bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing a Mentally Healthy Schools Framework based on the population wide Act-Belong-Commit mental health promotion campaign
Authors: Anwar-McHenry Julia , Donovan Robert John , Nicholas Amberlee , Kerrigan Simone , Francas Stephanie , Phan Tina
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Mentally Healthy WA developed and implemented the Mentally Healthy Schools Framework in 2010 in response to demand from schools wanting to promote the community-based Act-Belong-Commit mental health promotion message within a school setting. Schools are an important setting for mental health promotion, therefore, the Framework encourages schools to adopt a whole-of-school approach to mental health promotion based on the World Health Organisation’s Health Promoting Schools framework. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A process evaluation was conducted consisting of six-monthly activity reports from 13 participating Western Australian schools. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with key school contacts in November 2011 with nine schools who had signed partner agreements prior to July 2011.

Findings

The schools valued promoting the mentally healthy message and the majority felt the programme was implemented successfully. More intensive implementation was facilitated by a proactive and enthusiastic school “champion” who had influence over other staff, and who did not have too many competing priorities. Factors inhibiting implementation included a lack of effective time management, lack of whole school commitment, and evaluation demands.

Originality/value

Act-Belong-Commit is a positive, proactive message making it easier for teachers to talk about mental health with their students. For schools reporting implementation success, the Mentally Healthy Schools Framework raised the profile of mental health in the school setting and fostered a sense of belonging among students.
Factors associated with parental communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health
Authors: Manu Abubakar , Kotoh Agnes M. , Asante Rexford Kofi Oduro , Ankomah Augustine
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Available studies on parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health in Ghana have largely focused on assessing communication frequency, barriers, and who communicates with whom within the family. The purpose of this paper is to examine parental and family contextual factors that predict parental communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey was conducted among 790 parents selected through a multistage sampling technique. The Cronbach’s α statistic was used to assess various parental and family contextual constructs on parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health. Separate hierarchical multiple regression models for mothers and fathers were constructed to assess predictors of parental communication about sexual and reproductive health.

Findings

Nearly the same factors predicted mothers’ and fathers’ communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health matters. The predictors for both mothers and fathers included high socioeconomic status (SES), family religiousity, parent discipline, perceived parent sexual knowledge and parent trustworthiness. Parent permissiveness predicted only for fathers.

Social implications

Parental communication on sexual and reproductive health is influenced by high SES, family religiousity, parent sexual knowledge, parent discipline and trustworthiness. Interventional programmes on communication about sexual and reproductive health need to take cognisance of these factors to improve parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited evidence on parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health in Ghana, by examining parental and family contextual factors that influence parental communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health.
Consumer trust and physician prescription of branded medicines: an exploratory study
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of consumer trust of physicians’ prescription of branded medications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a qualitative research approach to study consumers’ self-reported experiences with respect to their trust in physicians’ prescription of branded medications. An open-interview approach and a focus group discussion were adopted in collecting research evidence from a sample of middle-level executives from various Ghanaian industries who have experienced physicians’ prescription of branded medications.

Findings

Consumers have mix reactions toward physicians’ prescriptions of branded medicines. Whereas some trust, others are uncertain, while some do not trust physicians at all. The last group believes the physicians are serving the interest of third parties in prescribing branded medications.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses only on patients’ perspectives. This research could be widened to include other important stakeholders of healthcare delivery such as physicians, pharmacists and management of health institutions.

Practical implications

The study provides a platform for physicians to appreciate the trust their clients repose in them as they prescribe medication to them.

Social implications

It is envisaged that the research will assist consumers of branded medications to probe into why branded medications are insisted on to be purchased instead of alternatives.

Originality/value

This study provides further perspectives on consumer reactions to physicians’ prescription of branded medications.
“Infecting” those we care about: social network effects on body image
Authors: Grover Aditi , Foreman Jeffrey , Burckes-Miller Mardie
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the forces at work that negatively influence the self-image perceptions of young women, causing them to strive for an “ultra-thin” ideal.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups explore why and how perceived self-image influences young women’s body and perceptions and, consequently, health. Thematic qualitative analysis explores the realm of information and emotions involved with the thin-ideal.

Findings

Social contagion theory emerged with a significant impact caused by network influencers and the spread of information and emotions within social networks forces that sustain the need to be ultra-thin, even though there is abundant knowledge about adverse effects.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should address limitations involving representativeness and generalizability.

Practical implications

Social marketing programs, including social media, should stress healthy eating habits while focusing on the importance of the self and de-emphasizing the “thin-ideal” image.

Originality/value

Results will assist in developing more informed and effective prevention programs, including social media campaigns, as preventative healthcare to reduce the risk of the spread of eating disorders and promote psychological health of at-risk young adults.
Strategic issues in pharmaceutical supply chains: a review
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kr. , Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Pravin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In the present context of a health-concious society, management of pharmaceutical supply chains has become more complex because it involves the life-saving interest of human being and requires the participation of different stakeholders such as pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, customers, information service providers and regulatory agencies. Limited research is available in the area of pharmaceutical supply chains. This paper aims to find the gaps in the literature by reviewing research papers on different strategic issues of supply chain management in the pharmaceutical sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 136 research papers, mainly from refereed international journals, were reviewed to identify the issues of supply chain management (SCM) in the pharmaceutical supply chain. On the basis of a review, gaps are identified and research agenda is proposed.

Findings

It is observed from review that the pharmaceutical sector is not widely researched in developing countries because of many complexities in this supply chain. The share of pharmaceutical firms in the global market is also not very significant. Based on an extensive review of pharmaceutical supply chains, research gaps are identified in different areas such as inventory management, new product development, process development, capacity planning, network design, plant design, pipeline and development management, outsourcing logistics activities, reverse logistics, Lean manufacturing, green SCM and implementation of E-business processes and performance management. These strategic issues have been further classified into three broad categories, i.e. resources, processes and performance.

Originality/value

This paper explores major strategic areas of pharmaceutical supply chains for research. Findings of the paper will be highly useful for researchers to decide direction of future research.
Performance measurement system implementation in a turbulent operating environment
Authors: Pekkola Sanna , Saunila Minna , Rantanen Hannu
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how a performance measurement system (PMS) can be designed for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a turbulent environment. The current models and frameworks for the design and implementation of a PMS are for large companies; these traditional design and implementation processes are too multi-stage and long term for SMEs operating in a rapidly changing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study constructs a conceptual framework based on the performance measurement and management literature and empirical evidence from a longitudinal case study. Interviews, an analysis of strategic documents and documentation of the prevailing measurement system were conducted.

Findings

The study results reveal the framework for a flexible PMS design. In the framework, the PMS consists of core permanent measures that control the profitability of the company and supportive measures of the realisation of strategic targets. The supportive measures change and develop along with the strategy.

Originality/value

The study provides new understanding about the performance measurement design process in SMEs operating in a turbulent environment. The existing literature presents performance measurement design and implementation process models for large organisations, but these frameworks are too multi-stage and long term for SMEs.
Can Lean Six Sigma make UK public sector organisations more efficient and effective?
Authors: Antony Jiju , Rodgers Bryan , Gijo E.V.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the widespread but fragmented application of Lean Six Sigma within the UK public sector, providing the context of some of the challenges faced within the sector as well as some of the successful applications of Lean Six Sigma. The paper fundamentally seeks to challenge the concept that Lean Six Sigma is not suitable for use in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of the challenges facing the public sector is shown from current literature and this is presented as drivers for change. A number of successful applications of Lean Six Sigma are then evidenced demonstrating examples across areas of the public sector.

Findings

This paper concludes that while Lean Six Sigma is applicable to the UK public sector additional work is required to better evidence the benefits and return on investment that can be delivered as well as considering more holistic approaches on an agency wide basis.

Research limitations/implications

This paper seeks to contribute to and broaden the limited body of evidence of the applicability of Lean Six Sigma to the UK public sector and identifies areas for further research and review.

Practical implications

Understanding the applicability of Lean Six Sigma affords opportunities to public sector agencies in the current budget climate but additionally affords ways in which quality of service can be enhanced. In some cases, it provides opportunities to meet new statutory requirements around community empowerment.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma within the public sector and suggests opportunity for those agencies to meet funding challenges faced across the UK.
Factors affecting service recovery performance and customer service employees
Authors: Piaralal Shishi Kumar , Bhatti Muhammad Awais , Piaralal Niriender Kumar , Juhari Ariff Syah
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Service recovery is very important to the insurance industry; it helps to maintain clients, it is a crucial competitive advantage for business survival and it adds value for the organization’s continued future. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing service recovery performance (SRP) of customer service employees in the life insurance industry from three dimensions; organizational (customer service orientation and top management commitment), human resource management (rewards, training, teamwork and empowerment) and personal (affective organizational commitment, role ambiguity, role conflict and emotional exhaustion). This study also investigated job satisfaction and the intent to resign.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from 350 customer service staff employed by life insurance companies in the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia by using a convenience sampling technique. Data were analyzed using multiple regressions.

Findings

The findings indicated that customer service orientation, training, empowerment, affective organizational commitment, role stressors and emotional exhaustion influenced staff’s SRP. The findings also showed that SRP influenced job satisfaction and intention to resign.

Practical implications

The research advances understanding of the influence of organizational, personal and human resource management factors on SRP and result constructs, namely, turnover intentions and job satisfaction. The researchers in Malaysia can use this model for future research in a service sector fields such as banking, retailing and hospitality to replicate and compare this finding. For practitioners especially the managers in insurance services providers can take actions and formulate proper strategies for customer service employees to deliver high level of performance in order to satisfied customer and continue stay in the organizations.

Originality/value

Very little attention has been given to examine the impact of human resource, personal and organizational factors on SRP and the influence of SRP on result constructs, namely, job satisfaction and intention to resign in the life insurances area. Furthermore applying equity theory especially in the SRP area was not given fully attention.
Assembly line productivity improvement as re-engineered by MOST
Authors: Karim A.N. Mustafizul , Tuan Saravanan Tanjong , Emrul Kays H.M.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address and solve operational problems of an automotive industry in reaching production target by adopting Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) as lean and productivity improvement strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In the undertaken case of auto-car rear window assembly line, a recurring production shortfall in fulfilling the daily demand is seemingly due to inappropriate work method. Initial observation of the operations led to suspect certain lapses in initiatives to adopt the time standards, to reduce or eliminate non-value added motions, to design suitable aisle and to assign tasks among workstations in a balanced manner. Subsequently an attempt is made to pinpoint the causes of poor performance and the bottlenecks through process flow analysis and time study by applying MOST. The elemental tasks are closely examined for possible reduction of workstation times by choosing efficient work methods with ergonomic features. Thus appropriate hand tools, jigs and fixture with nominal investment are prescribed to incorporate in the assembly works. The operational changes as steered by the MOST application have enhanced the workflow with a shorter cycle time which led to a substantial increase in productivity.

Findings

The productivity of the assembly line is increased by more than 29 percent from the earlier capacity through the MOST application which is deemed to meet the current level of demand.

Originality/value

The adopted framework for recognizing the effectiveness of MOST to expose and rectify the flaws in work methods without much investment is expected to be beneficial for a manufacturer in securing the competitiveness.
A personality-based measure of the wine consumption experience for millennial consumers
Authors: Spielmann Nathalie , Babin Barry J. , Verghote Caroline
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a personality-based approach to measure Millennial consumers’ wine evaluations. Past personality-based measures (brand personality, country personality and product personality) each presents their own issues when it comes to measuring wine perceptions, especially those of neophyte wine consumers. This paper proposes a new, holistic and tailored measure to gauge the personality dimensions Millennials perceive in wine.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple studies were conducted in France. Items from former personality scales were combined and condensed. An exploratory factor analysis (n = 318) followed by a confirmatory factor analysis (n = 236) across wines from different regions were conducted. Predictive validity tests relating the dimensions of wine personality to key consumer outcomes were also conducted. Finally, face validity tests with real wines were conducted (n = 190).

Findings

The results suggest two dimensions of wine personality for Millennial consumers: a social and a philosophical dimension. The nine-trait structure is stable across origins and each dimension can be related to quality and value perceptions, attitudes and purchase intent. The findings suggest a new way for managers to gauge the way their wine offering is received by Millennial wine consumers.

Originality/value

The initial personality structure, uncovered across the multiple studies, suggests a parsimonious way to understand how an important wine segment, Millennials, perceives wines. The measure includes brand, product and origin perceptions and thus proposes a holistic way of understanding young consumers’ perception of wine personality.
Desirability bias and perceived effectiveness influence on willingness-to-pay for pro-environmental wine products
Authors: Barber Nelson A. , Taylor D. Christopher , Remar Daniel
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Consumer marketing suggests that greater concern for the environment is impacting purchase behavior. Recent surveys into US pro-environmental (PE) purchase patterns show a considerable gap between consumers’ attitude and actual behavior regarding PE products. What these products have in common is a normative component. This research aims to understand whether perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and social desirability bias (SDB) influence consumers’ purchase decisions regarding PE wine products and willingness to pay (WTP).

Design/methodology/approach

To assess whether PCE and SDB influence consumer’s actual WTP for PE and conventional wine despite normative beliefs (NBs), two studies with sample sizes of 117 and 124 were conducted in the USA. The first part of each study involved surveying participants as to their NB, SDB, PCE and demographics. The second part of the study measured their actual WTP through participation in an experimental auction.

Findings

Consumers with high levels of NBs were significantly more likely to pay higher premiums for PE wines compared to non-PE wines and had higher levels of PCE, suggesting that they believe their purchase behavior makes a difference to the environment. However, this same group is strongly influenced by SDB, indicating that they may “over-report” desirable behaviors. Controlling for PCE and SDB, the significant difference in price for PE wine and non-PE wine was mitigated. Those with lower NBs were just the opposite, less concerned whether their purchase behavior directly impacts the environment, feeling that non-PE wine may be a better value proposition.

Research limitations/implications

The use of an auction method to assess actual behavior may be skewed by the attempt to get a winning bid, and this research was conducted in one particular part of the USA, which limits the generalizability of the results to other parts of the country or world.

Originality/value

The findings from the current research provide important information for wine producers, distributors and retailers, specifically the development of marketing and branding strategies, and as a method for normative product/brand differentiation in a competitive marketplace.
Transient thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of point contacts subjected to normal vibration
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Ni Qibo , Wang Jing , Guo Feng
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Vibration exists widely in all machineries working under high speed. The unpredictability of vibration and the change of the relative surface speed may result in difficulties in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) analysis. By far, few studies on EHL relating to vibration have been published. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of the vertical vibrations and the influence of temperature on the thermal EHL contacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The lubricant was assumed to be Newtonian fluid. The time-dependent numerical solutions were achieved instant after instant in each period of the vibration. At each instant, the pressure field was solved with a multi-level technique, the surface deformation was solved with a multi-level multi-integration method and the temperature filed was solved with a finite different scheme through a sweeping progress. The periodic error was checked at each end of the vibration period until the responses of pressure, film thickness and temperature were all periodic functions with the frequency of the roller’s vibrations.

Findings

The results reveal that normal vibration produces little drastic change of pressure, film thickness and temperature in EHL. Under some conditions, the vibrations of the roller can produce transient dimples within the contact conjunction. It is also showed that the lubrication in the same sliding is better than the opposite sliding.

Research limitations/implications

For the unpredictability of vibration, it is not easy to do the experiment to realize a real comparison with numerical results. The reach does not show any verification and consider the effect of non-Newtonian fluid.

Originality/value

The effect of the vertical vibrations on the thermal EHL point contact hast been studied. The effects of both the amplitude and the frequency on the predicted load-carrying capacity, minimum film thickness, center pressure and center temperature and the coefficient of friction were investigated. The role of the thermal effect was given.
Tribological modification of high-density polyethylene by using carbon soot from diesel combustion
Authors: Cao X.A. , Shao G.Q. , Hu K.H.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the tribological properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) modified by carbon soot from the combustion of No. 0 diesel.

Design/methodology/approach

Carbon soot is characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. The tribological properties of HDPE samples with carbon soot are investigated on a materials surface tester with a ball-on-disk friction pair.

Findings

The collected carbon soot mainly comprises amorphous carbon nanoparticles of 50-100 nm in diameter. The main wear behaviours of pure HDPE include abrasive wear and plastic deformation. After adding carbon soot nanoparticles to HDPE, HDPE wear decreases. The appropriate carbon soot content is 8 per cent in HDPE under the selected testing conditions. Compared with other HDPE samples, HDPE with 8 per cent carbon soot has higher melting temperature, lower abrasive wear and better wear resistance. The lubrication of HDPE with carbon soot is due to the formation of a transferring film composed of HDPE, amorphous carbon and graphite carbon.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the HDPE modification and lubrication mechanisms by using carbon soot from the combustion of diesel. Related research can perhaps provide a potential approach for the treatment of carbon soot exhaust emission.
Conductive capacity and tribological properties of several carbon materials in conductive greases
Authors: Cao Zhengfeng , Xia Yanqiu , Ge Xiangyu
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a new kind of conductive grease which possesses a prominent conductive capacity and good tribological properties.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step method was used to prepare complex lithium-based grease. Ketjen black (KB), acetylene black (AB) and carbon black (CB) were characterized by transmission electron microscope and used as lubricant additives to prepare conductive greases. Conductive capacity was evaluated by a conductivity meter, a surface volume resistivity meter and a circuit resistance meter. Tribological properties were investigated by a reciprocating friction and wear tester (MFT-R4000). The worn surfaces were analyzed by a scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope.

Findings

The conductive grease prepared with KB has a prominent conductive capacity at room temperature, 100°C and 150°C. Further, this conductive grease also possesses better tribological properties than AB and KB greases. When the concentration of KB is 1.8 Wt.%, the coefficient of friction and wear width reduced by 11 and 14 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value

This work is a new application of nanometer KB as a lubricant additive in grease, which provides a direction for preparing conductive grease. The conductivity and tribology experiments have been carried out though the variation of experiment conductions.
Engineering research of DLC coating in piston pins and bucket tappets
Authors: Kong Xiaoli , Zhou Bo , Wang Jixiao , Li Wenping
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the engineering application of diamond like carbon (DLC) coatings on the surfaces of piston pins and bucket tappets for a 2.0 L supercharged gasoline engine. The friction loss and durability of DLC-coated components were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological characteristics were examined under oil-lubricated conditions in a CETR UMT reciprocating tribometer. In a motored engine test rig, friction loss torque test was performed to estimate the improvement in fuel economy. Fired engine durability bench tests of typical duration of 450 h were completed to access the durability and wear resistance of DLC coating. Before and after durability tests, coated and uncoated components were measured on the sliding surface by a profilometer technique.

Findings

Friction and wear test results show that DLC coating has low friction coefficient and reduces the wear rates by almost ten times compared to those of uncoated surfaces. Friction loss measurements indicate that DLC-coated tappets can reduce valve train friction loss by 29 per cent, and DLC-coated piston pins can reduce piston group friction by 11 per cent. Based on fired engine durability bench tests, it is evidenced that none of the coated tappets and pins show any noticeable peeling or delamination. Wear profiles analysis results indicate that DLC-coated engine components give rise to a substantial reduction in wear.

Originality/value

DLC coating applied onto the working surface of piston pin and bucket tappet can effectively reduce the friction loss of gasoline engine. DLC coating exhibits sufficient durability and improves friction and wear performance.
Tribological and emission characteristics of indirect ignition diesel engine fuelled with waste edible oil
Authors: Peng De-Xing
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Energy is the prime mover of economic growth and is vital to the sustenance of a modern economy. Future economic growth depends heavily on the long-term availability of energy from sources that are affordable, accessible and environmentally friendly. Regulating the sulfur content in diesel fuel is expected to reduce the lubricity of these fuels, which may result in increased wear and damage of fuel injection systems in diesel engines.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological properties of the biodiesels as additive in pure petro-diesel are studied by ball-on-ring wear tester to find optimal concentration, and the mechanism of the reduction of wear and friction will be investigated by optical microscopy.

Findings

Studies have shown that low concentrations of biodiesel blends are more effective as lubricants because of their superior polarity. Using biodiesel as a fuel additive in a pure petroleum diesel fuel improves engine performance and exhaust emissions. The high biodegradability and superior lubricating property of biodiesel when used in compression ignition engines renders it an excellent fuel.

Originality/value

This detailed experimental investigation confirms that biodiesel can substitute mineral diesel without any modification in the engine. The use of biofuels as diesel engine fuels can play a vital role in helping the developed and developing countries to reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels.
Organizational trustworthiness – empirical insights from a Chinese perspective
Authors: Xu Benhua , Xu Feng , Caldwell Cam , Sheard Geoff , Floyd Larry
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of trustworthiness at an organizational level. A comparison of Chinese and US perspectives facilitated the identified insight into the nature of trustworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an exploratory study of cross-cultural perceptions of trustworthiness at an organizational level. A survey was administered to business school students, faculty members and industrial managers in a major Chinese city. Usable data collected from 398 respondents was analyzed identifying significant factors characterizing organizational trustworthiness.

Findings

Seven factors were identified that characterize organizational trustworthiness. These factors were significant for both US and Chinese respondents, with procedural fairness considered most important of the identified factors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to trustworthiness literature at the organizational level. Prior empirical research is based on data collected from US business school students. This is the first reported study based on a comparison of data collected from Chinese and US participants. Identifying the seven significant factors characterizing organizational trustworthiness has practical value to international employers who work with the Chinese students who will become tomorrow’s Chinese employees.
Mediating influence of time management on the relationship between adult attention deficit and the operational effectiveness of project managers
Authors: Coetzer Graeme , Gibbison Godfrey
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between adult attention deficit (AAD) and the operational effectiveness of project managers (OEPM) as mediated by time management (TM).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 104 actively employed business graduate students each had the opportunity to be a project manager within a project team. Each team member rated the others on their operational effectiveness, completed a self-report measure of TM and identified a close associate who completed an observer version of the Brown Adult Attention Deficit Scale. The Sobel and Hayes tests were used to test the hypothesis that TM mediates the relationship between AAD and OEPM.

Findings

AAD is negatively associated with TM and OEPM, and TM is positively associated with OEPM. TM partially mediates the relationship between AAD and OPME.

Research limitations/implications

Future research requires a sample of project managers drawn directly from the workplace, and needs to examine the association of AAD with a wider set of project conditions and associated competencies to identify potential benefits and challenges. An updated and validated measure of both TM and the OEPM is required in future research.

Practical implications

Individuals and organizations wanting to ensure timely and successful completion of key tasks and projects need to be aware of the potentially constraining influence of AAD on TM and OPME. Relatively more intensive time and project management training is suggested for disordered project managers and team members. The use of organizational coaches and peer coaching within project teams represents a potential opportunity for distributing the potential benefits of the disorder while managing the challenges. Employee assistance programs that raise awareness and provide access to assessment are an important part of multi-modal management of the disorder in the workplace.

Social implications

Employers are facing increasing social, legal and economic pressures to support functional but disordered employees, be more inclusive and take appropriate advantage of employee diversity. This research provides constructive suggestions for how to support disordered employees with project management responsibilities.

Originality/value

This research study is the first examination of the relationships between AAD, TM and OEPM, and is of value to researchers, organizational development specialists, human resource management specialists, managers and employees who are seeking effective multi-modal management of the disorder in the workplace.
Leadership development for managers in turbulent times
Authors: Hall Roger David , Rowland Caroline Ann
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In a turbulent economic climate, characterized by pressures to improve productivity and reduce costs, leadership and performance management have a more central role in helping to ensure competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to explore current demands on leaders; and endeavours to explore linkages between management education and agile leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a grounded theory approach, this paper uses the concepts of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) to investigate the impact on desired attributes of leaders and the extent to which this is underpinned by current management education programmes. It draws on the VUCA model of agile management to examine current practices and experiences and considers future trends. Empirical research includes case studies and analysis of management syllabuses.

Findings

Syllabuses do not reflect the attributes that organizations expect leaders to possess and are content driven rather than process focused. VUCA is not yet mainstream in academic thinking.

Practical implications

There is a disparity between the output of business schools and the expectations of organizations. This may affect productivity. It is suggested that the use of live consultancies may provide a more beneficial management development experience.

Originality/value

This research opens an international debate that seeks to assess the relevance of current management education to the needs of organizations for agile, high-performing leaders.
Agency theory: background and epistemology
Authors: Bendickson Josh , Muldoon Jeff , Liguori Eric W. , Davis Phillip E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

By revisiting the agency theory literature, this paper aims to both incrementally advance historical viewpoints and reveal four prominent influences on agency theory: Weber and Simon, The Great Depression, Cooperation and the Chicago School. This is critical given that understanding the history behind the authors’ major theoretical lenses is fundamental to using these theories to explain various phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a plethora of archival sources and following the influence-mapping approach used by other management history scholars, this manuscript synthesizes historical accounts and archival information to provide a clearer picture of the major historical influences in the formation of agency theory.

Findings

We shed light on four areas related to management history that helped propel agency theory. Whereas past scholarship has not recognised them as influencers, we find and show how the industrial revolution, unionization, the stock exchange and other management approaches all played a role in the development of agency theory’s core tenants.

Originality/value

We extend upon the influential people and events that shaped agency theory, thus providing a fuller understanding of the theory’s usefulness. Moreover, we fill in gaps enabling scholars to better understand the context in which the core tenants of agency theory were developed.
The establishment of savings banks in colonial New Zealand 1840-1907
Authors: Cardow Andrew , Wilson William Robert
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the reasons for the establishment of savings banks in New Zealand, with a primary thesis being that savings banks in New Zealand were intended to operate in a similar way to those in the UK. That is, to provide banking services to the working classes and supply revenue to a cash-strapped government. Savings banks were reasonably successful in meeting the needs of their depositors but provided little revenue to the government. This gives rise to a secondary thesis that, when the Government was presented with the opportunity to establish the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB), they did so with revenue in mind.

Design/methodology/approach

Contemporaneous scholarly discussion along with newspaper, primary sourced bank and government archives builds an interpretation of why savings banks were established in New Zealand. This interpretation is presented in the form of a narrative, which tells the story of the rise of private savings banks in New Zealand and their eventual stagnation when the POSB was introduced.

Findings

Savings banks in New Zealand were initiated by Governor Grey primarily to provide an alternative source of development funding. New Zealand savings banks, initially modelled on UK and New South Wales variants, also appear to have been designed to meet the needs of the working classes, with deposits limited to £50 a year and a maximum balance set of £100 in total. However, as the requirement to invest in Government debt was removed from their founding legislation, they mainly provided mortgages to their local communities. To some extent, this situation was remedied in 1867 when the POSB was established, as it was required to invest as directed by the Government.

Originality/value

The narrative highlights the importance of savings banks and the POSB to both the people and government of New Zealand. This research adds to the discussion surrounding the purpose of savings banks and details the contributions made by both savings banks and the POSB in colonial New Zealand. As previous publications were in the main commissioned by various savings banks, this work provides an independent academic analysis of the first savings banks in colonial New Zealand in the period from the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 until New Zealand became a dominion in 1907.
Bombay textile mills: exploring CSR roots in colonial India
Authors: Jammulamadaka Nimruji
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the Bombay textile mills of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to provide an account of the roots of business–society relationship in India and contribute to postcolonial perspectives on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This search is premised on the understanding that India has embarked on industrialisation from a set of productive relations that differ from European feudalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study have been obtained from published works on Bombay Textile Mills such as Chandavarkar (1994, 2008), Morris (1965), Wolcott (2008) and Clark (1999) and some Annual Reports of Bombay Mill Owners Association. Further Kydd (1920) has been used for history of factory legislation in India.

Findings

Evidence suggests that practices in mills were informed by notions of custom and fairness, which resulted in flexible hours, socially acceptable wage outcomes and work sharing. Individual reputations built through use of discretion within networks of patronage spanned both workplace and neighbourhood, interlinking the social, ethical, political and economic lives of owners, jobbers and workers. Jobbers’ authority was earned in return for providing support to a production process, mirroring Birla’s (2009) “layered sovereignty” differing markedly from delegated managerial authority. Workers’ share in surplus value was important along with autonomy, both of which were negotiated through customary networks and protest.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that a postcolonial approach to CSR implies an expansive notion of responsibility that goes beyond a Western focus on wages to encompass worker autonomy and countervailing power. Postcolonial accounts of CSR history can only be understood as emerging from a triadic interaction of imperial interest, subordinated native business and native societal relationships. This contrasts with conventional approaches that look at CSR’s emergence simply as a process internal to that society. Account of Indian CSR trajectory is in part a journey of native business from responsible practices to a messy tessellation of legal exploitation and illegal customary concerns.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper suggest that it is possible that customary practices of care and concern might still be surviving in Indian business even if only in the illegal and informal realm. Thus CSR programs in the Indian context might be useful to bring to centre stage these customary practices.

Originality/value

This study documents the evolution of business–society relations in a post-colonial context and shows how they are different from the Western trajectory.
Evaluating coaching’s effect: competencies, career mobility and retention
Authors: Reyes Liske Jessica M. , Holladay Courtney L.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Leadership coaching has become an increasingly common method to maximize competency development and behaviors for organizational leaders as well as to improve retention and career mobility. Few empirical studies have tested its capacity to generate such outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a coaching program within a healthcare organization, showing significant impact to the leaders’ behaviors and retention, measured through non-self-report data.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, the behaviors associated with leadership competencies were evaluated using a quasi-experimental design to determine if significant gains have been achieved following a coaching intervention when compared to prior competency ratings. Retention and career movement of participating leaders were tracked to compare rates against a control group.

Findings

In the present study, leadership coaching was evaluated. Results indicate that individuals who participated in the program, in comparison with those that did not, showed significantly improved leadership competencies and significantly higher retention rates one year post-program. Implications for leadership development programs are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

One possible limitation of this study is the program structure in the experimental condition received both individual and group coaching so the competency improvement cannot be parsed out to one type of coaching vs another. The authors suggest that this limitation is an opportunity for future research to explore differing effects by coaching type.

Originality/value

This study provides the healthcare organization with unique quantitative data regarding the positive implications of a leadership program that has not been reported previously. The findings will provide further justification to support leadership coaching programs.
Sociotechnical systems design: coordination of virtual teamwork in innovation
Authors: Painter Gilbert , Posey Pamela , Austrom Douglas , Tenkasi Ramkrishnan , Barrett Betty , Merck Betsy
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a qualitative comparative case study of coordination in three ongoing research and development projects, each conducted by teams working virtually across multiple, geographically dispersed sites and involving varying degrees of task uncertainty at differing stages on an innovation continuum, from basic fundamental research to scale-up and commercial development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated characteristics of effective virtual innovation teamwork, primarily using structured interviews, observation and a limited number of surveys. The analysis was based upon Pava’s (1983) methodology of sociotechnical systems (STS) for non-linear work and was used to assess the influence of virtuality and task uncertainty on the quality of team deliberations and the knowledge development barriers experienced at the various stages on the innovation continuum.

Findings

The study identified different technical and social coordination mechanisms and their impact in mitigating knowledge barriers for differing levels of task uncertainty. Technical elements, many based in digital information technology, appeared most significant for coordination where task uncertainty and ambiguity were low. However, with high task uncertainty, the most significant mechanisms were closely tied to the formal and informal social systems of virtual organization.

Research limitations/implications

The key implication for future research is the development of further applications to evaluate this coordination model for modern teamwork in virtual contexts.

Practical implications

The findings extend previous theory about coordination of innovation to include fundamental research and virtual collaboration. Based on the results, a four-step STS methodology for design of virtual team coordination mechanisms was developed and piloted successfully by scientific teams at a prominent North American research laboratory.

Originality/value

This research project has shown that modern STS methodology, updated for non-routine work in a virtual context, can provide a way to assess and mitigate “coordination costs” associated with virtual teamwork. Further, it has identified clear categories of coordination mechanisms that are most effective when teams are working at different stages in the innovation process.