bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harmony and cooperation: their effects on IJV performance in China
Authors: Chow Raymond P.M. , Yau Oliver H.M.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop a business model depicting the relationship between harmony, cooperation, and international joint ventures (IJV) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a quantitative empirical study with the aim of making a contribution to the knowledge of the effects of harmony and cooperation on IJV performance. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire survey method was used for data collection.

Findings

The business model supports the proposed existence that harmony has both direct and indirect effects on IJV performance. While interorganizational harmony directly affects the performance of the company, it promotes cooperation and in turn enhances performance.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the exploratory nature of this study, the findings are indicative rather than conclusive. Future studies should be conducted to examine the validity and generalizability of this model in other cultural contexts.

Practical implications

This study provides empirical support for the importance of harmony and cooperation in conducting business in China, and it has significant implications for international marketers. When formulating new venture strategies in the greater China market, the model developed in this study can help to gauge the degrees of harmony and cooperation held by IJV partners.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates and validates the importance of harmony and cooperation in business ventures in general and in the Chinese business environment in particular. This study also signals that there are important implications for future research in emerging or transitional economies.
Legal commentary
Authors: Gray Joanna
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report and comment on a High Court ruling where the Court had to decide certain preliminary issues of law arising out of a mis‐selling claim brought against Royal Bank of Scotland Plc (hereafter “the Bank”) by Titan Steel Wheels Ltd (hereafter “Titan”) following losses incurred on two Euro/Sterling derivative products provided to Titan by the bank in June and September 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the facts surrounding the case and comments on the decision.

Findings

The Judge's decision is given on three issues. The first issue – was Titan a “private person”? The second issue – did the Bank act in an advisory role to Titan on the two transactions in issue and hence owe a common law duty of care? The third issue – whether the Bank's terms of business were subject to the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977?

Originality/value

This case offers interesting insights into the changing nature of the relationship between major corporate users of the derivatives markets with the products traded and business transacted in those markets. It also represents a classic attempt to use the legal system to reallocate losses resulting from the ultimate uncertainty that besets every market place and simply reasserts that ex ante contractual loss allocation agreed between commercial parties will not be lightly set aside.
Authenticity in management metaconversations
Authors: Torp Simon
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of the theory of authenticity and metaconversations, particularly in relation to managerial metaconversations, and to show an empirical example of what one might term authentic metaconversational management from below.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical part of the paper consists of an analysis and elaboration of theories of metaconversation and management. The empirical part of the paper builds on a single case study, which was of both the one holistic and embedded holistic type. In connection with the case study structured and unstructured, open and direct techniques of participant observation were applied. Certain parts of the case study were based on action research and consultation methods.

Findings

This conceptual paper presents a definition of authenticity in relation to the theory of metaconversations, and demonstrates with the help of a case study that metaconversations can also be created from below, via a bottom‐up process.

Practical implications

On the basis of the theory of authenticity and metaconversations, the manager(s) and staff, collectively and individually, can reflect on and discuss whether the metaconversations they create and by which they are encompassed – or to which exposed – are authentic in the sense that everyone is being given a voice.

Originality/value

The paper offers a concept of authenticity, as it relates to management, which challenges the idea of authenticity as being primarily concerned with the manager's relationship with himself or herself, e.g. the degree of consistency between a manager's “walk” and “talk”. Authenticity in relation to the theory of management as a metaconversation deals with the relationship between the manager and the staff, for which reason authenticity in this paper is treated as a social and collective matter, not merely one which is individual and personal.
Authentic dialogue? The role of “friendship” in a social media recruitment campaign
Authors: Henderson Alison , Bowley Rachel
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to emerging theory about the role of authenticity in social media use through discussion of a not‐for‐profit organisation's experiences of using social networking to communicate with potential stakeholders during a recruitment campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses critical discourse analysis of semi‐structured interviews with organisational spokespersons to examine the use of social media by this not‐for‐profit organisation.

Findings

The organisation attempted to re‐position its identity to appear “authentic” to potential young stakeholders, and to use social media to build a dialogue that would attract new recruits to the industry. The paper discusses the challenges and opportunities experienced by the not‐for‐profit organisation in this recruitment campaign.

Practical implications

Organisations contemplating the use of social networking sites to engage new audiences can reflect on the problems encountered in the implementation of this campaign, and plan to avoid similar pitfalls.

Originality/value

The study presents original empirical data in relation to social networking by a not‐for‐profit organisation. It demonstrates the importance of audience perceptions of authenticity and raises important questions about organisational “control”, and the expectations of employees carrying out “authenticity work”.
Key competitiveness indicators for new real estate developers
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Shen Liyin , Skitmore Martin , Xia Bo
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the key competitiveness indicators (KCIs) that provide the guidelines for helping new real estate developers (REDs) achieve competitiveness during their inception stage in which the organisations start their business.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using a combination of various methods. A literature review was undertaken to provide a proper theoretical understanding of organisational competitiveness within RED's activities and developed a framework of competitiveness indicators (CIs) for REDs. The Delphi forecasting method is employed to investigate a group of 20 experts' perception on the relative importance between CIs.

Findings

The results show that the KCIs of new REDs are capital operation capability, entrepreneurship, land reserve capability, high sales revenue from the first real estate development project, and innovation capability.

Originality/value

The five KCIs of new REDs are new. In practical terms, the examination of these KCIs would help the business managers of new REDs to effectively plan their business by focusing their efforts on these key indicators. The KCIs can also help REDs provide theoretical constructs of the knowledge base on organisational competitiveness from a dynamic perspective, and assist in providing valuable experiences and in formulating feasible strategies for survival and growth.
Cost‐effective risk assessment of hand‐arm vibration exposure
Authors: Edwards David J. , Holt Gary D.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

As a tool to help compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, a cost‐effective method of risk assessing construction workers' exposure to hand‐arm vibration (HAV) is presented that allows larger numbers of workers to be evaluated, either as a stratified sample of a population or as a population where numbers are not prohibitive.

Design/methodology/approach

The method, developed and tested in the field with a national UK contractor, employs work study to collect exposure level data of workers undertaking real work and analyse these, to inform HAV management and risk control decisions.

Findings

The method benefits from economies of scale to efficiently risk assess large numbers of workers, without the need for specialist equipment or analysis software. It can be applied to sample strata defined by, for example, equipment used, types of work or classifications of worker.

Research limitations/implications

Results add to the growing body of academic knowledge relating to construction worker HAV exposure and its management.

Practical implications

The method can easily be moulded to suit any type of construction organisation and help control cost associated with HAV legislation compliance.

Social implications

Potential benefits of controlled HAV exposure include reduced incidence of (HAV induced) medical conditions and concomitant personal financial gains to society.

Originality/value

The method and context are novel. The methodology of work study and sampling in a broader sense are well established.
Competitive assets of Malaysian international contractors
Authors: Abdul‐Aziz Abdul‐Rashid , Sing Wong Sing
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to identify firm‐related competitive assets (FRCA) and home country‐related competitive assets of Malaysian international contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

Rather than applying any one of the extant models on the internationalisation of businesses singly, the study combined several relevant models, thereby providing a rich theoretical basis. Data were collected using a postal questionnaire survey and follow‐up face‐to‐face interviews. Past empirical observations of international construction companies were referred to when designing the questionnaire. All of the known Malaysian contractors with international operations were approached.

Findings

While there was broad concurrence between the sampled Malaysian contractors' FRCA with past studies, the participating firms attributed low competitive value to country‐related competitive assets. Even so, they were not keen to establish their export bases in more supportive countries because of top management's personal affinity to Malaysia as a home country.

Research limitations/implications

The surveyed population is relatively small with low response rate.

Originality/value

The findings do not support the eclectic paradigm and diamond model on the aspect of home country features as providing competitiveness to international construction firms.
AMLCTF compliance and SMEs in Australia: a case study of the prepaid card industry
Authors: Gurung Juni , Wijaya Marcell , Rao Asha
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of effectively enforcing the Anti‐money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AMLCTF) Act compliance on prepaid card small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Currently, certain types of prepaid cards providers are exempt from compliance. This paper looks at this situation bearing in mind the necessity of keeping regulation manageable for SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts the case study approach facilitated by an online search of different prepaid card vendors. Using this as a basis, a feasibility analysis of the AMLCTF Act is conducted for prepaid card SMEs.

Findings

It is found that not all regulation compliance requirements are applicable to SMEs. Regulation enforcement without considering the capabilities of the regulated entities will only increase avoidance. It is also found that the AMLCTF Act does not effectively address the issue of prepaid cards' vulnerability to money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) illustrated by exclusion of prepaid cards that cannot be used to withdraw money from the compliance. Given that there are records of such cards been exploited for illegal trading, Australian Transactions Reports Analysis Centre appears not to be up to date with the ongoing trend in ML/TF around the world.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of case study research methodology apply. Also, the prepaid card vendor information is based on an online search of their web sites and did not involve in‐person interactions to gather the information.

Originality/value

This is the first paper in anti‐money laundering literature that has considered SMEs and attempted to look into the AMLCTF Act compliance requirements' applicability for them. It is believed that the case study can facilitate further research related to regulation enforcement issues for SMEs.
International anti‐money laundering programs
Authors: Arnone Marco , Borlini Leonardo
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical assessment and outline issues in criminal regulation relating to international anti‐money laundering (AML) programs.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first part, this paper outlines the serious threats posed by transnational laundering operations in the context of economic globalization, and calls for highly co‐ordinated international responses to such a crime. The second part of the paper centres on elements of international criminal regulation of ML.

Findings

The focus is on the phenomenological aspect of ML and highlights that to a large extent it is an economic issue. Economic analysis calls for an accurate legal response, with typical trade‐offs: it should deter criminals from laundering by increasing the costs for such illicit operations, calling for enhanced regulatory and enforcement activities; however, stronger enforcement yields increased costs and reduces privacy. These features have lately inspired the recent paradigm shift from a rule‐based regulatory framework to a risk‐based approach which still represents an extremely delicate regulatory. Both at the international level and within the single domestic legal system, AML law is typically characterised by a multidisciplinary approach combining the repressive profile with preventive mechanisms: an empirical evaluation of the International Monetary Fund‐World Bank AML program is presented, where these two aspects are assessed. The non‐criminal measures recently implemented under the auspices of the main inter‐governmental public organisations with competence in these fields seem to be consistent with the insights of economic analysis. However, some key criminal issues need to be better addressed.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into international AML programs, focusing on criminal regulation.
The development of a scale to measure consumer doubt toward new products
Authors: Sääksjärvi Maria , Morel Kaj P.N.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale for measuring consumer doubt toward new products.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale was developed in several steps. A large pool of items to represent consumer doubt was generated. Experts reviewed the scale items for conciseness and clarity. An exploratory factor analysis to examine the unidimensionality, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of each construct was conducted. The model was then validated using partial least squares modeling. Finally, the scale and its form were validated, and potential response biases assessed. Data from three studies were used.

Findings

The results show that by focusing on reasons for deference, rather than acceptance, the scale yields new insight into innovation success and failure. The CDNP scale is a reliable and valid measurement instrument to assess consumer doubt toward new products.

Research limitations/implications

For researchers, the results show that only considering positive aspects on innovation adoption can lead to only a partial understanding of how innovation diffuses in the market.

Practical implications

By overcoming consumer doubt at early stages of innovation launch, companies could overcome problems related to innovation failure.

Originality/value

The literature on innovation adoption has almost exclusively focused on why innovations succeed by examining consumer acceptance of innovations. Yet, a potentially more serious issue that would need to be tackled is why innovations fail. This paper focuses on consumer doubt toward new products, i.e. a lack of conviction that a new product will fulfill its promises. Three studies show that the scale of consumer doubt is valid, and it provides new insights into innovation adoption.
The link between non‐technological innovations and technological innovation
Authors: Mothe Caroline , Uyen Nguyen Thi Thuc
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to provide evidence of the major role of non‐technological activities in the innovation process. It seeks to highlight the effects of marketing and organizational innovation strategies on technological innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests theoretical hypotheses on a sample of 555 firms of the Fourth Community Innovation Survey (CIS 4) in 2006 in Luxembourg. Data are analyzed through a generalized Tobit model.

Findings

Evidence is found to support the impact of innovation in the marketing and organization fields on a firm's capacity to innovate, but not on the innovative performance. The paper also statistically shows that the effects of non‐technological innovation differ depending on the phase of the innovation process.

Research limitations/implications

The causal link and the question of time frame between the various innovations could be further investigated, especially through longitudinal studies. Further research should also focus on the differences between large versus small firms, and service versus industrial firms.

Practical implications

The effects of non‐technological innovation are not the same according to whether the firm is in the first step of the innovation process (i.e. being innovative), or in a later step (i.e. innovative performance). Managers should be aware of these various effects in order to efficiently adopt non‐technological innovation strategies.

Originality/value

Few works have taken into account the role of other innovative strategies such as marketing and organization. As far as is known, this is the first study based on recent CIS data that looks at the interrelations between different types of innovation.
Addressing R&D investment decisions: a cross analysis of R&D project selection methods
Authors: Verbano Chiara , Nosella Anna
Published: August 2010

Purpose

A large number of methodologies for R&D project selection have been developed and reported in the literature over the last few decades, and it has become a very popular research topic since the 1960s. The aim of this paper is to classify and characterize the determining aspects behind the research and development project selection process.

Design/methodology/approach

After carefully reviewing the literature and analysing the latest contributions the paper identifies the key issues for the comparison of the existing techniques used to evaluate alternative projects and portfolios of R&D projects. In the second phase the main selection methods (including the latest project portfolio optimisation approaches) are reviewed and critically compared.

Findings

The strengths, weaknesses, limitations and practicality of the methods analysed allow managers to choose the project selection model appropriate for their specific problems. Some integrated models (hybrid approach) and the latest solutions could fill the gaps in existing selection methods.

Originality/value

Although previous literature has made valid points about this subject, for the most part it concentrates on describing the project selection methods and highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. What seems to be missing, however, is a comparison of these methods. This paper contributes to bridge this gap, offering analysis that can support decision makers in their choice of the most suitable tool useful for evaluating a range of R&D projects.
Challenges in enterprise resource planning implementation: state‐of‐the‐art
Authors: Momoh A. , Roy R. , Shehab E.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrative and detailed review of the critical factors that cause enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation failures, based on an in‐depth literature review (1997‐2009).

Design/methodology/approach

Keywords relating to the subject of this paper were defined, and used to search web engines and journal databases for papers on ERP implementation failures. These papers were further analysed and classified into various categories.

Findings

Nine factors are found to be critical in the failure of ERP implementations: excessive customisation, dilemma of internal integration, poor understanding of business implications and requirements, lack of change management, poor data quality, misalignment of IT with business, hidden costs, limited training and lack of top management support.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes the development of a framework to address each ERP implementation failure factor in its entirety based on the frequency of its occurrence in industry, as a topic for future research.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to research in the ERP domain by highlighting ERP implementation challenges from a critical failure perspective and proportion of the failures, as opposed to presenting critical success factors. Failure factors with examples provides a clearer visibility of the costly damages that can be introduced into organisations in the event that these failures are ignored.
Business process research: a cross‐disciplinary review
Authors: Sidorova Anna , Isik Oyku
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of business processes (BPs) literature by identifying and discussing key BP‐related research themes and suggesting directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Latent semantic analysis was used to analyze the abstracts of academic articles related to BP. Over 2,700 articles that use the term “business process (BP)” in their title, abstract or keywords were identified through electronic journals database EBSCOHost and examined.

Findings

The results clearly indicate growing interest in BP research during the past 20 years. The key research themes can be classified into core and associated BP research. Core BP research deals with four cornerstones of BP change: BP design, information technology, BP implementation, and ongoing BP management. The associated BP research lies on the intersection of BP and other research areas such as total quality management, supply chain management, e‐commerce, etc.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to focus future research efforts on understanding the inter‐relationships among the four identified cornerstones of BP change. There is also a need for more inter‐disciplinary BP research and integration of BP‐related organizational practices.

Originality/value

The review offers a cross‐disciplinary perspective on BP research. The proposed framework can be used to identify directions for future research and practice.
Auditing improvements in a product delivery process (AIPDP)
Authors: Childerhouse Paul , Thomas Andrew , Phillips Gareth , Towill Denis R.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the appropriateness of using the 12 previously published material flow simplicity rules (SRs) to shape the successful design and implementation of improvements in a casting company product delivery process (PDP).

Design/methodology/approach

The business process improvement (BPI) project described in this case study was actively supported by the UK knowledge transfer partnership initiative. Hence, the outcome in terms of gain in the key performance indicators has been subjected to close and independent scrutiny. The dynamics of process change observed (and displayed on the factory floor) can thereby be exploited as signatures showing actual rates of improvement. It is then straightforward to highlight the qualitative impact of SR relevance to the likely outcomes.

Findings

The 12 SRs were originally posited based on published research (particularly by Jay Forrester and Jack Burbidge) and many others. This case study independently tests their detailed application in one specific environment.

Research limitations/implications

None emerged during this case study. Other investigations may subsequently lead to prioritisation of the rules.

Practical implications

On this evidence the 12 material flow SRs are directly relevant and highly effective in the planning and execution of industrial PDP improvement programmes. They provide structure and build confidence during execution of this important task.

Originality/value

The paper has originality and values primarily due to new proven application of a recent published technique for BPI auditing.
A structured language for manipulating process models
Authors: Bi Henry H.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Although software systems used to automate business processes have been becoming rather advanced, the existing practice of developing and modifying graphical process models in those software systems is still primitive: users have to manually add, change, or delete each node and arc piece by piece. Since such manual operations are typically tedious, time‐consuming, and prone to errors, it is desirable to develop an alternative approach. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a novel, human‐understandable process manipulation language (PML) for specifying operations (e.g. insertion, deletion, merging, and split) on process models is developed. A prototype system to demonstrate PML is also developed.

Findings

The paper finds that manipulation operations on process models can be standardized and, thus, can be facilitated and automated through using a structured language like PML.

Originality/value

PML can improve manipulation operations on process models over the existing manual approach in two aspects: first, using PML, users only need to specify what operations are to be performed on process models, and then a computer carries out specified operations as well as performs other routine operations (e.g. generating nodes and arcs). This feature minimizes user effort to deal with low‐level details on nodes and arcs. Second, using PML, users can systematically specify operations on process models, thus reducing arbitrary operations and problems in process models.
Delineating the ERP institutionalization process: go‐live to effectiveness
Authors: Maheshwari Bharat , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The institutionalization of an organizational innovation, such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, takes place as a continuous adaptation process that includes the development of a support organization, infrastructure, regulations, and norms, as well as the acquired knowledge of the organizational members. This paper aims to provide a structured road map for understanding this complex process and to explain some of the critical issues in institutionalizing ERP in the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case studies were employed as the research approach. A multiphase design was used to introduce structure to the methodology.

Findings

The paper, using a reasonably representative sample, provides valuable insights into the ERP institutionalization process within organizations. It identifies and documents a number of key challenges that organizations face in the three phases of the institutionalization process.

Practical implications

A number of findings from the paper may help managers in successfully institutionalizing ERP systems. The paper identifies 15 key activities and several challenges in executing those activities along with coping strategies that firms employed to face these challenges.

Originality/value

ERP systems mark a major shift in the organizational approach to information systems. The paper uses empirical data from case studies to explore and delineate the ERP institutionalization process in the adopting organizations.
Applying the VAIC™ model to Australian hotels
Authors: Laing Gregory , Dunn Jillian , Hughes‐Lucas Susan
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent to which intellectual capital (IC) adds value to a service provider and presents an approach for interpreting the results.

Design/methodology/approach

The value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC™) model is used to determine the relevant elements of intellectual capital because it employs existing financial data. The number of subjects was restricted to two companies operating in the Australian hotel industry over a four‐year period (2004‐2007).

Findings

The VAIC™ model provides a robust tool for assessing the efficient use of intellectual capital. The model can be used by management to assess their own organisation's performance without having to rely upon industry standards.

Research limitations/implications

The data derived from published financial statements and the limitations associated with accounting standards may be questionable. However, the financial statements were subject to external audit verification. The restricted number of companies is a limitation to generalisability. However, the two companies are the major players in the Australian hotel industry.

Practical implications

The application of the VAIC™ model presented in this paper provides a basis for practical application for management.

Originality/value

The study provides management with a guide to employing the VAIC™ model and, more importantly, a method for interpreting the results.
Intellectual capital in service‐ and product‐oriented companies
Authors: Kianto Aino , Hurmelinna‐Laukkanen Pia , Ritala Paavo
Published: August 2010

Purpose

As service companies are occupying an increasingly significant place as drivers of economic growth, there is a pressing need to understand their peculiarities in order to facilitate their effective management and governance. One important area in which this kind of understanding is lacking is intellectual capital (IC) and knowledge management. Although intellectual capital has become the key value driver for all types of organizations, there is a lack of systematic research on whether there are fundamental differences in the IC of service‐oriented versus product‐oriented companies. In an attempt to bridge this gap the paper aims to examine the main differences in IC stocks, creation, management and protection mechanisms between service‐oriented and product‐oriented companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on empirical evidence collected from 418 respondents representing HR and R&D functions in 335 Finnish companies.

Findings

The results demonstrate that service‐oriented companies possess more human capital and renewal capital, and focus more on IC creation than product‐oriented companies. In addition, IC protection is stronger in product‐oriented companies. As companies move towards a service orientation they need to change their approach to IC stocks and management, and in this acknowledging the differences between a service and a product orientation is the first step.

Originality/value

The results presented in this study shed new light on the differences between service‐oriented and product‐oriented companies in terms of the possession, management, creation and protection of intellectual capital.
Interorganizational IT investments and the value upstream relational capital
Authors: Léger Pierre‐Majorique
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The focus of this article is upstream relational capital, the intangible value of a firm's business relations with its suppliers. The paper aims to propose and test a valuation model of an organization's upstream relational capital that incorporates the leveraging impact of IT investments.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out of 159 CEOs in the wireless telecommunication industry.

Findings

Evidence suggests that IT and non‐IT factors contribute to explain abnormal return on relational investments.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory study is based on a single industry and relational capital is valued by CEO using psychometric scales.

Practical implications

This study shows how IT‐related information helps external investors to value a firm's upstream relationship capital and hence assess the impact of interorganizational IT investments on the firm's valuation.

Originality/value

These results militate for more transparency in regard to relational investments and the relational context of the firm in the management discussion section of the annual report.
Managing talent across a global workforce
Authors: Woollard Stuart
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify issues around the use of the concept “talent management” and its implementation in an international context. It also highlights techniques/solutions for better international talent management, which can be utilized by those who are responsible for managing a global workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on past and current research in the area of talent management, particularly around its various definitions and the reasons for organizations failing to adequately manage and develop their key talent in a global context. It also uses a current case study on one of the leading US multinationals, which faces significant strategic and financial costs due to its inability to manage key globally mobile talent. It includes the steps taken by the organization to try and improve its international workforce management techniques.

Findings

This paper is not an exhaustive list of research and case studies applicable within the subject matter. The main case study does not include outcome data.

Originality/value

The paper is useful for HR practitioners, particularly those who are part of a global business, as it will enable them to consider some of the challenges of managing a global workforce. Through the issues and examples highlighted practitioners can evaluate solutions for their organization.
Arkadin develops employee talent through e‐learning
Authors: Mulin Christophe , Reen Hilary
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore e‐learning within the context of global talent management. The number of companies using remote learning solutions to develop talent and skills has witnessed an upsurge in recent years. Thanks to Web 2.0 and other types of technology, legacy learning or “traditional distance learning” offers have undergone a major transformation. E‐learning has become an indispensable tool, especially for globally dispersed companies wishing to respond to modern day recruitment and leadership challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the experiences of Arkadin, a global provider of integrated audio and web conferencing services, as a case study.

Findings

Arkadin's initial experience with e‐learning solutions from provider CrossKnowledge has proved to be so efficient and effective that after the successful launch of the first two learning academies, Arkadin plans to launch another five this year. The academies are distance training solutions that combine e‐learning with other offerings such as mentoring and face‐to‐face training. Each academy is designed to ensure training responds to specific corporate requirements and is delivered just‐in‐time.

Originality/value

This ambitious venture has enabled Arkadin to create an equal skills base and ensure that the people responsible for running the operation abroad understand corporate strategy and requirements in order to develop staff locally. This is a useful case study for learning and HR professionals operating within a global operation.
Retaining a high quality workforce – keeping hold of the family silver
Authors: Curson Judy , Skidmore Tom
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges faced by a small, specialized NHS organization in recruiting and retaining a high quality workforce in a highly competitive market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on four main areas: recruitment, employee development, office environment, and management style.

Findings

The conclusion is that against the odds a public sector organization can attract and retain a high quality workforce in a highly competitive market.

Originality/value

An innovative and flexible approach to recruiting and managing your staff can achieve remarkable results.
Is inadequate response to whistleblowing perpetuating a culture of silence in hospitals?
Authors: Moore Linda , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The reporting of incidents or “whistleblowing” occurs when a member of staff within an organisation discloses that an employee has acted in a way that is a cause for concern, and the person it is reported to has the ability to do something about it. Surveys in the UK and the USA have shown that errors in healthcare are unacceptably high. It is also known that under‐reporting of errors is the norm. There is a need to understand why people fail to report so that systems and more open cultures which support staff in reporting poor practice can be introduced. Research that captures the experiences of those who have observed poor care and what they experience if they report an incident is critical to developing such an understanding. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory quantitative research design, based on a similar study in the NHS UK, was utilised to answer the research questions of this study. Data were collected in eight acute hospitals in the Health Services Executive (HSE) regions in Ireland. Two hospitals were selected from each of the four regions and nursing staff on three wards within each hospital provided the sample. A total of 575 anonymous questionnaires were sent to all grades of nurses working on these 24 wards.

Findings

A total of 152 responses were received, a response rate of 26 per cent. This study found that 88 per cent of respondents, i.e. nurses working in acute hospitals, have observed an incident of poor care in the past six months. The findings indicate that 70 per cent of those that observed an incident of poor care reported it. Nurse managers are more likely to report than staff nurses (reporting rates of 88 per cent and 65 per cent respectively). The study findings indicate that only one in four nurses who reported poor care were satisfied with the way the organisation handled their concerns.

Originality/value

Health professionals have a responsibility to maintain standards of care and this responsibility includes taking action to report poor care. The paper shows that reporting of poor care is hampered by a fear of retribution and lack of faith in the organisation's ability to take corrective action.
Implementation of a prolonged neonatal jaundice protocol supported by electronic software
Authors: Ogundele Michael O. , Halliday Jane , Weir Patricia
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Several audits of clinical practice have confirmed that there is insignificant yield from screening of prolonged jaundice babies with a wide range of tests including thyroid function test (TFT) and full blood count (FBC). This paper aims to audit local practice based on a newly adopted rationalised protocol of selective screening with split bilirubin supplemented with other investigations based on clinical risk assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a retrospective audit of 50 babies referred for prolonged jaundice to a large district hospital in South West England. The authors also designed an easy‐to‐use, user‐friendly software application as a quick aid for implementation of the prolonged jaundice protocol.

Findings

The overall annual incidence of prolonged jaundice was 2.2 per cent of all live births. 32 patients (64 per cent) had only split biliburin test according to the protocol. In total 16 patients (32 per cent) had 18 tests requested unnecessarily including seven liver function test (LFT), eight FBC, one each of glucose, TFT and serum electrolytes. No patient with any serious liver disease was missed.

Practical implications

Appropriate recommendations for optimising the implementation of the current protocol based on the available scientific evidence were introduced.

Originality/value

After two years of implementation of the protocol, it has been found to be cost‐effective and safe. The electronic software provides a useful prompt in guiding the investigation of prolonged jaundice.
Patient and public involvement in translative healthcare research
Authors: Savory Clive
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to set out a framework that can be used for locating strategies for incorporating patient and public involvement (PPI) in the wider process of translative healthcare research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is analytical and synthesizes knowledge from several disciplines in order to provide a coherent framework for understanding the scope and purpose of PPI. The framework sets out four idealised strategies for PPI based on mode and purpose of involvement. The paper concludes by summarising a range of implications for organisations involved in the governance of translative healthcare research.

Findings

The framework defines four idealised strategies for PPI in translative healthcare research. The strategies range in purpose from collecting patient data, through to improving public involvement and knowledge with respect to healthcare research.

Practical implications

The framework presented has direct relevance for agencies concerned with the management and governance of translative healthcare research. The framework is relevant when either designing or auditing research pathways in terms of PPI activities. The framework is also important in highlighting to healthcare leaders, researchers, patients and the wider public, the potential role of participation in healthcare research.

Originality/value

This paper's value is that it combines perspectives from the wider literature on innovation, user‐led design and participation, to the problem of translative healthcare research.
The perceived advantages and disadvantages of regional audit: a qualitative study
Authors: Paskins Zoe , John Holly , Hassell Andy , Rowe Ian
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate an annual rheumatology regional audit programme that has been running since 2000 in the West Midlands with no additional funding. Specifically it seeks to identify the strengths of, and difficulties with, regional audit and establish if, and how, regional audit differs from local audit.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted and theoretical sampling used to select seven individuals with a range of experiences of the audit process. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The programme was thought to be valuable with unforeseen educational benefits for trainees and in fostering positive relations across the region. Regional audit appears to overcome some of the problems with local audit by utilising resources effectively and having sound leadership. Barriers to regional audit included problems with communication between the organising panel and data collecting units, fostering ownership and ensuring closure of the “audit loop”.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited by the small sample and the single region nature of the study. The findings have informed a questionnaire to measure agreement to the perceptions identified and survey change of practice occurring as a result of previous regional audits.

Practical implications

The findings will inform future planning and hopefully ensure sustainability of this large unfunded programme; the findings will also be of use to other regions and specialties looking to adopt regional audit.

Originality/value

Regional audit offers a useful and feasible adjunct to national audit and this paper describes an evaluation of an innovative scheme.
Chaperones and intimate physical examinations: consultant practice and views on chaperones
Authors: Moores Karen L. , Metcalfe Neil H. , Pring David W.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if recommendations from the General Medical Council (GMC), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Ayling Inquiry with regard to chaperoning are observed in the hospital setting by consultants performing intimate physical examinations, and to ascertain consultants' views on the availability, nature and role of chaperones.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative postal questionnaire was carried out based on the GMC and RCOG recommendations, and point 2.58 of the Ayling Inquiry. Participants were all consultants specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, colorectal surgery, breast surgery, urology, genito‐urinary medicine, and paediatrics in York and West Yorkshire Hospitals. The questionnaire covered consultant practice and views on the role of chaperones for intimate physical examinations.

Findings

A response rate of 70 per cent was achieved. All gynaecologists, paediatricians, urologists, colorectal surgeons and genito‐urinary physicians request a chaperone when performing female intimate examinations. A total 90 per cent of genito‐urinary physicians request a chaperone compared to only 39 per cent of colorectal surgeons and 28 per cent of urologists for male intimate examinations. Of the consultants 97 per cent reported that a chaperone was “always” or “usually” available. A total 94 per cent considered health‐care professionals to be appropriate chaperones. Cited roles of a chaperone include doctor protection (93 per cent), patient protection (84 per cent), patient comfort (73 per cent), and medico‐legality (72 per cent). Only 20 per cent of consultants stated they document the presence of a chaperone.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that consultants use a chaperone for all female genital examinations, but inter‐speciality differences exist for male intimate examinations in spite of national recommendations. A minority of consultants document the presence of a chaperone for intimate examinations. Consultants consider health‐care professionals to be the most appropriate chaperones, and believe chaperones add to patient comfort and protect both doctor and patient.