bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron corrosion inhibition with dihydrobis‐ and hydrotris‐(1‐pyrazolyl)borates
Authors: Babić‐Samardžija Ksenija , Hackerman Norman
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The objective in the present paper is a better understanding of acidic corrosion inhibition by polypyrazolylborates on iron electrodes. Structural and electronic effects of these compounds are discussed in relation to the inhibiting efficiencies and absorption.

Design/methodology/approach

Two polypyrazolylborates, i.e. dihydrobis(1‐pyrazolyl) borate (Bp) and hydrotris(1‐pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) were investigated as corrosion inhibitors for iron in 1 mol/l HCl and in 0.5 mol/l H2SO4 using Tafel measurements, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Theoretical explanation between molecular parameters of these compounds and inhibitor efficiency (IE) was made using the MNDO SCF‐MO method. Morphological changes of the reacted surfaces were monitored via SEM.

Findings

Results obtained show higher inhibition effect of Bp than Tp. Inhibitors are more efficient in HCl than in H2SO4. Corrosion current and corrosion rate (CR) decrease with inhibitor concentration, while polarization and charge transfer resistance markedly increase from 10−4 to 10−2 mol/l inhibitor concentration range. All impedance data are modeled with an equivalent circuit model. The semicircular shape of Nyquist plots is indicative of a charge transfer process occurring via a parallel resistor and capacitor.

Originality/value

This study provides constructive information relative to corrosion inhibitor behavior of polypyrazolylborates in acids. Using the molecular modeling calculations, the compounds were characterized in terms of their structural properties and inhibition activity. It was noticed how exposure to the inhibitor solution changes the film morphology.
Atmospheric corrosion of materials used in the civil construction industry
Authors: Pereira da Silva Egnalda , de Azevedo Alvarenga Evandro , das Mercês Reis de Castro Maria , de Freitas Cunha Lins Vanessa
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to select an atmospheric corrosion evaluation methodology and to establish a range of relative corrosion penetration and/or progress values, which could be used as reference in the selection of materials for the civil construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Salt spray, field tests, accelerated cyclic tests and accelerated field tests were used to evaluate atmospheric corrosion resistance of civil construction materials. The cyclic accelerated test and the field test with saline solution spray were found to be appropriate for atmospheric corrosion resistance evaluation.

Findings

The corrosion resistance of aluminium killed mild steel, aluminium killed copper added steel, and electrogalvanized steels, all phosphatized and painted, were evaluated by field and accelerated corrosion tests. Of the materials studied, aluminium killed mild steel showed the least resistance to atmospheric corrosion. The use of aluminium killed copper added steel is recommended for material specification in the civil construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

Salt sprays are not adequate to evaluate atmospheric corrosion resistance. There are other cyclic tests that could be tested in future work.

Practical implications

Brazilian technical standards, which specify the metallic materials used in the civil construction industry, will be changed in order to include the construction steel corrosion resistance evaluation methodology, which is proposed in this paper. As a result, the tendency of the construction materials lifetime is set to increase.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the improvement of the Brazilian Technical Standard by the inclusion of an atmospheric corrosion resistance requirement.
Inhibition efficiencies of some organic compounds on the corrosion of zinc in alkaline media
Authors: Bereket G. , Gülec M. , Yurt A.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inhibiting properties of six quaternary ammonium salts, three cationic surfactants and two non‐ionic surfactants in 2 M KOH. An attempt also was made to correlate some molecular parameters of these compounds with their corrosion inhibitor efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The inhibition efficiencies of quaternary ammonium salts, cationic surfactants and non‐ionic surfactants on the corrosion of zinc in 2 M KOH solution were investigated by potentiodynamic polarisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear polarisation methods.

Findings

Inhibition efficiencies of quaternary ammonium salts were found to be due to physical absorption on the cathodic sides of zinc electrode and dependence of inhibition efficiencies on substituents were found. Physical adsorption of cationic surfactants on zinc electrode slowed down both anodic and cathodic reactions; thus they were found to be mixed type inhibitors. On the other hand, inhibition behaviour of non‐ionic surfactants was found to be due to adsorption on zinc via polar groups. It was found that non‐ionic surfactants behaved as mixed type inhibitors.

Originality/value

Clarifies the role of molecular structure and substituents on the inhibition efficiency of surfactants and quaternary ammonium compounds on the corrosion of zinc in alkaline media.
Quality assurance models in the food supply chain
Authors: Manning L. , Baines R.N. , Chadd S.A.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Quality assurance (QA) standards are considered to be a proven mechanism for delivering quality of product and service. This paper seeks to analyse critically how effectively this mechanism has been implemented in the integrated food supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the development of QA standards and organisational business models. The research included a literature review and evaluation to determine the mechanisms currently in place with particular emphasis on poultry meat.

Findings

Historically private quality assurance schemes have been developed to demonstrate compliance with a set of extrinsic quality standards or “pre‐requisites”. These have often included qualitative rather than quantitative measures of quality. In order to demonstrate to external stakeholders and the consumer that QA schemes actually deliver tangible benefits, quantitative measurements should be included in QA models especially as these measures can improve intrinsic product quality, drive business performance and supply chain efficiency and compliance with legislative requirements.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the current status of QA in the food supply chain and is of relevance to a cross‐section of the industry.
Australian farmers' and food processors' values
Authors: Lea Emma , Worsley Anthony
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The aim of this exploratory study was to examine and compare a range of business values held by farmers and food processors.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires with a section on business values were posted to 200 farmers and 200 food processing businesses in Victoria, Australia, with response rates of 44 per cent (n=69) and 31 per cent (n=48), respectively, achieved.

Findings

The most important of the 28 value items for farmers were high quality produce, honesty, and caring for employees. For processors, the most important values were quality products, customer value, and caring for employees. Between group differences reached statistical significance for one‐third of the items. In particular, processor businesses valued innovation and convenience products more highly and had a stronger process orientation than did farming businesses. Environmental sustainability, caring for the community, and providing healthy products were more integral to farming than processing businesses.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation was the small sample sizes, although it is likely that response bias was not high. Future research could survey a larger sample of food industry representatives and examine the values held by other food industry sectors.

Practical implications

This information could increase the effectiveness of communications with industry groups on a range of issues and in the formulation of appropriate health and environmental policies.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to compare the values of farmers and food processors. This information is particularly important for those in the food industry and health and environmental policy makers.
Are European businesses getting the live e‐learning message?
Authors: Jensen Sylvia
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss how WebEx Training Center is helping organizations implement e‐learning, looking at companies that are training employees in innovative ways and the conditions for providing the most engaging and interactive e‐learning environment. It also aims to look at factors to consider before implementing an e‐learning programme and how to ensure that the programme is adopted by the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve this objective, case studies are used to illustrate the argument. The piece looks at a number of industries that are using e‐learning, from small businesses to large enterprises.

Findings

It was found that e‐learning is emerging as an extremely viable cost alternative to face‐to‐face learning and that the best e‐learning environments provide an engaging and interactive environment.

Originality/value

The paper is of use for training managers considering implementing an e‐learning programme.
Structure and function in retrieval languages
Authors: Vickery B.C.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the varied structural characteristics which may be present in retrieval languages.

Design/methodology/approach

The languages serve varied purposes in information systems, and a number of these are identified. The relations between structure and function are discussed and suggestions made as to the most suitable structures needed for various purposes.

Findings

A quantitative approach has been developed: a simple measure is the number of separate terms in a retrieval language, but this has to be related to the scope of its subject field. Some ratio of terms to items in the field seems a more suitable measure of the average specificity of the terms. Other aspects can be quantified – for example, the average number of links in hierarchical chains, or the average number of cross‐references in a thesaurus.

Originality/value

All the approaches to the analysis of retrieval language reported in this paper are of continuing value. Some practical studies of computer information systems undertaken by Aslib Research Department have suggested a further approach.
Diffusion factors
Authors: Faber Frandsen Tove , Rousseau Ronald , Rowlands Ian
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify earlier work on journal diffusion metrics. Classical journal indicators such as the Garfield impact factor do not measure the breadth of influence across the literature of a particular journal title. As a new approach to measuring research influence, the study complements these existing metrics with a series of formally described diffusion factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a publication‐citation matrix as an organising construct, the paper develops formal descriptions of two forms of diffusion metric: “relative diffusion factors” and “journal diffusion factors” in both their synchronous and diachronous forms. It also provides worked examples for selected library and information science and economics journals, plus a sample of health information papers to illustrate their construction and use.

Findings

Diffusion factors capture different aspects of the citation reception process than existing bibliometric measures. The paper shows that diffusion factors can be applied at the whole journal level or for sets of articles and that they provide a richer evidence base for citation analyses than traditional measures alone.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this paper is on clarifying the concepts underlying diffusion factors and there is unlimited scope for further work to apply these metrics to much larger and more comprehensive data sets than has been attempted here.

Practical implications

These new tools extend the range of tools available for bibliometric, and possibly webometric, analysis. Diffusion factors might find particular application in studies where the research questions focus on the dynamic aspects of innovation and knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to those with theoretical interests in informetric distributions as well as those interested in science policy and innovation studies.
Editorial
Authors: Torrance Anna , Peters John
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Provides an summary of the workshop and discussions held by Management Decision at the 2005 Academy of Management annual conference.

Design/methodology/approach

Reports on the discussions that took place amongst the four work groups on the following subjects: qualitative versus quantitative methodologies, encouraging research from developing nations and practitioner authors, the value of history in management and how publishers can solve the main headaches for researchers.

Findings

Journal and institutional rankings are playing an increasingly important part in academic life. This has both positive and negative implications.

Originality/value

Provides information about issues that are important to the scholarly community and encourages authors, readers and anyone else involved in research to contribute their thoughts and opinions.
Evidence on formal strategic planning and company performance
Authors: Falshaw J. Richard , Glaister Keith W. , Tatoglu Ekrem
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This empirical study of 113 UK companies attempts to examine the relationship between formal strategic planning and financial performance in a non‐US context while taking into consideration the important contingent variables identified by previous researchers of organizational size, environmental turbulence and industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a postal questionnaire primary data was collected from 113 UK companies. A series of multivariate analyses were undertaken to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

While hypotheses explaining the formality of a company's planning process were well accounted for, no relationship between formal planning process and subjective company performance was observed.

Research limitations/implications

Measurement validity may be a problem. The data are cross‐sectional, therefore causal linkages among the variables cannot be firmly established. Related to this point is the fact that firm performance is a function of prior, not current, planning and other management practices. Longitudinal data would be needed in order to prove that causal relationships exist and control for time lag effects.

Originality/value

Despite the continued importance of performance objectives in the prescriptive literature, recent attention has not been given to strategic planning and performance in empirical research. One function of this paper is to re‐kindle this area of research. More specifically, the empirical study reported in this paper draws on data from UK companies, which is novel in this stream of research. In a review of 29 relevant studies by Greenley (1994) the only study identified reporting UK data was that of Grinyer and Norburn (1975), the majority of the remaining studies reporting data from the USA. Greenley notes that while this represents a stream of research from a single business culture, the major issue is one of relevance to the practice of strategic planning in Europe and other countries. Although the principles of strategic planning should, of course, have universal application, there may be national differences in strategic planning, country dependent influences from business culture, and influences from different national trading conditions. The strategic management field can be criticized for not examining particular phenomena in non‐US contexts, with respect to the impact of FSP and organizational performance this study attempts to rectify this imbalance.
In the driver's seat or rubber stamp?
Authors: Kemp Sharon
Published: June 2006

Purpose

There has been increasing interest in Australia regarding corporate boards, their role and the contribution they make to organisations' performance and success. There is however, a gap in our knowledge about what board members do. To better understand boards, we need to know more about the behaviour of those who sit on boards. Many chairmen and all non‐executive directors serve on corporate boards in a part‐time capacity, however, such part‐time service does not negate a role in strategy. The purpose of this paper is to ask how, if at all, do part‐time board members influence strategy in Australian public companies?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first examines the literature on choice, change and control as key aspects of firms' strategic conduct. Second, attention turns to generating empirical data to examine how part‐time board members engage with these processes. Attention is given to the actions of part‐time board membersvis‐à‐visexecutive directors, both inside and outside the boardroom. Data from interviews with 20 board members are interpreted using the 1999 framework of McNulty and Pettigrew which conceptualises part‐time board members' involvement in strategy as: ”taking strategic decisions”, ”shaping strategic decisions” and ”shaping the content, context and conduct of strategy”.

Findings

Each of the three levels of part‐time board member involvement in strategy described by McNulty and Pettigrew engage part‐time board members in processes of choice, change and control in differing ways. Part‐time board members are able to shape both the ideas that form the content of corporations' strategies and the methodologies and processes by which those ideas evolve. In so doing, part‐time board members are capable of exerting control over management and influencing processes of strategic choice and change. Boards of directors have a role in strategy formulation, strategic decision‐making and strategic control.

Practical implications

The board's role is in the driver's seat not as a rubber stamp. A process whereby board members can engage and exert a controlling influence over strategic direction and outcomes of the corporation is of benefit not only to Australian corporations but has global corporate benefit. The paper describes and analyses the contribution to strategy made by board members in five Australian companies

Originality/value

This paper describes and analyzes the contribution to strategy made by board members in five Australian companies.
Effects of socio‐technical factors on organizational intention to encourage knowledge sharing
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Fen , Lee Gwo‐Guang
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To examine how socio‐technical factors (e.g. organizational climate and IT support) affect the intention to encourage knowledge sharing through their effects on three innovation characteristics: perceived relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from a survey of 154 senior executives in Taiwan were used empirically to test the proposed research model. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the validity of the measurement model, and the structural model also was analysed to test the associations hypothesized in the research model.

Findings

The results showed that organizational climate significantly influences perceived relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity, which in turn positively affected the intention to encourage knowledge sharing. Contrary to previous studies, this study found that IT support did not significantly affect the three innovation characteristics of knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This paper was limited to examine the perceptions of senior executives regarding knowledge sharing. Therefore, a similar research model should be developed to predict and explain the determinants of organizational intention to encourage knowledge sharing by perceptions of employees.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that make an increased effort to allow employees to suggest ideas for new opportunities and foster a positive social interaction culture before introducing knowledge sharing initiatives. Specifically, creating an organizational climate characterized by top management support, open communication, stimulus to develop new ideas and respond rapidly to new opportunities is likely to encourage both management and employees to socialize and interact frequently with each other thus driving knowledge sharing intentions.

Originality/value

This paper has implications for business managers or policy makers to formulate policies and target organizations appropriately to ensure the effective creation of a knowledge sharing culture.
Father leadership: the Singapore case study
Authors: Kim Cheng Low Patrick
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To show and analyse the concept, practice, problems and prospects of father leadership in Singapore. The study also proposes such practices in Asian countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus group participants, were mostly of experienced corporate and business leaders, and did not represent a cross‐section of the population; they were made of business people because of the peculiarities of Singapore's history and economy.

Findings

The Singapore Government leads the way and father leadership is widely practiced. An analysis is also made of the management approach, problems and prospects of father leadership as practised in Singapore with its practices proposed in other Asian countries.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include time and costs constraints; otherwise more focus group sessions can be held and the focus group participants, mostly of experienced corporate and business leaders, did not represent a cross‐section of the population; they were made of business people because of the peculiarities of Singapore's history and economy. It is argued that a synonymous match exists between the national culture and business culture in Singapore; hence the selection of the business people in the focus group. That synonymous match is primarily because of the country's small size and lack of natural resources, and because since its birth as a modern nation, Singapore is dependent on human capital and relies strongly on its economy for its survival and growth.

Practical implications

The study provides useful lessons for businesses and political analysts outside Singapore to better understand the Government's paternalistic instincts in ensuring the long‐term sustainability of Singapore's economy and her citizenry.

Originality/value

The article provides a continuing perspective on governance and management in Singapore. It also extends existing studies into Confucianistic societies/ societies that are perceived by the outside world as being autocratic.
Decision orders: a decision taxonomy
Authors: Scherpereel Christopher M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The proper identification of a decision problem is paramount to finding a course of action or solution. This paper attempts to capture the general laws or principles that define decision problems. These principles are then used to establish a decision classification system called the decision‐order taxonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

The decision‐order taxonomy is developed by performing a content analysis on the seminal literature in the natural, social, and applied sciences. By identifying the semantic descriptors used to partition various domains, an implicit taxonomy for proper identification of decision problems is hypothesized.

Findings

The multidimensional taxonomic classification system and defined nomenclature, together with the identification process, comprise the complete decision‐order taxonomy developed in this paper. While applying the decision‐order taxonomy to an actual decision problem, insights are exposed which will guide the decision maker toward appropriate solution methodologies.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical foundation developed can be used to promote future research in decision classification. By providing a theoretically derived model, rich opportunities to test the taxonomy empirically are offered. Researchers are also given a foundation upon which they can build interdisciplinary decision models.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the decision‐order taxonomy provides a new paradigm for communicating decision problems across disciplinary boundaries. The taxonomy also provides guidance to the practitioner as they search for appropriate solution methodologies in unfamiliar disciplines.

Originality/value

The establishment of a useful decision‐problem taxonomy is a significant contribution to understanding the multidimensional interdisciplinary nature of real world decision problems. The original classifications will promote cross disciplinary communication, a central element in business success.
An artificial neural network application to fault detection of a rotor bearing system
Authors: Taplak Hamdi , Uzmay İbrahim , Yıldırım Şahin
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To improve the application neural networks predictors on bearing systems and to investigate the exact neural model of the ball‐bearing system.

Design/methodology/approach

A feed forward neural network is designed to model‐bearing system. Two results are compared for finding the exact model of the system.

Findings

The results of the proposed neural network predictor gives superior performance for analysing the behaviour of ball bearing undergoing loading deformation.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the proposed neural network exactly follows desired results of the system. Neural network predictor can be employed in practical applications.

Practical implications

As theoretical and practical study is evaluated together, it is hoped that ball‐bearing designers and researchers will obtain significant results in this area.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified research results need and offers practical investigation for an academic career and research. Also, It should be very helpful for industrial application of ball‐bearing systems.
Tensile properties of HVOF sprayed Inconel 625 coatings subjected aqueous corrosion
Authors: Boudi A. , Hashmi M.S.J. , Yilbas B.S.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To examine the tensile properties of high velocity oxy‐fuel (HVOF) sprayed Inconel 625 coating of steel substrate before and after the aqueous corrosion.

Design/methodology/approach

Workpieces were cut from steel sheets. After chemical and ultrasonic cleaning, workpiece surfaces were sand blasted and HVOF sprayed Inconel 625 coated. The coated and un‐coated surfaces were subjected to the aqueous corrosion tests for one and three weeks. After the completion of the corrosion tests, tensile properties of the workpieces were examined.

Findings

The workpieces subjected to a three weeks static corrosion environment fail at a lower load than the untreated workpiece due to high stiffness. The defect sites in the coating and at the interface act as stress risers and contribute substantially crack initiation and propagation in the coating. Under increasing tensile load in the plastic region, the substrate material can no longer support the coating. This results in extended cracking and gradually spalling of the coat. When the local critical stress for crack propagation is reached, elongated cracks occur, which in turn initiates splitting separation between the adjacent zones in the coating. The shear deformation of the adjusted zones results in the total failures of the coating.

Research limitations/implications

The tests can be extended to include the duplex treated workpieces such as the laser treatment of surface after HVOF sprayed coating. This enhances the bonding of the coating through thermal integration of the coating and the base substrate material.

Practical implications

The results can be used to assess the HVOF sprayed coatings.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on mechanical behavior of HVOF sprayed coating when subjected to the tensile force and offers practical help for the researchers and scientists working in the coating area.
Interrelationship among viscosity, temperature and age of lubricant
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Mukherjee P.S. , Mishra N.M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To provide a general equation for finding out viscosity of lubricating oils at different temperatures and ages.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on previous works and a case study on field, a general equation was formulated which relates viscosity‐temperature‐age of lubricant.

Findings

The equation is very simple and a good consistency was found.

Practical implications

This equation will help the designers/manufacturers to recommend the correct grade of lubricating oil.

Originality/value

This type of relationship was never reported earlier.
Developing China's future managers: learning from the West?
Authors: Liu Shimin
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new approach towards the understanding of teacher‐student relationships in the context of management education in China, and to promote collaborative learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critiqued the current model of management education in China and highlight the reasons from a cultural and historical perspective. With examples from her teaching practices the author argued why a new teacher‐student relationship is necessary in developing China's future managers.

Findings

Creativity and innovativeness of Chinese learners can be fostered by a collaborative approach of teaching and learning.

Practical implications

Management educators in China need to challenge their deeply held assumptions about teaching and learning, and actively experiment with new approaches towards developing students' critical thinking ability and creativity rather than reinforce the established power relations between teacher and student.

Originality/value

This paper offers a new perspective towards understanding teacher‐student relationships in China which has the potential to transform both teachers and students, and to contribute to the development of a new generation of competent Chinese managers.
The fragmentation of pay determination in the British civil service
Authors: Kessler Ian , Heron Paul , Gagnon Suzanne
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to evaluate employee perceptions of pay practice in civil service executive agencies in the wake of changes in the established institutions of pay determination.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey design drawing original data from 1,057 civil servants, all members of the IPMS (now merged with EMA to form Prospectus), the union representing scientific, technical and professional occupations in the civil service.

Findings

The study distinguishes four distinctive pay practice systems. Pay satisfaction is found to be positively related to two principles: a clear effort‐reward link and an understanding of pay criteria. However, employees are more satisfied with pay when their organisational pay system accords with traditional rather than newer practices. This suggests that embedded norms continue to exert a powerful influence over employee perceptions of pay.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst the respondent profile accurately reflects those working in the scientific, professional and technical grades (predominantly male, white, full‐time workers), aspects of this profile do not accurately reflect the civil service as a whole.

Practical implications

Old habits “die hard”. A sobering message for those practitioners who readily assume that forced change in pay systems will elicit “desired” employee responses.

Originality/value

Against a backdrop of fundamental changes in the character of pay determination in the civil service, this study presents employee perceptions of pay practices, shows how they combine in ways that reflect a distinct set of pay systems and reveals the impact associated with these systems on attitudes and behaviours.
Is there more than one way to manage human resources in companies?
Authors: Melián‐González Santiago , Verano‐Tacoronte Domingo
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Most works on human resource (HR) practices assume that companies use them in the same way for the entire workforce. The objective of this work is to check whether the application of HR practices varies within organizations. To be specific, HR practices can vary depending on the importance that companies attach to the job.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the concepts of strategic value and uniqueness, four hypotheses are developed and tested by means of a survey of a sample of 735 companies.

Findings

The results of our work confirm that the internal variations in HR practices consist of the use of a more or less sophisticated approach, or more or less close to high commitment practices perspective.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not include external variables with potential influence, such as trade union power and labor regulations, which may affect determined HR practices.

Practical implications

These results may be useful in developing a realistic design of the function of HR in companies.

Originality/value

The variations that we have encountered, rather than being different configurations of practices, seem a question of positioning in a dimension in which high commitment practices and control practices are complete opposites. Results show that HR practices are not the same for all workers. There are differences, which questions the HRM proposals that do not consider possible variations in the practices within companies.
Borneo online banking: evaluating customer perceptions and behavioural intention
Authors: Guriting Petrus , Oly Ndubisi Nelson
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Adopting the technology acceptance model, this research examines the factors that determine intention to use online banking in Malaysia Borneo. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness factors are considered to be fundamental in determining the acceptance and use of various information technologies. However, these beliefs may not fully clarify behavioural intention towards newly emerging technologies, such as online banking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extends the model to include user computer experience and confidence.

Findings

The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are strong determinants of behavioural intention to adopt online banking. There is also an indirect effect of computer self‐efficacy and prior general computing experience on behavioural intention through perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use.

Research limitations/implications

the relatively small size of the sample somewhat limits generalizations.

Practical implications

Useful to banks and financial institutions planning further online sevices for their customers.

Originality/value

Extends the understanding of the technology acceptance model.
Age discrimination: legislation and human capital accumulation
Authors: Urwin Peter
Published: June 2006

Purpose

It is hard to disentangle the possible reasons for differential rates of training incidence amongst older and younger workers. While older workers are less likely to undergo employer‐financed training, many do not take up the opportunity to train. Differences in training incidence are also reflected in the extent to which formal qualifications are associated with individuals from different age groups. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the human capital explanation for these differing experiences and ask whether they can shed light on employers' apparent differential treatment of older and younger employees. In an attempt to highlight the need for additional research in this area before the introduction of legislation in October 2006, the paper proposes considering the issue of mandatory retirement within this human capital framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the relevant literature and discussion around a number of cross‐tabulations the paper discusses issues relating to age, education and training within a human capital framework.

Findings

The paper finds that, although human capital theory would seem to provide some explanation for the differential experiences of workers of different ages, when viewed from the employer perspective it is the time that an individual has left at the firm that is of importance, not their age per se.

Practical implications

Recent announcements regarding legislation on mandatory retirement ages may result in the time to retirement no longer being such a straightforward function of an individual's age. In this case “training contracts” could be used to specify the minimum time an individual needs to be employed in order that the employer can reap the returns to investment in their human capital.

Originality/value

The paper reviews issues that are relevant to policymakers, human resource practitioners, employers and employees.
Japanese organizational behavior in Nordic subsidiaries
Authors: Peltokorpi Vesa
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to fill the research gap created by predominately Anglo‐Saxon large‐scale surveys and comparative studies by providing insights of Japanese organizational behavior through the eyes of Nordic (Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical material of this paper is based on 30 semi‐structured interviews collected in Japan in 2002 and 2004.

Findings

The interviews indicate that verticality and collectivism have a prominent influence on Japanese organizational behavior. The prominent theme of verticality deviates from several Anglo‐Saxon studies focusing on collectivism.

Research limitations/implications

Similarity between interviewer and interviewees in terms of gender, nationality, and race could influence research findings. Future studies should incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Practical implications

Interviews show that it is important for expatriate managers to create synergic relations with local middle managers who are strategically located between the higher and lower organizational echelons.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to provide an empirical account of Japanese organizational behavior from the Nordic perspective. Due to the distinctive features of Nordic management, the studies conducted by Anglo‐Saxon researchers might not provide accurate insights for Nordic expatriates.
Relations, commitment and satisfaction in agency workers and permanent workers
Authors: Biggs David , Swailes Stephen
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To investigate the level of organizational commitment in agency workers compared with permanent workers by taking into account relations between the two groups.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods design was employed comprising of a quantitative survey of 157 call centre workers followed by 29 qualitative interviews with permanent workers, agency workers and employers.

Findings

Agency workers had a significantly lower level of organizational commitment compared with permanent workers once the relation between agency and permanent workers was controlled. Significant correlations were found within the sample between organizational commitment, being valued and job satisfaction further supported by a hierarchical multiple linear regression.

Research limitations/implications

As with all cross‐sectional research causality cannot be confirmed and difficulty accessing call centre workers led to a restricted sample size. The measurement of worker relations needs developing. Further research is proposed to address these limitations and extend the findings.

Practical implications

The implication for human resource management is that employers must be aware of the possible adverse influence that agency workers may have on permanent workers and as such try to incorporate agency workers within the organization to support their commitment.

Originality/value

Previous studies have found inconsistent variations in the relative organizational commitment of permanent and temporary employees; a counter‐intuitive finding given the precarious employment contract held by temporary workers. This study casts light on these results by controlling for the relation between agency workers and permanent workers.
Library associations in South Africa, 1930‐2005
Authors: Walker Clare M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to review the historical development in South Africa of library and information service associations, and to highlight events in the process that culminated in the founding in 1997 of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a general review from 1930 to the present, based on published and unpublished material and personal engagement. Some analysis of the significance of events from a current perspective is included. The paper covers the founding in 1930 of the South African Library Association, attempts in the 1960s and 1970s to achieve greater recognition for libraries by government, the transformation of SALA in 1980 into the graduate South African Institute for Library and Information Science; and, in the early 1990s and the first years of democratic rule in South Africa, the emergence of “alternative” “democratic” library and information science (LIS) associations and initiatives. Participation in the 1991‐1992 African National Congress‐based National Education Policy Initiative (NEPI) led to a number of shared LIS events in the mid‐1990s that bridged the apartheid years and prepared the ground for LIASA. The rise of other significant but smaller specialist associations and their subsequent relationship with LIASA is also described.

Findings

In addition to documenting events, this paper reveals the continuing efforts on the part of members of the LIS sector over 75 years to exercise influence on government and in the broad community. Problems identified in 1929 are still reflected in 2005.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in its use of unpublished ephemeral records and the use and consolidation of information in scattered and previously unused published sources.
CILIP: a twenty‐first century association for the information profession?
Authors: Broady‐Preston Judith
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role, purpose and effectiveness of CILIP in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a review of key issues in relation to the library and information profession in the UK based on available documentary evidence.

Findings

The paper establishes an evaluative framework for assessing the concept of professionalism, and the role of professional associations, in relation to the contemporary library and information profession. It discusses the work of CILIP post‐2002, and assesses the extent to which it meets the criteria for a successful professional association. The paper concludes that, whilst CILIP has a number of useful strategies in place, it is too early to evaluate its long‐term prospects.

Originality/value

This review is a useful source of information in assessing the contemporary role of professional associations.
Te Wero: the challenge to reposition a library association
Authors: Garraway John
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper comments on the future of professional associations for librarianship and information management as it applies in the New Zealand context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a concise overview of the history and activities of LIANZA and relates these to the Association's current direction.

Findings

In 2003 LIANZA reviewed its strategic direction in response to static growth in membership. Subsequent decisions and actions have resulted in growth and a positive outlook for 2010 when the Association will celebrate its centenary.

Practical implications

Falling membership and a reduction in number of associations indicates that interest in professional associations is waning. This article discusses recent efforts made by LIANZA to reverse this trend and reinvent itself for relevance in the twenty‐first century.

Originality/value

This article is a case study by the current LIANZA president, reflecting on changes implemented by the Association since he joined the LIANZA National Council.
A united voice: library associations' challenge for the future in Finland
Authors: Karhula Päivikki
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of library associations in Finland, which is unique in that there are four library associations within a common infrastructure established by the National Library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at all four library associations in Finland.

Findings

The paper finds that the associations have become part of a nationally connected series of projects and are working to create more commitment from the professionals who either make or break the associations.

Originality/value

As a model Finland's library associations have many lessons to offer into the future.
Leadership development: does it make a difference?
Authors: Boaden Ruth J.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the impact of a leadership development programme provided for, and funded by, the NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

It analyses the context, process of delivery and outcomes of the programme in the light of relevant leadership research. The programme itself is described after some consideration of the literature. Although the programme was originally commissioned by the NHS Leadership Centre for Human Resource (HR) professionals from the NHS, it is now offered to any aspiring or newly‐appointed director, and aims (amongst other things) to enable NHS staff to manage people more effectively within the context of change.

Findings

The paper concludes that the programme has, to date, been successful in impacting on personal and organisational contribution, as far as individual participants, commissioners and providers are concerned, and as far as can be measured within current understanding.

Originality/value

The programme fits well with the most recent typologies of leadership development.
Employee expectancies for six sigma success
Authors: Kreisler Buch Kim , Tolentino Anna
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test two common assumptions underlying the success of total quality management (TQM): that change occurs as training imparts new knowledge needed by employees to effectively participate in the intervention, and that employees then receive the organizational support needed to translate this knowledge into new job behaviors and organizational practices that define the intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was completed by 216 employees of a large US company 15 months after the implementation of a Fsix sigma quality improvement program. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which they had the skills and resources needed for successful participation in six sigma (success expectancies).

Findings

Results showed that employees as a group had low expectancies for both skills and resources, but that expectancies were significantly higher for program participants than for non‐participants.

Research limitations/implications

The primary implication of this finding for change agents is the need to examine and understand employee expectancies for success and how they are affected by training and ongoing participation. Monitoring employee expectancy beliefs regarding the confidence, knowledge, and resources needed for successful participation allows training, facilitation, and oversight to be targeted in terms of who needs what and when.

Originality/value

This study tests two common assumptions underlying the success of TQM.