bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing sustainable retrofit potential in premium office buildings
Authors: Wilkinson Sara
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The built environment has high potential to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and with around 1‐2 per cent of new buildings added to the total stock annually, the scope for reductions lies with adaptation of existing stock. Existing buildings comprise a variety of attributes and present challenges and opportunities with regards to adaptation and sustainability, and integrating retrofit measures that lessen energy, water and resource consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a quantitative analysis of a Building Adaptation database, this paper addresses the questions; what is the nature of adaptations in relation to Premium quality office building stock in the Central Business District (CBD) and, what is the extent and scope for sustainable retrofits to Premium grade office buildings.

Findings

The nature and extent of adaptations to Premium office buildings are identified and quantified in respect of attributes such as adaptation level, building age, location, construction form, envelope, shape and height and operating costs.

Practical implications

The findings provide an insight for policy makers and others in respect of the nature and type of adaptations typically undertaken in Premium office buildings. The research identifies the typical attributes found in buildings undergoing adaptation and specifies the type of sustainable retrofit measures particularly suited to buildings with those attributes.

Originality/value

The research is based on an analysis of “all” office building adaptations from 1998 to 2008, which facilitates a unique study of what has occurred with regards to adaptation practices. From this starting point it is possible to determine where opportunities lie to capitalise on work being undertaken.
Cultural information resources sharing: a review and empirical study in China
Authors: Wang Lihua
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to make people aware of the condition of Chinese cultural information resources sharing through the case of the National Cultural Information Resources Sharing Project (NCIRSP). The paper seeks to provide an overview of NCIRSP, and summarize its achievements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first indicates that cultural information resources sharing is a kind of special resources sharing, and NCIRSP in China is a good example of the realization of this kind of resources sharing. The author introduces NCIRSP in general, and analyzes the operation and its achievements. The author considers that there are some problems which exist in the practice of NCIRSP which will hinder its development and proposes measures to solve those problems.

Findings

NCIRSP is a project which is advanced by the Chinese government as well as governments at other levels, which means the project has a strong organization and powerful support. The operation of NCIRSP is made up by four aspects: the network, the construction of digital resources, the implementation of technology, and the websites of services. These four aspects determine the effective operation of NCIRSP and promote the project to make great achievements. Meanwhile, there are problems which hinder NCIRSP from developing further, including the unbalanced collection of cultural information resources in various areas, the scattered storage of resources, and the absence of a sophisticated training mechanism for professionals engaged in the project. Measures to solve the problems are suggested.

Originality/value

NCIRSP is an innovative project supported by the Government of China, even though it is rarely known about by people outside China. This paper introduces NCIRSP in detail, and makes people aware of the situation of cultural information resources sharing in China.
Continued organizational identification following involuntary job loss
Authors: Tosti‐Kharas Jennifer
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Continued identification with a former employer may provide valuable self‐enhancement during transition, or it may highlight unsettling self‐discontinuity. This study seeks to develop and test competing hypotheses regarding the extent to which continued organizational identification relates to psychological well‐being following involuntary job loss.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a two‐wave survey study spanning six months during the recent financial crisis in 2008 to test these hypotheses. Results are presented for 86 employees in two samples, 45 who were unemployed at the beginning of the study and 41 who lost their jobs during the study.

Findings

Continued organizational identification positively related to psychological well‐being in both samples. In a post‐hoc analysis, this relationship held only for employees who attributed their job loss to themselves, rather than to external factors such as their organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on a limited sample both in terms of size and scope; accordingly, they are best used to explain the relationships for the sample from which they were drawn, professional employees in the USA with a business education, about half of whom worked in the financial services industry.

Practical implications

Being identified with an employing organization is not only beneficial for current employees and their organizations, but also helps employees whose jobs have been terminated. Managers and counselors should advise people to reflect upon, rather than distance themselves from, aspects of their identities based in former employers.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the role of organizational identification in individual response to involuntary job loss.
Corporate governance in five Arabian Gulf countries
Authors: Baydoun Nabil , Maguire William , Ryan Neal , Willett Roger
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw together available data as a means of comparing the state of corporate governance in five countries; Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman. This comparison provides a basis for analyzing the efficacy of corporate governance and government regulation in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a measure of corporate governance using the OECD's 2005 survey data, which includes these and many other countries in the sample. The authors analyze the resulting measures in the light of ongoing institutional developments in each country.

Findings

Based on the corporate governance measurement scale, Oman is the clear leader among the five countries, followed by Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Bahrain and Qatar rank fourth and fifth, respectively.

Originality/value

This paper adds value by transforming the data in the OECD survey, thus adding to the limited information available on corporate governance and related issues in the Arabian Gulf.
Serving base‐of‐the‐pyramid markets: meeting real needs through a customized approach
Authors: Mohr Jakki J. , Sengupta Sanjit , Slater Stanley F.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This article aims to propose a continuum of strategic engagement approaches to base‐of‐the‐pyramid (BOP) markets ranging from non‐profit and government aid to corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and social entrepreneurship. A framework is presented to identify which approach to serving the BOP market makes the most sense under certain conditions, depending on availability of consumer resources to participate in the initiative, the infrastructure available for the initiative to leverage, and whether the focus of the initiative is to be self‐sustaining over time.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual article based on literature review and synthesis.

Findings

Eight different approaches to engage with BOP markets are recommended under different combinations of three underlying conditions: consumer resources, infrastructure availability and self‐sustainability goals.

Originality/value

The paper presents a continuum of strategic engagement approaches to BOP markets.
Communities of practice: keeping the company agile
Authors: Borzillo Stefano , Schmitt Achim , Antino Mirko
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide managers, researchers, and consultants with insights into the ways communities of practice (CoPs) simultaneously support organizations' product refinements (their knowledge exploitation and alignment thereof to today's business demands) and the search for and discovery of new products (knowledge exploration and adapting it to changes in the business environment).

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on a four‐year longitudinal case study of five CoPs within a specialty chemicals division of a multinational company. Primary (interviews, direct observation) and secondary (internal documents) data were collected and analyzed, resulting in several findings on the role of CoPs in supporting organizational ambidexterity by simultaneously exploiting existing knowledge (aligned to the current business) while exploring new knowledge (adaptive/reactive to business environment changes).

Findings

The main conclusion drawn from the study is that supporting organizational ambidexterity involves switching between different degrees of managerial involvement in CoPs, namely “aligned” and “adaptive” modes. Alignment results in knowledge exploitation that supports “product refinements”, while the adaptive mode leads to knowledge exploration that supports the “search & discovery of new products”.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a single case study of a firm that used CoPs successfully to support product refinements and search for new products across its R&D teams. Hence, generalizing these results would require analyzing additional cases.

Practical implications

The paper provides managers with practical recommendations on how to align CoP dynamics with an organization's specific needs to simultaneously exploit and explore new knowledge. On the one hand, CoPs require a great deal of autonomy to generate a search for and discovery of new ideas or knowledge. On the other hand, managers can and should steer CoP activities when their alignment to business and product refinement is required.

Originality/value

The data, approach, and analysis are all original. This paper enriches existing theory as it fulfills an unexplored gap between CoPs and organizational ambidexterity. In this respect, CoP and organizational ambidexterity theories are all enriched.
Knowledge management in a French research community: a case study of GeCSO congress
Authors: Paraponaris Claude , Ermine Jean‐Louis , Guittard Claude , Lièvre Pascal
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present the state of the art of a rising French research community on knowledge management, who organized during the past four years, a French speaking congress (GeCSO). Interests in knowledge management (KM) come from various disciplines: economy, social, engineering. These interests are not often linked. Within the firms, KM practices vary a lot depending on national cultures and on activity sectors. However, one can identify a potential symmetry between the diversity of practices and the partitioning of scientific approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to synthesize the different approaches in KM, the authors studied the 62 papers published in the first three conferences. To have a first representation of the diversity, they analyzed the keywords that were used: among 173 keywords used by the authors, eight keywords represent 27 per cent of the total amount.

Findings

Three main dimensions which emerged from the articles are analysed: the practical dimension, the epistemological point of view, and the intention to define a theory of action.

Originality/value

KM is an emerging domain, especially in French culture. This paper can be seen as a first foundation of the domain, and also a manifesto to develop interdisciplinary research on this topic.
Multilevel effects of a method of expert's knowledge transfer
Authors: Gadille Martine , Machado Julien
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide evidence on the multilevel effects of a method of knowledge transfer centred on the expert.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal evaluation of the method's effects was undertaken in several companies. This method of knowledge transfer in cognitive psychology is centered on the reflexive relationship between the expert and the tasks which he has to carry out. The analysis in clinical sociology show that the effects of such a method make it possible to observe organizational learning induced on the level of the expert, the group and the global strategy.

Findings

Coding is conceived as an aid for the expert, it transforms the expert's knowledge and strengthens their professional legitimacy in transmission. The conceptualisation of their practices, as well as verbalising the problems which it causes, transforms work rules. These cognitive and organizational changes then have consequences on the conditions of negotiation for new business and business strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The method observed is applicable to various levels of qualification but also for entrepreneurs who have expert knowledge. It requires time and is implemented when management desires an organizational change coupled with innovation.

Practical implications

Assisting the experts in the codification and transmission of knowledge supports co‐alignment between KM and strategy.

Originality/value

The focus is on the direct reflexive effects of codification on the expert but also on the indirect effects on the organization and management.
Building knowledge for innovation management
Authors: Chanal Valérie
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of this research is to evaluate the conditions of production of methodological knowledge on innovation management. It seeks to present the experience of an applied research team working with practitioners of R&D by means of an inter‐disciplinary research team in social sciences. The theoretical framework aims to present two approaches for knowledge production: collaboration with practitioners and interdisciplinary research in social science.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a case study focused on the various forms of collaborative research. While the literature mainly considers only one form of collaborative research, the author distinguishes between mono‐disciplinary and inter‐disciplinary collaborative research on one hand, and between mono‐partner and multi‐partner collaborative research on the other, leading to four typical research situations. The paper examines empirically the rigor‐relevance debate as seen as the researchers and the practitioners.

Findings

The findings bring to light different criteria that influence the production of knowledge, within the rigor‐relevance dilemma, according to the collaborative research situations and the epistemological posture of researchers from various disciplines.

Practical implications

The practical implications concern the conditions under which a research program in social sciences can reach both rigor and relevance and produce methodological knowledge. It provides a guide for effective collaboration between social science academics and managers.

Social implications

This research enlightens the conditions of collaboration between the academic world and the industrial world, which is key to foster innovation, particularly in social sciences.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is to illustrate that collaborative research requires a “boundary organization” to create new knowledge, which is a type of task force capable of mediation between academia, industrials and consultants.
Participatory action research in the age of social media: literacies, affinity spaces and learning
Authors: Machin‐Mastromatteo Juan D.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to summarize the developments, methodological design, and some of the theories framed within a PhD research about the integration of social media in higher education. Its aims are to determine significant issues, challenges and opportunities that emerge when social media are integrated into learning environments in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

“Doing Online Relearning through Information Skills” (DORIS) is proposed as a research framework to address the aims, objectives, and research questions of this study. It was conceived from a participatory action research perspective. This approach is intended to help discover and reflect upon teaching and learning practices in a technologically mediated educational setting. Furthermore, the concept of affinity spaces is discussed, together with its distinction from the concept of communities of practice. The data collection methods planned to conduct the study are: diagnostic questionnaire, blog, social learners' input and reports, a second questionnaire, and semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The theory of affinity spaces offers a powerful way of thinking about teaching and learning processes mediated by different technologies. The heuristics that will focus the data collection and analysis are: on the function of content, and on the function of participants' interactions with the content and/or with one another.

Originality/value

DORIS is proposed as a powerful way to organize learning interventions through the structure of information literacy skills. It is grounded on action research and on constructivist, blended, and problem‐based learning. Researchers, librarians or educators can adapt this model for teaching, learning and researching about and with social media or for other technologically mediated learning environments, or could be adapted for information literacy programs.
Managing polarity, paradox, and dilemma during leader transition
Authors: Manderscheid Steven V. , Freeman Peter D.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review literature relevant to leader transition and the navigation of polarities, paradoxes, and dilemmas that exist in organizations. Furthermore, the researchers aim to critique the literature and provide suggestions for practitioners and researchers interested in leader transition through the lens of polarity, paradox, and dilemma.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an extensive review of the literature for this study. They searched the following databases: ABI/INFORM, Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, PsychInfo, and Dissertations Abstracts. To conduct their search, the researchers used the terms; leader, manager, and supervisor in conjunction with the terms transitions, adaptation, socialization, assimilation, polarity, paradox, dilemma, polarity thinking, polarity management, leadership, team, organization, conflict management, creativity, and combinations of the same.

Findings

There is very little research conducted on either topic independently and no research conducted on both collectively. The literature on leader transitions also states that transitions are times of uncertainty and stress. The findings suggest that some of this uncertainty and stress could result from the inability to recognize and manage polarity, paradox, and dilemma. Furthermore, the literature does not acknowledge this connection nor does it specify the polarities that exist for leaders in general or leaders in transition.

Originality/value

Based on personal experiences working with organizational leaders and training and organization development professionals, the authors believe that there is great potential to help train new leaders on polarity thinking. If training and development professionals see value in polarity thinking for transitioning leaders and can respond with timely training interventions, it could have a positive impact on new leader effectiveness and subsequent organization performance.
A transdisciplinary approach to training: preliminary research findings based on a case analysis
Authors: Bimpitsos Christos , Petridou Eugenia
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the benefits, barriers and challenges of the transdisciplinary approach to training, and to present findings of a case analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the research findings of an experimental training program for Greek local government managers co‐funded by the European Union.

Findings

The adoption of the transdisciplinary approach for the effective training of (local government) managers has a number of important advantages, including the connection of training with real problems that organizations face today, as well as the development of transdisciplinary competences necessary for the effective adaptation and activation of managers in the turbulent environment of the new economy.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental training program focuses on managers of Greek local government organizations. However, the critical factors that are described are relative to the training needs of most organizations operating in the new globalized economic environment.

Practical implications

The design of the transdisciplinary training programs, as well as their implementation and evaluation processes, can be of use to all organizations interested in the strategic training and development of human resources, regardless of their size and sector.

Originality/value

There is a great potential for the development of training programs based on the transdisciplinary approach. Fields of immediate application are those where social, economic and ecological elements interact and should be integrated in a sustainable way.
Green consumer behavior in an emerging economy: confusion, credibility, and compatibility
Authors: Carrete Lorena , Castaño Raquel , Felix Reto , Centeno Edgar , González Eva
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to contribute to a better understanding of deeper motivations and inhibitors of green consumer behavior in the context of emerging economies. Based on the findings, it aims to provide implications for marketers and policy making.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an ethnographic approach, in‐depth interviews and observational data were used to study 15 Mexican families from four urban regions of Mexico with different incomes. Thematic analysis was used to develop and validate themes and codes.

Findings

The findings highlight three dominant themes related to uncertainty in the adoption of environmentally‐friendly behaviors: consumer confusion, trust and credibility, and compatibility. Overall, green behaviors seem to be ingrained in the traditional heritage of savings and frugality rather than based on strong environmental values. It is suggested that the factors that drive consumers from positive attitudes and intentions to the actual adoption of green behaviors are a combination of perceived personal benefits, decreased perceived risk and uncertainty, a sense of control over costs, and a decomposition and reconstruction of deeply embedded cultural values and practices.

Practical implications

Policy makers and marketers are advised to build on collaborative efforts in order to facilitate comprehension and adoption of environmentally‐friendly behaviors and green products. In order to construct modernity alongside environmental responsibility, it seems indispensable to provide affordable lower‐priced alternatives for the low‐income segments of the market which constitute the vast majority of the population in emerging economies.

Originality/value

Being one of very few available qualitative studies on green consumer behavior, this study delves into the tension between modernity and traditional heritage in the context of emerging economies.
Consumer animosity and product choice: might price make a difference?
Authors: Peng Cui Annie , Wajda Theresa A. , Hu Michael Y.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine animosity's role in determining consumers' product choices. Considerable research attention has been devoted to studying the relationship between animosity and consumers' willingness to buy foreign products. Few studies, however, have considered that individual consumers may harbor varying degrees of animosity toward different countries, thus, differentially affecting their willingness to buy products from these countries. The within‐subject comparison of the present study seeks to provide a clearer and cleaner approach to examining the impact of animosity on consumers' preferences for foreign products. Extending this line of inquiry, it also aims to explore the link between consumers' choice of products from high versus low animosity countries at different price levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted to examine the impact of consumer animosity on product choice. Study 1 contains a survey study, and Study 2 is a full factorial conjoint analysis.

Findings

It is discovered that animosity plays a stronger role in determining consumers' willingness to buy foreign products from high‐level animosity countries than from low‐level animosity countries. Through conjoint analysis, the paper demonstrates that consumers are willing to make trade‐offs between price and animosity.

Originality/value

This study fills a void in the literature by exploring what role animosity plays in determining a consumer's choice of products, particularly when different degrees of animosity are held toward different countries. The within‐subject design of this research provides considerable insight on this front. In addition, this study represents an initial attempt to explore the dynamics between animosity and price via a conjoint analysis.
Promotional strategies for information products and services
Authors: Fourie Ina , Ball Liezl
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Libraries are subscribing to many expensive information products/services available through information aggregator/provider services. It is a concern for them, as well as these services, to get users (also referred to as consumers) to fully exploit the products/services, and especially new and innovative additions and features. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is written against the background of research from information behaviour as well as a touch from marketing as reported in the library and information science (LIS) literature.

Findings

The paper reveals that to improve the use of information products/services, and especially new products/services and features, libraries, especially academic libraries, as well as information aggregator/provider services, need to address consumers on various levels. In the case of academic libraries, the librarians, faculty members, and students (under‐graduate and post‐graduate) should be included. To appeal to the seriousness and entertainment facets of the lives of consumers, a variety of targeted competitions and prizes can be used.

Originality/value

Although publications have appeared on using innovative methods such as Web 2.0 and collaboration with students to market products/services, the authors are not aware of articles focusing on competitions and prizes specifically addressed at the serious and entertainment facets of the lives of consumers.
On being part of the solution, not the problem
Authors: McLeod Julie
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This article seeks to provide a perspective on a future pathway for records management that is based on taking a proportionate approach rather than striving for perfection. This approach requires a re‐interpretation of traditional principles and their application in practice and recognition of the predominance of people in successful information and records management in the digital domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The views are the author's based on the headline findings of a major research project (AC+erm) which investigated issues and practical strategies for accelerating positive change in electronic records management. They incorporate views on contextual developments since the project, in particular the characteristics of today's hybrid and increasingly mobile office environment such as the use of recognition technologies.

Findings

The ten headline findings of the AC+erm project are shared. Two strategic findings are highlighted, namely, articulating a vision of successful electronic records management and the approach to applying records management principles in order to realise that vision of success. The article then focuses on two of the other findings, about the need for information and records professionals to adopt proportionate and risk based approaches and to ensure they (the records professionals) are an essential part of the solution not the problem. Post the project, views on these and tactics for addressing them are discussed with reference to real examples and potential future research and development.

Research limitations/implications

The research that provides the context for the article was qualitative and therefore its findings transferrable rather than generalisable. The views expressed about tactics for moving forward are intended to contribute to the debate about approaches to managing records in the democratic, digital domain.

Practical implications

A proportionate approach to managing records by definition implies a risk‐based approach. This may prove challenging in organizational, societal and cultural contexts that are risk averse.

Originality/value

The research which underpins this article was the first on the subject to be conducted in the UK and adopted a unique evidence‐based approach. Undertaken in the context of the “promise” of electronic document and records management systems, its findings are relevant in the broader systems solutions. They provide a context for this perspective on current and potential tactics for addressing strategic issues for managing records in the digital domain. This provides a significant contribution to knowledge and debate in this field.
The challenge of managing electronic records in developing countries
Authors: Asogwa Brendan E.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Electronic records management is new to most records officers and archivists in contemporary sub Saharan Africa. It transformed the traditional mode of recordkeeping and brought with it some constraints which records managers have to contend with if they are to remain relevant in the information society. This paper aims to examine the background of these problems as well as the strategies for e‐records management in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant literature on archives development in Africa, electronic records, information technology, and records management were reviewed and the author gathered much insight on electronic records management in a digital environment. These were applied to fortify the author's arguments.

Findings

The study shows that the major problems of e‐records management in Africa are administrative and the technically induced challenge and the benefits of managing hybrid records in Africa can only be realized if the appropriate infrastructures, workable legislation and regulatory frameworks, adequate finance, and competent ICT personnel are available.

Practical implications

Introducing technological solutions to e‐records management in Africa without first addressing those necessary preconditions would increase the vulnerability of public records and jeopardize public services in the continent.

Originality/value

The study highlights the potential problems and provides guidelines which information professionals and stakeholders in developing countries should adopt for successful implementation of e‐records management.
Supply chain risk management: present and future scope
Authors: Ghadge Abhijeet , Dani Samir , Kalawsky Roy
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper examines supply chain risk management (SCRM) from a holistic systems thinking perspective by considering the different typologies that have evolved as a result of earlier research. The purpose of this paper is to identify important strategic changes in the field and to outline future requirements and research opportunities in SCRM.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review (SLR) methodology employed by this research was used to evaluate and categorise a literature survey of quality articles published over a period of ten years (2000‐2010). Additionally, the findings from the SLR have been strengthened through cross validation against results obtained from an associated text mining activity.

Findings

The SLR methodology has provided a rich, unbiased and holistic picture of the advances in the field of SCRM. Consequently, important new research areas have been identified based on a multi‐perspective descriptive and thematic data analysis. In addition, the analysis, based on evolved typologies, indicates a growth of SCRM from a nascent to a fairly established activity over the past decade.

Practical implications

The systematic approach undertaken for the literature review will provide future researchers and managers with an insightful understanding of the scope of the SCRM field. Also, the literature review provides important clues on new research directions for SCRM through identification of gaps in current knowledge.

Originality/value

The holistic approach to SCRM was found to be an important missing link in earlier literature surveys. The outcome of the SLR reported in this paper has provided critical insights into the present and future scope of the SCRM field. The identified research insights, gaps and future directions will encourage new research techniques, with a view to managing the risks in the globalized supply chain environment.
Service blueprinting effectiveness: drivers of success
Authors: Kostopoulos Giannis , Gounaris Spiros , Boukis Achilleas
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to theoretically elaborate the Service Blueprinting (SB) effectiveness concept and integrate it within a conceptual framework, with specific antecedents and the moderating role of two major service characteristics: complexity and divergence.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to validate the theoretical framework, a field study in 102 hotels was conducted, with the use of a structured questionnaire.

Findings

The results validate the research instrument used to capture SB effectiveness and indicate market orientation, service climate and service design formality as its three major antecedents. Moreover the degree of complexity and divergence of the service process were found to positively moderate the aforementioned relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The study's limitations rely on the business and national context as long as the lack of distinction between newly developed services and service modifications. Also, further research should also integrate the influence that SB effectiveness has on a service provider's organizational function and customers’ perceptions on service quality.

Practical implications

The study provides a useful guide on how a service blueprint should be designed and also the different approaches that should be taken into consideration according to the type of service that is mapped.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of the SB process is conceptualized for the first time and explored in a quantitative research. Also, for the first time, specific organizational factors are indicated as major antecedents of SB effectiveness and two service characteristics are found to moderate these influences.
New performance measurement and management control systems
Authors: Watts T. , McNair‐Connolly C.J.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Focusing on how performance management systems support control, this article seeks to provide two “next‐generation” performance scorecards – the Performance Wheel, suitable for most organizations and the Small Business Performance Pyramid, which acknowledges the unique requirements of small business. This development considers the historical development, increasing variety and often the poorly integrated status of performance measurement systems – one of business management's most important tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the issues of various performance measurement models – the Performance Pyramid, the Results and Determinants mode, the Balanced Scorecard – through the integration of perspectives, metrics and terminology. Further, it integrates the emphases of different approaches into a menu from which each enterprise can select the wisest option.

Findings

The Performance Wheel and the Small Business Performance Pyramid suggest these seemingly different models of control can be reduced to one overarching model. It incorporates and addresses the identified weaknesses of previous models and provides a comprehensive model of performance management that can be adapted to meet the needs of any form of enterprise – small to large, service to not‐for‐profit to manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

The implication for business is the development of two equally important models that allow the optimal application of practice to align with organizational‐specific decision making.

Originality/value

These new models overcome the “top‐down” or “bottom‐up” shortcomings of popular systems, incorporate the insights of enterprise control and integrate the importance of mission, strategy, critical success factors and key performance indicators as they apply to organizations.
Work time demands, work time control and supervisor support in the Australian construction industry
Authors: Lingard Helen , Francis Valerie , Turner Michelle
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This research aims to explore the relationship between work time demands, work time control and supervisor support in the Australian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was undertaken with waged and salaried construction workers in two construction organizations (n=261).

Findings

Work time demands were positively correlated with time‐ and strain‐based work interference with family life (WIF) but inversely correlated with time‐ and strain‐based family interference with work (FIW). Work‐family enrichment was inversely correlated with work time demands and positively correlated with both work time control and social support from one's supervisor. Respondents with high work time demands and low work time control (or low supervisor support) reported the highest levels of time‐ and strain‐based WIF. The lowest levels of WIF were reported by respondents in low work time demands and high work time control (or high supervisor support) jobs classifications. However, jobs high in both work time demands and work time control reported the highest levels of work‐to‐family enrichment.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that work‐family conflict and work‐family enrichment should be treated as two distinct concepts in work‐family research and that the job demands‐control theory is helpful in explaining work‐family conflict but that alternative theories are needed to explain positive work‐family interactions.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the research is that reducing work time demands may be helpful in reducing work‐family conflict but that the provision of work domain resources is probably required to enable positive work‐family interactions.

Originality/value

Previous work‐family research has focused on job demands and resources separately, while the job strain literature has focused on the impact of job demands and the key resources of social support. The originality of this research is that it examines the extent to which different configurations of job demand and resource can explain experiences at the work‐family interface.
Comparative study of delay factors in Libyan and the UK construction industry
Authors: Shebob A. , Dawood N. , Shah R.K. , Xu Q.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim of the research presented in this paper is to develop a new methodology for the comparative analysis and quantification of the impact of delay factors in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of delay analysis system (DAS) is developed using the findings from the literature review and industry survey. Frequency and severity index method are used to identify and compare the delay factors in Libya and the UK. Statistical experiments are used to test the relationship and confidence level of survey results. A case study of a building project is used to evaluate the functions of the DAS.

Findings

The survey illustrated that construction projects suffered more delays in Libya than the UK. The survey results indicated that critical delay factors are quite different in both countries. The case study found that a building project might be delayed by 41 to 46 days in Libya, or 34 to 38 days in the UK, when considering the most critical delay factors.

Practical implications

The outcome of the study is expected to help policymakers, decision makers and others stakeholders within the construction industry to improve the industry's processes and reduce the impact of delay in the construction operations.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new methodology and a delay analysis system that assists construction managers to analyse and quantify the impact of delay factors in building projects. The system is also expected to provide timely information about possible delays so that necessary measures can be taken to reduce the impact of delays and improve project delivery.
Management education through e‐learning in India: an empirical study
Authors: Chawla Deepak , Joshi Himanshu
Published: November 2012

Purpose

E‐learning is emerging as a potential delivery medium for education and training. This is evident from the increasing number of educational institutions and organizations adopting e‐learning. In India, there has been an upsurge in the number of students going for management education. But, before management institutes embark on this e‐learning journey, it is important to assess student readiness for this medium. The purpose of this paper is to examine the awareness levels, degree of familiarity and readiness to accept e‐learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory study and personal interviews were conducted to design the instrument which was administered to 240 students pursuing management education at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM‐A), which is a premier business school in India. A total of 154 duly filled questionnaires were used for data analysis. Factor analysis, cluster analysis and chi‐square test were carried out to meet the objectives of the study.

Findings

Factor analysis resulted in identification of five factors which were given names. Further, two clusters were identified among the respondents. To examine if the cluster profile varied in demographic variables, a chi‐square test showed that none of the demographic variables are statistically related to the clusters.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was comprised of students of a business school and therefore it may not be representative of all students studying business management. Second, since the sample comprised only 17 female students, generalization of results is difficult.

Practical implications

The research holds relevance, as an assessment of prior exposure to technology and comfort level, attitude, behavior and motivation may determine the e‐learners’ readiness to adopt or not adopt this medium.

Originality/value

The paper brings forth student readiness for e‐learning as a medium of education in India. This may serve as a guide to those business schools which have started delivering management education or plan to deliver online education in future.
Follow the money
Authors: Cavelaars Paul , Passenier Joost
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The financial crisis that started in 2007 has led to a re‐thinking of financial regulation and supervision. One major lesson of the crisis is that supervisors should be “asking the big questions” (FSA). These are typically questions that are difficult to address, as they require a deep understanding of bank business models. The purpose of this paper is to provide the recent shift in prudential supervision towards the analysis of bank business models with a sound economic basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the economic literature on banking in order to answer what the authors deem to be the three central questions when analysing business models.

Findings

The bottom‐line for supervisors, in the authors' view, is that it is essential to understand where the profit comes from and what risks the bank or the banking sector is exposed to in generating those profits.

Practical implications

Analysing bank business models goes beyond the traditional approach to prudential supervision, which mainly focuses on the adequacy of bank capital, liquidity and risk management. The analysis of business models implies a different approach to risk, starting from understanding a bank's activities, customer groups, distribution channels and sources of profits.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to bridging the gap between the economic literature on banking and the needs of bank supervisors. To the authors' best knowledge, this paper is the first addressing this particular issue. By giving an overview of the recent literature on banking that is relevant for understanding bank business models it helps to provide supervisors with a sound economic basis for assessing banks' business models.
Toward a better understanding of nonprofit communication management
Authors: Fisher Liu Brooke
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to illustrate shared obstacles and opportunities that US nonprofit communicators face, broadening the understanding of nonprofit communication management beyond fundraising, donor relations, and social media practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 35 nonprofit communicators from across the USA were interviewed. The participants represented a variety of nonprofit sizes that address a variety of issues.

Findings

The interviews revealed six common challenges that the participants face: politics, laws and regulations, media attention, evaluation, brand recognition, and employee engagement. The interviews also revealed four common opportunities that the participants face: job satisfaction, collaboration, communication value, and professional development.

Research limitations/implications

The findings illustrate how nonprofit communicators in the USA address some shared experiences. In doing so, the findings lead to nine valuable areas for future research. Given that the findings are limited to the USA, future research is needed to examine nonprofit communicators’ shared experiences in other countries.

Practical implications

The study builds on recent research examining how the environment in which communication management is practiced affects communication practices, thereby contributing to theory development that predicts effective communication practices via sector. In addition, the study serves as a call to action for researchers to address pressing management issues identified by nonprofit communicators.

Originality/value

The study builds on recent research examining how the environment in which communication management is practiced affects communication practices. In addition, the study serves as a call to action for researchers to address pressing management issues identified by nonprofit communicators.