bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating knowledge management into organisational learning
Authors: Fai Pun Kit , Nathai‐Balkissoon Marcia
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review the concepts and constructs of some common models and frameworks advocated for knowledge management (KM) and organisational learning (OL) in literature. It sets forth a critical enquiry towards the integration of KM and OL practices and their relationship with the concepts of the learning organisation (LO) and chaordic organisation/enterprise (CO/CE).

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search of KM and OL was conducted through the use of multiple ProQuest databases spanning the period from 1996 to 2009. This paper reviews 18 studies, focusing on recognition of major KM and OL approaches and contributions adopted in industry. Besides, a host of 14 KM and OL models and frameworks is used to identify various important considerations in practice.

Findings

Many researchers and practitioners have been attempting to integrate the theories of KM and OL into organisational practice. A considerable number of them are concerned largely with information systems and technology. Conceptual knowledge transfer, knowledge acquisition and creation, and learning models underlie much of the work being done in the field. Some studies have forwarded the call for systems integration and organisational effectiveness. Systems approaches, culture, and the LO and CO/CE concepts are among the most popularly cited factors for the development of a holistic model.

Research limitations/implications

A close relationship between KM and OL has emerged during the past 14 years, with applications related to LO and CO/CE emerging slowly in the past decade. Further research is needed to expand the integrative relationship through the development of explicitly stated theories and models with empirical evidence.

Originality/value

There is a need to integrate the theories of KM and OL with the OL concepts to make them more comprehensible, better aligned and applicable to specific fields of work and to best management practice.
Firm‐specific marketing capital and job satisfaction of marketers
Authors: Nguyen Tho D. , Nguyen Trang T.M.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Based on the resource‐based view of the firm, this study aims to examine antecedents and outcomes of firm‐specific marketing capital pool invested by marketers in a transition market, Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 528 marketers in Ho Chi Minh City was surveyed to test the theoretical model. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

It was found that firm‐specific marketing capital pool had positive impacts on both job attractiveness and job satisfaction. The impacts of human marketing capital and relational marketing capital pools on firm‐specific marketing capital were significant. Finally, the relationship between job attractiveness and job satisfaction, and the relationship between human marketing capital pool and relational marketing capital pool were also significant.

Research limitations/implications

A key limitation of this study is the examination of only two antecedents of firm‐specific marketing capital pool: human and relational marketing capital pools.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that firms should establish people management policies and practices that motivate marketers to invest more in firm‐specific marketing capital to enhance job attractiveness and job satisfaction of marketers. Also, in order to improve firm‐specific marketing capital, recruiting marketers with high levels of human and relational marketing capital pools is a priority.

Originality/value

The study investigates the role of human resources at the marketing professional level in job attractiveness and job satisfaction in a transition market.
Structural linear relationships between job stress, burnout, physiological stress, and performance of construction project managers
Authors: Leung Mei‐yung , Shan Isabelle Chan Yee , Dongyu Chen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Construction is a competitive, ever‐changing, and challenging industry. Therefore, it is not surprising that the majority of construction professionals suffer from stress, especially construction project managers (C‐PMs), who are often driven by the time pressures, uncertainties, crisis‐ridden environment, and dynamic social structures that are intrinsic to every construction project. Extensive literature has indicated that stress can be categorized into: job stress, burnout, and physiological stress. This study aims to investigate the impact of stress on the performance of C‐PMs.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the relationships between stress and performance among C‐PMs, a questionnaire was designed based on the extensive literature, and was sent to 500 C‐PMs who had amassed at least five years' direct working experience in the construction industry. A total of 108 completed questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 21.6 percent. Based on the data collected, an integrated structural equation model of the stresses and performances of C‐PMs was developed using Lisrel 8.0.

Findings

The results of structural equation modelling reveal the following: job stress is the antecedent of burnout, while burnout can further predict physiological stress for C‐PMs; job stress is negatively related only to their task performance; both burnout and physiological stress are negatively related to their organizational performance; and task performance leads positively to their interpersonal performance. Recommendations are given based on the findings to enhance their stress and performance levels.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various types of stress on the performances of C‐PMs. The result constitutes a significant step towards the stress management of C‐PMs in the dynamic and stressful construction industry.
Is innovative behavior really good for the firm?
Authors: Shih Hsi‐An , Susanto Ely
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the negative impacts of innovative work behavior (IWB) on conflict with coworkers and turnover intention. It also aims to test the moderating effect of perceived distributive fairness on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 460 employees who were working in production and marketing teams at manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia were asked to complete the questionnaire. The final sample consisted of 135 sets of paired data of supervisor and subordinate. The multiple hierarchical regressions were used to test the developed hypotheses.

Findings

Findings of this study indicated that innovative work behavior had a positive and significant relationship with conflict with coworkers and turnover intention respectively. Moreover, the findings also found that perceived distributive fairness negatively moderated the relationship between IWB and both conflict with coworkers and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study involved relatively a small sample selected from employees who were working in production and marketing teams in manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia. Future research should consider extending the sample to other industries and locations to test the arguments as well as exploring other contextual variables to buffer the negative impacts of IWB on conflict with coworkers and turnover intention

Originality/value

Scholars and practitioners alike agree that IWB helps organizations to gain and sustain competitive advantage. However, IWB may also create problems for organizations and employees that previous studies have left unexplored. This study examines such negative impacts, along with how to alleviate them.
Effects of self‐efficacy on objective and subjective outcomes in transactions and disputes
Authors: Leon‐Perez Jose M. , Medina Francisco J. , Munduate Lourdes
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between self‐efficacy and the outcomes that individuals achieve when they manage conflict at work. The authors propose that self‐efficacy is related to performance following a positive linear or curvilinear model depending on the outcomes assessed (objective versus subjective outcomes) and the conflict setting considered (transaction versus dispute).

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted. Study 1 was a face‐to‐face transaction in which self‐efficacy was measured using a survey. In study 2, participants were involved in a dispute and their self‐efficacy was manipulated using a false feedback technique.

Findings

Results suggest that high self‐efficacy participants obtain better objective (economic/substantive) outcomes. However, there is a curvilinear relationship, in a U‐inverted shape, between self‐efficacy and subjective (relational) outcomes, indicating that an increase in self‐efficacy improves subjective outcomes, but there are certain levels at which self‐efficacy may be dysfunctional.

Originality/value

Recent controversial findings in research into the relationship between self‐efficacy and performance are addressed in these studies. The present paper is one of the first to explore the role of self‐efficacy in a dispute and to consider the effects of self‐efficacy on subjective outcomes. Practical implications are discussed in light of the results.
Classification of library materials on Islam: a literature survey
Authors: Idrees Haroon
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the problems of classification, to discover the classification practices of libraries with rich collections on Islam cited in the literature, to find the gaps, and to determine the point from which to start work on further development.

Design/methodology/approach

Published and unpublished literature, both print and electronic, that is relevant to the problem was reviewed objectively in the compilation of this paper.

Findings

Standard classification systems lack proper space for materials on Islam for two reasons: less awareness on the part of devisers of the depth and variety of Islamic topics; and their bias and lack of interest in Islam. Different indigenous classification systems and expansions have been developed, using either the original notation or alternative notations. Some systems have been developed without following any standards or logic. This study has revealed a need for empirical study of libraries with rich collections on Islam in order to gain a better understanding of the problem and find an optimal solution.

Research limitations/implications

No empirical field data are included in this study. This is a review of the literature.

Originality/value

The author indicates the current situation of the problem and a potential framework for its solution.
Radio frequency identification (RFID): time to take another look
Authors: Zimerman Martin
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that there may currently be more motivation to move towards a modern RFID system for libraries

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review.

Findings

The author finds that prices for RFID chips and equipment have dropped significantly.

Practical implications]

In these harsh economic times libraries need to use purchasing funds wisely. RFID is a method of accomplishing more, possibly for less money.

Originality/value

With more personnel being laid off every day, libraries need to be innovative in using technology, and cost‐effective. RFID, once set up, can place the burden of cataloging, circulation and collection management on the computer rather than on staff.
Educating the wise cyborg of the future
Authors: Lombardo Tom , Todd Blackwood Ray
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that, given contemporary global challenges and trends, the central goal for the future of higher education should be to facilitate the development of wise cyborgs.

Design/methodology/approach

Contemporary global challenges are identified. A theory of wisdom and wisdom‐based education is outlined, highlighting the development of character virtues and enhanced future consciousness. It is demonstrated that a wisdom‐based education is necessary for addressing global challenges. The intimate evolutionary connection between human intelligence and technology is described, including a general definition of a cyborg. The concept of a wise cyborg is described. Examples are provided regarding how to facilitate the educational development of the wise cyborg.

Findings

Solutions to modern global challenges require a synthesis of holistic, integrative, future‐focused, and ethical thinking – all qualities of wisdom. The qualities of wisdom can be described analytically and addressed educationally. Humans have purposely enhanced their functional capacities through technology throughout history. Humans are cyborgs and the intimate functional synthesis of the biological and technological will further develop in the future. Wise people in the future will be wise cyborgs. Educational methods can be identified that facilitate the development of wise cyborgs.

Originality/value

Wisdom, a concept traditionally associated with philosophy and spiritual thinking, is connected with technological evolution. An educational approach is described which synthesizes wisdom and character virtues with future consciousness and technological proficiency. This educational model is applied to creating individuals who can successfully address the problems of today and tomorrow.
Dealing with complexity through course design
Authors: Elgort Irina
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to managing complexity in postgraduate teaching by increasing the variety of educational provisions and creating opportunities for individualisation of learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study examines an approach to course design and delivery based on the attenuation‐amplification metaphor of resolving complexity.

Findings

The results of the study suggest that a balanced approach to managing complexity can be effective is helping students develop their personal learning path through the course, making postgraduate study more relevant and meaningful.

Originality/value

This approach offers an alternative to the reductionist approach in dealing with complexity in the tertiary study context.
Systemic approaches to knowledge development and application
Authors: Harkins Arthur M. , Moravec John W.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This essay aims to focus on the development and application of knowledge within competitive national and global contexts. Systems thinking concepts are used to define and further explore three plausible pathways for future knowledge development and application.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is anticipatory, utilizing a dynamic knowledge development and application framework based on three futures‐relevant systems paradigms: mechanical (conservatively repetitive), evolutionary (self‐organizing), and teleogenic (purposively creative).

Findings

The article projects three heuristic MET archetypes depicting logical paths of knowledge development and application from now to 2025.

Originality/value

The MET framework provides a systems‐language descriptive means for understanding and engaging in an expanding ecology of educational and new knowledge development options.
The enormous significance of new and expanding Bas
Authors: Hoppe Magnus
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This article aims to focus on a perspective on knowledge that carries with it a most urgent challenge for educational actors to engage in personal knowledge processes wherever they take place.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose is met through the use of philosophical argumentation and theoretical ideas developed for understanding knowledge creation. Central concepts are Ba and “knowledge activists”, but also personal insights in relation to technical knowledge.

Findings

The author argues that educational actors who do not want to be marginalised must step forward as knowledge activists, gaining access to and influencing all sorts of interpretative places (Bas), whether they are physical, virtual or mental, where information is interpreted to become knowledge.

Practical implications

Educational actors who want to continue playing an important societal role had better leave behind the idea of knowledge as something to be handled mainly in physical places. Instead they have to search for a position in the world of virtual spaces that is forming today.

Social implications

With the introduction of the internet and the emergence of a “cloud”, civil society is in desperate need of educational actors who can interlink the disparate Bas now forming, thus generating common ideas that can keep us together as a society and defend basic democratic ideals.

Originality/value

Through the use of a few well‐established theoretical concepts the article shows that there is a desperate need for rethinking education from being something limited in time and place to something that is ever present in knowledge processes of all kinds.
Sustainable leadership practices for enhancing business resilience and performance
Authors: Avery Gayle C. , Bergsteiner Harald
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative leadership model to the prevailing shareholder‐first approach that research, management experts and practice indicate can lead to higher performance and resilience of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is based on published literature, empirical research, and observations conducted in firms worldwide.

Findings

Avery and Bergsteiner's 23 principles differentiate sustainable or “honeybee” practices from shareholder‐first or “locust” leadership. Sustainable practices are arranged in a pyramid with three levels of practices and five performance outcomes at the apex. A total of 14 foundation practices can be introduced immediately. At the next level in the pyramid, six higher‐level practices emerge once the foundations are in place. Finally, three practices cover the key performance drivers of innovation, quality, and staff engagement – all of which end customers' experience. Together the 23 practices influence five outcomes, namely brand and reputation, customer satisfaction, operational finances, long‐term shareholder value, and long‐term value for multiple stakeholders.

Practical implications

Given that research and practice show that operating on sustainable principles enhances business performance and resilience, executives are urged to adopt these practices over business‐as‐usual. If self‐interest does not motivate this change, as it appears to have already done at Wal‐Mart, then major stakeholders or legislators can be expected to force such changes in the future.

Originality/value

This paper provides an answer to the question of whether there is there an alternative to the shareholder‐first leadership model. Its response is: yes, a demonstrably effective alternative already operates among many successful enterprises around the world.
How corporate leaders can use the Positive Deviance approach to stimulate radical change
Authors: Allio Robert J.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present an interview with management guru Richard Pascale, author of The Power of Positive Deviance, outlining the basic steps executives should follow to successfully implement positive deviance, an unconventional change methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The interview examines the positive deviance approach, which derives from a deceptively simple idea. Faced with a seemingly intractable or impossible problem or situation, a few people having the same resources as their peers manage to succeed against all odds.

Findings

The PD process entails identifying these unusually effective individuals – the positive deviants – and adopting their practices.

Practical implications

The author explains that only when the community takes ownership of the problem and validates the need to change will “something else happen different from what has already happened.”

Originality/value

Richard Pascale explains how a technique that was invented to solve intractable social problems can work in a corporate setting.
Lessons from turnaround leaders
Authors: Boyd David P.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Environmental uncertainty threatens many companies. This paper seeks to offer a strategic model to help imperiled firms overcome employee inertia, counter competitive forces, and speed organizational renewal.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a change model which outlines five major steps, each comprised of three elements. Examples from the field illustrate sequential stages of the cycle.

Findings

This framework aligns human resources and organizational processes. By adhering to this approach, leaders can become transformational change agents.

Practical implications

The proposed strategic format evolved from face‐to‐face discussions with exemplary turnaround leaders. In their visits to the author's classroom over the last six years, they offered insights that should prove beneficial to other leaders in turnaround situations.

Originality/value

The paper extends existing business models by providing a comprehensive set of action steps to engage all organizational members.
New business models for emerging media and entertainment revenue opportunities
Authors: Berman Saul J. , Battino Bill , Feldman Karen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

As a growing share of consumer value shifts to new industry entrants, this paper seeks to suggest how long‐time leaders in many media and entertainment (M&E) market segments can replace declining traditional revenue with equivalent value from digital media.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper suggests how established media and entertainment companies – newspapers, broadcasters, music labels and movie studios – can proactively address both their potential revenue challenge and find new business models.

Findings

The paper finds that media companies need to “rethink” their business models and seek innovative ways to enhance the consumer experience and connect with consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This is a 2010 IBM Institute for Business Value analysis.

Practical implications

M&E companies will require the capabilities to build analytics and insights, develop consumer‐centric models and enable multiplatform delivery.

Originality/value

Three strategies will likely help M&E leaders overcome the revenue issues they face – focusing on the consumer experience, embracing new distribution platforms and expanding revenue models.
Lessons learned: advantages and disadvantages of mixed method research
Authors: Malina Mary A. , Nørreklit Hanne S.O. , Selto Frank H.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is first, to discuss the theoretical assumptions, qualities, problems and myopia of the dominating quantitative and qualitative approaches; second, to describe the methodological lessons that the authors learned while conducting a series of longitudinal studies on the use and usefulness of a specialized balanced scorecard; and third, to encourage researchers to actually use multiple methods and sources of data to address the very many accounting phenomena that are not fully understood.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an opinion piece based on the authors' experience conducting a series of longitudinal mixed method studies.

Findings

The authors suggest that in many studies, using a mixed method approach provides the best opportunity for addressing research questions.

Originality/value

This paper provides encouragement to those who may wish to bridge the authors' ideological gaps and to those who are actively trying to do so.
Applying mixed methods research in evaluating clinical trials
Authors: Murphy Lyn , Maguire William
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the decision process that the authors follow in applying mixed methods research to evaluate the benefits and costs of conducting sponsored clinical trials in a publicly funded New Zealand hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A simultaneous parallel mixed method design was adopted. This design builds on a health outcomes study that involves a retrospective cohort study of changes in participants' health status and mortality rates. Although a team of medical researchers conducted that study (i.e. the current authors were not involved), it is one of the three strands of the current research as it forms the platform for the other two strands, namely the multiple stakeholder perception strand and the economic outcomes strand. In the multiple stakeholder perceptions strand, qualitative methods were used to explore the benefits and costs perceived by stakeholders. In the economic outcomes strand, quantitative methods were used to estimate the benefits and costs of clinical trials.

Findings

The economic outcomes strand and the multiple stakeholder perceptions strand are complementary. Each strand delivers dimensions to the analysis that are not apparent from the other.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in improved understanding of the process of mixed method research through communicating choices and decisions made in response to the challenges faced.
Contingent dynamics of IS strategic alignment in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Levy Margi , Powell Philip , Yetton Philip
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to understand how strategic information systems (IS) alignment takes place in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a qualitative and quantitative analysis of data from 27 cases.

Findings

A contingent model allows re‐interpretation of earlier findings that appear to be inconsistent. First, benefit realisation depends on alignment between IS and business strategies. Second, IS investment is frequently limited to supporting operations and transactions. Third, organizations with more sophisticated IS tend to perform less successfully than those with less complex systems, the greatest alignment and highest performance are reported for systems to improve efficiency, and organizations that adopt a low‐cost approach are unlikely to use IS strategically.

Research limitations/implications

The paper extends understanding of the contingent nature of SMEs' investment in, and use of, IS, and of the effect of market position on IS management. It provides guidelines by describing the dominant paths to alignment. The limitations are that the SME sample is not random, the scoring protocols rely on author coding, whether the research identifies cycles of alignment, alternative interpretations of path hierarchy, and if an SME's location uniquely defines its alignment path.

Originality/value

Performance is a function of the alignment between IS strategy and other business domains. However, prior research has focused on outcomes, rather than the processes by which alignment is developed. Using multiple case data, this paper investigates alignment in SMEs, explaining why different SMEs follow different paths to alignment. Four paths are identified, with the path chosen contingent on an SME's market position.
Factors affecting the effective utilisation and adoption of sophisticated ICT solutions
Authors: Apulu Idisemi , Latham Ann , Moreton Robert
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider factors affecting the effective utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) and the adoption of more sophisticated ICT solutions in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a case study approach. Semi‐structured interviews in 25 SMEs were used as tools for data collection.

Findings

The paper identifies eight key factors that affect the effective utilisation and adoption of more sophisticated or advanced ICT solutions in Nigerian SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The data for this research are drawn from a particular region in Nigeria, therefore, the findings are not generalisable to SMEs in other regions. Also, the data are collected from various industry sectors hence, it is not possible to have sector‐specific conclusions.

Practical implications

Effective utilisation of sophisticated ICT solutions in SMEs has great impact on SMEs' competitiveness. Also, the study could assist owner‐managers, policy makers and stakeholders to better understand the major challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs and create various initiatives to assist these SMEs.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into the adoption of sophisticated ICT solutions within Nigerian SMEs that is of value to owner‐managers, policy makers and academic researchers. The study further suggests means to achieve a successful and sustainable technology adoption in SMEs.
Upper echelon theory (UET)
Authors: Awa Hart O. , Eze Sunday C. , Urieto Joseph E. , Inyang Benjamin J.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of such demographic variables as age composition, gender sensitivity, experience, homogeneity/heterogeneity and educational attainment of top management teams (TMT) on small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs)' information technology (IT) adoption behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection method was primarily field survey guided by the five working hypotheses and research objectives. Analysis of the data was made with multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient as there were five independent variables that entered into the equation, though at different stages/times.

Findings

As the study unravelled, the age composition, experience and gender sensitivity of TMT members of SMEs were found to have significantly strong power of predicting the extent of adoption of IT. Group homogeneity, in terms of functional track, has negative impacts and education has weak impacts, contrary to many previous inquiries.

Practical implications

The paper takes a sample of subjects across industries from where findings are specifically generalized. Extended data and measures are required for further in‐depth investigation in specific areas and industries not covered by this work in order to build external validity and further expand knowledge. Also, the paper suggests that marketers of IT infrastructures are encouraged to focus more on individual and group idiosyncrasies of decision makers measured by age, gender and experience in order to accurately predict and timely package programmes that win trial, loyal, switching and viral/advocacy behaviours in this global age.

Originality/value

The paper bridges a knowledge gap by replicating and complementing upper echelon theory on the extent to which IT adoption is determined and shaped by the demographic factors of members of TMT in Nigeria, where such studies rarely exist.
Understanding ICT adoption in the small firm sector in Southern Africa
Authors: Chinyanyu Mpofu Knowledge , Watkins‐Mathys Lorraine
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine information and communications technology (ICT) adoption among small hotel businesses in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research is based on seven case studies that fall within the South African and European Union small and medium enterprises (SMEs) definitions. The case studies are constructed on the basis of 60 semi‐structured interviews and supporting secondary data. The authors adopt the Gibbs et al. model which identifies and brings together ICT adoption factors that include government role, environmental attributes, owner/manager attributes, organisational attributes and social networks. Archer's epistemological bootstrapping technique is applied for analysing the data. In addition, Zappala and Gray's stage model is used to gauge the level of ICT uptake reached by each case study. In this way, the authors incorporate an important additional element for examining ICT adoption.

Findings

Apart from providing rich insights into the ICT adoption process, the results highlight the individual distinctive behavioural characteristics as well as the stage of ICT adoption reached by each case study. The paper finds that case studies that operated in a stable business environment; with organisational readiness; financial and owner manager support seemed readily engaged in ICT adoption. Social networks played a crucial role, especially among those small businesses with resource constraints.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from seven individual cases in the three South African Development Community (SADC) countries have limited cross‐case and cross‐national comparisons owing to the distinctive organisational characteristics of the SMEs. Furthermore, the selection of case studies from a single sector of small hotel businesses results in data which only reflect the experiences of SMEs in typical urban locations of Johannesburg, Gaborone and Harare. The implications of these limitations mean that further data are needed from other small firm sectors and more SADC countries in order to gain a better understanding of ICT adoption among SMEs in the region.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on ICT adoption among SMEs in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The results bring new insights from small hotel businesses and help to explain ICT adoption, which is relatively under‐researched in these SADC countries.
Thrive, not just survive: enhance dynamic capabilities of SMEs through IS competence
Authors: Wang Yi , Shi Xinping
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Small and mid‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing challenges in an increasingly fierce environment. This paper aims to explore the promise of information systems (IS) in enhancing the survival and competitiveness of SMEs in a dynamic environment. To address this issue, the paper draws upon the dynamic capability theory and develops a research model of IS‐enabled dynamic capabilities to examine the role of IS competence for enhancing SMEs dynamic capabilities in a competitive business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study is conducted by using survey data from senior managers of 120 SMEs in China.

Findings

The analytic outcomes support the research model and confirm that IS competence significantly contributes to SMEs' dynamic capabilities for gaining competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the literature on IS impact on dynamic capabilities of SMEs by incorporating IS competences into a research model of IS‐enabled dynamic capabilities and articulating the relationships between IS competences and dynamic capabilities of SMEs in a changing business environment. The research findings enrich dynamic capabilities theory by justifying IS as an enabling antecedent for organizational capability development. The findings may empirically convince SMEs owners and management to effectively invest in and deploy IS for enhancing SMEs' dynamic capabilities and performance.

Originality/value

A capability‐building perspective is used to examine how IS can leverage SMEs' capabilities to enhance their competitive advantage in a dynamic environment.
The value proposition of adopting mCRM strategy in UK SMEs
Authors: Zheng Vanessa
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the key drivers and barriers of adopting mobile customer relationship management (mCRM) services in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and proposes an mCRM strategy framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous SME technology adoption literature has used different models to explain how SMEs accept or reject technology innovations. There is a lack of research in mobile technologies such as mCRM services. Using a secondary research method, this study critically analyses the impact of mCRM services adoption by UK SMEs.

Findings

Rapid development in mCRM applications enables SMEs to gain competitive advantages. This paper argues that mCRM services help SMEs to create different levels of relationship bonds with their customers, which in turn can create value proposition and improve business performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that SME owners/managers need to understand their business needs and processes, and the mobile technology, to focus on their CRM strategies, and allocate resources in order to successfully adopt mCRM services to exploit the full potential. The conceptual model needs to be tested empirically.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that business values and core services can be specific to mCRM strategy. It proposes and discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the mCRM strategy framework and suggests further research directions.
Why do female expatriates “fit‐in” better than males?
Authors: Cole Nina , McNulty Yvonne
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to assess the relevance of the personal value called self‐transcendence as an explanatory factor regarding gender differences in the socio‐cultural adjustment of expatriate employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 37 male and 31 female expatriates responded to an online questionnaire concerning their self‐transcendence value and their adjustment as expatriate employees.

Findings

Self‐transcendence of the expatriate predicted interactional and work adjustment. Perceived expatriate‐local difference in self‐transcendence was a negative predictor of work and interactional adjustment. Females had higher (non‐significant) self‐transcendence than males. Further gender differences in the impact of self‐transcendence and perceived expatriate‐local differences in self‐transcendence were found.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into the effect of expatriate levels of the personal value of self‐transcendence, its two components, universalism and benevolence, and gender differences therein appears warranted. Statistical techniques to establish causality should be used.

Practical implications

Knowledge regarding the self‐transcendence values of candidates for expatriate assignments may assist global human resource managers to make more effective selection decisions regarding expatriate assignments.

Originality/value

The study described in this paper is among the first to assess potential explanations for the better interactional and work adjustment of female expatriates compared to males. This study replicates earlier findings regarding the relationship between perceived expatriate‐local differences in self‐transcendence and expatriate socio‐cultural adjustment and provides new knowledge regarding gender differences in this relationship.
The roles of expatriates' spouses among dual career couples
Authors: Mäkelä Liisa , Känsälä Marja , Suutari Vesa
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify how dual career expatriates view their spouses' roles during international assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 39 interviews were carried out with expatriates who had a working spouse. The interview data were content analysed using replication logic.

Findings

The authors' findings indicate that the importance of spousal support increases among dual career couples during international assignments. Expatriates report their spouses as having supporting, flexible, determining, instrumental, restricting and equal partner spousal roles.

Originality/value

This study provides in‐depth understanding about multiple spousal roles during international assignments among dual career couples and contributes to the previous literature by showing how spousal roles appear in the international context, and by identifying two new spousal roles.
Marital status and work outcomes of self‐initiated expatriates
Authors: Selmer Jan , Lauring Jakob
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Most of the fast‐growing literature on business expatriates has focused on organizational expatriates (OEs) who have been assigned by their parent companies to the foreign location. However, there is much less research on self‐initiated expatriates (SIE), who themselves have decided to expatriate to work abroad. The purpose of this paper is to provide knowledge on this under‐researched group of expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was directed electronically towards SIE academics in universities in the Nordic countries and in The Netherlands.

Findings

The current study examines marital status, gender and work outcomes of SIEs, and specifically whether there is a moderating effect of gender. Results showed, as expected, a positive association between being married and work effectiveness as well as with work performance but, surprisingly, there was no moderating effect of gender on these positive relationships.

Practical implications

Results indicate that organizations recruiting SIEs in the host country location may want to prefer married expatriates over their unmarried counterparts in the anticipation for them to achieve better work outcomes. However, there should be no distinguishing between men or women in the recruitment process.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of the similarities and differences between OEs and SIEs.
Effect of section thickness and build orientation on tensile properties and material characteristics of laser sintered nylon‐12 parts
Authors: Majewski Candice , Hopkinson Neil
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe work carried out as part of a £350,000 project aimed at improving understanding of polymer sintering processes. This particular package of research was performed in order to identify the effects of different section thicknesses (and therefore different thermal conditions) in parts produced by laser sintering (LS), on the resultant mechanical properties of these parts.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser sintered nylon‐12 parts were produced in a range of thicknesses between 2 and 6 mm, and in three different orientations, to identify the effects of each on the tensile properties of these parts.

Findings

Results indicated that, at any of the orientations tested, the section thickness had no significant effect on any of the main tensile properties, or on the repeatability of these properties. Crucially, this is in direct contradiction with the trends identified previously in this project, whereby changes in section thickness have been shown to correlate with changes in fracture toughness.

Research limitations/implications

Further work could investigate a wider range of section thicknesses or geometries, in order to continue building a more complete picture of the effects of geometry on laser sintered part properties.

Practical implications

These results are directly applicable to designers using, or wishing to use, LS to manufacture their products.

Originality/value

Whilst there is a large range of published literature on the effects of processing parameters on mechanical properties of laser sintered parts, and on the resolution and accuracy achievable with these, there is minimal information available on the effects of geometry on mechanical properties. This paper therefore represents a novel addition to the global LS knowledge base.
Influence of the particle size distribution on surface quality and mechanical properties in AM steel parts
Authors: Spierings A.B. , Herres N. , Levy G.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

A recent study confirmed that the particle size distribution of a metallic powder material has a major influence on the density of a part produced by selective laser melting (SLM). Although it is possible to get high density values with different powder types, the processing parameters have to be adjusted accordingly, affecting the process productivity. However, the particle size distribution does not only affect the density but also the surface quality and the mechanical properties of the parts. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of three different powder granulations on the resulting part density, surface quality and mechanical properties of the materials produced.

Design/methodology/approach

The scan surface quality and mechanical properties of three different particle size distributions and two layer thicknesses of 30 and 45 μm were compared. The scan velocities for the different powder types have been adjusted in order to guarantee a part density≥99.5 per cent.

Findings

By using an optimised powder material, a low surface roughness can be obtained. A subsequent blasting process can further improve the surface roughness for all powder materials used in this study, although this does not change the ranking of the powders with respect to the resulting surface quality. Furthermore, optimised powder granulations lead generally to improved mechanical properties.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that the particle size distribution influences the quality of AM metallic parts, produced by SLM. Therefore, it is recommended that any standardisation initiative like ASTM F42 should develop guidelines for powder materials for AM processes. Furthermore, during production, the granulation changes due to spatters. Appropriate quality systems have to be developed.

Originality/value

The paper clearly shows that the particle size distribution plays an important role regarding density, surface quality and resulting mechanical properties.
Development of low‐cost imaging system for laser metal deposition processes
Authors: Barua Shyam , Sparks Todd , Liou Frank
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The melt pool created by a laser is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of the deposit in a laser metal deposition (LMD) process. The high‐intensity infrared (IR) radiation emitted by the melt pool saturates a conventional camera sensor preventing useful data acquisition. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a low‐cost vision system to monitor the size of the melt pool for in‐process quality control of the deposit.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the black body radiation theory, there is no radiation emitted in the ultraviolet (UV) region from the melt pool created in the LMD process. IR radiation and visible light are the only radiations inherent to the LMD process. UV illumination is utilized along with narrow band pass filters on a USB camera to achieve a clear image of the melt pool while IR radiation of the process is blocked out. The melt pool size and shape were closely monitored during the deposition process.

Findings

A clear image of the melt pool was obtained using a relatively low‐cost imaging system during laser deposition process.

Originality/value

Traditional approaches to vision systems in high‐intensity processes use a high‐speed video camera fitted with IR filters to prevent saturation of the camera sensor. Such systems are usually complex and expensive to run and maintain. This paper demonstrates an alternative and lower cost method to achieve in process monitoring in an LMD process.