bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What prompts firms to choose between business and geographic segments as a primary segment?
Authors: Talha Mohammad , Sallehhuddin Abdullah Salim Abdullah
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate what causes a firm to choose between a business segment and a geographic segment as a primary segment for its segmental information disclosure. It seeks to examine Malaysian firms' experiences as they disclose segmental information under the new accounting standard known as FRS 114, Segment Reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper involves 374 Malaysian public‐listed companies which disclosed segmental information in their 2006 annual reports. Four hypotheses are developed to examine the influence of these five factors, namely the size of the company, listing status, financial leverage, financial performance, and industrial membership. The non‐parametric test is employed to test the formulated hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal two important outcomes: first, size of company, financial performance, and industrial membership are significantly associated with the choice of a primary segment; and financial leverage of a company and listing status are not significantly associated with the choice of a primary segment.

Research limitations/implications

The limited number in the sample and inherent segmental reporting problems present limitations.

Practical implications

The paper implies extensive auditing work as the new standard requires more extensive disclosure for the primary segment, although the standard allows the adoption of primary segment reporting at management's discretion.

Originality/value

The paper's value lies in determining what motivates a company to disclose a business segment or a geographic segment as its primary segmental reporting basis.
Tagging and automation: challenges and opportunities for academic libraries
Authors: Eckert Kai , Hänger Christian , Niemann Christof
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare and examine the quality of the results of tagging, and intellectual and automated indexing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of analysis and graphical representation of annotation sets using the software “Semtinel”.

Findings

A combination of tagging, intellectual and automatic indexing is probably best suited to shape the annotation of literature more efficiently without compromising quality.

Originality/value

The paper presents the open source software Semtinel, offering a highly optimized toolbox for analysing thesauri and classifications.
Outsourcing information services
Authors: Petry‐Eberle Anne , Bieg Monika
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the systematic redevelopment of a Corporate Information Center's strategy, with particular focus on the aspect of outsourcing services. This aspect is emphasised, because it is the only way to realise a new business model without an increase in resources.

Design/methodology/approach

There is a description of which services have been outsourced, while it is also made clear which activities related to the creation of processes and their supervision have remained in the company's internal Information Center, and how they are changing as time goes on. The licensing of information sources from external aggregators is viewed in the context of outsourcing, as is the latest development in Vendor Portfolio Management.

Findings

After the transformation of the classic spectrum of library services into the strategically created portfolio of an Online Information Center, the core tasks at the forefront are those which anchor the Information Center in the corporation of which it is a part, and which perfectly combine the interests of the corporation with the use of information industry competencies through cooperation and partnership with service providers.

Originality/value

The case study demonstrates how, and for what purpose, information industry competencies can be used in an Online Information Center. Even with limited resources, the skilful use of outsourcing solutions makes possible the redevelopment of strategy and therefore change.
AAAS 2009 annual meeting: our planet and its life: origins and future
Authors: Mihram Danielle , Arthur Mihram G.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The aim is to report on the 175th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), held in February 2009 in Chicago.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a concise review of the conference, whose theme was Our Planet and Its Life: Origins and Futures.

Findings

Not surprisingly, because of the primary focus on Darwin and the ecology of the earth, there were few symposia that concentrated on the application of technology outside of the Life Sciences and of the Earth Sciences. However, in view of the current evolution of “cloud computing” and the formation of “mega grids,” there were two symposia devoted to these topics.

Originality/value

The paper is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
Library information and communication technology in Nigerian universities
Authors: Anie Sylvester O. , Achugbue Edwin I.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This study aims to examine the current state of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policies in the provision and utilization of library services and resources.

Design

The population of the study consisted of all the Federal Universities of Nigeria. Out of the 80 questionnaires administered 36 (45 per cent) were answered and returned to the researcher.

Findings

The results revealed that most Nigerian Universities have not adopted library ICT policies, and where the policies have been adopted and implemented, the libraries are faced with various constraints.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the current situation regarding ICT policies in Nigeria.
New work spaces: wikis for cataloging collaborations
Authors: Mincic‐Obradovic Ksenija
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe how tools like wikis can be used to improve collaboration and communication in project‐based teams and general work groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the last few years a number of wikis have been used by New Zealand libraries for cataloging related purposes – two as project management tools, one as a repository for project documentation, one as a national knowledge repository, and one as a local institution‐based knowledge repository. The paper examines both positive and negative aspects of using wiki technology in this environment.

Findings

Wikis prove to be very efficient project management and knowledge management systems. Information can be shared very quickly, efficiency of communication increases, and team productivity is higher. In all described cases a free and open source platform was chosen. Externally hosted solutions were preferred because they enable wikis to be immediately available for use. They are also easier to edit, and there is no need for local IT support. There remain concerns about disaster recovery and the long term preservation of documentation.

Originality/value

Experiences such as the ones presented in this paper can encourage other librarians to explore how new technologies can be used in their work environment.
E‐books at BookExpo in New York
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann , Mercado Marina I.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on The 2009 BookExpo conference and exhibit, held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, May 29‐31.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive report.

Findings

It was noted at the exhibit that publishers preferred to promote their actual books rather than their e‐books. All kinds of publishers offer e‐books, including university presses and scholarly and technical publishers.

Originality/value

The Bookexpo 2009 is of particular interest to libraries intending to examine their collection development policies and make decisions about purchasing e‐book titles for their collections.
QQML 2009 International Conference: “Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries”
Authors: Welsh Teresa
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This review reports on the first Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries International Conference held in Chania, Crete, Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach is anthropological participant observation.

Findings

Approximately 150 attendees from 50 different countries participated and exchanged ideas, methodologies, and techniques related to library research.

Practical implications

Presentation of research related to various types of libraries is a way to disseminate research results as well as promote and stimulate further research.

Originality/value

There is a need to expand the body of both qualitative and quantitative LIS research related to library research, particularly the evaluation of library services.
An examination of the pay policy line in New Jersey libraries
Authors: Priestly Beatrice
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Over time, management theory has shaped the structure of libraries. No matter the current view of management by matrix, when it comes to library organizations, there is always going to be a hierarchical structure. The object then is for transparency to be in place, and a recognized sense of fairness and equality. This study aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the concepts of the literature on management and organization theory, and details the literature on valuing human capital and its recent application to knowledge management work. It then discusses how the literature and its deployment over the years have resulted in the formation of pay policies, and shows the application of Fay Hensen's predictive validity testing to the pay policy line in the field of libraries through the study of the New Jersey Library Association'sGuidelines for Minimum Recommended Starting Salaries for Library Stafffrom the years 2007 and 2008.

Findings

By measuring for internal job values at libraries through one or more of the measures discussed here, one can arrive at an analysis of the pay policy of the institution. Using trendline analysis, the paper was able to calculate just what the value, worth or salary of the positions should be in order to have a predictive, orderly, hierarchical representation of salaries within the library organization structure.

Originality/value

By measuring for internal consistency in job values at libraries, one can be assured that there are fair demarcations among positions, and yield consistent expectations which are transparent to employees, who will then know what must be done to advance within the organization. A consistent organizational structure, with clearly delineated jobs and equal compensation lets a library know where it stands and where it needs to go from there. By periodically creating a pay policy line study for the organization, human resources personnel can make executives aware of how they may or may not have strayed from balance in fairness and transparent compensation.
The fiscal wonders of technology
Authors: Steele Kirstin
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider how – or whether – advancing technologies might affect library budgets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper represents a viewpoint.

Findings

It was found that less quantifiable factors complicate calculations.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to investigate the factors contributing to a library's place on the innovation curve: campus/community factors, individual movers and shakers, what else?

Practical implications

Given the changes during the last 20 years, the expressed opinion here is that the library world in 2029 will be vastly different from today.

Originality/value

The paper provides an opportunity to speculate about the future.
Being diplomatic
Authors: Linn Mott
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that when managing strategically it is important for leaders to use diplomacy to collaborate with other units within the parent organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate how one can use diplomatic skills to improve the library.

Findings

It is helpful for library directors to use diplomacy when interacting with other units.

Practical implications

The paper provides one point of view that should be considered when a leader contemplates what actions to take.

Originality/value

The paper will help librarians better manage their libraries by considering how to create alliances with other units.
Inviting the donor to give
Authors: Silverman Emily
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for communicating library needs and opportunities to prospective donors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses and gives examples of outreach communications that can inspire support.

Findings

The paper proposes that fundraising opportunities can be communicated and enhanced through a variety of methods.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in its suggestions for promoting the library's needs and opportunities through external communication means.
Making the mainstream
Authors: Bisman Jayne , Liao Weini
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an analysis of 137 articles concerning accounting in the People's Republic of China (PRC) published in 25 of the mainstream English language accounting journals from 1999 to 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the tradition of bibliometric evaluation of literature in scholarly accounting journals, a content analysis is undertaken of the journal articles to identify and evaluate a range of features and trends in relation to publication outlets, authorship, research design and methods and subject matter.

Findings

While prior studies have suggested the literature on accounting in the PRC is relatively immature, the analysis reveals an increased sophistication in relation to the subject matter, research paradigms and methods and characteristics of authorship of this literature within mainstream accounting journals.

Research limitations/implications

Since a sample of only 25 mainstream international accounting journals is utilised, there remains obvious potential for examining the literature published in other types and other rankings of journals.

Practical implications

Results of the analysis reveal apparent scope for researchers of accounting in China to investigate a broader range of topics, utilise an extended panoply of research perspectives and methods, and encourage new and emerging researchers to the area.

Originality/value

The paper represents a follow‐up to an earlier study on the topic, providing comparisons and contrasts with that earlier work. Further, the current review also explores significant issues arising from the analysis and provides several suggestions for furthering the research effort in this field.
Can retail bank‐client relationships be developed online?
Authors: Ioannou Myria , Zolkiewski Judy
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The intangible nature of banking services enables financial institutions to deliver them through electronic channels. In addition, the interactive and continuous nature of banking services is conducive to relationship development. It would, therefore, be beneficial for the dyad to build exchange relationships online. This exploratory research investigates the effect of e‐banking on the development of retail relationships in Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The perspective of both sides of the dyad is incorporated through face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews. The empirical base used is the Cypriot retail banking sector.

Findings

The findings suggest that in the specific context, e‐banking has a significant impact on relationship development, especially at the first stages of the developmental process, but it cannot substitute the other delivery channels.

Research limitations/implications

In view of the contextuality of exchange relationships, it is recognised that the results may be context‐specific and as such, future research should investigate the impact of online delivery systems in alternative cultures and service settings.

Practical implications

The findings create a number of managerial implications, including the need for banks to invest both in e‐platforms and in the development of their employees, as well as the need to systematically appraise customer relationships.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to both academics and practitioners as it addresses the pressing need to investigate exchange relationships using a processual perspective and offers insights into the developmental process of Cypriot retail bank‐client relationships.
Occupier perceptions of green workplace environment: the Australian experience
Authors: Kato Hikari , Too Linda , Rask Ann
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the perceptions by occupiers of green workplace environments. It examines how occupiers (both management and employees) perceive and evaluate the role of green workplace environments, and subsequently assesses the effectiveness of a green workplace environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on a data set derived from a survey of 128 respondents who have occupied Green Building Council Australia's Green Star‐rated offices and buildings for more than 12 months.

Findings

The findings suggest that green workplace offers greater psychological benefits (taking pride of the workplace environment) to occupiers than physical improvements (health and productivity gains). Further, management perceived greater benefits of green workplace compared to employees.

Research limitations/implications

This paper summarises the findings of the first phase of a longitudinal study. It is limited at this stage by a relatively small data sample, given that there are only a limited number of Green Star‐rated buildings that have been in operation for more than 12 months at this stage of data collection. However, the survey has a 36 per cent response rate and thus provides reasonable scope for generalisation of the findings.

Practical implications

The results are useful to building owners and employers who need to be more aware of probable outcomes in terms of employee workplace satisfaction, and areas that may require particular attention in transitioning to green workplaces. The results are also useful to managers by highlighting areas of perceived deficiency in green workplaces and ensuring a more targeted effort in meeting the needs and expectations of employees.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical findings of the strengths and weaknesses of a relatively new concept, i.e. the green workplace. The findings from the Australian experience serves as a good benchmark for future similar studies.
IFLA, sustainability and impact assessment
Authors: Bradley Fiona
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to talk briefly about IFLA's experiences with funders' evaluation requirements and the difficulties of finding an evaluation methodology that is appropriate for the type of international activities IFLA engages in.

Design/methodology/approach

This review is based on IFLA's decision to increase the emphasis on evaluating the impact of its activities, especially through the use of impact assessment. The method was used as a trial in 2009 to evaluate FAIFE's activities.

Findings

This paper discusses the need for success stories and best practice in IFLA's advocacy work, and suggests that impact assessment offers a way to show the real value of library work to key partners and stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper presents an overview of current thinking and progress in IFLA.
Gender and publication output of librarians in Edo and Delta State university libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Baro Emmanuel E. , Oni Osaheni , Onyenania George O.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This study aims to ascertain gender differences in librarians’ publication output in Nigerian university libraries; to spotlight the benefits librarians derive from publication, and to identify the problems encountered by librarians in their publication efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a descriptive survey method supported by a questionnaire. The population of the study consisted of a focus group made up of a total number of 55 academic librarians from five university libraries in Edo and Delta States. The researchers also engaged both male and female academics in the various institutions using a semi‐structured interview.

Findings

It was revealed that male librarians publish more than their female counterparts. The interview responses also revealed that female academics noted family responsibilities as a major factor hindering them from publishing equally as their male counterparts. It was discovered that male and female librarians in the university libraries investigated publish their works mostly in the African continent, and enumerated promotion/career advancement, contribution to knowledge, personal and institutional prestige as the major benefits librarians derive from publication.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the study will help librarians to see the advantages in publishing in order to improve promotion prospects and advance in their careers. The findings of the study will also be useful in making library management and the university authorities aware of the need to enable improved conditions to support research and publication by librarians.
E‐government evolution in EU local governments: a comparative perspective
Authors: Pina Vicente , Torres Lourdes , Royo Sonia
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an empirical study of the advances and trends of e‐government in transparency, openness and hence accountability in European Union (EU) local governments to determine the extent to which the internet promotes the convergence towards more transparent and accountable government. The paper also tests the extent to which different factors related to the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the number of inhabitants and the type of public administration style have influenced e‐government developments in the cities studied.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive content analysis of 75 local government web sites was conducted using a 73‐item evaluation questionnaire. The evaluations were performed in 2004 and 2007 and 15 EU countries were covered (five per country). To analyse the evolution of e‐government, several techniques were used: tests of difference of means, multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. The contribution of the different contextual factors to the development of government web sites was tested with OLS regression analysis.

Findings

The results show noticeable progress in the application of ICTs and increasing EU local government concern for bringing government closer to citizens and for giving an image of modernity and responsiveness, although few web sites show clear signs of real openness to encouraging citizen dialogue. The evolution of the e‐government initiatives analysed shows that, at present, they are still overlapped with the public administration style of each country as an extension of traditional front offices with potential benefits in speed and accessibility.

Originality/value

Although a growing number of e‐government studies are appearing, previous research has not analysed the evolution of EU local governments from a comparative perspective.
Do the third‐country effect and economic integration matter for Intra‐ASEAN FDI?
Authors: Uttama Nathapornpan
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore theoretical predictions and empirical investigation with respect to bilateral and third‐country determinants of Intra‐Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Direct Investment (ASEAN FDI).

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, the augmented knowledge‐capital model of Baltagi et al. is refined by additionally assuming the presence of tariffs and economic integration. Subsequently, the theoretical predictions are hypothesized to be driven by numerical simulation of a derived general equilibrium model. Afterwards, bilateral and third‐country characteristics and economic integration influencing FDI in ASEAN are investigated using a spatial panel data technique, namely maximum likelihood estimator.

Findings

Using data on ASEAN inward FDI stock over the period of 1995‐2006, the results indicate that third‐country effect and economic integration are significant determinants of Intra‐ASEAN FDI. In addition, vertical FDI is proved to be the most effective investment strategy.

Practical implications

Some policy implications of investment policy and legislation in ASEAN economies are also provided. It is suggested that ASEAN investment policies should pay attention to how to enhance vertical FDI rather than the others.

Originality/value

The paper is useful to advance the theory of multinational enterprises. It assists Intra‐ASEAN investors for tracking FDI and location decisions in ASEAN countries.
The outplacement of placement agents? SEC proposes new “pay‐to‐play” rules
Authors: Rabitz Steven W. , Holob Marissa J.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the SEC's proposed new rules under the Advisers Act that would prohibit making or receiving various types of payments and political contributions that could be construed as direct or indirect efforts to win investment advisory business from government entities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the proposed rules, provides interpretive comments, and explains the background and motivation for the rules.

Findings

The proposed rules are aimed at over $2.2 trillion of assets in public pension plans. The SEC's action comes after a number of widely publicized pay‐to‐play scandals. However, some state systems have affirmatively decided not to ban placement agents, one of them affirming that placement agents can provide a useful service.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical interpretation and guidance from experienced employee benefits and executive compensation practice lawyers.
Joint DOL and SEC hearing on target‐date funds
Authors: Camillo Susan M. , Robertson Robert A. , Ziga Kathleen , Paulson Egbert Karl J. , Patel Alpa
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the results of a June 18, 2009 Joint US Department of Labor‐Securities and Exchange Commission hearing regarding Target Funds as investment options for individual and company‐sponsored retirement plans.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the background of Target Funds, the meaning of “target” dates and “glide paths,” the popularity of Target Funds with investors, recent losses suffered by Target Funds, areas of confusion among investors and plan sponsors such as fund naming conventions and differing target date strategies, asset allocation strategies, and glide paths; improvements in disclosure that are needed; possible problems with proprietary funds; and the prospects for new SEC and DOL regulations.

Findings

Given the extensive use of Target Funds as an investment option in retirement plans, particularly as a safe harbor “default” option, the SEC and DOL are expected to promulgate regulations governing some aspects of Target Funds, in order to protect investors by providing greater disclosure, especially regarding the glide path.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance by experienced employee benefits, executive compensation, financial services and private funds lawyers.
FSA publishes final Code of Practice on policies relating to remuneration of personnel at FSA regulated firms: financial services alert
Authors: Morgan Philip J. , Robson Neil Nick
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) Policy Statement 09/15, Reforming Remuneration Practices in Financial Services, (the “Code”) which requires certain large banks, building societies and broker‐dealers in the UK to establish, implement and maintain remuneration policies that are consistent with and promote effective risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the background to the Code, including the FSA's views on bonuses and remuneration; describes the characteristics of the approximately 26 large firms to which the Code will apply; discusses the Code's principles concerning remuneration; details the timing of the key steps for implementation of the Code; explains information on remuneration firms must provide to the FSA; and discusses the FSA's plans for follow‐up.

Practical implications

The FSA is likely to publish similar remuneration guidelines that will extend to all FSA‐authorized firms.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers; a possible bellwether of future similar policies from financial regulators in other countries.
Performance characteristics of location‐based group membership and data consistency algorithms in mobilead hocnetworks
Authors: Wilson Jeffery W. , Chen I.R.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Many applications of mobilead hocnetworks require real‐time data consistency among moving nodes within a geographical area of interest to function correctly, such as those that support disaster recovery and battlefield command and control. While it is operationally desirable to maintain data consistency among nodes within a large geographical area, the time and network resources required to propagate state changes to all nodes place practical limits on network size. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the notion of location‐based data consistency in mobilead hocnetworks, and analyzes the tradeoff between data consistency and timeliness of data exchange among nodes within a location‐based group in a geographical area of interest.

Findings

Using a Petri net performance model, performance characteristics of location‐based data consistency maintenance algorithms are analyzed and design conditions under which the system can tradeoff consistency for timeliness (reflecting the response time to propagate a state change) while satisfying the imposed data consistency requirement, when given a set of parameters characterizing the application in the underlying mobilead hocnetwork are identified.

Originality/value

The system designer can deploy the optimal area size identified in the analysis for maximizing membership and data consistency based on the “I am alive” beaconing interval used at runtime while satisfying the response time requirement for propagating a state change.
The effects of the number of neighbors in multihop wireless networks
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Maxemchuk N.F.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

In multihop wireless networks, the number of neighbors has an important role in the network performance since links are dynamically formed between a node and its neighbors. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper quantitatively studies the effects of the average number of neighbors in multihop wireless networks on the network connectivity, the number of hops needed to traverse a certain distance, which can be used to determine the hop diameter of a network, and the total energy consumed by packet transmission, which can be used to choose an optimum average number of neighbors that minimizes the energy consumption. This paper also presents an analysis of the energy consumption that can be applied to a wide range of access protocols and show the effect of a variety of factors.

Findings

Results show that the minimum average number of neighbors to guarantee the overall network connectivity depends on the size of a network coverage. There is a sharp knee in the network connectivity with decrease of the average number of neighbors, N. If the distance between a source and destination, d, is known, the number of hops needed to reach the destination is usually between d/R∼2d/R, where R is the transmission range. A larger average number of neighbors N leads to a smaller number of hops to traverse a certain distance, which in turn results in a smaller traffic load caused by relaying packets. However, a bigger N also causes more collisions when a contention medium access scheme is used, which leads to more energy consumed by packet transmission. The results show that the optimum N which minimizes the energy is obtained by balancing several factors affecting the energy.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful study on the effects of the number of neighbors in multihop wireless networks.
Schema‐level access control policies for XML documents
Authors: Müldner Tomasz , Leighton Gregory , Krzysztof Miziołek Jan
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the secure publishing of XML documents, where a single copy of an XML document is disseminated and a stated role‐based access control policy (RBACP) is enforced via selective encryption. It describes a more efficient solution over previously proposed approaches, in which both policy specification and key generation are performed once, at the schema‐level. In lieu of the commonly used super‐encryption technique, in which nodes residing in the intersection of multiple roles are encrypted with multiple keys, it describes a new approach called multi‐encryption that guarantees each node is encrypted at most once.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes two alternative algorithms for key generation and single‐pass algorithms for multi‐encrypting and decrypting a document. The solution typically results in a smaller number of keys being distributed to each user.

Findings

The paper proves the correctness of the presented algorithms, and provides experimental results indicating the superiority of multi‐encryption over super‐encryption, in terms of encryption and decryption time requirements. It also demonstrates the scalability of the approach as the size of the input document and complexity of the schema‐level RBACP are increased.

Research limitations/implications

An extension of this work involves designing and implementing re‐usability of keyrings when a schema or ACP is modified. In addition, more flexible solutions for handling cycles in schema graphs are possible. The current solution encounters difficulty when schema graphs are particularly deep and broad.

Practical implications

The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach is scalable, and is applicable to scenarios in which XML documents conforming to a common schema are to be securely published.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the efficient implementation of secure XML publication systems.
Organizational rationality and project management
Authors: Andersen Erling S. , Dysvik Anders , Live Vaagaasar Anne
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Does the organizational culture of the base organization affect the way its projects are carried out? The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between one aspect of organizational culture, namely the formal rationality of the base organization and how projects are approached. The concept of McDonaldization is used to describe formal rationality; it covers four aspects: efficiency, predictability, calculability and control. Two types of approaches (here called project perspectives) to project management are studied: the task perspective (focus on a clearly defined endeavour from the start of the project) and the organizational perspective (focus on supporting the base organization in its change efforts). The relationship between formal rationality of the base organization and choice of project perspective is revealed.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical study based on a survey of 164 managers.

Findings

The paper shows that the degree of formal organizational rationality affects choice of project perspective: the more rational the base organization, the more dominant the task perspective. The size of the project is of significance, telling us that, in general, larger projects are less task‐ oriented than smaller and medium‐ sized, everything else being equal.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies may be of interest to reveal the relationship between organizational culture of the base organization and project management. Better operationalizations of the constructs of rationality and project perspective are presented, which opens up for further studies on the relationship between rationality and project management.

Practical implications

It is important for managers to know that the way the project work is approached is affected by the organizational rationality of the base organization.

Originality/value

The paper shows the importance of the organizational culture of the base organization, especially the degree of formal rationality, for how project work is done. It presents new operationalizations of formal rationality and project perspective to make way for further studies on the relationship between organizational rationality and project management.
Gender differences in work experiences and satisfactions of Norwegian oil rig workers
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Berge Matthiesen Stig , Einarsen Stale , Fiskenbaum Lisa , Soiland Vibeke
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The present study sets out to compare women (N=24) and men (N=613) working on Norwegian oil rigs in the North Sea on work experiences, work satisfaction, perception of safety attitudes and safety climate, and psychological health.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using questionnaires from 1,022 women and men, a 59 percent response rate. Only those respondents working in traditionally male‐dominated jobs were considered.

Findings

Few differences were observed, suggesting that those women that continue in this occupation compare favorably with their male colleagues.

Research limitations/implications

The findings should be considered tentative, given the small number of women taking part in the study.

Practical implications

For the past three decades, women were encouraged and supported to enter non‐traditional occupations (NTOs). NTOs were occupations that have traditionally been male‐dominated. Only modest inroads have been made by females during this time. Women in NTOs typically report work experiences reflecting unique challenges, most resulting from the gender culture of their workplace and findings show that women that survive in these jobs report similar experiences to those of their male colleagues.

Originality/value

The paper adds to one's knowledge of women's experiences in non‐traditional jobs.
Gender differences in involuntary job loss and the reemployment experience
Authors: Zikic Jelena , Burke Ronald J. , Fiksenbaum Lisa
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The study seeks to compare the experiences of job loss and reemployment experiences among female and male higher level managers and professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares data collected at two periods in time from (n=120) females and (n=184) males who completed two self‐report questionnaires.

Findings

Relatively few gender differences were observed in the present study. The fact that females and males experienced the job loss and re‐employment process similarly was interpreted as a sign of progress. Main differences were found in networking and personality types, with men being more successful in networking and less agreeable types.

Research limitations/implications

This is a self‐report study and somewhat smaller sample at time two. Secondly, some of the findings may not generalize to those outside of outplacement.

Practical implications

Outplacement services may use these findings in guiding their counseling practice and focusing more on helping female executives in their networking efforts for example.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the gender literature by looking at experience of job loss and reemployment for a particular and rarely examined group of individuals. It offers new knowledge on gender differences among executives and higher level managers.
Still a man's world
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Koyuncu Mustafa , Fiksenbaum Lisa
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Although qualified women are entering professional and managerial ranks within organizations, they continue to have difficulties in advancing their careers. It has been suggested that the biggest obstacle to women's career advancement lies in the attitudes, biases and prejudices of their male colleagues and their organizational cultures. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of perceptions of organizational bias among managerial and professional women and their work satisfactions and levels of psychological well‐being.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 215 women, a 67 percent response rate, using anonymously completed questionnaires. Respondents worked for a large Turkish bank that had offices in several cities.

Findings

Women reporting greater perceptions of bias indicated less job satisfaction, lower levels of work engagement and higher levels of job stress; perceptions of bias were not related to intentions to quit however. In addition, women reporting greater perceptions of organizational bias indicated higher levels of exhaustion but these perceptions were unrelated to levels of self‐reported psychosomatic symptoms. Interestingly, more educated women reported higher levels of perceived organizational bias.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for women's job performance and career advancement as well as suggestions for addressing potential gender bias are offered.

Originality/value

The paper adds to knowledge about the work and career experiences of women in Turkey and the challenges they face.
Translating a management concept: diversity management in Denmark
Authors: Risberg Annette , Søderberg Anne‐Marie
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how the concept of diversity management is translated and adapted into the Danish societal context. The authors therefore seek to answer these questions: to what extent do larger Danish companies experience a need to practice diversity management? Do they also have specific diversity policies? And how do these Danish companies discursively construct and manage diversity?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 100 Danish firms and performed a discourse analysis of two frontrunner firms' diversity documents.

Findings

The Danish firms in the survey experienced a need for diversity management, but were somewhat reluctant to introduce diversity policies. The two frontrunner firms drew on a discourse of diversity as a business case intertwined with a discourse of social responsibility with focus on helping minority groups having difficulties accessing the job market. The findings indicate that concepts must be translated for the local context in order to be accepted by local actors.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies should look closer into local practices of diversity management to increase understanding of how this seemingly universal management concept is translated.

Originality/value

Danish society, which until recently was relatively homogeneous, forms a specific cultural context for diversity management that differs significantly from American and British multicultural societies.
Men, masculinities and flexible work in local government
Authors: Pini Barbara , McDonald Paula
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the strongly entrenched connection between hegemonic masculinity and participation in full‐time employment. It subsequently examines the extent to which male flexible workers in local government represent a challenge to this orthodoxy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on findings from interviews with 12 men and 13 women undertaking flexible work in a local government authority in Australia.

Findings

It was found that while two of the male flexible workers articulate alternative discourses of masculine subjectivity dissociated from participation in full‐time work, the remainder demonstrate the continued centrality of a full‐time presence in the workplace to hegemonic masculinity.

Originality/value

This paper argues that these findings are indicative of the continued dominance of masculinities in local government organisations.
Gender differences in work experiences, satisfactions and wellbeing among physicians in Turkey
Authors: Burke Ronald , Koyuncu Mustafa , Fiksenbaum Lisa
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences in work experiences, satisfactions and psychological health among physicians in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 237 male and 194 female physicians using an anonymously completed questionnaire. Measures included personal demographic and work situation characteristics, stable individual difference factors (e.g. workaholism components, Type A behavior, optimism), job behaviors (e.g. perfectionism, hours worked), work and extra‐work satisfactions, indicators of work engagement, and psychological wellbeing.

Findings

There were few differences in personal demographic and work situation characteristics. Female physicians had less professional tenure and worked fewer hours and extra‐hours per week. Female and male physicians were similar on stable individual difference factors, job behaviors, work outcomes, extra‐work satisfactions and psychological wellbeing, with a few exceptions. Female physicians reported more work‐family conflict and more psychosomatic symptoms and tended to be absent more.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires raising the possibility of response set tendencies. It is also not clear to what extent these findings generalize to male and female physicians in other countries.

Originality/value

Despite previous studies showing considerable gender differences in the work experiences and wellbeing of female and male physicians in other countries, female and male physicians in Turkey reported generally similar job behaviors, satisfactions, quality of life and emotional wellbeing. This suggests that an emphasis on gender similarities rather than gender differences might be warranted.
The International Marketing of Cyprus Wines: A Case Example — The UK Market
Authors: Morgan Robert E. , Sarris Georgios
Published: December 2009

Collectively, Cypriot wine‐producing firms have been unsuccessfully pursuing a strategy of market penetration in the UK for some time. Attempts to investigate and explain the reasons for the failure of this strategy via an interface‐exchange approach to the study, operationalized around key actors and forces within the international marketing system for Cyprus wines. This empirical approach provides data from a study of purchasing executives in UK wine retailing organizations, as well as qualitative material from a field investigation in Cyprus. Implicit within the study has been an advocacy which focuses on the consideration and implementation of a marketing ideology within the marketing system. Even though the authors are well aware that the successful implementation of the marketing concept is not a panacea for the current problems of Cyprus wineries, it nevertheless provides a framework on which to formulate offensive strategies and competitive manoeuvres in the UK market for wine.