bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anand Automotive Limited: leadership development process for creating strategic impact
Authors: Jha Sumi , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Leadership development for strategic impact in high growth export driven organization.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for second and final year students of a two year post graduate management programme (Master's level) on the following courses: leadership – on development of organization wide leadership processes; talent management – for identifying, nurturing and retaining talent in an organization and for developing leadership capabilities in managers; and strategic human resources (HR) – regarding building leadership development and talent management initiatives for creating a strategic level impact in the organization and its joint ventures.

Case overview

In about 45 years since its inception Anand Automotive Limited (AAL) has established itself as one of the premium firms in auto ancillary manufacturing and export. This case demonstrates how AAL built its leadership development programme. Further, the case elaborates on the coach/coachee mentorship programme at AAL. The case further explores the various initiatives under the broad umbrella of the Anand Leadership Development Programme (ALDP). The ALDP process has been woven into the fabric of HR practices of the organization. AAL sales turnover was USD1.2 billion in 2012 and it has a goal to achieve a turnover of USD2 billion by 2015. Mr K.C. Bhullar, the group head HR, had to plan an HR system which will embed leadership in the tapestry of AAL as an organization. The amalgamation of ALDP in AAL has to be disseminated across all levels at the 19 plants spread across different locations in India. The ALDP is expected to sprout a large number of leaders in AAL who can usher in an extremely quality focused and conscious organization. Such leaders would in their day-to-day demonstration of leadership at AAL help AAL to become an excellent manufacturing organization. This would help AAL to have a leadership position in the global automobile market. ALDP is also expected to create a band of leaders who would help the organization from very senior level strategic management positions and play leadership roles in its joint ventures.

Expected learning outcomes

This case can help students to understand how HR practices integrate leadership development programme for the strategic gains of an organization. Students would also understand the role of mentorship in coach/coachee processes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Transcribe and Tally: jugaad in action
Authors: Malik Ashish
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Human resource development/management and change management, leadership, entrepreneurial development and indigenous innovation.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for final year undergraduate human resource development/management, change management, indigenous innovation, or specialist HRM Master's program (strategic HRM/HRD) students.

Case overview

The case study highlights the challenges of managing change and growth in India's dynamic business process outsourcing sector. The choice of a small organisation brings to the fore the impact of the strategic decisions owners of capital place on managers as they address issues of sustained growth to support short-term expectations of shareholders. The case highlights India's indigenous approach to frugal innovation or jugaad (finding a creative and improvised work around); how a group of managers consistently reinvented the business model and human resource management practices to stay afloat and meet shareholder expectations.

Expected learning outcomes

Depending on the teaching programme and the emphasis of this case in the class, one or more of the following learning outcomes (LO) can be achieved from this case study. These LO have been developed using Bloom's taxonomy and they progressively move from simple to complex LO. Following the case analysis, students should be able to: discuss the key challenges faced by Transcribe and Tally (T&T); identify and analyse the various influences of internal and external factors on training provision; understand the importance of an external network of service provision and identify the key training and organisational capabilities; analyse the dynamic interactions between the various factors and training provision; analyse the relationship between T&T's competitive strategy and its strategic choices (make versus buy) towards investing in training; evaluate the role of training in developing organisational capabilities; and strategize a way forward for Roy Thakur.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Quantifying complexity in translational research: an integrated approach
Authors: A. Munoz David , Black Nembhard Harriet , L. Kraschnewski Jennifer
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to quantify complexity in translational research. The impact of major operational steps and technical requirements is calculated with respect to their ability to accelerate moving new discoveries into clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– A three-phase integrated quality function deployment (QFD) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to quantify complexity in translational research. A case study in obesity was used to usability.

Findings

– Generally, the evidence generated was valuable for understanding various components in translational research. Particularly, the authors found that collaboration networks, multidisciplinary team capacity and community engagement are crucial for translating new discoveries into practice.

Research limitations/implications

– As the method is mainly based on subjective opinion, some argue that the results may be biased. However, a consistency ratio is calculated and used as a guide to subjectivity. Alternatively, a larger sample may be incorporated to reduce bias.

Practical implications

– The integrated QFD-AHP framework provides evidence that could be helpful to generate agreement, develop guidelines, allocate resources wisely, identify benchmarks and enhance collaboration among similar projects.

Originality/value

– Current conceptual models in translational research provide little or no clue to assess complexity. The proposed method aimed to fill this gap. Additionally, the literature review includes various features that have not been explored in translational research.
Lean practices for quality results: a case illustration
Authors: Hwang Pauline , Hwang David , Hong Paul
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Increasingly, healthcare providers are implementing lean practices to achieve quality results. Implementing lean healthcare practices is unique compared to manufacturing and other service industries. The purpose of this paper is to present a model that identifies and defines the lean implementation key success factors in healthcare organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model is based on an extant literature review and a case illustration that explores actual lean implementation in a major USA hospital located in a Midwestern city (approximately 300,000 people). An exploratory/descriptive study using observation and follow-up interviews was conducted to identify lean practices in the hospital.

Findings

– Lean practice key drivers include growing elderly populations, rising medical expenses, decreasing insurance coverage and decreasing management support. Effectively implementing lean practices to increase bottom-line results and improve organisational integrity requires sharing goals and processes among healthcare managers and professionals.

Practical implications

– An illustration explains the model and the study provides a sound foundation for empirical work. Practical implications are included. Lean practices minimise waste and unnecessary hospital stays while simultaneously enhancing customer values and deploying resources in supply systems. Leadership requires clear project targets based on sound front-end planning because initial implementation steps involve uncertainty and ambiguity (i.e. fuzzy front-end planning). Since top management support is crucial for implementing lean practices successfully, a heavyweight manager, who communicates well both with top managers and project team members, is an important success factor when implementing lean practices.

Social implications

– Increasingly, green orientation and sustainability initiatives are phrases that replaced lean practices. Effective results; e.g. waste reduction, employee satisfaction and customer values are applicable to bigger competitive challenges arising both in specific organisations and inter-organisational networks.

Originality/value

– Healthcare managers are adopting business practices that improve efficiency and productivity while ensuring their healthcare mission and guaranteeing that customer values are achieved. Shared understanding about complex goals (e.g. reducing waste and enhancing customer value) at the front-end is crucial for implementing successful lean practices. In particular, this study shows that nursing practices, which are both labour intensive and technology enabled, are good candidates for lean practice.
Quality and price – impact on patient satisfaction
Authors: Pantouvakis Angelos , Bouranta Nancy
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to synthesize existing quality-measurement models and applies them to healthcare by combining a Nordic service-quality with an American service performance model.

Design/methodology/approach

– Results are based on a questionnaire survey of 1,298 respondents. Service quality dimensions were derived and related to satisfaction by employing a multinomial logistic model, which allows prediction and service improvement.

Findings

– Qualitative and empirical evidence indicates that customer satisfaction and service quality are multi-dimensional constructs, whose quality components, together with convenience and cost, influence the customer's overall satisfaction.

Originality/value

– The proposed model identifies important quality and satisfaction issues. It also enables transitions between different responses in different studies to be compared.
Improving operating room productivity via parallel anesthesia processing
Authors: J. Brown Michael , Subramanian Arun , B. Curry Timothy , J. Kor Daryl , L. Moran Steven , R. Rohleder Thomas
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Parallel processing of regional anesthesia may improve operating room (OR) efficiency in patients undergoes upper extremity surgical procedures. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether performing regional anesthesia outside the OR in parallel increases total cases per day, improve efficiency and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from all adult patients who underwent regional anesthesia as their primary anesthetic for upper extremity surgery over a one-year period were used to develop a simulation model. The model evaluated pure operating modes of regional anesthesia performed within and outside the OR in a parallel manner. The scenarios were used to evaluate how many surgeries could be completed in a standard work day (555 minutes) and assuming a standard three cases per day, what was the predicted end-of-day time overtime.

Findings

– Modeling results show that parallel processing of regional anesthesia increases the average cases per day for all surgeons included in the study. The average increase was 0.42 surgeries per day. Where it was assumed that three cases per day would be performed by all surgeons, the days going to overtime was reduced by 43 percent with parallel block. The overtime with parallel anesthesia was also projected to be 40 minutes less per day per surgeon.

Research limitations/implications

– Key limitations include the assumption that all cases used regional anesthesia in the comparisons. Many days may have both regional and general anesthesia. Also, as a case study, single-center research may limit generalizability.

Practical implications

– Perioperative care providers should consider parallel administration of regional anesthesia where there is a desire to increase daily upper extremity surgical case capacity. Where there are sufficient resources to do parallel anesthesia processing, efficiency and productivity can be significantly improved.

Originality/value

– Simulation modeling can be an effective tool to show practice change effects at a system-wide level.
IMRT utilization in Ontario: qualitative deployment evaluation
Authors: Bak Kate , Murray Elizabeth , Gutierrez Eric , Ross Jillian , Warde Padraig
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a jurisdiction-wide implementation and evaluation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in Ontario, Canada, highlighting innovative strategies and lessons learned.

Design/methodology/approach

– To obtain an accurate provincial representation, six cancer centres were chosen (based on their IMRT utilization, geography, population, academic affiliation and size) for an in-depth evaluation. At each cancer centre semi-structured, key informant interviews were conducted with senior administrators. An electronic survey, consisting of 40 questions, was also developed and distributed to all cancer centres in Ontario.

Findings

– In total, 21 respondents participated in the interviews and a total of 266 electronic surveys were returned. Funding allocation, guidelines and utilization targets, expert coaching and educational activities were identified as effective implementation strategies. The implementation allowed for hands-on training, an exchange of knowledge and expertise and the sharing of responsibility. Future implementation initiatives could be improved by creating stronger avenues for clear, continuing and comprehensive communication at all stages to increase awareness, garner support and encourage participation and encouraging expert-based coaching. IMRT utilization for has increased without affecting wait times or safety (from fiscal year 2008/2009 to 2012/2013 absolute increased change: prostate 46, thyroid 36, head and neck 29, sarcoma 30, and CNS 32 per cent).

Originality/value

– This multifaceted, jurisdiction-wide approach has been successful in implementing guideline recommended IMRT into standard practice. The expert based coaching initiative, in particular presents a novel training approach for those who are implementing complex techniques. This paper will be of interest to those exploring ways to fund, implement and sustain complex and evolving technologies.
The gradual erosion of theultra viresdoctrine in English company law
Authors: Nyombi Chrispas
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the doctrine of ultra vires and its development over time, which is claimed to be one of gradual erosion.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper discusses the doctrine of ultra vires and its development overtime, which is claimed to be one of gradual erosion.

Findings

– It shows how the abolition of the objects clause has signalled the end of ultra vires. Today, it remains nothing more than a ghost, but one which continues to haunt management.

Originality/value

– It builds on existing research literature.
Same-sex harassment: how hostile does it have to be?
Authors: Findley Henry , Dodd-Walker Eva , Edwards Judson , Pappanastos Ed
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper relates to the recent media attention with respect to same-sex issues is leading to a rise in same-sex sexual harassment cases. Given its complicated burden of proof under case law interpretations of the Civil Rights Act, it would be helpful to review current case law governing the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– This review was conducted at the appeals court level where the law is more settled. Over 40 relevant cases were identified and reviewed. Based on this review, guiding principles were derived for practitioners.

Findings

– The law is complex, however, several principles can be gleaned: same-sex harassment is only actionable under four specific conditions: sexual overtures, general hostility toward a particular gender, unequal treatment of the sexes and sex-role stereotypes. For those cases meeting these requirements, unwanted physical contact of an intimate nature is considered severe and only requires a few occurrences to be hostile. For conduct that is verbal or visual, it is viewed as less serious and must be more frequent, pervasive and occur over an extended period, often six months or more to be ruled illegal.

Originality/value

– There is little recent research on the issue. Administrators need direction on how to deal with these cases.
Clustering risk assessment method for shipbuilding industry
Authors: Romuald Iwańkowicz Remigiusz , Rosochacki Wlodzimierz
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a risk assessment method for production processes of large-size steel ship hulls.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a quantitative-probabilistic approach with involvement of clustering technique in order to analyse the database of accidents and predict the process risk. The case-based reasoning is used in here. A set of technological hazard classes as a basis for analysing the similarities between the production processes is proposed. The method has been explained using a case study on large-size shipyard.

Findings

– Statistical and clustering approach ensures effective risk managing in shipbuilding process designing. Results show that by selection of adequate number of clusters in the database, the quality of predictions can be controlled.

Research limitations/implications

– The suggested k-means method using the Euclidean distance measure is initial approach. Testing the other distance measures and consideration of fuzzy clustering method is desirable in the future. The analysis in the case study is simplified. The use of the method according to prediction of risk related to loss of health or life among people exposed to the hazards is presented.

Practical implications

– The risk index allows to compare the processes in terms of security, as well as provide significant information at the technology design stage of production task.

Originality/value

– There are no studies on quantitative methods developed specifically for managing risks in shipbuilding processes. Proposed list of technological hazard classes allows to utilize database of past processes accidents in risk prediction. The clustering method of analysing the database is agile thanks to the number of clusters parameter. The case study basing on actual data from the real shipyard constitutes additional value of the paper.
A decision support method for internal truck employment
Authors: Wang Z.X. , T.S. Chan Felix , Chung S.H. , Niu Ben
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that determines the strategy of owning and renting trucks in combinations with internal truck scheduling and storage allocation problems in container terminals.

Design/methodology/approach

– To deal with this complicated problem, a two-level heuristic approach is developed, in which the integration problem is decomposed into two levels. The first level determines the daily operations of the internal trucks, while the second level determines the truck employment strategy based on the calculation in the first level.

Findings

– The results show that: even if the using cost of owned yard trucks is much lower than the cost of rented yard tucks, terminal companies should not purchase too many trucks when the purchasing price is high. In addition, the empirical truck employment strategies, which are purchasing all the trucks or renting all the trucks, are not cost-effective when compared with the proposed yard truck employment strategy.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a novel insight for the internal truck employment strategy in container terminals which is the determination of the strategy of employing renting and outsourcing yard trucks to meet operational daily transportation requirements and minimize the long-term cost of employing yard trucks. A mathematical model is proposed to deal with the practical problem. Also, this study presents better solution than empirical method for employing different types of yard truck. Thus, in order to obtain more benefit, terminal companies should employ the proposed yard truck employment strategy.
Motivations of Facebook Places and store atmosphere as moderator
Authors: Cho Insu , Kichul Kim Joseph , Park Heejun , M. Lee Sang
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to derive and empirically test a theoretically grounded model of motivations (socializing, entertainment, self-expression, and information seeking) that lead to the use of Facebook Places. Store atmosphere factors (ambient, design, and social factors) were also investigated as moderators of the relationship between the motivation and use of Facebook Places.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a survey of 504 South Korean Facebook users, this research applies a structural equation modeling approach to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

– The analysis revealed that motivations such as socializing, entertainment, and self-expression influence the use of Facebook Places, and design factors moderate the relationship between the motivations and the use of Facebook Places.

Practical implications

– This study provide insights that can help Facebook and store owners develop effective marketing strategies that could increase revenue. When users check-in at a location it creates free word of mouth advertising. Thus, identifying the factors that motivate users to check-in at a particular location will be an important way to advertise.

Originality/value

– While uses and gratification theory has mainly been used to study mass media, this study applied the theory to Facebook Places, a type of social networking sites-based location-based services. Additionally, this study added store atmosphere elements as moderators, which is an appropriate concept in the context of the Facebook check-in service.
Contextual factors affecting knowledge management diffusion in SMEs
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Fen
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Based on the knowledge management (KM) perspective, innovation diffusion theory and technology-organization-environment framework, the purpose of this paper is to develop a research model to investigate the influence of technological (information technology (IT) support and IT effectiveness), organizational (top management support, sharing culture, and reward system) and environmental (competitive pressure) contexts on the two-stage KM diffusion (KM adoption and implementation) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Data gathered from 119 SME senior managers (including owner, vice president, and business manager) in Taiwan were employed to test the relationships between the research model constructs using the partial least squares approach.

Findings

– The results showed that technological, organizational, and environmental factors have different effects on KM adoption and implementation stages. Specially, IT support has the strongest effect on KM adoption stage, while sharing culture has the strongest effect on KM implementation stage.

Practical implications

– IT support continues to be positively related to the level of KM implementation after adoption. KM diffusion requires managers to invest time and effort to link specific IT support and knowledge-based work activities, since effective IT deployment for KM can help SMEs move toward a knowledge society, which is vital in the contemporary knowledge economy.

Originality/value

– Theoretically, the findings of this study contribute to empirical research on contextual factors that influence KM diffusion using a broad data set rather than a few isolated SME cases. From the managerial perspective, given the importance of KM diffusion in modern SMEs and also in the future, the findings of this study are designed to enable owner-managers and practitioners to understand how SMEs KM diffusion is influenced by contextual factors, and how the effects may vary across different stages.
Transformational leadership and teamwork improvement: the case of construction firms
Authors: Akhavan Tabassi Amin , Ramli Mahyuddin , Hassan Abu Bakar Abu , Hamid Kadir Pakir Abd.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– A need for effective leadership and adequate managing the personnel is vital for every construction organization. Meanwhile, the dynamic and complex environments of the industry may be caused that not much research has been conducted on leadership practices in the industry. The purpose of this paper is to study the leadership style of the construction leaders in Iran and explore the correlation of transformational leadership practices with teamwork improvement in the construction companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research analysis was completed on a sample population of 107 managers within nominated construction firms in Iran. The analysis methods in this research were mainly descriptive and regression-based analyses and the type of investigation was a co-relational study.

Findings

– The research found the level of the leaders’ orientation for people and task in their leadership style, their transformational leadership qualities, and the relationship of transformational leadership with teamwork improvement in the respondents’ companies.

Originality/value

– The study is the first to investigate the leadership style of the construction leaders in Iran, and weather transformational leadership practices effects on teamwork improvement in the industry.
Beneficence as a source of competitive advantage
Authors: Caldwell Cam , Floyd Larry , Taylor Joseph , Woodard Bryan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to define “beneficence” as a management concept that is the action associated with “benevolence” the intention. This paper explains how beneficence is a critical element for leaders in building trust. The authors identify how beneficence honors the ethical duties owed to followers and creates competitive advantage for organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach of this paper is to present an extensive conceptual review of beneficence as it relates to leaders and managers and to suggest eight propositions identifying how beneficence can create competitive advantage.

Findings

– The findings of this paper include eight propositions about beneficence as a source of competitive advantage.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this paper are for practitioners and scholars. This paper provides an opportunity for leaders to recognize the importance of translating good intentions into specific action in acting virtuously toward others. For scholars, this paper provides testable propositions for learning more about beneficence as a source of increased commitment, greater trust, and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

– Although benevolence has been acknowledged to be a foundation of trustworthiness, benevolence is an attitude or intention. This paper explains the importance of beneficence as the action derived from benevolence as an attitude or intention to do that which benefits others.
Promoting transformational leadership practices of retail managers
Authors: Keevy Zondre , Perumal Juliet
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The pursuit of knowledge should be the objective of managers in the workplace, both for the purpose of empowerment and to achieve financial objectives. It is important that retail managers have a need to solidify their transformational leadership knowledge, which ultimately could increase their capacity to excel. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structured management development programme (MDP), consisting of a comprehensive spectrum of retail management and leadership theory and practices, was designed to develop transformational leadership by using transformational teaching and learning strategies. The sample for this study consisted of seven retail managers from a group of 20 managers, employed by Retek, the largest independent retail pharmacy group in South Africa. A focus group interview identified the dominant themes and produced a landscape to understand the retail managers’ environment, their preferred teaching methodology and benefits experienced from attending the MDP.

Findings

– By transforming themselves, these managers have become more empathetic leaders, armed with self-awareness and a deeper awareness of team issues. The MDP created in a shift in their attitude towards attending training programmes and subsequently, has created a more accommodating philosophy towards workplace learning. The study added to the understanding of how transformational teaching and learning lead to more effective transformational leadership and the integration of theory into practice by retail managers. The conclusion was that by embracing and practising a transformational teaching and learning ideology, the managers would be better equipped with managerial and transformational leadership abilities.

Originality/value

– This research provided a landscape for future management development training in terms of selection of managers to attend, relevant curriculum, teaching and learning methodology as well as benefits of this type of professional development. This initiative was the first project in which such a programme has been designed, developed and instructed in this particular organisation and encompassed a unique experience in terms of training, professional development and the change in the willingness to engage in training and acknowledgement of the value of learning.
Competitive strategies and value creation: a twofold perspective analysis
Authors: Teti Emanuele , Perrini Francesco , Tirapelle Linda
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the implementation of a defined competitive strategy – differentiation or cost leadership – brings about different value creation levels, where “value” is defined in a twofold perspective as “shareholder value” vs “stakeholder value” and “social capital”.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 169 European companies is investigated. Simple linear regressions andt-tests for the equality of means are conducted.

Findings

– While no significant differences are found in the creation of value for the shareholders, firms following differentiation strategies generate considerably higher value for all the stakeholder groups than companies pursing cost leadership strategies. Results also show that size and reputational considerations play a significant role in explaining the different stakeholder value performances.

Research limitations/implications

– Some data such as off-balance sheet items could have influenced the calculation of the discriminant values for strategy classification.

Practical implications

– Although the two groups manage to achieve comparable levels of profitability, the differentiators, presumably because of their structural outward-facing orientation, seem to be better positioned to meet the challenges of the next wave of growth, which resides in the substantial interconnection between economic and societal value. Companies need a better understanding of how the stakeholder value theory and social capital can influence value creation and long-term success.

Originality/value

– In light of the importance of competitive strategy as a value-creation tool, the paper sheds new light on the relationship between competitive strategies and value creation.
Sources of satisfaction with high-potential employee programs
Authors: Kotlyar Igor , Karakowsky Leonard
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions that impact Canadian organizations’ satisfaction with their high-potential (HIPO) identifying practices. More specifically, the paper investigated the perceptual lenses used by HR professionals to view their HIPO identification programs and the elements of such programs that impact satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structural equations modeling technique was used to analyze responses to a national survey (n=219) conducted through a leading Canadian publication for human resource practitioners.

Findings

– The results reveal that HR professionals form their perceptions of HIPO identification programs on the basis of perceived effectiveness to accurately identify HIPO employees, fairness and motivation. The results further indicate that the degree of formalization of an organization's approach toward identifying HIPOs is the most impactful element for determining satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– First, the study relied on a relatively small sample. Second, the criterion measures used in the study were not continuous. Third, data were collected using self-report questionnaires.

Practical implications

– The results suggest that organizations should be primarily concerned with adopting a formal, systematic approach when implementing a HIPO identification process. The paper identifies several other elements that organizations should consider in order to maximize their satisfaction with HIPO programs, as well corresponding mediating perceptual lenses.

Originality/value

– While many organizations regard HIPO programs as essential for their future success, most are not satisfied with their initiatives. This study makes an important contribution to the understanding of the sources of satisfaction with such programs. To the knowledge, this study is the first attempt to understand the factors that determine organizations’ satisfaction with their HIPO identification programs and, therefore, it makes a significant contribution to the literature on developing leadership capability through design and implementation of HIPO programs.
Buddhist economics: a model for managing consumer society
Authors: Mutakalin Gullinee
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate consumer society through various perspectives. In addition, it applies Buddhist economics as an exemplary model which helps managing consumer society.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study started by comparing and contrasting the management of consumption between Mainstream and Buddhist economic. In addition, various perspectives such as Marxian economics, Frankfurt School, sociology as well as social critics are added to comprehend consumer society. Finally, it proposed the practices of Buddhist economics as an exemplary model for managing consumer society.

Findings

– The study found that while Mainstream economics focusses on increasing the amount of goods and services, Buddhist economics focusses on converting the insatiable to satiable desires. There are two viewpoints of the interconnected spheres of consumption and production through the evolution of consumerism; a producer-led approach and a consumer-led approach. This polarization presents the debate in a very well-established tension between structure and agency.

Originality/value

– This paper proposed an exemplary model for managing consumer society by applying the dialectical relationship of both structure and agency.
Practical wisdom for managing sustainable enterprises – synthesizing Buddhism and ecological economics
Authors: L. Daniels Peter
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight how the new transdiscipline of ecological economics (EE) provides a very useful supporting scientific base for Buddhist traditions and their provision of practical wisdom for economics and management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The key relevant theoretical and methodological features of EE are explained and related to the Buddhist world view. The strong consistencies between the two perspectives are highlighted. The complementary nature of the practical philosophy of Buddhism and the guiding paradigm of EE can contribute to change in contemporary management approaches aligned with sustainable and welfare-enhancing economic systems.

Findings

– EE provides a very appropriate scientific base to complement and broaden the positive contribution of Buddhist traditions to sustainable economic systems and consistent management practices.

Originality/value

– Despite some very clear parallels and complementarities, the mutual benefits of integrating and strengthening the cross-over between Buddhism and the influential new “sustainability science” of EE are yet to be realised. This paper is focused on this goal. The potential interplay promises significant benefits for both perspectives – EE needs more development of its sustainability ethical basis, and Buddhist perspectives would be enhanced by support from a highly consistent and influential scientific paradigm in a world where secular market economics continues to prevail.
Potentials facilitators of workplace learning in a TPS based company
Authors: Jönsson Sandra , Schölin Tobias
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– In line with the growing emphasis on workplace learning, there has been a tendency to abandon traditional Tayloristic models of work organization in favor of more humanistic, flexible and integrated work systems. This study focusses on facilitators of learning in a company that is based on the principles of Toyota production system (TPS). In this paper, the authors are focussing on one central aspect of the TPS, that is, workplace learning. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of empowering leadership, teamwork, innovative climate as facilitators of learning in this specific context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaires (focussing on workplace learning, empowering leadership, teamwork and innovative climate) were distributed to 643 factory workers in the company Scania in Sweden. A total of 487 persons answered the questionnaire, which amounted to a response rate of 76 percent.

Findings

– The result indicates that empowering leadership was the best predictor, followed by teamwork and innovative climate.

Originality/value

– From this study, the authors can conclude that the already known predictors of learning can also be applied in a TPS setting. The key features in the TPS company constitute a foundation for learning.
“Name your price” – online auctions and reference prices
Authors: A. Majid Kashef , Bryant Andrew , A. Rau Pradeep
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the presence of varying price points on the impact of product valuations in both English and reverse auctions on potential bidders, that is, those not yet engaged in the auction. Internet auctions, both English style and reverse, constitute one of the success stories of digital commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

– As its method of research, this paper uses an experimental approach to explore the effects of multiple reference prices.

Findings

– While previous research has done well to show that a lower initial price decreases barriers to entry and can lead to a higher final price in English-style auctions, this research shows that such a strategy may harm potential bidders’ product perceptions due to multiple reference prices. The authors explore situations of multiple reference prices in the context of reverse auctions, where both higher and lower reference prices are shown to be able to increase product valuations.

Research limitations/implications

– Additional research of a variety of products and using a representative sample would enhance the findings of this paper.

Practical implications

– The findings show that reference prices have differing impacts, which are dependent upon the goal of either maximizing or minimizing the distance between the initial price and the price consumers are willing to pay in an online auction.

Originality/value

– The investigation links differing goals created by the type of auction to the potential impact of the reference price. In addition, we explore the effects of multiple reference prices on consumer valuations.
Pricing in the modern world: the role of price-related and non-price related cues
Authors: Grewal Dhruv , Roggeveen Anne , Nordfält Jens
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This editorial aims to discuss how the modern world is causing pricing practices of both retailers and consumers to evolve. The contributions of seven papers included in this special issue have been highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

– The purpose is to explore how different cues impact consumer reactions to prices.

Findings

– These cues include both cues regarding the price itself (e.g. the level of the discount, how the price is broken into component parts, the starting price in an auction), as well as non-price-related cues (e.g. private labels, brand familiarly, consumer ratings, creativity of an ad). In addition, this special issue includes a review article which provides a comprehensive review of behavioral pricing research.

Originality/value

– The contributions of seven papers included in this special issue have been highlighted.
Spontaneous regression of an epidermolysis bullosa nevus on the sole
Authors: Koga Monji , Koga Kaori , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: October 2014

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited rare diseases characterized by fragility and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. An EB nevus (EBN) is a very rare acquired nevus that occurs only in patients with EB. An EBN usually arises in an area of previous blistering, and frequently has an atypical appearance that mimics malignant melanoma. We describe an older man with an EBN on the sole. Physical examination revealed irregularly pigmented band‐like black macules on his right sole, suggestive of malignant melanoma. Dermoscopic examination showed a parallel furrow pattern with a monotonous area. The histopathological findings were consistent with a benign acquired nevus. Interestingly, the lesion regressed spontaneously within a year. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of EBN on the sole. Dermoscopy may be a useful addition to histopathological examination to ensure correct diagnosis of EBN.
Risk assessment for nickel contact allergy
Authors: Boonchai Waranya , Chaiwanon Onjuta , Kasemsarn Pranee
Published: October 2014

Nickel is one of the most common allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis worldwide. The aim of the study was to evaluate the contributing factors to nickel contact allergy (NiCA) in Asians who have a unique culture and lifestyle. We randomly selected 324 previously patch‐tested patients, 162 nickel patch test (PT)‐positive patients and 162 nickel PT‐negative patients. The patients were telephone interviewed for their lifestyle information. Most of the nickel PT‐positive patients (93.2%) were female with a mean age of 38.9 ± 13.3 years compared with the other group of nickel PT‐negative patients who had a smaller proportion of females (76.5%) with an older mean age of 44.1 ± 14.9 years (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis was able to establish that the significant risk factors for NiCA were female sex (odds ratio [OR], 6.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15–18.94), young age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–1.00), occupation with long periods of exposure to metal (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.18–8.02), seafood (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.17–3.27) and canned food consumption (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.17–8.33) (P < 0.05). The adjusted factors found to associate with NiCA were female sex, young age, occupation with long periods of exposure to metal, seafood and canned food consumption.
Evaluating acne‐related post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a challenge even amongst experts
Authors: Goh Chee Leok , Abad‐Casintahan Flordeliz , Chow Steven K. W. , Kubba Raj , Miyachi Yoshiki , Noppakun Nopadon , See JoAnn , Suh Dae Hun , Xiang Leihong Flora , Kang Sewon
Published: October 2014

Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a problematic and distressing acne sequela. The difficulty of clinically assessing and managing post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation is especially prevalent in Asian populations. The Asian Acne Board conducted a study to evaluate concordance in diagnosis of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with active acne, acne scarring, and pigmentation problems. Seven dermatologists reviewed 64 anonymous clinical photographs projected onto a screen during a single session. Results showed that there were two groups of raters, those who found a high frequency of PIH and those who found a low frequency. There was significant variability in these two groups in rating the presence of PIH, with an average of 30 diagnoses (24%) difference between high‐ and low‐frequency raters. Results of severity ratings showed that while most cases of PIH were assessed as mild, there was marked variability between raters in their assessments of severity. Overall, variability in PIH diagnosis was greatest when active acne was present; in these cases, low PIH raters were more likely to report skin coloration as erythema instead of PIH. These findings uphold the importance of utilizing specific clinical criteria to improve accurate evaluation of skin color and we advocate future research into this area.
Pore fluid viscosity effects on P‐ and S‐wave anisotropy in synthetic silica‐cemented sandstone with aligned fractures
Authors: Tillotson Philip , Chapman Mark , Sothcott Jeremy , Best Angus Ian , Li Xiang‐Yang
Published: October 2014

Ultrasonic (500 kHz) P‐ and S‐wave velocity and attenuation anisotropy were measured in the laboratory on synthetic, octagonal‐shaped, silica‐cemented sandstone samples with aligned penny‐shaped voids as a function of pore fluid viscosity. One control (blank) sample was manufactured without fractures, another sample with a known fracture density (measured from X‐ray CT images). Velocity and attenuation were measured in four directions relative to the bedding fabric (introduced during packing of successive layers of sand grains during sample construction) and the coincident penny‐shaped voids (fractures). Both samples were measured when saturated with air, water (viscosity 1 cP) and glycerin (100 cP) to reveal poro‐visco‐elastic effects on velocity and attenuation, and their anisotropy. The blank sample was used to estimate the background anisotropy of the host rock in the fractured sample; the bedding fabric was found to show transverse isotropy with shear wave splitting (SWS) of 1.45 ± 1.18% (i.e. for S‐wave propagation along the bedding planes). In the fractured rock, maximum velocity and minimum attenuation of P‐waves was seen at 90° to the fracture normal. After correction for the background anisotropy, the fractured sample velocity anisotropy was expressed in terms of Thomsen's weak anisotropy parameters ε, γ & δ. A theory of frequency‐dependent seismic anisotropy in porous, fractured, media was able to predict the observed effect of viscosity and bulk modulus on ε and δ in water‐ and glycerin‐saturated samples, and the higher ε and δ values in air‐saturated samples. Theoretical predictions of fluid independent γ are also in agreement with the laboratory observations. We also observed the predicted polarisation cross‐over in shear‐wave splitting for wave propagation at 45° to the fracture normal as fluid viscosity and bulk modulus increases.