bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social responsibility in Spain
Authors: Prado‐Lorenzo José‐Manuel , Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Rodríguez‐Domínguez Luis
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse CSR practices implemented by Spanish companies and the relationship between such practices and corporate financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis carried out was performed in two phases or stages: analysis of the data obtained through content analysis; and analysis of the motivations behind CSR practices using a dependency model, multiple linear regression, enabling their effect on corporate performance to be explained. Several control variables were introduced to represent the size of the companies, expressed in terms of total assets, and the industry in which the firm operates.

Findings

The paper underpins the fact that in Spain there has been a significant increase in practices favouring the reduction of environmental impact, as well as the creation of comfortable workplaces, especially promoting workers' rights. Several of these corporate practices associated with social responsibility in Spanish firms show a positive and significant impact on the rate of sales growth but there is a lack of impact on productivity or market value. Moreover, other responsible practices are not related to short‐run improvements in companies' performance.

Practical implications

The findings allow the authors to conclude that CSR practices in Spanish firms are geared towards social welfare, and that they are mainly associated with differentiation with regard to competitors and improving the company image, which lead to performance‐linked economic advantages (such as sales increases).

Originality/value

The paper has analysed corporate practices in a specific country separately (Spain) and has determined the relationship between CSR and firm performance.
Pathways to early retirement in Denmark, 1984‐2000
Authors: Larsen Mona , Pedersen Peder J.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the multitude of pathways to early exit from the labour force and to estimate how individuals allocate into different pathways out of the labour force conditional on early retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

A multinomial logit approach is used to analyse the characteristics of individuals who retire through each pathway compared to those remaining in the labour force.

Findings

Eight pathways from work to an early retirement programme are identified. Overall, availability and/or generosity of retirement programmes are important for early retirement through the employment and unemployment insurance benefit dominated pathways, while personal characteristics seem to be at least as important for early retirement through other pathways.

Research limitations/implications

An interesting approach in future work would be to gain access to health data, making it possible to build a competing risks model where some pathways are used due to health shocks and others are chosen based on economic optimisation comparing compensation rates with disutility from continued work.

Originality/value

While the dominant approach in many retirement studies is on destinations, the analytical focus in this paper is instead on how people span the period from leaving the job until entry into an early retirement programme. The period the authors study contains a policy experiment, where a programme for early retirement conditional on age and unemployment is opened and closed down again later in the period.
Age structure of the workforce and firm performance
Authors: Grund Christian , Westergaard‐Nielsen Niels
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Given the ongoing demographic change in European countries, this paper aims to explore empirically the link between age structures of employees in firms and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on theoretical considerations, the paper examines the link between both the average age and the standard deviation of employees' age and firms' value added per employee. Linked employer employee data of all private‐sector firms in Denmark with at least 20 employees is used.

Findings

A pyramidal or inverse U‐shaped interrelation is found between mean age and standard deviation of age and value added per employee, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to determine whether the results hold for different countries with other institutional environments.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to examine the link between corporate age structures and firm performance for a whole country. The paper gives insights for both academic scholars and practitioners, who may take the results into account in formulating an efficient personnel policy.
Employment dynamics of Greek married women
Authors: Demoussis Michael , Giannakopoulos Nicholas
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper investigates the employment dynamics of Greek married women.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal/panel data for the period 1995‐2001 and dynamic discrete choice models are used for estimation purposes.

Findings

It is found that the probability of being employed is influenced by observed individual characteristics (e.g. human capital, fertility and unearned income), while genuine state dependence and unobserved heterogeneity constitute major sources of observed serial persistence. The results show that lagged employment affects current employment decisions in a systematic way, and that the non‐contemporaneous effects of unearned income and fertility correlate with unobserved heterogeneity. The estimated average partial effects reveal that an employed woman int−1 has a probability of being employed intthat is almost 50 percentage points higher than for a non‐employed woman.

Practical implications

The presence of state dependence and unobserved heterogeneity imply that the bridging of the female employment gap between Greece and its EU partners is expected to follow a slow, long‐term course.

Originality/value

Greek female labour force participation has been studied only under a static analytical framework. This is the first study to investigate employment decisions of Greek married women in an inter‐temporal setting.
Intrinsic motivation for an international assignment
Authors: Haines Victor Y. , Saba Tania , Choquette Evelyne
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the motivational construct of intrinsic motivation for an international assignment relates to variables of interest in international expatriation research.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire data from 331 employed business school alumni of a high‐ranking Canadian MBA program was analyzed. The sample consisted of respondents from a wide variety of industries and occupations, with more than half of them in marketing, administration or engineering.

Findings

Higher intrinsic motivation for an international assignment was associated with greater willingness to accept an international assignment and to communicate in a foreign language. Externally driven motivation for an international assignment was associated with perceiving more difficulties associated with an international assignment. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for an international assignment were, however, associated with comparable reactions to organizational support.

Originality/value

Drawing from self‐determination theory, this study explores the distinction between authentic versus externally controlled motivations for an international assignment. It underscores the need to pay more attention to motivational constructs in selecting, coaching, and training individuals for international expatriation assignments. It extends a rich tradition of research in the area of motivation to the international assignment arena.
A trust‐based approach to promote employees' openness to organizational change in Turkey
Authors: Ertürk Alper
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of managerial communication, employee participation and trust in one's supervisor in enhancing openness to organizational change of Turkish employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a structured questionnaire. A total of 878 employees from public organizations in Turkey participated in the study. The basic postulate of this study is that trust in one's supervisor will surpass the effects of managerial communication (i.e. task communication, career communication and communication responsiveness) and employee participation as they jointly influence employees' openness to organizational change.

Findings

The results indicate that trust in one's supervisor fully mediates the relationship between managerial communication and openness to change, whereas it partially mediated the relationship between employee participation and openness to change of Turkish employees.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates that using a trust‐based approach during change initiatives could be very effective for organizations in collectivist cultures like Turkey.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by investigating the combined effects of managerial communication, employee participation and openness to organizational change on employees' openness to organizational change in a different cultural context. Managerial and theoretical implications of research findings are also discussed.
“All in the hall” or “sage on the stage”: learning in leadership development programmes
Authors: Foster Mary K. , Bell Angus Barbara , Rahinel Ryan
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the intersection of learning theory and leadership development by developing a conceptual framework and applying it to an exemplar case.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the conceptual framework was developed through extant literature in learning theory. Then, using a qualitative design, the researchers conducted telephone interviews with participants and past graduates of a leadership programme that had already been evaluated as successful from a behavioural and job performance perspective.

Findings

Current participants and past graduates of the leadership development programme were more likely to describe their learning experiences in terms of “all in the hall” comments versus “sage on the stage” comments. The researchers also found that human resource professionals were not taking “all in the hall” factors into consideration when making decisions on awarding contracts for leadership development programmes.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the paper examined only one case, further research in this area is needed to substantiate the findings. Interesting research opportunities exist at the intersections of two disparate bodies of scholarly knowledge.

Practical implications

The researchers suggest that more attention should be paid to learning principles in both the design of leadership development programmes and the decision criteria employed by those who are responsible for awarding contracts.

Originality/value

To the researchers' knowledge, this paper constitutes the first investigation of leadership development through a cognitive psychology lens.
The formulation of a leadership development praxis: linking intentions to outcomes
Authors: Olivares Orlando J.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate a leadership development praxis by integrating the theories of human agency and goal setting within an experiential framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Definitional and conceptual distinctions are made between leader and leadership development: this conceptual clarity allows for the development and explication of three interrelated propositions.

Findings

The analysis suggests that although each proposition focuses on a different phenomenon, level of analysis, and level of abstraction, these phenomena are connected, consistent with one another, and consistent with the conceptualization of leadership development provided herein; that is, leadership development is an active, intentional forward‐looking process that seeks to enhance the collective capacity of organizational members and the organization through human‐centered, goal‐inspired relationships.

Practical implications

The present research has direct implications for leadership development education, communicating organizational goals, and virtual teams.

Originality/value

This paper provides a leadership development praxis by showing how the broad, abstract concepts of human agency are mirrored in the action oriented constructs of goal setting and concretized within an experiential framework.
Interruption overload
Authors: O'Connell Nicola
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the impact of constant interruptions in the workplace, and how these can be reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

This article cites research undertaken on the effect of constant interruptions and includes advice and tips from renowned management guru Kevan Hall.

Findings

The increasing amount of technology now in modern offices means that people are having to contend with more interruptions than ever before. These interruptions are adversely affecting productivity levels and costing the economy. As communication is likely to significantly increase over the next few years, people need to find ways now to reduce interruption levels. Kevan Hall provides helpful tips on how to do this.

Originality/value

This article provides practical and helpful advice on how to minimize constant interruptions in the workplace.
Data system for assessing probability of failure in SME reorganization
Authors: Laitinen Erkki K.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a data system to assess failure probability in small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) reorganization.

Design/methodology/approach

The data system is based on information from 83 reorganized Finnish SMEs. Information is divided into four types: pre‐filing non‐financial, pre‐filing financial, reorganization submission, and reorganization plan information. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis is used in data mining to factorize information for each type of information. Logistic regression analysis is applied to assess failure probability.

Findings

Useful data system can be developed on the basis of pre‐filing non‐financial information to support reorganization decision. Pre‐filing financial information only marginally improves quality of information. Submission and reorganization plan information improve quality in terms of fit but do not significantly improve classification accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is small and should be expanded in further studies. The system is developed for Finnish reorganizing firms. It can be generalized to any similar reorganization process.

Practical implications

The data system is useful for managers, lending specialists, investors, reorganization lawyers, and judges. It warns a SME about reorganization failure before filing petition (passive use). It is also useful in developing successful reorganization plans (active use).

Originality/value

This paper builds an extensive data system for assessing reorganization failure risk. It makes use of many variables that have not been analyzed in reorganization studies earlier. It deals with SMEs that is rare in reorganization studies. The paper utilizes PLS in assessing failure probability. It includes new analytical results on PLS.
Effects of financial reform on productivity change
Authors: Huang Li‐Hua , Hsiao Hsing‐Chin , Cheng Mei‐Ai , Chang Shyr‐Juh
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The aim is to investigate the effects of the first financial restructuring (FFR) on productivity growth, technical progress and efficiency change, using data from 42 commercial banks in Taiwan from 2001 to 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis is applied to compute the Malmquist index of productivity change.

Findings

It is found that Taiwan commercial banks on average experienced a 117.39 percent increase in productivity growth, of which is 2.11 percent is due to efficiency change and 115.28 percent to technical progress over the four year period. In addition, during the four year period, a 1 percent reduction in the nonperforming loan ratio resulted in 1.85 percent growth in productivity; a 1 percent increase in the capital adequacy ratio led to 2.15 percent growth in productivity.

Practical implications

It can be concluded that after the FFR, the productivity growth, technical progress, and efficiency change all improve, with the lower nonperforming loan ratio contributing to this improved performance.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence of the productivity change of the banking industry in Taiwan in response to the FFR. It also contributes additional empirical evidence on the impact of a reform on bank productivity in a developing country.
Success criteria for systems led transformation
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu , Maguire Stuart
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Organisational transformation has been a major research theme over the last few decades. The main emphasis focuses on how successful organisations are using information systems and technology (IS/IT) to transform business operations. This paper aims to summarize and evaluate the key perspectives and concepts of change management. These perspectives and concepts are used to conduct an overview of the transformation of a major UK telecommunications company is using IS as a driver.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on trying to understand the whole range of systems‐related problems that may confront an organisation during the introduction of new operational systems as part of organisational change and transformation. The primary objective is to identify best practice. A case study focusing on a large organisation is the approach used to try and elicit learning.

Findings

The view emerging from the case study is that there are generic problems that need to be addressed especially related to how system changes, processes and the customer are managed. Even with an increasing caseload of examples where large firms are unsuccessfully with major organisational transformations‐companies are still willing to undergo this risky change process.

Research limitations/implications

It is intended that this best practice framework will be used in other organisational environments.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to widening studies on systems introduction as part of organisational change.
Fuzzy logic and evaluation of advanced technologies
Authors: Ordoobadi Sharon M.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The paper's aim is to provide a tool for decision makers to make more informed decisions regarding their investment in advanced technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Selection of an advanced technology for adoption requires evaluation of several competing alternatives. The difficulty in the evaluation process arises when the ranking of the alternatives is not possible from the result of the financial analysis alone. The purpose of this study is to overcome such difficulty by considering other factors that allows distinction among alternatives with similar economic evaluation results. This is accomplished by identifying the risks or undesirable consequences of technology implementation and including them in the evaluation process. These are costs that are not measurable for inclusion in the financial analysis but could have major impact on the final selection. Owing to uncertainties involved with adoption of a new technology, the involvement of human expertise and judgment seems to be essential in the evaluation process. To accomplish this a process is proposed where decision maker's perceptions on the performance of technology alternatives along with the importance of the relevant risks are solicited in linguistic terms. Fuzzy numbers are then used to represent these linguistic perceptions. Fuzzy arithmetic operators are applied to calculate an aggregate fuzzy score for each alternative. These fuzzy scores are then converted to crisp scores to allow the ranking and selection of the best alternative.

Findings

Addition of subjective perceptions to the purely quantitative approach provides a more realistic evaluation process.

Practical implications

The proposed procedure can help practitioners with their technology adoption decisions.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is the inclusion of the decision maker's judgment in the evaluation process by use of fuzzy logic.
Fuzzy rule sets for enhancing performance in a supply chain network
Authors: Ho G.T.S. , Lau H.C.W. , Chung S.H. , Fung R.Y.K. , Chan T.M. , Lee C.K.M.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a genetic algorithm (GA)‐based process knowledge integration system (GA‐PKIS) for generalizing a set of nearly optimal fuzzy rules in quality enhancement based on the extracted fuzzy association rules in a supply chain network.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology provides all levels of employees with the ability to formulate nearly optimal sets of fuzzy rules to identify possible solutions for eliminating the number of defect items.

Findings

The application of the proposed methodology in the slider manufacturer has been studied. After performing the spatial analysis, the results obtained indicate that it is capable of ensuring the finished products with promising quality.

Research limitations/implications

In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, only some processes within the supply chain are chosen. Future studies can advance this research by applying the proposed approach in different industries and processes.

Originality/value

Because of the complexity of the logistics operations along the supply chain, the traditional quality improvement approaches cannot address all the quality problems automatically and effectively. This newly developed GA‐based approach can help to optimize the process parameters along the supply chain network.
An empirical study of purchasing strategy in automotive industry
Authors: Wei Chia‐Min , Chen Chia‐Yon
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the incentive from transaction cost can be beneficial due to the selection and implementation of the purchasing strategy under different scenarios in the value chain, including the automotive assembly sector and auto parts sector. Furthermore, it aims to investigate how to reach break even point between transaction cost and agency cost and to further achieve the goal of cost minimization.

Design/methodology/approach

This is empirical analysis of variables constructed from transaction cost theory and data obtained from two famous motor companies in Taiwan automotive industry. This study adopts the probit model and tobit regression model to test and discuss the parameters in the model to deeply realize the influence of transaction cost variables towards purchasing strategy.

Findings

The findings prove the situation of multiple sourcing in supplying auto parts and demonstrate that the dimensions in transaction cost are truly important factors to affect the purchasing strategies. In addition, the empirical results show the explanatory capabilities of variables are very significant in monopoly power, steering system, electro mechanism, and other parts systems.

Practical implications

The awareness on transaction cost are beneficial to partner selection of automotive companies in Taiwan. These findings also improve the quality of purchasing strategy in Taiwan automotive industry.

Originality/value

This study explores the variables of transaction cost influencing purchasing strategies. In addition, the knowledge on transaction cost towards purchasing strategy helps companies enhance the quality in future purchasing strategy and select their suppliers.
Measuring online stockbroking performance
Authors: Ho Chien‐Ta Bruce , Oh K.B.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present a study which uses an innovative two‐stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model that separates efficiency and effectiveness to evaluate the performance of 28 online stockbrokers in Taiwan from 2003 to 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on two‐stage DEA.

Findings

The results show that seven companies are CCR‐efficient in their operating efficiency; five companies are CCR‐efficient operating effectiveness and only two companies are CCR‐efficient both in operating efficiency and effectiveness. There is no apparent correlation between efficiency and effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a two‐stage DEA study to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness in the online stockbroking sector. The online stockbroking business is a development from the integration of the internet and the stock trading. As the stock brokerage industry is undergoing a rapid change due to the proliferation of the internet, analyzing the relative efficiency and effectiveness of online stockbrokers is important for management to understand, monitor and sustain performance.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is in the use of a new conceptual framework to assess the performance of online stockbrokers in Taiwan. This study uses the two‐stage DEA in conjunction with return on assets ratio, which is widely used in financial analysis, to define and assess performance in the framework.
Online banking applications and community bank performance
Authors: Acharya Ram N. , Kagan Albert , Rao Lingam Srinivasa
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of online banking intensity on the financial performance of community banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates online banking intensity and bank performance indices using a combination of primary and secondary data. Online banking intensity is specified as a latent construct and estimated using web feature data collected from bank websites. An empirical profit function of a nonstandard Fourier flexible form is estimated using bank's financial data to derive a theoretically consistent performance measure. The actual impact of online banking on performance is measured by regressing the profit efficiency index against a number of correlates including online banking intensity measure.

Findings

Study results indicate that the increasing use of internet as an additional channel of marketing banking services has significantly improved the financial performance of community banks.

Practical implications

These results show that online banking improves the financial performance and should encourage community banks to adopt new information technologies and offer targeted online services.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind that applies a structural equation modeling framework to develop a comprehensive online banking intensity measure, which accounts for a wide array of products and services offered online by a bank, and utilizes the estimated index in measuring the impact of internet banking intensity on bank performance.
Consumer resistance to internet banking: postponers, opponents and rejectors
Authors: Laukkanen Pekka , Sinkkonen Suvi , Laukkanen Tommi
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of innovation resistance by dividing internet banking non‐adopters into three groups based on their intentions to use the innovation. Thereafter, the aim is to identify how the resistance differs in these customer groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identifies three groups of internet banking non‐adopters, namely postponers, opponents and rejectors. The data were collected by conducting an extensive postal survey among the retail banking customers in Finland who had not adopted internet banking. The measurement development was based on consumer resistance theory and the earlier literature on internet banking. Principal component analysis was used to classify the resistance items into five adoption barriers derived from the earlier literature. Thereafter, analysis of variance was used to analyse the statistical differences in resistance to internet banking between the three groups.

Findings

Significant differences were identified between the groups explored. The resistance of the rejectors is much more intense and diverse than that of the opponents, while the postponers show only slight resistance. The results also indicate that psychological barriers are even higher determinants of resistance than usage and value, which are constructs related to ease‐of‐use and usefulness determining acceptance in the traditional technology acceptance model. Moreover, the findings highlight the role of self‐efficacy in bank customers' risk perceptions to internet banking.

Originality/value

This study provides further understanding of what inhibits internet banking adoption by comparing three non‐adopter groups with respect to their resistance to internet banking. It also has implications for management in overcoming non‐adopters' resistance to the innovation.
Organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), TQM and performance at the maquiladora
Authors: Jung Joo Y. , Hong Soonkwan
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the organizational culture (organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB)), TQM practice and organizational performance of the manquiladora companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation modelling based on a cross‐sectional survey (N=230) is conducted.

Findings

As multinational companies (MNCs) implement innovative management methodology such as the TQM practices, their organizational cultural elements play significant roles towards the outcome. The organizational culture, represented by OCB, significantly impacts how TQM is managed and implemented. Furthermore, the results point out “soft TQM elements” have more significant impact than “hard TQM elements” towards firm's performance.

Research limitations

The study includes a specific location (Maquiladora) only.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that management should also focus on the intrinsic motivations of employees represented by OCB rather than the sole emphasis on training and education.

Originality/value

The study supports the perspective that underlines the importance of the balance between soft and hard TQM, as well as the significance of OCB for a successful implementation of TQM.
The impacts of quality management practices on business performance
Authors: Su Qin , Li Zhao , Zhang Su‐Xian , Liu Yuan‐Yuan , Dang Ji‐Xiang
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the way quality management practices (QMPs) impact quality outcome, R&D process, and business performance, using investigation data from Chinese firms. The possible moderating effects of industrial types and competition on the above influencing relationships were investigated as well.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐round questionnaire survey was conducted to 196 manufacturing and service firms in West China, and hypotheses were verified using a structural equation model with LISREL software.

Findings

The results suggest that quality management practices do not have a positive impact on firms' business performance directly, but have an indirect impact on business performance mediated by quality performance and R&D performance. Furthermore, the authors find that industrial type can moderate the relationships between quality management practices and business performance, while competition does not.

Originality/value

The findings make a significant contribution to understanding how QMPs impact firms' performance. In addition, the authors' research provides empirical evidence for the fact that QMPs' contribution to firms' financial and marketing performance is greater in service firms, which partly reflects the actual situation in China and other similar developing countries.
An optimization‐based approach for designing attribute acceptance sampling plans
Authors: Duarte Belmiro P.M. , Saraiva Pedro M.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to present an optimization‐based approach to support the design of attribute sampling plans for lot acceptance purposes, with the fraction of non‐conforming items being modeled by a Poisson probability distribution function.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper approach stands upon the minimization of the error of the probability of acceptance equalities in the controlled points of the operating curve (OC) with respect to sample size and acceptance number. It was applied to simple and double sampling plans, including several combinations of quality levels required by the producer and the consumer. Formulation of the design of acceptance sampling plans as an optimization problem, having as a goal the minimization of the squared error at the controlled points of the OC curve, and its subsequent solution employing GAMS.

Findings

The results are in strong agreement with acceptance sampling plans available in the open literature. The papers approach in some scenarios outperforms classical sampling plans and allows one to identify the lack of feasible solutions.

Originality/value

An optimization‐based approach to support the design of acceptance sampling plans for attributes was conceived and tested. It allows for a general treatment of these problems, including the identification of a lack of feasible solutions, as well as making possible the determination of feasible alternatives by relaxing some model constraints.
Reliability analysis of pulping system using Petri nets
Authors: Sachdeva Anish , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Pradeep
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a methodology based on Petri nets to evaluate the reliability characteristics of the pulping system of a paper industry in a realistic working environment. The effects of occurrence of failure/course of actions and availability of repair facilities on system performance have been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Stochastic Reward Nets (SRN), an extension of Petri nets, are applied to model the interactions among the active/standby units of the system and reliability parameters have been evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation.

Findings

The methodology adopted in this paper provides a better understanding of the behavior of the system under varying operating conditions. Reliability analysis of a pulping system of a paper industry presented in this paper will help the management in deciding upon the maintenance strategy to be adopted to improve the performance of the system and consequently reduce the operation and maintenance cost.

Originality/value

The application of the proposed technique will not only help the reliability engineers/managers/system engineers to understand the dynamic behavior of complex systems but also helps to plan/adapt suitable maintenance policies to improve system reliability/availability.
The human knowledge system: music and brain coherence
Authors: Bennet Alex , Bennet David
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between music and learning in the mind/brain.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a consilience approach, this paper briefly introduces how music affects the mind/brain, then moves through several historical highlights of the emergent understanding of the role of music in learning; for example, the much‐misunderstood Mozart effect. Then the role of music in learning is explored from a neuroscience perspective, with specific focus on its potential to achieve brain coherence. Finally, using a specific example of sound technology focused on achieving hemispheric synchronization, research findings, anecdotes and experiential interactions are integrated to touch on the potential offered by this new understanding.

Findings

Listening to music regularly (along with replaying tunes in one's brain) clearly helps keep the neurons active and alive and the synapses intact. Listening to the right music does appear to facilitate learning, and participating more fully in music making appears to provide additional cerebral advantages. Further, some music supports hemispheric synchronization, offering the opportunity to achieve brain coherence and significantly improve learning.

Originality/value

This paper brings together diverse research to demonstrate the potential of music to affect mind/brain learning. Further, it introduces and discusses a specific example of sound technology to achieve brain coherence.
Trapped in a net: network analysis for network governance
Authors: Grasenick Karin , Wagner Gabriel , Zumbusch Kristina
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Especially at the regional level co‐operation is seen as a prerequisite for innovation and competitiveness. Hence, political interest in fostering knowledge intensive networks is high. New forms of governance and additional strategic intelligence for decision makers are requested. Thus potential of the social network analysis (SNA) is discussed as methodology providing the information needed for strategic management of innovation networks. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact as a regional governance tool.

Design/methodology/approach

First, benefits and risks of innovation networks are discussed based on literature review. Second, the potentials of the SNA for their systematic monitoring are examined. Herewith specific attention was paid to the manageability and reduction of complexity to demonstrate SNA applicability for network governance. Analysis was based on automated data retrieval of electronic documents available, e.g. at governmental institutions, research databases, and the internet. Results are exemplified by studying knowledge intensive networks in Styria.

Findings

The applied set of IT based tools and visualisation of regional co‐operations based on SNA provides a comprehensive view of the interdependencies and the embeddedness of different institutions as well as actors of the region. Based on this visualisation conclusions are drawn concerning network management by analysing specific attributes of interest, concerning partners, cooperative behaviour, balance of power, openness and embeddedness of the network.

Originality/value

Network benefits success may not be achieved automatically. Strategic management is crucial for success. The paper demonstrates how social network analysis may be applied on automatic retrieved data on involved organisations and key players to strengthening the strategic intelligence of (regional) decision makers and help them meet the governance challenges of the network economy.
The re‐structuring of the information technology infrastructure library (ITIL) implementation using knowledge management framework
Authors: Mohamed Mirghani S. , Ribière Vincent M. , O'Sullivan Kevin J. , Mohamed Mona A.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide reinforcement for ITIL V 2.0 implementation process through knowledge management principles embedded in enterprise management‐engineering framework (EMEF).

Design/methodology/approach

EMEF has been amended to include knowledge management (KM) activities that are imperative for a melioration of ITIL implementation. The framework of four domains has been documented in detail. Additionally, the three major amendments of structure, architecture, and context have been suggested for a configuration management database (CMDB) to comply with KM principles.

Findings

There are strong indications that implementing ITIL by following the system‐thinking approach may add and sustain competitive advantage. This may be achieved through the leveraging of knowledge, improvement of core competencies, and fostering a customer‐consciousness approach. The apprehension of knowledge continuum components, and the differentiation between knowledge types, are critical for fortifying the ITIL process path and supporting the decision‐making process throughout ITIL implementation. The four layers of the integrative management domain will significantly contribute to the tuning of operational misalignment between IT and business, and the betterment of the employee and processes effectiveness. The similarities found between ontology objects and CMDB configuration items will raise CMDB information to a higher level of conceptualization.

Originality/value

This paper will be valuable for ITIL customers, decision makers, and implementers by providing a more complete framework allowing organizations to attain effectiveness, efficiency and innovation throughout ITIL implementation.
Managing structured data with the extensible markup language (XML)
Authors: Hedgebeth Darius
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the extensible markup language (XML) – its history, function, legacy, and contribution to the world wide web and to the discipline of knowledge management. The knowledge worker will better understand how XML supports the codification aspect of the technology pillar of knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author gives an overview of markup languages, which preceded XML, details XML syntax structure, and discusses techniques for processing XML data. Derivative markup languages which use XML's syntactical structure are listed, and an exercise explaining the process behind generating XML documents from spreadsheets is provided.

Findings

XML has served as an integral part of the world wide web for over a decade, and enables internet applications to transform and exchange data in a very efficient manner. The codification of knowledge is germane to the KM process, and XML provides a very capable means for warehousing knowledge that can later be retrieved from knowledge repositories and relational databases. Additionally, XML‐like markup languages such as ebXML (electronic business for XML) help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of knowledge organizations.

Originality/value

The paper hightlights how the management and valuation of knowledge assets are greatly facilitated by the functionality offered by XML, which enables a knowledge worker to store and retrieve knowledge artifacts in the form of structured data.
Role of IT and KM in improving project management performance
Authors: Anantatmula Vittal , Kanungo Shivraj
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Research has shown that it is not easy to associate information technology (IT) and knowledge management (KM) with business performance. The paper aims to propose that this difficulty of associating IT and KM with business performance can be extrapolated to project management performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Given that research integrating all three disciplines – IT, KM, and project management – is sparse, the authors use an inductive and grounded approach, complemented by past research findings, to develop a research model. They developed a model using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology, and employed ISM because it helped to not only integrate both qualitative and quantitative variables but also allowed the authors to capture the shared mental models of practitioners – who formed the empirical basis of this research.

Findings

The paper shows that the drivers of project management (PM) effectiveness can be categorized into distinct groups – of which some are easier to manage compared to the others

Research limitations/implications

The authors current study is limited to one organization and therefore, the generalizability of this research is limited. Future research efforts should expand this study to more organizations and in various geographical locations to validate and obtain generalizable results.

Originality/value

The paper helps the reader to understand the role of IT and KM in the context of improving project performance.
Selling sex in the shadow economy
Authors: Sanders Teela
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine, from a global macro perspective, the relationships between commercial sex, regulatory system and shadow economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on eight years of research in the sex industries and literature from other sources that explore the nuances of the economic and social organisation of the sex markets in different countries.

Findings

First, a four point continuum is presented, based on the following types of economies: legal formal; legal informal; illegal informal and illegal criminal. Second, challenging principles that the sex industry is only “demand” driven, this paper looks at the nature of the sex industry, examining the dynamics of supply in the context of a prolific global shadow sex economy. Third, the concept of “supply” is broadened out to refer not only to women involved in selling direct and indirect sexual services but the legitimate and illegitimate service industries that are ancillary to the sex industry: namely: advertising, marketing, leisure industries, security, policing and welfare.

Originality/value

Contributing to the cultural analysis of the sex industry and drawing on original ethnographic observations, this paper stresses the relevance of the “supply” side of the sex industry, including ancillary industries that support the sex markets in the shadow economies.
The antiquity art market: between legality and illegality
Authors: Massy Laurence
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to present both the legal and illegal aspects of the market in antiquities, specifically cultural objects which are transported from source countries to countries where they are sold or auctioned.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by defining the concept of antiquity and then examines the origin of objects, those involved in the market in different capacities, the question of how the origin of objects is examined, and the scope of the market. A number of examples are given as illustrations.

Findings

The analysis shows how many different participants are involved in the market globally. Views on how well the provenance of an object needs to be established and on what is cultural theft are changing. However, structural and cultural characteristics of the market mean that it remains difficult to penetrate and is susceptible to organised crime.

Research limitations/implications

Space and legal constraints mean that only a few examples can be given and a small number of routes examined.

Originality/value

This is one of the first global examinations of the criminality of this type of market.
Drugs, the informal economy and globalization
Authors: Seddon Toby
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the connections between illegal drugs and the informal economy and consider this in the light of the increasing levels of global interconnectedness in recent decades.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review of the empirical drugs literature with a primary focus on British‐based research and analysis of the impact of different aspects of globalization.

Findings

Patterns of heroin and crack‐cocaine use need to be understood in their social, economic and cultural context, particularly in relation to their location in the informal economy. Globalizing processes have profoundly shaped local drug problems over the last 30 years.

Practical implications

The governance of the drug problem needs to be reframed to take account of its social economic nature and global character. New ways of thinking are required to advance future research and policy.

Originality/value

The focus on the impact of globalizing processes is original and leads to some important new insights for future research and policy.