bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated view of human, organizational, and technological challenges of IT security management
Authors: Werlinger Rodrigo , Hawkey Kirstie , Beznosov Konstantin
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the main challenges that IT security practitioners face in their organizations, including the interplay among human, organizational, and technological factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set consisted of 36 semi‐structured interviews with IT security practitioners from 17 organizations (academic, government, and private). The interviews were analyzed using qualitative description with constant comparison and inductive analysis of the data to identify the challenges that security practitioners face.

Findings

A total of 18 challenges that can affect IT security management within organizations are indentified and described. This analysis is grounded in related work to build an integrated framework of security challenges. The framework illustrates the interplay among human, organizational, and technological factors.

Practical implications

The framework can help organizations identify potential challenges when implementing security standards, and determine if they are using their security resources effectively to address the challenges. It also provides a way to understand the interplay of the different factors, for example, how the culture of the organization and decentralization of IT security trigger security issues that make security management more difficult. Several opportunities for researchers and developers to improve the technology and processes used to support adoption of security policies and standards within organizations are provided.

Originality/value

A comprehensive list of human, organizational, and technological challenges that security experts have to face within their organizations is presented. In addition, these challenges within a framework that illustrates the interplay between factors and the consequences of this interplay for organizations are integrated.
Formalizing the ranking of authentication products
Authors: Helkala Kirsi , Snekkenes Einar
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for ranking authentication products. Using this method, issues such as technical performance, application/system‐specific requirements, cost and usability are addressed. The method simplifies and makes the selection process more transparent by identifying issues that are important when selecting products.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used quantitative cost and performance analysis.

Findings

The method can be widely applied, allowing the comparison and ranking of an extensive variety of authentication products (passwords, biometrics, tokens). The method can be used for both product selection and the process of product development as supported by the case studies.

Originality/value

This is a work that demonstrates how to compare authentication methods from different categories. A novel ranking method has been developed which allows the comparison of different authentication products in a defined usage scenario.
Using penetration testing feedback to cultivate an atmosphere of proactive security amongst end‐users
Authors: Styles Martyn , Tryfonas Theo
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this case study paper is to demonstrate that, no matter how complex computer security systems are, effort should be concentrated and focused on employees to improve their security awareness. Each employee needs to become a “Security Deputy” to the company's computer security staff and he or she needs to take some responsibility for preventing security breaches – whether inside the workplace or not. It is easy to unwittingly spread a virus, or open security vulnerabilities, and such actions might damage a company's systems perhaps even more than malicious employees, through simple ignorance of security issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of surveys and questionnaires were designed along with practical exercises and security awareness training sessions.

Findings

Following their involvement in the exercises and awareness training, employees demonstrated improvement in security awareness. Users were made explicitly aware of the realities of IT security with pertinent questions asked in order to force them evaluate their own reactions to a situation which may escalate into a security incident.

Research limitations/implications

The research was undertaken in a typical medium‐large sized company within the energy business sector, but it is possible that results may be different in other sectors.

Practical implications

It is clear that security technologies alone cannot prevent incidents and therefore employees need good quality security awareness training in order to protect the organisation.

Originality/value

It is becoming increasingly important that employees are taken through a more rigorous security‐awareness training programme, in order to protect business computer systems and to “protect them from themselves”.
Social engineering: assessing vulnerabilities in practice
Authors: Bakhshi Taimur , Papadaki Maria , Furnell Steven
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of susceptibility to social engineering amongst staff within a cooperating organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

An e‐mail‐based experiment was conducted, in which 152 staff members were sent a message asking them to follow a link to an external web site and install a claimed software update. The message utilised a number of social engineering techniques, but was also designed to convey signs of a deception in order to alert security‐aware users. The external web site, to which the link was pointing, was intentionally badly designed in the hope of raising the users' suspicions and preventing them from proceeding with the software installation.

Findings

In spite of a short window of operation for the experiment, the results revealed that 23 per‐cent of recipients were fooled by the attack, suggesting that many users lack a baseline level of security awareness that is useful to protect them online.

Research limitations/implications

After running for approximately 3.5 h, the experiment was ceased, after a request from the organisation's IT department. Thus, the correct percentage of unique visits is likely to have been higher. Also, the mailings were sent towards the end of a working day, thus limiting the number of people who got to read and respond to the message before the experiment was ended.

Practical implications

Despite its limitations, the experiment clearly revealed a significant level of vulnerability to social engineering attacks. As a consequence, the need to raise user awareness of social engineering and the related techniques is crucial.

Originality/value

This paper provides further evidence of users' susceptibility to the problems, by presenting the results of an e‐mail‐based social engineering study that was conducted amongst staff within a cooperating organisation.
A theoretical perspective of the cultural influences of individualism/collectivism, group membership, and performance variation on allocation behaviors of supervisors
Authors: Fadil Paul A. , Williamson Steven , Knudstrup Mike
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to strengthen the theoretical foundation of the distributive justice literature by isolating and exploring the major independent variables (individualism/collectivism; subordinate group membership; and subordinate performance variations) identified from previous studies. Their individual and cumulative influence on supervisory allocation behaviour is the foundation of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual exploration of past studies reveals the variables that impact the allocation choice of supervisors. Utilizing these factors, a theoretically based model that explores the direct and interactive influences of these independent variables on allocation behaviour, as well as the subsequent impact of the allocation behaviour on future supervisors – subordinate social exchanges are developed.

Findings

A cogent, theoretical framework is delineated for a well‐established research stream (distributive justice) that severely needs one. Propositions are also derived to direct future empirical inquiry. In sum, the allocation model succeeds in consolidating the plethora of fragmented studies that currently dot the distributive justice literary landscape.

Practical implications

This paper synthesizes past allocation studies while developing a theoretically based model which illustrate the interaction of the major independent variables. Practically, it also shows that managers cannot ignore cultural factors when compensating employees.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical framework for past studies while laying the groundwork for future empirical inquiries on supervisory allocation choices.
Leveraging closed‐loop orientation and leadership for environmental sustainability
Authors: Clifford Defee C. , Esper Terry , Mollenkopf Diane
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The paper's aim is to develop a closed‐loop supply chain orientation as a strategic alternative available to supply chain organizations seeking competitive advantage in a setting that puts a premium on socially responsible decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature describing the concepts of supply chain orientation and supply chain leadership is used to develop a framework for achieving a competitive advantage.

Findings

Creating a closed‐loop supply chain orientation may be facilitated when the supply chain leader demonstrates a transformational leadership style, and when socially important environmental issues are present.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected concepts in a conceptual framework that sets a stage for future research in this area.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the strategic importance of developing a closed‐loop supply chain orientation in the presence of environmental factors, and a supply chain leadership style that may enhance the transformation to such an orientation.

Originality/value

The paper extends the strategic concept of supply chain orientation to include forward and reverse flows in a holistic, closed‐loop view of the supply chain.
Supply management ethical responsibility: reputation and performance impacts
Authors: Eltantawy Reham A. , Fox Gavin L. , Giunipero Larry
Published: March 2009

Purpose

There is a lack of extensive research related to the immediate consequences of supply management ethical responsibility (SMER) and the moderating and/or mediating factors that strengthen or weaken its consequences. Although the underlying presumption is that companies no longer have the luxury of ignoring the importance of SMER, the lack of empirical research of SMER's impact on supply management performance (SMP) reflects the need for research that draws on and empirically tests established theories concerning the role of corporate ethics within the context of supply management (SM). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the impact of SMER and strategic supply management skills on SM perceived reputation and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is employed to investigate the hypothesized relationships. A sample of 162 purchasing managers provided the data via survey.

Findings

Strategic supply management skills and perceived reputation have a positive direct impact on performance. SMER is not directly affected by skills and has an indirect impact on performance through its positive relationship with perceived reputation.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that SMER is limited in its ability to predict performance, but is a valuable component of building SM perceived reputation. Firms should not ignore SMER, as it may provide strategic marketing advantage as an order qualifier or limiting criterion.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the interplay among several important determinants of supply chain performance, including the greatly under‐studied ethics construct.
Sustainable procurement in the United Kingdom public sector
Authors: Walker Helen , Brammer Stephen
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This study aims to investigate sustainable procurement in the UK public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Sustainable procurement is investigated using a questionnaire that draws on established scales for “purchasing social responsibility”. The survey was administered across the UK public sector, and 106 responses were received from procurement officers.

Findings

Analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data reveal there is significant variation across public sector agencies in the nature of sustainable procurement practice. Local authorities have a particularly strong emphasis on buying from local and small suppliers relative to other sectors, health looks generally lower in many categories, and education appears to have something of an emphasis on environmental aspects of sustainable procurement. Cost has been found to be the leading barrier to sustainable procurement, and top management support the leading facilitator.

Research limitations/implications

There is likely to be selection bias in the sample, with those practitioners engaging in the sustainability agenda being more likely to have responded to the questionnaire. The United Kingdom government has an objective amongst the leaders in Europe on sustainable procurement by 2009, and early signs are encouraging that progress towards this goal is underway.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first survey of sustainable procurement practices across the UK public sector. It also provides a conceptual framework of influences upon the propensity to engage in sustainable procurement practice.
Student perception of learning through a problem‐based learning exercise: an exploratory study
Authors: Werth Eric P.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Staff at Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training developed a 70‐hour problem‐based learning exercise (PBLE) and integrated this program into the existing Basic Patrol Officer Academy. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of PBL in developing subject‐specific policing knowledge as well as decision‐making, problem‐solving, and collaboration skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the PBLE, students completed an in‐depth survey prompting feedback on the ability of the program to develop various skills known to be important to policing. These self‐reported data were collected from 122 students over three academy sessions and evaluated by Chi‐square statistical analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that the pilot PBLE is significant in helping students develop new policing skills, demonstrating how information learned in class applies to field work, aiding in recall of class material, developing problem‐solving skills, and learning skills needed to work in groups in the law enforcement field (p<0.01).

Research limitations/implications

This research demonstrates that PBLEs can be effective in developing difficult‐to‐teach skills. The pilot program also helps students discover how material presented in class applies to fieldwork. A program able to bridge the gap between information recall and application would be a significant addition to any training.

Originality/value

Research demonstrating the effectiveness of programs based on PBL philosophy is difficult to find, particularly in relation to law police training. The experience of students who have been through the Idaho program is a valuable step towards filling this void. The program also demonstrates that some of the purposed benefits of PBL can be achieved without necessitating a rewrite in training curriculum.
Paying a marriage tax
Authors: Archbold Carol A. , Hassell Kimberly D.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine some of the factors associated with the decision to participate in the promotion process for female police officers in a Midwestern police agency.

Design/methodology/approach

Face‐to‐face, structured interviews were conducted in the spring of 2006 with most (74 percent) of the female police officers employed by a Midwestern, municipal police agency.

Findings

The authors identified several organizational and personal factors that impact on female police officers' decision to participate in the promotion process. This study also uncovers a factor that has not been addressed in previous research: how being married to fellow police officers (or part of a “cop couple”) can restrict the upward mobility of female police officers.

Research limitations/implications

Data for this study were collected from one municipal police agency in the Midwest; therefore, the research findings may not be generalizable to small or very large police agencies. In addition, the female officers in this police agency comprise a relatively high percentage of sworn positions (15 percent) compared to the national average of 12.6 percent; therefore, the experiences of the women in this department may not be representative of other female police officers working in agencies where women comprise either more or less than 15 percent of all sworn positions. Another limitation of this study is that the sample size is small. This is a limitation that most researchers will encounter when they choose to study female police officers, as there are so few women who work in American police agencies.

Practical implications

By identifying the barriers that female officers face when deciding to go through the promotion process, the authors were able to provide several administrative changes that could be made to encourage more female officers to participate in the promotion process.

Originality/value

There is very limited published research on the promotion of female police officers. This study uncovers a factor that has not been addressed in previous research: how being married to fellow police officers can restrict the upward mobility of female police officers, thus resulting in a “marriage tax” for female police officers.
Towards a human‐oriented metrology for improvement and change
Authors: Mi Dahlgaard‐Park Su
Published: March 2009

Purpose

An overall aim with a new human‐oriented TQM metrology is to help managers in giving answers to the questions of what to measure, how to measure and why? It is the purpose of this paper to give input to answering these questions. In doing so the measurement problems are to be discussed in relation to the context in which the measurements are applied. Some common risks or failures are also to be discussed when more complex or advanced measurements are used such as LISREL or PLS measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The main methodology is to re‐interpret measurements from three company cases by having a special focus on understanding the importance of the human‐oriented dimension of TQM and Change Management. The European Excellence Model (EFQM) is used as the reference framework for understanding what to measure, how to measure and why?

Findings

The measurements support the view that establishing measurements related to the human dimension of TQM and Change gives new opportunities for understanding the results achieved or not achieved.

Research limitations/implications

Because the research is based on a combination of theory and case studies it is believed that the findings can be generalized to most companies working under the laws of free competition. The specific measurement examples should not be copied but should be adapted carefully to other contexts and cultures.

Practical implications

The case companies analysed are two relatively big global industrial companies and a big national and government‐owned service company (Post Denmark). Case studies from small‐ and medium companies have not been analysed here but several materials from these kinds of companies support the conclusions in the paper.

Originality/value

This is the first paper towards a human‐oriented metrology for improvement and change. The main value of establishing performance measurement systems with a balanced focus on tangibles and intangibles (the human dimension) is that this kind of measurement is a necessity for understanding the root causes of the results achieved or not achieved.
Practice follows structure: QM in Malaysian public hospitals
Authors: Manaf Noor Hazilah Abd
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The main aim of this study is to provide an empirical analysis on the practice of quality management among employees of Malaysian public hospitals at the district, state and national level hospitals. This paper aims to perform a comparative analysis on quality management practices among the three levels of hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method of data collection was self‐administered questionnaire, and cluster sampling was used to select the respondent hospitals, while respondent employees were selected by stratified random sampling. Altogether 23 public hospitals throughout Peninsular Malaysia participated in the survey.

Findings

Practice of quality management was found to be significantly higher in district hospitals than in the national referral centre. However, there was no significant difference in perception on implementation outcome between the three levels of hospitals. Among the factors of quality management, teamwork was found to be significantly higher in district hospitals than in state hospitals and the national referral centre. Leadership and management commitment were found to be significantly higher in district and state hospitals than in the national referral centre. The effect of organizational structure could have an effect on practice of quality management.

Originality/value

Empirical studies on the effect of organisational structure on practice of quality management among employees of Malaysian public hospitals have never been conducted before and this thus contributes to the body of knowledge in this discipline of research.
Quality in NHS hospitals: no one knows better than patients
Authors: Karassavidou Eleonora , Glaveli Niki , Papadopoulos Chrissoleon T.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

National Health Systems (NHS) experience low trust and lack of public confidence while receiving strong pressure from governments and societies to improve their quality and compete effectively. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, to investigate how patients perceive service quality in Greek NHS hospitals. Second, to assess patients' perceptions, expectations and the relevant gaps concerning the quality provided by public hospitals. Third, to determine the relative importance of quality dimensions in influencing patients' overall quality perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research using the SERVQUAL instrument was conducted in six NHS hospitals located in North Greece. A total of 137 usable questionnaires were collected.

Findings

The research results revealed a three‐dimension SERVQUAL construct, which proved to be a valid, reliable and flexible tool for measuring quality in Greek hospitals. The human factor was revealed as being the most critical dimension of quality, reflecting the significance of the traditional view of the doctor‐patient relationship. Quality gaps are illuminated, suggesting that there is room for improvement initiatives.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidelines to hospital managers and policymakers as to developing strategies that aim at meeting patients' expectations of service quality and restoring trust in public hospitals.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on service quality, a critical aspect of hospital performance, drawing attention to patients' orientations. The study gives support to the view that quality in hospitals can be determined, measured and systematically monitored with the goal of responding to patients' needs.
Investigating the complex drivers of loyalty in e‐commerce settings
Authors: Mohd Kassim Norizan , Ismail Salaheldin
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how perceived service quality, satisfaction and trust determine loyalty in e‐commerce settings at the level of construct dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method approach was used in this study. To test the dimensionality of the perceived service quality, all the 20 items were analyzed using oblique rotation and varimax rotation. The hypotheses were tested using the structural equations modeling.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that only assurance does appear to play an imperative role in building trust as suggested by many authors. Of particular interest is the finding that word‐of‐mouth (WOM) is an antecedent of trust and intention. It becomes clear that WOM is a relatively important driver of trust and intention in e‐commerce settings.

Research limitations/implications

The study may also be delimited to Qatar only. Further research could complement it by exploring the study variables and other variables not mentioned in depth here.

Practical implications

Satisfaction, which contributes considerably to loyalty, can be increased by providing an attractive user interface, and an easy to use and interesting system. Specifically, the positive word‐of‐mouth decreases the need for marketing expenses and can increase revenue if new customers are attracted. Online retailers should direct their before‐ and after‐sales service mechanisms towards developing consumers' willingness to get engaged in positive WOM in favour of the company and its services.

Originality/value

The major contribution of the study is that it is the first attempt to investigate the impact of word of mouth on trust and intention ahead of previous studies.
Organizational service orientation and its role in service performance formation: evidence from Polish service industry
Authors: Urban Wieslaw
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The paper seeks to evaluate the state of organizational service orientation in service industry in Poland; also to examine the influence of service orientation on key service performance, especially on the quality of service. Employing a cross‐sector approach, it aims to assess the problem of differences of organizational service orientation across different service trade.

Design/methodology/approach

In the research process the survey method was employed. The research population enclosed 230 service enterprises operating in three regions of Poland; units were chosen randomly. Serv*Or questions battery designed by Lytle et al. was employed to assess the organizational service orientation. Advantage was taken of correlations analyses and ANOVA.

Findings

The weakest element regarding organizational service orientation is employee empowerment, which originates partly from national inclination to individualism, and partly from the central planning political system that existed in the Polish economy in the Communist era. The main conclusion is that organizational service orientation affects service performance. Its influence on service quality and clients' loyalty is substantial; therefore the organizational service orientation concept appears as a predicator of service quality and might be used in the quality management process. It is possible to indicate five service orientation dimensions that differ across sectors: customer treatment, employee empowerment, service standards communication, service vision, and service training.

Originality/value

The study takes a cross‐sector approach. No wide cross‐sector study has appeared before in an investigation of organizational service orientation.
Factors influencing Hong Kong CPAs' entrepreneurship in the accounting profession
Authors: Law Philip , Hung Jennifer
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Entrepreneurship plays a key role in society and is important for economic growth. Despite prior studies of entrepreneurial behavior, no research has been conducted to examine the influence of monetary and personality factors on the entrepreneurial start up of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firms in Hong Kong. The purpose of this paper is to investigate into factors influencing Hong Kong CPAs in becoming entrepreneurial public practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected through a questionnaire survey and analyzed by binomial logistic regression. A total of 212 CPAs of Chinese origin are randomly selected in Hong Kong. Social capital theory derived from the sociology literature is employed for analysing the findings.

Findings

Results indicate that “profit motivation” and “education level” variables have no significant influence on the entrepreneurial start up, and contradict findings in prior literature. Results further reveal that “social networking” and “internal locus of control” variables could positively influence on the entrepreneurial start up of CPA practices. Results support the validity of social capital theory that reveals social networks have values and productive benefits. Gender plays a role in the entrepreneurial start up of CPA practices, with males predominate has entrepreneurs of CPA practices.

Originality/value

This study could add new contributions to the accounting literature on the study of the entrepreneurial start up of CPA practices in Hong Kong. With the booming Hong Kong economy and the vast supports from China's prosperous market, Hong Kong CPAs are more inclined to become entrepreneurs of CPA practices in the long run. Implications of this study could enable accounting bodies and education institutions focusing on CPAs' personality development and education.
The significance of Chinese commercial property in an Asian property portfolio
Authors: Newell Graeme , Wing Chau Kwong , Kei Wong Siu
Published: March 2009

Purpose

International investors have shown considerable recent interest regarding property investment in China via both direct and indirect property. The purpose of this paper is to assess the significance and performance of the China commercial property market compared to six developed and emerging commercial property markets in Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the performance of commercial property in China over 1998‐2007 for both direct and indirect property. Risk‐adjusted performance analysis is used to assess the added value of China commercial property in a pan‐Asia portfolio, with the portfolio diversification benefits of China commercial property also assessed. Sub‐period analyses are also used to assess the dynamics of China commercial property.

Findings

This paper finds that China commercial property has shown significantly enhanced performance and diversification benefits in recent years. In a pan‐Asia property fund context, there are clear diversification benefits provided by China commercial property, with these benefits also being evident in the other Asian property markets. The findings highlight the benefits of a pan‐Asia property investment strategy by international property investors, as well as the key benefits and added‐value of including China commercial property in this pan‐Asia property investment strategy.

Originality/value

Previous empirical research into the China commercial property markets has been very limited. This paper rigorously assesses the role of China commercial property in a pan‐Asia property portfolio context. Given the increasing interest by the leading international property investors regarding investing in China commercial property, this research enables more informed and practical investment decision‐making regarding the role of both direct and indirect China commercial property as part of a pan‐Asia institutional property investment strategy.
Developmental state, property‐led growth and property investment risks in China
Authors: Albert Cao J.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to apply the developmental state theory to examine the institutional arrangements that support the widespread adoption of the property‐led urban economic growth model and generate risks on property investment in Chinese cities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts institutional analysis on the behaviour of the Chinese state and examines results from major interview programmes and field investigations on six cities in China.

Findings

The Chinese state deviates from other developmental states and is polymorphous, i.e. lacking an effective central state to maintain the standard of governance and regulate the behaviour of local states. The weak central state is responsible for failures to implement national policies on land supply and housing price inflation, to nurture the development of professions like valuation, and to formulate policy on commercial property. The local states, on the other hand, intensify risks in property investment by poor plan making and implementation that create chaos in urban development and intensive competition among projects, and by poor data services and legal support for market operations. Such risks, however, seem to be played down by Chinese property professionals.

Research limitations/implications

This paper uses the summarised opinions of interviewees who have varied expertise on different issues in China. Further research could be conducted on a number of fronts, say risk perception by different professions such as valuers or investors.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to apply developmental state theory to examine the roles the Chinese central and local governments play in using the property‐led growth model on the generation and intensification of property investment risks.
Defining sustainability metric targets in an institutional setting
Authors: Rauch Jason N. , Newman Julie
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand on the development of university and college sustainability metrics by implementing an adaptable metric target strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A combined qualitative and quantitative methodology is derived that both defines what a sustainable metric target might be and describes the path a university might take to get there. Local to global spatial scales and short to long‐term time scales are accounted for. Four popular metrics are developed: carbon emissions, water use, recycling rate, and energy use. Sustainability metric data available from Yale University are utilized to show the applicability of this metric target strategy.

Findings

Targets for sustainability metrics may be set at short, medium, and long‐term time scales. While quantitative targets may be set for sustainability metrics, these are often long‐term ideals that offer no information on the path to achieve them. If a path to achieving these targets is outlined, it is often arbitrary quantitatively, if not also qualitatively. This paper finds that sustainability metric targets can be founded upon clearly delineated, rigorously quantified targets. At the same time, the process framework for developing sustainability metric targets is adaptable to the unique situation of a particular university. This adaptable metric target strategy reflects the ideals of sustainability to be at one time both local and global in scope. The metric target strategy is globally applicably, but the sustainability metric targets produced will be unique to each institution.

Research limitations/implications

The process framework for developing sustainable metric targets is only outlined for four popular metrics. Achieving these four targets alone will certainly not define a university as sustainable. Further development of other sustainability metrics utilizing the framework presented would be helpful.

Practical implications

The application to real metric data shows the feasibility of this approach for use at other universities and colleges. They can define their own sustainability targets using the approach outlined.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how sustainability metrics being collected by universities may be used to define a target path towards sustainability. The process framework presented has the potential to provide unique solutions for each institution while remaining a universal methodological approach.
The integration of green chemistry experiments with sustainable development concepts in pre‐service teachers' curriculum
Authors: Karpudewan Mageswary , Hj Ismail Zurida , Mohamed Norita
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce green chemistry experiments as laboratory‐based pedagogy and to evaluate effectiveness of green chemistry experiments in delivering sustainable development concepts (SDCs) and traditional environmental concepts (TECs).

Design/methodology/approach

Repeated measure design was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of green chemistry experiments in delivering SDCs and TECs. Structured interviews were conducted to gather the students' feedback on the course content and course structure.

Findings

Green chemistry have enhanced students' understanding of both TECs and SDCs. However, students understanding of SDCs are significantly higher than the TECs. During the interview sessions, students described that the course content as interesting and timely accurate. The course also succeeded in changing students' values and behaviors. Green chemistry was noted as a teaching pedagogy that the student teachers will implement in their future teaching. The course has also provided a space for them to improve their skills in communication, problem solving, and decision making.

Practical implications

This paper outlines a new teaching strategy and will be a good source for student teachers engaged in science education program. This new teaching strategy embeds scientific concepts grounded in economic, environmental, and societal imperatives.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of education for SD (ESD) in higher education, with particular focus in teacher education. The paper proposes green chemistry experiments integrated with SDCs as laboratory‐based pedagogy in a teacher education program as an effort to green the existing curriculum and ultimately addresses the ESD.
Sustainable attitudes and behaviours amongst a sample of non‐academic staff
Authors: Davis G. , O'Callaghan F. , Knox K.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is seek to characterise sustainable attitudes and behaviours (including recycling and waste minimisation, energy efficiency, water conservation and “green” purchasing) amongst non‐academic staff within Griffith University, Queensland.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the attitudes and behaviour of 100 individuals from a cross‐sectional sample from a single Department, along with the determinants of pro‐environmental behaviours were investigated. The survey tool administered used the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and was delivered via an online survey, which was e‐mailed directly to all participating staff across Griffith's five campuses.

Findings

The research sought to pilot the use of the TPB to determine sustainable behaviours amongst staff. The survey successfully showed that the TPB was effective at determining staff attitudes and behaviours and determined that staff were overall satisfied with the current efforts by Griffith University to become more sustainable. However, a number of barriers were identified that should be addressed in order to more comprehensively incorporate sustainability into the work environment. Significant differences in opinions were more prevalent amongst various demographic groups rather than between other characteristics such as department/function.

Originality/value

The TPB has been widely adopted to determine both waste minimisation and recycling behaviours amongst householders. This is a new focus for the tool, to determine if it can accurately determine a suite of additional attitudes and behaviours associated with sustainability and why these differences occur.
US higher education environmental program managers' perspectives on curriculum design and core competencies
Authors: Vincent Shirley , Focht Will
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This study is the first of a five‐phase research project sponsored by the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (CEDD), an organization of environmental program managers operating under the umbrella of the National Council for Science and the Environment. The purpose of the project is to determine if a consensus on core competencies for environmental program graduates is achievable, and if so, to make recommendations for consideration by program managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Q methodology was used to discern the perspectives of program managers at 42 CEDD member institutions on environmental curriculum design. An online survey preceded the Q sort exercise to elicit managers' curricular views and program characteristics. Survey responses were analyzed to select statements for the Q‐sorting exercise and categorized according to emergent themes. Multiple regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between perspectives (factor loadings) and host institution Carnegie classifications.

Findings

Three distinct, but not opposing, perspectives were identified from the initial Q‐factor rotation, which suggests the possibility of agreement on core competencies. The perspectives differ in their views of: curriculum orientation (professional training versus liberal arts), curriculum breadth versus depth, and flexible versus fixed core competencies. Host institution classification (Carnegie) is a small but significant predictor for two of the three perspectives. A second Q‐factor rotation reveals a consensus perspective that accommodates most respondents and aligns well with principles of sustainability, thus suggesting that sustainability may serve as a guiding paradigm for defining areas of core competence.

Originality/value

No national study of program managers' views of curriculum design and the identification of core competencies has been conducted in the USA.
Addressing the time lag dilemma in curriculum renewal towards engineering education for sustainable development
Authors: Desha Cheryl J. , Hargroves Karlson , Smith Michael H.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the case for engineering departments to undertake rapid curriculum renewal (RCR) towards engineering education for sustainable development (EESD), to minimise the department's risk exposure to rapidly shifting industry requirements, government regulations and program accreditation. This paper then outlines a number of elements of RCR.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins by proposing that Higher Education Institutions face a “time lag dilemma,” whereby the usual or “standard” curriculum renewal approach to embed new knowledge and skills within the curriculum may take too long, lagging behind industry, regulatory, and accreditation shifts. This paper then outlines a proposed RCR approach. This paper presents a number of preliminary “elements of RCR” formulated from a literature review of numerous existing but largely ad hoc examples of curriculum renewal within engineering and other discipline areas, together with the authors' experience in trialling the elements.

Findings

This paper concludes that a strategically implemented process of curriculum renewal to EESD can help a department address its risk exposure to likely and impending shifts in industry, regulations and accreditation. A number of examples of implementing “elements of RCR” are emerging and this literature can inform a strategic approach to curriculum renewal.

Practical implications

The aim of this paper is to highlight the potential risks and opportunities for engineering departments as they consider “how far” and “how fast” to proceed with curriculum renewal for EESD, along with providing an overview of a range of options for implementation.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need.
What the government's expanded investigations of market manipulation may mean (and what you should do before and after the subpoena arrives)
Authors: Mennitt Gary J. , Huey‐Burns Paul , Jossen Robert J.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the SEC's investigatory program with respect to market manipulation in the securities of certain financial institutions and to provide constructive steps for firms to take prior to and after they receive a subpoena or other inquiry from the SEC staff.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the implications of a formal SEC investigation, how to respond, and appropriate document retention, disclosure, and internal investigation policies.

Findings

It is essential that firms and individuals provide timely and accurate responses to SEC requests. Document retention and destruction policies are a critical issue. A financial services firm that has received an SEC subpoena or request for information should consider whether any disclosure to its clients and other investors is advisable. When an entity concludes that potential violations may have occurred, it should consider whether to conduct a more extensive internal investigation and whether separate counsel is advisable. In sending materials to the SEC, the responding entity should request confidential treatment.

Practical implications

It is essential that firms and individuals provide timely and accurate responses to SEC requests, whether pursuant to a subpoena or to a request to submit a narrative statement.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance by experienced securities and litigation lawyers as a result of government investigation into market manipulation.
Compliance with Sarbanes‐Oxley and do not call regulations is interdependent when telemarketing is a core part of a sales strategy
Authors: Ruch Lisette
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the importance of a do not call (DNC) regulations compliance program for broker‐dealers and other investment companies as part of an overall Sarbanes‐Oxley (SOX) compliance strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains why an effective DNC Regulations compliance program is needed, the consequences of violations, and the control objectives an effective DNC solution should address.

Findings

A DNC solution needs to address the risks of a lack of necessary functionality, circumvention, security, failure, and insufficient monitoring. In 2004, the SEC approved amendments to Rule G‐39 that require broker‐dealers to comply with the Federal Trade Commissions DNC rules. In conjunction, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board also issued clear guidance on required DNC compliance. Thus, this topic is of key importance to broker‐dealers and other investment professionals, especially publicly traded firms. In light of current events, control structures within investment firms will become increasingly important even in non‐public companies, and SOX‐like regulations are likely to develop, affecting all types of investment companies. Proactive compliance is essential.

Practical implications

The risk of DNC violations is not insignificant. Failure to comply with the do not call (DNC) rules could also lead to failure to comply with SOX since penalties and fines for violations could easily be overlooked and be material to a company's financial information.

Originality/value

The paper offers detailed explanation of DNC program requirements by an experienced consultant.