bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content management systems
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To introduce the special theme issue on “Content management systems”.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the articles in the theme are described in brief.

Findings

The articles cover a range of topics from implementation to interoperability, object‐oriented database management systems, and research about meeting user needs.

Originality/value

Libraries have only just begun to realize that their web presence is potentially as rich and complex as their online catalogs, and that it needs an equal amount of management to keep it under control.
Luwak: a content management solution
Authors: Benzing Matt
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To inform librarians about the benefits, costs, and technologies involved in implementing a content management system.

Design/methodology/approach

A discussion of how XML is used to separate content from presentation, how this technology is used in a home‐grown freeware application, and the results of converting a static website into a database driven one through the use of this application.

Findings

Demonstrates that converting to a dynamic, application driven web site results in a more flexible, efficient, and consistent web presence.

Research limitations/implications

Every library is unique and what worked well at Rensselaer might not work as well elsewhere. Luwak is currently only available to organizations at Rensselaer.

Practical implications

A useful primer on how a conversion like this happens and on the sort of features that can make a database driven web application run smoothly.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique account of one libraries' experience in making the sort of transition that will become increasingly important for all library web sites.
Using web services to promote library‐extension collaboration
Authors: Henzel Jerry , Hutchinson Barbara S. , Thwaits Anne
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a web services application to deliver a calendar of events from the Agriculture Network Information Center (AgNIC) portal to County Extension web pages.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide a context for this work, the paper begins with background on AgNIC, an initiative of the USDA National Agricultural Library, land‐grant universities, and others, to build a portal to deliver agriculture‐related information and resources. Featured is the University of Arizona's (UA) contribution to AgNIC, Rangelands West, which has become a model of collaboration between land‐grant libraries and Cooperative Extension units. The UA first implemented web services to allow harvesting of Rangelands West metadata by the central AgNIC database. This experience provided the framework for further exploring this technology as a means for delivering customized content.

Findings

By instituting a service oriented architecture (SOA) using web services technologies (XML, WSDL, UDDI, and SOAP), developing a Master Service Bus to coordinate the application, and creating Flash plug‐ins and a Profile Manager for delivery, a calendar web service based on customer specifications was developed.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the implications for web services technology to offer new ways to share information and build stronger collaborations for delivering customized services
Copyright in the networked world: copyright police
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this column is to look at how copyright enforcement is handled.

Design/methodology/approach

Legal issues in enforcement are examined, as well as the initiatives of organizations like the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Findings

Some rights owner organizations are taking a vigilante approach to enforcement.

Originality/value

Copyright decisions are often a matter of risk assessment, and understanding enforcement procedures is a part of that assessment process.
Sparking Synergies in Charlotte: The Annual Meeting of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
Authors: O’Connor Penny
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to report on the 2005 Annual Conference of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST), which had the theme “Sparking Synergies” in Charlotte. The conference was held in October in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews some of the events of the conference.

Findings

Finds that the hot topics of the conference were: virtual reference, digital libraries, standards, and user interfaces and help documentation.

Originality/value

A report that will be of interest to library and information management professionals.
7th International Conference on Grey Literature
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To share the major presentations of the 7th International Conference and explore more fully the future of grey literature – what is grey today?

Design/manufacturing/approach

A review of the main topics covered.

Findings

The range of papers was extensive and contained examples of information systems and networks, partnering and OAI, role of repositories, document supply and delivery, curriculum and instructional developments, and relationships with many publishing entities.

Originality/value

Of value to information management professionals.
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Pre‐conference “Libraries: The Information Society in Action”
Authors: Wastawy Sohair
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to provide a brief conference report of the Pre‐conference held in Alexandria, Egypt prior to the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief report of the hightlights of the conference.

Findings

Presentations treated a number of topics from different countries. This included discussions on Internet governance, social inclusion, proactive assistance, cultural diversity, health information, and the development of the IFLA success stories database

Originality/vale

Provides information to educate readers about the social issues raised by the Summit and the role of libraries globally to insure access to information among the world’s diverse populations.
The Role of Information Technology in Local Government Administration in Delta State Nigeria: A Case Study of Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas
Authors: Osahon Uwaifo Stephen , Chukwudumebi Kabadi Anthonia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The study aims to examine the role of information technology in Local Government Administration in Delta State, using Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas as the case study.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach was used to learn what was actually happening in local government practices.

Findings

IT contributes enormous value to the workings and operations of local government offices and when costs, leadership and management are indicative of such needs, it would be in the best interest of local governments to invest in such a launch.

Research limitations/implications

Economic feasibility and training and development of the human resource function would make enormous differences in the way local governments conduct their work in Delta State, Nigeria.

Practical implications

Local governments like libraries are great potential for IT applications and to build databases of information to be retained and recalled over time.

Originality/value

Applied the imperativeness of information technology practices to see how local practices could be improved for efficiency, quality control and ease of use.
Social accounting in Islamic political economy
Authors: Harahap Sofyan S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the outer reaches of buying, selling, property rights in an Islamic context.

Design/methodology/approach

Philosophical, applying legal analysis, critique to the work of Richard Epstein.

Findings

That there are no exceptions to the general rule that, under full free enterprise, anything must be allowed to be purchased, sold or given away.

Research limitations/implications

To attain a system of laissez‐faire capitalism, the law should be changed so as to recognize voluntary slave contracts.

Practical implications

There would be very few or none in an advanced wealthy society. However, there might be some in the underdeveloped world.

Originality/value

It advances one's knowledge of the marketplace, law and contracts.
Advancing systems thinking and building microworlds in business and industrial marketing
Authors: Woodside Arch G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article sets out to describe the benefits of systems thinking in overcoming short‐sighted decision making in business and industrial marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The article illustrates specific tools and recent applications of systems thinking research.

Findings

The basic building‐blocks for creating microworlds are the claims made by stakeholders running and affected by real‐life systems.

Research limitations/implications

Suggestions for future research includes transforming research designs from linear one‐way models to models expressly recognizing time delays, feedback loops among variables, and seemingly hidden, unimportant relationships.

Practical implications

All business exchanges involve systems and there is more complexity than is readily apparent; systems thinking helps decision makers to deeply understand what is really happening.

Originality/value

This article advises replacing the one‐direction thinking and research paradigm that dominates business and industrial marketing with systems thinking and system dynamics modeling; the article identifies examples and the literature necessary to embrace this alternative paradigm.
Marketing research, market orientation and customer relationship management: a framework and implications for service providers
Authors: Javalgi Rajshekhar (Raj) G. , Martin Charles L. , Young Robert B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

As service organizations continue to expand internationally, the need to be able to understand consumers in faraway places is increasing. Marketing research is a key mechanism through which service companies understand their current as well as potential customers. As service organizations contemplate the global marketplace, there is increasing demand for managers to understand customer behavior in multiple countries. This article aims to discuss the importance of market research information in developing a market orientation and its impact on international service organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant literature is reviewed and discussed pertaining to the interrelationships between market research, market orientation and customer relationship management (CRM)‐related issues. Conceptual models are presented to illustrate the interrelationships between these streams of research.

Findings

Several anecdotal and case examples are used to illustrate the essential linkages between market research, market orientation, and CRM. These include the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Federal Express, Hallmark Cards, Harrah's Entertainment and, most notably, VeriFone.

Practical implications

The key implications revolve around the notion that in today's hyper‐competitive markets service firms must be market‐oriented in order to be competitive, and that market research plays a critical role in generating the needed data on which a market orientation can be developed and implemented, which, in turn, can enhance the practice of CRM.

Originality/value

The article promises to help service providers address the challenge of generating and using market research data to develop a market orientation and a corresponding CRM program.
Uncovering the keys to successful service elimination: “Project ServDrop”
Authors: Gounaris Spiros P. , Avlonitis George J. , Papastathopoulou Paulina G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The reason for this study is to help increase understanding concerning the service elimination decision and implementation since it remains a highly under‐investigated topic. In doing so, an empirical investigation of the successful vs not‐so‐successful elimination practices from eight service industries were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were secured by means of a lengthy and structured questionnaire, instrumented through personal interviews as part of a much wider examination of the service elimination decision‐making process in Greece entitled “Project ServDrop”. The companies included in the sample were drawn from a population of 1,964 service companies listed under selected service sectors, namely, insurance, banking, advertising, professional services, freight forwarding, marine, telecommunications and lodging.

Findings

The analysis reveals that treating the elimination as a strategic issue, considering how resources can be more effectively re‐allocated, paying attention to market consideration regarding the consequences of a potential elimination and adoption of a systematic behavior, building interdisciplinary teams to deal with the decision and keeping the time between the making and the implementation of the decision short, are all important dimensions of “successful elimination”.

Research limitations/implications

However, the findings should be cautiously adopted because of the limitations of the study: the use of a retrospective methodology in the data collection, the use of the key‐informant approach, the limited number of variables included in the conceptual framework are issues that cannot be neglected. Nonetheless future research that will be directed towards tackling these limitations may dispel these concerns.

Originality/value

Despite its limitations, this study has significant implications for practitioners. It mainly points to the strategic nature of the elimination decision and its implications. Also, it unveils certain behavioral changes that must accompany the effort to treat the elimination decision as part of the greater strategy for managing the firm's offerings. Thus, the contribution of this study is twofold. For academia, it is a step forward towards a stronger understanding of the service elimination issues, while, for practitioners, it helps to clarify certain important issues that can help improve the outcome of the decision to drop a service from the firm's portfolio.
Sequential service quality in service encounter chains: case studies
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of the present research is to explore the construct of perceived sequential service quality in service‐encounter chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a qualitative approach. Based on two case studies in the Swedish automotive and retail industries, the research applies a six‐dimensional, dual‐perspective construct of sequential service quality. The theoretical framework is derived from the constructs of service quality and service encounter.

Findings

The case studies do not indicate any dramatic differences in perceptions of the sequential service‐quality construct – despite the differences that exist between the industries. Although these industries are thus generically different, sequential service quality in service‐encounter chains is recognized as being important in both industries. It is contended that the six‐dimensional construct employed in the present study contributes to the exploration and conceptualization of sequential service quality in service‐encounter chains both from an upstream‐downstream and from a downstream‐upstream perspective. Although some minor differences exist, the overall conclusion is that the construct is valid and useful in understanding and exploring these important issues.

Research limitations/implications

Research and practice needs to extend well beyond single interactive constructs of service quality. The research approach introduced here – of sequential service quality in service‐encounter chains – contributes to an extended research agenda.

Originality/value

The approach might be fruitful in a number of areas for both researchers and practitioners that go beyond the boundaries of the currently accepted constructs and applications of service quality.
Service quality, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions in the service factory
Authors: Olorunniwo Festus , Hsu Maxwell K. , Udo Godwin J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate, through the development of an operationalized service quality construct in the context of a service factory, whether the typology to which a service belongs may explain the nature of the service quality (SQ) construct and its relationship to customer satisfaction (SAT) and behavioral intentions (BI).

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory factor analysis used a sample from undergraduate student respondents. Then, a more representative sample of hotel guests was used, in a second‐order confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The dominant dimensions of SQ construct in the service factory were found to be: Tangibles, Recovery, Responsiveness, and Knowledge. Further results indicate that, although the direct effect of SQ on BI is significant, the indirect effect (with SAT playing a mediating role) is a stronger driver for BI in the context of the service factory.

Research limitations/implications

A notable limitation is that the present study focuses only on the service factory and uses only one industry (lodging) to illustrate the findings. Future research should examine other service categories.

Practical implications

Service managers are recommended to devise operations and marketing strategies that focus on the dominant SQ dimensions in order to enhance SAT and, in turn, foster positive BI.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that SQ, SAT and BI and their interrelationships may be typology‐specific. If this is true, two or more industries (e.g. airlines and lodging) may exhibit similar relationship characteristics with regard to these constructs if they belong to the same service category. This knowledge is useful for benchmarking best practices among such industries.
Learning communities: an untapped sustainable competitive advantage for higher education
Authors: Dawson Shane , Burnett Bruce , O'Donohue Mark
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper demonstrates the need for the higher education sector to develop and implement scaleable, quantitative measures that evaluate community and establish organisational benchmarks in order to guide the development of future practices designed to enhance the student learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature regarding contemporary Australian higher education policy and community development is critiqued to illustrate the need for universities to adopt scaleable quantitative measures to evaluate stated strategic imperatives and establish organisational benchmarks. The integration of organisational benchmarks guides the implementation of future practices designed to enhance the student learning experience. A current active exemplar methodology is discussed to demonstrate applicability to both higher education administrators and teaching staff across the various organisation levels.

Findings

While universities are promoting and investing in the concept of community to enhance the student learning experience there are as yet, limited scaleable evaluative measures and performance indicators to guide practitioners. This paper proposes an effective measurement tool to benchmark current pedagogical performance standards and monitor the progress and achievement of future implemented practices designed to enhance the sense of community experienced by the student cohort.

Originality/value

This paper identifies and addresses the current absence of effective scaleable evaluative measures to assess the achievement of stated strategic imperatives implemented as a consequence of reducing government financial support, increasing accountability, and increasing student expectations as result of educational consumerism.
Learning from tacit knowledge: the impact of the internship
Authors: Wasonga Teresa A. , Murphy John F.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of an internship on its participants in an educational administration program.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed the interns' reports or reflections on their internship experience to decipher what was learned by the participants based on Nonoka and Takeuchi's knowledge creation model (tacit to explicit knowledge).

Findings

The study found that tacit knowledge was both contextual and released spontaneously to capture the nuances of the task/issue/problem at hand. It was contextual because the situation provided meaning and connectedness. The tacit knowledge was externalized in the process of solving a particular problem or in response to a particular issue. It was spontaneous because the actions or conversations were not predetermined, or structured; they were provoked or emerged through deductions and inductions as interns and principals worked together to find solutions.

Research limitations

The findings of this research should be interpreted with the understanding that not all tacit knowledge is useful. This study focused on the positives. Certainly, some interns had experiences in which the tacit knowledge was not worth emulating. Hopefully, the interns have the capacity to decipher and choose what is best for their own leadership skills.

Practical implications

This study suggested that interns should expand their own awareness of learning opportunities posed by life experiences and gain insight into leadership.

Originality/value

This study concluded that opportunities provided for interaction and sharing during internship are the points where knowledge is created to prepare interns for leadership positions.
Successful joint venture partnerships: public‐private partnerships
Authors: Trafford Sue , Proctor Tony
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to examine important characteristics that go hand‐in‐hand with successful public‐private partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach is adopted involving interviews and group discussions with executives of the organisations involved. The rationale behind the reduction of the data collected was based on the commonalty of the words, themes and concepts being produced by the respondents through the written and oral research data.

Findings

A descriptive model is presented which identifies five key characteristics: good communication, openness, effective planning, ethos and direction. It is argued that all contribute to the success of a joint venture.

Research limitations/implications

Further research might examine other examples of public‐private partnerships since the research reported here comprises only a single case study – the major limitation of this research. While utilising the findings of this research may improve the chances of a successful venture, they cannot of their own accord guarantee success since other factors are at play.

Originality/value

The paper presents a valuable insight for both academics and practitioners who are keen to appreciate executives' concerns that can arise in evolving a joint venture between a public and a private sector organisation.
Unit cost behaviour in public sector outsourcing
Authors: Kulmala Harri I. , Ojala Mika , Ahoniemi Lea , Uusi‐Rauva Erkki
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to create a framework in which the behaviour of unit costs in public sector outsourcing situations can be analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

Explorative case study concentrating on theory building.

Findings

Public sector organisations have not concentrated on analysing or modelling the unit cost behaviour in outsourcing situations. The lack of systematic cost management tools seems to lead to poorly managed and non‐profitable outsourcing projects or ignorance of the possibilities of outsourcing.

Practical implications

By utilising the results of the study, decision making regarding outsourcing in public sector could be based both on forecast cost development and on political judgement instead of relying only on political judgement without understanding cost behaviour.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new framework to be used as a tool in practice and to be validated in further studies.
New public management in developing countries
Authors: Elias Sarker Abu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyse the factors influencing the relative success and failure of new public management (NPM) initiatives in the developing world, with particular reference to Singapore and Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary materials have been extensively used, interpreted and reinterpreted to substantiate the arguments. The analysis has been confined to two countries. However, the experiences of NPM initiatives of other countries have also been analysed to strengthen the arguments.

Findings

There are some critical factors such as the advanced level of economic development, the existence of a formal market economy, the rule of law, the advanced level of administrative infrastructure and state efficiency for the success of NPM‐oriented reforms. To a large extent, Singapore fulfills these conditions. Bangladesh is lagging behind these conditions, and has achieved very little in NPM initiatives. The findings also indicate that there is still a greater role of the state in socio‐economic transformation in general and implementation of market‐oriented reforms in particular.

Practical implications

The Singapore case offers ample lessons for low‐income developing countries such as Bangladesh who are struggling with their administrative reforms.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in clearly delineating the factors of success and failure and relating these to concrete cases on a comparative basis. More importantly, analyses of the Bangladesh case could be of immense value to state decision makers of Bangladesh and countries with similar socio‐economic and political standings.
Editorial
Authors: Guthrie James , Parker Lee
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore the ongoing development of an array of interdisciplinary specialist research areas in the accounting research community and its literature. It sets out to explore developments over the last 25 years with the aim to identify a number of important trends for the accounting scholarly community and to consider the role of AAAJ and various interdisciplinary accounting conferences and other journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a literature‐based analysis, critique and argument. The paper's scope includes the trend towards specialisation by interdisciplinary accounting scholars in a contemporary context, where mainstream technical accounting research has privileged positivist research.

Findings

In sharp contrast with the successful emergence of interdisciplinary research in the 1980s, a trend towards at least a proportion of specialist research groupings is now seen, such as accounting historians, opting to retreat behind closed doors. Some researchers are increasingly exhibiting a trend towards seeking their own company focusing on attending only their specialised conferences, and publishing their work in their special interest journal. This carries a risk of retreating from engagement with the broader and particularly interdisciplinary accounting research community outside their own specialised confines. This could lead to fragmentation and fellow specialist researchers are invited to return to “the coming‐out parade” and re‐engage with the wider scholarly community.

Research limitations/implications

Accounting scholars not only need to engage with their interdisciplinary specialised research areas, but also should connect with the wider scholarly community in order to maintain the pursuit of significant contribution to knowledge.

Practical implications

The paper focuses on personal values of accounting academic scholars as well as the importance of specialised and more generalised interdisciplinary research scholarly groups.

Originality/value

The paper alerts researchers to significant issues associated with the retreat into specialised groups and scholarly activities. It offers a practical illustration of a 25‐year history of accounting history research and calls for the coming‐out of accounting scholars from specialist groups to an engagement with the broader accounting interdisciplinary research community.
The mobilization of accounting in preening for privatization
Authors: Craig Russell , Amernic Joel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper sets out to examine the use of accounting as part of the privatization process of a national railway in Canada. The argument is that proponents of the privatization used accounting strategically to justify and sustain the privatization. Major societal events, such as the privatization of national assets, merit close scrutiny so that an accounting world thus constructed should not be permitted to pass unchallenged.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the way in which accounting language, concepts and information were deployed in the prospectus issued in support of the initial public offering of shares by the Canadian government.

Findings

Evidence is found suggesting that the vagaries of accounting language were marshalled to sustain a self‐fulfilling prophecy of success.

Research limitations/implications

Case studies possess both the strength of specific instance detail and interpretation, and the ostensible weakness of interpretation of a sample of one. But such research may provide for reframing conceptual perspectives and contribute to stimulating additional efforts at interrogating accounting language's roles in major social change events.

Practical implications

The paper strongly endorses a critical analytical perspective by all those affected by major social change, such as privatization, in which accounting language often plays a persuasive but subtle role.

Originality/value

Individuals, groups, employees, managers, customers, and others, including the public‐at‐large, who are potentially impacted by privatizations, are reminded that accounting is not an innocent bystander in the political maneuverings associated with a privatization. Accounting does not axiomatically provide an objective measure of some underlying financial truth, but is part of an arsenal of rhetoric to achieve political ends.
British out‐of‐hours primary and community care: a review of the literature
Authors: Hurst Keith
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This out‐of‐hours primary and community care services (more recently called unscheduled care) literature review sets out to build on the foundations set by earlier publications by examining old and fresh issues after the new General Medical Service contract was implemented in 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

Almost 140 publications were located, including a range of theoretical and empirical publications.

Findings

A total of seven themes emerge – varying from the most frequently discussed (service nature and value) to the least examined (information management and technology).

Originality/value

Analysis not only underlines service problems and tensions noted previously but also generates new insights, which cannot be ignored if services are to be developed. Consequently, several recommendations are made.
The quality of health care and patient satisfaction
Authors: Zineldin Mosad
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the major factors affecting patients' perception of cumulative satisfaction and to address the question whether patients in Egypt and Jordan evaluate quality of health care similarly or differently.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model including behavioural dimensions of patient‐physician relationships and patient satisfaction has been developed. As the empirical research setting, this study concerns three hospitals in Egypt and Jordan. The survey instrument in a questionnaire form was designed to achieve the research objectives. A total of 48 items (attributes) of the newly developed five quality dimensions were identified to be the most relevant. A total of 224 complete and usable questionnaires were received from the in‐patients.

Findings

Hospital C has above‐average total and dimensional qualities and patients are the most satisfied in accordance with all dimensions of services. Hospitals A and B have under‐average total qualities as the majority of patients are not satisfied with services. Comparing hospitals A and B, in the majority of dimensions (with the exception of Q5), the quality in hospital B is higher than in hospital A. Patients' satisfaction with different service quality dimensions is correlated with their willingness to recommend the hospital to others. A cure to improve the quality for health‐care services can be an application of total relationship management and the 5Qs model together with customer orientation strategy.

Practical implications

The result can be used by the hospitals to reengineer and redesign creatively their quality management processes and the future direction of their more effective health‐care quality strategies.

Originality/value

In this research a study is described involving a new instrument and a new method which assure a reasonable level of relevance, validity and reliability, while being explicitly change‐oriented. This study argues that a patient's satisfaction is a cumulative construct, summing satisfaction with five different qualities (5Qs) of the hospital: quality of object, processes, infrastructure, interaction, and atmosphere.
An attempt to redefine organizational justice: in the rightsizing environment
Authors: Christine Nirmala Maria , Akhilesh K.B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify just rightsizing practices in a manufacturing organization in an attempt to redefine organizational justice.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 177 individuals were interviewed in an Indian manufacturing organization and their perspectives of the rightsizing processes are outlined, compared and contrasted to identify just rightsizing practices in the organization.

Findings

A number of practices at the initial stage of rightsizing are seen as being implemented to the same extent by all the three categories of individuals – implementers, stayers and separated. Therefore, justice is seen to be maximized. Practices concerning the actual process of separation and afterwards, such as communication, arranging for graceful exits, leadership, evaluation of the processes and assistance programmes for the stayers and separated, need to be improved upon.

Research limitations/implications

The model is used to study already implemented rightsizing processes. Therefore, though it is suggested that the model can be used to design just processes an empirical proof of the same cannot be provided at this stage.

Originality/value

The model provides an internal benchmark for the organization in how just the rightsizing processes are with regard to its impacts on those most affected by the processes.
Privatisation in a developing country: insights from the Gambia
Authors: Hamilton Forster Thomas , Suchitra Mouly V.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the privatisation process and its impact on organisational change in the electricity industry in the Gambia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was used for the study as qualitative techniques make use of a holistic approach, which allows for the assembling of a comprehensive and complete picture of the process under investigation.

Findings

The findings from the research suggest that change processes that are endogenous are more likely to achieve their desired objectives when compared to exogenous changes.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that there is a relationship between the locus of change and the level of trust associated with the drivers of change. Future research on privatisation could make a significant contribution if focussed on the social processes of privatisation.

Practical implications

The study shows that privatisation will only occur if all interests become associated with a reformative pattern of value commitment. A normative vision made up of ideas, beliefs, and values that shape prevailing conceptions must be present to support the process.

Originality/value

Research has shown that most changes carried out in less developed countries (LDCs) under the auspices of the WB/IMF, have not achieved the desired outcomes. This study has shown that the initiation and control of reform from outside affects the outcomes of the change programme. It is therefore imperative for funding agencies to concentrate on providing assistance to enable LDCs design control and implement their own changes rather than the funding agencies taking control of this aspect of reform.
Design of a flexible assembly and remanufacturing cell for advanced SM components: selection of cell design concept based on reflow tools
Authors: Geren N. , Çakirca M. , Bayramoğlu M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To design a flexible integrated robotic assembly and rework (remanufacturing) cell for assembly, selective assembly and rework of advanced surface mount components (SMCs) using the generic methodology developed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Manual rework procedures are investigated for all advanced SMCs. General and specific component‐related rework considerations are obtained and necessary tooling candidates for automation are determined. This is followed by determination of the specific automated rework procedure and selection of suitable tooling for automated robotic rework and generation and evaluation of design concepts.

Findings

The developed methodology, which considers the reflow tool at the centre of the development process, has worked well in designing a flexible integrated robotic assembly and rework cell.

Practical implications

This study identified the rework requirements for advanced SMCs, the essential features for rework reflow tools, criteria for comparing reflow tools, and a generic procedure for design and concept selection.

Originality/value

It provides valuable knowledge for designers of flexible integrated robotic assembly and rework cells for assembly, selective assembly and rework of advanced SMCs.
The impact of human resource management practices on the implementation of total quality management
Authors: Yang Ching‐Chow
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The perceived advantages of the implementation of TQM are generating improved quality and efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction, thus improving competitiveness. However, there is a high failure rate in the implementation of TQM. The key issue in this regard is that companies have devoted relatively little attention to human resources management (HRM). Several academics and practitioners have asserted that synergy and congruence among HRM practices are critical to the implementation of TQM. However, there is relatively little empirical evidence to support this contention. The purpose of this research is to conduct an empirical study on high‐tech firms, in order to analyse the impacts of HRM practices on the implementation of TQM.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a research framework related to HRM practices, TQM practices, and quality performances was developed. Based on the framework, a questionnaire was designed and sent to the HR managers or chief executive officers (CEOs) of high‐tech companies in Taiwan to investigate the effect of HRM practices on the implementation and practice of TQM.

Findings

The study confirms that HRM significantly affects TQM practices. The study concluded that HRM practices have a significantly positive effect on the implementation of TQM. Implementing HRM practices can also have a significant effect on employee and customer satisfaction. It also positively affected “employees' quality awareness” and “corporate image”. The quality performances were also significantly affected by the implementation of TQM.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitation is that the empirical study was on high‐tech firms in Taiwan only. However, the framework can be easily extended to other industries if survey results are available.

Practical implications

Overall, successful implementation of TQM can lead to an increase in customer satisfaction, and then benefit corporate image. It can also improve the satisfaction and quality awareness of employees. Enterprises that devote themselves to the implementation of TQM also need to perform HRM aggressively, if they are to increase the firm's performance significantly.

Originality/value

In this research, a conceptual framework related to HRM practices and TQM practices was developed, which is a valuable reference for future research. This study confirms the impacts of HRM practices on the implementation of TQM, and several key practices can be investigated.
The application of balanced scorecard in the performance evaluation of higher education
Authors: Chen Shun‐Hsing , Yang Ching‐Chow , Shiau Jiun‐Yan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The Taiwanese higher education sector is presently facing a significant challenge with regard to supply and demand. The purpose of this paper is to examine how, in this scenario, the balanced scorecard (BSC) can be used for performance evaluation as a strategic management tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a case study that should carry appropriate mission and vision. With the existing resources and targets, five major strategic themes are constructed, including an adequate financial structure, an accord with customer expectations, an excellent learning environment, organisational learning and management, and high quality staff.

Findings

To achieve strategic themes it is necessary to propose specific and effective strategic targets. To evaluate progress and performance towards these strategic themes and targets, quantified performance measure indicators (PMIs) must be established in a specific and simple manner that allows all staff members to understand the orientation of the BSC in fulfilling their daily tasks.

Originality/value

BSC conducting in higher education sector can be successful, and other management systems appliances are similar, must be supported by senior supervisors and cautious choice PMIs to assess the achievement of targets.
Wine tourism development and marketing strategies in Southwest Michigan
Authors: Wargenau Astrid , Che Deborah
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research investigated wine tourism development and marketing in southwest Michigan, a longtime viticultural, but emerging wine tourism region. The aims involved discovering the motivations, expectations, and successes of Southwest Michigan Wine Trail member wineries in developing horizontal and vertical alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with individuals in charge of the wineries’ marketing activities (i.e. marketing directors and members of the marketing departments, winery owners). These interviews were recorded and transcribed. Activities fostered through the horizontal and vertical alliances were identified.

Findings

Alliances along the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail have furthered the development and marketing of wine tourism. The trail's member wineries have formed strong horizontal relationships, which include joint advertising, promotion, and production. They have also built vertical relationships with tour operators, lodging businesses, and restaurants that promote individual wineries as well as the wine region. Wine tourism has provided wineries with another sales outlet and established the wine region as a destination.

Originality/valve

This study contributed to the limited literature on the development and marketing of wine tourism in Michigan and in other emerging wine regions in the United States. For those working to further such rural/agri‐tourism, this research indicated that there is considerable growth potential through an increased presence in restaurants and in packaging with accommodations. Adding new specialized wine tours, wine festivals,geographical target markets, and a focus on wine education on‐site and at educational institutions can expand wine tourism and sales.
Competitive pressures and strategic repositioning in the California premium wine industry
Authors: Taplin Ian M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the changing competitive landscape in the wine industry, focusing upon how premium Napa valley producers are responding to such changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The in depth interview technique with 11 privately owned premium wine producers was used, with interviews conducted in early 2005.

Findings

Wineries identify the growing concentration and consolidation amongst distributors and domestic US producers; increased foreign competition, particularly from Australia; and the trend towards homogenised taste following the increased power of numerical wine ranking surveys as principal concerns that they face.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the dilemmas faced by wineries as they attempt to stress their locational advantage for reputation building but endeavour to differentiate their product from other wineries in Napa.

Originality/value

As a pilot project the paper indicates how even firms in high value added product markets are facing heightened competition and what they fear might emerge in the near future from foreign producers.
A dive into the depths of quality management
Authors: Lagrosen Stefan , Lagrosen Yvonne
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the fundamentals of quality management, to examine the deeper layers of quality management and propose a tentative framework of its profound foundations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual, reviewing the quality management literature and connecting it with contributions from service management, organisational consciousness studies and eastern philosophy.

Findings

A model of quality management consisting of the levels of techniques, models and values has been the starting point. From this basis, an elaborated framework of the foundations of quality management, including different aspects of the values, functions and activity elements, has been developed.

Originality/value

Current approaches to quality management might be too superficial, which could be the cause of many implementation failures. In this paper, a deeper understanding is sought. A novel framework has been proposed that can provide a basis for further research into the profound nature of quality management. Further, implications that should be useful for managers are discussed.