bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of unethical consumer behavior and social attitudes
Authors: Callen‐Marchione Karen S. , Ownbey Shiretta F.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate young adult consumers' (i.e. university undergraduates') evaluations of consumer behavior scenarios as ethical or unethical in relation to the respondents' philosophies of human nature.

Design/methodology/approach

An existing ethical decision making model in marketing was applied to consumer ethical decision‐making. Based upon the model, the marketer's solution to ethical dilemmas is influenced by factors such as attitudes. This study focused on a specific type of attitude (philosophies of human nature). Subjects completed a questionnaire that contained philosophies of human nature (PHN) items and three consumer behavior scenarios. Factor analysis was conducted on the PHN scale to assist in factoring items into subscales. One‐way analysis of variance was used to determine if a relationship existed between consumer ethical response scores and responses to the PHN scale.

Findings

For two of the PHN factors, the consumer ethical response scores differed significantly among the low, moderate, and high PHN groups. Subjects who were less believing that people behave dishonestly for personal gain had higher ethical response scores in all of the scenarios than subjects who were more believing. Subjects who were less believing that people will stand by their convictions had higher ethical response scores in the “returned garment after use” scenario than subjects who were more believing.

Originality/value

This study is one of a few that addresses variables related to how consumers make ethically related decisions and the results can be useful to employers in the apparel industry when screening job applicants.
Do social capital and project type vary across career paths in project‐based work?
Authors: Skilton Paul F. , Bravo Jesus
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which project preferences and social capital constrain mobility in project‐based careers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the careers of 352 individuals who entered the motion picture industry between 1988 and 1990. It uses motion picture credit histories to generate role sequence paths. The paper quantifies differences between paths using optimal matching techniques and cluster analysis to classify paths into clusters. It validates the classification by testing hypotheses about differences between path clusters.

Findings

In addition to a large group of individuals who exit the industry after the initial credit, the paper identifies three distinct clusters of career paths that exhibit differences in the sex of individuals on them, in the persistence of relationships with employers, in employer characteristics, and in the nature of subsequent projects.

Research limitations/implications

Because the paper is exploratory, general hypotheses are tested. Motion picture production may be an extreme example of project‐based production, which would limit generalizability.

Practical implications

Managers, individuals and career experts should recognize that mobility can be constrained and channeled by preferences in project type and by social capital. Employer celebrity appears to play no role in the careers of assistants, but control over many projects plays a significant role.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates non‐organizational constraints on mobility in project‐based, apparently boundaryless, self‐managed careers.
Development of transparent payment systems
Authors: Motawa Ibrahim , Kaka Ammar , Hong Wong Chee
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Several types of pricing and payment systems are used in the construction industry. However, the current practice is failing to utilise the potential of a link between project performance and clients' satisfaction on one hand and stakeholders' cash flow on the other. Therefore, a paradigm shift in cash flow research is both timely and necessary. The purpose of this paper is to promote and facilitate the use of appropriate payment systems that satisfy all project members.

Design/methodology/approach

The research first investigates how payment systems are being selected, and the drivers for selecting innovative payment systems. A simulation and selection IT system is then developed that can be used to facilitate project stakeholders' satisfaction by selecting the most appropriate payment system for each project member. The proposed system considers alternative payment terms and conditions across the supply chain and in a transparent and negotiated manner.

Findings

The outcome should result in planning cash flows that satisfy all team members. The planned cash flow profiles are then used to monitor the implementation of the agreed payment system.

Originality/value

The main conclusion of the paper is that appropriate payment systems can act as a performance enabler and the provision of the simulation tool would result in project teams taking a more conscious and rational decision in selecting or designing these systems.
Does multi‐level intervention enhance work process knowledge?
Authors: Leppänen Anneli , Hopsu Leila , Klemola Soili , Kuosma Eeva
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this study is to find out the impacts of participation in formal training and development of work on the work process knowledge of school kitchen workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes a follow‐up study on the consequences of intervention. In total, 108 subjects participated both in the interventions and in the measurements of work process knowledge before and after the interventions. Two groups of workers participated only in the measurement of work process knowledge – one before and the other after the interventions. They served as control groups.

Findings

Participation in professional training and participation in the development of the work process were both associated with the level of work process knowledge after intervention. Also, the level of work process knowledge before the intervention was associated with the level of work process knowledge in the follow‐up measurement. Participants with a relatively low level of work process knowledge and high participation rate benefited the most from the intervention. Age, position, kitchen type, or team climate were not related to the level of work process knowledge after interventions.

Practical implications

The study confirmed that work process knowledge in service work where work is carried out in units with only a few workers can be essentially improved by arranging formal training, participative analysis and development of work simultaneously for larger groups of workers from the same organisation.

Originality/value

The paper provides knowledge of the methods to study and improve work process knowledge in changing service work.
Interfirm networks, social capital, and knowledge flow
Authors: Mu Jifeng , Peng Gang , Love Edwin
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Researchers have long been interested in the process of how networking firms share knowledge, what mechanisms firms use to govern knowledge sharing, and what the consequences are for the sharing firms. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to answer these questions from a social network perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative method is employed to facilitate deeper understanding of soft variables and key relationships for discovering and mapping non‐formal business practices. The sampling strategy is based on relevance rather than representativeness; data analysis and theoretical analysis stresses an iterative process of theoretical sampling, comparing, and contrasting of samples to build theoretical categories.

Findings

The principal findings highlight how social capital, especially trust‐based‐ties, develops in inter‐firm interaction process, accelerates knowledge flow, and acts as an informal governance mechanism between firms. Weak ties help firms to build initial relationships and strong ties help firms to acquire higher‐quality and fine‐grained knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis rests on qualitative studies in a single industry. The paper trades generalizability for richness, thus potentially risking producing theories that are idiosyncratic and not generalizable to the entire population. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are encouraged to develop more precise propositions or hypotheses for testing.

Practical implications

The identification of the process through which social capital facilitates knowledge flow and consequently innovation enhances the understanding of firms' strategic behavior, and provides managers possible guidelines on how to accumulate social capital in interfirm dynamic interaction to gain competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The paper delineates the strategic roles of social capital in facilitating knowledge flow between firms and further contributes to emerging literature by demonstrating the process of social capital development and its impact on innovation and performance.
Knowledge management for new product development
Authors: Pitt Martyn , MacVaugh Jason
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic interpretation of the scope of knowledge management processes whose intent is to enhance the effectiveness of new product development (NPD).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews key concepts in NPD and knowledge management (KM), leading to propositions about the effective management of NPD‐relevant knowledge. It develops a structured, holistic model of organizational KM including practical mechanisms and processes for managing knowledge transfer.

Findings

Effective knowledge management needs to: acknowledge the multiple organizational levels at which knowledge is deployed; support the production, elicitation and exchange of tacit knowledge as well as explicit, codified information; hence accommodate and enable both informal and formal, typically IS/IT enabled knowledge processes.

Practical implications

KM is work‐in‐progress, not a one‐time search for an idealised state. Computer‐enabled information systems are necessary but not sufficient elements of a comprehensive approach to KM. Holistic KM should be integral to the organization, working with not against the grain of its technical, social and cultural processes. Senior managers with titles such as “chief knowledge officer” may be crucial in establishing strategic priorities and change programmes, but all NPD personnel bear responsibility for effective KM.

Originality/value

The paper combines propositions about the effective conduct of KM for NPD with a model of holistic KM that involves multi‐level flux and constructive knowledge transition. It identifies practical mechanisms, IS/IT enabled and otherwise, in this context. It suggests that new research to identify effective KM practices in NPD is a priority for KM researchers.
Investigating the role of knowledge in alliance performance
Authors: Gravier Michael J. , Randall Wesley S. , Strutton David
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that following from the premise that knowledge comprises the fundamental source of competitive advantage, this study provides results of a meta‐analysis that examines whether and how alliance performance is influenced by the role knowledge plays in a strategic alliance.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta‐analysis is employed as the driving methodology in this study. The meta‐analysis approach permits the literature on interfirm knowledge management to be reviewed and synthesized such that the role of knowledge in the alliance, environmental risk, and alliance performance can be thoroughly and validly investigated.

Findings

The findings suggest that the level of risk associated with the environment in which the alliance partners join forces does not moderate the relationship between the various “roles” of knowledge and alliance performance, whereas the magnitude and type of interfirm cohesiveness enjoyed or endured by the alliance participants does materially impact alliance performance. These performance differences suggest that – when the subject is alliance performance – knowledge management strategies matter more than environmental factors.

Research implications/limitations

The environmental uncertainty construct proved the biggest surprise, given conventional views that alliances should prove more effective in turbulent environments. However, implications are limited by observations that suggest the current alliance literature lacks well‐developed and corroborated knowledge and performance constructs. This, in turn, implies researchers should systematically assess the validity of extant knowledge and performance measures.

Practical implications

The observed positive relationship between increased levels of knowledge interchange, alliance cohesion, and alliance performance is a materially practical implication. This was especially true within industries that are inherently more dependent on vertical supplier or buyer relationships, such as manufacturing and services. Active interfirm knowledge management appears to contribute more to alliance performance than environmental factors.

Originality/value

This paper describes the first study to meta‐analyze the role and influence of knowledge constructs within the alliance literature. As such, the results empirically confirm some presumed conventional wisdoms while calling others into question.
Strategic integration of knowledge management and customer relationship management
Authors: Liew Chor‐Beng Anthony
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of strategic integration of knowledge management (KM ) and customer relationship management (CRM). The integration is a strategic issue that has strong ramifications in the long‐term competitiveness of organizations. It is not limited to CRM; the concept can also be applied to supply chain management (SCM), product development management (PDM), eterprise resource planning (ERP) and retail network management (RNM) that offer different perspectives into knowledge management adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review and establishing new perspectives with examples, the components of knowledge management, customer relationship management, and strategic planning are amalgamated.

Findings

Findings include crucial details in the various components of knowledge management, customer relationship management, and strategic planning, i.e. strategic planning process, value formula, intellectual capital measure, different levels of CRM and their core competencies.

Practical implications

Although the strategic integration of knowledge management and customer relationship management is highly conceptual, a case example has been provided where the concept is applied. The same concept could also be applied to other industries that focus on customer service.

Originality/value

The concept of strategic integration of knowledge management and customer relationship management is new. There are other areas, yet to be explored in terms of additional integration such as SCM, PDM, ERP, and RNM. The concept of integration would be useful for future research as well as for KM and CRM practitioners.
Medium‐size enterprises in industrial districts: an exploratory study
Authors: Zanni Lorenzo , Aquilani Barbara , Magliacani Michela
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance evolution of enterprises in Italian industrial districts. In particular, economic performance indicators are analysed for Arezzo goldsmith enterprises, to highlight: differences in the goldsmith local systems performances; the role played by firm size in the evolution trajectories; and the emergence of a medium‐sized nucleus of firms with better performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first conducts a brief literature review on medium‐sized firms in Italian industrial districts. Then it examines the economic‐financial indicators of 183 Arezzo goldsmith firms to evaluate firm performance in comparative terms both with other Italian industrial districts and with firm size. Finally it focuses its attention on 15 medium‐sized firms or groups, carrying out a statistical analysis by organizational model comparing the aggregate data of the Arezzo goldsmith district.

Findings

The results regarding the Arezzo experience show: a reduction of competitive capabilities compared with other industrial districts; considerable difficulties for both small enterprises and the historical large firm leader; and the emergence of a medium‐sized firm nucleus which seems better able to manage a changing competitive environment.

Research limitations/implications

The main implication for researchers and SME (small to medium‐sized enterprises) consultants is that the selection process currently in play among Italian industrial districts and local enterprises appears to reward only certain entrepreneurial categories. Findings of this exploratory study need future research both at an inter‐industry level and with international comparative analysis.

Originality/value

Medium‐size firms represent a new area of research on SMEs. Empirical evidence supports the research hypothesis.
Innovation generation process
Authors: Bernstein Boaz , Singh Prakash J.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the social and behavioral actions, activities and practices in order to group them together to create behavior‐based profiles that characterize the various stages of the innovation generation processes within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from nine Australian companies from the biotechnology sector. Using the grounded theory approach to data analysis, labels from Rogers' adopter categorization model were used to broadly identify and classify typical actions, activities, practices and behaviors exhibited within organizations that can be described as being “innovator”, “early adopter”, “early majority”, “late majority” or “laggard” types. Further, Moore's metaphor of “chasm” was applied to explore the nature of difficulties that organizations face in converting innovative ideas into commercially successful products and services.

Findings

The use of the labels from the categories of the adopter categorization model enabled suitable behavior‐based profiles to be developed.

Originality/value

The use of the adopter categorization model provides a fuller and richer insight into the innovation generation process. The model can also be used to assess more holistically the viability of innovations as they progress from inception to commercialization.
The sustainable competitive advantage model for corporate real estate
Authors: Heywood Christopher , Kenley Russell
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to propose a model for the relationship between corporate real estate management (CREM) practices and an organisation's sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate real estate (CRE) plays an important but poorly recognised role in organisational competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was developed from the strategic management, organisational competitiveness, and CRE literatures. A total of 162 CREM practices from the literature were connected, where possible, with cost, innovation and differentiation sources of sustainable competitive advantage. Clustering similar practices allowed the summarising of competitive effects in those clusters and each of the sources of sustainable competitive advantage. Technical CREM practices were the focus of analysis as they constitute the traditional core of CREM.

Findings

Many gaps were identified in the theoretical connections between practices and sources of sustainable competitive advantage. Overall, cost dominated as the mode of competition most affected by the practices. Cost, innovation and differentiation made roughly equivalent positive contributions, but cost was most negatively affected by CREM practices.

Research limitations/implications

The model is conceptual and provides a framework for aligning CREM practices with an organisation's competitive strategies, to build CRE‐based strategic capabilities for competitiveness, and to optimise practices' competitive effects. The holistic model directly links core CRE techniques with business outcomes and establishes a framework for further exploration of this important relationship.

Originality/value

Organisational competitiveness, CRE, and CREM are seldom studied. This paper provides a useful connecting framework for CRE researchers and practitioners to research and advance efforts to realise CRE value for organisations.
FM‐SERVQUAL: a new approach of service quality measurement framework in local authorities
Authors: Zahari Wan Yusoff Wan , Ismail Maziah , Newell Graeme
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of services provided by local authorities (LA) to the public. An FM‐SERVQUAL instrument was developed to meet an appropriate measurement of such services.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of FM‐SERVQUAL based on integrated facility management (FM) framework. It involved measurements of 40 elements of human capital components, property, technology and ICT, and working processes of Johor Bahru City Council which is one of the major cities in Malaysia. Primarily, two phases of data collection were carried out, of which 100 and 191 respondents were involved during the first and second phases, respectively.

Findings

The study revealed that, five elements in technology and ICT and six elements of property which were identified below the service quality (SQ) level. On the other hand, 29 elements of other services were achieved with minimum quality level.

Practical implications

The LA executives recognized FM‐SERVQUAL, as it is very useful to measure the service delivery performance of their organization. Consequently, the elements which are below SQ level can be easily identified.

Originality/value

An FM‐SERVQUAL instrument set under the integrated FM framework was developed through an empirical basis. It is an efficient and effective instrument with a capability to measure the quality of services the delivery system. FM‐SERVQUAL also serves as an essential gauge in policy formulation and future planning of an organization.
On the suitability of the self‐organizing map for analysis of the macro and firm level competitive environment
Authors: Länsiluoto Aapo , Eklund Tomas
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present and compare the results of an evaluation of two self‐organizing map (SOM) models' suitability for financial environment analysis. The models are constructed for analyzing the macro‐ and firm‐level environments in the international pulp and paper industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the evaluation were collected through a field survey in 13 publicly‐noted Finnish companies, with a total of 36 respondents. All the respondents were involved in business intelligence or corporate development related tasks.

Findings

The results indicate that, the respondents appreciated the capabilities of both SOM models. All of the factors relating to accuracy, content, format, timeliness, and usability for strategic decision making received ratings higher than neutral. Respondents also concluded that the SOM models have additional benefits compared to currently used methods. Finally, the respondents were willing to utilize the SOM as a complement to other tools for analyzing the competitive environment. Some subfactors of the firm level SOM model received statistically higher averages than the macro‐level SOM model.

Originality/value

Despite the SOM having been utilized in thousands of different applications, user satisfaction with the SOM and its information products has not previously been widely evaluated, especially not by potential end‐users.
Managing healthcare performance in analytical framework
Authors: Dey Prasanta K. , Hariharan Seetharaman , Despic Ozren
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop an integrated framework for performance management of healthcare services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a performance management framework for healthcare services using a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and logical framework (LOGFRAME). The framework is then applied to the intensive care units of three different hospitals in developing nations. Numerous focus group discussions were undertaken, involving experts from the specific area under investigation.

Findings

The study reveals that a combination of outcome, structure and process‐based critical success factors and a combined AHP and LOGFRAME‐based performance management framework helps manage performance of healthcare services.

Practical implications

The proposed framework could be practiced in hospital‐based healthcare services.

Originality/value

The conventional approaches to healthcare performance management are either outcome‐based or process‐based, which cannot reveal improvement measures appropriately in order to assure superior performance. Additionally, they lack planning, implementing and evaluating improvement projects that are identified from performance measurement. This study presents an integrated approach to performance measurement and implementing framework of improvement projects.
Business process management in a Brazilian public research centre
Authors: Fernando Sentanin Odemilson , César Almada Santos Fernando , José Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a Brazilian public research centre implemented business process management (BPM) highlighting the challenges of change that have to be dealt with in the stage developed by this organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The first author of this paper accompanied the implementation of BPM in the research centre for 33 months in order to analyse documents and reports and have interviews with various managers and employees.

Findings

The studied organisation developed an intermediate stage towards BPM. The progressive approach favours a better understanding of the challenges that have to be overcome in order to improve BPM in an organisation. Thus, the BPM approach can be effectively assimilated and practised by the centre's staff.

Research limitations/implications

The depth of the analysis carried out in the case study make more structured research possible.

Originality/value

The challenges of implementing BPM in a Brazilian public research centre are investigated. This case study is based on a theoretical, empirical and maturity level approach. Thus, a particular case of implementing BPM which took place in a very specific context, not explored in the literature, is presented to the community interested in BPM.
Eyes, ears and technology
Authors: Carr James , Gannon‐Leary Pat , Allen Bernadette , Beattie‐Huggan Patsy , McMurray Anne , Smith Nishka
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of video‐conferencing as a suitable technology for business process reengineering (BPR) training of 12 health sector participants located in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research was adopted. The participants received training from a remote BPR consultant located in Northern Ireland (UK), with the assistance of local moderators. The focus of the study is concerned with the quality of the learning experience and the important role played by local moderators.

Findings

Overall, the use of video‐conferencing technology provided a valuable learning experience. It was also cost effective and an efficient use of both the consultant's and the participants' time. A key part of the success of the exercise was the role of one of the local moderators who acted as the “eyes and ears” of the consultant.

Originality/value

A general contribution to knowledge is the positioning of the argument developed within the technology diffusion literature. The paper offers important insights into the effective use of video‐conferencing technology for BPR training purposes; and Knipe and Lee's evaluation of a video‐conferencing experiment in terms of the relationship between the human actors at the remote and local sites is discussed and extended.
Teaching sustainability to business students: shifting mindsets
Authors: Stubbs Wendy , Cocklin Chris
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe a framework used to help MBA students understand and reconcile the different sustainability perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the corporate sustainability literature is undertaken to develop the sustainability framework.

Findings

The sustainability framework relates basic concepts and assumptions within the ecocentric, ecological modernization and neoclassical paradigms to organizational practice and behavior. For the most part, the MBA students have only been exposed to neoclassical economic thinking within the other MBA subjects. The aim of the sustainability framework is to shift the students' thinking by engaging with sustainability from different perspectives, rather than presenting one version of sustainability to them. The framework has proven to be useful in developing critical and reflective thinking and discussion.

Originality/value

The paper provides a summary of sustainability concepts as applied to business practices and describes how this is used in teaching sustainability to business students.
Capacity building: a course on sustainable development to educate the educators
Authors: Lozano‐García Francisco J. , Gándara Guillermo , Perrni Orietta , Manzano Mario , Elia Hernández Dora , Huisingh Donald
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present information about a team‐teaching course on sustainable development (SD) for educators in an institution of higher education, Monterrey Campus of ITESM in México.

Design/methodology/approach

Four faculty members were invited to work together with the Sustainable Campus Programme coordinator in the process of developing the “Educate‐the‐Educator's” SD course. The course was structured using lectures, readings, class role play activities, homework, and general discussion. Additionally, a workshop‐format was woven throughout the course; its function was to help the educators incorporate SD issues within their own courses.

Findings

It was found that a multi‐disciplinarily developed and delivered course is an effective vehicle for educating educators on SD. Documentation of some facets of the learning process further helped the “students” and the course leaders to better understand the whole learning process.

Originality/value

The paper's value rests on the interconnected structure, showing resonance with the triple bottom line, as well as many other dimensions linked with sustainable development. This structure increased the course participants' comprehension of sustainability. Furthermore, the use of concept maps and digraph theory to evaluate “faculty participants'” comprehension of the interconnections and dimensions of SD proved to be a successful innovation.
The current state of sustainability in bioscience laboratories
Authors: Wright Hazel A. , Ironside Joseph E. , Gwynn‐Jones Dylan
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This study aims to identify the current barriers to sustainability in the bioscience laboratory setting and to determine which mechanisms are likely to increase sustainable behaviours in this specialised environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study gathers qualitative data from a sample of laboratory researchers presently conducting experimentation in the biological sciences. A questionnaire, regarding sustainability in the laboratory, was developed and distributed to all bioscience researchers at Aberystwyth University.

Findings

Although the majority of respondents had favourable attitudes to sustainability, almost three‐quarters (71 per cent) stated that they were not conducting their research in the most sustainable way possible. The factors most likely to hinder sustainable behaviour were lack of support, lack of information and time constraints. However, monetary costs and benefits, closely followed by “other” costs and benefits, were most likely to encourage sustainable behaviour in the laboratory.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to extend the present research to other types of biological research, such as field‐based studies. Different biological disciplines may have different consumable requirements and waste streams, thereby changing the barriers to sustainability observed.

Practical implications

The findings have immediate practical implication for higher education institutions wishing to adopt researcher‐approved mechanisms to reduce the environmental impact of biological laboratory research.

Originality/value

This is the first study to design a sustainability questionnaire which is specific to research scientists and laboratory users. The paper is therefore of immense value to the numerous global higher education institutions with working laboratories which seek to minimise the environmental impact of research.
The cat's pyjamas? Performance indicators for national libraries
Authors: Poll Roswitha
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the new Technical Report ISO 28118 “Performance measures for national libraries”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on the mission and main tasks of national libraries as defined by the technical report, and describes some 30 performance indicators including indicators that are specifically relevant to national libraries. The paper also explains the process by which indicators were selected and tested.

Findings

The rationale for the establishment of a new standard is examined and perspectives offered on its envisaged application and further development.

Originality/value

This paper gives an informative preview of the Technical Report which, at the time of writing, is in the process of being published. It serves as a useful introduction to the report for those who may wish to adopt the standard in future, and whilst primarily aimed at national libraries it is potentially relevant for regional libraries with similar tasks and missions.
A qualitative assessment of the Kindle e‐book reader: results from initial focus groups
Authors: Clark Dennis T. , Goodwin Susan P. , Samuelson Todd , Coker Catherine
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess initial user perceptions and use of Amazon's Kindle e‐book reader.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty‐six participants were provided with a Kindle e‐book reader and $100 to spend at Amazon. After one month of use focus groups were conducted to elicit user feedback about their experiences and overall first impressions.

Findings

Analysis of the discussions indicates overall interest in the Kindle as a basic reading device for fiction. However, its use in an academic setting is limited due to content availability and licensing issues, graphic display capabilities, organizational issues, and its prohibitive cost.

Originality/value

This is the first research paper of its kind to report on qualitative research conducted on user perceptions of the Kindle e‐book reader.
Negotiation of on‐site buffer stocks
Authors: Ng S. Thomas , Fang Yuan , Skitmore R. Martin
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of applying non‐structural fuzzy decision support theory in modelling the negotiation between various participants with conflicting objectives so as to establish the optimum buffer stocks for a construction project.

Design/methodology/approach

In view of the divergence in objectives between various decision makers when determining the amount of materials to be delivered to site, the concept of integrating the non‐structural fuzzy decision support system (NFDSS) to multi‐attribute decision making is reviewed. With the help of a case study example, the process involved in the NFDSS and the methodology of evaluation are illustrated. Finally, the paper proposes the use of the Nash criterion to measure the utility of various decision makers so as to identify an equilibrium solution on the quantity of materials to be supplied.

Findings

The results indicate that the requisite number of on‐site stocks can be determined by referring to the utility of the parties involved in decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The NFDSS systematically evaluates each scenario under different affected factors such as cost, schedule, quality, safety, etc. Finally, a scenario utility is computed to establish the preference of each party.

Originality/value

The paper is of value in showing how NFDSS can systematically analyse human judgements to generate relative weightings for the decision factors and elements. The NFDSS model can be applied to real‐world cases to determine the frequency of delivery and the amount of buffer stocks that would meet the interest of various project participants.
Performance loss in open‐plan offices due to noise by speech
Authors: Roelofsen Paul
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the performance of the personnel can be negatively affected by conversations, adjacent to the working space, in an open‐plan office environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using two scientific mathematical models it is possible to quantify the performance losses, as a result of adjacent conversations, with various desk layouts in an open‐plan office.

Findings

The results obtained from the underlying Finnish study can be improved by applying a regression analysis to the recorded research results. The modified deviation formula not only corresponds more closely to the research results, but also produces a better translation of the speech intelligibility index to the intelligibility qualifications, as shown in the guideline NPR 3438.

Originality/value

It is reasonable to conclude that performance loss, as a result of a poor acoustic situation, can be related to the speech intelligibility in a space. The relationship between the speech intelligibility index and performance loss makes it possible to design on the basis of productivity improvement, resulting in a comfortable acoustic working environment and a consistent financial advantage for the organisation.
Managing and sustaining a world of workplace diversity: the Accenture experience
Authors: Amla Ismail
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how Accenture's commitment to diversity is reaping benefits for the business and its people on a global and a local level.

Design/methodology/approach

The article explores global initiatives and leadership behaviors that demonstrate this commitment, as well as the experiences of individuals who benefit from them, in order to combine global and individual perspectives.

Findings

These perspectives show that a deep commitment to diversity can reap the benefits of retaining experienced employees, maintaining employee satisfaction and attracting new talent.

Originality/value

The ultimate outcome is a better service to customers through consistency of quality service and high levels of innovation, in addition to mirroring the diversity of communities in which an organization lives and works.
The steady rise of CSR and diversity in the workplace
Authors: Emmott Mike , Worman Dianah
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to show how two specialist advisers from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) provide practical advice on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

The article includes two best practice guides based on the experience and quantitative and qualitative research of the CIPD. The first half focuses on CSR, what it means in the workplace and how HR professionals can implement or encourage its take up in a strategic and meaningful way. The second half tackles diversity, explaining its role in the workplace and its importance to HR professionals in helping organizations gain competitive advantage.

Findings

The strategic importance of both issues provides HR with an opportunity to demonstrate its strategic value to the organization. People policies and people management are at the heart of CSR and diversity.

Originality/value

CSR and diversity are similar, in that they both have to be approached with serious intent that results in effective delivery. Purely paying lip service, or poor implementation, is most likely to have negative implications for the business. There are also differences between the two, a key one being that there are best practice approaches to guide HR professionals in approaching CSR, whereas diversity is a more complex concept that relies on approximate reasoning.
Workplace diversity: developing a win‐win‐win strategy
Authors: Marques Joan
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose if this paper is to alert readers that successful application of workforce diversity only happens with proper evaluation and in‐depth guidance: by treating diversity as an end onto itself and not merely as a means toward an end.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review paper, first commenting on common mistakes companies make in applying workforce diversity. It offers some attention points for implementing diversity in the right way, and reviews some implications for organizational learning strategies if they decide to take the here‐discussed approach to diversity.

Findings

The paper finds that diversity as a topic earns more attention today than it has ever received before, and the reasons are easily understandable: global migration is increasing; the internet is enabling communication on a worldwide scale; and business leaders are continuously in search for less expensive resources and lower wages to pay. All these trends result in progressively diversified workforces locally and internationally. Increasingly, companies allocate special room for diversity practices on their web sites. Yet, the application of workplace diversity does not always happen for the right reasons. Companies that apply diversity responsibly ensure larger, lasting, and happier customer bases, continuous reinvention through mutual learning and a more stable workforce with fewer turnovers.

Originality/value

This paper is of particular importance for human resource and other hiring officers and departments in the organization.
Rethinking Master's degrees in business and management: a more diverse offering?
Authors: Gray Harry
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to make a broad assessment of the proliferation of Master of business administration (MBA) degrees and to consider comparative value.

Design/methodology/approach

There is brief description and analysis of what MBAs are and are intended for, with best and worst kinds of provision discussed

Findings

The conclusion is that the whole concept of MBA needs to be rethought bearing in mind the wide variety of careers and ages of students.

Originality/value

The conclusion is that there should be more specialist masters degrees for mature professionals and better consideration should be given to real career needs of younger students.
Low level mobility in Hungary: advantage or disadvantage to learning and competitiveness?
Authors: Csath Magdolna
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to test whether the observations of foreign managers about the low mobility level of the Hungarian workforce can also be verified on a sample drawn from among young professionals. Second the paper aims to prove that a low mobility level is not necessarily a disadvantage for the economy in which small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing a significant role in creating new jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a questionnaire, which is based on the mobility pyramid developed by Quelch and Bloom, to survey two groups of students in two institutions.

Findings

The paper finds a strong correlation between the observations of foreign managers and the opinions of the participants in the samples. Although the sample size is not too large, the arguments of the students about why long‐term and far‐away foreign assignments are not very desirable for them are powerful and convincing. They prove how slowly society characteristics are changing.

Originality/value

The present low mobility level corresponds with the earlier Hofstede's findings on Hungary being a strong uncertainty avoidance society. However in the paper's view the low mobility is not necessarily a disadvantage, as people still can continuously learn, create new knowledge and strengthen local social capital, which are all important ingredients of national competitiveness.
Risk identification on community‐based construction projects in Zambia
Authors: Mañelele I. , Muya M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and highlight the results of a study that identified critical risks involved in the procurement of community‐based infrastructure projects in Zambia.

Design/methodology/approach

Brainstorming was chosen as the method for identifying risks in the study. It was applied in the form of group discussions with project management committees at community level to identify potential risks affecting their particular projects.

Findings

The identified critical risks were classified into six categories: project initiation; community contribution and participation; budget and finance; skilled labour; materials procurement and technical supervision; and quality control. Several significant risk factors were identified in all these six categories in community‐based construction projects. The paper concludes that indeed there are critical risks in community‐based construction projects that require forward planning, assessment and mitigation.

Originality/value

The consequences of not assessing and managing construction risks in both conventional and community‐based procurement systems are that projects may experience time and cost overruns and lead to poor quality structures. It is therefore important to identify risks in community projects.
Entrepreneurship education in developing country
Authors: Jaafar Mastura , Rashid Abdul Aziz Abdul
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the entrepreneurship module offered in the Master's Degree in Project Management by the School of Housing Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the scenario of the construction industry to demonstrate the necessity of entrepreneurship education in the University's construction programme.

Findings

The findings are discussed in relation to the important role played by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in supporting the national growth. The existence of high number of SMEs in the construction industry indicates the significant role of entrepreneurship education in the courses related to construction management. The importance of entrepreneurship education in Malaysia is in line with Malaysia's quest to achieve developed status by 2020, as many business opportunities across all economic sectors will be created. This also applies to the construction industry, owing to its significant contribution to the country's development.

Originality/value

The findings of the paper are of relevance to entrepreneurial development in the construction industry by showing that entrepreneurship education should be emphasized in the industry to produce better quality entrepreneurs in the future.