bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socialisation of the Accounting Professional: Evidence of
the Effect of Educational Structure on Subsequent Auditor Retention and
Advancement
Authors: Siegel Philip H. , Blank Mark M. , Rigsby John T.
Published: May 2004

Research on organisational socialisation typically assumes that the
newcomer′s adjustment to the organisation is directly affected by the
earlier professional socialisation process at the university. An
important area of research has focused on the relationship between the
structure of educational institutions and the organisational
socialisation process. While previous studies have tended to focus on
the professional orientation of students, this study focuses on auditors
as they advance in the profession. The findings indicate that there are
significant differences both in advancement rate and retention rate
among auditors from unaccredited, accredited, and professional schools
of accountancy and that the significance of the differences increases
with time.
How Innocent Is Innocent Enough? The Relief Provisions of Section 6013(e)
Authors: James Wanda
Published: May 2004

Married couples who elect to file a joint US federal income tax
return may possibly benefit from a lowered combined tax burden, but each
spouse individually assumes the obligation of joint and several
liability, which survives even the dissolution of their marriage.
Recognizing that the power and control over financial affairs may not be
evenly shared between partners, and being presented with evidence of
spousal victimizations, Congress passed remedial legislation to
“bring the government tax collection practices into accord with
basic principles of equity and fairness” (Senate Report 91‐1537).
The Innocent Spouse Act of 1971 limits available relief to petitioners
who can meet specified requirements. The statutory language is imprecise
and has allowed counterintuitive judicial interpretations. Critically
examines these provisions by comparing and contrasting current case law
to illuminate the discrepancies in the application of justice and the
obfuscation of Congress′ original intentions.
M[othering] View on: “The Construction of Gender: Some Insights from Feminist Psychology”
Authors: Ciancanelli Penny
Published: May 2004

The claim that gender is an authority relationship is an advance on
the widely held view that psychologically at least gender is an
attribute, part of someone′s character. However because this claim is
counter intuitive the case for it must be carefully made. One way this
may be accomplished is through a feminist reconstruction of organization
theory. Through inspections of the historical origins of bureaucracy and
the history of its interpretation we may find that it is not efficiency
which pervades, marginalizing women facing other claims on their time.
Instead it may be the requirements of gendered social power of which
organizations are but one arena.
Corporate Governance and Financial Accountability: Recent Reforms in the UK Public Sector
Authors: Ezzamel Mahmoud , Willmott Hugh
Published: May 2004

During the last decade, several financial initiatives aimed at
“reforming” the public sector in the UK have been produced
by the Government. These initiatives seek to supplant historically
established bureaucratic modes of governance, underpinned by a public
service ethic, by market‐based principles. Reflects on these
developments and provides a critical evaluation of the markets and
hierarchies literature by focusing specifically on recent developments
in the governance of health and community care. Argues that the
discourse and practices of economic rationalism are not
“given” or “natural” but arise within, and serve
to secure and legitimize, particular (historical) power/ knowledge
relations. It is only by developing more substantially democratic forms
of governance that there is any prospect of removing the irrational
consequences attributed to markets and hierarchies.
Service Operations Strategy: Framework for Matching the Service Operations Task and the Service Delivery System
Authors: Armistead Colin
Published: May 2004

Service organisations must produce and deliver a service package
which matches the expectations of their customers. A framework for a
service operations strategy, its analysis and measurement, is provided.
The service operations task is defined; the means of achieving the
objectives of the task – the service production and delivery
system – is detailed; and the operational factors affecting the
running of a system are addressed. A case example of the applications of
a service operations strategy is provided.
The Synthesis of an Analytical Model for Professional Service Firms
Authors: Barrett Peter
Published: May 2004

The development of a conceptual model of the professional firm
which is drawn from two broad areas is summarised: the task‐oriented
literature centred on the abilities of those involved and the
people‐oriented literature centred on their motivation. The model is
built in stages and its utility tested through an inter‐firm comparison
of 36 firms, which is described briefly. The full model is found to
explain 86 per cent of the variation in profitability of the firms as
measured by a profit/income ratio.
Implementing a Successful Quality Improvement Programme in a Service Company: Winning the Deming Prize
Authors: Dessler Gary , Farrow Dana L.
Published: May 2004

On 18 October 1989, Miami‐based Florida Power and Light Company
(FPL), Florida′s largest utility, became the first company outside Japan
to win the Deming Prize. Awarded annually the Union of Japanese
Scientists and Engineers (and since 1986 outside Japan), the Prize
recognises outstanding achievement in quality control management. Based
on interviews with company representatives and a review of company
documents, an explanation is presented of the implementation of a
successful quality improvement programme in a service company. Topics
discussed include the basic phases of such a programme – policy
deployment, quality improvement teams, and quality in daily work –
and a review of such a programme′s foundation elements: customer
satisfaction, the plan/do/check/act circle, “management by
facts”, and “respect for people”. Based on a
literature review of other successful and less‐successful programmes,
tentative prescriptions for implementing a successful quality circle and
total improvement programme are presented, along with suggestions from
FPL′s experience on the pitfalls to avoid.
Competitive Strategies in Banking Services – Implications of Segmentation Analysis of Consumers by Age Groups
Authors: Clarkson A.H. , Stone M.A. , Steele M.J.
Published: May 2004

A potential customer base of older, wealthier people derived from
an ACORN sociodemographic sample of target sample household groups in
Scotland was investigated using a postal survey. A significant
proportion of younger respondents permitted valid comparisons between
three age groups, i.e. under 35 years, 35 to 54 years, and 55 years and
over. Discriminant analysis was used to determine the main
predictor‐variable profiles of the groups. Groups were classified in
terms of variables associated with house ownership, household size, bank
service requirements, attitudes towards credit, investment, and travel.
The findings show many differences in terms of customers and attitudes
based on the age profiles.
The Significance of Information Technology for Service Quality: From Market Segmentation to Individual Service
Authors: Olaisen Johan , Revang Øivind
Published: May 2004

How information technology is rapidly becoming necessary for
achieving quality in the airline industry is focused on. Three levels of
service quality management are proposed in a strategic model: the
standard service system; a complex service system; and a sensitive
service system. The latter implies the integration of an advanced
information culture with an advanced service culture. SAS is used as an
empirical case to illustrate development to today′s practice and to
compare present practice with the proposed strategy for tomorrow.
Technology, Design and Service Quality
Authors: Kingman‐Brundage Jane
Published: May 2004

Technology as a key dimension of service quality has generally been
overlooked. When embedded in organisation culture, technology creates a
competitive advantage sustainable over time because it is not easily
imitated. The value of developing operational definitions of service
quality dimensions is explored. Technology is investigated not only as
input‐processing‐output but as the application of knowledge to work. Two
components of technology are: service logic (know‐why) and service
technique (know‐how). Service logic is offered as the means for
expressing causal relationships in a way that establishes rational
connections between seemingly unrelated operating events. Service
technique is viewed as a way of doing things designed to optimise
customer satisfaction while maximising employee satisfaction. The
service map is presented as a managerial tool for discovery of the
service logic that gives rise to service technique.
Some Moderating Effects of Client‐interaction Need on Perceived Technology and Structure in Service Providers′ Tasks
Authors: Mills Peter K. , Morris James H.
Published: May 2004

Face‐to‐face role sending between client and service provider,
described here as client‐interaction need (CIN), is more extensive and
crucial in some service situations than in others. Reports a study of
the relation of CIN to the task uncertainty and certain aspects of
formalization which surround the activities of core service providers in
three types of service organizations. As task uncertainty increased,
service providers reported a greater emphasis on rules and procedural
specification surrounding their interactions with clients. These
relations became stronger as CIN increased.
Service Quality Management: A Process‐control Approach
Authors: Haynes Ray M. , DuVall Patricia K.
Published: May 2004

The world is moving into a services industry environment which is
evidencing many of the same productivity and quality issues associated
with manufacturing during the past two decades. Quick fixes using
qualitative approaches have not been universally successful and some
have advocated a more quantitative direction. Proposes a middle ground
incorporating both ideas. Reports the development of a process model
based on current service sector paradigms and more traditional
statistical quality‐control techniques from manufacturing management.
Details a test of the proposed model in the travel agency industry with
results generally confirming the potential for transporting
quality‐control concepts from manufacturing into services on a selected
basis. While the heterogeneity of services may constrain and even
preclude direct application of the process‐control approach in all
cases, the five‐step plan proposed may prove to be a useful tool for
service management across diverse businesses.
Restructuring towards a Service Orientation: The Strategic Challenges
Authors: Claude R. Martin Claude R. Martin , Horne David A.
Published: May 2004

Reports results from in‐depth interviews with 80 senior managers in
16 US‐based multinational firms and from group discussions with 388
senior‐level executives from 241 firms. The results indicate an attempt
by the majority of firms to move from product dominance towards a
service orientation. Identifies two major strategic hurdles: a
rethinking of the client′s role as co‐producer, including measurements
of client productivity; and the design and management of a new service
development process. The study identifies the client productivity
measurement issue as a major strategic hurdle and the authors suggest
that techniques used internally (such as behaviour modification,
training, and self‐motivation) be turned externally onto the client to
increase productivity. The area of new service development (NSD),
another significant strategic hurdle, is an emerging and relatively
untouched subject. Identifies differences between new service and new
product development.
Contemporary Issues in UK Bank Delivery Systems
Authors: Howcroft Barry
Published: May 2004

Distribution channels are an important means both of delivering
products and of communicating effectively with the marketplace. In the
basic bank markets, which have been traditionally dominated by the
London clearing banks (LCBs) and characterized by the collection of
retail deposits, the money transmission mechanism and a range of
personal lending services, branch networks have fulfilled both these
functions with considerable success. As distribution channels, however,
branch networks have certain inherent disadvantages which have become
only too apparent with the progressive deregulation of the financial
services markets. Alternative distribution channels, particularly those
which utilize advanced technology, have partially remedied some of these
weaknesses by complementing and supplementing the branch networks. The
emergence and very existence of these alternative distribution channels,
however, has also introduced some far‐reaching and potentially
challenging strategic implications for financial institutions.
Auditing and Awards for Service Quality
Authors: Arne Ovretveit John
Published: May 2004

Seeks to provide answers to the questions: How can institutional
purchasers of services be sure that the quality of a service will be
acceptable over the period of the contract? Can they predict the future
quality of a service? How should they monitor service quality? Reviews
audit methods and awards and assesses their uses and limitations for
purchasers and providers of services. Observes that many audit
frameworks for services are adapted from product quality experience and
not from systematic research into factors critical to service quality.
Contrasts these frameworks with research into what practising service
managers found to be important for service quality. Proposes that, in
most cases, purchasers should adapt auditing frameworks for their
particular purposes drawing on such research and their own and
providers′ experience. Concludes that the validity of existing audit
frameworks as predictors of service quality is questionable, especially
for wide‐scope, long‐term service contracts with a high professional
component. Points out that there are advantages to the provider and
purchaser agreeing and developing an audit framework in partnership and
that, if purchasers and providers select a framework with caution, they
may reduce the risks inherent in contracting for services and develop
more refined monitoring methods.
Specifying Quality in Health Care
Authors: Bull Adrian
Published: May 2004

Quality should be a central issue in the commissioning and provision of
health care. This requires a systematic approach to defining and
monitoring quality. Such an approach should address: quality
characteristics such as efficiency, accessibility, effectiveness (which
may conflict with each other); the several levels at which quality may
be specified, from general (across all health care) to specific
(particular conditions or patient groups); and the methods of quality
monitoring which include documented policies, clinical audit, inspection
visits/patient surveys, and routine information returns. Shows how a
matrix for quality surveillance can be devised which provides a
framework for purchasers and providers to work together in developing
quality in health care.
Bringing Financial Discipline to Service Quality
Authors: Fanjoy Bruce S.
Published: May 2004

Describes annuitized valuation, which is a tool to measure the financial
value of customer relationships. It measures the asset value of customer
and represents the potential net cash flow of customers, over time. It
can identify an imbalance (called a reward paradox) in the compensation
policies of service firms. Avoiding this paradox must be a strategic
imperative of firms committed to service quality leadership.
After “The Darkness at Noon”: A Biographical Study of Marxism as Critical
Theory
Authors: Jeannot Thomas M.
Published: May 2004

Rethinking Marxism after the Cold War includes the task of
reconstructing its genesis, beginning with the role of left Hegelianism
in Marx′s development of historical materialism. Reviews the debates
within the Hegelian school at the time of Marx′s “conversion” to it, in
order to situate his dissertation project (1838‐41) on the difference
between the Democritean and Epicurean philosophy of nature. A standard
view has Marx writing from the perspectives of his mentor, Bruno Bauer,
with whom he later broke in “On the Jewish Question” (1843). Argues that
this view is incorrect. Instead, Marx constructs an analogy, according
to which Democritus is to the Old Hegelians as Epicurus is to the Young
Hegelians. The Epicurean “atom” then becomes a cryptogram of Bauerian
Selbstbewusstsein. Although Epicurus has his sympathy, Marx is
ultimately critical of him. Epicurean freedom is abstract and
theoretical, but the liberation Marx aims towards is concrete and
effective.
Gorbachev, Perestroika and Democratizing Socialism
Authors: Elliott John E. , Dowlah A.F.
Published: May 2004

Examines Gorbachev′s (1985‐1991) period of Soviet development as an exemplar of a self‐declared movement towards a more democratic and humane socialism. Gorbachev′s perestroika envisaged a fundamental structural and technological renovation of Soviet economy, reactivation of Soviet persons and attitudes, and overall redirection of the nation′s economic, political and social priorities. Analyses Gorbachev′s model of democratizing socialism with respect to underlying causes or origins, and institutions and policies initiated in the Gorbachev years.
Contending perspectives on post‐communist transition
Authors: Elliott John E.
Published: May 2004

Examines critically the promises and dilemmas of capitalist transition and economic transformation in the context of a post‐communist society such as Russia. Discusses the strategies for economic reform, the direction of change and the pace and magnitude of reforms.
Culture confronts Marx
Authors: O’Neil Daniel J.
Published: May 2004

Focuses on the thought of representative social scientists who
rejected the Marxian class/exploitation thesis and opted for a cultural
interpretation of development. Explores the contributions of Max Weber,
Horace Plunkett, Edward Banfield and George Foster. Each stressed
popular commitment to some rendition of the work ethic as the key to
economic “take‐off”. Collectively, the writings of these
“cultural” social scientists represent an alternative to the
Marxian class/ exploitation thesis.
The sequencing of post‐communist transition
Authors: Elliott John E.
Published: May 2004

Examines the sequencing of economic reforms in the post‐communist transition, focusing on Russia. Proposes a moderately expansionary stabilization, succeeded by gradual liberalization and marketization, followed by a more ambitious economic restructuring and privatization.
Forging a Catholic‐Evangelical alliance in the American context
Authors: O’Neil Daniel J.
Published: May 2004

Explores the possibility and probability of a Catholic‐Evangelical alliance within the US social arena. Notes the numerical strength and systemic importance of each tradition. Examines the histories, tenets, politics, economic teachings and lifestyles of the two respective orientations. Cites their legacy of mutual hostility as well as the more recent ecumenical ventures. Focuses on the relevancy of the Vatican II Council to their dialogue and enumerates their contemporary differences and similarities. Concludes optimistically that theology and politics have forged stranger coalitions.
Catholic and Evangelical élites in dialogue and alliance
Authors: Rutan Gerard F.
Published: May 2004

Throughout their histories the Evangelical and Catholic communities
have been traditional opponents. Seldom have they agreed, and never have
they joined to work as one within the US society and polity. However,
beginning in the early 1990s some small, self‐identifying élites
from each religious community sought out in the other visible persons of
similar ideological and moral commitment. Advances the context of that
dialogue between these micro‐élites, proposes the application of
classical élite theory to explain the dialogue better. Generates
a seven‐postulate hypothesis to answer the question posed by the context
and the application of élite theory: can self‐selected
micro‐élites maintain their alliance and accommodation for a
significant period of time? Given that these are integrative and pattern
maintenance élites (not the more usual ruling and adaptive ones)
the application of élite theory offers an unconventional
understanding of alliance building, as well as an uncommon insight into
religious co‐operation and political accommodation by
micro‐élites in contemporary US politics.
The institutional limitations of Catholic progressivism: an economic approach
Authors: Gill Anthony J.
Published: May 2004

From the vantage point of the 1970s and early 1980s, the Latin American Catholic Church appeared to be on a trajectory of increasing progressivism, typically manifesting itself as a “preferential option for the poor”. Recently, however, the Catholic hierarchy has experienced a “conservative retrenchment”. Why has this change occurred? Argues that the need to maintain a high profile in democratic societies experiencing rapid growth in evangelical Protestantism has led Church officials to return to an élite‐based, conservative political strategy. Suggests that lacking the resources to compete adequately with the rapid expansion of evangelical Protestantism, bishops have turned to lobbying the political and economic élite to help them maintain their social presence and prevent further parishioner defections from the faith. Ironically, at that time when the Church most needs state assistance to compete effectively, politicians are least likely to lend support.
Catholic and Evangelical voting: 1992 and 1994
Authors: Kenski Henry
Published: May 2004

Uses Voter Research and Survey General Exit Polls to compare the
political orientation of Catholics and Evangelicals. Since aggregates
reveal, but also conceal, the data are disaggregated by race‐ethnicity
(white and non‐white) and church attendance (weekly attenders and
non‐weekly attenders). Shows that a majority of all voters and all three
religious groups are white (85 per cent or more); about 40 per cent of
all voters attend religious services at least once a week (48 per cent
for Catholics, 46 per cent for Protestants, and a striking 74 per cent
for Evangelicals). Catholics were a solid Democratic vote at the
presidential level from 1932 to 1976, but defected to the Republicans in
1980, 1984, 1988. Shows that they were plurality Democrats in the
three‐way presidential contest of 1992, although white Catholics and
weekly church attenders were slightly less Democratic than non‐whites
and non‐weekly church attenders. Catholics were solidly Democratic in
House elections from 1932 to 1992. Thus, the 1994 results were somewhat
shocking as Republicans captured 52 per cent of the Catholic vote, with
an even higher 55 per cent among white Catholics. Evangelicals have been
Republican in both presidential and House races since data have been
collected from 1980. Underscores that non‐white and weak
church‐attending Evangelicals voted Democratic, although the overall
evangelical vote was 59 per cent Republican. In 1994, the evangelical
vote was 20 per cent of the total vote and it registered its highest
Republican percentage ever (75 per cent).
Customer Retention: Focus or Failure
Authors: Jamieson David
Published: May 2004

Few companies focus on the key issues of customer satisfaction and
loyalty and a large proportion measure for measurement’s sake. By moving
away from traditional methods of measurement to verbal representations
of service, from unacceptable through to ideal, and by trading‐off
changes in one level of service against another, one can identify
precise priorities for improvement. These priorities should take into
account the following: importance to customers; gap between perceived
and expected levels of service; customers’ priorities for improvement;
and competitive performance. There is little evidence that many
organizations collect the necessary information which determines what
proportion of their customers are at risk and, specifically, the
proportion that can be considered as being immediate or high risk.
Damages
Authors: Hodgson John
Published: May 2004

Examines the circumstances under which damages may be recovered, the
various types of damages, and sets out the basis of calculating damages.
Concludes with a reference to the case of Cambridge Water Co. v. Eastern
Countries Leather plc in relation to damages.
ERA Technology’s Surface Penetrating Radar
Authors: Daniels David
Published: May 2004

Traces the development of Surface Penetrating Radar (SPR) and the
reasons for its use by the police in the recent search for human remains
in Gloucestershire. An explanation is given of the general electronic
principles on which the SPR functions. Also outlines the applications
of this equipment in surveying and the benefits of this method compared
with other non‐destructive, as well as destructive, testing methods.
There is a summary of a research project to assess the equipment′s
capabilities in surveying masonry structures, including examples of the
readings obtained.
An informative guide to the specification of plasters and renders
Authors: Aitkenhead K.
Published: May 2004

Provides basic steps and general guidelines for the correct use of
plaster and render. Includes suggestions of several preparations
available to aid this process.
Increasing returns to scale and the prospects of small‐scale
enterprises
Authors: Streissler Erich W.
Published: May 2004

It is a common misunderstanding that nineteenth‐century German
economics rejected Ricardo and his thought. However, Ricardo exercised a
strong influence on German views on production and distribution. In
particular he influenced Wilhelm Roscher. Argues that Roscher in turn
exercised a considerable influence on the work of Karl Marx. Analyses
the aspects of Roscher′s work which were particularly influenced by
Ricardo, and those where Roscher went beyond Ricardo, his notion of a
macroeconomic production function; increasing returns to scale; and the
role of small firms.
Roscher’s epistemological and methodological position
Authors: Milford Karl
Published: May 2004

According to a widely accepted view, the Methodenstreit
between the historical and Austrian school was the result of
misunderstandings. Argues that it was rather the outcome of different
solutions to genuine philosophical and methodological problems, in
particular to a demarcation problem. Presents a reconstruction of the
position of Roscher. Argues that Roscher sought to solve a demarcation
problem and therefore triggered a problem situation which was of
fundamental importance for further discussion. Contrasts the views of
Roscher and Menger. Argues that Menger′s views constitute a direct
response to Roscher′s problem situation.
Wilhelm Roscher: the “historical method” in the social
sciences
Authors: Giouras Thanasis
Published: May 2004

Sets out to examine Roscher′s cognitive and social model. Provides
a presentation of Roscher′s work, based on a reconstructive argument.
Aims to constitute a point of application for a positive discussion
about Roscher′s practical relevance.
Beyond Roscher or not? A reappraisal of Menger’s and
Böhm‐Bawerk’s contributions to the theory of interest
Authors: Tomo Shigeki
Published: May 2004

Outlines the difference between the attitude of Menger and that of
Böhm‐Bawerk to Roscher′s economic system. Argues that this
difference symbolizes the difference in their theoretical contributions
in the field of interest theory. Contrasts Menger′s use of theoretic
assumption with Böhm‐Bawerk′s agio theory combined with his
experience in practice.
Wilhelm Roscher in the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Krause Günter
Published: May 2004

Considers the question of how the works of Roscher were regarded in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Although Roscher′s works were neither received nor accepted in the GDR, nevertheless, people there did occupy themselves with his ideas. Deals with three questions: what was theresultof this occupation with Roscher′s ideas? What was thebasisof it? What were the characteristics relevant to history of the treatment Roscher received in the GDR?
Wilhelm Roscher and English Christian social thought
Authors: Wright H.R.C.
Published: May 2004

Defines the stream of thought in the UK known as Christian
socialism or social Christianity as an Anglican movement much influenced
by UK Unitarian humanism, and shows that Roscher, who approached the
same nineteenthcentury problems as a Lutheran, came to similar
conclusions. A comparative study shows the similarity and differences,
as well as the continued relevance of these ideas down to the present
day.
Roscher’s organistic legacy
Authors: Krabbe Jacob J.
Published: May 2004

Roscher believed that human existence is rooted in organic nature.
In his view, a national society can be regarded as an organism in which
households function as mutually dependent organs. Examines the nature of
Roscher′s organicism, which to a certain extent is characteristic of the
historical school through its link with historicism. Outlines the roots
and development of Roscher′s organicism. Considers the related ideas of
other economic theorists.
Roscher’s Victorian views on financial development
Authors: Hudson Michael
Published: May 2004

Focuses on Roscher′s generalities in the financial realm. Roscher
postulated a secular decline in interest rates and an evolution of
credit towards increasingly productive applications. Although Roscher′s
theories were plausible, questions whether he got his causes and effects
right. If not, of what use was his historical methodology as a
predictive quasi‐science? Points out that Roscher, like his
contemporaries, failed to anticipate the proliferation of war debt and
other public debt, consumer debt, corporate takeover financing and other
non‐productive uses of credit. Concludes by comparing Roscher′s ideas
with those of his contemporaries, and analysing the reasons why
plausible economic forecasts failed to anticipate the experience of the
twentieth century.
Roscher’s Grundlagen in the history of economic thought
Authors: Ikeda Yukihiro
Published: May 2004

Presents an explanation of the theoretical structure of Roscher′s
Grundlagen, one of the most successful economics textbooks of
the last century. Describes Roscher′s writings on the English classical
school and in doing so, digests basic ideas from Adam Smith and John
Stuart Mill. Attempts to clarify the economic theories of the Grundlagen which have been ignored in the past. Highlights the
concept of goods in the Grundlagen and reveals that Roscher′s
methodology was embedded in the the ethics of historicism at that time.
Finally discusses price theories of Roscher and their relationship with
the English classical school.
Environmental Training in The Netherlands
Authors: Spronk Genny
Published: May 2004

The “Long‐term Plan on Nature and Environmental Education
1992‐1995” describes what changes will take place in basic, general
secondary and vocational education in The Netherlands. In recent years,
university environmental education has risen dramatically.
Responsibility for developments in this field is in the hands of a
combination of six ministries. In the near future, the subject of the
environment will be a more frequent object of research. The European
dimension in university education has not yet been fully developed.
There is currently a huge amount of activity concerning the environment
with regard to education.
A Model of the European Organization
Authors: Thorne Paul , Millard Mark
Published: May 2004

Discusses the importance, history and development of management
modelling. Explains why most management gurus tend to think there is
only one right way, and how this leads to a four‐square mentality.
Critically examines several authors′ views of the four‐square mentality
and evaluates how different cultures influence management styles.
Analyses four‐square models and concludes that other dimensions must be
added in order to explore real European risks.
The role of the private sector in vocational education and training
in the Belgian‐Flemish community
Authors: Geers Frederick
Published: May 2004

In a country such as Belgium, social dialogue – in the shape
of negotiations between social partners–constitutes the basis of
the country′s social structure. In general, vocational training is a
topic in which a consensus among social partners is reached easily.
Describes the different roles of the private sector in the
Belgian‐Flemish community at national, regional, local and sectoral
level, how the private sector acts as a training partner, as a training
organizer, and its position as a training consumer and as a training
provider. Illustrates the structures of the consensus model and the role
of the private sector with regard to training.
Successful Downsizing
Authors: Didonato Sandy , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2004

American big business has turned the tables on itself and is unravelling
the management structure which it has built over the past two decades.
During the mid‐1960s through the mid‐1970s, corporations having large
cash reserves began investing in diversified acquisitions. Many of these
purchases were in industries of which the corporation had no experience
or knowledge. The purchase was assumed to hedge the company against any
downturns in the economy and provide economies of scale. As a result,
the companies continued to grow in size of assets.
The Sun also Sets
Authors: Robson Dave
Published: May 2004

For some years now, the Japanese, and in particular the strength of
their economy, has been a threat to the well‐being of Europe and the
West. It has been particularly galling to see the Japanese being
successful in so many fields which hitherto we had seen as our own
preserve – none more so than in motor vehicles, both cars and motor
bikes, but also in electrical and electronic goods. Japanese
manufacturing prowess moved from being a joke and being synonymous with
“cheap and tacky” to being synonymous with quality in only about 20 years.
Management gurus have, as a result, tried to distil “essence of
Japan” and bottle it for sale to willing Western businesses which
rapidly, but not always, successfully adopted Just‐in‐Time, quality
circles. TQM and a whole raft of methodologies and techniques which were
identified as perhaps being the source of Japanese success.
Agents for Change
Authors: Daniels Shirley
Published: May 2004

The face of computing changes regularly – usually incrementally but
occasionally in a revolutionary way. It used to be that software lagged
behind hardware – that hardware changes were made but it was some time
before software designers caught up and made full use of the hardware
developments. In the last few years this has changed around. Now,
software changes and demands drive hardware development. The new breed
of friendly graphical user interface (GUI) software in which different
packages talk to one another has resulted in major demands for more
memory, faster disks, greater throughput, higher screen definitions and
so on. Hardware manufacturers cannot keep up with the demand. Nor can
the poor user.
The Outdoors
Authors: Yeadon Wendy
Published: May 2004

Used as part of a strategically controlled training diet, outdoor
training can improve your organizational health.
Empowering the Supervisory Role
Authors: Orpen Christopher
Published: May 2004

Despite all the changes over the past decade in how organizations are
designed and managed, the role of the first‐line manager or supervisor
remains crucial. Surveys have shown that today, just as 20 years ago,
supervisors are regarded as more central to effective organizational
performance than anybody else, with the possible exception of the
general manager. Especially in manufacturing companies, supervisors are typically felt to have more influence, for both good and bad, than other groups of employees on such outcomes as absenteeism, product
quality, cost reduction and labour relations. Despite this, the role of
the supervisor has suffered a marked decline over this period. In this
article, the reasons for this decline are analysed, and a series of
recommendations developed for reversing the trend. What these
suggestions for improving the situation have in common is that they
involve supervisors being given more chance to employ the “levers of
influence” inherent in their position than is typically the case at
present.
New Quality System Adds 400 QA Staff to Payroll
Authors: Wall Bryan
Published: May 2004

Managers in today′s food‐manufacturing plants are faced with an
ever‐growing clamour from customers, from central and regional
inspectorates, and of course, from their own management, to produce
detailed information about their production. The spiralling costs of
resources required for more and more quality checking were investigated
recently by the board of Golden Wonder. This led to operating units
moving towards computerized, on‐line quality management systems wherever
possible.
Measuring Work Accurately
Authors: Gregson Ken
Published: May 2004

It seems so obvious that, when we measure something, we need to measure
it accurately. But is it really true? Sometimes a rough and ready
estimate is all we need to enable us to make a decision. In fact there
are a number of terms (such as precision and reliability) that crop up
to describe measurements and we need to be sure that we understand the
relationships between these terms and their impact on choosing an
appropriate measurement system for a given job.
Personal Digital Assistants
Authors: Daniels Shirley
Published: May 2004

The personal digital assistant (PDA) is what Apple (the computer
company) thinks we have all been waiting for. They coined the term a
couple of years ago to refer to a small, hand‐held electronic device
which would allow common clerical tasks such as note‐taking, maintaining
a contact list keeping a diary and so on. A true PDA did not at the time
exist, although companies such as Casio and Sharp had moved up from
plain calculators to provide machines that could maintain addresses and
telephone numbers and a simple diary. These were designed to replace the
personal organizer rather than the computer and were limited in a number
of respects. They did work, although most of the people I know who had
tried them, soon reverted to old‐fashioned pen and paper. It was
generally too time‐consuming to work your way through to the data that
you wanted to access or to input new data on the very tiny keyboards.
A Bright New World
Authors: Arthur Jennings E.
Published: May 2004

No one would surely deny that the workplace should offer both management
and workers a bright and attractive environment in which to work. Of
course, we may differ on the way in which “bright and attractive” is
interpreted – and there have certainly been noticeable differences in
interpretation over the years, even where those involved have made a
genuine effort to improve the aesthetics of the environment.
Nepotism
Authors: Wong Linda C. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2004

Nepotism in management is an extremely sensitive and touchy issue in
American business. It has implications not only for management
development, promotion, and control, and not only for the image and
public relations of business, but also for executives who have, or would
like to have, relatives in management positions. Nepotism has been
criticized mostly as being unprofessional. Its opponents have claimed
that the rise of an intellectual, analytical approach to management
spells the decline and ultimate extinction of nepotism. However,
nepotism is alive and on the march in American business and will
continue to remain deeply ingrained in all industries simply because it
pays to be related to the boss.
Dealing with Sickness Absence
Authors: Muir John
Published: May 2004

Absences planned in advance do not necessarily cause the employer undue
problems with regard to organization of work. Perhaps work sharing can
be instituted or if the period of absence is comparatively short, for
example a holiday, perhaps the less urgent work can be permitted to
accumulate and be tackled as and when there are spare resources
elsewhere.
MTM Core Data Validation
Authors: Brown Alan
Published: May 2004

“Core data” has now been in successful use for some 15 years in the UK
and some other countries and is the basis from which a large number of
standard data systems have been developed for work as varied as
woodworking, electronic and mechanical assembly and the needle trades.
More recently, the system documentation and training materials have been
updated, tested and improved and submitted to the International MTM
Directorate for scrutiny. This article outlines the MTM Core Data system
and the methodology and results of validation tests conducted by the
United Kingdom MTM Association. After stringent evaluation of the test
results and the revised materials, the evaluation of the test results
and the revised materials, the International MTM Directorate have
granted recognition and approval to MTM Core Data as a properly
developed and documented MTM system.
The Creative Use of Microcomputer Software
Authors: Baines Anna
Published: May 2004

The microcomputer has been with us for just ten years. (Incidentally, I
prefer the term microcomputer to personal computer because personal
computer becomes confused with the specific IBM – and clone – offering;
micro‐computer correctly includes all manifestations, including the
wonderful Apple range. That has got the definition over with, and it
shows my prejudice!) The growth of the micro (I will use the shorter
form from now on) has been rapid – both in terms of its penetration into
all our offices and homes, and in terms of the growth of its power. The
micro now does what it used to take a whole machine room full of
mainframe to do a short while ago (although it still has its
limitations, compared with mainframes that were and are designed with
very fast, high capacity input‐output processes). The growth in terms of
market penetration has been fuelled by two major application areas
– word processors and spreadsheets.
Workflow Software – Support for BPR?
Authors: Baines Anna
Published: May 2004

Business process re‐engineering is the catch‐phrase of today. It has
largely taken over from TQM as the message from the gurus. This either
means that TQM is now established and “paying its way” in terms of
delivering quality and business benefits or that it has failed to
provide the spectacular benefits claimed for it in advance. Almost
certainly, both views are true – in different organizations. Being a
culturally‐based approach, it takes a particular kind of organization
(and especially management team) to make TQM work. Some organizations
are not at the right stage of development to make the appropriate
attitudinal and cultural changes required. Some of these have grasped
BPR as an alternative route to improvement. BPR is a “harder‐edged”
approach, more readily understood and welcomed by hard‐bitten
businessmen and managers who want to “do things” and see relatively quick
results.
The Hot Desk Shuffle
Authors: Daniels Shirley
Published: May 2004

For many organizations, the cost of accommodation is a major proportion
of their total costs. When you add to the basic cost of providing the
space (rent and rates or building purchase costs), all the other costs
associated with providing space (heating, lighting, fittings, furniture,
services, etc.), making space available for any service or anyone can be
seen as not insignificant.
Conducting an Effective Selection Interview
Authors: Hackney Michael , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2004

An important part of the selection process is attracting amiable,
qualified people for the open position. There is not one right,
guaranteed method used to accomplish this goal.
Paperless Publishing
Authors: Clemmet Andrew
Published: May 2004

The book can be regarded as one of man′s greatest developments. It gives
us an easy means of maintaining knowledge over time and of transferring
that knowledge from one person to many. Before the book, nearly all
knowledge was transferred from the teacher to his/her pupils directly by
word of mouth.
Alcohol and Employment Problems
Authors: Muir John
Published: May 2004

The cost to industry of all sickness absence has been estimated at half
a billion working days a year. Within this total some absences can be
pinpointed to specific causes. Conditions like bronchitis and backache
are well‐known and account for substantial parts of the overall scene.
Another cause of absence is down to the misuse of alcohol. On the self
certificate that the employee fills out on his or her return for work it
is highly unlikely that the true reason for absence will be given. The
cause is probably going to be shown as “stomach upset”, “cold”,
“backache” or some other relatively common, non‐contentious and difficult
to disprove ailment. This of course raises the question about the real
incidence of some of these common complaints, but that discussion will
have to wait for another day!
Total Productive Maintenance and Its Link to Total Quality Management
Authors: Jostes Robert S. , Helms Marilyn M.
Published: May 2004

This article addresses the question of why total quality management
(TQM) and total productive maintenance (TPM) are valuable strategies for
American businesses today. While each process is beneficial on its own,
the synergy created by simultaneously doing both is incredibly powerful.
The Clinton Health Plan and Equity Theory: Pay‐Work Disequilibrium
Authors: Eugene Hughes R. , Tomkiewicz Joseph M.
Published: May 2004

Any number of explanations can be offered for the inclusion of
health‐care benefits as a component of compensation. Among the more
obvious and generally accepted explanations are: the cost‐effectiveness
of large group purchases by the organization, the positive tax
consequences for the employee; the employer′s response to labour market
competition; or, even, that the inclusion of this benefit reflects the
historical response of some organizations and unions to wage controls
during the Second World War.
Ergonomics is Good for Business
Authors: Rowan Marilyn P. , Wright Phillip C.
Published: May 2004

Ergonomics refers to the complex relationship between workers and their
work that permeates every aspect of the workplace. Originally defined
in 1717 by Bernadino Ramazinni, an Italian physician credited as the
founder of occupational medicine, it is only recently that ergonomics
has attracted widespread attention. This article will illustrate that
the increasing interest in ergonomics is warranted and that appropriate
ergonomic management is a process that will have a significant, positive
effect on a company′s profits through cost reduction, quality
improvement, performance improvement and productivity enhancement.
Derived from the Greek words ergo and nomos meaning “work” and “natural
laws”, ergonomics literally means the laws of work.
Working Together – An Engineering Approach
Authors: Wilde Edwin
Published: May 2004

Without hesitation many managers will answer that they have done
everything possible to achieve that goal. They will point to their
industrial engineering department with its new and improved methods, the
incentive scheme, the emphasis on sports and welfare and the joint
production committee.
Without History, What Future?
Authors: Arthur Jennings E.
Published: May 2004

There have been signs of a new management philosophy taking root over
the last few years. It is probably summed up best in a statement which
declares that “History starts today”. This new idea has proved itself to
be extremely successful and has gained much influence among many of
those young people achieving a degree of progress in recent times.