bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of factors predicting work alienation of knowledge workers
Authors: Nair Nisha , Vohra Neharika
Published: May 2010

Purpose

There is limited research on the work alienation of knowledge workers in management studies. This paper seeks to address this gap by exploring the extent and reasons for the alienation of knowledge workers.

Design/methodology/approach

In the absence of a comprehensive framework for understanding the work alienation of knowledge workers, various factors such as structural elements of centralization and formalization, work characteristics of autonomy, variety, creativity, meaningfulness and self‐expressiveness, quality of work relationships and justice perceptions were examined as predictors of work alienation. Survey data were collected from six different organizations in the information technology sector (n=1,142) in India.

Findings

Around 20 percent of the sample was found to be alienated from work. The strongest predictors of work alienation for knowledge workers were found to be lack of meaningful work, inability of work to allow for self‐expression, and poor quality work relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations employing knowledge workers cannot risk alienating them. The study indicates that one in every five knowledge workers is likely to be alienated. For organizations and practitioners this is a wake up call, pointing to the urgent need to try and understand the factors that are likely to cause alienation among knowledge workers and take adequate preventive steps to ensure an enthused workforce.

Originality/value

Research on alienation in present times has been somewhat limited. This is the first research of its kind across knowledge workers in the information technology industry that attempts to capture their work alienation and factors predicting it.
Influence of the number of feeding holes on the performances of aerostatic bearings
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Kang Yuan , Yang Ding‐Wen , Hwang Ren‐Ming , Shyr Shyh‐Shyong
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of number of feeding holes on the performance of aerostatic bearings with spindle rotation. In traditional design of aerostatic bearings, the selection of hole numbers is dependent only on spindle size. However, when the hole numbers of air feeding are enough, the performance of the aerostatic bearing cannot be enhanced by increasing the hole numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The Reynolds equation is utilized to model the air film within bearing clearance at constant temperature and the state equation of adiabatic process is for air feeding within bearing clearance. The finite difference method with relaxation algorithm is utilized to determine the pressure distributions from discretized and coupled equations of flow continuity. The eccentricity, spindle speed, and the number and arrangement of feeding holes are considered in the analyses to determine the load capacity, attitude angle, and flow rate for the comparisons between various designs of aerostatic bearings.

Findings

It is seen from the simulation results that the aerostatic bearing designed with a small number of feeding holes and without locating at bearing bottom is most suitable for the spindle operating at high speed, while the bearing designed with a large number of feeding holes is suitable for the spindle operating at low speed, and the load capacity is increased with the increasing number of feeding holes for low journal speed.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an extensive database as a critical requirement in the design for number and arrangement of feeding holes of aerostatic bearings for the spindle operating at low or high speed.
Dimensions of service quality in grocery retailing: a case from Turkey
Authors: Torlak Ömer , Uzkurt Cevahir , Özmen Müjdat
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the difference between service quality dimensions of supermarkets and discount stores.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on service quality dimensions of customers in supermarkets and discount stores. The study has selected one store from each retailer type located in Eskisehir, Turkey and used the scale of the service quality of retail stores. The research has employed a face‐to‐face questionnaire for collecting data from customers on different days and at different hours of the week. A total of 891 questionnaires, 682 for supermarkets and 209 for discount stores, have been analysed.

Findings

Results indicate that the customers of the supermarket and the discount store differ in their perception of some service quality dimensions. While the supermarket customers perceive physical aspects and store policy dimensions at a higher level, the discount store's customers give more priority to interaction with personnel dimension.

Research limitations/implications

Further qualitative studies can provide deeper insights about service quality dimensions of supermarkets and discount stores. The results are also a starting point for further academic research about the different retailer types.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to the understanding of behaviours and attitudes of supermarket and discount store customers. Retailers in Turkey will primarily benefit from the study.

Originality/value

The paper compares the customer perception of service quality dimensions of two different types of grocery retailers; a supermarket and a discount store.
Validation of the moral competency inventory measurement instrument
Authors: Martin Daniel E. , Austin Benjamin
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce practitioners to the appropriate use of measures of unethical behaviour, evaluate the use of integrity‐related assessments for use in personnel selection, and determine the validity of the moral competency index (MCI) instrument using standard validation procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

Content, construct, convergent and discriminant approaches are applied to establish the relative validity of the assessment tool.

Findings

The results of the MCI purport to align with one's moral values and behaviours. The paper establishes face validity of the MCI measure, but fails to establish an appropriate simple factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and support for the lack of impact of demographic factors on the purported measure of moral intelligence.

Research limitations/implications

An acceptable but constrained (working students) sample was used in the validation.

Practical implications

Researchers and practitioners should be familiar with psychometric principles to ensure the use of valid tools in a predictive and defensible manner. New measures can be developed, but should be validated before being used for developmental or personnel decision‐making purposes.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the lack of validity associated with the MCI instrument; researchers and practitioners are exposed to considerations in the appropriate use of measures of unethical behaviour, and exposed to several previously validated integrity‐related assessments for use in personnel decision‐making.
Use of analytic network process in selecting knowledge management strategies
Authors: Perçin Selçuk
Published: May 2010

Purpose

In order to maintain competitive advantage, companies need to have and manage successful knowledge management (KM) strategies which are difficult to imitate. However, various critical factors, such as determinants, dimensions, and enablers, which affect the evaluation of a successful KM strategy, have not been systematically investigated. The purpose of this paper is to bridge this gap by providing a good insight into the use of analytic network process (ANP) that is a multi‐criteria, decision‐making methodology in selecting an appropriate KM strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, after the decision criteria of KM strategy are introduced, an ANP model is developed and applied to KM strategy selection problem as a framework to guide KM managers.

Findings

First, the comprehensive ANP framework presents a roadmap for successfully selecting an appropriate KM strategy for Turkish manufacturing organizations. Second, as compared to the human‐oriented KM strategy (HKM) and system‐oriented KM strategy (SKM), dynamic KM strategy (DKM) can lead to a more targeted improvement in terms of knowledge transparency, knowledge sharing and communication. Finally, findings demonstrate that the ANP model, with minor modifications, can be useful to all firms in their KM strategy selection decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The developed ANP model provides firms with a simple, flexible, and easy to use approach to evaluate KM strategies efficiently. However, ANP is a highly complex methodology and requires more numerical calculations in assessing composite priorities than the traditional analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and hence it increases the effort.

Originality/value

While the selection of a suitable KM strategy is an important component of organization's success, very little research has devoted explicit attention to this issue. ANP has the ability to be used as a decision‐making analysis tool since it incorporates feedback and interdependent relationships among decision criteria and alternatives. In addition, it gives valuable information and guidelines which hopefully will help the KM managers to evaluate KM strategies through their organizations in an effective way.
Factors of new venture performance in Russia
Authors: Shirokova Galina , Shatalov Alexander
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover factors of new ventures performance in Russia and to combine them in a model which describes the influence of these factors on the performance of a new venture.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional study of new ventures was conducted by a field survey in six regions in Russia. One‐factor variance analysis and regression analysis were used to identify significant factors.

Findings

Three groups of factors were identified as significantly influencing performance of new ventures in Russia: environmental factors, style of management and type of strategic behaviour. For environmental factors the following variables were included: crisis in industry, increase in product demand, predictability of regulatory authorities behaviour, predictability of financial markets, and environmental hostility. For company management style, several variables were statistically significant: level of centralization, concentration of management in the hands of the founder, and role of the middle management. For strategic behaviour, only the strategy of prospector in terms of Miles and Snow was found to have significant influence on the new venture performance (NVP).

Research limitations/implications

The research ignores industry specifics that may be reflected in different new ventures performance factors.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs starting new ventures in Russia should take into account the identified factors which can influence their companies’ performance.

Originality/value

Although there have been many studies on NVP factors, no such research has been performed in Russia.
The effect of product market strategies on the financial and ownership structures of firms
Authors: Arugaslan Onur , Jarrell Sherry L.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test whether product market strategies have any effect on managerial shareholdings, leverage usage and firm diversification.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on a sample of US manufacturing firms and defines variables to proxy for product quality, ownership, financing and diversification. Regressions were run to test hypotheses.

Findings

A positive relation was found between product quality and managerial ownership and a negative relation between product quality and use of leverage. Also, controlling for firm size, it was found that firm focus is concave in managerial shareholdings.

Research limitations/implications

Although the paper provides a path towards understanding intra‐industry variations in corporate capital structures, it is recognized that additional research on such variations is warranted.

Practical implications

The paper provides an explanation for the evidence that all‐equity firms are distinguished by large management shareholdings. In fact, one such firm, Microsoft Corporation, provides one of the best examples of the paper's argument on why concentrated managerial shareholdings and financial slack facilitate an aggressive approach to protect a firm's margins.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature, which relates product market competition to corporate capital structure and uses a different regression model than used in prior research. Specifically, the quasi‐likelihood approach for fractional variables was used. Ownership variables are fractional variables that are not censored or logistic normally distributed, as presumed in some prior literature.
Cable‐crawler – robot for the inspection of high‐voltage power lines that can passively roll over mast tops
Authors: Bühringer Maleachi , Berchtold Jan , Büchel Melanie , Dold Claus , Bütikofer Michael , Feuerstein Mevina , Fischer Wolfgang , Bermes Christian , Siegwart Roland
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and prototype implementation of the “Cable Crawler”, a mobile teleoperated robot for the inspection of high‐voltage power lines which rides on the topmost ground cable. By not being limited to just moving from mast to mast, it implements an innovative mechanism that allows for crossing a set of mast tops as well as smaller obstacles autonomously.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief overview of the state‐of‐the‐art for this application, the basic concept of the robot is presented – which basically consists of a chassis and six motorized rubber‐coated rollers, two in a horizontal position to take the weight and four vertical ones. The four vertical rollers are pressed onto the wire by springs, which guarantees slip‐less propulsion in difficult situations. The detailed design of the most challenging components is presented, as well as the successful tests with the prototype.

Findings

The feasibility of the concept is proven with a prototype implementation and successful test results.

Practical implications

With a mass of 58 kg and only six drives, it consequently follows the industry's wish to have a robust, easy to maintain and rather cheap solution. Regarding the fields examined by the robot, the project concentrated on the detection of trees growing into proximity of the wires. Future work will mainly stress in further reducing the robot's mass and in facilitating its transport to the mast by the workers.

Originality/value

The presented prototype allows for moving on the topmost ground cable of high‐voltage power‐lines and to passively roll over mast tops and smaller obstacles. With these properties, it is able to inspect long distances of cables in an autonomous way and by using a relatively low‐cost and robust robot.
Experiment of maneuverability of flexible mono‐tread mobile track and differential‐type tracked vehicle
Authors: Haji Takafumi , Kinugasa Tetsuya , Yoshida Koji , Amano Hisanori , Osuka Koichi
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the maneuverability of flexible mono‐tread mobile track (FMT) and usual differential‐type tracked vehicle (DTV) through some experiments. A new mobile mechanism: FMT has been proposed which is employing “flexible chain” and vertebral structure, thereby the body flexes in 3D. As a result of the specific turning mechanism, steering performance of FMT is different from that of DTV. Hence, maneuverability of FMT and DTV would be different.

Design/methodology/approach

The vehicles are maneuvered to trace two types of lines: a semi‐circle and right‐angled line segments by four operators. The distance and the displacement of direction of the vehicles from the target line are measured. The maneuverability was discussed based on the experimental results for FMT and DTV.

Findings

Some of the characteristic features on maneuverability of FMT and DTV have been made clear.

Originality/value

FMT is a new mobile mechanism for tracked‐vehicle and the maneuverability of FMT is discussed.
Fast lane tracking for autonomous urban driving using hidden Markov models and multiresolution Hough transform
Authors: Kaplan Kemal , Kurtul Caner , Levent Akin H.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Lane tracking is one of the most important processes for autonomous vehicles because the navigable region usually stands between the lanes, especially in urban environments. A robust lane tracking method is also required for reducing the effect of the noise and the required processing time. The purpose of this paper is to present a new lane tracking method.

Design/methodology/approach

A new lane tracking method is presented which uses a partitioning technique for obtaining multiresolution Hough transform of the acquired vision data where Hough transform is one of the most popular algorithms for lane detection. After the detection process, for tracking the detected lanes, a hidden Markov model (HMM) based method is proposed.

Findings

The results of the proposed approach show that the partitioned Hough transformation reduces the effect of noise and provides robust lane tracking. In addition, the acquired lanes are successfully tracked by using the designed HMM.

Originality/value

This paper provides a fast lane tracking system which can be integrated with an autonomous vehicle or a driver assistance system.
Modeling and implementation of a fully autonomous soccer robot based on omni‐directional vision system
Authors: Hamidreza Kasaei S. , Mohammadreza Kasaei S. , Alireza Kasaei S. , Amir Hassan Monadjemi S. , Taheri Mohsen
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and implement a team of middle size soccer robots to conform RoboCup middle‐size league.

Design/methodology/approach

First, according to the rules of RoboCup, a middle size soccer robot was designed. The proposed autonomous soccer robot consists of the mechanical platform, motion control module, omni‐directional vision module, front vision module, image processing and recognition module, investigated target object positioning and real coordinate reconstruction, robot path planning, competition strategies, and obstacle avoidance. This soccer robot equips the laptop computer system and interface circuits to make decisions.

Findings

In fact, the omni‐directional vision sensor of the vision system deals with the image processing and positioning for obstacle avoidance and target tracking. The boundary‐following algorithm is applied to find the important features of the field. The sensor data fusion method is utilized in the control system parameters, self‐localization, and world modeling. A vision‐based self‐localization, and the conventional odometry systems are fused for robust self‐localization. The localization algorithm includes filtering, sharing, and integration of the data for different types of objects recognized in the environment.

Originality/value

This paper presents results of research work in the field of autonomous robot‐middle size soccer robot supported by IAU‐Khorasgan Branch (Isfahan).
Design of a climbing robot for cylindro‐conic poles based on rolling self‐locking
Authors: Fauroux Jean‐Christophe , Morillon Joël
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe designing Pobot V2, a robot capable to climb poles with a cylindrical or conical shape.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the design of the pole‐climbing robot Pobot V2, based on the innovative principle of rolling self‐locking that uses no energy to maintain itself at a given altitude.

Findings

The robot is also capable of avoiding tangential obstacles, crossing small collars and regulating passively its normal contact force on conical poles with a diameter that evolves from 300 to 100 mm. The work is validated by experiments. The robot can also perform axial rotation, can cross‐tangential obstacles and climb poles with a strong conical shape, due to passive normal force regulation with springs and a force amplifying linkage. The first experiments showed excellent stability during vertical climbing.

Research limitations/implications

More work will be required to make the robot more rigid, more compact, and lighter. The robot is jointly patented by Thales and IFMA.

Originality/value

It is original because of its rolling self‐locking concept: rolling allows continuous ascension whereas self‐locking guarantees a null energy consumption while staying still on the pole.
Type and dimension synthesis of a portable all‐position welding robot
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhao Jing , Chen Shu‐Jun , Lu Zhen‐Yang
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a portable all‐position welding robot for the welding of intersected pipes.

Design/methodology/approach

A complete procedure is adopted to conduct the design. The task and motion of the robot are analyzed and a mathematical description of the pose and position of the welding tool is given. Based on that, three representative types of robot are chosen in the type synthesis of mechanism. Two new indices proposed to evaluate required properties of the robot, along with the traditional dexterity index, are chosen to be the criteria in the dimension synthesis of mechanism. Through the optimization by genetic algorithm, the best robot in type and dimension is determined after comparison on their performances. Finally, the prototype is developed.

Findings

The paper finds a new robot for welding intersected pipes.

Originality/value

A new robot is introduced for the welding of intersected pipes. A complete design procedure is adopted to conduct the design. Two new indices are constructed for evaluating the required properties of this robot.
A fuzzy strategy for the robotic folding of fabrics with machine vision feedback
Authors: Zoumponos Georgios T. , Aspragathos Nikos A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Some areas of the apparel industry, such as folding and sewing, are still labor intensive. The purpose of this paper is to present a new fuzzy visual servoing strategy for the folding of fabric strips by robotic manipulators.

Design/methodology/approach

Three stages of the folding task are distinguished experimentally, the initial laying, the true folding, and the final laying. An indirect visual servoing fuzzy system, employing two cameras, is developed to guide the robot along each of the stages.

Findings

The proposed scheme manages to successfully fold some of the tested materials. The experimental results are promising and well within the limitations posed by both the employed equipment and the nature of the handled materials.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to rectangular strips of fabrics and does not consider the speed of the process.

Practical implications

The resulting system provides a stepping stone for the introduction of automation to currently labor‐intensive areas of the apparel industry.

Originality/value

The separate folding stages reduce the complexity of the overall system and the introduced visually extracted features allow a closer monitoring of the process.
Welfare and long‐term care in the East and West
Authors: Lisa Chen Henglien
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the inequalities between three countries – England, The Netherlands and Taiwan – in relation to the welfare and long‐term care of older people. It compares the positive and negative distinctions between the respective countries and their systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses and analyses data from public sources and literature and measures the similarities and differences between demographic and social issues, the cultural and political differences shaping policy objectives, economic constraints and long‐term care services.

Findings

All three countries face similar pressure in long‐term care provision of ageing populations, funding limitations and shrinking numbers of carers. None of the countries studied completely conforms to Esping‐Andersen's ideal types; instead they seem to constitute hybrids. The care system in the Dutch social democratic‐conservative welfare regime seems to provide wider support for older people who need care, the English liberal‐social democratic welfare regime comes second and Taiwanese conservative‐liberal welfare regime comes third. Overall, some converse trends of the long‐term care systems indicate a narrowing of the gap in responsibility between state, family and individuals in the East and the West.

Practical implications

The paper contributes suggestions to further research in the area of elements and structures of care systems support and the failure to provide ongoing quality of long‐term care and reflects on the implications for the global market of care‐workers and the extensive use of migrant workers in the field.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed consideration of the wide‐ranging issues that impact on older people's care provision in England, The Netherlands and Taiwan.
Does the welfare state reduce inequalities in people's social capital?
Authors: van Oorschot Wim , Finsveen Ellen
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether social capital inequalities are smaller in more extensive welfare states.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses data from European/World Values Surveys.

Findings

No effect of welfare stateness on social capital inequality is found.

Research limitations/implications

An extension of the analysis with a broader range of welfare states might show effect.

Originality/value

This is the first time in literature that the relationship between welfare stateness and social capital inequality is empirically studied.
The export competitive advantages of Turkish manufacturing companies
Authors: Haluk Köksal Mehmet , Özgül Engin
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the export competitive advantage differences between high‐ and low‐performing companies in Turkey. The paper specifically and separately analyzes the companies' export resources, export skills, and export competitive advantages in order to identify the discrimination effects of each variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was sent to 98 Turkish exporting companies through the mail. The response rate was 28 percent.

Findings

The brand image, product quality, and cost of goods sold in the export markets are found to be the most important competitive advantage factors leading to success in the export markets, whilst the ability to understand consumers' needs and wants, and developing strong relationships with consumers in the marketplace are found to be important skills associated with success in the export markets. The paper also reveals that the export managers' knowledge is the key resource that differentiates successful export companies from unsuccessful ones.

Originality/value

Although some of the studies in the literature have focused on the competitive advantages, resources, and skills in general, there is a lack of studies specifically investigating the export competitive advantage differences between high‐ and low‐performing companies.
Hitting the sustainability sweet spot: having it all
Authors: Nguyen Dung K. , Slater Stanley F.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Corporations and their leaders are coming under increasing pressure to achieve “sustainability.” Sustainable enterprises minimize harmful environmental impacts, are socially responsible, and create shareholder value.

Design/methodology/approach

Using secondary data, we compared the financial performance of recognized sustainability leaders to that of a carefully selected matched set of competitors.

Findings

The authors find that, on average, sustainability leaders outperform their competitors. However, this is true and only two out of three cases.

Research limitations/implications

While the authors utilized a relatively small sample with data that covers only a three‐year period, the use of secondary data from two different databases reduces concerns about common method bias. The clear implication of this analysis is that a commitment to sustainability does not harm financial performance and may, in fact, enhance performance.

Practical implications

The authors conclude with a set of recommendations for how top management teams can hit the sustainability sweet spot.

Originality/value

The concept of the sustainable enterprise is relatively new and little rigorous research has been conducted on its performance implications. The authors believe that the literature review, the research undertaken, and the practical implications will be of value to both scholars and to executive teams.
New Look: going private with private equity support
Authors: Achleitner Ann‐Kristin , Lutz Eva , Herman Kerry , Lerner Josh
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of UK fashion retailer New Look and focuses on the impact of private equity on corporate governance, employment and leverage after the public‐to‐private conversion in 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a case study approach to offer in‐depth insights into the role of different parties in the deal and their perceptions. The case study is based on semi‐structured interviews with key management of New Look, partners of the private equity firms and other members of the New Look board. In addition, complements the analysis with secondary sources (e.g. analyst reports, published articles and financial data of New Look) in order to triangulate our findings.

Findings

The case presents an example of a company that pursued a public‐to‐private transaction with the support of private equity firms. The envisioned transformation process post‐transaction turned out to be highly successful with increasing efficiencies and profits as well as an increase of over 3,500 employees over four years. This paper analyses key success drivers and the role of the private equity firms in achieving this success.

Originality/value

The paper is the first in‐depth case study of a European public‐to‐private transaction with support of private equity that offers rich evidence on the impact of private equity on corporate governance, employment and leverage.
Don't throw it away: the corporate role in product disposition
Authors: Raghavan Srividya
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Consumer behavior comprises acquisition, consumption and disposition behaviors. Businesses have generally been most concerned about producing and distributing goods and have thus focused on consumer acquisition and consumption behaviors. But as companies increasingly emphasize environmental responsibility and ethical values, they must now attend to consumer disposition with equal ardor. This article seeks to understand consumer disposition processes for marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reviews the academic literature and general business literature to illustrate how knowledge of the consumer disposition process can help companies project corporate social responsibility and make better marketing decisions.

Findings

This article highlights disposition behavior and explicates the importance of understanding it in a business environment marked by growing production and consumption and little thought of disposition. The contention is that there is very little literature focusing on disposition processes and that it has received inadequate attention among practitioners and academicians. In order to stress the importance of consumer's disposition process, the commentary focuses, first on the environmental issues and the role a company could play in mitigating them when equipped with an understanding of consumer disposition process. Second, the article calls attention to marketing opportunities available to marketers with knowledge of consumer's disposition process.

Practical implications

This article illustrates the use of understanding consumer's disposition process for companies in helping them project better corporate social responsibility and also make better marketing decisions.

Originality/value

There is very little literature available on consumer's disposition processes and its implications for business. Rather than elaborating on the consumer's disposition process itself, this article aims to articulate the importance and uses of this body of knowledge for businesses and the marketing function. A practical approach combined with theoretical inputs attempts to emphasis on the importance of disposition process for businesses.
Making consultants earn their keep
Authors: Jackson Stuart E.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This article discusses the use of consultants in helping set business strategy. Starting with the perspective that many consultants end up not delivering good value for companies seeking help with their strategy, this article considers some of the causes of unfulfilled expectations and what companies can do to get better value from consultants when they need external support.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws lessons from his own experience with hundreds of strategy consulting engagements and from interviews with other consultants and senior corporate executives who have extensive experience of strategy consulting projects.

Findings

Findings and recommendations are divided into four categories: defining the project; selecting a firm; managing the process; and getting value after the consultants have left.

Originality/value

The key message of this article is that use business consultants can be a valuable addition to the range of resources available to executives with responsibility for business strategy. Executives need to be realistic about where and how consultants can add most value. They also need to recognize that achieving success from consulting projects is a shared responsibility, requiring diligent efforts from the consultant but also close attention from the corporation to ensure appropriate project scoping, firm selection, process monitoring and outcomes management.
Nailing strategic jello to the wall
Authors: Marren Patrick
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This column aims to examine the meaning of the word “strategy,” and how it has evolved.

Design/methodology/approach

Opinion column.

Findings

This column attempts to survey various definitions of the word “strategy” to see what is meant by it. Definition of “strategy” is difficult because strategy is always something that is applied within a context of competition and change.

Originality/value

Examines first principles of “business strategy” in a way that most of us are unconscious of normally.
S&P 500 index inclusion announcements: does the S&P committee tell us something new?
Authors: Hrazdil Karel
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to directly examine the information hypothesis of S&P 500 index inclusion announcements by investigating the degree to which information beyond Standard & Poor's eight stated criteria enters the inclusion decision.

Design/methodology/approach

Isolating a sample of S&P 500 additions and their eligible candidates during 1987‐2004, this paper employs logistic analysis that identifies factors ex post beyond the stated criteria that help distinguish the type of information that influences the final selection decision and that is arguably priced at the inclusion announcements.

Findings

The evidence indicates that, when choosing among new S&P 500 candidates, the S&P's committee relies primarily on publicly available information related to enterprise risk and historical performance. Material, private insight into future value‐relevant information plays at most a small part in the selection.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that index additions convey limited new information about added firms. Studies analysing index additions should start with the presumption that index inclusion announcements are information‐free events, and focus on the consequences of index inclusions such as liquidity, awareness or arbitrage risk, in their relation to index premia.

Originality/value

The results indicate that the previous evidence supporting the information hypothesis using the S&P 500 inclusions is not compelling.
Dividend policy, signalling and free cash flow: an integrated approach
Authors: Fairchild Richard
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Scholars have examined the importance of a firm's dividend policy through two competing paradigms: the signalling hypothesis and the free cash‐flow hypothesis. It has been argued that our understanding of dividend policy is hindered by the lack of a model that integrates the two hypotheses. The purpose of this paper is to address this by developing a theoretical dividend model that combines the signalling and free cash‐flow motives. The objective of the analysis is to shed light on the complex relationship between dividend policy, managerial incentives and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to consider the complex nature of dividend policy, a dividend signalling game is developed, in which managers possess more information than investors about the quality of the firm (asymmetric information), and may invest in value‐reducing projects (moral hazard). Hence, the model combines signalling and free cash‐flow motives for dividends. Furthermore, managerial communication and reputation effects are incorporated into the model.

Findings

Of particular interest is the case where a firm may need to cut dividends in order to invest in a new value‐creating project, but where the firm will be punished by the market, since investors are behaviourally conditioned to believe that dividend cuts are bad news. This may result in firms refusing to cut dividends, hence passing up good projects. This paper demonstrates that managerial communication to investors about the reasons for the dividend cut, supported by managerial reputation effects, may mitigate this problem. Real world examples are provided to illustrate the complexity of dividend policy.

Originality/value

This work has been inspired by, and develops that of Fuller and Thakor, and Fuller and Blau, which considers the signalling and free cash‐flow motives for dividends. Whereas those authors consider the case where firms only have new negative net present value (NPV) projects available (so that dividend increases provide unambiguously positive signals to the market in both the signalling and free cash‐flow cases), in this paper's model, the signals may be ambiguous, since firms may need to cut dividends to take positive NPV projects. Hence, the model assists in understanding the complexity of dividend policy.
The Turing test and artistic creativity
Authors: Boden Margaret A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the Turing test (TT) in relation to artistic creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Considers the TT in the domain of art rather than the usual context. Examines the TT in music and gives examples that involve exploratory creativity.

Findings

The TT for computer art has been passed “behaviourally” already occasionally, at a world class level. Where non‐interactive examples (such as AARON and Emmy) are concerned, the test has been passed in a relatively strong form.

Research limitations/implications

Raises the problem concerning the concept of creativity which is closely linked in most people's minds with the concept of art. There may be no such thing as computer art because there is no such thing as computer creativity. These arguments are examined and questioned.

Practical implications

This paper produces a discussion, which bears upon the relevance of the TT to artistic creativity and computer artworks and also in relation to musical creativity.

Originality/value

Provides further discussion about the imitation game in the context of computational creativity.
New researches and developments
Authors: Rudall B.H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to review current research and developments with particular reference to new research and development initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics is given, and some of the new challenges and applications of future technologies are considered.

Findings

The paper illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary natures of studies in cybernetics, systems and management science, with a view to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
More on anti‐spam, history of chess, Russ Ackoff
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review a recent electronic publication on the menace of spam and, related to previous work, look at the dangers the internet holds for children. A valuable source of information on history of chess is reviewed and the death of Prof. Russell Ackoff in Philadelphia is reported, with links to sources of obituaries and further details.

Design/methodology/approach

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

Findings

The data on spam indicate, the nature and extent of the problem it presents. Chess is shown to have deeper historical roots than is widely known. With the death of Russ Ackoff another major figure has disappeared from the scene.

Practical implications

The review of means of combating spam is of undoubted value, as is the mention of a means of seeking police help over internet abuse affecting children. The review of history of chess should be a valuable reference where the game is discussed in an AI context.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Social mechanisms in organizations: awakened from their Sarcophagi
Authors: Johannessen Jon‐Arild
Published: May 2010

Purpose

In order to explain a phenomenon/problem, some of the mechanisms which elicit the phenomenon/problem must be clarified, since: “a goal of scientific research is to uncover reality beneath appearance”. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the following issue: how can social mechanisms be examined from a systemic point of view?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates, at an abstract level, what is meant by social mechanisms in social systems in Part 1. Social mechanisms and various explanation models are investigated in Part 2, using the systemic approach.

Findings

However well‐functioning the models developed, this procedure will not have developed a theory of the phenomenon. For that purpose, explanations at a more basic level than the model is able to disclose, will be necessary. The empirical causal model says something about the strength in the relation between the variables and can be used in practice in order to change certain variables to facilitate the desired change in the system.

Originality/value

The paper usefully shows that, if possible, explanations at a more basic level would be desirable; but not necessary for the application of insights in practical contexts. By this, the paper has stated that a theory can be desirable, but not necessary, in order to develop, e.g. innovative organisations. Models and social mechanisms, on the other hand, are necessary to organise knowledge for the purpose of use in practical contexts.
Product gender perceptions and antecedents of product gender congruence
Authors: Fugate Douglas L. , Phillips Joanna
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to replicate and extend earlier work on product gender perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology tested six hypotheses, using nearly 500 respondents. The hypotheses were investigated using a survey approach with validated scales. Likert‐type data were analyzed using appropriate statistical measures.

Findings

Analysis of the data demonstrated that product gendering is still prevalent. In addition, males were more likely than females to purchase gender‐congruent products; that individuals with a greater desire for product‐self‐congruence used products as a form of self‐concept; that individuals reared in non‐traditional households were less focused on gender congruence; that less traditional individuals were less focused on gender congruence; and that those who sought gender congruence were more likely to seek gender cues in the marketing mix.

Research limitations/implications

The product selection was based on a previous study and the sample was non‐random. Both of these decisions could be questioned.

Practical implications

These research results will allow one to understand whether social change during the past decade has altered product gender perceptions and to explore the degree to which consumers seek congruence between their own gender orientations and perceived product gender. This knowledge could be very important to consumer goods marketers making product design and promotional decisions.

Originality/value

The paper examines gender congruence in a maturing Generation Y, a generation second in size only to the Baby Boomers and one of significant market importance. It also provides the first substantive new data on this subject in over a decade.
Product attachment and satisfaction: understanding consumers' post‐purchase behavior
Authors: Mugge Ruth , Schifferstein Hendrik N.J. , Schoormans Jan P.L.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Past research on consumers' post‐purchase behavior has focused on understanding satisfaction. However, the consumer‐product relationship is much broader. This paper aims to deal with another aspect of post‐purchase behavior: the emotional bond consumers experience with their durables during ownership. The paper contributes to the literature on this topic by testing a conceptual model of product attachment and its relationships with satisfaction, and the determinants: utility, appearance, and memories.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments are presented in which the product categories photo cameras and mobile phones were used as stimuli to test the conceptual model.

Findings

Results show that the product's utility and its appearance positively affect both product attachment and satisfaction. For both product attachment and satisfaction, the pleasure elicited mediates the effects of utility and appearance. Only for product attachment, the presence of memories serves as an additional determinant that also moderates the effects of utility and appearance. Importantly, satisfaction has no direct effect on product attachment.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the lack of knowledge concerning consumers' post‐purchase behavior by exploring the relationships between product attachment and satisfaction.