bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble climate simulations using a fully coupled ocean–troposphere–stratosphere general circulation model
Authors: Huebener H , Cubasch U , Langematz U , Spangehl T , Niehörster F , Fast I , Kunze M
Published: June 2007

Long-term transient simulations are carried out in an initial condition ensemble mode using a global coupled climate model which includes comprehensive ocean and stratosphere components. This model, which is run for the years 1860–2100, allows the investigation of the troposphere–stratosphere interactions and the importance of representing the middle atmosphere in climate-change simulations.

The model simulates the present-day climate (1961–2000) realistically in the troposphere, stratosphere and ocean. The enhanced stratospheric resolution leads to the simulation of sudden stratospheric warmings; however, their frequency is underestimated by a factor of 2 with respect to observations.

In projections of the future climate using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change special report on emissions scenarios A2, an increased tropospheric wave forcing counteracts the radiative cooling in the middle atmosphere caused by the enhanced greenhouse gas concentration. This leads to a more dynamically active, warmer stratosphere compared with present-day simulations, and to the doubling of the number of stratospheric warmings. The associated changes in the mean zonal wind patterns lead to a southward displacement of the Northern Hemisphere storm track in the climate-change signal.
Challenges in using probabilistic climate change information for impact assessments: an example from the water sector
Authors: New Mark , Lopez Ana , Dessai Suraje , Wilby Rob
Published: June 2007

Climate change impacts and adaptation assessments have traditionally adopted a scenario-based approach, which precludes an assessment of the relative risks of particular adaptation options. Probabilistic impact assessments, especially if based on a thorough analysis of the uncertainty in an impact forecast system, enable adoption of a risk-based assessment framework. However, probabilistic impacts information is conditional and will change over time. We explore the implications of a probabilistic end-to-end risk-based framework for climate impacts assessment, using the example of water resources in the Thames River, UK. We show that a probabilistic approach provides more informative results that enable the potential risk of impacts to be quantified, but that details of the risks are dependent on the approach used in the analysis.
Valvular endothelial cells and the mechanoregulation of valvular pathology
Authors: Butcher Jonathan T , Nerem Robert M
Published: June 2007

Endothelial cells are critical mediators of haemodynamic forces and as such are important foci for initiation of vascular pathology. Valvular leaflets are also lined with endothelial cells, though a similar role in mechanosensing has not been demonstrated. Recent evidence has shown that valvular endothelial cells respond morphologically to shear stress, and several studies have implicated valvular endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of disease. This review seeks to combine what is known about vascular and valvular haemodynamics, endothelial response to mechanical stimuli and the pathogenesis of valvular diseases to form a hypothesis as to how mechanical stimuli can initiate valvular endothelial dysfunction and disease progression. From this analysis, it appears that inflow surface-related bacterial/thrombotic vegetative endocarditis is a high shear-driven endothelial denudation phenomenon, while the outflow surface with its related calcific/atherosclerotic degeneration is a low/oscillatory shear-driven endothelial activation phenomenon. Further understanding of these mechanisms may help lead to earlier diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
The shear stress of it all: the cell membrane and mechanochemical transduction
Authors: White Charles R , Frangos John A
Published: June 2007

As the inner lining of the vessel wall, vascular endothelial cells are poised to act as a signal transduction interface between haemodynamic forces and the underlying vascular smooth-muscle cells. Detailed analyses of fluid mechanics in atherosclerosis-susceptible regions of the vasculature reveal a strong correlation between endothelial cell dysfunction and areas of low mean shear stress and oscillatory flow with flow recirculation. Conversely, steady shear stress stimulates cellular responses that are essential for endothelial cell function and are atheroprotective. The molecular basis of shear-induced mechanochemical signal transduction and the endothelium's ability to discriminate between flow profiles remains largely unclear. Given that fluid shear stress does not involve a traditional receptor/ligand interaction, identification of the molecule(s) responsible for sensing fluid flow and mechanical force discrimination has been difficult. This review will provide an overview of the haemodynamic forces experienced by the vascular endothelium and its role in localizing atherosclerotic lesions within specific regions of the vasculature. Also reviewed are several recent lines of evidence suggesting that both changes in membrane microviscosity linked to heterotrimeric G proteins, and the transmission of tension across the cell membrane to the cell–cell junction where known shear-sensitive proteins are localized, may serve as the primary force-sensing elements of the cell.
The development of a knowledge sharing construct to predict turnover intentions
Authors: Jacobs Everd , Roodt Gert
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to discuss the development of a knowledge sharing questionnaire and the role of knowledge sharing in predicting turnover intentions of registered professional nurses.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature study was conducted to determine the concepts and activities linked to knowledge sharing in order to compile a questionnaire. The questionnaire was factor analysed in order to determine the factor structure of the instrument. Thereafter, the construct of knowledge sharing was introduced together with organisational culture and various proposed mediating variables, namely organisational commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour and job satisfaction, as well as various demographic variables to develop a predictive model of turnover intentions through applying general linear modelling. A cross‐sectional field survey design was used with a sample of 530 registered professional nurses in South Africa.

Findings

A knowledge‐sharing questionnaire was developed that yielded a high reliability coefficient. A significant negative relationship was found between knowledge sharing behaviour and turnover intentions. Furthermore, knowledge sharing interacted with organisational culture in a final model where all the selected mediating and demographic variables were simultaneously entered into the equation to predict turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

More attention should be given to improve the content validity of the knowledge‐sharing questionnaire. The development of more knowledge sharing measures in different industries is also important.

Practical implications

Employers should know that retention strategies of professional nurses can be built around opportunities to share knowledge if they manage the organisational culture in such a way that people are willing to share what they know. This emphasises the importance of the human being in effective knowledge management.

Originality/value

The development of the knowledge‐sharing questionnaire contributes to fill a gap of existing measures. It also focuses on the importance of tacit knowledge and that knowledge resides in the human minds of people. The value of a thorough literature overview in compiling questionnaires and applying general linear modelling in compiling predictive models are highly recommended.
A theoretical exploration of information behaviour: a power perspective
Authors: Mutshewa Athulang
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore and propose a way of using power as a theoretical anchor to investigate the information behaviour of people in work roles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature on power relevant to the information disciplines. Various models of power are described, and a more sophisticated view, which takes a relational approach to power, is used to suggest how information related behaviour could be investigated.

Findings

In this paper, power is regarded as a pervasive phenomenon involved in all aspects of individual lives, including the aspects emanating from work roles performed by individuals, thus manifesting itself as part of the relationships in the organisation. The paper suggests a framework that links information behaviour to power by arguing that power relations that form part of the processes of the work roles induce the information behaviour exhibited by those people. The paper concludes by pointing to a need for information behaviour researchers to consider power as central to understanding how people seek and use information.

Originality/value

The framework could be used as a tool for designing studies that will enable the collection of data on information behaviour.
Information seeking: an overview of web tracking and the criteria for tracking software
Authors: Fourie Ina , Bothma Theo
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to alert researchers to software for web tracking of information seeking behaviour, and to offer a list of criteria that will make it easier to select software. A selection of research projects based on web tracking as well as the benefits and disadvantages of web tracking are also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the literature, including clarification of key concepts, a brief overview of studies of web information seeking behaviour based on web tracking, identification of software used, as well as the strengths and short‐comings noted for web tracking is used as a background to the identification of criteria for the selection of web tracking software.

Findings

Web tracking can offer very valuable information for the development of websites, portals, digital libraries, etc. It, however, needs to be supplemented by qualitative studies, and researchers need to ensure that the tracking software will collect the data required.

Research limitations/implications

The criteria is not applied to any software in particular.

Practical implications

The criteria can be used by researchers working on web usage and web information seeking behaviour to select suitable tracking software.

Originality/value

Although there are many reports on the use of web tracking (also reported in this article), nothing could be traced on criteria for the evaluation of web tracking software.
Knowledge management in a multicultural environment: a South African perspective
Authors: King Nadene , Kruger Neels , Pretorius Jaco
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Numerous authors contend that there are dissimilarities in the way people, especially those from different cultural backgrounds, interpret or accept knowledge sharing. Ribiere and Sitar argue that, as a result of their educational systems, western cultures do not encourage a social exemplar of knowledge sharing. Yeh and Ma concur, arguing that western cultures are more likely to embrace values of self‐determination, independence and the attainment of personal interest. In contrast, Yang argues that Asian cultures nurture a sharing and teamwork environment or approach to activities. Very little is mentioned in literature about knowledge sharing in African cultures and/or African organisations. Specifically, not much is known regarding knowledge sharing in settings where the roles of dominance of one culture over another are reversed or neutralised, either by force or law, or by natural progression. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Being in the fortunate position of working for a culturally diversified multinational organisation based in South Africa, one of the authors was able to determine, on a first‐hand basis, how different cultural backgrounds impact upon knowledge sharing. In the organisation under review, research subjects' opinions on knowledge sharing, culture and other knowledge management (KM) issues were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire consisting of 21 descriptive questions. Phenomenological research was chosen since it is a qualitative research method that attempts to understand participants' perspectives, perceptions and views of a phenomenon. The analysis that follows consists of descriptive statistics used for each question, as well as the testing of hypotheses regarding the relationships between explanatory and response variables.

Findings

As in other studies, cultural issues such as language proficiency, education and schooling, gender biases, age and work experience, were all found to influence the knowledge‐sharing inclination of individuals either directly or indirectly. However, when individuals have been exposed to past political turmoil leading to present empowerment policies such as affirmative action, knowledge distribution takes on a different dimension – one in which knowledge sharing becomes a power play. African individuals, irrespective of whether they are black or white, display much more of a sense of power in knowledge sharing than do their European counterparts.

Originality/value

The paper is of relevance to knowledge management practitioners, scholars and professionals interested in the sharing and management of knowledge in extremely diversified and multidimensional environments.
Numerical simulation of the flow field around parachute during terminal descent
Authors: Cao Yihua , Jiang Chongwen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a preliminary method for the numerical simulation of the flow field around a parachute.

Design/methodology/approach

With the rise of computational fluid dynamics and structural finite element method, it is possible to accurately describe the dynamic characteristics of a parachute. In order to simulate the flow field around the parachute during terminal descent, a finite volume method and Spalart‐Allmaras turbulence model are used to solve the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations.

Findings

The calculated results for flow field show good agreement with the experimental data.

Research limitations/implications

Although a preliminary analysis for the flow field around the parachute could be obtained using current method, the exact flow field (such as involving the canopy flexibility and weave porosity) calculations still rely on the complex fluid‐structure interaction analytical techniques that should be studied in future.

Practical implications

A very useful method for the preliminary analyses of the parachutes.

Originality/value

By comparing the calculated results with those of relevant experiment, it is proved that the proposed method is valid and available to parachute analyses.
Copper redeposition and surface enrichment during the dissolution of Al‐Cu alloys in different concentrations of NaCl solution. Part 1 – electrochemical measurements
Authors: El Warraky A.A. , El‐Aziz A.M. , Soliman Kh.A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to study the dissolution of Al, Al‐3.84%Cu, Al‐5.22%Cu and Al‐11%Cu alloys in different concentrations of NaCl (10‐5‐10‐1 M).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to use open circuit potential (OCP) and potentiostatic polarization measurements.

Findings

Results obtained showed that, as the Cu content was increased in the Al‐Cu alloys, a steady state potential was rapidly reached. Addition of different concentrations of CuCl2 to 0.5 M NaCl demonstrated that by increasing the concentration of CuCl2 up to 2 ppm a greater increase in the OCP towards more anodic value occurred from the moment of immersion. Further increases in the concentration of CuCl2, up to 600 ppm, exhibited the same behavior.

Originality/value

The results of the study reveal that cathodic current was controlled by the oxygen in solution, while the anodic current increased with increased Cu content in the alloy.
Copper redeposition and surface enrichment during the dissolution of Al‐Cu alloys in different concentrations of NaCl solution. Part 2 – spectroscopic analysis measurements
Authors: El Warraky A.A. , El‐Aziz A.M. , Soliman Kh.A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the enrichment of Cu, and the type of attack occurring during the dissolution of Al‐3.84%Cu alloy in 0.5 M NaCl.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and solution analyses using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Findings

Examination of the surface after five days of immersion showed that Cu clusters had concentrated around the edges of the specimens and two types of localized corrosion were evident, pitting corrosion and the intergranular attack, which were concentrated mainly around the Cu clusters and in the regions where a higher concentration of Cu was evident. After 80 days of immersion, the higher concentration of Cu was distributed over nearly the entire surface and its concentration differed from one site to another.

Originality/value

The analysis results of the study confirmed the mechanism of simultaneous dissolution.
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
Authors: Paul Dana Leo
Published: June 2007

A case study of the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and their expansion and growth through joint marketing.
Trends in the global poultry meat supply chain
Authors: Manning L. , Baines R.N. , Chadd S.A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current status of the poultry meat supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The research included a literature review and evaluation of financial performance data to determine the market conditions that have impacted on both individual organisations and supply chains.

Findings

The financial data has demonstrated, for the transnational corporations (TNC) studied, a significant reduction in financial performance over the last 12 months. This is due in part to the influence of avian influenza, but also to the over supply of poultry meat and increased production costs. The ongoing management of risk within this context needs to not only address traditional risk factors, but also in publicly traded organisations address the effective management of investment risk to ensure continued shareholder confidence and organisational viability.

Originality/value

This research is of academic value and of value to those working in the food supply chain.
Reputation management in agro‐food industries: safety first
Authors: van Woerkum C.M.J. , van Lieshout Ir. M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the way in which Dutch organizations in the food sector try to cope with their reputations regarding food safety.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with eight representatives of Dutch agro‐food companies were organized, representing a variety of products with different positions in the agro‐food chain.

Findings

The results show that, although reputation management is not a special branch in the organization of communication, the subject is seen as crucial for these organizations. Their strategies, however, differ considerably, depending on whether they position food safety as more or less central in their mission and brand strategy.

Originality/value

The article makes recommendations and gives insight into the agro‐food industry and will be of interest to those in the field.
Lay people's views of the school food supply
Authors: Worsley Anthony
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article aims to examine lay‐persons' views of school food services in Victoria, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional postal questionnaire survey of a random sample of electors on the Electoral Roll in Victoria, Australia. Out of 1,000 potential respondents, 377 completed the questionnaire. Main outcome measures included responses to closed questions about foods supplied to children at school using five‐point scales. Data analyses included frequency and cross‐tabulation analyses, and multivariate analyses of principal component scores by demographic and personal values variables.

Findings

Many respondents were critical of children's school food services but they were generally supportive of food and health education, whilst holding ambivalent attitudes towards snacks and marketing practices.

Research limitations/implications

This was a cross‐sectional survey with a relatively low response rate.

Practical implications

Understanding of laypersons' views of children's food services is likely to facilitate nutrition communication and promotion of healthy children's foods.

Originality/value

Lay views of children's food provision have rarely been reported, despite their importance for the support of public nutrition policies. The study identifies likely antecedents of lay people's views.
Probiotic therapy for gastro‐intestinal allergenic infants
Authors: Sarkar S.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to review the incidence of food allergy or food sensitization in children which has increased during the past decade and can manifest urticaria or angioedema, anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, respiratory symptoms or gastro‐intestinal disorders, and to looks closely at probiotic therapy, which appears to alleviate allergy inflammation.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature related to probiotics and their exploitation as probiotic therapy for gastro‐intestinal allergenic infants has been primarily composed from two databases, namely, Dairy Science Abstracts and Entez Pub Med.

Findings

Development of intestinal microbiota is considered to be a consequential factor affecting the health of newborns and could be achieved by nutritional change in diet or by consumption of probiotic through fermented milks. Animal and human trials revealed that probiotics can affect host‐resistance to intestinal infection as well as various immune functions and alleviate intestinal inflammation, normalize gut mucosal dysfunction and down‐regulate hypersensitivity reaction. Mode of action of probiotics is mediated by the microbial composition as well as metabolic activity of the intestinal flora. Beneficial properties of probiotics suggest their application for probiotic therapy of food‐allergenic infants.

Originality/value

Ingestion of fermented milk products containing probiotic cultures may provide health benefits in terms of colonization and normalization of intestinal flora, thereby alleviating food allergenicity in infants.
Genetic modification for the production of food: the food industry’s response
Authors: Ellahi Basma
Published: June 2007

Explores the scope for using genetically modified organisms by undertaking a survey which considered awareness (knowledge) of and policy implications for both the UK food retailer and manufacturer. Uses interviews and a postal questionnaire. Finds that the UK food retailing industry is generally well‐informed, while in contrast to the retailers, food manufacturers are, in general, poorly informed and show a lack of awareness of possible products and the implications their usage may have for their companies. Few are abreast of research and development in this area. Both retailers and food manufacturers believe that biotechnology could be applied beneficially to many aspects of food production, and are aware of the many consumer concerns and issues which need to be addressed.
Fast change – how to avoid getting in the way of your own success
Authors: Evans Malcolm G.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the links between well‐established learning theory and organisation change. It aims to encourage organisation leaders to develop a learning strategy for change implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests out the proposition that the four‐box model based on learning steps is relevant not only to an individual's learning, but also to larger change situations. It tests out an idea proposed by Charles Handy that change is a synonym for learning.

Findings

Personal experience and observation suggest that change managers can operate at a strategic level one step removed from change. While this feels more comfortable it has some significant disadvantages when facilitating change. In comparison a learning focus gives the change leader useful insights into leading change. The paper finds strong links and echoes of the stages in the learning steps (unconscious incompetence – conscious incompetence – conscious competence – unconscious competence)

Practical implications

Change leaders will benefit from thinking through and developing a learning strategy to go alongside the change strategy with communication strategy and the physical changes that they are planning. Otherwise they may put too much emphasis on diagnosing and coping with resistance. This is a problem in traditional change methodology.

Originality/value

The paper makes a useful link between learning theory and change theory. It is written to be helpful to any manager who is responsible for a larger change and (ideally) who has not yet started on the change process, but wants to prepare themselves realistically for the task ahead.
Hunter‐seeker strategies: the antidote to overload
Authors: Landale Anthony
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that when it comes to information overload, executives need to be more proactive in their approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A three state approach to overload is considered in the paper which is underpinned by continuous assessment on the part of the manager or reader. Within each of these states there are a set of tools outlined which help with this assessment.

Findings

The paper finds that assessment and evaluation are critical for anyone who needs to manage information overload at work.

Originality/value

The new approach to managing information overload in this paper offers executives a practical solution to major work problems.
Brave new worlds: 80 years of Library Review
Authors: James Stuart
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to indicates the history and nature of Library Review over 80 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A chronological narrative highlights the main themes and personalities involved in the history of the journal.

Findings

Library Review has changed in nature and outlook since its foundation although many of its professional fundamentals remain unchanged.

Practical implications

Discusses the history of one of the longest running library journals and as such should be of practical interest to library historians and those interested in journal publishing.

Originality/value

Celebrates the 80th anniversary of Library Review, written by a former editor, the second‐longest‐serving incumbent at the journal.
MPhil and PhD library and information science research in Pakistan: an evaluation
Authors: Jalaluddin Haider Syed , Mahmood Khalid
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study is to provide an insight to international readers into the perspective of doctoral level research in Pakistan. The factors which led to the start of this program and difficulties encountered in this regard at different universities are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is mainly based on review of the literature. Research theses approved at MPhil and PhD level are evaluated. Some information collected from Library and Information Science (LIS) schools through personal communication is also provided.

Findings

The problems that did not allow success in the doctoral programs in LIS were: lack of encouragement by seniors in a real sense; low esteem for indigenous PhD degree in the eyes of fellow professionals; little or no impact of early recipients of the degree on profession; and non‐availability of financial assistance to the prospective candidates. Of the findings mention is made of: no fixed criteria for admission; the research topics do not concern the problems; and absence of proper supervision/guidance resulting in poor quality of thesis in most cases. Suggestions include: formation of a high level committee comprising senior library educators under the Higher Education Commission to work out problems and streamline the process; maintenance of close links with library schools in other countries, particularly in the English speaking world, which are interested in global librarianship.

Originality/value

This paper is the only evaluation of postmaster level LIS education in Pakistan. The findings are useful for planners of LIS education at postmaster level in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries.
Issues of Religious Censorship
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart , Allard Mary
Published: June 2007

Religious censorship has always brought together important social,
moral and artistic issues in challenging conjunctions. In a modern world
often described as post‐Christian, controversy remains active in areas
from education to advertising and on subjects from abortion to Satanism.
Historical concerns about blasphemy have taken on special moral and
legal dimensions in today′s community. Offending reasonable people and
harming the innocent are matters of majority rather than sectarian
concern. Discusses representative issues and arguments and presents
contemporary examples.
Learning dynamics in the alliance development process
Authors: Das T.K. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to propose a framework for examining the dynamics of learning in the various stages of alliance development.

Design/methodology/approach

The three kinds of learning in alliances are described – namely, content, partner‐specific, and alliance management – and the saliences and implications of particular types of learning in different alliance stages are discussed.

Findings

The framework makes clear that alliance learning varies according to the stages of the alliance developmental process (formation, operation, outcome), and that different types of learning have different strategic implications.

Practical implications

Briefly, content learning augments the collective strengths of the alliance, partner‐specific learning (i.e. learning about a partner as opposed to learning from a partner) is crucial in determining whether or not an alliance gets formed, and alliance management learning helps build the confidence of the alliance partners in managing alliances.

Originality/value

The article responds to the need of managers with alliance responsibilities for a framework to help identify and exploit the most effective types of learning opportunities, vis‐à‐vis partners and the alliance as a whole, during the specific alliance development stages of formation, operation, and outcome.
Venture capital in China: a culture shock for Western investors
Authors: Pukthuanthong Kuntara , Walker Thomas
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the peculiarities of the venture capital market in China and seeks to compare it with Western markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides insights based on both the practitioner and academic literature in the field.

Findings

It is noted that different cultural norms, corporate governance structures, a lack of appropriate exit strategies, and governmental intervention are important factors that set the markets apart and should be taken into consideration when making venture capital investments in China.

Practical implications

The paper should be of interest to practitioners considering investing in China and to academics doing research in this area.

Originality/value

The paper is to the best of the authors' knowledge the first to provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the Chinese venture capital market.
Self‐regulation and decision heuristics in entrepreneurial opportunity evaluation and exploitation
Authors: Bryant Peter
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to explore the role of self‐regulation in the use of decision heuristics by entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory mixed‐methods study incorporating qualitative and quantitative data, and generating propositions to guide future research and practice.

Findings

The findings suggest that entrepreneurs use heuristics frequently in relation to the evaluation of opportunities, but rely on more systematic decision means during the exploitation phase. In addition, entrepreneurs appear to employ heuristics in an effective fashion by using skills of self‐regulation. This finding questions widespread assumptions about the inherent bias and cognitive errors associated with this type of entrepreneurial decision‐making.

Research limitations/implications

Being an exploratory study of a relatively small sample, the findings are tentative and not generalized to a wider population. However, the study implies that future researchers should explore these topics in greater depth.

Practical implications

Self‐regulatory skills can be primed and enhanced using systematic interventions and the study suggests that these techniques could be used to improve the education and management of heuristic decision making by entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to explore the complex role played by self‐regulation in the use of heuristics by entrepreneurs, and also one of the first to explore the conditions surrounding the use of specific decision heuristics. The study also adopts an original approach by assuming that heuristics may be effective and rational decision means.
Mission statements in Slovene enterprises
Authors: Biloslavo Roberto , Lynn Monty
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper sets out to observe the absorption of strategic management practice in a leading Central and East European (CEE) economy, and to provide insight into institutional differences influencing the content of mission statements.

Design/methodology/approach

The content of mission statements from large Slovene enterprises is compared with research on US mission statements.

Findings

Mission statements in Slovene firms tend to emphasize customers, shareholders, and strategic suppliers significantly less often than do US firms. Corporate reputation, customer‐market scope and quality are also mentioned significantly less often in Slovene statements. Although some gaps between the theoretical ideal and corporate practice may exist in both settings, many differences may be explained by macroeconomic volatility, industry structure, and institutional environments.

Research limitations/implications

Although the Slovene sample size is smaller than comparable US studies, it is an equivalent sample of the two nations' largest firms. The time difference between the Slovene and US samples is not a critical issue in this study since it mimics the time delay between the behaviour of the US firms and the subsequent behaviour of Slovene firms in writing mission statements.

Practical implications

The conclusions can help managers in US multinational firms to better understand some implicit differences in understanding organisations and their relationships with the business and social environment when they do business with firms from CEE.

Originality/value

The paper presents what are differences between Slovene and American companies regarding mission statements content and stakeholders involved and it gives some possible explanations for them based on cultural and historical differences.
Human capital and organizational performance: a study of Egyptian software companies
Authors: Seleim Ahmed , Ashour Ahmed , Bontis Nick
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to test empirically a variety of hypotheses related to human capital and organizational performance within software companies in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

A valid research instrument was utilized to conduct a survey of 38 software companies who are representative of the 107 members of the Software Industry Chamber of Egypt. A correlation analysis and stepwise regression were conducted to ascertain the validity of the hypotheses.

Findings

Statistical support was found for six of the nine hypotheses tested.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this study is that human capital metrics were based on CEO self‐reported scores. Thus, the ability to generalize is limited to this context.

Practical implications

Of all the human capital metrics collected, the number of superstar developers seems to be the most critical variable in predicting export intensity. Superstar developers are those individuals whose productivity equals four times that of the other developers and twice that of the star developers.

Originality/value

This paper tests empirically the relationship between human capital and organization performance in the Egyptian software industry context and provides support for the recruitment and development of superstar developers.
A framework for quality management practices in strategic alliances
Authors: Mellat‐Parast Mahour , Digman Lester A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of quality management (QM) practices in the success of strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the literature, a conceptual model employing a relational view of inter‐organizational competitive advantage is proposed, which attempts to address the concept of quality management in strategic alliances and networks.

Findings

Trust and co‐operative learning have emerged as critical factors that affect the success of strategic alliances. The proposed model, while integrating elements of quality management and strategic alliances, determines alliance success and alliance satisfaction as the outcomes of strategic alliances. Several propositions have been developed to address the relationship between different constructs in the model. The effects of trust and co‐operative learning on alliance performance are discussed, and key areas for research are identified.

Practical implications

Companies can achieve a higher level of performance and satisfaction from alliances.

Originality/value

While previous research on quality management has been focused on the implementation of quality management within a firm, by extending the concept of quality management to strategic alliances this paper expands quality management implementation beyond the traditional view of quality.
Shaping exit and voice: an account of corporate control in UK sports
Authors: Nikolychuk Lynne , Sturgess Brian
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help demonstrate the extent to which socio‐cultural and market‐oriented incentives jointly contribute to corporate control outcomes that prevail in the UK football industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Illustrative case studies informed by analysis of financial performance data, discussion with key informants, review of official documents.

Findings

The paper finds long term performance outcomes were influenced in substantive ways by actions led by shareholder groups pursuing largely non‐market‐oriented objectives.

Research limitations/implications

Industry‐specific empirical work that analyses how the interplay between voice and exit strategies influences corporate control outcomes is limited. This paper focuses on two UK cases and therefore would benefit expansion to further UK cases and comparative analyses to non‐UK situations.

Practical implications

The outcomes suggest that the market for corporate control in this particular industry context requires specific attention to actions driven by largely non‐market‐driven incentives.

Originality/value

Previous papers have not provided detailed empirical‐based evidence about how socio‐cultural concerns have influenced corporate control outcomes in the case studies provided.
Intangible economy: how can investors deliver change in businesses?
Authors: May Seitanidi Maria
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the following issues. Investors traditionally prioritised tangible outcomes (money, land, machinery) in order to protect their financial assets. However, the intangible economy (trust, human resources, information, reputation) that co‐exists draws attention to new expectations that request the continuous, active and within the public sphere involvement of investors in order to protect their assets by prioritising intangible resources.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the case of non‐profit‐business partnerships is employed in order to demonstrate how change can be achieved.

Findings

The paper finds that investors in intangible outcomes who aim to achieve change in corporations share the same limitations within the financial and non‐financial field.

Originality/value

The paper highlights investment in the intangible economy as a mechanism of co‐determining the priority of responsibilities in the context of corporate social responsibility. The role of investors is crucial in facilitating the shift from the tangible to the intangible economy.
Entrepreneurship and organizational design: investor specialization
Authors: Casson Peter D. , Nisar Tahir M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the impact of venture capital firm organization (VC) on operations at portfolio companies, emphasizing particularly value added and involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior literature indicates the importance of organizational design on the VC firm's engagement and monitoring practices. A survey methodology is used to examine such relationships, including the significance of human capital for the process of investor engagement.

Findings

The paper finds that VC organizations with a market focus and deal specialization are much more involved in portfolio companies than the firms who diversify their portfolios. This suggests that organizational focus is an important construct for explaining the degree of support accorded to portfolio companies by venture capitalists. The research also evaluates the performance outcomes of VC firm organization.

Originality/value

The research emphasizes the importance of organizational factors in the investment strategies of venture capital firms.
Performance effects of venture capital firm networks
Authors: Abell Peter , Nisar Tahir M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the networking effects of venture capital (VC) firms on portfolio companies. VCs can bring specific skills and abilities to their ongoing relationships with their portfolio companies and thus add value by influencing key portfolio company operations. High levels of engagement also translate into giving advice and support, helping with the team culture, creating strategic alliances, or exercising corporate governance. A particular mechanism through which these support services are delivered is syndication investment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using network theory tools the paper investigates the effects of syndication on VC firm performance.

Findings

The paper finds that networked VC firms are better placed to benefit from their investments.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the importance of network relationships in the venture capital industry.
The positive side of negative framing
Authors: Kotlyar Igor , Karakowsky Leonard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a unique insight into the impact of decision framing and overconfidence on decision‐making effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual with a case study/illustration.

Findings

The findings support the paper's theoretical assertions regarding the potentially positive impact of negative framing in the context of overconfidence and the potentially negative impact of positive framing under this context.

Research limitations/implications

Case study/illustration (not empirical).

Practical implications

This research helps identify decision‐making situations which can dramatically alter the effectiveness of decision‐making processes. Decision makers need to know how factors such as overconfidence and framing can enhance or impede the quality of decisions generated.

Originality/value

Highly original – it challenges the traditional view of framing and overconfidence as automatic impediments to effective decision making.
Reflective decisions: the use of Socratic dialogue in managing organizational change
Authors: Skordoulis Rosemary , Dawson Patrick
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that too often decisions concerning change are made on the basis of partial understanding, limited data and unreflective assumptions about people and organizations. In the discussion of the Socratic dialogue the aim is to uncover a useful method for ensuring more reflective decision making that involves active participation of employees on the receiving end of change.

Design/methodology/approach

Although dialogue is used in management processes today, it is contended that the Socratic dialogue is particularly useful in making sense of complex change processes. Data drawn from research conducted in two UK higher education institutions are used to illustrate how lack of knowledge and understanding often pervades and constrains change, and how techniques of Socratic dialogue can be used to secure higher levels of employee involvement and commitment to change.

Findings

It is argued that Socratic dialogue can be used as a practical tool to facilitate “participative” change and contend that further research is required to develop the use of this method as a qualitative research instrument for uncovering data on processes of change in organizations.

Originality/value

If practised consistently by organizational members, the Socratic techniques can lead to a more concrete understanding of the complexities of changing organizations. It is a collective process of change through critical questioning and, as such, it lends itself to further exploration on the part of both change managers and qualitative researchers for its uses as a diagnostic and research instrument.
Managing paradox in a world of knowledge
Authors: Murphy Peter , Pauleen David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the successful management of creative employees in organisations that rely extensively on the development of intellectual capital must incorporate new thinking to manage the inevitable paradoxical situations that arise in such contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The article explores and highlights conjunctions in several areas of current interest in management and global business, including social capital and intellectual capital, creativity and innovation, and arts firms and aesthetic management. Specifically, it links the development and maintenance of intellectual capital in large knowledge‐forming organisations to the successful management of paradox.

Findings

The article highlights numerous areas where managing creative employees often clashes with traditional management practices. These areas include crossing organisational boundaries, rules around the use of personal and organisational time and space,locusof authority, and freedom to think.

Originality/value

The article suggests that managing paradox requires special knowledge and skills, key of which are reflexive knowledge, trust of those who are out of sight, acceptance of ambiguity in thought and action, and pattern thinking.