phenomenon where resource constraints negatively impact the relationship between what businesses would like to do and what actually gets done. Factors such as the perceived cost of RTM, a highly competitive environment and a perceived lack of government support are further negatively influencing this relationship. Recommendations are made as to how social marketing can be used to encourage businesses to adopt RTM practices by reducing the perceived and actual costs of implementing RTM. The paper discusses what channels should be implemented to facilitate change.
The development of an instructional design model as a strategic enabler for sustainable competitive advantage
Authors: Le Roux L. , Oosthuizen H.
Published: July 2019

In a business environment of continuous change and in light of a defined need to fast track skills improvement in South Africa and Africa, training strategies and practices are under increasing pressure to develop a more productive and skilled workforce. Demands on training and the practices it employs increasingly focus on the alignment with strategic imperatives of organisations.This research presented an instructional design (ID) model positioned in the intersection between the positioning-based and resource-based theories and used a multi-disciplinary approach to extend the literature on ID models and offer measurable improvements in job-specific knowledge and productive behaviour as proxies for sustainable competitive advantage. The research confirmed the contribution of the ID model in this regard and described and substantiated the pivotal link between training and ID models and the application thereof in practice to aid organisations in the achievement and sustainability of competitive advantage. In this, the second article, the ID model will be subjected to empirical investigation and evaluated through the application thereof in a case organisation and a grounded conclusion provided. Hence, this article presents a brief overview of the first article, and focuses on the research methodology, research results, analysis and interpretation; conclusions and assessment of the research.This is the second in a series of two articles.
Investigating the impact of stakeholder management on the implementation of a public access project: The case of Smart Cape
Authors: Chigona W. , Roode D. , Nazeer N. , Pinnock B.
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on a study that uses the Stakeholder Management Theory to analyse the implementation of a pilot phase of public access project, the Smart Cape Access Initiative, a Cape Town City Council e-government initiative. Data for the study was gathered through in-depth interviews with individuals who were involved, influenced and were affected by the implementation of the pilot project. The study identified the major stakeholders of the project and assessed their importance and influence on the project. Numerous interactions between the stakeholders were identified. It was further noted that no formal stakeholder management was undertaken at the identification and planning stages of the project lifecycle. In addition, results showed that there were missed opportunities for appropriate stakeholder management throughout the project. This study offers insights into agencies involved in planning and running public access projects.
Symbolic and functional brand effects in the hedonic assessment of South African wines
Authors: Priilaid D. , Van Rensburg P.
Published: July 2019

Proceeding from work that identifies price as an extrinsic cue that can mediate between a wine’s perceived and intrinsic merit, the brand construct is presented as an additional potential mediator. Here we define (1) “functional” brands as representations of intrinsic (blind-tasted) quality, and (2) “symbolic” brands (as proxied by the difference between a wine’s intrinsic and extrinsic (sighted-tasted) evaluations) as placebos. Using a database of 8225 paired tastings (sighted and blind) of popular South African cultivars sampled over an eight year period, we control for contending price and vintage cues to identify the scale, character and distribution of a given set of functional and symbolic brand effects. Respectively these are identified as occurring in the frequency of roughly two-to-one. The 30 strongest of each are tabled. A subset of brands that present simultaneously as both functional and symbolic is further scrutinised. This set decomposes into two distinctive clusters located approximately one standard deviation left and right of the broader intrinsic mean. The smaller Zone of Symbolic Values is characterised by weak intrinsics and strong positive placebos. The second, larger Zone of Functional Values presents the opposite: negative placebos and strong functional intrinsics. Through the calibration and scaling of these brand-effects, wine producers can better understand what proportion of their product’s sight-driven appeal can ably be ascribed to a brand’s placebo as opposed to the underlying quality. Consequently their marketers may now more knowledgably amplify (or, where appropriate, down-play) the label-cue and adjust their wine marketing communication accordingly.
An inter-ethnic study of gender differentiation and innovativeness among women entrepreneurs in Malaysia
Authors: Idris A.
Published: July 2019

Researchers have generally established the connection between innovativeness and cultural values. However, in these studies men are typically the majority of respondents. There is also no effort in these studies to treat women as a distinct cultural entity although there is evidence suggesting that social conditioning, particularly in masculine societies, induces gender-differentiated behaviors. This paper addresses these issues via a quantitative study examining the effect of masculinity (Hofstede, 1980) on the innovativeness of Malay and Chinese women entrepreneurs in the Malaysian peninsula. Results strongly suggest that for women entrepreneurs, masculinity should not be treated as a single-construct dimension. Rather it should be split into two sub-constructs: ego orientation and gender differentiation. When the construct of masculinity is divided in this way, path analysis reveals that the Malay sample of women entrepreneurs is more innovative than the Chinese even though the latter has a higher index of ego orientation. This may be explained by the former's lower index of gender differentiation.
Share buy-backs for a selection of JSE listed companies: An exploratory study
Authors: Bester P. G. , Wesson N. , Hamman W. D.
Published: July 2019

This study undertook to derive share repurchase trends from a small sample of JSE-listed companies over the nine years, 1999 – 2008. The study also draws attention to the particular obstacles to be overcome when conducting research into the unique South African share repurchases environment.The study finds that 33 companies made 71 repurchase announcements (47 general and 24 specific) via the Securities Exchange News Service (SENS) over the period July 1999 until financial year-end in 2008. On average, 59,0% of the total number of shares (and 49,3% of the total value) repurchased under a general authority is not included in the 3% SENS announcements. General share repurchases represent 47,9% of total repurchases in volume (and 60,5% in terms of value). The total number of shares repurchased (excluding share trust purchases) by the 33 companies shows that 56,8% were repurchased by subsidiaries and 17,1% were subsequent repurchases by companies from subsidiaries. (In value, these repurchases represent 53,7% and 17,2%, respectively.)This study therefore concludes that research based on only the 3% SENS announcements of general share buy-backs results in significant understating of actual total share buy-back activities, and that the South African share repurchase environment presents unique challenges. The main obstacle for future South African research in this field however is the lack of comprehensive and accurate share repurchase data as supplied by South African financial data sources.This material is based upon work supported financially by the National Research Foundation. Any opinion, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and therefore the NRF does not accept any liability in regard thereto.
Relationship and innovation orientation in a business-to-business context
Authors: Human G. , Naudé P.
Published: July 2019

Market orientation and innovation orientation, including their relationship with firm performance, are well-debated in prevailing marketing literature. Interestingly, relationship orientation, as an extension of market orientation, is yet to be subjected to similar investigation. While relationship orientation suggests that firms should invest in building relationships with clients and suppliers to generate improved financial performance, innovation orientation proposes that customers will prefer superior and innovative products/services and it supports a learning philosophy. Torn between two shores, the result is often that practitioners are confused as to what the desired orientation for the firm should be. This paper considers the relationship of both orientations with firm performance in business-to-business (B2B) markets simultaneously, and in particular examines the mediating effect of innovation on the relationship orientation-firm performance relationship. By employing published scales for innovation and relationship orientation, cross-sectional data were collected from 181 business-to-business managers in South African firms. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test for scale reliability and validity, while the hypothesized relationships between constructs were considered through structural equation modelling and partial least squares analysis. The paper provides valuable insights for measuring these constructs in an emerging market context and suggests a balanced approach to adopting these strategic orientations in B2B markets. The results suggest that practitioners and researchers should pay attention to both orientations simultaneously, because jointly they are associated with better firm performance.
Job crafting, proactive personality and meaningful work: Implications for employee engagement and turnover intention
Authors: Vermooten Nicola , Boonzaier Billy , Kidd Martin
Published: July 2019

Orientation: Jobs in the financial services industry are in constant flux because of the ever-changing nature of the products and services provided to customers. This could result in employee disengagement and turnover intention.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the role of job crafting, proactive personality and meaningful work in predicting employee engagement and turnover intention among employees in the financial services industry based on the central tenets of the Job Demands-Resources theory.Motivation for the study: Organisations or incumbents may redesign jobs. The self-initiated proactive behaviour that incumbents exhibit to shape the meaning of their work is known as job crafting. The relationships that exist among job crafting, proactive personality, meaningful work, employee engagement and turnover intention were, therefore, investigated.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to gather primary data in service-providing firms across South Africa (n = 391).Main findings: Results demonstrated that job crafting, proactive personality and meaningful work significantly predict variance in employee engagement and turnover intention.Practical and managerial implications: Specific human resource practices and interventions are proffered to foster job crafting, proactivity and meaningful work and, in doing so, address employee disengagement and turnover intention.Contribution or value-add: The study highlights the importance of encouraging employees to craft their jobs as it has specific implications for prominent work-related outcomes, such as employee engagement and turnover intention, among employees in the financial services industry.
Holomorphic functions on the quantum polydisk and on the quantum ball
Authors: Pirkovskii Alexei Yu.
Published: July 2019

We introduce and study noncommutative (or „quantized") versions of the algebras of holomorphic functions on the polydisk and on the ball in

\mathbb C^n

. Specifically, for each

q\in\mathbb C\setminus\{ 0\}

we construct Fréchet algebras

\mathcal O_q(\mathbb D^n)

and

\mathcal O_q(\mathbb B^n)

such that for

q=1

they are isomorphic to the algebras of holomorphic functions on the open polydisk

\mathbb D^n

and on the open ball

\mathbb B^n

, respectively. In the case where

0 < q < 1

, we establish a relation between our holomorphic quantum ball algebra

\mathcal O_q(\mathbb B^n)

and L.L. Vaksman's algebra

C_q(\bar{\mathbb B}^n)

of continuous functions on the closed quantum ball. Finally, we show that

\mathcal O_q(\mathbb D^n)

and

\mathcal O_q(\mathbb B^n)

are not isomorphic provided that

|q|=1

and

n\ge 2

. This result can be interpreted as a

q

-analog of Poincaré's theorem, which asserts that

\mathbb D^n

and

\mathbb B^n

are not biholomorphically equivalent unless

n=1

.
Conveying the self in a foreign language: Exploring JFL learners’ self-introduction
Authors: FUJII Kiyomi , YANAGIDA Naomi
Published: July 2019

In this study, the authors researched how learners of Japanese as a foreign language introduce themselves and what they want to convey, as well as what kind of skills the speakers need to effectively communicate these points to the addressee. The self-introduction video data were collected from a project in which JFL learners interacted with EFL learners through Facebook. The survey data included learners' evaluations of their own self-introductions. Interviews were conducted with students in counterpart schools to evaluate the learners’ self-introductions. The authors analyzed the data and extrapolated the most useful skills for effective conveyance from the most successful self-introductions. The results showed discrepancies between learners’ self-evaluations and the opinions of the addressees. Non-verbal communication strategies were also shown to play an important role in successful conveyances. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the project and report salient results obtained through the analysis of the data. We also share pedagogical implications of the results, and suggest alternative approaches to language pedagogy.
Processo admissional e lotação de pessoal: a realidade de uma IFES
Authors: Almeida Susan Mary Vieira de , Almeida Denise Ribeiro de , Teixeira Filho Antônio Raimundo Cardoso , Almeida Leonardo Ribeiro de
Published: July 2019

O artigo analisa a efetividade do instrumento utilizado quando da entrevista admissional e sua relação com a lotação dos servidores ocupantes do cargo de Assistente em Administração, admitidos no concurso público realizado em 2013, na UFBA. Para o cumprimento do objetivo da pesquisa, aplicou-se via Survey,um questionário, com base na escala Likert, composto por cinco categorias. Também se realizou pesquisa documental e observação ativa. Os resultados apontaram que, em geral, há certo grau de satisfação em todas as dimensões avaliadas, entretanto um número significativo de servidores não considerou que a definição de sua unidade de lotação levou em conta suas competências profissionais, apesar de alguns afirmarem que estas foram adequadamente identificadas, reforçando a visão de que a entrevista admissional tem sido realizada de forma efetiva, mas seus resultados não são aproveitados no processo de lotação. Aponta-se como principal limitação dessa pesquisa o escopo da população estudada, assim, sugerem-se novas pesquisas com envolvimento da alta gestão (pró-reitores, coordenadores/chefes de equipes de trabalho e dirigentes de unidades administrativas e acadêmicas), bem como o aprimoramento dos instrumentos utilizados no processo admissional da UFBA.
Aposentar-se ou continuar trabalhando? Decisão difícil para servidores públicos
Authors: Amorim Tânia Nobre Gonçalves Ferreira , Carvalho Diane Glayce dos Santos , Oliveira Rezilda Rodrigues , Silva Ladjane de Barros
Published: July 2019

A Gestão de Pessoas ou Gestão de Recursos Humanos é parte integrante da gestão organizacional com significativa importância em segmentos públicos e privados. Este artigo foi baseado em um trabalho de pós-graduação que estudou a utilização do Abono de Permanência pelos servidores técnicos-administrativos e docentes em uma universidade federal brasileira. O Abono de Permanência pode ser solicitado por servidores que já tenham as condições legais para se aposentarem, mas que por vontade própria decidiram permanecer trabalhando e passam a receber restituição da contribuição social descontada mensalmente. A aposentadoria nem sempre é bem-vinda para muitos profissionais por razões como medo da solidão, perda de status profissional, perdas financeiras e exigência de um novo rumo na vida pessoal. Foi constatado no estudo de caso realizado em uma das maiores universidades federais brasileiras que 15% do total de servidores ativos estão recebendo esse Abono. Grande parte destes servidores se sente satisfeita com as atividades que desempenha, com o ambiente organizacional, recebe reconhecimento no trabalho e deseja continuar se capacitando, mesmo já tendo condições de se aposentar e pretende permanecer na ativa por mais anos, talvez até a aposentadoria compulsória, que só ocorre aos 75 anos.
A robust automated technique for operational calibration of ceilometers using the integrated backscatter from totally attenuating liquid clouds
Authors: Hopkin Emma , Illingworth Anthony J. , Charlton-Perez Cristina , Westbrook Chris D. , Ballard Sue
Published: July 2019

Abstract. A simple and robust method for calibrating ceilometers has been
tested in an operational environment, demonstrating that the calibrations are
stable to better than ±5 % over a period of a year. The method
relies on using the integrated backscatter (B) from liquid clouds that
totally extinguish the ceilometer signal; B is inversely proportional to the
lidar ratio (S) of the backscatter to the extinction for cloud droplets. The
calibration technique involves scaling the observed backscatter so that B
matches the predicted value for S of 18.8±0.8 sr for cloud droplets,
at ceilometer wavelengths. For accurate calibration, care must be taken to
only use profiles where the range correction is implemented and to exclude
any profiles having targets with different values of S, such as drizzle
drops and aerosol particles, profiles that do not totally extinguish the
ceilometer signal, profiles with low cloud bases that saturate the receiver,
and any profiles for which the window transmission or the lidar pulse energy
falls below 90 %. A range-dependent multiple-scattering correction that
depends on the ceilometer optics should also be applied to the profile. For
ceilometers operating at around 910 nm wavelength, a simple correction for
water vapour attenuation is applied to the signal using the vapour profiles
from a forecast analysis. For a generic ceilometer in the UK the 90 d
running mean of the calibration coefficient over a period of 20 months is
constant to within 3 % with no detectable annual cycle, thus confirming
the validity of the humidity and multiple-scattering correction. For
Gibraltar, where cloud cover is less prevalent than in the UK, the
90 d
running mean calibration coefficient was constant to within 4 %. The more
sensitive ceilometer model operating at 1064 nm is unaffected by water
vapour attenuation but is more prone to saturation in liquid clouds; such
profiles can be recognised and rejected and, despite the more restricted
sample of cloud profiles, a robust calibration is readily achieved. In the
UK, the running mean 90 d calibration coefficients varied by about 4 %
over a period of 1 year. The consistency of profiles observed by nine
pairs of co-located ceilometers in the UK Met Office network operating at
around 910 and 1064 nm provided independent validation of the calibration
technique. In all cases, if quantitative and reliable backscatter
observations are to be obtained it is essential to keep the window clean.
This may be a challenge in dusty locations. EUMETNET is currently networking
700 European ceilometers so they can provide ceilometer profiles in near
real time to European weather forecast centres and has adopted the cloud
calibration technique described in this paper for ceilometers with a
wavelength of around 910 nm.
Transversal city and transtopia – reflecting and analyzing migration, the city, and “the urban” after the postmigrant city
Authors: West Christina
Published: July 2019

Abstract. “Transversal city” and transtopia are an invitation to
rethink, conceptually and empirically, our urban future. Individual actors,
persons with and without migration/flight background, today appear more and
more transversal with respect to how they perceive the world, how they give
themselves an identity, how they confront others, and how they observe, reflect,
and produce knowledge. Previous “modern” static, clearly defined, and
discernible constructions of belonging, which follow the “either/or” logic of socio-structural statistical ordering schemes, are actively rejected in a reflected way. Instead, belonging and identity are constructed individually following a reasoning which is transversal: spontaneously, situationally, by improvisation, oriented to potentials, crossing boundaries, transgressing, and generating abstract order and multiple references. Observed transgressive tendencies are discussed starting from a postmigrant
perspective, which is part of the recent migration discourse. By
identification of four main characteristic discursive moments,
transversality is conceptualized, analyzed, and differentiated from the
explicitly postmigrant perspective, which is part of the critical
perspective. Instead, the concept of the “transversal city” arises with its
changed modes of knowledge production, its consequences for social justice
and sustainable development, and the evolution of a new processuality of
governance, in politics and planning, urban agendas, and the production of
“the urban”.
Beijing Climate Center Earth System Model version 1 (BCC-ESM1): Model Description and Evaluation
Authors: Wu Tongwen , Zhang Fang , Zhang Jie , Jie Weihua , Zhang Yanwu , Wu Fanghua , Li Laurent , Liu Xiaohong , Lu Xiao , Zhang Lin , Wang Jun , Hu Aixue
Published: July 2019

Abstract. BCC-ESM1 is the first version of a fully-coupled Earth System Model with interactive atmospheric chemistry and aerosols developed by Beijing Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration. Major aerosol species (including sulfate, organic carbon, black carbon, dust and sea salt) and greenhouse gases are interactively simulated with a whole panoply of processes controlling emission, transport, gas-phase chemical reactions, secondary aerosol formation, gravitational settling, dry deposition, and wet scavenging by clouds and precipitation. Effects of aerosols on radiation, cloud, and precipitation are fully treated. The performance of BCC-ESM1 in simulating aerosols and their optical properties is comprehensively evaluated as required by the Aerosol Chemistry Model Intercomparison Project (AerChemMIP), covering the preindustrial mean state and time evolution from 1850 to 2014. The simulated aerosols from BCC-ESM1 are quite coherent with CMIP5-recommended data and in-situ measurements from surface networks (such as IMPROVE in the U.S. and EMEP in Europe). A comparison of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm for all aerosols with the satellite AOD observations retrieved from MODIS and MISR and surface AOD observations from AERONET shows reasonable agreement between simulated and observed AOD. However, BCC-ESM1 seems to show weaker upward transport of aerosols from the surface to the middle and upper troposphere, likely reflecting the deficiency of representing deep convective transport of chemical species in BCC-ESM1. With an overall good agreement between BCC-ESM1 simulated and observed aerosol properties, it demonstrates a success of the implementation of interactive aerosol chemistry in BCC-ESM1.