bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital management from a high reliability organizational change perspective
Authors: Eriksson Nomie
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze nurses’ perceptions and evaluations of healthcare developmental work after the introduction of Lean and Six Sigma and, how nurses aspire to maintain a high reliability organization (HRO).

Design/methodology/approach

Nurses’ roles and the way they respond to new efficiency and quality working methods are crucial. Underlying themes were analyzed from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with (n=17) nurses at two Swedish hospitals.

Findings

The nurses perceived that Lean worked better than Six Sigma, because of its bottom-up approach, and its similarities with nurses’ well-known work qualities. Nurses coordinate patients care, collaborate in teams and take leadership roles. To maintain high reliability and to become quality developers, nurses need stable resources. However, professional’s logic collides with management’s logic. Expert knowledge (top-down approach) without nurses’ local knowledge (bottom-up approach) can lead to problems. Healthcare quality methods are standardized but must be used with flexibility. However, HROs ensue not only from method quality but also from work attitudes, commitment and continuous work-improvement.

Practical implications

Management can support personnel in developmental work with: continuous education, training, teamwork, knowledge sharing and cooperation. Authoritarian method structures that limit the healthcare professionals’ autonomy should be softened or abandoned.

Originality/value

The study uses theoretical concepts from HROs, which were developed for unexpected events, to explain the consequences of implementing Lean and Six Sigma in healthcare.
The deputy principal instructional leadership role and professional learning
Authors: Leaf Ann , Odhiambo George
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study examining the perceptions of secondary principals, deputies and teachers, of deputy principal (DP) instructional leadership (IL), as well as deputies’ professional learning (PL) needs. Framed within an interpretivist approach, the specific objectives of this study were: to explore the extent to which DPs are perceived as leaders of learning, to examine the actual responsibilities of these DPs and to explore the PL that support DP roles.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used multiple perspective case studies which included semi-structured interviews and key school document analysis. A thematic content analysis facilitated qualitative descriptions and insights from the perspectives of the principals, DPs and teachers of four high-performing secondary schools in Sydney, Australia.

Findings

The data revealed that deputies performed a huge range of tasks; all the principals were distributing leadership to their deputies to build leadership capacity and supported their PL in a variety of ways. Across three of the case study schools, most deputies were frequently performing as instructional leaders, improving their school’s performance through distributing leadership, team building and goal setting. Deputy PL was largely dependent on principal mentoring and self-initiated but was often ad hoc. Findings add more validity to the importance of principals building the educational leadership of their deputies.

Research limitations/implications

This study relied upon responses from four case study schools. Further insight into the key issues discussed may require a longitudinal data that describe perceptions from a substantial number of schools in Australia over time. However, studying only four schools allowed for an in-depth investigation.

Practical implications

The findings from this study have practical implications for system leaders with responsibilities of framing the deputies’ role as emergent educational leaders rather than as administrators and the need for coherent, integrated, consequential and systematic approaches to DP professional development. Further research is required on the effect of deputy IL on school performance.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research-based evidence exploring the range of responsibilities of deputies and perceptions of staff about deputies’ IL role and their PL needs. This is the first published New South Wales, Australian DP study and adds to the growing evidence around perceptions of DPs as instructional leaders by providing an Australian perspective on the phenomenon. The paper raises important concerns about the complexity of the DP’s role on the one hand, and on the other hand, the PL that is perceived to be most appropriate for dealing with this complexity.
Neoliberalism and Western accreditation in the Middle East
Authors: Romanowski Michael H.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of neoliberalism and the accreditation of educational leadership programs in one Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country by contextualizing the accreditation process and closely examining the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards used by NCATE, now CAEP, to accredit educational leadership programs in the GCC. By using Habermas’ knowledge constitutive interests (KCIs) and evoking notions of floating signifiers, the paper develops an understanding of the use of Western-developed standards in a country that is different than the one in which these standards were conceived and how the discourse of accreditation standards shapes understandings and meanings of educational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical discourse analysis of the ELCC standards is conducted using a two-prong strategy that applies Habermas’ KCIs and evoking the notions of floating signifiers as a theoretical framework.

Findings

Understanding that knowledge is bounded by cultural circumstances, findings indicate that the ELCC standards contain all three KCIs, and various floating signifiers are embedded within the ELCC discourse that are problematic in a culture that is vastly different than the one in which these standards were conceived.

Originality/value

There are a few, if any, studies that have examined neoliberalism and accreditation in a GCC country. In particular, there are no studies that have examined the ELCC standards being used outside the USA. The research provides educators with an insight into the different forms of knowledge and understanding of the surplus of meaning of various concepts that are used within the ELCC professional standards outside the country where the standards were conceived without due regard for contextualization. The study provides discussion on how the discourse of the ELCC standards shapes understandings and meanings of educational leadership and educational leaders.
Trust, caring and organizational learning: the leader’s role
Authors: Louis Karen Seashore , Murphy Joseph
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether principals can have an impact on organizational learning (OL). The authors use a cultural perspective, based both in the emerging literature from positive psychology and the relatively well-developed research tradition in studying the nature and impacts of OL to address four questions: first, is principal’s cognitive trust in teachers’ professional capacities related to knowledge sharing/OL among teachers?; second, is principal’s trust in teachers’ professional capacities related to teachers’ reports of being in a caring school setting (relational trust)?; third, is principal caring related to knowledge sharing/OL among teachers?; and fourth, is principal trust particularly important in school contexts with low income students?

Design/methodology/approach

An existing database that includes principal and teacher surveys in 116 schools in the USA provides the basis for examining the four questions. Optimized scaling techniques were used to develop measures of principal trust in teachers professional capacities, teachers’ perception of principal caring, an indicator of academic support for students that includes a social justice of equity emphasis, and capacity for OL. The demographic characteristics of the student body and school size were used as possible moderating variables. The data were subject to both regression and path analysis.

Findings

Principal trust was directly related to teachers’ perceptions of principal caring, and indirectly related to OL. The measure of academic support for students had the strongest direct effect on OL. While the percentage of non-white students and school size had some relationship to OL, they do not change the overall results. The model, which supports the role that principals play in fostering both equity and OL is sustained when the authors examine student achievement.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study stem largely from the nature of the sample and measures, which are confined to 116 schools in the USA, and a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey database. Because understanding the dynamics of a relationship-based/positive leadership perspective require detailed qualitative studies and longitudinal data, the results are presented as suggestive of issues that should be studied further.

Originality/value

Both trust and OL have been extensively studied both in education and other settings. However, few studies have simultaneously examined leadership, different types of trust and OL and none have done so in the context of positive psychology. The contribution of this analysis is thus empirical (extending the boundaries of what is known using concepts that are familiar) and theoretical (beginning the development of a theory of positive leadership that incorporates multiple factors associated with healthy and productive school environments).
Learning and growing: trust, leadership, and response to crisis
Authors: Sutherland Ian E.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of trust in a school community related to the leadership response to crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a multiple-source qualitative study of a single case of a PreK-12 international school called The Learning School.

Findings

The findings revealed the nature of how leadership influences and is influenced by context and community. These led to a discussion about two shifts, the focus on self to focus on others and the collective community, and a shift from a focus on self-preservation and protection to learning and growing together as a community. Communication, decision making, and collaboration in the community played a significant role in the community learning and growing from the crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by the nature of the topic, crisis in schools. The nature of crisis limits the ability to engage in inquiry before the crisis, and the inquiry was limited to the specific case that occurred in a unique context. The author proposes future cross-case research to develop an understanding of school and leader responses to crisis varies across individuals and contexts, and culture.

Originality/value

While there is a growing literature about trust, it is difficult to study schools in crisis due to the limitations of the topic and sensitivity of issues of crisis in schools. This study gives insight into the dynamics of leadership and trust in a school in crisis.
Preparing turnaround leaders for high needs urban schools
Authors: Lochmiller Chad R. , Chesnut Colleen E.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the program structure and design considerations of a 25-day, full-time apprenticeship in a university-based principal preparation program.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative case study design that drew upon interviews and focus groups with program participants as well as program-related documents. Qualitative data analysis was completed using ATLAS.ti.

Findings

The analysis suggests that the apprenticeship had three specific design features that were intended to support the apprentice’s development for turnaround leadership. These included locating the apprenticeship experience in a turnaround school setting; focusing the apprenticeship on district structures and procedures; and situating the apprentice’s work within the district’s approved improvement process.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited in that recurring, on-site observations of apprenticeship activities were not possible. The study has implications for principal preparation programs related to the design of fieldwork experiences, as well as for educational scholars seeking to study the impact of fieldwork on principal efficacy.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the broader discussion of effective fieldwork experiences for aspiring school leaders, particularly when specific conceptions of leadership are infused within program designs.
Multilevel analysis of the relationship between principals’ perceived practices of instructional leadership and teachers’ self-efficacy perceptions
Authors: Bellibas Mehmet Sukru , Liu Yan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which principals’ instructional leadership predicts teacher self-efficacy, in order to identify whether a relationship exists between principals’ perceived instructional leadership practices and teachers perceived self-efficacy in classroom management, instruction, and student engagement, while controlling for several principal, teacher, and school characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The data employed in this study were both teacher- and school-level data sets obtained from the Teaching and Learning International Survey, which was administered by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2013. A two-level mixed model was employed in the analysis of the data by adding adjusted weights at both levels for the complex survey data.

Findings

The results indicated a significant and positive relationship between principals’ perceived instructional leadership practice and teachers’ self-efficacy in all three aspects. Also, gender, experience, tenure status, and formal in-service training of teachers were found to be the key factors that have significant effects on teachers’ self-efficacy perceptions.

Practical implications

Findings suggested that international effort for mandating instructional leadership in schools is a worthwhile strategy, which can help teachers develop a greater sense of ability in classroom management, instruction, and student engagement.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between instructional leadership and teachers’ perceived self-efficacy in multiple areas related to teaching.
The corporate governance endgame – minority squeeze-out regulation and post-deal litigation in Germany
Authors: Croci Ettore , Nowak Eric , Ehrhardt Olaf
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine minority squeeze-outs and their regulation in Germany, a country where majority shareholders have extensively used this tool since its introduction in 2002. Using unique hand-collected data, the authors carry out the first detailed analysis of the German squeeze-out offers from the announcement to the outcome of post-deal litigation, examining also the determinants of the decision to squeeze-out minority investors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using unique data on court rulings and compensations, the authors analyze a sample of 324 squeeze-outs of publicly listed companies from 2002 to 2011 to carry out the first detailed analysis of the squeeze-out procedure and the post-deal litigation. The authors employ the event study methodology to assess the stock market reaction around the announcement of the squeeze-out.

Findings

Large firms with foreign large shareholders are the most likely to be delisted. Positive stock price performance increases the likelihood of a squeeze-out, but operating performance has the opposite effect. Stock prices react positively to squeeze-out announcements, in particular when the squeeze-out does not follow a previous takeover offer. Post-deal litigation is widespread: nearly all squeeze-outs are legally challenged by minority shareholders. Additional cash compensation is larger in appraisal procedures, but actions of avoidance are completed in less time. Overall, the evidence suggests that starting post-deal litigation by challenging the cash compensation offered in a squeeze-out delivers high returns for minority investors.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of data concerning the identity of minority shareholders in firms undergoing a squeeze-out does not allow a proper investigation of the incentives of the different types of investors.

Practical implications

The paper provides evidence about the incentives of the different players in a squeeze-out offer. The findings of the paper could be helpful in assessing the impact of the squeeze-out rule. The results also contribute to the understanding of minority investors’ incentives to start post-deal litigation.

Originality/value

This paper provides new evidence about post-deal litigation, in particular how investors use the procedures that the system provides them to protect themselves against controlling shareholders. The paper examines all the phases of the squeeze-out procedure and challenges.
Female business leaders and the incidence of fraud litigation
Authors: Lenard Mary Jane , Yu Bing , York E. Anne , Wu Shengxiong
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether companies with female executives and directors are less likely to be involved in financial reporting fraud litigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors build a data set comprised of companies from the Stanford Securities Class Action Clearinghouse database that were involved in fraud litigation along with a control set of companies listed on the Compustat database for the time period 2007-2013. The authors use a logistic regression model to determine the likelihood of fraud when there is at least one woman in an executive position or on the board of directors.

Findings

The authors find that the presence of at least one female leader decreases the likelihood that the company will be involved in litigation for financial reporting fraud. The results are robust after controlling for sample selection bias by using a propensity score matched sample.

Practical implications

The findings add to the literature which indicates that women tend to be more risk averse and are more committed to ethics policies. The study also supports previous research that indicates large firms with inflated market value are more likely to be subject to fraud litigation.

Originality/value

The study combines the literature on the characteristics of women in leadership positions with the study of fraud litigation. The authors find evidence that the presence of either female executives or female directors lowers financial reporting fraud risk.
On the role of the chief risk officer and the risk committee in insuring financial institutions against litigation
Authors: Amoozegar Arash , Pukthuanthong Kuntara , Walker Thomas J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In most financial institutions, chief risk officers (CROs) and their risk management (RM) staff fulfill a role in managing risk exposures, yet their lack of involvement in the governance has been cited as an influential factor that contributed to the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Various legislative and regulatory bodies have pressured financial firms to improve their risk governance structures to better weather potential future crises. Assuming that CROs and risk committees are given sufficient power to influence the corporate governance of financial institutions, can CROs and risk committees protect financial institutions from violating litigable securities law? Can they improve bank performance? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a principal component analysis to construct a single measure that captures various aspects of RM in a firm. The authors compare the risk governance characteristics of sued firms with their non-sued peers and consider one of the final outcomes of risky behavior: shareholder litigation. The authors compute ROA and buy-and-hold abnormal returns to capture operating and stock performance and examine whether risk governance improves bank performance by reducing litigation risk.

Findings

Proper risk governance reduces a firm’s litigation probability. The addition of the RM factor to models that have been previously proposed in the literature improves the accuracy of those models in identifying companies that are most susceptible to class action lawsuits. Better RM improves the financial and stock price performance of financial institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection is laborious as the information about CRO governance has to be hand-collected from the 10-K report. A broader sample employing, e.g., non-US banks may provide additional insights into the relationship between RM practices, shareholder litigation, and bank performance.

Practical implications

The study shows that a bank’s RM functions play a critical role in improving bank and operating performance and in reducing shareholder litigation. Banks should emphasize the RM function.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the mechanism behind the positive association between RM and bank performance. The study shows that better RM improves overall bank performance by decreasing litigation risk.
A survey of litigation in corporate finance
Authors: Arena Matteo , Ferris Stephen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review research on litigation in corporate finance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper surveys studies on the estimation of litigation risk, litigation costs, stock reaction to lawsuit announcement, and the effect of litigation on corporate financial policies and outcomes.

Findings

The first section presents a survey of studies that estimate litigation risk. The authors then discuss a set of studies that focus on the various costs associated with litigation. The third area of review is about studies which estimate the market reaction to a lawsuit announcement. The next section surveys studies that examine the relation between litigation and a variety of corporate policies, behaviors, and outcomes. The authors then discuss the emerging literature on how corporate political connections can influence the outcome of litigation. The survey concludes with a brief summary and a discussion of suggestions for future research involving corporate litigation.

Originality/value

By providing an extensive review of the literature on litigation in corporate finance, this survey can help researchers to identify recent trends in litigation research and select promising new avenues of investigation in the field.
The litigation of tax benefit preservation plans
Authors: Boulton Thomas Jason , Nixon Terry D.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The authors study the shareholder wealth effects of the adoption and subsequent litigation confirming the validity of shareholder right plans that are enacted to protect a firm’s net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards (tax benefit preservation plans (TBPPs)). The purpose of this paper is to expand the understanding of nontraditional shareholder rights plans, which are becoming increasingly more common.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers abnormal returns around TBPP adoptions and Delaware Court rulings that validated their use. The authors study 118 plans adopted between 1998 and 2011. Abnormal returns are measured using both a market model and a performance-matched sample.

Findings

The authors find that abnormal returns are negative at the announcement of a new TBPP. However, the full impact of plan adoption on share prices is not evident until the Delaware Courts validated their use. The Delaware Court rulings in the case of Selectica, Inc. v. Versata Enterprises, Inc. and Trilogy, Inc. are associated with additional negative wealth effects for both prior plan adopters and the firms most likely to consider adopting a plan. These results suggest that entrenchment concerns tend to outweigh the protection of NOL carry forwards when firms adopt TBPPs.

Originality/value

This study was the first to consider the adoption of TBPPs. Currently, it is the only study that considers Delaware Court rulings related to these plans, which allows us to successfully disentangle the entrenchment hypothesis from the potential alternative hypothesis that the negative announcement period returns are driven by investors updating their expectations for firm performance.
Effects of nano-copper particles on the properties of Sn58Bi composite solder pastes
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Yang , Sun Fenglian , Ban Gaofang , Fan Jiajie
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aimed to investigate the effects of nano-copper particles on the melting behaviors, wettability and defect formation mechanism of the Sn58Bi composite solder pastes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the mechanical stirring method was used to get the nano-composite solder pastes.

Findings

Experimental results indicated that the addition of 3 wt.% (weight percentage) 50 nm copper particles showed limited effects on the melting behaviors of the Sn58Bi composite solder paste. The spreading rate of the Sn58Bi composite solder paste showed a decreasing trend with the increase of the weight percentage of 50 nm copper particles from 0 to 3 wt.%. With the addition of copper particles of diameters 50 nm, 500 nm or 6.5 μm into the Sn58Bi solder paste, the porosities of the three types of solder pastes showed a similar trend. The porosity increased with the increase of the weight percentage of copper particles. Based on the experimental results, a model of the void formation mechanism was proposed. During reflow, the copper particles reacted with Sn in the matrix and formed intermetallic compounds, which gathered around the voids produced by the volatilization of flux. The exclusion of the voids was suppressed and eventually led to the formation of defects.

Originality/value

This study provides an optimized material for the second and third level packaging. A model of the void formation mechanism was proposed.
Improve electromagnetic compatibility of electronic products with multivariate parametric design
Authors: Huang Chien-Yi , Chen Ching-Hsiang
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Differing from previous studies trying to solve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issue by addressing single factor, this study aims to combine measures of shielding, filtering and grounding to design parameters with the Taguchi method at the beginning of product design to come up with the optimal parameter combination.

Design/methodology/approach

EMC-related performance such as radiated emission, conduction interference and electrical fast transient/burst immunity (EFT) are response variables, whereas the printed circuit board and mechanic design-relevant parameters are considered as control factors. The noise factors are peripherals used together with the tablet.

Findings

The optimal design parameter matrix based on results from the application and integration of multivariate analysis method of principal component grey relation and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution suggests 14 grounding screw holes, cooling aperture of casing at diameter of 3 mm and staggered layout and 300O filter located at source of noise. Validation of this matrix shows around 10, 1 and 8 per cent improvement in radiation, conduction interference and EFT immunity.

Originality/value

The multivariate quality parameters’ design method proposed by this study improves EMC characteristics of products and meets the design specification required by customer, accelerating electronic product research and development process and complying with electromagnetic interference test regulations set forth by individual country.
Fabrication and characterization of piezoelectric nanogenerator based on Al/ZnO/Au structure
Authors: Zafar Mubeen , Naeem Awais Muhammad , Asif Muhammad , Razaq Amir , Amin Gul
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research work is to harvest energy using the piezoelectric properties of ZnO nanowires (NW). Fabrication and characterization of the piezoelectric nanogenerator (NG), based on Al/ZnO/Au structure without using hosting layer, were done to harvest energy. The proposed method has full potential to harvest the cost-effective energy.

Design/methodology/approach

ZnO NW were fabricated between the thin layers of Al- and Au-coated substrates for the development of piezoelectric NG. To grow ZnO NW, ZnO seed layer was prepared on the Al-coated substrate, and then ZnO NW were grown by aqueous chemical growth method. Finally, Au top electrode was used to conclude the Al/ZnO/Au NG structure. The Al and Au electrodes were used to establish the ohmic and Schottky contacts with ZnO NW, respectively.

Findings

Surface morphology of the fabricated device was done by using scanning electron microscopy, and electrical characterization of the sample was performed with digital oscilloscope, picoammeter and voltmeter. The energy harvesting experiment was performed to excite the presented device. The fabricated piezoelectric-sensitive device revealed the maximum open circuit voltage up to 5 V and maximum short circuit current up to 30 nA, with a maximum power of 150 nW. Consequently, it was also shown that the output of the fabricated device was increased by applying the stress. The presented work will help for the openings to capture the mechanical energy from the surroundings to power up the nano/micro-devices. This research work shows that NGs have the competency to build the self-powered nanosystems. It has potential applications in biosensing and personal electronics.

Originality/value

The fabrication of simple and cost-effective piezoelectric NG is done with a structure of Al/ZnO/Au without using hosting layer. The presented method elucidates an efficient and cost-effective approach to harvest the mechanical energy from the native environment.
iDE in Nicaragua: quest for sustainability
Authors: Narapareddy Vijaya L. , Sampson Nancy , Vishwanath S.R.
Published: January 2017

Synopsis

International Development Enterprises (iDE), a non-profit organization, won numerous awards for its poverty alleviation efforts through the sale of low-cost irrigation technologies to the Base of Pyramid (BoP) farmers around the world. This case discusses iDE’s entry into Nicaragua and the challenges this global social enterprise faced in bringing drip irrigation and other water technologies to the rural subsistence coffee farmers in Nicaragua. It presents the tough decisions it faced in 2012 regarding the future of its for-profit social business, iDEal Tecnologias, in Nicaragua. This case captures the tension in hybrid social enterprises.

Research methodology

This case was developed through the following primary sources as well as some secondary sources. Primary: discussions with iDE’s CEO Doerksen, Urs Heierli (Coordinator of iDE’s operations in Nicaragua), and Skype conversations with iDEal Tec’s Country Director, Nadja Kränzlin. Secondary: documents provided by the company and other publicly available sources.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is intended for use in undergraduate, graduate, and executive courses in: social entrepreneurship, non-profit management, and managing sustainable businesses. It may also be used in the sustainability module of courses in international business/management/marketing, and business strategy and policy. It would be best to position this case toward the middle or latter half of the course as it is an integrative case that challenges students to evaluate the sustainability of a social enterprise from multiple perspectives.

Theoretical bases

The theoretical bases for this case are: defining and implementing a sustainable strategy in hybrid social enterprises. Serving BoP customers with a vision of enabling prosperity.
Getting back on track: change management at AfrobitLink Ltd
Authors: Adeyinka Olugbenga , Foster Mary Kuchta
Published: January 2017

Synopsis

AfrobitLink Ltd was an information technology (IT) firm with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. AfrobitLink started as a very small IT firm with less than two dozen staff. Within a few years of its founding, AfrobitLink established itself as a dependable organization known for delivering high-quality IT services. However, starting in 2004, AfrobitLink experienced rapid growth as it expanded to serve the telecommunications firms taking advantage of the deregulated market. This rapid expansion resulted in many challenges for AfrobitLink. The firm rapidly expanded into all 36 states in Nigeria, hiring a manager to oversee the company’s operations in each of the states. Poor hiring practices, inadequate training, excessive spans of control, low accountability, a subjective reward system, and other cultural issues, such as a relaxed attitude to time, resulted in low motivation, high employee turnover, poor customer service, and financial losses. By 2013, the firm was operating at a loss and its reputation was in shambles. Generally, the culture was toxic: employees did not identify with the firm or care about its goals, there were no performance standards, employees were not held accountable, self-interest and discrimination prevailed. The organization was in a downward spiral. Consultants were hired to help sort out the firm’s problems but these efforts yielded few results. Ken Wilson, the founder’s son, was hired in 2014 as VP of Administration to help get the firm back on track. As a change agent, Ken had to decide how to address the issues facing the firm and how to achieve profitable growth.

Research methodology

Primary sources included interviews with the company CEO, his wife, his son, and a volunteer staff member. Secondary sources included the company website. The names of the people and the firm in the case have been changed to provide anonymity.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is intended for use in graduate courses (although it can also be used in upper level undergraduate courses) in change management/organization development, organizational behavior, leadership, or international management. For graduate courses, students may focus on application or integration of several theories or concepts. For upper level undergraduate courses, students may focus on application of a single theory or concept. Below are suggested texts or readings for each type of student by subject.

Theoretical bases

Change management theories (e.g. Lewin’s force field analysis (Schein, 1996), Kotter’s eight-step change management process (Kotter, 2007), The change kaleidoscope approach (Balogun and Hailey, 2008)), social identity theory (Tajfel, 1981), attribution theory (Kelley, 1972), leadership theories (e.g. Hersey and Blanchard, 1969), intercultural/international management theories (e.g. Hofstede, 1980, 1991).
Governance and decision making at Carris Reels
Authors: Berry Daphne , Fitz-Gerald David
Published: January 2017

Synopsis

Carris Reels, a reel-manufacturing company headquartered in Vermont, had long-standing goals of being employee owned and governed. They also had a strong organizational (ownership) culture. The Corporate Steering Committee (CSC), a committee composed of representatives from management and non-management employees, and the board of directors had a decision to make about adding two new members to the board. With these new members, the board of directors would be made up of both members of management and non-management employees. Was Carris forfeiting wiser outside counsel in favor of company insiders? What about for the future of the company?

Research methodology

The data for this case were collected from discussions and informal interviews with Carris Reels employees, and archival data from the company intranet which includes an archival of company newsletters, meeting minutes and announcements. Information on the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), board of directors, the CSC, and ESOP trustees from these sources were also used.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is suitable for strategic management, and social responsibility and social enterprise-focused courses for upper-level undergraduates and MBA students.

Theoretical bases

The sources, development, and outcomes of a strong organizational culture are important to this case. Schein (1989) and others (Harris and Ogbanna, 1999) address the role of a company’s founder in development of the company’s culture. Research addressing ownership and participation in the context of an ownership culture indicates positive outcomes to employees and to their companies (Logue and Yates, 2005; Ownership Associates, 1998).
IT assets, IT infrastructure performance and IT capability: a framework for e-government
Authors: Dahiya Deepak , Mathew Saji K.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Although government investments in IT is growing, it is unclear how and what kind of IT investments lead to desirable E-Government performance. Several studies pertaining to the business value of IT have developed and tested frameworks for IT infrastructure, IT capability and business performance. However, E-Government-related IT investment outcomes cannot be measured by profits and hence requires a separate investigation. E-Government research using theoretical approach has been reported as very scarce in previous studies. This research aims to bridge the gap by developing a model to study IT infrastructure capability and E-Government performance in the emerging context of new IT service delivery models.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a case study method in this research witha prioriconceptual framework. The data were collected following an interview method used for deductive theory building.

Findings

The results identified a positive relationship between IT assets and IT infrastructure performance in the presence of service delivery channels and an anticipation of a positive influence of infrastructure performance variables on IT capability which in turn shows positive effect on E-Government performance.

Research limitations/implications

Because the study followed a qualitative approach, the findings from this study are not useful for statistical generalization. However, the analytical framework provides sufficient ground to test E-Government performance.

Practical implications

The study provides insights in the choice of IT infrastructure elements fitting an E-Government strategy.

Social implications

This study provides an integrated framework for measuring E-Government performance, thereby making deployment of IT infrastructure accountable both in terms of IT performance and IT capability. This in turn will lead to improvement in citizen services.

Originality/value

This paper builds on the existing literature on IT assets, IT infrastructure performance, IT infrastructure capability and applies to the E-Government domain.
Trust and justice in the adoption of a welfare e-payment system
Authors: Azmi Anna , Ang Yen Dee , Talib Siti Aqilah
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between citizens’ perception of justice and their trust in the government agency that provides e-services, in particular, those e-services with users who are particularly sensitive towards their interaction and exchanges with the government.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of 102 surveys completed by users of e-BR1M was conducted. Partial least squares regression, a form of structural equation modelling, was used for the data analysis.

Findings

This study found that distributive justice and procedural justice positively influence trust in government. Trust in government and convenience were also found to significantly influence the adoption of e-BR1M.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding the interaction between perceptions of justice (procedural and distributive justice) and trust can contribute to the willingness to adopt e-government services by a particular group of users who are particularly sensitive towards interactions with the government.

Practical implications

Findings from this study can help policymakers improve the way in which they interact with citizens so that the citizens’ perceptions of procedural and distributive justice are improved. This, in turn, will improve trust in government and will lead to an improved willingness of citizens to use e-government services.

Originality/value

This study examined the interaction between citizens’ perceptions of trust and justice in an e-government service, which users are particularly sensitive towards in their interactions with the government.
E-government and transformation of service delivery in developing countries
Authors: Siddiquee Noore Alam
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Since 2009, e-government has been high on governmental agenda in Bangladesh. Seen as a vehicle for improving governance and service delivery, it is also presented as a key to fighting poverty and achieving the millennium development goals. Thus, the goals of e-government remain broad and ambitious. Can a developing country such as Bangladesh realize its e-government vision? The purpose of this paper is to explore this and other related questions seeking to draw lessons that the Bangladesh experience may offer.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws primarily on secondary information, complemented by primary data gathered from various sources. In addition to an extensive review of secondary sources, necessary information was derived from websites of relevant government departments/agencies and through interviews and conversations with selected government officials having intimate knowledge on e-government projects at the field and local levels.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the ways in which various e-initiatives have transformed traditional administrative systems and practices, notwithstanding the nation’s limited overall e-development. It also shows how e-innovations have helped tackle some complex challenges, thereby adding to convenience and benefits to service users. A major conclusion of the paper is that although e-government is yet to make a breakthrough in governance and service delivery, it has set the wheels of change in motion.

Practical implications

E-government must be seen as a long term project, it must attract high-level political support and it requires fruitful collaboration between the public, private and non-governmental actors.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited knowledge in the field. Lessons learned from the Bangladesh experience have much relevance to other developing countries with similar socioeconomic circumstances. The policymakers and practitioners are expected to benefit from the insights of the paper.
Strategic framework for e-democracy development and sustainability
Authors: Oni A.A. , Ayo C.K. , Oni S. , Mbarika V.W.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Information and communication technology has been identified as a viable tool to proffer solution to the societal problem of disconnect between democratic actors. The issue of sustainability and citizens’ acceptance of online public participation, however, remains a major issue of concern requiring adequate attention. This study therefore aims to develop a strategic framework for e-democracy implementation and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic qualitative review using Grounded Theory Method was adopted to develop the e-democracy strategic framework.

Findings

The strategic framework is generic and has the potential to serve as a spring board for e-democracy implementation. It abstracts existing strategies and best practice that can be adopted to add value to e-democracy implementation. Using this framework, developing nations can take advantage of their present level of technological development to give voice to the voiceless and improve their democratic system.

Practical implications

E-democracy implementation should be backed up with policy framework which explicitly states the vision, objectives, policies guiding e-democracy implementation and the oversight bodies responsible for monitoring and evaluation. The implementation plan should clearly identify the implementation approach, levels of engagement, roles of various stakeholders and tools and technology to be involved. Government willingness to harness citizens input and commit resource to e-participation is of paramount importance.

Originality/value

The framework developed is useful for the e-democracy research community and government in executing successful e-democracy implementation and evaluating its impact on democratic outcomes.
Effects of termite mounds on composition, functional types and traits of plant communities in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (Benin, West Africa)
Authors: Gbeffe Alain K. , Houehanou Thierry D. , Habiyaremye Muhashy , Assede Emeline S. P. , Yaoitcha Alain S. , Janssens de Bisthoven Luc , Sogbohossou Etotépé A. , Houinato Marcel , Sinsin Brice A.
Published: January 2017

Understanding the role of termite mounds in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is a priority for the management of tropical terrestrial protected areas dominated by savannahs. This study aimed to assess the effects of termite mounds on the diversity of plant functional types (PFTs) and herbaceous’ net aboveground primary productivity (NAPP) in plant communities (PCs) of the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve. PCs were identified through canonical correspondence analysis performed on 96 phytosociological ‘relevés’ realized in plots of 900 m2. PFTs’ diversity was compared between savannahs and mounds’ plots using generalized linear models. In each plot, 7 m2 subplots were harvested and NAPP was determined. Linear mixed models were performed to assess change in herbaceous NAPP regarding species richness, graminoids’ richness, specific leaf area and termite mounds. There is no specific plant community related to mounds. However, the occurrence of termite mounds induced an increase of woody and forbs diversity while the diversity of legumes and graminoids decreased. These diversity patterns led to decreasing of PCs’ NAPP. This study confirms that termite‐induced resource heterogeneity supports niche differentiation theory and increased savannah encroachment by woody species.
Zika virus and pregnancy: An overview
Authors: de Carvalho Newton Sérgio , de Carvalho Beatriz Freitas , Dóris Bruna , Silverio Biscaia Evellyn , Arias Fugaça Cyllian , de Noronha Lúcia
Published: January 2017

In May 2015, the first episodes of Zika virus infection of the Latin America were confirmed in Brazil, where currently 196 976 cases were reported. The main route of transmission occurs by Aedes mosquitoes, and the most common symptoms are maculopapular rash, fever, conjunctivitis, polyarthralgia, and periarticular edema. However, the infection is asymptomatic in 80% of the cases. The congenital infection is characterized when the transmission to the fetus occurs during pregnancy, but the mechanisms of how the virus infects the placenta remain unclear. Anatomopathological findings were described in first‐ and third‐trimester human placentas; however, the major affected tissue of the baby is the neural. Several clinical situations were listed in these fetuses, such as neurological, ophthalmological, auditory, and articular alterations. The World Health Organization proposed a new congenital syndrome caused by Zika virus. The virus has an important neurotropism and the main manifestation observed in the syndrome is microcephaly, which is usually severe and associated with other neurological injuries. The appearance of sudden rash in pregnant women determines immediate investigation through RT‐PCR and serological analysis. Moreover, the prevention consists in using repellents and avoiding endemic areas, considering that the vaccine is still under development.