bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working information
Authors: Lloyd Annemaree , Somerville Margaret
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the contribution that an information literacy approach to the empirical study of workplace learning can make to how people understand and conceptualise workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Three cohorts of fire‐fighters working in two regional locations in NSW, Australia were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview approach. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed to work with the data; post‐structuralism.

Findings

Study findings indicate that an understanding of information literacy and information literacy practices contributes to workplace learning by highlighting the relationship between different modalities of information, and the relationship between workplace learning and professional identity. Information literacy is not solely confined to developing skills related to accessing information in textual or digital modalities, but requires access to social and physical sources of information.

Originality/value

The information literacy approach contributes to a developing understanding of the role of workplace learning by highlighting the process as a catalyst for learning. This process is underpinned by ways of knowing about the types of situated information sources that are valuable for learning about practice and profession.
Cultural influences on knowledge sharing through online communities of practice
Authors: Ardichvili Alexandre , Maurer Martin , Li Wei , Wentling Tim , Stuedemann Reed
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore cultural factors influencing knowledge sharing strategies in virtual communities of practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was employed. Data collection was based on in‐depth interviews. The authors assumed that such factors as degree of collectivism, competitiveness, the importance of saving face, in‐group orientation, attention paid to power and hierarchy, and culture‐specific preferences for communication modes, would explain differences in knowledge seeking and sharing patterns.

Findings

The results showed that these factors had different levels of importance among employees in the three participating countries. The issue of saving face was less important than expected in China. Modesty requirements as well as a high degree of competitiveness among employees were found to be serious barriers to information sharing in China, but not in Russia and Brazil. Perceived differences in power and hierarchy seemed to be less critical in all three countries than initially assumed.

Research limitations/implications

Since this study was conducted among the online community members of Caterpillar Inc., the results could be affected by factors unique to this specific case. Thus, future research should investigate the influence of other factors such as the organizational culture, or occupational groups on knowledge sharing strategies.

Practical implications

Before any introduction of country‐specific knowledge sharing systems, a cultural needs assessment should be conducted.

Originality/value

The impact of national culture factors on knowledge sharing has been largely neglected in the literature, and the findings will assist knowledge managers charged with the design of flexible knowledge management systems.
Knowledge capitalism put into practice as an operational mechanism
Authors: Xing Weixi
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to look for a systematic platform that can benefit knowledge creation within an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses personal interviews based on fieldwork and analysis from first and second hand data.

Findings

A new operational mechanism based on knowledge capitalism. Through dynamic allocation of internal shares and meritorious allocation of positions, one company can continually restructure itself to create more opportunities for its staff, so as to motivate its employees and promote the creation of knowledge to develop its core competence.

Research limitations/implication

No one system is the best, but one can try to find the most suitable one. The paper presents a case study of a Chinese knowledge‐based firm in its initial period for rapid growth, noting that it may not be suitable for a large MNC.

Practical implications

Find a lever for each complicated systematic process of knowledge management, rather than focus on an individual factor.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical help to organizational administrators, especially for knowledge‐based firms. It reveals that innovation in operational mechanism is of importance for the motivation of employees to keep the vigour of enterprise.
Managing innovative space missions: lessons from NASA
Authors: Paxton Larry J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of past experience in managing risk and technical innovation in NASA space programs with lessons learned for new unmanned space missions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines past performance of space missions and abstracts the lessons learned for the efficient development of cost‐effective space missions.

Findings

The paper finds that large organizations build and internalize a culture at odds with risk taking and the rapid deployment of innovative solutions. Actualized management goals are often at odds with the issues that determine or insure the long‐term survival of an organization. A key issue is the management of knowledge within that system: the extrinsic knowledge of the technologies as well as the intrinsic knowledge associated with the perception and acceptance of risk.

Research limitations/implications

Innovation can be seen as being dangerous to the organization. That perception must be managed. The NASA culture that is applicable to human spaceflight may not serve the community or the organization as well when applied to unmanned missions.

Practical implications

The paper provides a simplified and brief perspective on the issues inherent in managing a change in culture in an organization that has a highly public mission.

Originality/value

While the NASA “faster, better, cheaper” program has been considered elsewhere, this paper focuses on the lessons that are applicable to the management of space missions and the development of new, cost‐effective programs. These lessons retain their value, as the new administrator Michael D. Griffin attempts to manage the transition of NASA from an organization that has been in maintenance mode to one that must embrace innovation and stay within a highly constrained funding profile.
A knowledge management initiative in ESA/ESOC
Authors: Mugellesi Dow Roberta , Bobrinsky Nicolas , Pallaschke Siegmar , Spada Mariella , Warhaut Manfred
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the initiative set up at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) to investigate how knowledge management principles could offer solutions, while adapting to a world where technology and innovative processes are rapidly changing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the challenges of implementing a corporate knowledge management system in ESOC, where currently the knowledge is managed in several different ways. The driver of the knowledge management initiative has been the need for developing a system able to locate intellectual capital and technical expertise.

Findings

The paper has identified the following main items to be considered in support of the ESOC knowledge management initiative: need for a consistent set of documentation, maintained under configuration control and regularly updated to reflect actual status; formation of cross‐support functional teams; usage of a Centralized ESTRACK Status and Diagnostic System (CESADS) as a supervisory/diagnostic tool for the ground operations; and need for knowledge management evolution.

Originality/value

Although just at the starting‐point, the needs and the benefits of the above points have been acknowledged at ESOC to guarantee reliable and efficient execution of the responsibilities of the Centre. The points raised are expected to be of interest to space industry planners, executives and researchers.
Learning from the Mars Rover Mission: scientific discovery, learning and memory
Authors: Linde Charlotte
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Knowledge management for space exploration is part of a multi‐generational effort. Each mission builds on knowledge from prior missions, and learning is the first step in knowledge production. This paper aims to use the Mars Exploration Rover mission as a site to explore this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an observational study and analysis of the work of the MER science and engineering team during rover operations, to investigate how learning occurs, how it is recorded, and how these representations might be made available for subsequent missions.

Findings

The paper finds that learning occurred in many areas: planning science strategy, using instruments within the constraints of the Martian environment, the Deep Space Network, and the mission requirements; using software tools effectively; and running two teams on Mars time for three months. This learning is preserved in many ways. Primarily it resides in individuals' memories. It is also encoded in stories, procedures, programming sequences, published reports, and lessons learned databases.

Research limitations/implications

This paper shows the earliest stages of knowledge creation in a scientific mission, and demonstrates that knowledge management must begin with an understanding of knowledge creation.

Practical implications

The paper shows that studying learning and knowledge creation suggests proactive ways to capture and use knowledge across multiple missions and generations.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique analysis of the learning process of a scientific space mission, relevant for knowledge management researchers and designers, as well as demonstrating in detail how new learning occurs in a learning organization.
The effect of manufacturing strategies on financial performance
Authors: Kazan Halim , Özer Gökhan , Tansel Çetin Ayşe
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Companies must use their resources effectively and productively if they are to compete in an increasingly competitive globalized economy. Effective performance measurement can support this competitiveness. To be able to do this, companies must know the factors that influence their performance and manage these factors in an effective manner. This study seeks to investigate the effect of manufacturing strategies of manufacturing companies on their financial performance and also the effect of firm size on the impact of manufacturing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 200 manufacturing companies that are registered under the Chamber of Commerce in Gebze, Turkey were selected and their managers interviewed. A total of 102 questionnaires were returned out of 200. Regression analyses were performed using the results of the survey.

Findings

It was found, that an increase in the quality and cost/flexibility increased financial performance. However, the rate of delivery did not have any statistical influence on the financial performance. On the basis of the analysis done on the firm size, the last finding is that the effect of the quality and cost flexibility on financial performance is higher for large companies compared with SMEs.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the manufacturing strategies that significantly influence the financial performance of manufacturing companies and the effect of firm size on the effect of these strategies.
Linking business ownership and perceived administrative complexity
Authors: van Stel André , Stunnenberg Viktor
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Administrative burdens are known to be a major business constraint for incumbent small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in modern economies. Far less is known about the influence of these burdens on the start‐up of new firms. The current paper aims to examine to what extent perceived administrative complexity related to starting a new business influences the number of business owners across 18 OECD countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The article combines data on business ownership from EIM's COMPENDIA database and data on perceived administrative complexity from the Eurobarometer public opinion surveys coordinated by the European Commission. This regression model enables one to explicitly control for the influence of unemployment on the level of business ownership (“refugee effect”). There is also control for risk tolerance and access to finance.

Findings

The results suggest that administrative complexity is negatively related to business ownership. When administrative procedures related to business start‐up are complex, potential entrepreneurs are discouraged from starting a new firm.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to data constraints, the temporal specification of the independent variables is not ideal. Therefore the findings in this paper should be regarded as exploratory.

Practical implications

The results suggest that it is important not only to reduce administrative burdens in order to increase the number of new firms, but also for governments to communicate existing administrative regulations to a country's population.

Originality/value

This is one of the first attempts to empirically link business ownership and perceived administrative complexity related to starting a new business for a large number of countries.
The effect of business advisers on the performance of SMEs
Authors: Berry Anthony J. , Sweeting Robert , Goto Jitsu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Following on studies of the reported importance of a range of external advice and a study of the impact of marketing advice on small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) performance, this study seeks to examine the relationship between business performance (growth) and the nature and degree of a wide range of business advice used by a sample of owner/managers of SMEs in the Manchester City‐region of the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted with 140 SMEs in the Manchester City region using an administered survey instrument.

Findings

The degree of use of a range of external advice was positively related to the growth rate of the SME. In common with most previous research, the most sought‐after advisers were external accountants and network contacts. Academic advice was sought very rarely. This study extends previous research and examine the nature of the advice provided by external accountants, which was found to include business, emergency, and financial management support in addition to statutory advice. The degree of provision of this additional assistance was associated with higher growth.

Research limitations/implications

The relationship of advice and growth has been examined using a survey instrument. Further research is needed to understand how advice is sought, provided and used.

Practical implications

Accountants, network contacts and others were significant providers of advice and, where this advice was used, then SMEs reported higher growth rates. The direction of effect is probably in favour of the value of advice, but there could be virtuous cycles of advice and growth. However, the nature and quality of advice sought, offered, understood and embedded in business practice networks and contributing to social capital require further study.

Originality/value

The research extends previous studies by the range of advice and the nature of advice provided by external accountants, considered in relation to firm performance.
Development of cooperation in new venture support networks: the role of key actors
Authors: Koch Lambert T. , Kautonen Teemu , Grünhagen Marc
Published: July 2006

Purpose

New venture support networks (NVSN) are an instrument of enterprise policy with the aim of effectively coordinating the activities of different organisations involved in new venture support. This paper aims to illuminate the role of certain key actors in facilitating and maintaining cooperation in such networks, which are characterised by a heterogeneous actor structure and a lack of a network culture due to having been established by political initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses case studies in five German NVSN, which are all part of the governmental initiative “EXIST – Entrepreneurs from Universities”, established in 1998.

Findings

Identifies three general functions for key actors: generating benefits for the member organisations from without and within the network; communicating these benefits to the member organisations; and maintaining a balance between the heterogeneous interests of the network partners.

Research limitations/implications

The study identifies the roles that key actors perform in the EXIST networks, but it does not show any causal relation as to the actual success of the key actors.

Practical implications

The results can be applied in planning and managing enterprise policy and other projects involving inter‐organisational cooperation with a heterogeneous range of actors.

Originality/value

This is the first examination of the role of key actors in the context of NVSN, which are themselves a recent phenomenon and a novel concept in academic literature.
Beyond the sweat shop: “off‐the‐books” work in contemporary England
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper sets out to evaluate critically whether off‐the‐books work in contemporary England is chiefly conducted by employees working for wholly or partially underground businesses, often on low wages and under exploitative conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence is reported from 861 face‐to‐face interviews in 11 English localities.

Findings

Only a small proportion of off‐the‐books work is conducted by employees working for wholly or partially underground enterprises. The vast majority is conducted either by the self‐employed or by providers of paid favours to friends, acquaintances and kin.

Research limitations/implications

The data reported here are from a household survey based on a maximum variation sample of 11 contrasting localities. Future surveys might use businesses (rather than households) as the unit of analysis and collect a nationally representative sample.

Practical implications

Identifying how off‐the‐books work is predominantly autonomous and self‐employed endeavour, a re‐conceptualisation of this sphere is required as a potential asset rather than hindrance to development, and initiatives developed to legitimise this illegitimate self‐employment rather than simply deter it.

Originality/value

This paper transcends the popular portrayal of off‐the‐books work as conducted by employees under sweatshop conditions and for the first time identifies the proportion undertaken on a self‐employed basis as well as evidence that this sphere is used as a test‐bed by fledgling business ventures which conduct either a proportion or all of their trade in this sphere.
An investigation of supply chain performance measurement in the Indian automotive sector
Authors: Saad Mohammed , Patel Bhaskar
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relevance of the concept of supply chain performance in developing countries. The research also attempts to identify performance measure sets for supply chain performance in the context of a developing nation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focuses on supply chain practices in the Indian automobile sector. It identifies and discusses the main motives and determinants for the adoption and implementation of supply chain management concepts. It reviews the relevance of the main models to measure the performance of supply chain in developing countries. The research is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and an exploratory survey. Performance measure sets were identified through factor analysis.

Findings

This research proposes that the concept of supply chain performance is not fully embraced by the Indian automobile sector and highlights the difficulties associated with its implementation.

Research limitations/implications

Further research involving other sectors and industries needs to be undertaken in order to gain an in‐depth understanding of the key factors associated with the implementation of supply chain performance practices in India. This could also help develop a generic model to measure supply chain performance.

Originality/value

The paper provides an attempt to adopt the concept of supply chain performance to the Indian context and culture.
Global benchmarking for internet and e‐commerce applications
Authors: Ahmed A.M. , Zairi M. , Alwabel S.A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine issues related to the development of the internet and e‐commerce (EC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Two surveys were sent out following a pilot project to gather data on the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. The first survey was sent to 60 internet users, a total of 48 responded with a rate of 80 per cent. The second was sent to 60 managers and accountants within organisations in Saudi Arabia, a total of 44 responded with a rate of 73 per cent.

Findings

The key challenges identified for Saudi's organisations are the continuing relying on face‐to‐face contact principles, problems with information overload, charges still expensive, the need for technical support and expertise, lack of a management commitment and understanding the potential role of information technology (IT) on the country's future and middle aged and older people were more reluctant to use IT.

Research limitations/implications

Difficulties in reaching the right people to answer questions. This paper was relying on the subjective opinions and generlisability issues and it could benefited from further analysis.

Practical implications

For executives, the implications of the findings are that those factors identified can be used as a checklist to assist companies in their effective adoption of e‐business and the maximisation of opportunities.

Originality/value

This paper is an initial phase of an on going research, which will contribute to the body of knowledge in the EC domain from different cultural perspectives.
Value decomposition of e‐commerce performance
Authors: Fink Dieter
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The need to measure organisational effectiveness has become increasingly accepted. Performance measurements can readily be developed but need to be further defined as performance metrics. The paper's aim is to show how the use of the decomposition technique enables the development of electronic commerce (e‐commerce) metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

In the approach to value decomposition, value constructs are identified at the highest level, decomposed into the next levels, referred to as value variables, which are further broken down into value metrics. During decomposition, proper splicing has to occur. This implies that values (constructs, variables and metrics) should be carefully specified and that their interconnections should be controlled. Furthermore, functional integrity is required so that a succinct statement can be made for each metric.

Findings

The paper identified value constructs and value variables for six e‐commerce applications. They are aggregated into corporate performance management measures so that the various lower level value metrics can be made to work seamlessly together.

Practical implications

Although there is large agreement on the key values obtained from e‐commerce, it is difficult to achieve the degree of integrity required by the decomposition technique. Further research is required.

Originality/value

Performance measures provide a factual representation of important business activities and enable greater preciseness in their execution. The paper provides insight into values and associated measures in important activities of e‐commerce, namely VRM, B2C, B2B, CRM, EP, and ERP.
Benchmarking web site functions
Authors: Boisvert Hugues , Caron Marie‐Andrée
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To measure, classify and compare web site functions' development.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives were achieved by developing a methodology to measure, classify and compare web site functions development. The measurement was based on the presence (or absence) of 91 web site components. The classification was achieved using an applied correspondence analysis. The comparison was performed with respect to 4,485 company web sites from two provinces in Canada. A formal procedure involving 50 assistants was developed to collect data over 5,000 sites within a month period and a conceptual model was developed to interpret results.

Findings

Findings show that web site functions development could be described on a three dimensional space, the three axes corresponding to directions of development. The development status of the whole sample appeared as a cone in which five classes (or categories) of web sites could be identified and described with respect to their development profile. The development of 18 web site functions was also benchmarked with respect to observations within a class and with respect to some other characteristics like the industrial sector and the province where the company was located.

Research limitations/implications

Web site functions development was evaluated only with respect to components accessible to the general public. Development of intranet and extranet were not evaluated and hence taken into account for overall web sites development.

Practical implications

This research project of web site functions development was part of a more comprehensive project aimed at evaluating and documenting the impact of using a web site on business processes. So, combining the results of the two projects, allowed the authors to advance suggestions of how web sites should be developed to generate value for companies.

Originality/value

The approach to web site functions development evaluation is original. The methodology could be replicated anytime. The typology that emerged from the analysis is unique. Moreover, given the large sample of 4,485 web sites, results are statistically valid.
The impact of the New Basel Capital Accord on real estate developers
Authors: Pitschke Christoph , Bone‐Winkel Stephan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The New Basel Capital Accord (Basel II) was published in June 2004. This modification of the regulatory framework for banking institutions raises the question to what extent real estate financing will be impacted and how market participants can be adequately prepared. Aims to examine the impact of Basel II on the future pricing and availability of debt capital and on the cost of capital in real estate financing and to present possible reactions for real estate developers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper follows a deductive approach. First, the New Basel Capital Accord and the main features of commercial real estate financing are presented. On a normative level, the implications for developers are explained. Since no information regarding the behaviour of market participants in commercial real estate financing was available, the authors have ascertained the relevant questions within the framework of an empirical analysis. A total of 205 banking institutions were asked to fill out a survey pertaining to commercial real estate financing. The results of this survey are partly presented and interpreted.

Findings

The availability and the pricing of debt capital will be risk‐adjusted and will depend on the amount of regulatory equity banks will have to hold in reserve for a credit engagement. The cost of debt capital in real estate financing will rise due to systemic reasons of the New Basel Capital Accord. Banks are/will be very restrictive with regard to credit allowances. The use of the positive leverage effect will become more difficult. Structured financing, particularly the use of private equity, is the best way to fill a potential financing gap.

Originality/value

The paper is a timely investigation of a significant regulatory framework that is of world‐wide significance. The New Basel Capital Accord is introduced in its fundamental structure and the two relevant rating approaches are described and put into context. The paper reduces the complexity of the comprehensive and sophisticated Basel Capital Accord. Based on the facts that have been analysed, recommendations of how real estate developers can react to the changes in financing that lie ahead are given.
Real estate in the mixed‐asset portfolio: the question of consistency
Authors: Lee Stephen , Stevenson Simon
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to address the question of consistency, regarding the allocation of real estate in the mixed‐asset portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the question of consistency the allocation of real estate in the mixed‐asset portfolio was calculated over different holding periods varying from five to 25 years. For each portfolio and holding period, the percentage of portfolios with real estate was computed, as was the average real estate allocation in the optimum solution. Then, the risk and return differences between the two efficient frontiers, with and without real estate, were calculated to estimate real estate's marginal impact on portfolio performance.

Findings

First, the results suggest strongly that real estate has possessed the attribute of consistency in optimised portfolios. Second, the benefits from including real estate in the mixed‐asset portfolio tend to increase as the investment horizon is extended. Third, the position of real estate changes across the efficient frontier from its return enhancing ability to its risk‐reducing facility. Finally, the results show that the gain in return from adding real estate to the mixed‐asset portfolio is typically less compared with the reduction in portfolio risk.

Practical implications

The results highlight a number of issues in relation to the role of direct real estate within a mixed‐asset framework. In particular, the rationale behind the inclusion of real estate in the mixed‐asset portfolio depends on the length of the holding period of the investor and their position on the efficient frontier.

Originality/value

The study examines the attractiveness of direct real estate in the context of mixed‐asset portfolio.
Biases in appraisal land price information: the case of Japan
Authors: Shimizu Chihiro , Nishimura Kiyohiko
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the nature and magnitude of the distortion in appraisal land price information according to change in the market, with a special focus on the Government's Published Land Prices.

Design/methodology/approach

In Japan, there is an item of land price information, so‐called Koji‐Chika (PLPS: Published Land Price Information System), that is a survey of fair market value by the qualified appraisers. The valuation error of this land price information was analyzed using the following method. First, hedonic price indices were constructed based on both actual transaction prices and the Published Land Prices, they were then compared to detect possible distortions in the governmental price information. Also the possibility of structural change in the Japanese real estate markets was studied and its effect on price indices was considered. Analysis of the Tokyo metropolitan area in Japan took place between 1975 and 1999

Findings

Large and systematic discrepancies between actual transaction prices and the Published Land Prices were identified, which might suggest that there are serious problems in the governmental information system. It is believed that it is necessary to consider this issue in the context of the entire real estate appraisal system in Japan.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations stem from the nature of Japanese data. Future research will seek to look at values on an IPD index.

Originality/value

The land market in Tokyo experienced a so‐called Bubble economy, and the rapid rise and fall of the land price were generated for this period.
Value and worth: scenario analysis
Authors: French Nick
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper sets out to look at “calculation of worth” as it relates to valuations.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of pricing models and valuation methods are analysed. Forecasting is also considered.

Findings

It is possible to adapt the discounted cash flow (DCF) method to incorporate subjective predicted growth rates. In the case of a rack‐rented freehold, the DCF method produces the same value as the traditional method.

Originality/value

This paper looks at “testing the assumptions”.
Delphi expert panels in the scenario‐based strategic planning of agriculture
Authors: Rikkonen Pasi , Kaivo‐oja Jari , Aakkula Jyrki
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article seeks to present approaches on the utilisation of expert information in strategic planning practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The article emphasises alternative scenario development for the bases of decision making. This is done through an evaluation of Delphi studies and their feasibility for scenario construction. As an application of the information processes, both narrow and broad expert information processes are presented as alternative sources for solutions in public sector strategic planning.

Findings

Basically, there are two alternative ways to utilise Delphi studies in strategic planning and decision making: a broad expert information process (BEIP) model; and a narrow expert information process (NEIP) model.

Practical implications

As a broad process, an example is presented of the alternative future outcomes and the argumentation around it in the share of genetically modified plant varieties in commercial farming in Finland.

Originality/value

This theoretical review contributes to the discussions of the linkages between the use of expert information, the scenario planning and the strategic planning processes.
Developing and applying green building technology in an indigenous community
Authors: Riley David R. , Thatcher Corinne E. , Workman Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to disseminate an innovative approach to sustainability education in construction‐related fields in which teaching, research, and service are integrated to provide a unique learning experience for undergraduate students, faculty members, and community partners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies the need for sustainability education in fields related to construction and describes an interdisciplinary course at Penn State that addresses this need. The goals, research, and applications of the course are detailed, as is the sustainable construction technology employed in course projects. Finally, the results from two course assessments are summarized to support the authors' hypothesis that knowledge best occurs and develops in an arena of negotiation, collaboration, and creation.

Findings

Students who participate in the course experience well‐rounded growth that includes, but is not limited to, increased research, design, communication, and collaboration skills, a finding that underscores the effectiveness of the course's holistic approach to engineering and architecture education.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates that engaged approaches to architecture and engineering education contribute to a heightened awareness among students of the importance of sustainability. It encourages other educators to adopt similar approaches to sustainability education in their courses.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the need for sustainability education in construction‐related disciplines by detailing an innovative course developed at Penn State to raise environmental and social awareness among architecture and engineering students. The engaged approach utilized in the course is replicable in any discipline and promises to have a significant impact on the commitment of today's students to creating a tomorrow in which sustainability is the norm rather than an anomaly.
Going “out there”: learning about sustainability in place
Authors: Alvarez Amaya , Rogers Judy
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the authors shifted from teaching about sustainability as though it was fixed and definable, to a way of learning about the multiple ways in which sustainability is contested and understood. This shift involved both an epistemological shift in their understanding of sustainability and a shift in teaching practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects on the authors' teaching practice and describes a shift from an investigative to an interpretative approach. This shift resulted from taking students out in the field to hear from land managers and community members in regional and rural Victoria about how they understand sustainability. Central to the shift was recognising the value of the learning occurring “out there”.

Findings

The authors argue that had the students remained in the classroom learning about sustainability with community and its socio‐environmental context at a distance the shift that occurred in the teaching and learning experience would have been less likely to occur. The authors now see themselves as facilitating a process where learners (both teachers and students) are exposed to different understandings of sustainability and are able to recognise the messy and complex reality of sustainability on‐the‐ground.

Practical implications

Much of what is going on in sustainability education is prescriptive: environmental targets, audits, energy and water efficiency, sustainable design mapped on to the curriculum of various disciplines and fields. This paper highlights the need to broaden out the sustainability education agenda, to fully examine how it is taught, why and what is its value to learning.

Originality/value

This paper describes the development of a course that explores the complexity of on the ground sustainability in regional and rural Australia. Such an approach to teaching about sustainability is innovative in that it challenges taken for granted assumptions about what is and is not sustainable by exposing students to conversations with ordinary people making sense of and attempting to negotiate change in their lives. In this learning experience sustainability becomes a complex set of discourses and practices that interweave through and over people's lives rather than a check list of appropriate practices.
Use and non‐use of electronic information sources by undergraduates at the University of the West Indies
Authors: Ramlogan Rabia , Tedd Lucy A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to gather some empirical, baseline information on the use/non‐use of selected, subscribed electronic information services (EIS) among full time Year Three undergraduates at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies, in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's research design involved a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach: a user survey comprising self‐administered, semi‐structured questionnaires and face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

Over half of the total respondents had not accessed any of the EIS. Lack of awareness of the services' availability was revealed as the overriding factor for non‐use. It is concluded that undergraduates make infrequent or no use at all of certain EIS largely from lack of awareness.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the lack of an available sampling frame and data protection regulations, the study was unable to obtain a probabilistic sample.

Practical implications

The study's findings are consistent with the results from information behaviour studies in the UK that underline the critical role of academic staff in promoting the use of subscribed EIS.

Originality/value

There are a number of studies on the use of EIS, but this is the first of its kind within the English‐speaking Caribbean.
A brief guide to mycology web resources
Authors: Pankratov Alexei N. , Tsivileva Olga M. , Nikitina Valentina E.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the information about web resources in the area of mycology, one of the most important spheres of biology.

Design/methodology/approach

The information on mycological web resources is systematised. Scientific journals, newsletters and magazines of mycological scope, along with their publishers, are presented.

Findings

It is of use to biologists, chemists and other scientists and teachers working in the area of mycology, as well as scientists, who profess to disseminate scientific knowledge, to avail themselves of the myriad information sources on offer.

Originality/value

This is possibly the first attempt to embrace comprehensively and in minute detail the vast field of information on the sources of contemporary mycology and its representative bodies.
Web interface consistency in e‐learning
Authors: Rhee Cheul , Moon Junghoon , Choe Youngchan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of interface consistency on the learning performance of skilled and novice computer users who are studying with web‐based e‐learning systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted, and an experiment was set up to collect data on learning performance with respect to interface consistency and e‐learning systems. Statistical methods were applied.

Findings

Skilled students made more errors than novices when using a physically inconsistent e‐learning system. The learning satisfaction level of those skilled with computers was lower than that of novices using such a system. Conceptually consistent systems facilitated skilled students' learning satisfaction. Communicationally consistent systems closed the achievement gap within the novice student group. However, the effect of communicational consistency on skilled students was contradictory.

Originality/value

Implications include suggestions for designing web‐based interfaces of e‐learning systems and library web sites.
Pertinence in the eye of the user
Authors: Jacsó Péter
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of pertinence when using search databases.

Design/methodology/approach

Several information systems are evaluated to show how user preferences are accommodated.

Findings

The paper shows that the word “relevance” is the preferred term to “pertinence” when using English language databases.

Originality/value

Shows the importance in the choice of various search systems.
Workplace continuity: how risk and technology will affect facilities strategy
Authors: Gill Tony J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a summary of factors contributing toward the movement toward decentralized workplaces; this will largely be driven by the need to principles of business continuity, as well as the increasing ubiquity of broadband.

Design/methodology/approach

This takes a chronological approach to the development of a few previously separate organizational movements (i.e. business continuity, telework, advances in remote technology, facility strategy) and demonstrates how recent events have caused a collision of these factors. The result of this has been to energize the movement to alternative workplace models.

Findings

The paper demonstrates how the concepts presented move from a theoretical construct to a practical one based on factors including reduced implementation costs, a greater need to protect human and physical capital, the need for organizations to remain competitive, as well as the need to address work and lifestyle balance needs of employees.

Research limitations/implications

Enterprise‐wide applications of business continuity are still relatively new, and the penetration levels of broadband are not quite at the point where change will occur immediately.

Practical implications

Real estate professionals can effectively redefine their responsibilities and enhance their strategic profiles within the organizations they represent by understanding and integrating basic principles of workplace continuity.

Originality/value

This provides a blueprint for planners considering fundamental changes in workplace configuration.
How your “stay back” can hold back your outsourcing efforts
Authors: Browne Chris , Wheeler David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The changing nature of corporate real estate (CRE) management and the realignment of its goals has meant that about a third of corporations have now outsourced much of their facilities management activities. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of successful real estate outsourcing models and discuss how this experience could be applied more widely in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was conducted by CB Richard Ellis among 32 corporations, which showed a wide range of approaches to retained CRE organizations. Further analysis was made of a number of relationships between CB Richard Ellis and their existing clients in order to determine a “best practice” organizational structure.

Findings

There were a wide variety of organizational questions that impacted on the size of the retained team and the conclusion was that, “No one size fits all”. The number of CRE personnel varied significantly, based largely on the company's approach to and degree of, outsourcing. In order for the client to receive innovative and cost effective solutions to its real estate service requirements, a collaborative and strategic partnership is critical. The “best practice” structure is flexible, stimulates cooperation and creates an environment of strategic partnership to ensure a productive level of communication and collaboration where ideas can be rewarded.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful insight into how the combined organization of client and service provider can be optimized in order to maximize the efficiency of the outsourcing process.
Disclosure biases in proxy performance graphs
Authors: Bannister James W. , Newman Harry A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether proxy statement performance graph disclosures are influenced by the firm's governance structure and management concerns about relative performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regression is used to test whether the level of performance graph disclosure decreases with lower relative performance and higher insider director membership on the compensation committee of the board. Also, Z and t‐statistics test whether bias in the selected peer group benchmark is related to insider membership on the committee.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that reporting discretion was exercised for management's benefit. The amount of explicit disclosure on cumulative returns in the performance graph decreases as relative performance declines and decreases when insider directors serve on the compensation committee. Moreover, the presence of insider directors on the compensation committee is associated with a biased choice of peer group benchmark return.

Research limitations/implications

The sample for the study consists of 141 large firms. Future research could examine a larger group of firms that vary in size or other disclosures.

Practical implications

These findings support recent actions taken to improve corporate governance. Further public policy steps could be taken. For example, the SEC could require firms to include an explanation for appointing insiders to the compensation committee.

Originality/value

The results are consistent with managers using discretion over information disclosures and suggest that compensation committees with insider members play a less active role in providing information that is helpful to shareholders.