bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical factors for effective implementation of the HACCP system: a Pareto analysis
Authors: Fotopoulos Christos , Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios , Gotzamani Katerina
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to examine the existing literature on food safety assurance systems and record the vital critical factors that affect the implementation of these systems, in the context of the global food‐processing sector, for the benefit of researchers and industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of published (1995‐2008) articles on food safety is explored that lists the motives for and the barriers to the implementation of the Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point plan in descending order of frequency of occurrences. The barriers and motives in this study are referred to as “critical factors of effective implementation” (CFEIs). In addition, the Pareto analysis quality tool was used to sort and arrange the above‐mentioned barriers to and motives for CFEIs of the HACCP system implementation according to their order of criticality.

Findings

The examination and analysis of 31 studies resulted in the identification of 32 factors that affect HACCP implementation. Difficulties exist in managing such a large number of factors in organisations; hence a few vital CFEIs are identified and reported herein, such as the most significant for the HACCP implementation.

Practical implications

The present study will direct researchers in selecting a more reliable and critical set of CFEIs that will be used in further empirical studies and may help to develop models which measure and sustain the level of performance on safety systems in industries. Industries can also benefit by adopting the results of this study, resulting in a more effective implementation of food safety and quality systems.

Originality/value

This paper highlights and prioritises the difficulties hitherto faced by food companies in the effective implementation of food safety systems. The results of this study will help in a smoother and more effective penetration of food safety and quality systems in food organisations.
Celebrity chefs: expanding empires
Authors: Henderson Joan C.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define key characteristics and income‐generating activities of modern celebrity chefs based on a review of their operations in selected regions of the world. It also aims to examine business models, including growth through internationalisation, and attendant challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings are based on analysis of secondary data from academic and practitioner materials in the public domain collected from a range of print and electronic sources.

Findings

Despite individual differences, celebrity chefs share certain defining characteristics and activities. They have risen to prominence in countries such as the UK and USA where they comprise a powerful commercial force and their influence is apparent in certain of the more economically advanced parts of East Asia, demonstrated by developments in Singapore. The trend can be seen as an example of globalisation, although securing the growth and sustainability of celebrity chef enterprises at home and abroad is a demanding task.

Practical implications

Commercial opportunities are explored as well as some of the problems to be resolved by stakeholders in the celebrity chef industry.

Originality/value

Research into aspects of the business of celebrity chefs is limited, especially with reference to selected East Asian markets, and the paper offers some new insights into the celebrity chef phenomenon there and more widely.
Food recalls, systemic causal factors and managerial implications
Authors: Charlebois Sylvain
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are threefold. First, the paper seeks to present principles of crisis management, and crisis preparation and recovery. Second, it aims to narrate the 2008 events to give context for this case study. Third, it seeks to present a conceptual framework for food industry crisis management in the context of food recalls. Finally, it sets out to present conclusions concerning the food recall, managerial changes, limitations, and future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper chose an exploratory case‐study design to guide the study, based on Yin's argument that case studies are the preferred strategy when “how” or “why” questions are being posed, and when the focus is on a modern phenomenon within a real‐life context. Such a design is particularly appropriate for understanding the details and complexity of a phenomenon. A survey study was focused on formal interviews onsite and at the Toronto plant where the recall occurred.

Findings

Differences in institutional and relational rules and subsequent management actions during the food recall are linked to the four axes represented in this study. Based on the findings, values played a key role in crisis management at Premiere Quality Foods during the recall.

Research limitations/implications

The incident reported in this paper was not compared with any other recalls. The survey also had a limited number of respondents. Several areas of crisis management in the context of a food recall are opened to researchers who have developed a particular interest in the subject. Scholars could explore the conditions that enable or inhibit an organization in effectively detecting and interpreting early crisis warning signals that often lead to a food recall.

Originality/value

The mechanics of crisis management and food recalls are a dangerously under‐developed field. This paper proposes a way of identifying relevant principles for crisis management and discusses a communication problem that is prevalent in food recalls. The paper considers both internal and external causal factors of crisis management related to food recalls. Today's concepts of crisis and food recalls are no longer mainly externally oriented; they are systemic in nature.
Interest in maximisation and value‐added produce
Authors: Alonso Abel D. , O'Neill Martin A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Contemporary studies and reports point to the potential of value‐added products as an alternative income stream as well as a means of extending the product line of many agriculturalists. While there is a well documented growth of initiatives and interest in the establishment of commercial kitchen technologies to develop value‐added products in many rural communities, such growth has not been accompanied by research, particularly relating to the producers' perspective on such developments. This study seeks to examine the extent to which small farm operators in one rural Alabama community are interested in becoming involved with value‐adding their product line.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 33 small growers from Chilton County, Alabama, participated in this study by completing a questionnaire.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that much of what respondents grow could be further processed into value‐added products. Also, while almost one‐fourth of the participants acknowledge the need for a commercial kitchen, the majority are interested in both selling blemished/unmarketable produce for processing and forming a group to work towards adding value to their produce. The findings also point to the fact that the concept of value‐adding produce and the implications for the same area are little understood amongst many rural farmers.

Research limitations/implications

Both the chosen geographical/physical location of the farms – that is, in one single farming community – and the low number of participating businesses limit the generalisability of the findings. However, the study's overall findings could be of assistance to future research efforts and, in particular, replication studies in other rural areas.

Practical implications

Many farmers could maximise their produce by means of developing value‐added products and could potentially increase their revenues in the process. However, other gains may be of equal or more importance. For instance, extending an area of their business and fully utilising their produce's intrinsic rewards, learning experiences and increased motivation could have important implications for many rural communities and farming industries.

Originality/value

This study seeks to fill the existing gap of knowledge with regard to small farmers' perceptions on maximisation of their produce, an area closely related to value‐added product development. To date, research on the farm operator perspective with regard to these dimensions continues to be limited.
SCAR markers for adulterant detection in ground chilli
Authors: Dhanya K. , Syamkumar S. , Siju S. , Sasikumar B.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to treat the development and application of sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR) markers for the detection of plant based adulterants (dried red beet pulp and powdered Ziziphus nummularia fruits) in traded ground chilli.

Design/methodology/approach

Adulterant‐specific DNA fragments (red beet pulp specific – “Beet 01” and Z. nummularia specific – “Ziz 01”) identified by random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD‐PCR) analysis were cloned and sequenced for SCAR marker development. Red beet pulp specific SCAR primer pair, B1, and Z. nummularia specific SCAR primer pair, Z1, were designed from the corresponding RAPD marker sequences to amplify SCAR markers of 320 bp and 389 bp, respectively. The utility of the SCAR markers for adulterant detection was verified in model blends of chilli powder with the adulterants. Six commercial samples of ground chilli powder were analysed using the SCAR markers.

Findings

SCAR markers could detect the adulterants at a concentration as low as 10 g adulterant kg−1 of blended sample. The Z. nummularia SCAR marker could detect the presence of Z. nummularia fruit adulteration in one of the commercial samples. All the market samples tested were free from red beet pulp adulteration.

Practical implications

The PCR‐based method developed in the study is simple, rapid, and sensitive and has the potential to be developed into a quantitative analytical method and for commercial PCR kits for the large‐scale screening of ground chilli to detect and prevent plant‐based adulterants. The work has public health significance too, as ground chilli is one of the major spices consumed worldwide.

Originality/value

The study is the first report on the development of SCAR markers for adulterant detection in ground chilli. This work has relevance, as adulteration is a major concern of the sanitary and phytosanitary issues of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement.
The price premium for wine quality signals: does retailers' information provision matter?
Authors: Boatto Vasco , Defrancesco Edi , Trestini Samuele
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This research aims to explore whether quality signals, such as grape variety names explicitly used by “quality wines produced in specified regions”, affect wine retail prices in different ways in large‐scale retail and specialised shops.

Design/methodology/approach

Tocai wine, which is produced in Northeastern Italian regions and is involved in a dispute with the Hungarian geographical indication Tokaj, is taken as a case study. A hedonic price model has been estimated based on retail prices observed in local markets.

Findings

The research shows that consumers buying at large‐scale retailers are willing to pay a higher price premium for quality signals than those buying in specialised shops, ceteris paribus. For the latter, willingness to pay for quality signals is reduced by the information provided by the specialised shop retailer, which decreases the customer's uncertainty about wine quality; quality signals appearing on wine labels generally have a more relevant positive effect on wine price than brand reputation, confirming the findings available in the current literature.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by proving, in a real market situation, that consumers are willing to pay a higher price premium for quality signals when information is supplied only by wine labels, as in a large‐scale retail environment, than when it is provided by the assistance of a knowledgeable seller, as in specialised shops. The paper confirms that the information transmitted to the consumer during purchase affects price in a way similar to that reported in the literature for simulated markets in the case of expert consumers.
Evaluation of quality of Coalho cheese produced with endogenous Lactococcus spp.
Authors: Viana A.C. , Teshima E. , Chaves A.C.S.D. , Mamede M.E.O.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of Coalho cheese produced using two different strains of Lactococcus spp. that were isolated from artisanal Coalho cheese in Bahia, Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different batches of cheeses were produced using lactic acid Lactococcus spp. strains named “LA‐02”, “RE‐02” and “Blend” (LA‐02 plus RE‐02). To study the quality of these products the paper uses quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), a test of acceptability and an analysis of physical‐chemical parameters.

Findings

For the flavor attribute, the highest acceptabilities were for LA‐02 (7.38) and Blend (6.92). The panelists found that 13 attributes were important to describe Coalho cheese. The Blend cheese was characterized by its yellow color, hardness, consistency, chewiness, typical Coalho cheese aroma and flavor. The LA‐02 cheese was characterized by its acid flavor, homogeneity and softness. All the samples analyzed showed values of moisture and fat that were in line with Brazilian legislation.

Practical implications

Coalho cheese is a typical Brazilian artisanal cheese that is normally produced with raw milk, even though legislation does not allow this. Pasteurization of the milk used to produce cheeses guarantees the microbiological safety of the product and, in this case, the cheese needs the addition of lactic acid bacteria in order to improve the sensorial quality and to give typical characteristics.

Originality/value

Coalho cheese, as produced in the artisanal form, is widely appreciated for its sensorial characteristics. The Coalho cheese proposed in this research retains the typical sensory characteristics by using different strains of Lactococcus spp. that were isolated from artisanal Coalho cheese but according to the specification of good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Results based leadership
Authors: Orey Maureen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the impact of vision on leadership and organizational success. Identify the questions you need to answer before you move your organization forward, explore the six key elements to effectively communicate your vision, review the conditions that can derail your organization. This paper is informed by Resource Associates Corporation and is modeled from a leadership seminar provided to member associates. Additionally, the paper is influenced by the book Fail Safe Leadership authored by Linda Martin and Dr David G. Mutchler.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the aspects of leadership, vision and organizational success. It discusses why creating a powerful vision is not enough, and how to get everyone focused on the right results. The paper offers a simple exercise that can transform your organization.

Findings

The three most common mistakes organizations make: failure to clearly articulate a vision, failure to communicate the vision effectively, and the misalignment of goals and actions. This paper offers questions, analysis and activities to help the reader discover key strategies for overcoming the barriers to success, and achieving the vision of their organization.

Research limitations/implications

The sources quoted are from the book Fail Safe Leadership authored by Linda Martin and Dr David G. Mutchler.

Practical implications

The paper details key aspects of vision and organizational leadership.

Originality/value

This paper gives a fresh perspective to the importance of vision, leadership and improving performance. It is of value to senior HR professionals and executive teams in companies concerned about aligning vision with action and achieving more effective organizational results.
Throw away that leadership competency model
Authors: Patching Keith
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper was written for the attention of organisations wanting to develop leaders and create leadership programmes and it aims to highlight the fact that a leadership competency model will have an adverse effect on potential leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Research has been carried out through analysing existing literature on leadership and reading autobiographies and biographies on leaders. Furthermore, the author has over 20 years' hands‐on experience of creating and leading development programmes and has used his personal experience from these courses to add to his findings.

Findings

There are numerous successful management development models and tools. Many organisations have subsequently wanted to use leadership competency models to achieve the same positive results for helping to develop leaders. There are two main areas of research into leadership; focussed and broad‐based. Focussed research has consisted of concentrating on existing leaders and looking at their behaviours and styles. This produces models of the “ideal” leader in different categories, such as leader‐as‐hero, or leader‐as‐explorer. Broad‐based research has looked at different styles leaders use and picked the “best” qualities. These qualities are then used as a programme to follow and complete. These blueprints are unsuccessful however as they hinder individuals rather than allow them to develop. The whole concept of a leader is that they stand out from the crowd rather than following others. By trying to follow existing models, these individuals end up copying rather than leading. The most important element of a leader is integrity; it is not taking on a role, but is instead about the person.

Originality/value

This article will be of great value to organisations wanting to develop leaders. It will demonstrate that following a competency model will act as more of a hindrance than a help, and that the organisation needs to encourage the individual to develop his or her self‐awareness rather than copying existing blueprints.
Forget teambuilding – data analysis will get you better results
Authors: Briggs Hilary
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how delving into the data that measures business performance generates a detailed understanding of the issues that provides a platform for improved business results and teamwork in parallel.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial event, focused on improving client satisfaction, highlighted issues that were limiting it, such as processes, which were not able to deliver in line with expectations, and different departmental priorities. A detailed review of key business processes was undertaken department by department. Two areas were used as a pilot to test the approach – which involved initial interviews with key staff, data collection and analysis, followed by feedback and brainstorming with staff to develop and prioritise actions.

Findings

The key outcomes of the project were that using the data to generate a more detailed understanding of problems within the business processes led to increased staff engagement, increased focus on improving performance and specific cost savings, as well as identifying further potential savings.

Originality/value

The case study shows how staff can be involved with developing solutions to performance issues such as poor process reliability, thereby increasing their engagement, making a positive contribution to client satisfaction and reducing costs. It would be of particular benefit to HR directors and managers seeking ideas on how to increase the engagement and team performance of their people.
External experiential learning programmes for today's apprentices
Authors: Ritchie David
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to explore the relevance of experiential learning to apprentices in the current commercial and industrial market.

Design/ methodology/ approach

Through exploring the history of The Outward Bound Trust and of experiential learning namely David A Kolb's summary of its relevance in education, Priest and Gass's encouragement for active questioning and the practical application of experiential learning by The Trust on behalf of major companies within the UK, this study aims to encourage and enlighten readers of its benefits. The four elements or phases of the experiential learning cycle: experiencing, reviewing, concluding and planning are explained and explored within this case study. The case study outlines how Airbus and the Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Ltd use apprentice training programmes as effective extensions of their own in‐house training.

Findings

Experiential learning has been found to be a cost‐effective extension of in‐house apprentice development programmes with attendees benefiting from an increase in motivation, improvement in self‐awareness and personal responsibility, enhanced team work and improved communications skills. The results of these new and enhanced skills have been found by The Trust's clients to transfer effectively back to the workplace.

Originality/value

This paper is of value and relevance to in‐house or external HR directors who may wish to consider experiential learning programmes for training apprentices.
Social reproduction and exclusion in subject indexing
Authors: Bates Jo , Rowley Jennifer
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight limits to the dominant model of social inclusion under which UK public libraries operate, to analyse how and to what extent processes of socio‐cultural exclusion emerge in the subject representation and discoverability of “non‐dominant” resources in public library OPACs, and to consider folksonomy as a solution to any issues raised.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first develops a critique of the dominant model of “inclusion” within UK public libraries, drawing on feminist and critical theories of identity. It then considers how this critique overlaps with and offers fresh insights into major debates within subject indexing, and develops a theoretical rationale for considering the potential of folksonomy to intervene in more inclusive subject‐indexing design. A user‐based critical interpretive methodology which understands OPACs as texts open to multiple interpretations is developed, and a comparative reading of standard OPACs and LibraryThing folksonomy is undertaken to evaluate the discoverability and subject representation of LGBTQ and ethnic minority resources.

Findings

LibraryThing folksonomy offers benefits over LCSH subject indexing in the discoverability and representation of LGBTQ resources. However, the folksonomy is dominated by US taggers, and this impacts on the tagging of ethnic minority resources. Folksonomy, like traditional indexing, is found to contain its own biases in worldview and subject representation.

Originality/value

The importance of subject indexing in developing inclusive library services is highlighted and a new method for evaluating OPACs is developed.
A genealogy of digital humanities
Authors: Dalbello Marija
Published: May 2011

Purpose

By reconstructing the genealogy of digital humanities through examining digital humanities projects and evaluative writings, this paper aims to identify core arguments related to disciplinary transformation and pedagogy in the humanities fields. It also seeks to consider knowledge production and transformation of a general humanistic attitude (the Humanities Program) in relation to digital tools. The paper also seeks to examine its perceived impact on disciplinary development, pedagogy, and forms of digital text.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a literature‐based conceptual analysis of distinct and diverse aspects of the enterprise of digital humanities, by identifying their main foci together with implications of these preoccupations within larger discourses. The analysis is grounded in a close reading of 45 exemplary texts published from the 1980s to date, and 14 exemplary projects and initiatives. The analysis highlights several concepts with their underlying assumptions.

Findings

The perceived epistemological advantage of digital technology for new forms of reasoning is that community development has produced theoretical frameworks and shaped practical directions. The paper identified three distinct formations characterized by associated digital artifacts: prominent opinion leaders, foundational projects, and document forms (morphs).

Research limitations/implications

Research data are not comprehensive. Selected texts and projects are exemplary. The results and findings are relevant for the English‐language context and limited by a selective corpus.

Originality/value

The paper outlines a historical trajectory of digital humanities and the formative stages of development from the discourses of that evolving field. It also identifies constructions of technological advantage with implications for knowledge production in the writing of humanities scholars. The paper contributes to practitioner awareness of the history of digital humanities practice.
Countering method bias in questionnaire‐based user studies
Authors: Gorrell Genevieve , Ford Nigel , Madden Andrew , Holdridge Peter , Eaglestone Barry
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss reliability problems associated with questionnaires, commonly employed in library and information science. It aims to focus on the effects of “common method variance” (CMV), which is a form of bias, and ways of countering these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically reviews the use of existing tools for demonstrating reliability in questionnaire‐based studies. In particular, it focuses on Cronbach's alpha, “Harman's single factor test” and Lindell and Whitney's “marker variable” approach. The paper introduces an illustrative case study based on the work on metacognition and web searching. It goes on to make recommendations for researchers considering using a questionnaire‐based approach.

Findings

CMV is a problem affecting questionnaire‐based studies in different disciplines across social and information science. Where questionnaire items are more abstract, CMV has been found to be more of a problem. The widely used Cronbach alpha measure, of the reliability of a questionnaire, may often be affected by CMV. Where method bias dominates the results, a high alpha score may do no more than indicate that the questionnaire consistently allows participants to accede to their biases. “Harman's single factor test” is criticised as lacking sufficient foundation, and it is concluded that it should not be used. The marker variable approach is a useful option but must be applied with caution.

Practical implications

A number of practical implications for researchers are drawn. Questionnaire‐based work investigating abstract constructs should be assumed to carry a high likelihood of CMV, and therefore should attempt to avoid it and demonstrate the degree of success in this regard. Otherwise, interpretation of the results should assume CMV. A number of approaches to assessing and isolating CMV are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper draws attention to a problem that is arguably often overlooked in questionnaire‐based studies, namely method bias. It discusses a number of approaches whereby it may be identified and controlled.
Identifying service superiority, zone of tolerance and underlying dimensions
Authors: Hossain Shoeb Zahid
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the overall service quality of the library system of Independent University, Bangladesh, a top‐ranked private university in Bangladesh. A survey is conducted among the library users specifically faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified version of the SERVQUAL questionnaire was used for data collection. The gap differences between perceived and desired services were calculated and ranked which could indicate what services meet, exceed or fall short of the users' expectations. The mean values of desired service levels were ranked and compared among three groups of users. A Kruskal‐Wallis test was done to examine the differences in desired level of service quality by different groups. The method zone of tolerance was applied to find out the range between perceived and minimum service levels. Finally, the underlying dimensions of service quality were identified through exploratory factor analysis of level of desired services.

Findings

It has been revealed that perceived services were lagging behind the desired services and attributes of service quality which fall short of user perception though the gaps were not much higher. It has also been observed that there were some significant differences in desired services received by the users. The overall scenario of tolerance zone was inside the tolerable level by all users and only one attribute was problematic.

Originality/value

The concept of library service quality and assessment is new in Bangladesh. The author of this paper first started to study on this area among public and private university libraries. This study will no doubt encourage and foster further research in this area for the effectiveness and the better performance of academic libraries in Bangladesh.
Impact evaluation, advocacy and ethical research: some issues for national strategy development?
Authors: Streatfield David , Markless Sharon
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between advocacy on behalf of libraries and impact evaluation in a national public library development context in which the boundaries between these two roles are likely to be blurred, creating ethical issues for all concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw upon their broad experience of helping various international organisations to develop strategic approaches to impact planning and evaluation for public libraries, as well as their work in helping to develop library practice at national level, in order to focus on and examine the creative tensions between impact evaluation and advocacy.

Findings

There are particular issues for all key participants (international programme funders, policy shapers, service managers, evaluators and advocates) in planning, supporting and delivering impact evaluation programmes. Most of these can be addressed directly but some (such as balancing programme requirements against local priorities, or achieving a balance between collecting evidence based on predetermined impact indicators and progressive focusing) entail management of the tensions between conflicting pressures.

Practical implications

Specific ways forward are offered to encourage ethical advocacy and impact evaluation at national library development level. These principles are equally applicable to education and health library development and to public library development at regional or local levels.

Originality/value

The particular issues of advocacy and impact evaluation in the national public library development context have not previously been recognized in the international development literature addressing advocacy and evaluation or in the library and information services research literature.
The use of Library of Congress Subject Headings in digital collections
Authors: Walsh John
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper attempts to explain the wide dissemination of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) within digital libraries and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of using this controlled vocabulary in digital collections. The paper also presents other classifications used in digital collections for subject access and explores ways of improving search functionality in digital collections that employ LCSH.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike traditional libraries that use Library of Congress Classification for organization and retrieval, digital libraries use metadata forms for organization and retrieval. The collections exist in cyberspace of the internet which is known for containing the universe of knowledge. The use of LCSH for information retrieval has been widely criticized for its difficulty of use and its information retrieval effectiveness in online environments. The Library of Congress (LOC) has claimed the headings were not based on comprehensive principles nor ever intended to cover the universe of knowledge. Despite these claims and criticisms, LCSH is the most popular choice for subject access in digital libraries.

Findings

The number of digital collections increases every year and LCSH is still the most popular choice of controlled vocabulary for subject access. Of the numerous criticisms, difficulties of use and user unfamiliarity are the greatest disadvantages of using LCSH for subject access. Average users only have a vague notion of what they are looking for when initializing a search. More work is required in automated generation of subject headings and increased usage of LCSH in faceted search retrieval systems. This will provide users with better access to the LCSH used in the back end of information retrieval.

Originality/value

The Greek researchers who developed the Dissertation DSPace system believe this type of module will eventually replace the traditional keyword‐based indexing back ends employed by many information retrieval modules within current digital library systems. The system offers the type of access and interactivity that will acquaint users with how LCSH looks and is used. Faceted search and automated pattern matching using an ontology based on LCSH have the best promise of overcoming the disadvantages that have always plagued the LOC‐controlled vocabulary. These retrieval techniques give LCSH an opportunity to finally achieve the optimal precision and recall it has so far failed to deliver.
Globalization of performance appraisals: theory and applications
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Roy Michel , Gilliland Terry
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a more complete perspective regarding the “best practices” for performance appraisals of “distant” employees in global organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of published works (1998‐2009) on multinational corporations and performance appraisals was reviewed. The literature was used to determine human resource challenges associated with globalization as well as the types of performance appraisals, common pitfalls and elements for improvement of appraisal systems. Concepts were then combined to determine the “best practices” for performance appraisal in a global setting. Finally, a small questionnaire consisting of six questions was constructed and sent to managers in two companies in the health care industry meeting the criteria of having “distant” employees. The questions were open‐ended in order to allow for a variety of responses enabling the researchers to view trends and make comparisons with the literature.

Findings

Adequate training must be provided to both the appraiser and the appraisee in order to avoid the many rating errors that are common in performance appraisal. Training should include cultural, legal and customer differences by country providing managers with the tools to improve on the process. Managers must also be given the opportunity to build the required relationship with these employees.

Research limitations/implications

A questionnaire was sent to several key managers in two complex pharmaceutical firms meeting the criteria with responses received. Further empirical research on the best practices of performance appraisal for distant employees in global organizations should be pursued.

Practical implications

This article provides a source of information on what practices are followed in order to support the performance appraisal of “distant” employees in different parts of the world.

Originality/value

There is limited literature dealing with “distant” employee performance appraisal in global organizations and this article attempts to fill this gap.
The hypocrisy‐sincerity continuum in corporate communication and decision making
Authors: Fassin Yves , Buelens Marc
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The disconnect between the corporate social responsibility (CSR) rhetoric and the practical reality experienced within companies calls for improved CSR evaluation systems that take into account the hypocrisy content of the firm's communication. The aim of this article is to contribute to the conceptual underpinning of a sincerity/hypocrisy index that positions an organization on a continuum from idealism to cynicism.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting with the analysis of the reasons for the dissonance between message and reality, the drivers of ethical corporate behavior, the intention of the actors and the intensity of effort and of corporate communication were analysed.

Findings

The analysis of the reasons for dissonance between message and reality sheds light on the role of communication in the perception of hypocrisy. An underlying model of a sincerity/hypocrisy index is proposed to position the firm on a continuum from idealism to hypocrisy in function of the degree of congruence or dissonance between communication and reality.

Practical implications

This concept of sincerity index could form a valuable basis for the development of new evaluation instruments for rating agencies, screening institutions and other evaluation bodies.

Originality/value

The instrument can help management to concentrate on the essence of CSR: the effective implementation of a corporate culture with attention for values and responsible business practices.
A performance measurement framework in portfolio management
Authors: Tadeu de Oliveira Lacerda Rogério , Ensslin Leonardo , Rolim Ensslin Sandra
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to present a framework to create a better understanding of the context and aid the portfolio management process. The paper seeks to present a case to illustrate the proposed methodology, identifying and measuring the success parameters for a project in a portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is a qualitative and quantitative mixture and it is presented as a study case. The primary data were obtained using semi‐structured interviews with decision makers. Bibliographic research is used in order to construct the theoretical framework and the intervention instrument adopted is the multicriteria decision aiding methodology – constructivist (MCDA‐C).

Findings

The methodology allows the criteria that must be taken into account, according to the decision makers' values and preferences in the project selection and sorting processes, to be visualized. The framework supports the ordinal and cardinal measurement of the project performance, making it possible to compare and rank proposals, as well as providing a process to improve project proposals.

Practical implications

This process has helped in negotiations between stakeholders in a portfolio context and, consequently, has helped the chief project officer (CPO) to select and prioritize strategic projects within the demand for new products.

Originality/value

This paper offers an empirical understanding of the application of performance measurement to portfolio management context and identifies complementary tools in this interdisciplinary area.
Common and un‐common sense in managerial decision making under task uncertainty
Authors: Rachel Dinur Adva
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of “common sense” and to distinguish it from uncommon sense as it applies to managerial decision‐making under conditions of task uncertainty. The paper enunciates the definition of common sense decision‐making and develops the concept of “uncommon” sense making. A typology of common sense is put forth, and a case study is used to illustrate it in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptually developmental paper, which explores and develops the concept of uncommon sense through literature review and typology development. A mechanistic, or internally driven, decision approach is compared with an organic, externally driven one, and the question of how common sense is related to these approaches in varying task uncertainty conditions is explored. A short case study is used as an illustration of the practical managerial implications under low task certainty conditions.

Findings

The concepts of MCS (common sense) and MUS (uncommon sense) are established, as well as O and M errors. It is suggested that within a mechanistic approach MCS is most appropriate in conditions of high task certainty. Within an organic approach MUS is most appropriate in conditions of low task certainty. An O error occurs when a mechanistic approach is taken, using common sense, under low task certainty. Lack of appropriate resources deems such an approach unsuitable. An M error occurs when a more risky organic approach (MUS) is taken when resources exist to make a common sense decision.

Practical implications

Increasing globalization, work ambiguity, and task complexity, introduce a need for greater managerial adaptability and speed. MUS may therefore play an increasingly greater role in organizational decision‐making as managers seek answers to questions generated by new and unique situations where existing decision rules may not apply.

Originality/value

The theoretical framework offered in this paper looks at the increasingly common situations in which “thinking outside the box” is essential for sound decision making. It suggests a taxonomy that allows for exploration as well as application of “uncommon sense”‐based theory in situations that require such innovative thinking. It takes a significant step in the theoretical and practical understanding of the very relevant issues of inspiration, adventure and creativity in managerial decision making today.
Enhancing decisions and decision‐making processes through the application of emotional intelligence skills
Authors: Hess James D. , Bacigalupo Arnold C.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Little research has been contributed to how the behaviors associated with emotional intelligence may be practically applied to enhance both individual and group decision‐making. The purpose of this paper is to identify practical approaches to the application of emotional intelligence to the decision‐making process. These practical approaches are designed to instruct and aid decision makers in the utilization of emotional intelligence skills to improve decision‐making.

Design/methodology/approach

Goleman's and Boyatzis et al.'s four essential elements of emotional intelligence and their associated 20 behavioral competencies are utilized to develop a methodology for the practical application of emotional intelligence skills to decision‐making. A series of questions and observations are outlined to assist decision makers in the improvement of emotional intelligence awareness, as well as the utilization of emotional intelligence skills to enhance decision‐making processes.

Findings

Organizations and individuals may benefit from the development and utilization of behaviors attributed to emotional intelligence. The practical application of emotional intelligence skills can enhance individual and group decisions and outcomes.

Originality/value

The practical application of emotional intelligence skills becomes a strategy for the development of the individual's and organization's ability to assess the impact and consequences of decisions, while simultaneously improving the quality and effectiveness of the decision‐making process.
Social capital as a decision aid in strategic decision‐making in service organizations
Authors: Jansen Rob J.G. , Curşeu Petru L. , Vermeulen Patrick A.M. , Geurts Jac L.A. , Gibcus Petra
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of social capital as a strategic decision aid in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in different service sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on 434 strategic decisions in service SMEs was gathered through computer‐aided telephone interviews and analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the mediating role of level of risk acceptance and confidence in the relationship between the breadth of social capital and decision effectiveness.

Findings

Evaluative judgments (risk acceptance and confidence) explain the negative effects of social capital on decision effectiveness. Service delivery and dependency on tacit know‐how account for differences between SMEs in different service sectors and serve as explanations for different effects of social capital as a decision aid.

Research limitations/implications

The study sheds light on the psychological underpinnings of social capital effects in strategic decisions. Higher varieties of actors make decision makers more tolerant for risk and decrease their confidence, which in turn hampers decision effectiveness.

Originality/value

Previous work on social capital suggests that it is beneficial to outcomes. The literature and policy initiatives also stress the beneficial effects of social capital and networking. This research on strategic decision‐making shows that the positive effects of social capital are not as pronounced as expected for the service SMEs. This paper draws explicit attention to the negative effects for strategic decision‐making.
Technology‐based service proposal screening and decision‐making effectiveness
Authors: van Riel Allard C.R. , Semeijn Janjaap , Hammedi Wafa , Henseler Jörg
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Decision‐making in early stages of technology‐based service (TBS) innovation projects proves to be challenging. Current failure rates in service innovation are high, while the investments in innovation projects are substantial. Research suggests that enhancing decision‐making in the screening stage could substantially increase success rates. By investigating the screening decision process from an information processing perspective, this article aims to identify antecedents of effective TBS screening decision‐making, and could thus help companies to enhance their decision‐making and reduce innovation project failure rates.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing literature regarding service innovation, new product screening and decision‐making under uncertainty, we identify antecedents of decision‐making effectiveness in the TBS screening stage. Hypotheses are developed and tested with data from 251 TBS innovation projects.

Findings

The study demonstrates the importance of decision‐making team composition, information use and decision perspective for innovation success. Decision‐maker experience and perspective mediate effects of team composition.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to investigate screening decision‐making. The authors provide a research agenda based on our findings.

Practical implications

The study helps screening committees enhance their decision‐making process, by optimizing committee composition, and making better use of decision maker experience and information.

Originality/value

Little is known about how decision makers exploit information and previous experience in dealing with the high levels of ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty in a TBS proposal screening setting. This is the first study to approach the problem from an information processing perspective.