bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel real‐time aggregation method on network security events
Authors: Li Zhitang , Ma Yangming , Wang Li , Lei Jie , Ma Jie
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how to ensure a real‐time precise aggregation processing of network security events without difficultly determined parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The aggregation method includes the choice of aggregation granularity, consistency of abstraction layer, the expression of all hyper security events (HSEs) of a node in cache, and aggregation algorithm based on classification, etc.

Findings

The aggregation method is capable to provide a real‐time way for good HSEs for next correlation processing with weak and easy parameters to determine.

Research limitations/implications

The cost of space is not discussed in the method.

Practical implications

The aggregation method is suitable for real‐time management of difficult issues to resolve massive security events.

Originality/value

Many ideas and concepts of the paper are proposed for the first time, such as the expression of all HSEs of a node in cache, weak queue length instead of the weak‐time window and so on.
Recent developments in the digital approach of symbolic dynamics
Authors: Karamanos Kostas , Gkiolmas Aristotelis , Skordoulis Constantine
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore new mathematical results to advance the understanding of the picture of a chaotic unimodal map.

Design/methodology/approach

Ever since Poicare, deterministic chaos is ultimately connected with exponential divergence of nearby trajectories, unpredictability and erratic behaviour. Here, the authors propose an alternative approach in terms of complexity theory and transcendence.

Findings

In this paper, the authors were able to reproduce previous results easily, due to new theorems.

Originality/value

The paper updates previous results and proposes a more complete understanding of the phenomenon of deterministic chaos, also making possible connections with number theory, combinatorics and possibly quantum mechanics, as in quantum mechanics there does not exist the notion on nearby trajectories.
ASC conference, CYBCOM discussion
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review online records of the conference of the American Society for Cybernetics (ASC) in the summer of 2010. Also reviewed is a burst of activity on the Cybernetics Discussion Group (CYBCOM) list associated with the ASC, during October and November 2010. The discussion continues at the time of writing.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

The records of the ASC conference convey its flavour and atmosphere but are obviously no substitute for participation. The burst of activity in the CYBCOM list began with reference to a derogatory commentary on the political significance of cybernetics. The implications of this were rapidly dismissed, but with the invoking of basic principles, particularly that of “recursive distinctioning”, which prompted very much further discussion. Current discussion is of the meaning to be attached to “recursion”.

Practical implications

Cybernetics is absolved from being a tool of capitalist oppression. The careful consideration given to various basic concepts in the CYBCOM discussion clarifies a variety of issues.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Integrating text messaging into reference services
Authors: Frantz Paul , Tucker‐Raymond Caleb
Published: July 2011

Purpose

A recent thread in the DIG_REF listserv addressed the integration of text messaging into mainstream reference service. The purpose of this paper is to expand upon that discussion, pointing out the predominant software used by libraries to handle text message reference questions and the volume of reference traffic generated by text messaging queries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper also addresses the ramifications on staffing of the added traffic in text messaging and how libraries might market text messaging reference services to their patrons.

Findings

The paper further discusses the unique nature of text messaging queries and how this affects the reference interview.

Originality/value

The paper is intended for the reference services manager looking to incorporate text messaging into a library's repertoire of reference services.
Emergence of open educational resources (OER) in India and its impact on lifelong learning
Authors: Das Anup Kumar
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the evolution of open educational resources OER initiatives in India – how OER movement emerges from the open access movement in the backdrop of an emerging knowledge‐based economy. This paper also illustrates how OER help in democratizing lifelong learning spaces that eventually help in skills development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper primarily uses baseline surveys and recommendations of different working groups of Indian National Knowledge Commission. Relevant policy instruments of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, UNESCO, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and other national and international bodies are also critically examined to understand India's stand on OER in comparison with other promising developing countries. This paper analyses impact of OER on Indian systems of education, ranging from lifelong learning, technical and vocational education and training to higher education systems. This paper also illustrates various models of innovations which are shaping up multi‐dimensional lifelong learning pathways to cater to career aspirations of young Indians.

Findings

This paper finds out that Indian OER initiatives make use of textual platforms as well as audio‐visual platforms embracing YouTube, Metacafe and other web‐based streaming video channels. This paper also illustrates the collaboration patterns in OER initiatives in order to attain sustainability, optimum usage and integration with formal curriculum of skills development programmes.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper identifies external as well as internal factors that are shaping up OER movement in this emerging knowledge economy, this paper mainly focuses on country‐level initiatives. The challenges faced at the institutional level as well as users level can be traced through advanced research studies.

Practical implications

This paper suggests some sustainable models for OER deployment, lessons learned and challenges faced by practitioners and users communities.

Social implications

OER development has become a social movement. Proper deployment and utilization of OER resources will lead to social empowerment of young adults. This paper helps in understanding how Indian society embraces OER in order to attain social justice and empowerment through sustainable educational development.

Originality/value

This paper is a unique attempt to produce a state‐of‐the‐art report on the emergence of the OER movement in a transitional emerging economy.
Post‐satisfaction factors affecting the long‐term orientation of supply relationships
Authors: Cambra‐Fierro Jesús J. , Polo‐Redondo Yolanda
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This article seeks to analyze the concept of the long‐term orientation of relationships in the supply chain (SC). This research aims to study interactions between satisfaction and commitment with the relational perspective of firm‐supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The establishment of a “post‐satisfaction” framework is necessary. A model based on structural equations is used to test the set of hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that cooperation, communication, satisfaction, proved trust and commitment explain the long‐term orientation of the relationships in the SC.

Research limitations/implications

This research only considers the buyer's perspective. The article considers some implications relating to different profiles of trust.

Practical implications

The article includes several implications about how to communicate with customers and suppliers, how to cooperate with customers and suppliers, why buyers trust suppliers, how buyers perceive satisfaction, and how buyers commit to suppliers.

Originality/value

This research, based on its “post‐satisfaction” approach, aims to complete the framework proposed by Cambra and Polo. Ideas related to the evolution of trust (“previous” vs “proved” trust) are discussed.
An analysis of franchisor failure risk: evidence from Spain
Authors: Bordonaba‐Juste Victoria , Lucia‐Palacios Laura , Polo‐Redondo Yolanda
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Research on franchise system survival has focused on analyzing organizational failure. However, there are two types of market exit: organizational failure and franchise discontinuance, but little research has distinguished between the two. The purpose of this study is to examine whether different factors explain these types of exit. Apart from the common factors included in previous research (age, size, upfront fee, royalty rate and ownership structure), this paper aims to add system growth and its interaction with age and size.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data about franchise systems in Spain from 1986 to 2004 from the catering and fashion sectors and applies the Cox survival model to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The paper finds that system growth rates and system size only influence franchise discontinuance. Both the youngest and the oldest firms show the lowest risk of discontinuing franchising. The results are similar to those found in previous research that uses the two types of market exit as synonymous.

Research limitations/implications

The article findings suggest that it is important to define franchise survival.

Practical implications

This research identifies what franchisors can do to continue in the market. An important result is that young and small franchisors should grow at a moderate rate. They should learn first how to manage a few units before becoming a large network.

Originality/value

This research examines the differences between two types of market exit (organizational failure and franchise discontinuance) and their drivers from the franchisor's perspective. This research contributes to the franchising literature by analyzing the effect of growth on survival. Additionally, the moderating effect of size and age on growth on the two types of market exits is included.
Inter‐firm relations in SME clusters and the link to marketing performance
Authors: Lamprinopoulou Chrysoula , Tregear Angela
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Networks are increasingly recognised as being important to successful marketing amongst small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to investigate the structure and content of network relations amongst SME clusters, and explore the link to marketing performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of the literature on SME networks and marketing performance, case study analysis is performed on four SME clusters in the Greek agrifood sector.

Findings

Analysis finds that the configuration of horizontal relationships between producer SMEs has little bearing on marketing performance, unless also accompanied by strong vertical connections between key members of the SME cluster and other actors in the supply chain. The disposition of these key members towards information‐seeking and contact building outside their SME clusters is also identified as important.

Practical implications

To improve marketing performance, leaders in SME clusters should focus on building strong vertical relationships in the supply chain, and encourage knowledge gathering from external market contacts.

Originality/value

Unlike many studies of SMEs, networks and marketing performance, this research investigates the networking phenomenon at the level of whole SME clusters, rather than at the level of individual SME owner‐managers.
Resource commitment behaviour of industrial exhibitors: an exploratory study
Authors: Li Po‐Chien , Evans Kenneth R. , Chen Yen‐Chun , Wood Charles M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assist practitioners in improving the benefits they receive from trade shows. This study seeks to investigate the behaviour of resource commitment of exhibiting firms and its relationships with market orientation and exhibition performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected at the 2007 Suzhou Circuitex Show, which is held annually in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. It is one of the largest international shows for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry. A total of 315 questionnaires were handed out and 185 usable questionnaires were returned.

Findings

The results advance the theoretical understanding of the market orientation‐resource commitment behaviour – performance framework within the setting of an industrial trade show. This study finds that market orientation is positively associated with an exhibiting firm's resource commitment behaviour, which in turn has varying influences on the different dimensions of trade show performance.

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional study suggests that different facets of exhibition resource commitment may have distinct effects on several dimensions of trade show performance. Future research should adopt a longitudinal survey and extend this study domain to a broader range of industrial contexts.

Practical implications

The research provides a better understanding of the development process of trade show programmes for practitioners in industrial firms to develop effective exhibition strategies.

Originality/value

This paper fills a significant gap in the literature and offers evidence for the relationships among market orientation, resource commitment behaviour and trade show performance. Furthermore, the current research identifies three aspects of resource commitment behaviour and creates corresponding measures for them.
How salespeople deal with intergenerational relationship selling
Authors: Bolman Pullins Ellen , Mallin Michael L. , Buehrer Richard E. , Jones Deirdre E.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The Millennial generation (born after 1981) of salespeople is projected to become the apparent heir to replace top‐end Baby Boomers expected to retire at an alarming rate over the next five years. This problem poses a significant challenge in that buyer‐seller relationships will need to form between members of different generations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a grounded theory style approach, the paper explores this intergenerational selling relationship development problem.

Findings

In addition to confirming that Millennial salespeople feel challenged by differences stemming from their age‐group, several strategies were identified for Millennial salespeople to overcome these challenges and effectively build relationships with their (older) customers.

Research limitations/implications

The study is qualitative and based on a limited convenience sample, but reveals the need to further pursue study in this area.

Practical implications

Managers can help younger salespeople develop strategies for managing older buyers. These strategies are establishing similarities, building credibility, showing dependability, demonstrating professionalism, and showing youthful enthusiasm.

Originality/value

The paper helps resolve the issue of whether understanding generational differences is important. Statistics show that increasingly younger salespeople will call on older buyers. The paper establishes that this is consistent with discrimination, SIT theory, rather than earlier work on similarities.
Public sector cost management practices in The Netherlands
Authors: Verbeeten Frank H.M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research project is to validate the claim that recent developments in the public sector have increased the demand for and use of cost management information in public sector organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a survey of financial managers in public sector organizations in The Netherlands.

Findings

The findings indicate that the design and use of cost management systems differs across branches. In addition, the results suggest that information from cost management systems is used to legitimate the organization's activities to external stakeholders rather than to manage public sector organizations. Finally, cost management information is used mostly by financial managers yet hardly used by political managers. The results defy claims that cost management information has become important in managing public sector organizations.

Research limitations/implications

All limitations of survey research apply. The survey is based on a non‐random sample of public sector organizations in The Netherlands; findings may not be transferable to other countries.

Practical implications

Legal and regulatory requirements relating to the use of cost management information may not have their intended effects.

Originality/value

The paper responds to previous calls in literature to use quantitative research methods to generalize findings from previous case studies. Also, the paper empirically tests the use of cost management information in The Netherlands, a country with a Nordic style of public management.
Clashes as potential for innovation in public service sector reform
Authors: Pekkarinen Satu , Hennala Lea , Harmaakorpi Vesa , Tura Tomi
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the ongoing dynamics of the public service sector reform through an embedding process of a municipal enterprise from the field of basic social and health care services – a pilot model in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework of a multi‐level perspective on transitions is used to describe the change process. At the lowest level of this perspective are the experimental niches acting as “seeds of change” represented by the case organisation, a municipal enterprise operating in the basic social and health care sector. The data consist of 16 thematic interviews with the key persons of the operating system, analysed with the principles of content analysis.

Findings

The examination uncovers diverse pressures affecting niche level innovations and manifesting as clashes and controversies between old and new ways of thinking, but these clashes can also act as a platform for innovations when opened up, analysed and facilitated.

Practical implications

Clashes that appear in societal transition processes and regime changes, both in the regimes and also on the organisational level, should not be seen solely as bottlenecks, because they can act as innovation potential when opened up and facilitated. This implies the need for not only new technological, service‐related and organisational innovations in the public sector reform, but also innovative practices, “second level innovations”.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion on the ongoing change processes in the reform of the social and health care sector, emphasising emerging clashes not only as obstacles but opportunities.
The global financial crisis and UK PPPs
Authors: Connolly Ciaran , Wall Tony
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine how Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been affected by the global financial crisis (GFC). After briefly discussing PPPs and the GFC, the paper considers whether the latter has been a contributing factor in the declining number of projects reaching financial close.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs document content analysis to compare the time between notification of a project in the Official Journal of the European Union and its financial close in order to assess whether this period has increased since the beginning of the GFC. Two case studies are also presented.

Findings

Apart from a very small number of projects, the time between official project notification and financial close is lengthening, with the case studies providing some possible explanations for this.

Originality/value

Whilst Burger et al. provide some general statistics on the impact of the GFC on PPPs in a number of countries, this paper examines over 600 PPPs in the UK and supplements this analysis with two case studies, in order to assess whether the GFC has led to delays in projects reaching financial close.
Factors affecting the performance of water utility companies
Authors: Guerrini Andrea , Romano Giulia , Campedelli Bettina
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out an analysis of Italian water utility companies to determine whether their performance was related to certain relevant variables that have been broadly discussed in the existing literature. Among these are ownership structure, size and diversification. In addition, the paper considers another variable – the geographical location.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviewed the annual financial statements of 80 Italian water utility companies between 2004 and 2008. It also obtained data regarding tariffs, volumes supplied and population served from Conviri, the Italian national authority for water. Finally, the paper discusses the significant differences among clusters, using parametric statistic methods.

Findings

It was found that ownership structure, size, diversification and geographical location had an impact on the performance of water utility companies, although with different degrees of significance.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are necessary in order to improve the way that performance of water utilities is assessed. First of all, it might be helpful to improve our data categories, adding financial data, tariffs, volumes supplied and population served for more than one year and obtaining segmental reports for multi‐utilities. In addition, it would be interesting to apply other methods, such as DEA analysis, to confirm our research findings.

Practical implications

For a local authority it is convenient to entrust water services to publicly owned companies because they apply lower tariffs and make higher investments pro capita on the pipe network. Moreover, since economies of scale and scope exist, a company's growth and diversification should be encouraged.

Social implications

In Italy the water industry is currently the focus of a vast political debate. As a matter of fact, a recent law (n. 133/2008 article 23‐bis modified in November 2009) encourages private administration of this industry. The results led to an improvement in the debate on the strategic choices and organizational structure of water utilities, giving helpful suggestions to policy makers and local authorities for developing future strategies.

Originality/value

The research findings improve the existing literature on performance assessment regarding water utilities, for the first time focusing on the Italian context, where companies with different features coexist: public and private utilities, small, medium and large companies as well as mono and multi‐utilities.
Procurement issues in Malaysia
Authors: Shu Hui Wee , Othman Radiah , Hj Omar Normah , Abdul Rahman Rashidah , Husna Haron Nurul
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study was undertaken with the aim of surveying the perception of the two main stakeholders in procurement system; the contractors and the procurement officers on issues such as accountability, transparency, corruption, integrity and cronyism pertaining to the public procurement system in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted over a nine‐month period in 2007 to gauge the perception of the procurement officers and contractors on procurement issues in Malaysia. The interview data were then transcribed and grouped according to six main themes; transparency, procurement policies and procedures and its implementation, personnel involved in the procurement system, estimation/budget/pricing, professionalism and ethics and timeliness.

Findings

One of the common complaints made by the contractors was prevalence of interference from outside parties and cronyism, which affects the awarding of contracts. The procurement officers were blamed for malpractice and non‐compliance to the policies and procedures of the procurement system.

Practical implications

The paper deals with sensitive issues and takes several months to successfully gather respondents who willing to give feedback on their experience with the procurement system. The data are first hand information and are carefully transcribed and categorized into categories to help better understanding of the issues raised by the respondents.

Originality/value

The paper deals with sensitive issues and takes several months to successfully gather respondents who willing to give feedback on their experience with the procurement system. The data are first hand information and are carefully transcribed and categorized into categories to help better understanding of the issues raised by the respondents and the private sector.
Diversity and employee turnover in the Dutch public sector
Authors: Groeneveld Sandra
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in turnover and turnover intention by gender and ethnicity. In addition, it seeks to examine the effects of diversity management on turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is constructed on the basis of ASA‐ and PO‐fit literature and previous research on diversity management and turnover. By analyzing two large‐N survey datasets the determinants of turnover and turnover intention of both native Dutch and ethnic minority men and women are examined.

Findings

Results show that women's turnover is most commonly associated with intrinsic factors, whereas men's decisions to leave the public sector are most commonly motivated by extrinsic factors. For ethnic minority men, the management of the organization and the leadership style of the supervisor are important determinants of any intention to leave the public sector. There is only a modest negative effect of diversity management on turnover intention.

Practical implications

To build and retain a diverse workforce, HRM policies in the public sector that used to be standardized and collective, should be adapted to the needs and values of the various categories of employees.

Originality/value

The effective management of diversity will increasingly be a central issue for public sector management. This article provides an understanding of the strategies that Dutch public sector organizations could employ to limit turnover of both native Dutch and ethnic minority men and women.
Learning from the failures of others
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of post‐exit knowledge diffusion created by departed firms on recipienfirms.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an inductive and exploratory study which tries to understand questions of how and why. The research used a qualitative interview methodology and data analysis using within and cross‐case analysis.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed that recipient firms' strategic directions and organizational design are fundamentally shaped by the career imprint of the former managers of the departed firm.

Research limitations/implications

Practical and policy implications are identified and discussed. The study suggests that organizational failure should be viewed as having wider externalities, on both markets and society as a whole. The demise of an industry incumbent should not be viewed as necessarily having a negative impact, rather as a strategic opportunity for new firms to enter and for existing ones to expand by drawing on the expertise released by its departure.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to the literature by integrating learning‐from‐failure, knowledge spillover and career imprinting theories to examine the post‐exit effect of firm departure. The paper also counters prior emphasis of the extant literature on the relationship between work experience and job performance which has focused mainly on experience within the current firm, overlooking the importance of work experience acquired in prior firms.
Organizational commitment through organizational socialization tactics
Authors: Filstad Cathrine
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate how organizational socialization tactics affect newcomers' organizational commitment and learning processes.

Design/methodology/aproach

A survey was conducted using a measurement tool based on Van Maanen and Schein's theory on organizational socialization tactics and Kuvaas' measurement tools of organizational commitment. The respondents were newcomers in two large Norwegian government organizations.

Findings

It was found that there was no significant relationship between organizational socialization tactics on the context and content dimensions and affective organizational commitment. That means that facilitating formal training and timetables for career development does not necessarily lead to organizational commitment. The research finds, however, a significant relationship between institutionalized social dimensions and organizational commitment. That means providing newcomers with role models and support and acknowledgement from experienced colleagues, positively affect their organizational commitment. Consequently, the extent that newcomers have the chance to participate in work activities and socially interact with established colleagues, positively affect their affective commitment and learning processes.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement tool was translated into Norwegian, which might affect losing the validity of two out of six dimensions of organizational socialization. Also, the social dimension only explains 25 percent of the factors resulting in organizational commitment. Thus, other factors need further investigation, also to address the complexity in newcomers' learning processes when facilitating organizational socialization.

Practical implications

The paper recognizes the importance of newcomers having access to, and being able to learn from established colleagues through participation and practice in work activities.

Originality/value

There are no previous studies of organizational socialization tactics in Norway, and only limited research combining these tactics with organizational commitment, including recognizing organizational tactics' limitation in sufficiently understanding the complexity of newcomers' learning processes.
Individual learning and group performance: the role of collective efficacy
Authors: Budworth Marie‐Hélène
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of training individual group members on the collective efficacy of the group and the group's subsequent performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants (n=275), in a laboratory study were randomly assigned to groups of five (k=55). Individuals were then randomly selected from those groups such that none, one, three, or all five members of the group participated in training on effective ways to select a job candidate.

Findings

Groups in which at least a majority of group members were trained had higher collective efficacy than groups where fewer members were trained. Training individuals beyond a majority did not improve collective efficacy further. Collective efficacy mediated the relationship between individual training and group level performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research extends the knowledge of the relationship between the individual and the group within social cognitive theory. Training a majority of the group is needed to see an increase in collective efficacy, a mediator of group performance.

Practical implications

Human resource managers should consider the effects of training individuals when they expect their employees to work as teams. It is beneficial to train as many people as necessary for the group to be able to benefit from the new information; however, training beyond the majority of people within the group does not improve confidence or performance.

Originality/value

The paper examines the relationship between individual group members and collective efficacy in a learning context. This extends the knowledge of social cognitive theory by crossing levels of analysis.
Explaining lower educated workers' training intentions
Authors: Sanders Jos , Oomens Shirley , Blonk Roland W.B. , Hazelzet Astrid
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discussion on how to increase lower educated workers' participation in training programs inside and outside the workplace through stimulating intentions with respect to training.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on data from the Study on Life Long Learning and Employment by TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), a three‐wave longitudinal study among lower educated workers in three different companies in The Netherlands. Data from the baseline questionnaire on 213 workers who are not currently participating in training activities are used along with a multiple regression model to test whether subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude/expected value, management support, coworker support, career orientation, job insecurity and prior participation in informal learning correlate with lower educated workers' intentions with respect to training.

Findings

This study shows that when stimulating lower educated workers' intentions with respect to training, one should focus on their attitude towards training participation, their subjective norms on training participation and their perceived behavioral control over participating in training. These aspects can be influenced through management support, coworker support and promoting career orientation. These factors contribute to the personal factors and thus, although indirectly, stimulate intentions with respect to training.

Originality/value

This article is the first to present clear ideas on ways to stimulate lower educated workers' intentions to participate in workplace learning activities and to develop interventions to strengthen their current and future labor market position. It also shows that in stimulating lower educated workers' intentions with respect to training the focus should be on individual, as well as organizational, or group factors.
The extended gestation and birth of the European Commission's Recommendation on the regulation of fibre networks
Authors: Cave Martin , Shortall Tony
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out the history and content of the European Commission's Recommendation on the regulation of next generation access networks, published in September 2010. The aim is to assess the Recommendation in terms of its likely impact on harmonisation and certainty of regulation within the European Union and on investment and competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted is to review the European Commission's Recommendation from the standpoint of regulatory economics.

Findings

The publication in September 2010 of the Recommendation on the regulation of next generation access networks completed a process which had begun two years and two drafts previously. The paper sets out the background to the decision to prepare a Recommendation for national regulators supervising the installation of fibre based networks, where the fibre might go either to the premises (FTTP) or to the street cabinet (FTTC). It also describes the development of the Recommendation from the first draft in September 2008 to the final draft in September 2010. It concludes that the delay in issuing the Recommendation created an interval in which national regulators pursued their own diverse policies, to the detriment of harmonisation. In terms of investment and competition, the successive drafts appear to have diminished pressure on competitors to build their own infrastructures, with consequential effects on the likely form of competition. Finally, a degree of regulatory uncertainty has been created in member states where the regulator has pursued in its market reviews of fibre access products remedies which are at odds with the Recommendation.

Originality/value

This is an early appraisal of a European Commission Recommendation which is likely to have a significant impact on European communications policy and regulation.
Determinants of broadband internet access take‐up: country level drivers
Authors: Jakopin Nejc M. , Klein Andreas
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Diffusion levels of broadband internet access vary across triad countries and emerging markets alike. Major industrialised nations face criticism for allegedly “lagging behind” in broadband development. This study aims to highlight drivers of broadband take‐up that help explain and properly evaluate the diffusion situation of a country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates worldwide broadband internet access take‐up in terms of fixed and mobile broadband penetration and broadband launch lead time by drawing on a wide range of variables of which some have not been examined in previous studies (e.g. home office workers, service sector activities or local call prices).

Findings

Results show that broadband internet take‐up significantly benefits from economic prosperity and computer penetration. Moreover, general regulatory quality has a significant influence. The effect of other regulatory and market environment variables is declining over time with associations becoming insignificant in 2009 data.

Research limitations/implications

Further research based on findings and limitations of the present study should incorporate quality of broadband, more accurate/differentiated measurement of broadband, conditionality, moderating effects, non‐linearity, as well as broadband implications for economic development.

Originality/value

This study covers a broad set of indicators and includes time lags in multivariate analysis to generate a holistic picture of broadband development drivers and their relevance over time.
Mobile phones and micro‐trading activities – conceptualizing the link
Authors: Boateng Richard
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of mobile phones on the micro‐trading activities of traders in Ghana. The study aims to develop a conceptual model analyzing the impact of mobile phones on pre‐trade, during‐trade and post‐trade activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach consisting of a descriptive survey of 136 traders and a case study of two traders was adopted.

Findings

The findings suggest that traders primarily use mobile phones to monitor goods and pricing strategies, scheduling deliveries, and addressing inquiries and complaints in during‐trade activities. Traders, including those with no formal education, also use mobile phones as calculators in post‐trade activities. This innovative use of mobile phones is a function of their pre‐knowledge which may have been developed through formal education and/or social networks. Improving information management through mobile phones directly or indirectly contributes to the economic empowerment of the trader.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes a conceptual framework that extends the transaction cost theory to consider transaction benefits and effects in micro‐trading. The study develops four propositions which can guide future research.

Practical implications

The study provides practitioners with a “theoretically‐inspired” framework which goes beyond examining design and adoption to identify needs and assess impact in mobiles for development initiatives.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework extends the work on transaction cost theory in information systems and may inform future research in mobile phones and micro‐trading activities.
Republic of Benin – chaos, corruption and development in telecommunications
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a country with severe problems in the telecommunications sector, including corruption and maladministration.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of the legislation and regulatory decisions over the last decade, plus prosecutions in the USA for bribery in the country.

Findings

The paper reveals that, despite a decade of external efforts to encourage the use of information communication technology to boost development, very little progress has been made in terms of policy, legislation and regulation. No lessons appear to have been learned; the same mistakes could be repeated.

Research limitations/implications

Further case studies are required from West Africa to provide a more complete picture and to assess whether equally serious problems exist in the region.

Practical implications

There is a need for a review of the legislation both for telecommunications and for corruption, with considerable strengthening of institutions and proper democratic accountability.

Social implications

Citizens in this country have seen much greater access to mobile telephony, but in a haphazard way. There has been no regard for their interests (e.g. higher charges), nor consideration of how bribery, high licence fees and avoidance of customs duties affect them.

Originality/value

This is one of the few case studies of telecommunications in West Africa. It addresses issues of corruption, an issue seldom discussed.
Informal learning in the workplace: evidence on the real value of work‐based learning (WBL)
Authors: Eraut Michael
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to understand the role of informal learning in the workplace by observation of samples of professional workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research started by shared descriptions of the work being followed before asking about the roles of other people whom they met at work, and then asking about what the observer might have seen on another occasion. This was followed by discussing the nature of the researched person's work with significant others in the workplace.

Findings

The most important theoretical finding was that most people did not describe informal learning as learning. The study managed to handle this by talking about learning as a by‐product. Then both working and learning could be talked about at the same time. Most of this learning came from people working together in a range of work activities.

Research limitations/implications

Support and feedback were critically important for confidence, learning, retention and commitment, and the right level of challenge. Factors affecting participants' commitment to work, to colleagues, and to their employers included the quality of their support and feedback, and appreciation of the value of their work.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of giving more attention to who is doing what, and finding opportunities for people to learn naturally by being present in situations where they can be helpful and recognized. If learning is crucial for working, much greater learning occurs.
Integrate neuroscience into work‐based learning programs: designing programs based on scientific theory
Authors: Vorhauser‐Smith Sylvia
Published: July 2011

Purpose

By understanding the neuro‐scientific underpinnings of the learning process and factors that hinder or limit the human ability to learn, learning and development professionals can design work‐based learning programs steeped in science that optimize the acquisition of knowledge and information. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary research in neuroscience as it relates to learning.

Findings

This article explores the essential components for successful work‐based learning as well as the physical, cognitive and emotional environmental elements that facilitate how people store and recall information.

Practical implications

The field of neuroscience is providing both insights and pragmatic guidelines for the enhancement of learning and development practices. As more organizations differentiate through talent and stimulate exceptional employee performance, work‐based learning and development initiatives guided by scientific breakthroughs can crystallize the potential of talent and equip them with the requisite skills for high performance.

Originality/value

Readers will learn how the structure of neurons changes as we acquire new information and how that information is transferred into long term memory. Through this, learning and development professionals can tap the learning capabilities of the brain and ensure on the job experiences drive desired learning results.
Work‐based learning: how it changes leadership
Authors: Raelin Joseph A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Although readers of this journal are familiar with work‐based learning and with leadership, they may not have entertained the link between them. The paper aims to contend that the link is that the former changes the latter. The authentic practice of work‐based learning produces a more collective form of leadership, matching the former's founding principles and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by the author's long‐standing research of both work‐based learning and leadership, he searches for commonalities in their underlying conditions, proposing a means to identify their relationship. The author's model invites both further study by researchers and field replication by practitioners.

Findings

A number of compatible principles and practices undergird the fields of work‐based learning and collective leadership; namely, their mutual commitment to dialogic processes based on nonjudgmental inquiry; their accentuation of the state of genuine curiosity – even doubt; their acceptance of critical challenge; and their willingness to disturb preconceived world views on behalf of a common good.

Practical implications

Managers and executives taking advantage of work‐based learning, when offered as an authentic practice, may acknowledge its powerful impact on leadership, but as in the case of learning, they must be willing to sustain its collaborative nature to release its potential.

Social implications

When people in a community or organization authentically share leadership, it ignites their natural talent to contribute to the growth of that community and it also elevates the value of trust by bringing genuineness to the community.

Originality/value

Practitioners in the development and learning field already know the value of work‐based learning for learning purposes, but in this article, it is shown to impact leadership in a profound way – it changes it. As a collective and reflective practice, it responds to contemporary needs to find ways to release people to contribute their natural talents on behalf of mutual action.