bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscapes and watersheds? China and the current economic context
Authors: Wilson John
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to review the international economic and political context within which China is developing its technology management strategy and its economy. The context represents a time of fundamentally significant change in and between the countries of East and West.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual one, which considers the changes in the prevailing politico‐economic consensus including changes in the West, between East and West and within China.

Findings

In the context of the current political and economic landscape, the paper suggests there are perhaps three watersheds emerging which will define the present era and the foreseeable future and within which China's technology management strategy and economic development needs to be considered.

Originality/value

Given all the recent developments in international markets and the historic scale of the intervention of governments in the West, the paper is a timely and original analysis of the ending of the neo‐liberal consensus which has prevailed for the last 30 years and the significance of current developments, not least for China.
Barriers for technology transfer: the case of a country in transition
Authors: Jasinski Andrzej H.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of his paper is to identify key barriers for technology transfer (TT) in a transitional economy. Poland is presented as a case study, with an emphasis on domestic TT.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the author's empirical studies, using a few research methods, like: a postal questionnaire, the Delphi method, online questionnaire and a statistical data analysis.

Findings

In the period under analysis, no significant improvement occurred in the field of TT processes in Poland. The poor state of TT is due to the presence of numerous obstacles/barriers. According to empirical research, the most disturbing barriers facing the enterprise sector are: R&D institutions not fully open or prepared to cooperate with firms; inefficient systems supporting corporate innovation and R&D activities; obstacles hindering firms in acquiring outside financial resources; a lack of own financial resources; and a lack of innovative culture and mentality among employees. The lack of relevant communication between the science sector and industry is at the core of all difficulties in TT processes. On the basis of this, recommendations are formulated for all main actors on the innovation scene. At least some of the recommendations can be relevant for other countries in transition like, e.g. China.

Originality/value

This study is a comprehensive examination and analysis of TT processes in the country, with main stress put on existing barriers for the transfer of technologies and recommendations on how to remove the barriers.
Exploring the impact of brand image on customer loyalty and commitment in China
Authors: Ogba Ike‐Elechi , Tan Zhenzhen
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Whereas there is a growing recognition of the relevance of brand image to the success of market offering and organisation, as indications suggests that a good brand image can enhance customer experience and satisfaction for long‐term commitment. Evidences suggest limited study on the impact of brand image on key marketing and organisational components, including the impact of brand image on customer loyalty and commitment. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to examine how brand image can influence customer loyalty as well as impact on customer commitment to market offering within Chinese mobile phone market.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was employed, using 26‐item, 7‐point Likert scaled questionnaire administered to 250 participants with 40 percent usable response rate. Data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach α internal consistency, ANOVA and correlation analysis for scale suitability, usability, reliability and test of association.

Findings

The outcome from the study was the reduction of 26‐25 scale items and high reliability of scale items at 0.942αs for further studies. Further behavioural analyses show that brand image have positive impact on customer expression of loyalty and commitment to market offering.

Originality/value

The outcome from this study concludes that brand image can positively influence customers' loyalty to a market offering and possibly boost customer commitment. The study identifies the degree of the relevant of brand image and its impact on organisations and their market offerings. The study suggests that good brand image should positively impact on customers' loyalty, which at long run should also influence customer perceived quality, enables satisfaction and should also influence to a greater degree the extent to which customers are willing to express commitment to such offering for sustainable profit. The limitations of the study are also explored in terms of the generalisation of the study, with the implications of the study further identified.
Customer knowledge management in international project: a case study
Authors: Peng Jian , Lawrence Allan , Koo Tony
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how customer knowledge management (CKM) be implemented in international projects between the UK and China in practice, with a focus on the marketing process application, i.e. how analytical CKM systems are used to support customer knowledge (CK) acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study practice of CKM application is based upon examining qualitative results reported from a two‐year study of CKM applications in an UK education service provider. An evaluation of CKM analytical functions provided by the international marketing team from the UK and its China counterparts in international joint education projects. A conceptual model of an analytical CKM system for CKM in this UK‐China environment is developed from the findings and literature review.

Findings

UK‐China related CKM research is relatively new. Current CKM researches are dominated by Western cases and theories. China related international joint projects in this case study suggest that cultural factors play important roles in successful marketing. Meanwhile, CKM provides key factors in the implementation system.

Practical implications

The findings shed light on the potential areas in which organisations can practically use CKM in international joint projects. The application of analytical CKM was investigated to build up a CKM model in practice. The paper also provides guidance for the service industry as how an analytical CKM system needs to be developed to support marketing process.

Originality/value

The latest findings on CKM application in this UK‐China case study are reported. An innovative analytical CKM model is proposed for marketing process, i.e. environmental influences, value specification, solution development and customer development. Key factors, such as knowledge about, for and from customer in CKM are examined.
The evolution of the Chinese online gaming industry
Authors: Kshetri Nir
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the growth of the Chinese online gaming industry and disentangle the mechanisms behind the emergence of unique online gaming culture in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review paper that provides a detailed and state‐of‐the‐art overview of the development of the Chinese online gaming Industry.

Findings

The findings indicate that online gaming is a remarkable example of an industry that is rapidly growing due to innovative business models of Chinese companies. Chinese companies are also working with the government to improve formal institutions to promote the growth of online gaming. Furthermore, we also found that Chinese online gaming industry resembles other technology industries in the country such as those related to handset and PC. Although Chinese companies were traditionally weak in creating new technologies, they have demonstrated success in some modern technologies in recent years. In the early stage of the growth, foreign players dominated the Chinese gaming industry. In recent years, this industry is characterized by the dominance of domestic players in the ecosystem catering to the full value chain of the industry.

Research limitations/implications

A lack of primary data and empirical documentation and a lack of in‐depth treatment of some of the key issues are major limitations here.

Practical implications

The paper examines the implications of China's rapidly growing online gaming industry for high‐technology businesses all over the world. The findings of this paper would help understand the opportunities for foreign multinational companies to enter the Chinese technology market or to intensify their operations in the country as well as the risks associated with China's unique institutions.

Originality/value

This paper's greatest value stems from the fact that it analyzes demand conditions, industry structure and transfer and export conditions from the standpoint of the Chinese online gaming industry and market.
Matching organizational justice with employment modes
Authors: Zhang Ling , Nie Ting , Luo Yongtai
Published: May 2009

Purpose

With the development of China's economy, more and more Chinese researchers in HR field try to explore suitable policies and practices from China's realities. Researchers have spent considerable efforts to identify means of using human resource management practices to effectively utilize human capital. At the same time, it has been well recognized that organizational justice plays a critical role in effective management of employees' attitude and behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a framework for matching organizational justice and employment mode.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research method is used in this study. Base on literature review of organizational justice, HR architecture social exchange and so on. The study tries to find out the relations between organizational justice and employment mode.

Findings

The study integrates these two seemingly disparate streams of research, and put forwards a framework for matching organizational justice and employment mode. Different groups of employees are managed differently and may require different organizational justice styles, and organizational justice styles should be consistent with the underlying objectives and psychological contracts underlying different employment modes.

Originality/value

The study tries to make organizational justice strategies match with employment modes and it is an attempt to use organizational justice to manage different employee groups from contingent and deploying perspective.
Prepare for the impact of the multi‐generational workforce!
Authors: Dwyer Rocky J.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

In spite of technology and its subsequent organizational advantages, the purpose of this paper is to advocate the need for public sector leadership to understand and consider the forthcoming pivotal role and challenges associated with the unique values and characterises of a multiple generation workforce will have in the attainment of organizational goals and objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the literature is utilized to identify management techniques and work methodologies regarding generational differences and unique characteristics of four organizational workgroups – veterans, baby boomers, generation X, and Y, which may be an underlying factor in the attainment of organizational success.

Findings

This paper advocates that an understanding of generational differences may enable management to structure strategies and transformation techniques to motivate employees to the full extent of their skills and abilities in order to support the realization of organizational goals and objectives.

Originality/value

This paper enhances personal knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels enabling business leaders to gain insight regarding the generational differences and unique characteristics of four organizational workgroups – veterans, baby boomers, generation X, and Y. Without understanding these different cohorts' values, management strategies and techniques cannot be fully utilize nor can employees be fully motivated to the full extent of their skills and abilities, in order to support organizational goals and objectives.
Evaluating learning management systems
Authors: Ozkan Sevgi , Koseler Refika , Baykal Nazife
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of undertaking a systemic view of learning management systems (LMSs) evaluation addressing the conceptualization and measurement of e‐learning systems success in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a quantitative case perspective and derives a conceptual model for e‐learning assessment (Hexagonal e‐learning assessment model – HELAM). The model is empirically tested for validity and reliability in the university setting.

Findings

Qualitative and quantitative findings have been presented, which will be valuable for academics and practitioners doing research in e‐learning evaluation. The findings support the flexibility and relevance of HELAM as an e‐learning assessment model. It highlights a number of success measures which are grouped under six dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Further research efforts should explore new dimensions or test the causal relationships among proposed dimensions within the boundary of e‐learning. In that, the paper is limited contextually where attention should be made not to generalize the findings beyond the empirical findings within the case analysis.

Practical implications

The paper supports a practitioner perspective through a consideration of a holistic approach to e‐learning assessment. E‐learning system developers may find the findings useful when designing and implementing the LMS.

Originality/value

The paper is original as the conceptual model has been derived through both theoretical constructs and empirical analysis. It provides an innovative approach to e‐learning assessment.
Developing assistive web‐base technologies for adults with age‐related cognitive impairments
Authors: Fernando Senaka , Money Arthur , Elliman Tony , Lines Lorna
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Little systematic applied research has been conducted on how age‐related cognitive impairments might affect older adults' usage of web service and this paper aims to fill some of that gap.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the relationship between the cognitive changes of aging and the usage of web services. Supported by field research with the key stakeholders, including older adults and organisations that provide services for older adults. This consists of focus group sessions with key stakeholders and individual interviews with older adult users. Older adult users also complete an online form using a think aloud protocol. The data are analysed using a thematic content analysis technique.

Findings

Issues around older adults' relationship with technology and the challenges they face along with the strengths and weaknesses of online forms and means to improve them. In particular, there are issues of fear and frustration, inconsistency and visual clutter, and a feeling of neglect by service providers. Users also identify a strong need for human rather than machine support when struggling with the technology.

Research limitations/implications

The findings only now being applied to an existing system in the Delivering Inclusive Access to Disabled and Elderly Members (DIADEM) project and it still needs to evaluate of usability of DIADEM. Further research also needs to consider the technology adoption model for system like DIADEM.

Practical implications

The findings have implications in form design and transaction delivery for online services.

Originality/value

The perception of neglect by service providers is new and this with the needs for consistency and for human support lead to novel approaches in the DIADEM system.
Information systems for higher education: interactive design perspective
Authors: Sabry Khaled , AlShawi Sarmad
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight some learning and teaching challenges in relation to universities and colleges in the Gulf region, including students' learning preferences, and cultural aspects. It explores the sequential‐global learning styles profile of undergraduate students as part of a continuous research in Information Systems Design with a particular focus on the design of Interactive Learning Systems (ILS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the learning style profile of undergraduate students for a cohort of Management Information Systems at a regional university in the UAE. It uses the Index of learning styles instrument as a tool for measuring the sequential‐global learning styles dimension. Also, the paper conducts a literature review of different aspects related to current challenges facing undergraduate students in the Gulf region as well as design principles related to the interactivity of learning systems.

Findings

The results show overall equal tendency towards both the sequential and global styles, different from a previous paper conducted in UK university. The paper highlights some students' differences that should be catered for in ILS design.

Originality/value

The paper is expected to provide further insights into some of the challenges facing many students doing their undergraduate degrees as well as the importance of a carefully balanced design of ILS (balance and bend model) to cater for students' different preferences and needs. A discussion and recommendations on how these findings can be reflected on the design of ILS are provided.
Cross‐sector analysis of simulation methods: a survey of defense and healthcare
Authors: Naseer Aisha , Eldabi Tillal , Jahangirian Mohsen
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to see whether it is possible to learn any lessons from the application of simulation and modeling in the defense sector to be applied in the healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Two comprehensive reviews are conducted within two domains of “Military & Aerospace” and “Healthcare”. A general search framework with common features is developed, while allowing rooms for customization for each domain. A common objective is set to cover a wide scope of simulation methods and application areas. Further, reviews are not restricted to a limited number of journals or conferences; rather the relevant databases are searched while using some filtering mechanisms.

Findings

It is found that simulation has been commonly used in the defense sector(s). However, inconsistency in terms of the level of implementation in both the sectors is quite vivid. There is clear evidence that healthcare lags behind other sector(s), particularly in terms of stakeholder engagement and, consequently, in terms of implementation of simulation outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to confidential nature of the defense sector, grey literature (which in this case is likely to include a considerable corpus of classified material) has not yet been reviewed. The paper speculates on the impact this has on the appreciation of the uptake of modelling and simulation in this sector and could form part of future research.

Originality/value

This paper provides key insights into some challenges of applying simulation methods in healthcare, whilst presenting an up‐to‐date overall picture of simulation in two main sectors from an academic point of view.
The effect of bridging networks on entrepreneurial activity
Authors: Berggren Björn , Silver Lars
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the role of social capital and bridging networks on entrepreneurial activity in three different regions in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical base of the paper comprises 120 in‐depth interviews with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in three municipalities in Sweden, statistical data from Statistics Sweden and a large postal survey conducted by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprises.

Findings

The bridging networks between local civil servants and local politicians on the one hand and entrepreneurs on the other are pivotal for the development of an entrepreneurial community.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the same rational‐legal framework, this paper shows how the cognitive dimension of social capital influences the level of entrepreneurship in three municipalities. The importance of bridging networks is also highlighted.

Practical implications

An open channel of communication between politicians and entrepreneurs allows the former to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the latter. By widening the network, more actors are involved in local and regional development, thereby raising the level of competence and resources.

Originality/value

Using three different sets of data, this paper offers a deeper understanding into the complex nature of bridging networks between politics and business.
The measurement of social capital in the entrepreneurial context
Authors: Ferri Paul J. , Deakins David , Whittam Geoff
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Whilst all models of the entrepreneurial process identify the role of networking as important at both the start‐up and developmental stage of a business latterly these models have expanded the notion of networking and embraced the concept of social capital. However, much of the literature on measuring social capital has focussed on the quantity of social capital within a given geographical space. This paper seeks to expand this research by examining the depth and richness of social capital for new venture creation and thereby identifying the impact of social capital in new venture creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Current research has tended to be quantitative, for example the World Values Survey. However, 2001 there is a need to explore the value of social capital in the entrepreneurial process. This paper presents a critical review of the existing literature on measuring social capital in the entrepreneurial process. It is anticipated that the research will reveal rich, contextual information which will identify the need to investigate social capital from a qualitative perspective.

Findings

The paper's examination of the social capital literature thus far, although not exhaustive, has noted the emergence of several common themes that associate the issues of measurement with lack of empirical consensus on an accepted definition of social capital.

Practical implications

Policy makers charged with developing an entrepreneurial culture and the establishment of new ventures, might wish to look at encouraging both nascent and existing entrepreneurs to exploit their formal and informal network relationships, seeking the development of organisations and institutions that will assist in building social capital.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature in emphasising the necessity of understanding the “measurement” of intangible factors in understanding social capital in the entrepreneurial process.
The impact of Greek Orthodoxy on entrepreneurship: a theoretical framework
Authors: Gotsis George , Kortezi Zoe
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a theoretical framework for the analysis of the eventual implications of Greek Orthodoxy for business and entrepreneurial activities in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the basic concepts, tenets and principles – in particular, those being of interest to business and entrepreneurship – of a specific religious worldview, Greek Orthodoxy. It then applies these religious norms to value‐based entrepreneurial pursuits and assesses their potential impact on entrepreneurial motivation and action. Particular emphasis is given to the societal relevance of this comprehensive worldview. In this respect, it is argued that Greek Orthodoxy's binding principles should also be examined in their relationship with ethno‐religious communities underlying the formation of entrepreneurial networks beneficial to economic prosperity and overall welfare.

Findings

The paper conceptualises the potential benefits derived from a specific religious worldview, as well as its capacity to enrich entrepreneurial discourses. While these benefits are primarily situated at the individual level (at least to the degree to which religious beliefs can inform decisions), there is a rationale in viewing religious truth claims as constituent of ethno‐religious identities of both local and immigrant communities. Propositions exemplifying the behaviour of entrepreneurs who draw from such important ethic and religious resources are also offered. Limitations of the present study, as well as areas of prospective research, are equally taken into consideration.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to offer a tentative framework epitomising the significance of Greek Orthodoxy for the world of business and entrepreneurship. It further provides the theoretical foundations of future empirical research on religious‐based entrepreneurial attitudes in the wider context of Eastern Orthodoxy.
CRER
Authors: Carrizo Moreira António , Leitão Martins Susana Paula
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for incubating business ideas in rural communities in Portugal. The work provides an example of a bottom‐up approach to rural entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses case study of an entrepreneurial support organisation conceived and used in rural European regions and aiming at local development through entrepreneurial boost.

Findings

Although the methodology for incubating business ideas was adapted from a similar situation in France, its originality comes from the description of how the awareness of local specificities requires a calibration of the framework.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is the outcome of a pioneering study of incubation of business ideas in rural areas. Further research needs to be taken in order to claim generalisability of these findings to other less favoured target groups.

Practical implications

The incubation of business ideas can be used to encourage local development in declining rural regions. It is important to calibrate the framework used to the local/regional reality.

Originality/value

Apart from being innovative in providing a supportive entrepreneurial infrastructure with mentoring people‐based support in the creation of new firms in rural areas, it is also a nation‐wide entrepreneurial service innovation.
Almost indigenous: cultural tourism in Acadia and Acadiana
Authors: Jones Ginger , Ells Kevin
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to present an account of the history and recent cultural revival of the Acadians, one people flourishing in two geographically distinct regions of North America.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a comparison and contrast structure utilizing secondary historical research sources.

Findings

Two different environments have given rise to a similar pattern of development, suppression, and rejuvenation of Acadian and Cajun culture in which apparent differences between the groups hide deeper correspondences, while lesser‐known parallels are more striking than more obvious similarities.

Research limitations/implications

While the particular case of Acadian and Cajun collaboration is unique, future research may compare this case to that of other cultural groups separated by geography and political systems.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that the Acadians and Cajuns are a unique case of two cultures with a single history achieving cultural autonomy first in tandem and finally in concert.
Forging peaceful relationships between oil‐companies and host‐communities in Nigeria's Delta region
Authors: Temitope Ako Rhuks , Ogechukwu Obokoh Lawrence , Okonmah Patrick
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) that is expected of oil‐multinationals by the host‐communities in which they operate in Nigeria's oil‐rich Delta region. It also suggests how the aggressive opposition of the host‐community to the oil exploration activities of oil companies may be curbed.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is purely review of extant literatures and deductive arguments that will give insights to how conflict situations arising from denial of rights can be resolved through CSR and stakeholder's perspective.

Findings

The paper concludes that the major determinant of success of most companies in the world rest in the performance of their CSR to the host‐community, stakeholders and the society in general.

Practical implications

The oil‐companies operating in the Niger Delta region have to re‐assess their CSR objectives towards improving their delivery to the intended beneficiaries otherwise the pervasive violent conflicts in the region will persist with adverse consequences on the corporate image, reduced profits of the oil‐companies and high cost of the product due to disruptions in production.

Originality/value

The paper usefully points out that the Niger Delta region that hosts Nigeria's oil upstream sector has been enmeshed in violent conflicts essentially due to the adverse socio‐environmental effects the industry has on their communities. The companies however assert that they operate as responsible corporate entities and as such their operations and activities benefits their host‐communities rather than induce violent conflicts.
Crafts engagement in the economic survival of South‐Western Nigerian rural women
Authors: Akinbogun T.L. , Ogunduyile S.R.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the role of women in rural communities of South‐Western Nigeria in entrepreneurial engagement through craft practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Literatures were reviewed on crafts practice and appreciation in Nigeria. This enabled the contemplation of the place of craft practice as occupational engagement before, during and post colonial periods. The process of data gathering consists of field work, interviews, observation and photographing; through this, the technical production of mat and indigo dyed fabric were explored.

Findings

Women of rural communities in Western Nigeria have been actively been involved in crafts production to make ends meet in a male dominated economy. They form professional guilds to revive craft production/patronage, to network among members, and to seek help from the government and relevant organizations. The study found out that the potentials of the rural women can be fully developed if the method of making their products is given a facelift through partial mechanization.

Practical implications

An average Nigerian wants to be employed in white collar job and people are no longer interested in craft practice. The apprenticeship system of learning in the traditional system whereby skill is transferred from parents to their children is almost becoming a history. Thus, craft production is in the hand of few people among which the rural women are very spectacular.

Originality/value

This paper considers the women of rural communities in Southwestern Nigeria as a factor in the revilitalization of traditional crafts through occupational engagement in craft practice.
Social enterprise and effectiveness: a process typology
Authors: Diochon Monica , Anderson Alistair R.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the lack of conceptualisation within the emerging field of social enterprise, the aim is to contribute to a better understanding of process effectiveness and potential.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is drawn upon in providing a rationale for focusing on process, for selecting an appropriate organising framework, and for developing the typology and its key dimensions.

Findings

In proposing two polar opposite “ideal types” – one based on traditional concepts of non‐profit organisations and one that employs entrepreneurship as a strategy for achieving social aims (such as poverty and marginalisation) – the process components (activities, people and organising) and their interrelationship are explained. The dimensions of each component that facilitate or constrain entrepreneurship are conceptualised along a continuum, whereby a predisposition toward either end of the continuum forms the basis of classification. Upon assessing each process component, an overall determination of type can be made. Effectiveness – innovation in dealing with the challenges of social exclusion and marginalisation; increased self‐sufficiency and sustainability – depends upon the extent to which the process components are congruently configured to foster entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

With conceptualisation in its infancy, the emphasis to date has been on the similarities between social and commercial enterprises. Here, it has been focused on the key differences in process among social enterprise initiatives, thereby contributing new insights into social enterprising and its capacity for effectiveness. In explaining the impact of differing types on outcomes, practitioners and policymakers can develop more realistic expectations of what can be achieved.
Extraordinarily ordinary: working in the social economy
Authors: Amin Ash
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Policy actors around the world are increasingly looking to the social economy – markets explicitly oriented towards meeting social needs, usually through the third sector – to underpin livelihoods and deliver welfare services. Once considered an adjunct to markets and states, and possibly even a residual, the social economy is being seen as a legitimate player in the plural economy, able to thrive through the effort of dedicated individuals and organisations committed to ethical entrepreneurship. The assumption is that future capitalism can accommodate, perhaps even requires as recession deepens, the energies of the social economy in making new markets and meeting welfare needs. While a body of research has emerged examining the economic characteristics of social enterprises and how they succeed or not in managing the interface between market and ethical priorities, little is known about what it is like to be involved in the social economy or about what different social actors gain from the experience. However, most academic and policy thinking assumes that engagement in the social economy is both rewarding and empowering. This paper aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on sobering case evidence from Bristol relating to the experience of social entrepreneurs, employees and volunteers.

Findings

The critical question raised by this study is whether the role of the social economy should be that of returning the socially disadvantaged back into the formal economy. The evidence in this study tends to suggest that this expectation could be misguided and overly ambitious.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight into the backgrounds, motivations, experiences and futures of people involved in the social economy.
Co‐operative social enterprises: company rules, access to finance and management practice
Authors: Ridley‐Duff Rory
Published: May 2009

Purpose

In light of the faster than expected take up of the community interest company (CIC) in the UK, the purpose of this paper is to revisit findings from a study undertaken in 2000 on the impact of asset‐locks on the longevity, growth and management styles in co‐operative social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is both conceptual and empirical. It examines different worker co‐operative traditions and develops a meta‐theory that explains underlying assumptions in different forms of co‐operative social enterprise. Using empirical data from five common ownership co‐operatives and five equity‐based co‐operatives, this exploratory study finds differences in management style, access to finance and growth prospects both within and between the two groups.

Findings

Devolution of management responsibilities is more prevalent in co‐operatives permitting both individual and collective ownership, as opposed to common ownership. Access to external finance is less problematic for organisations where individuals have made investments. Despite this, it is not established that organisations with external equity or loan finance grow quicker or fare better over the longer term.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies both in the development of a meta‐theoretical framework for differentiating forms of worker co‐operative, as well as empirical evidence on the impact of asset‐locks in the management and development of social enterprises. The study suggests that the companies limited by share (CLS) version of the CIC, or abandonment of the CIC in favour of an appropriately structured CLS or Industrial and Provident Society model, may be appropriate for social enterprises wishing to grow, but makes little difference in small service oriented social enterprises.
Two tales of one Alexander
Authors: Said Aleya A.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a comparative study of two novels dealing with the life, feats and death of Alexander the Great: the winner of the 2007 Arabic Booker Prize Wahat Al‐Ghoroub (Sunset Oasis) (2007) by Egyptian writer Bahaa Taher and Alexander: The Sands of Ammon (1998), Part II of a trilogy by Italian historian, journalist, novelist and archaeologist Valerio Massimo Manfredi. The paper highlights the similarities and differences between both fictional works as it addresses the different narrative styles, character portrayals and thematic concerns presented in both works.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical reading of the narrative techniques and literary elements of the two novels.

Findings

The paper finds that the two works share similarities as far as historical facts, major thematic concerns and character portrayals are concerned.

Originality/value

This is the first comparative study and thorough analysis dealing with the two literary works.
A crash faults detection service for wireless and mobilead hocnetworks
Authors: Elhadef Mourad
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an adaptive approach for diagnosing faulty nodes in a wireless mobile environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a diagnosis approach that has been previously developed for wired networks. A discussion of the novel diagnosis protocol and its correctness is also included.

Findings

In this paper, the author presents a new implementation of a failure detection service for wirelessad hocand sensor systems that is based on an adaptation of a gossip‐style failure detection protocol and the heartbeat failure detector. The authors show that the failure detector is eventually perfect – that is, there is a time after which every faulty mobile is permanently suspected by every fault‐free host, and no host will be suspected before it crashes.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this work is the lack of simulations results. Future works will be directed at providing such performance evaluations.

Practical implications

The work introduced in this paper aims mainly at identifying faulty nodes in a wireless mobile environment. This service has been identified as one of the basic building blocks for dependable mobilead hocnetworks (MANETs).

Originality/value

The paper is first work that adapts a previously developed failure detection service to wireless and MANETs.
Benefits of recovery after work among Turkish manufacturing managers and professionals
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Koyuncu Mustafa , Fiksenbaum Lisa
Published: May 2009

Purpose

A body of research evidence has shown that job stressors are associated with lower levels of satisfaction and psychological well‐being. It has been suggested that recovery after the work day may reduce fatigue, restore mood and improve well‐being. The purpose of this paper is to examine predictors and consequences of four recovery experiences (psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control) identified by Sonnentag and Fritz, to replicate and extend their work.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 887 men and women managers and professionals working in the manufacturing sector in Turkey using anonymously completed questionnaires (a 58 percent response rate).

Findings

Respondents at higher organizational levels made more use of both mastery and control. Personality factors (need for achievement and workaholism components) were also positively correlated with use of mastery and control. Hierarchical regression analyses controlling both personal demographic and work situation characteristics showed generally positive relationships with use of recovery experiences and more favorable work and well‐being outcomes. Psychological detachment, however, was found to have negative relationships with some of these outcomes suggesting more complex relationships with use of this recovery experience.

Research limitations/implications

Questions of causality cannot be addressed since data were collected at only one point in time.

Practical implications

Individuals, through practice, and organizations, through training efforts, can encourage employees to practice recovery while off the job to improve their work satisfaction and individual well‐being.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first study of recovery experiences in Turkey.
Religiosity and work stress coping behavior of Muslim employees
Authors: Barhem Belal , Younies Hassan , Muhamad Rusnah
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between religiosity and the feeling of work stress, as represented by Muslim attitudes towards the religiosity scale.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 212 employees from the United Arab Emirates participated in the study. Frequencies, regression, ANOVA, and ratios were applied in the paper.

Findings

The major results revealed that self‐evaluation of faith level is not related significantly to any dependent variable. The majority of the respondents reported a low level of faith. Muslim females were identified to experience more work stress than males. Additional studies concerned with other religions can provide more comprehensive findings related to the relationship between religion and work stress.

Originality/value

Multinational corporation and other business organizations can derive great benefit from the results of this paper with regard to business in Islamic countries.
The determinants of demand for single family housing in Alabama urbanized areas
Authors: Kagochi John M. , Mace Lesley M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze factors that determine the demand for single family houses in Alabama urbanized areas, commonly referred to as metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds and estimates a housing demand model that incorporates both macroeconomic and housing‐related variables using a panel time series data for 1988‐2007. The study is different from past research, which mainly focuses on housing demand at the state or national level, by looking at the factors influencing demand for housing at the MSAs level.

Findings

The study finds that demand for new single family houses in Alabama MSAs is influenced by both national economic factors and local factors. Population growth and increased sale of existing houses increase demand for new single family houses in the MSAs. On the contrary, increased cost of building a new house, higher real mortgage interest rates and unemployment rates are found to reduce the demand for new houses.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies that focus on housing demand at the local level, particularly in the US housing market. Since demand for housing will always be local and therefore influenced mostly by local conditions, the result reveal unique dynamics that are specific to the MSAs.
Housing price determinants in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Özsoy Onur , Şahin Hasan
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze empirically major factors that affect housing prices in Istanbul, Turkey using the classification and regression tree (CART) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set was collected from various internet pages of real estate agencies during June 2007. The CART approach was then applied to derive main results and to make implications with regard to the housing market in Istanbul, Turkey.

Findings

The CART results indicate that sizes, elavators, existance of security, existance of central heating units and existance of view are the most important variables crucially affecting housing prices in Istanbul. The average price of houses in Istanbul was found to be 373,372.36 New Turkish Liras. The average size of a house was 138.37 m2. The average age of houses is 15.07 years old with the average number of rooms being 3.11. The average number of baths is 1.43 and average number of toilets is 1.22. Only 5 percent of homes have storage space, 45 percent of homes have parking space, 64 percent of homes are heated with furnace, whereas only 29 percent of homes are used central heating system. Among the 31 variables employed in this study, it was concluded size, elavator, security, central heating unit and view are the most important factors that have impact on housing prices in housing market in Istanbul.

Practical implications

Future research and analysis of housing market in Istanbul and in Turkey can benefit from the method used in this study and findings derived from this research to come up with more general model(s) to include more houses in a wide range of regions in Turkey to analyze the determinants of housing prices in Turkey in general.

Originality/value

Examining housing prices using the CART model is relatively new in the field of housing economics. Additionally, this study is the first to use the CART model to analyze housing market in Istanbul and in Turkey and derive valuable housing policies to be used by the authorities.
Homeowners' perception of insurance of real estate development in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Olaleye A. , Adegoke O.J.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the views held of property insurance by homeowners in Ire‐Akari and Ikeja areas of Lagos State in Nigeria. This is with a view to establishing the factors that are responsible for lack of insurance culture in these areas in particular and also Nigeria in general.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were administered on 485 homeowners, selected through systematic random sampling techniques in the two areas studied. The first building along the major street in the areas was selected randomly and every tenth building formed the subsequent unit of investigation. A household head/owner was surveyed in each of the building selected. Data were analysed with the use of frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation (SD) measure and Chi‐square test.

Findings

The results showed that 62.9 per cent of the total respondents agreed that property insurance was essential. However, only 40.3 per cent of the homeowners claimed to have insured their properties against unforeseen occurrences. The study found that homeowners' lack of insurance culture was significantly associated with their educational qualifications (χ2 = 41.387, ρ < 0.01), family size (χ2 = 12.199, ρ < 0.05), level of income (χ2 = 36.585, ρ < 0.01) and level of awareness (χ2 = 27.987, ρ < 0.01). It was also discovered that homeowners' attitude was influenced by the poor service culture of insurance companies and crime in the insurance industry.

Practical implications

The study concluded that the lower the level of income, educational qualification and level of awareness on the part of homeowners, the more the likelihood that they will not insure their properties and vice versa.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few attempts at examining the factors responsible for homeowners' lukewarm attitude to property insurance in an emerging market like Nigeria.