bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology in the classroom: the LSU College of Agriculture Faculty perspective
Authors: Summers Teresa A. , Vlosky Richard P.
Published: April 2007

A study of all faculty in the Louisiana State University College of Agriculture was undertaken in Fall 1999 to better understand their perceptions and use of technology in the classroom environment resulting in a 55 percent response rate. The study was a follow‐up to a 1998 study of students enrolled in all classes in the College. Like students, faculty were surveyed to discern awareness, expectations, and capabilities in using technology in the classroom. Faculty results and faculty/student comparisons were analyzed using frequency tabulations and paired t‐tests. The study was designed to collect baseline information that could be used for planning and funding allocations for equipment and development activities for faculty in the context of increasing technology capabilities and teaching effectiveness. Results indicated that faculty, like students, are generally computer literate with almost all owning a personal computer; strongly prefer a combination of traditional and computer‐supported teaching methods; and believe that computer‐based technology in the classroom is very important to students’ future competitiveness in the job market. However, faculty’s perceptions of their proficiency in using technologies were significantly higher than the students’ perceptions of these skills.
NC State University researcher launches cyberspace study aid
Authors: Daemon Daun
Published: April 2007

Describes an invention by Dr John Russ, a research associate at North Carolina State University, USA, which provides a live‐action study aid for students on CD‐ROM. States that Russ put this on the Web because of concern that some students did not have access to computers with CD‐ROM drives. Concludes that it is very effective as a teaching aid.
A craftsman and his tool: Andy Powell and the DC‐dot metadata editor
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: April 2007

This article details the DC‐dot metadata editor, a tool developed by the UK Office for Library and Information Networking (UKOLN) to promote use of the Dublin Core (DC) Element Set. DC‐dot is one of the oldest and most widely‐used Dublin Core metadata generators. Andy Powell, Distributed Systems and Services Team Leader at UKOLN and creator of DC‐dot, discusses the state RDF, the impact that XML will have on Dublin Core, the challenges facing the DC Metadata Initiative, his role as a member of the DC Advisory Committee, and advice for metadata implementers.
Dynamic Web pages: performance impact on Web servers
Authors: Kothari Bhupesh , Claypool Mark
Published: April 2007

The World Wide Web has experienced phenomenal growth over the past few years, placing heavy load on Web servers. Today’s Web servers also process an increasing number of requests for dynamic pages, making server load even more critical. The performance of Web servers delivering static pages is well studied and well understood. However, there has been little analytic or empirical study of the performance of Web servers delivering dynamic pages. This paper focuses on experimentally measuring and analyzing the performance of the three dynamic Web page generation technologies: CGI, FastCGI and Servlets. In this paper, we present experimental results for Web server performance under CGI, Fast CGI and Servlets. Then, we develop a multivariate linear regression model and predict Web server performance under some typical dynamic requests. We find that CGI and FastCGI perform effectively the same under most low‐level benchmarks, while Servlets perform noticeably worse. Our regression model shows the same deficiency in Servlets’ performance under typical dynamic Web page requests.
The World Wide Web: a vehicle to develop interactive learning and teaching applications
Authors: Tian Shicheng
Published: April 2007

The paper is about how to use the World Wide Web (Web) for education. After a brief review of this area, the main issues regarding the use of Web for education are discussed. Based on this discussion, a design, a preliminary implementation of a prototype, the experience gained from this work and future work are described and a few conclusions drawn. Experience from the trial of the system shows that the Web is a cost‐effective technology to facilitate the development of educational applications across the Internet.
Getting close from far away
Authors: Mary P. Benbow S.
Published: April 2007

Provides a guide to the increasing number of zoos and associated
sites now using the Internet. Investigates the multiple roles of the
Internet for zoos, their staff and visitors, in helping them to
communicate science and provide a cultural service to the public, in
addition to serving as a means of marketing and publicity.
Optimizing the NASA Technical Report Server
Authors: Nelson Michael L. , Maa Ming‐Hokng
Published: April 2007

Explains how the NASA Technical Report Server, a World Wide Web report distribution NASA technical publications service, has been modified for performance enhancement, greater protocol support and human interface optimization. Results include: parallel database queries, significantly decreasing user access times by an average factor of 2.3; access from clients behind firewalls and/or proxies which truncate excessively long Uniform Resource Locators; access to non‐Wide Area Information Server (WAIS) databases and compatibility with the Z39‐50.3 protocol; and a streamlined user interface.
“McDonald’s” of IT Training World‐wide Growing Fast
Authors: Lorenzo George
Published: April 2007

With more than 2,300 educational centers providing a comprehensive range of IT education in 30 countries world‐wide – and adding more centers at a rate of about 20 per month – New Delhi, India‐based NIIT is a company that’s obviously worth noting in the world of transnational education.
Proposal for educational software development sites: an open source tool to create the learning software we need
Authors: Prensky Marc
Published: April 2007

Argues that to get educational software that is state‐of‐the‐art along all dimensions, works together, and is free to users, one must involve the “world mind” and open source software. Proposes a model whereby colleges and universities each take charge of certain areas of learning, searching for the best developments, and writing new tools, which are then shared among all sites. Offers an example in the area of educational games, and suggests a way to get started.
Meeting real needs with real products
Authors: Miller Christopher W.
Published: April 2007

Nothing is more fundamental to a company’s well‐being than a meaningfully differentiated product that is valued by a significant set of customers. Healthy companies focus on growth from new products. Product is consumer need merging with organizational ability. The creation of new products requires that these essential components be pulled apart and looked at separately. A new product focus directs an organization toward its customers and its technology and away from internal issues. This article includes specific guidelines for making meaningful product innovation happen.
Business value analysis: ‐ coping with unruly uncertainty
Authors: Thomas Russell
Published: April 2007

Traditional return on investment analysis techniques like discounted cash flow (DCF) and net present value (NPV) fall short of providing adequate decision support in today’s turbulent environment. New techniques, grouped under the concept called “business value analysis” (BVA), show promise. These techniques include intellectual capital, real options valuation, business model dynamics, and synthetic markets. They extend DCF to include intangibles and other factors common to the digital economy. These techniques are just now emerging from research, and they are undergoing further development, refinement, and testing on the way to becoming widespread in practice. It’s unlikely any of these techniques will be a “silver bullet” that makes investments a sure thing, but they can improve business performance and the chances of success.
The 30‐hour day: the future for media and entertainment businesses
Authors: Parker Neil
Published: April 2007

An explosion of new media delivery technologies allows consumers to tap into information and entertainment, served up on demand. However, most media and entertainment (M&E) businesses are finding that an “on demand” business strategy has to mean far more than simply making content quickly and easily accessible to consumers. Today’s turbulent buyer’s market has made it critical for an M&E company to acquire a new set of business capabilities to survive in the on demand era. M&E businesses need a model for successfully meeting the challenges of this on demand era. Starting with a look at how the industry got to this point, the author describes what an on demand M&E business might look like, and provides a roadmap for M&E executives that can help them compete successfully in the on demand world.
The winning formula for growth: course, capability and conviction
Authors: Kapur Vivek , Ferris Jeffere , Juliano John , Berman Saul J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This study of the growth history and practices of 1,238 companies over a decade by the IBM Institute for Business Value found that top growth companies excel in three vital areas: course, capability and conviction. IBM calls this the “3Cs model.”

Design/methodology/approach

The IBM research team developed a database of growth and shareholder return performance for companies included in the S&P Global 1200. Starting with the 2003 list, the team added the firms that “fell off” the listing over the preceding decade. The study worked with a final list of 1,238 companies with complete data over the decade. Collectively, this group recorded median annual revenue growth of 8.5 percent and median TSR growth of 8.8 percent.

Findings

The most successful growers: have a clear point of view on their industry, addressing both where it is headed and how they will create value in its new form or environment; are iconoclasts who evolve their product‐market portfolio on an ongoing basis; sustain the growth quest by developing multiple growth initiatives that are backed by ongoing cost and asset management to create funding; foster a culture that responds to the necessity of change, and a cadre of leaders with the passion and follow through to make the change stick

Research limitations/implications

The article provides a sound intellectual background for researchers who want to compile in‐depth case studies.

Practical implications

The article advises corporate leaders to: assess their company's status against your growth ambitions and the 3C model winners follow; develop a point of view on the future and its opportunities; evolve your product market portfolio and initiatives; develop a competitive model; get to know your capabilities and align them with opportunities.

Originality/value

Contrary to conventional wisdom, firms with the will to be successful growers can break free of perceived constraints related to size, industry boundaries and geographic neighborhood.
Banking 2015: a classic strategy battle of scale vs focus
Authors: Hedley Kimberly , White John , Petit dit de la Roche Cormac , Banerjea Sunny
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This article examines the trends that will likely define the future of the retail banking industry in the next decade and the strategic imperatives for success.

Design/methodology/approach

Scenario technology and trend analysis.

Findings

Large players will generate higher aggregate profits by reaping the benefits of super scale, while niche players will aggressively pursue the most desirable customers by addressing their needs in distinct ways – those in the middle will get squeezed.

Research limitations/implications

Combining the results of the IBM CEO survey with market research and interviews with industry executives, the authors have identified five key areas of ongoing innovation that have the potential to fuel enormous growth for the retail banking industry: retail payments, mortgage loans, account and product integration, global expansion and the customer experience.

Practical implications

There are four strategic imperatives banks must follow to cultivate innovation and position themselves for sustainable growth.

Originality/value

All banks, but small and medium sized banks especially, will have to specialize and focus on their core strengths – those activities in which they excel – and partner with best‐in‐class specialists for everything else.
Social networks and team performance
Authors: Rosenthal Elizabeth
Published: April 2007

This paper investigates the association between team constraint and team performance. Constraint is a quantitative measure describing the pattern of connections between contacts in personal network. Team members do not leave the relationships they have with other people behind when they act as part of a team. This paper looks at one way in which the pattern of connections that team members have in their personal networks affects the performance of the team. There are 15 process improvement teams from the same company in the sample. The results from this study provide some evidence that personal networks are important to team performance, strengthening the assertion that differences in social networks do explain performance variations.
From both sides now: the power of teamwork ‐ fact or fiction?
Authors: Church Allan H.
Published: April 2007

The following paper presents a discussion and debate with some of the leading researchers and practitioners in the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Organization Development regarding the nature, applicability, and conditions for effective team performance in organizations. In general, it is concluded that although we are aware of a number of factors, moderators and means for establishing and maintaining strong performance‐driven teams in organizations (e.g., shared beliefs, strong sense of purpose, systemic support, group based rewards, the right “mix” of individuals, adequate training in interpersonal and group relations, and task complexity and interdependency), we are still a long way from having consistent concrete support in the literature that teams do in fact yield significant gains in productivity or performance over the individual.
Repair contract decision model through additive utility function
Authors: Teixeira de Almeida Adiel
Published: April 2007

A repair contract problem has been analysed. Each contract alternative implies in a specific cost of the contract and a commitment of repair time. The decision maker has to choose the best alternative, taking into account the consequences modelled through an additive utility function. These consequences consist of system performance and the cost of the contract. The system performance is represented by system interruption time. The solution corresponds to a contract which optimises the additive utility function. The paper presents formulation and derivations in order to find the solution. A numerical application of the decision model proposed is presented including a sensitivity analysis step.
The Principles of Scientific Management by Fred Taylor: Exposures in print beyond the private printing
Authors: Carlson Dean Carol
Published: April 2007

This paper documents the publishing exposure of Frederick W. Taylor’sThe Principles of Scientific Managementsubsequent to the February 1911 private printing. In doing so, the paper completes a chronology of the multiple occasions that Taylor’s classic occurred in print. Landmarks in the publishing history of Taylor’s “principles” following the private printing include its appearance inThe American MagazineandThe Journal of Accountancy. Following these serialized mediums, the trade edition ‐ the most familiar version ‐ was published. These and various other forms of Taylor’s “principles” were basically the same discourse. However, the details of the various occurrences and Taylor’s related personal correspondence proffer glimpses of the personality of the man and of his motives.
The origins and early development of the psychological contract construct
Authors: Roehling Mark V.
Published: April 2007

The relationship between employees and their employers has been conceptualized as involving a “psychological contract” (PC). The PC construct is assumed by many to have a key role to play in understanding organizational behavior, and there has been a proliferation of writing regarding PCs in recent years. The history of the construct, however, has remained under‐reported, and largely undiscussed. This articles seeks to contribute to the evolution of the PC construct by providing a richer, more thorough historical perspective than can be presently found in the PC literature. The origins and early development of the PC construct are traced through a review of books, articles, and unpublished dissertations. Observations regarding historical developments are linked to the current state of the literature, and the implication of these observations for the future direction of the PC literature is briefly discussed.
A historical analysis of the international business perspectives of Mexican industrial groups
Authors: Lanoue Darryl B.
Published: April 2007

Based on an analysis of Mexican industrial history, the objective of this study was to identify the historical events and factors which shaped the international business perspectives and management strategies of Mexican industrial groups (MIGs). To this end, the evolution of MIGs is traced over the course of 170 years and through three distinct phases of Mexican political and economic history: pre‐industrial era (1821‐1940); industrial boom (1940‐1970); and economic crisis and reform (1970‐1990). The subsequent analysis indicates a combination of historical factors resulting in two conditions ‐ domestic orientation and dependent development ‐ which caused MIGs to focus almost exclusively on the Mexican market and to shun international markets and competition.
Rapid metal tooling
Authors: Klocke F. , Celiker T. , Song Y.‐A.
Published: April 2007

The materials which can currently be processed using commercially available rapid prototyping techniques have limited mechanical characteristics. Describes research into two processes which offer metal part capabilities, namely selective laser sintering and laser generating. Pays particular attention to the selection of suitable materials. Discusses the application of these techniques to the manufacture of metal tools.
Understanding entrepreneurial learning: a question of how?
Authors: Rae David
Published: April 2007

The paper aims to stimulate debate among researchers and practitioners on the use of narrative methodology as a constructive means of inquiry in developing the understanding and the practice of entrepreneurship. It argues that narrative interpretation is a valid method in researching the human learning and cultural development of entrepreneurship. Drawing on the author’s fieldwork in researching entrepreneurial learning through life stories, it demonstrates the rich insights which can be gained from discursive life story research. A conceptual model of the significant themes in entrepreneurial learning is proposed for further development and application in education and research. The paper proposes that the “living theory” of entrepreneurship is a cultural, discursive resource which may be discovered and interpreted through the narrative medium.
Multiple business ownership in the farm sector ‐ Differentiating monoactive, diversified and portfolio enterprises
Authors: Carter Sara
Published: April 2007

Portfolio entrepreneurship can be an important small business growth strategy, particularly in sectors where economies of scale can be achieved at a relatively low level. This paper reports results of a survey examining the role of farms in the creation of new businesses in rural areas. Three groups of farmers were identified, based on their relative engagement in additional business ownership activities: monoactive farmers; structural diversifiers; and portfolio business owners. Distinctive group differences were apparent in their personal, farm business and managerial characteristics and in their perceptions of business opportunities and constraints. The paper concludes that younger and better trained farmers, in particular, use multiple business ownership as a lateral growth strategy. Finally, the paper suggests that additional business activities are best viewed as a continuum from the diversification of existing assets to the ownership of a portfolio of businesses.
Small business and enterprise development: questions about research methodology
Authors: Hill Jimmy , McGowan Pauric
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the traditional and contemporary approaches to conducting research into the marketing management activities of entrepreneurial small firms (ESF). It argues that these approaches are inappropriate in that they fail to take adequate account of the nature and characteristics of such enterprises and the individuals who manage them. It is contended that the best approaches are to be found under the auspices of the wider qualitative paradigm. In particular a syncretised qualitative methodology within a multiple reality ontology is offered for consideration.
The formation of a “high price – high quality” inferential belief: a study among young buyers of mobile phones and note books
Authors: Tsao Hsiu‐Yuan , Pitt Leyland F. , Caruana Albert
Published: April 2007

Previous research has focused on identifying factors that influence buyers who uses price as a cue to quality. However, little work has been done to explain the theory of association and the psychological processes behind the buyer’s price‐quality association. This study examines the process from a psychological perspective and examines some antecedent variables in the formation of a price‐quality inferential belief. Data is collected for two product categories among a sample of young respondents. Results show that (1) the link between perceptual and inferential belief about the price‐quality association is stronger when the perceptual belief is based on direct purchase experience rather than on advertising; (2) buyers that lack direct purchase experience of a product category tends to rely on advertising to form their inferential belief. Implications are discussed, limitations are noted and directions for future research are indicated.
An agenda model of organisational communication
Authors: Tukiainen Tuuli
Published: April 2007

The purpose of the study is to analyse the meanings and valuations the members of a working organisation attach to organisational communication and to construct them into a model of meanings of organisational communication. The result is the agenda model of organisational communication. The model shows that members of a working organisation see the communication culture construct from four dimensions of meaning. The dimensions are: the use of the communication system, superior communication and ways of conduct, horizontal face‐to‐face communication and the functioning of the communication process. The agenda model is a new kind of method to get the information needed for the planning and developing of communication in working organisations. The information analysed by the agenda model is useful when following the changes in communication satisfaction and subjective experiences among the personnel of an organisation.
Substrate characterization: simulation and measurement at high microwave frequencies
Authors: Free Charles , Tian Zhengrong , Barnwell Peter
Published: April 2007

In this paper we present new measured loss tangent data for commercially available substrates, and these data are supported by simulations that show how practical variations in loss tangent affect the performance of microwave interconnections and devices. The paper reviews the measurement techniques that are currently available to measure the dielectric constant and loss tangent of substrate materials, and includes a new variation on an existing method that enables substrate parameters to be more easily measured but retains high accuracy. Simulations have been performed on microstrip lines fabricated on 10mil thick substrates using gold conductors to show the relative contributions of conductor and dielectric loss to the total line loss over the frequency range 0‐40GHz. Included in these simulations are the effects of conductor surface roughness. The simulated data are related to measured line microstrip line loss data over the frequency range 50MHz‐40GHz. The measured values, for an etched gold line on alumina, vary from 0.0045dB/mm at 50MHz to 0.04dB/mm at 40GHz.
Selected design aspects in CAN‐bus system connected with signal propagation in real transmission lines
Authors: Kalita Włodzimierz , Kamuda Kazimierz
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper focuses on CAN‐bus based systems: a determination of the configuration parameters by analysis of their characteristic structure, topology conditions and transmission properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Voltage measurements were made in a test circuit of CAN‐bus together with calculations of adequate waveforms with the help of elaborated programs. The signal parameters transmitted in bus lines were logged and measured using digital oscilloscope.

Findings

The results allow some conclusions to be drawn about the correctness of assumptions in realising the configuration

Originality/value

The results of the investigations have proved the possibilities of parameters calculation, required to choose relevant CAN controller configuration during the design.
Coping with the FSA’s risk‐based approach
Authors: Stewart Sam
Published: April 2007

What does the Financial Services Authority (FSA) mean by risk‐based regulation and why have it? If the regulator adopts such an approach, how should the firms it regulates react? This paper outlines the risk‐based approach taken in the UK by the FSA and outlines strategies to cope with this type of approach. The paper also argues that in light of developments such as Basel such risk‐based approaches by regulators are here to stay and will become increasingly popular. The paper suggests that as well as establishing a riskbased approach, regulators should seek to make the system transparent and to invite comment on it.
‘The most valuable commodity I know of is information’
Authors: Burger Richard , Davies George
Published: April 2007

This paper summarises the FSA's enforcement action taken to date under the market abuse regime and considers how the implementation of the Market Abuse Directive (‘MAD’) will affect the work of city compliance officers. In particular, this paper focuses on the new requirement for the regulated sector to make suspicious transaction reports in respect of market abusive behaviour as well as considering how the newly revamped market abuse regime will sit alongside the criminal offence of insider dealing.
Investor protection through administrative enforcement of disclosure requirements in prospectuses: Bangladeshi laws compared with their equivalents in India and Malaysia
Authors: Solaiman S. M.
Published: April 2007

Compares the approach to disclosure‐based regulation of securities markets in Bangladesh with that of India and Malaysia. Describes the present administration of the disclosure regime in Bangladesh, which is split between the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies (RJSC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); this mirrors the two sets of laws involved, company law and securities law respectively. Outlines the basic regulatory functions of securities law enforcement: the ability of investors to seek remedies against the infringements of disclosure requirements and the efficiency of the SEC in dispensing justice, and finds that both are weak in Bangladesh. Suggests that more effective regulation in Bangladesh is necessary and that the SEC should be free from government and other interference. Argues that preventive measures should for this reason be the preferred policy; these include investor education and regulatory verification before prospectus issue.
The billion‐dollar hedge fund fraud
Authors: Gregoriou Greg N. , Kelting William
Published: April 2007

Explains the popularity of hedge funds as a convenient way to park pension fund and endowment fund money onshore or offshore in times of volatile stock and bond markets; as a result, hedge fund assets have risen to almost $650 billion. Relates this to why they are vulnerable to scams: they are largely unregulated and operate in secrecy, as the proprietary investment strategies of the manager cannot be revealed because of the added value they bring to the fund. Asks where the auditors were in cases of abuse, and gives examples of billion dollar frauds. Recommends measures to minimise risk of hedge fund fraud: put managers and staff under scrutiny for criminal convictions, perform due diligence and background tests, ensure proper audits, and meet with current fund clients.
Law enforcement challenges in hawala‐related investigations
Authors: Passas Nikos
Published: April 2007

Defines hawala, which in Arabic means “transfer”; what distinguishes it from other fund transfer methods is its informality, reliance on trust and networks, and lack of records. Describes how it can be used to finance terrorism and launder money, evade tax and so on. Discusses the many problems for law enforcement arising from the lack of records in hawala, or sometimes an excess of confusing records, and the mix of various businesses which tend to coexist with hawala transactions; also linguistic issues, cultural and legal or administrative differences between communities and countries, and “benami” accounts, which are false name or nominee accounts often accepted in ethnic groups that also engage in hawala. Concludes that the success of law enforcement efforts to solve cases depends on international cooperation, but that this is not always forthcoming; excessive zeal may sour working relationships, and it may not be easy even to know whether policies are working.
Justifying the civil recovery of criminal proceeds
Authors: Kennedy Anthony
Published: April 2007

Examines the trend to use standalone civil forfeiture procedures as an alternative to criminal processes for removing the proceeds of crime, outlining the distinction in most legal systems between criminal and civil. Explains why civil recovery is preferred: the standard of proof is lower, requiring to be only beyond a reasonable doubt. Discusses whether these civil recovery proceedings breach the basic presumption of innocence in all rights‐based legal systems, and whether they breach the double jeopardy rule at least in spirit. Indicates the need for research into whether civil recovery is in fact effective in impacting on criminal organisations and the factors likely to influence its effectiveness.
China, globalisation and crime: a potential victim of its own prospective success?
Authors: McCusker Rob
Published: April 2007

Describes corruption in China as accounting for 4‐8% of its GDP and as such a restraint on the financial system’s ability to carry out its basic functions, despite the undeniable dynamism of its emerging economy. Points out that globalisation depends on free capital movements between developed and underdeveloped countries and that it has electronic commerce at its heart, and both these facilities are being rapidly infiltrated by criminal organisations. Concludes that the current global political climate could make China a suitable target for both terrorists and protesters, and uses Russia as an example of a formerly Communist state dominated by corruption.
The effect of crime on macroeconomic adjustment
Authors: Urrutia Miguel
Published: April 2007

Describes Colombia’s experience over the last decade, during which the country benefited from discovery of a large oil deposit and from a general increase in capital flows to Latin America: the effect was to increase spending by government and private sector alike, with a resulting doubling of national debt, so that a sudden cessation of foreign capital inflow led to disastrous effects on growth and employment. Relates this to the continuing threat of irregular armies financed by illegal drugs, and assesses the intimidating effect of this on macroeconomic policy making. Argues that increased violence and armed opposition to a legitimate government destroys fiscal and human capital, creates serious disincentives to growth‐enhancing local and foreign investment, and impedes macroeconomic reforms which are needed to handle events like a sudden stop in capital flows or deterioration in the terms of trade.
Identity theft: the US legal environment and organisations’ related responsibilities
Authors: Gerard Gregory J. , Hillison William , Pacini Carl
Published: April 2007

Discusses an organisation’s responsibilities to mitigate the opportunity for identity theft, which is the criminal act of assuming the identity of another person with the expectation of gain; it is becoming the most pervasive financial crime today and resulted in the estimated loss of $221 billion worldwide in 2003. Indicates the methods used to steal identities and some of the US laws applicable to identity theft. Goes on to the increasing tendency among victims of identity theft to seek redress from third parties, including employers and other record keepers, for failing to protect their personal information. Makes recommendations for organisations to reduce the risks involved: enhance manual controls by destroying outdated records and restricting files to authorised employees, establish employee controls, enhance computer system controls, and consider insurance as a risk management tool.
Placing bankers in the front line: the secondary liability of bankers for their customers’ regulatory contravent
Authors: Lomnicka Eva
Published: April 2007

Describes how the 1986 Financial Services Act gives the FSA power to pursue not only those breaching its rules but others who become involved in breaches by being “knowingly concerned”; the FSA can apply to the courts for an injunction or for a restitution order, and if the person is in fact a bank it has a new extra‐judicial power to make it disgorge the profits and/or compensate for the loss. Explains at length what “knowingly concerned” means in the context of the criminal and civil law. Shows how banks are now under significant obligation to obtain information about their clients, and this results in knowledge for the purpose of “knowingly concerned” liability; they also have to report suspicions of money laundering and generally cooperate with the FSA.
The influence of job and career attitudes on learning motivation and transfer
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Ho Danny C.K.
Published: April 2007

This article examines a parsimonious model that specifies the effects of job involvement and career commitment on learning motivation and learning transfer, using structural equation modelling. The “best fitting” model is achieved because it has surpassed all the goodness‐of‐fit indices including the chi‐square statistic. The results indicated that career commitment was positively related to learning motivation and learning transfer. In addition, suppressor effect may help to explain the non‐significant relationships between job involvement and learning motivation, and between job involvement and learning transfer.
Selecting expatriates for increasingly complex global assignments
Authors: Harvey Michael , Novicevic Milorad M.
Published: April 2007

As organizations globalize their operations, there is a heightened need to identify and select qualified managers for overseas assignments. The increased complexity of these foreign assignments necessitates a recalibration of the traditional selection procedures and processes used in the past. In particular, there is some evidence that expatriation becomes strategic as organizations increasingly grow and compete globally. Therefore, the critical issues, which arise as expatriates’ assignments evolve into a global assignment scope, must be viewed in a systematic manner. This paper develops a unique theory‐based expatriation selection process based upon a systemic assessment of potential expatriate candidates’ multiple IQs, learning styles, thinking styles, and the nature of the expatriate assignment. In addition, a practical step‐by‐step managerial process is developed that can be used in the selection of expatriate managers for global assignments.
Emerging issues in assessment and development
Authors: Bols Robert , van Bree Jos , Bolton Mac , Gijswijt Jan
Published: April 2007

Looks at developments in assessment methods and discusses issues likely to affect attempts to use sophisticated tools such as assessment centres. Discusses employee development, ownership and responsibility for development. Suggests ways in which managers and human resource specialists can plan and develop systems to match future needs.
Profiling the regulatory environment of public relations practice in the UK, Italy and South Africa
Authors: O’Connor Nigel , Muzi Falconi Toni
Published: April 2007

This paper brings together new and existing resource material to provide a detailed profile of the regulatory environments affecting the practice of public relations in the UK, Italy and South Africa. It is hoped that by contextualising the social, political and economic factors specific to each country, readers will be more acutely aware of similarities and differences between PR practices in each country. This approach aims to help drive PR policy development by providing a useful template for further national and continental PR regulatory environment mapping.
Transformation from militia to police in Croatia and Poland – A comparative perspective
Authors: Kutnjak Ivkovic´ Sanja , Haberfeld Maria R.
Published: April 2007

During the last decade Croatia and Poland underwent a period of major political transformation from communist regimes to democratic forms of government. Although their police forces function within similar political frameworks, their operational agendas are somewhat different. Due to the differences in social and economic environments, as well as the recent war in Croatia, the challenges the two police forces faced in the transition period varied substantially. This paper analyzes and compares the processes of change encountered by the two law enforcement agencies.
Linking public health science and practice: an example from the Canadian Heart Health Initiative
Authors: Cameron Roy , Walker Rosemary , Gough Myrna , McDonald Paul
Published: April 2007

Over 60 per cent of adults have at least one modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Community‐based initiatives are a central component of a population‐based CVD risk reduction strategy. Describes the development of an information system in which CHHIOP collected quantitative and qualitative information on heart health activities in communities, distilled the information, and then disseminated it to both local and provincial public health practitioners. The goal was to link science and practice tightly, so professionals received timely and relevant information in order to enhance continuously the quality of the public health programming.
Physician recruitment and retention: shortage and utilization
Authors: Richards Arlene
Published: April 2007

Rural, northern and small/medium sized communities are experiencing shortages of primary health care physicians. Despite incentives, recruitment and retention programmes, the geographic maldistribution of physicians is increasing. Communities have no or limited primary, obstetrical and emergency care and patients must travel long distances to access care. This Canada‐wide trend is of particular concern in the province of Ontario. Discusses the challenges facing health care planners as they search for causes and solutions. Is there a true physician shortage or only a maldistribution issue? The problems of shortages, utilization, supply and demand are discussed from a monopolistic medical model and a competitive, market model perspective. Different physician payment methods and their effect on utilization/distribution, supply/demand are also examined. Ultimately, the Ontario government must show leadership and provide direction in solving these problems if all Ontarians are to receive accessible, affordable, quality health care.
Giving positive reinforcement to your boss: how to change your boss
Authors: Knippen Jay T. , Green Thad B.
Published: April 2007

Addresses the issue of behaviour modification in the workplace ‐ or more specifically changing (modifying) the way managers behave towards employees. Proposes that changing undesirable behaviour to desirable behaviour can be achieved by following five basic steps which employ the technique of positive reinforcement.
Active learning and development assistance
Authors: Ellerman David , Denning Stephen , Hanna Nagy
Published: April 2007

Examines assistance to economic and social development as a problem in knowledge management (KM) and focuses on how the World Bank promotes developmental learning in developing countries. Since much of the knowledge about successful practices is tacit and local, the best model for knowledge transfer is less hub to spokes, or North to South, and more South to South, with the development agency in more of a broker role (instead of a “high priest” disseminating truths). The communication of the context of knowledge requires narrative modes of communication to supplement abstract forms of thought. Concludes that the complexity and uncertainty of development work entails that projects be designed in a highly adaptive learning mode as opposed to a blueprint mode. Shows how the best laid KM plans can be frustrated by organizational “imperatives” and identifies some of those barriers to knowledge‐based development assistance.
Critical factors and performance measures of TQM
Authors: Motwani Jaideep
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study is to identify and interpret the critical factors and performance measures of TQM. Based on extensive review of prescriptive, conceptual, practitioner, and empirical literature; we were able to identify seven critical factors and more than 45 performance measures of TQM. A possible sequence for implementation of these factors is then presented.
Multinational companies’ real asset ownership and its impact on diversification
Authors: Sun Hwang Eun , Seiler Vicky L. , Seiler Michael J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose – This study examines whether or not holding a greater percentage of real assets significantly impacts the risk and risk‐adjusted return of U.S. based multinational companies. Design/methodology/approach – A series of rolling Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression models are used to analyse the relationships among corporate real assets, systematic risk (beta), and risk‐adjusted return. Findings – The results of this study show that U.S. based multinational companies do have lower betas. However, U.S. based multinational companies’ cross border real asset holdings do not affect diversification and do not provide significantly higher risk‐adjusted returns to stockholders. Originality/value – This study builds upon the prior work of Seiler, Chatrath and Webb to consider multinational firms. This had never been done previously.
Corporate real estate outsourcing contracts and their embedded flexibility
Authors: de Zúñiga Fernando
Published: April 2007

Purpose – This paper intends to respond the question that comes up to CRE managers when they consider the outsourcing technique for their CRE management and portfolio. The question, if it is possible to capture in the outsourcing contract sufficient flexibility to meet the changing needs of the business and add value, addresses the existing debate on flexibility arguing the suitability of the outsourcing structures for corporates portfolio. Design/methodology/approach – The paper undertakes a methodological analysis, considering the main outsourcing deals in the UK and continental Europe and discussing the main theories on management outsourcing. Theories of flexibility of CRE portfolios are considered and the main characteristics of the new REPs discussed. Findings – The paper finds that it is possible to capture in the outsourcing contract sufficient flexibility to meet the changing needs of the business and add value because a contract can capture all the flexibility desired and iit would add value as the properties would be used efficiently. Two outsourcing contracts in the UK are explained in two case studies, which support this. Originality/value – The paper suggests methods to outsource CRE portfolios and obtain adequate flexibility to add value to shareholders.
Participant characteristics and organizational processes: a Hong Kong case study.
Authors: Pearson Cecil A.L. , Chatterjee Samir R.
Published: April 2007

Explores relationships between relevant work setting variables in a Hong Kong organization. The study examined a set of Western assumptions in terms of structural properties of centralization and formalization and the view that they will be negatively associated with workplace responses of motivation, job satisfaction and organizational commitment, while an enriched job content will be positively related to employee responses. There was empirical support for most of the connections of this framework, but formalization was observed to have positive relationships with employee perceptions and affections. In addition, there was evidence that the responses of the incumbents were influenced by the assessed demographic characteristics. These results provide further evidence that organizational members pay moderate attention to demographic attributes, yet this factor has not been a prominent component of contemporary job design research. The findings are reported in terms of the need to consider both demographic and sociocultural effects when explaining responses of individual employees.
A PC‐based system for benchmarking quality management via ISO 9000 auditing
Authors: Zeph Yun Chang , Boon Hou Tay
Published: April 2007

Presents a benchmarking model for quality management systems through ISO 9000 auditing. A knowledge base of implementation principles and guidelines is established for the fulfilment of each of the ISO 9001 clauses followed by a set of inquire‐observe‐assess checklists. A statistical model is attached to generate the average number of non‐conformities or defects D of an industry. The D value thus established is the benchmark D of a particular industry in a particular business environment or country which can be updated every six months in tandem with the surveillance ISO 9000 auditing. The model enables objective decisions on certification to be made, based on whether the D value of a company falls within the D control limits.
Corporate reliance on bank loans: an empirical analysis of UK property companies
Authors: Ooi Joseph
Published: April 2007

The focus of this research paper is on the debt ownership choice of UK property companies. The data show that bank borrowings constitute more than half of the total outstanding debt of the quoted property sector, testifying to the widespread use of bank debt among property companies. We carried out four censored regressions to identify key factors influencing the firms’ decision to use bank loans instead of other types of debt. The results reveal that firm size and credit risk are significant determinants of the bank debt ratio of property companies. We also observe that institutional ownership has a strong positive effect on bank debt reliance. This finding suggests that institutional investors in property companies delegate the monitoring of the firm’s actions to the banks. We also find a weakly positive relationship between interest rate and bank debt ratio. The regression results further suggest that property market cycle, volatility of interest rates, and the firm’s leverage, growth opportunity, trading activities and age do not have any significant effect on the debt ownership choice.