bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a multidisciplinary definition of innovation
Authors: Baregheh Anahita , Rowley Jennifer , Sambrook Sally
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to undertake a content analysis of extant definitions of “innovation” as a basis for proposing an integrative definition of organizational “innovation”.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was used to generate a representative pool of definitions of organizational innovation, including definitions from the different disciplinary literatures of economics, innovation and entrepreneurship, business and management, and technology, science and engineering. A content analysis of these definitions was conducted in order to surface the key attributes mentioned in the definitions, and to profile the descriptors used in relation to each attribute.

Findings

The key attributes in the paper present in definitions were identified as: nature of innovation; type of innovation; stages of innovation, social context; means of innovation; and aim of innovation. These attributes are defined, descriptors assigned to them, and both a diagrammatic definition and a textual definition of organizational innovation are proposed.

Originality/value

As a concept that is owned and discussed by many business disciplines, “innovation” has many different definitions that align with the dominant paradigm of the respective disciplines. Building on these diverse definitions, this paper proposes a general and integrative definition of organizational “innovation” that encompasses the different perspectives on, and aspects of, innovation, and captures its essence.
Acquisition of marketing knowledge in small and medium‐sized IJVs
Authors: Il Park Byung , Whitelock Jeryl , Giroud Axèle
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of compatible characteristics between parent firms on the extent to which international joint ventures (IJVs) acquire marketing knowledge. Compatible organisational characteristics are a particularly important component for absorptive capacity in that it may play a pivotal role in extending the prior relevant knowledge base and promoting a favourable learning environment. A series of hypotheses based on the literature is tested, which suggests that: there is a close association between IJV size and the level of knowledge acquisition, and compatible characteristics between parents positively influence marketing knowledge acquisition in IJVs.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained by a survey. Questionnaires were posted to the CEOs of IJVs in Korea. A total of 688 questionnaires were sent out and 128 were returned, giving a response rate of 18.6 per cent.

Findings

The paper finds that the marginal differences in mean values indicate that firm size does not significantly influence the extent of knowledge acquisition in IJVs. A series of regression analyses was undertaken and it was found that the impact of compatible organisational culture on knowledge acquisition was positive and significant.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations to the study. First, the data used were collected from only one country. Second, only marketing skills were considered, leaving aside other important types of knowledge that can contribute to IJV operations. Third, the measurement used for the acquisition of marketing knowledge has some drawbacks, in that it is based on the perceptual judgements of key managers, without employing objective measurements. In addition, the relatively low response rate and the low number of responses from large firms are clearly further limitations.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that compatible culture should be a crucial partner selection criterion for both local and foreign firms.

Originality/value

Very few studies have analysed small and medium‐sized IJVs, and fewer have focused on marketing knowledge acquisition particularly in a dynamically energetic environment (South Korea in this case). The paper also contributes to the current literature by confirming the positive relationship between compatible organisational culture and marketing knowledge acquisition.
Production of natural fruity flavour in dairy foods
Authors: Liu Shao‐Quan , Crow Vaughan L. , Holland Ross
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate in situ production of aroma‐active esters in dairy foods so as to improve flavour and to produce fruity flavour concentrate.

Design/methodology/approach

Lipase, ethanol or bacterial cultures are added to dairy media (milk, cream or cheese) and incubated for a period of time (from hours to months). Samples are then taken and analysed for aroma‐active esters using gas chromatography (GC) or gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).

Findings

Analyses of samples show that significant levels of ethyl esters of fatty acids are produced in milk, cream, enzyme‐modified cheese and natural cheese. All the dairy foods possess an intense pleasant fruity aroma.

Originality/value

This is a natural way to generate fruity flavours in dairy foods to enhance flavour and thus, consumer acceptance. The fruity flavour concentrate can also be used as a flavouring ingredient in dairy and non‐dairy food applications. Natural pure esters may also be extracted, separated and concentrated for wider flavour and fragrance applications. This approach may provide a cost‐effective solution to the increasing surplus of milk fat.
Food habits of university nutrition students: pilot study
Authors: Al‐Khamees Nedaa A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a present‐oriented combined evaluation/intervention approach to nutrition education.

Design/methodology/approach

After being given individual instruction in how to calculate servings, allocate items to food groups and identify food additives, all students in nutrition courses at Kuwait University are asked to complete tables with amounts of food items consumed in a typical day and of symptoms suffered.

Findings

Most consume less vegetables, healthy fats and water than recommended, a bare majority the recommended amount of fruit, while 86.5 per cent eat more than the recommended limit of sweets and fatty foods. Most consume at least one emulsifier, preservative and artificial colour. All record at least one symptom. In individual post‐evaluation discussion with each student, many students are surprised at how far their diets deviate from the ideal, and many are concerned that symptoms suffered might be related to sub‐optimal diet.

Research limitations/implications

The numbers are small, and it remains to be seen if the results can be generalised. Also, the perceived benefits in knowledge and application require follow‐up study.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first study of its kind. Besides the documentation of the food habits of this group, its value lies in directing the attention of those interested in nutrition education to a possibly efficacious approach.
Healthy food options and advertising in Greece
Authors: Batrinou Anthimia M. , Kanellou Anastassia
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how healthy food options recommended by the Mediterranean diet pyramid are actually consumed and advertised.

Design/methodology/approach

Three types of food consumptions in Greece are compared, the diet recommended by the Mediterranean diet pyramid, the actual consumption as was presented by the Data Food NEtwortking project and the advertising expenditure spent in the food sector. Data are presented in the form of a “food advertising pyramid”, equivalent to the food choices pyramids.

Findings

Comparison of the “food advertising pyramid” with the Mediterranean food pyramid reveals that the two pyramids have a somehow reverse relationship, meaning that the recommended for frequent consumption “healthy” food categories of the Mediterranean diet pyramid (placed at the base of the pyramid such as cereals, fruits and vegetables) were the least advertised by the food industry, and the less “healthy” options (dairy and sugary products) were the most advertised. This trend was more evident in advertisements targeted to children. An exception was the high advertising of yoghurt, a probiotic product considered to be a healthy food option.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper could be useful to nutritionists and national health authorities who should take into consideration the impact of food advertisement upon their strategy for healthy nutrition and prevention of obesity in childhood.
Investigation on Turkish consumers regarding their attitudes towards grammatical styles, knowledge and compliance of nutrition messages
Authors: Söyler Gönül , Nehir El Sedef
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how Turkish consumers’ attitudes toward grammatical styles of the same nutrition message affect persuasiveness; to determine the consumers’ ability to comply with the nutrition messages and to know possible health benefits of them; and to examine nutrient claims on food packages with information that will help consumers to make healthy diet choices.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire, comprising eight different grammatical styles of a nutrition message for each kind of food or food products, is applied to randomly to 207 subjects. Another questionnaire is designed including nutritional messages. Subjects (n = 200) are asked about their frequency of compliance and how this behavior is beneficial to health. In total, 5,200 food products are scanned for nutrition labels on packages in four hypermarkets. All the nutrient claims found are recorded as well as the wording.

Findings

There are significant effects of grammatical style on persuasiveness, except for meat products. Subjects report that rhetorical question using “how about” in the third message provokes them most. High proportions of subjects have heard of the written nutrition recommendations before. However subjects’ frequencies of compliance with recommendations are low. The relation between compliance and knowledge scores for message 1, 2, 3 and 4 are significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Of 5,200 foods scanned, 266 foods are recorded for nutrient claims. Fat claims are the most frequent type of nutrient claims; 71 foods have numerical claims; 179 foods have adjectival claims and 16 have both claims.

Originality/value

There have not been any studies on frequency of application of nutrition labeling, consumer attitudes and knowledge of nutrition messages regarding Turkey.
Is a plate model being followed by the pupils? Nine hypotheses
Authors: Tikkanen Irma
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test nine hypotheses whether pupils follow a plate model when they choose their school meals at Finnish comprehensive schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces nine theoretical cviews to school meals and a plate model. The empirical data were collected in 2007 from four comprehensive schools in Finland. The nine hypotheses utilizing data from 168 pupils’ self‐reported school meal choices are tested by using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Findings

In total, six hypotheses are accepted and three are rejected. The findings indicate that the pupils partially follow the plate model when they choose their school meals.

Practical implications

This paper has the following implication. We have to further increase the pupils’ knowledge on school meals and its role to maintain good health and prevent health problems, as well as nutrition information related to food choices.

Originality/value

In the previous research school meals have been studied from multiple theoretical views. This paper suggests that a broader theoretical focus on the pupils will further increase understanding of their food choices.
Academic achievement, BMI, and fast food intake of American and Japanese college students
Authors: Kobayashi Futoshi
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between grade point average (GPA), body mass index (BMI), and fast food intake, and to test five different hypotheses regarding these target variables.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 57 American and 72 Japanese college students are recruited from two different universities and the participants provide their gender, age, weekly fast food intake, GPA, and their actual height and weight are measured.

Findings

It is found that GPA is negatively correlated with BMI and fast food intake, and BMI and fast food intake are positively correlated in the American sample. A negative correlation between GPA and fast food intake is also found in the Japanese sample. Although no differences of GPA are found in regard to the physiques of both American and Japanese samples, a marginally significant difference of GPA is found in the American sample in regard to their fast food intake. In the Japanese sample, a significant difference of GPA is found only in women, but not in men regarding their fast food intake.

Research limitations/implications

People may need to consider possibly negative implications of fast food intake upon academic achievement of college students. There might be cultural differences in the meaning of fast food consumption between the USA and Japan.

Originality/value

The present study is the first cross‐cultural study to investigate the relationship between physique, fast food consumption, and academic achievement of American and Japanese college students.
The wear behavior of mild steel under vertical vibration
Authors: Chowdhury M.A. , Helali M.M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate experimentally the effect of external vertical vibration on wear property of mild steel.

Design/methodology/approach

A pin‐on‐disc apparatus capable of vibrating the test samples in a vertical direction is designed and fabricated. The experimental setup has the ability to vary the amplitudes and frequencies of vibration while velocity of vibration is kept constant. During the experiment, the frequency and amplitude of vibration are varied from 0 to 500 Hz and 0 to 200 μm, respectively.

Findings

Results show that the wear rate decreases with the increase of amplitude and frequency of vibration for mild steel. These results are analyzed by dimensional analysis to correlate the wear rate with sliding velocity, normal load, frequency and amplitude of vibration. The experimental results are also compared with those available in literature and simple physical explanations are provided. Considering the lack of correlation between wear rate and other vibration‐related operating parameters, the present research is started to find out suitable correlation and a way of reducing wear rate by applying known frequency and amplitude of vibration at a particular direction.

Practical implications

It is expected that the applications of these results will contribute to the improvement of different concerned mechanical systems.

Originality/value

The paper can be used for design‐related purposes.
Joining of stainless steel and copper materials with friction welding
Authors: Sahin Mumin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate mechanical and metallurgical variations at interfaces of commercial austenitic‐stainless steel and copper materials welded by friction welding.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, austenitic‐stainless commercial steel and copper materials are welded using the friction welding method. The optimum parameters are obtained for the joints. The joints are applied to the tensile and micro‐hardness tests. Then, micro‐ and macro‐photos of the joints are examined.

Findings

It is found that some of the welds show poor strength depending on some accumulation of alloying elements at the interface result of temperature rise and the existence of intermetallic layers.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to search about the toughness values and fatigue behaviour of the joints. It could be a good idea for future work to concentrate on the friction welding of these materials.

Practical implications

Friction welding can be achieved at high‐production rates and therefore is economical in operation. In applications where friction welding has replaced other joining processes, the production rate has been increased substantially.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to contribute to the literature on friction welding of dissimilar materials.
Effects of friction disc surface groove on speed‐regulating start
Authors: Meng Qingrui , Hou Youfu
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanism of effect of surface groove on speed‐regulating start.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates numerically and analytically the torque transfer and load capacity of oil film between separator and friction disc with grooves commonly used at present by solving simultaneous equations: modified Reynolds, energy, and temperature‐viscosity equations.

Findings

The results show friction discs with wider and deeper groove are not suitable for speed‐regulating start. To improve performance of speed‐regulating start, distribution and size of surface groove should be designed to obtain ascending trend of oil film load capacity during startup process.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the mechanism of effect of surface groove on speed‐regulating start and facilitates the conceptual design of speed‐regulating start control system.
Born digital? Pedagogy and computer‐assisted learning
Authors: Clarke Thomas , Clarke Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of the shift to a knowledge society, where information and communication technology (ICT) and the widening spread of internationally distributed information are creating a “skill revolution”, as O'Hara suggests, there is a widening culture mismatch between what members of the knowledge society need to succeed and what current systems of higher education are geared to offer and to adequately prepare people and communities to thrive in the global knowledge society.

Design/methodology/approach

For universities, as the scope and complexity of the actual business environment grows, the changing landscape of business education needs to come to terms with a developing global environment that has impacted on business, demographics and culture which demands a change in managerial skills to lead sustainable enterprise.

Findings

Students need to master higher‐order cognitive, affective, and social skills not central to mature industrial societies, but vital in a knowledge based economy that include “thriving on chaos” (making rapid decisions based on incomplete information to resolve novel situations); the ability to collaborate with a diverse team – face‐to‐face or across distance – to accomplish a task; creating, sharing, and mastering knowledge through filtering a sea of quasi‐accurate information.

Originality/value

These skills, according to Galerneau and Zibit, are “the skills for the twenty‐first century”, as they are “the skills that are necessary to succeed in an ever changing global society where communications is ubiquitous and instantaneous, and where software tools allow for a range of creative and collaborative options that yield new patterns and results that we are only beginning to see”.
Online self‐ and peer assessment for groupwork
Authors: Thompson Darrall , McGregor Ian
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Group‐based tasks or assignments, if well designed, can yield benefits for student employability and other important attribute developments. However there is a fundamental problem when all members of the group receive the same mark and feedback. Disregarding the quality and level of individual contributions can seriously undermine many of the educational benefits that groupwork can potentially provide. This paper aims to describe the authors' research and practical experiences of using self and peer assessment in an attempt to retain these benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Both authors separately used different paper‐based methods of self and peer assessment and then used the same web‐based assessment tool. Case studies of their use of the online tool are described in Business Faculty and Design School subjects. Student comments and tabular data from their self and peer assessment ratings were compared from the two Faculties.

Findings

The value of anonymity when using the online system was found to be important for students. The automatic calculation of student ratings facilitated the self and peer assessment process for large classes in both design and business subjects. Students using the online system felt they were fairly treated in the assessment process as long as it was explained to them beforehand. Students exercised responsibility in the online ratings process by not over‐using the lowest rating category. Student comments and analysis of ratings implied that a careful and reflective evaluation of their group engagement was achieved online compared with the paper‐based examples quoted.

Research limitations/implications

This was not a control group study as the subjects in business and design were different for both paper‐based and online systems. Although the online system used was the same (SPARK), the group sizes, rating scales and self and peer assessment criteria were different in the design and business cases.

Originality/value

The use of paper‐based approaches to calculate a fair distribution of marks to individual group members was not viable for the reasons identified. The article shows that the online system is a very viable option, particularly in large student cohorts where students are unlikely to know one another.
Learning outcomes from business simulation exercises
Authors: Clarke Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

Purpose

High order leadership, problem solving skills, and the capacity for innovation in new markets, and technologically complex and multidimensional contexts, are the new set of skills that are most valued by companies and employers alike. Business simulation exercises are one way of enhancing these skills. This article aims to examine the capacity of business simulations to deliver the learning outcomes they have the potential to achieve, and the challenges faced in implementing these technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature of the learning outcomes from business simulations, and critical assessment of the challenges and problems involved in the implementation of learning technologies.

Findings

Traditionally, postgraduate business education programs have adopted the functional silos that provide the organizational framework for the design of the curriculum. Business problems rarely present themselves in the compartmentalized silo supply‐driven disciplinary framework. The question of how to achieve greater convergence of the business curriculum programs that offer students more practical oriented experiences to develop their conceptual understanding in cross functional decision making and analytical thinking abilities through “learning by doing” of real business problems, has concerned business education for a considerable time.

Originality/value

The article shows that the prospect of adopting a broad‐based, integrative approach that goes beyond the conventional lectures and case studies complemented by business simulations and emerging technologies has significant potential to resolve the traditional problems of business education convergence of the curriculum.
Integrating blended teaching and learning to enhance graduate attributes
Authors: Hermens Antoine , Clarke Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of computer based business simulations in higher education as innovative tools of teaching and learning to enhance students' practical understanding of real business problems. Whether the integration of business simulation technologies will enable significant innovation in teaching and learning and will significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of traditional management teaching and learning methods is to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research has established that simulations can be an effective integrative learning mechanism for the student participant seeking to understand management concepts, techniques and practices. A number of prominent training institutions have adopted simulations in order to increase business acumen, financial literacy and build competency.

Findings

The research carried out seems to confirm that simulations can be powerful, engaging, dynamic and effective teaching and learning tools. The immersive worlds of simulations can be designed to replicate actual economic, market and business events where students experiment in real time with alignment and commitment surrounding complex corporate strategies, business models and initiatives.

Originality/value

To achieve the required convergence of the business curriculum, the paper suggests that a broad‐based integrative approach needs to be adopted to overcome the silo effect of supply driven disciplinary models, which have traditionally prevailed in business education.
An experiment in teaching invention
Authors: Clark Andre
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that invention can be taught to business students who do not have the prior technical knowledge that is assumed to be a requirement for this kind of activity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper contains reflections on the results of introducing a specific course in inventing based on the insights of leading figures in the economics heterodoxy, who reject key tenets of the standard‐economics approach that treats invention as exogenous.

Findings

The result of this experiment suggests that teaching invention to business students is possible based on such foundations, as measured by the number of patent application made and granted.

Research limitations/implications

Since there is no widely accepted theory to explain invention, there is no control for this experiment. This theoretical limitation should not detract, however, from the evidence presented here that there is something of practical use in the heterodox tradition that is being overlooked in enterprise and business education.

Practical implications

This paper provides one model for teaching an important aspect of enterprising behaviour and also has practical outcomes in terms of the invented items themselves. In addition, it serves to demystify an aspect of business activity that is often left unexplored in business studies curricula.

Originality/value

The paper is innovative at a conceptual and a practical level in providing both a foundation for the study of invention based on economic theory, and advice on how this can be taught to achieve practical and independently validated outcomes.
The effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in Malaysia
Authors: Yu Cheng Ming , Sei Chan Wai , Mahmood Amir
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the development of entrepreneurship education in Malaysia; and to evaluate its effectiveness and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data are collected to reveal students' perceptions of the effectiveness of the entrepreneurship teaching and their knowledge about entrepreneurship.

Findings

The results show that entrepreneurship education in Malaysia is not matching students' skill expectations with skill acquisition. The findings also indicate that the level of understanding on “what is entrepreneurship” is still low among the respondents selected in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only concerns students' perceptions towards the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in their respective institutions. Results from this paper are limited in terms of their ability to demonstrate “actual” outcomes of entrepreneurship education.

Practical implications

The paper provides an important exploratory analysis of the state of entrepreneurship education in Malaysia to enable further research to be taken in the area of entrepreneurship education. The findings provide valuable insight on effective teaching methodologies in the area of entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

The paper expands the framework of Morris et al., Drucker, and Gorman et al. to provide a basis to improve the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in Malaysia.
Homebased work: a review of research into themes, directions and implications
Authors: Tietze Susanne , Musson Gill , Scurry Tracy
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically summarise and evaluate recent articles on modern homebased work (2000‐2009). In identifying the key recurrent themes and commonalities in the existing research, it brings order to the variety of contributions to provide future directions for inquiry and knowledge production.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers are identified through systematic keyword searches of multi‐disciplinary databases. The aim is to identify papers that explore the social/organisational embeddedness of homebased work, rather than framing it as a technology related phenomena/problem.

Findings

The review highlights some contradictory evidence about the potential for change entailed in homeworking practices and an absence of studies which focus on “less visible” workers engaged in homebased production. It also argues that few longitudinal studies exist which could address the question of the ability of homebased work to initiate change.

Practical implications

The paper provides an evaluation of the literature to make sense of the diversity of themes and issues within existing research. The insights gained are of use to both academics researching this form of working and practitioners implementing it. Gaps within existing knowledge and directions for future study are also identified.

Originality/value

This paper is a timely review of the recent articles that have been published on homebased work.
Body art in the workplace: piercing the prejudice?
Authors: Miller Brian K. , McGlashan Nicols Kay , Eure Jack
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The prevalence of body art is on the rise; particularly among college age persons. This study aims to use group norms theory (GNT) and the justification‐suppression model of the expression of prejudice to examine the impact of body art such as tattoos and piercings on ratings of acceptability by co‐workers.

Design/methodology/approach

In a full‐factorial two‐by‐two scenario‐based experiment the authors manipulated the presence or absence of face‐to‐face customer contact and the interdependency of the distribution of rewards.

Findings

After controlling for participants' own tattoos and piercings, impression management, openness‐to‐experience, and agreeableness, the authors have found that an inside sales job and independent rewards are significantly positively related to acceptability but that their interaction was not.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study include the fact that it is a scenario‐based experiment using a fictitious co‐worker and that the sample is comprised of college students. However, manipulating body art in a live confederate would likely to have been impossible and college students are in the age group in which body art is most prevalent, making them logical candidates on which to examine the hypotheses.

Practical implications

Even those with body art themselves still prefer not to work with body art (non‐concealable) wearers in jobs with high levels of face‐to‐face customer contact or in jobs in which rewards are shared equally like team‐based sales.

Originality/value

An experimental design is used so as to manipulate only those characteristics of the work relationship hypothesized to be of interest, while controlling for extraneous variables like attractiveness and personality in the co‐worker, which vary greatly from person to person.
Factors influencing the adoption of online recruitment
Authors: Parry Emma , Wilson Hugh
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The internet is initially hailed as the future of recruitment and is expected to replace other media as the preferred recruitment method, but the adoption of online recruitment has not been as comprehensively predicted. In addition, empirical research regarding online recruitment from an organisational perspective is sparse. This paper aims to examine the reasons behind an organisation's decision to use online recruitment, and reports on the development of a model of the factors affecting the adoption of this recruitment method.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses in‐depth interviews and a survey of human resource (HR) managers with recruitment responsibility. The factors that affect the adoption of online recruitment are explored, and related to Rogers's diffusion of innovation theory (DIT) and Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Findings

Factors related to the adoption of corporate web sites and commercial jobs boards are found to be different, with positive beliefs/relative advantage, subjective norms and negative beliefs emerging in the case of corporate web sites and positive beliefs/relative advantage and compatibility for jobs boards. These results provide some fit with both Ajzen's and Rogers' factors.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an important area that is under‐researched academically and provides a basis for further research into how organisations may adopt online recruitment successfully.
Managing the HR function: the role of social capital
Authors: Truss Catherine , Gill Jas
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Under public sector reforms, HR departments are under increasing pressure to demonstrate how they add value to the organization. This paper seeks to contribute to our knowledge of HR functional roles in public sector organizations by considering how social capital may influence perceived HR department performance. Most prior research on HR functional performance has focused on what HR professionals do, rather than on how they do it, yet such process factors have been shown in the literature on organizational strategy to be crucial determinants of long‐term effectiveness. This paper aims to use the framework of social capital as a means of conceptualizing HR processes, and investigates how these are played out in an exploratory study.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on four matched‐pair case studies in public sector organizations in the UK. A total of 77 interviews are conducted.

Findings

The research found that there appeared to be a link between HR social capital and perceptions of HR functional performance on the part of both HR staff and line managers.

Research limitations/implications

This is a piece of case study based research in the UK public sector, and therefore the findings may not be generalizable. It would have been preferable to have had some hard metrics for HR department performance, but perceptual data was relied on instead. Further research is therefore recommended.

Practical implications

The implication for HR practitioners is that attention needs to be paid to the structural and relational dimensions of how the HR department operates, as well as to what it does, if it is to be regarded as effective.

Originality/value

This is a piece of original research on a topic that has received almost no prior attention. Previous research on the link between HRM and performance has focused almost exclusively on HR strategies and policies and has neglected process and implementation. This paper presents some evidence to show that HR processes in terms of social capital may be an important element.
Does participatory decision‐making in top management teams enhance decision effectiveness and firm performance?
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Sheaffer Zachary , Yitzack Halevi Meyrav
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how participatory decision‐making processes in top management teams (TMT) influence strategic decision effectiveness and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 94 TMTs are collected from structured surveys. Each firm's CEO provides data on strategic decision effectiveness, and a senior executive member of the TMT provided data on participatory decision‐making processes and firm performance.

Findings

Results show that participatory decision‐making processes in the TMT are positively associated with decision effectiveness, but there is both a direct and an indirect relationship (through decision effectiveness) between participatory decision‐making processes and firm performance.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the importance of joint decision‐making processes among TMT members for improving choices and enhances firm performance.
Libraries and the mobile revolution: remediation=relevance
Authors: Leigh Jacobs Michelle
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the big picture of where academic libraries fit into the mobile revolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Jim Hahn's accompanying article, “On the remediation of Wikipedia and the iPod,” the author comments on what remediation means for the academic library culture as a whole. The reflections are based on observations of current trends in technology and the emergence of a mobile culture. A definition of this generation of library users is suggested – the ING (information now generation). Editorial in nature, the paper also discusses some new technologies and how they might be applicable to the technological growth of libraries.

Findings

This reflection of current trends encourages librarians to look/listen, explore, apply, prevail when it comes to applying emerging technologies to the library world.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into how librarians can prepare themselves for the “Remediation Revolution.”
Student perceptions of federated searching vs single database searching
Authors: Armstrong Annie R.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the efficacy of two approaches to finding articles on a topic by measuring student perceptions of the ease‐of‐use of the search process and the perceived relevancy of search results retrieved using both a single multidisciplinary database and a federated search tool.

Design/methodology/approach

Students are asked to search both a federated search tool and a single multidisciplinary database, record their searches and respond to a series of quantitative and qualitative questions regarding their experiences with searching both search tools.

Findings

Study results indicate a slight preference for federated searching over single database searching based on perceived relevancy of results and likeliness of future use. Study data supports equal promotion of single database searching and federated searching to undergraduate students.

Practical implications

The results of this paper have practical implications for reference and instruction librarians teaching undergraduate students and library users in general to find the most effective, efficient and manageable approach to finding articles on a topic.

Originality/value

Previous research comparing federated searching to other research methods uses prescribed topics outside of an actual class setting, while this is a naturalistic study in which students searched for articles on a research topic of their own choosing for a required research assignment. A previous study compared federated searching to navigating and searching numerous databases. This paper compares a federated search tool to a single multidisciplinary database.
Course instructor perceptions of computer‐generated bibliographic citations
Authors: Martin Justine L.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate course instructor perceptions into personal and classroom use of computer‐generated bibliographic citations. The paper aims to provide guidance as librarians promote and teach automated citation services to the academic communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Course instructors at one university completed a quantitative survey about computer‐generated bibliographic citations. Questions focused on instructor use of automated citation services, if they generally reduce grades for bibliographic errors, if they would reduce grades for specific computer‐generated citation (CGC) errors, and would they advise students to use automated citation services at various course levels.

Findings

The results show a majority of course instructors do not use CGCs for their own research or promote the citation services in the classroom. A majority of respondents generally reduce student grades for bibliographic errors and would continue to do so for CGC errors. The data show specific types of automatically generated citation errors are more detrimental to student grades than others. Furthermore, results indicate course level impacts instructor promotion of CGCs.

Practical implications

The results provide librarians with helpful data, from the course instructor perspective, as they promote and teach computer‐generated bibliographic citations.

Originality/value

Literature on computer‐generated bibliographic citations tends to focus on technical and comparative aspects of citation services, or users' product opinions. This paper explores course instructor use, course promotion, and bibliographic grading of automatically generated citations to enhance advocacy and instruction of these services.
A survey of Iranian academic reference services in terms of librarians' discipline
Authors: Moradi Iraj , Hariri Nadjla
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Considering the significant difference between the discipline reference librarians graduate in and how reference services are offered, this paper aims to test such a hypothesis by focusing on reference services offered by central libraries of Islamic Azad Universities (IAU) distributed in different regions and provinces of Iran. A second purpose of this paper is to suggest an independent organizational structure for reference departments of Iranian academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Research population is composed of 75 reference librarians working in central libraries of 33 IAU branches. To collect data a researcher‐made questionnaire including 82 items is posted to mentioned libraries.

Findings

There is a significant difference between reference librarians' discipline and how reference services are offered in IAU central libraries.

Practical implications

Iranian academic authorities are advised to take the suggested organizational structure into consideration and meet Lewis's five strategies. In particular, reference librarians based on their discipline and education level should be brought together and not isolated in small departments. Additionally, for reference services to keep pace with users' needs academic libraries should employ expert and skilled reference librarians who hold library and information science academic degrees and can provide user education.

Originality/value

This paper describes an organizational structure for Iranian reference librarians that is based on their educational background and training.
Is there a “business case” for board diversity?
Authors: Wang Yi , Clift Bob
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between board diversity, as represented by the percentage of female, minority or female and minority directors on the boards of directors, and firm financial performance, and to explore the potential determinants of board diversity, using data from the Australian corporate sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the top 500 Australian companies as the initial data‐set. Firm performance measures include return on assets, return on equity and shareholder return. Several control variables are introduced in the regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that gender and racial diversity do not have significant influence on performance. It is reported that larger firms tend to have relatively more female members, and smaller firms or firms with larger boards may have more minority directors.

Research limitations/implications

The findings should not be extrapolated to all firms as the sample is restricted to listed companies. To examine the complete impact of board diversity future research could consider non‐financial performance indicators.

Practical implications

The analysis shows that greater diversity does not lead to poor performance, which suggests that gender and racial diversity could be achieved without a negative effect on shareholder wealth.

Originality/value

In addition to giving improved evidence on the effect of gender diversity on performance, the paper may be the first study which ascertains whether there is a “business case” for greater minority participation in boardrooms in the Australian context.
The effect of ownership concentration on CEO compensation‐firm performance relationship in New Zealand
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Habib Ahsan , Smallman Clive
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of ownership concentration on CEO compensation and firm performance relationship in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies regression analysis to data from New Zealand listed companies from 2001 to 2005.

Findings

The study finds a non‐linear effect of ownership concentration on CEO compensation‐firm performance relationship, that is CEO compensation is negatively (positively) related to firm performance in firms with high (low) concentrated ownership structure respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Results provide evidence for the proposition that ownership concentration at a high level in New Zealand does not constrain excessive management power, but exacerbates agency problems associated with executive pay. A highly concentrated ownership structure provides potential explanation for the misalignment between CEO compensation and firm performance in New Zealand. The positive effect of a low ownership concentration level on CEO compensation‐firm performance relationship suggests that monitoring the efficiency of large shareholders works better at a low ownership concentration level.

Originality/value

By exploring the non‐linear interaction between two governance mechanisms – CEO compensation and ownership concentration – the findings of the study make contributions to the current compensation and ownership literature mainly in two ways: although the non‐linearity between ownership concentration and firm value has attracted extensive research interest, little attention is given to the non‐linear effect of large shareholding on the CEO compensation contract in prior studies; and, in the context of a developed country with a small financial market, there are low regulatory “drag” and virtual absence of a litigation threat to organisations, as in New Zealand. This study suggests concentrated ownership as an underlying explanation for the misalignment between CEO compensation and firm performance.
Education for an accounting profession
Authors: Gaffikin Michael
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an invited response to a paper describing the historical relationship between the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (and its predecessor body) and the universities in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual and takes the form of a commentary/review of the findings of the principal paper.

Findings

The paper adds to the description in the principal paper and presents additional factors that are necessary in assessing the relationship between the professional body and the university sector.

Originality/value

The paper extends the discussion in the principal paper with some reflection on the nature of professionalism and argues that a broader appreciation of professionalism is necessary to judge the effectiveness of the relationship in question.