bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lean, six sigma and lean sigma: fads or real process improvement methods?
Authors: Näslund Dag
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore if six sigma and lean are new methods, or if they are repackaged versions of previously popular methods – total quality management (TQM) and just‐in‐time (JIT).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a critical comparison of lean with JIT and six sigma with TQM, a study of the measure of the publication frequency – the number of academic articles published every year of the previous 30 years – for each topic, and a review of critical success factors (CSF) for change efforts.

Findings

The more recent concepts of lean and six sigma have mainly replaced – but not necessarily added to – the concepts of JIT and TQM. lean and six sigma are essentially repackaged versions of the former, and the methods seem to follow the fad (product) life cycle. The literature offers fairly similar and rather general CSF for these methods, e.g. top management support and the importance of communication and information. What seems to be missing, however, is the need for a systemic approach to organizational change and improvement.

Practical implications

A prediction is, given the fad or product life cycle phenomenon, that there will be a new method promoted soon, something perhaps already experienced with the borderline preposterous concept of lean six sigma. On the other hand, based on the gap in time between both JIT and lean, and TQM and six sigma – a gap filled by BRP/reengineering – the next method will be process oriented. This paper concludes with the discussion of the need for a process‐based approach to organizational improvement efforts.

Originality/value

This paper is of value in that it analyzes what lessons can be learnt from organizational change and improvement efforts. The analysis includes a comparison of CSF for any change project before discussing the need for a process (systems) perspective for successful organizational improvement efforts.
A quantitative model to predict the Egyptian ERP implementation success index
Authors: El Sawah Sondoss , Abd El Fattah Tharwat Assem , Hassan Rasmy Mohamed
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a quantitative model which helps enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementers in Egypt to predict their implementation success as a function of achieved critical success factors and the organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is formulated and operationalized based on existing literature and a series of interviews with key persons involved in ERP implementation in Egypt. A cross‐sectional survey involving 45 ERP implementers is conducted to collect data used to fit the developed model.

Findings

Half the surveyed ERP implementations are considered failures according to the research success metrics. While the critical success factors positively contribute to the success of an ERP implementation, the Egyptian organizational culture hinders its progress. The concept of integration provided by ERP systems is considered relatively new to the Egyptian organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The surveyed sample size is considered relatively small, which partially restricts the generalization of results to the whole population of ERP Egyptian adopters. Future research will involve combining detailed case studies and a larger survey.

Practical implications

ERP adopters should periodically evaluate their implementation process using risk analysis tools for ensuring optimum benefits and avoiding any problems that may occur. Furthermore, the Egyptian organizational culture should be carefully considered while implementing an off‐shelf ERP system.

Originality/value

This paper research adds to the growing body of knowledge on ERP implementations, a study of ERP implementation in the Egyptian settings. For practitioners, it provides ERP adopters with a self‐evaluation tool that helps them to monitor and predict the likelihood of project success.
Where good ERP implementations go bad: a case for continuity
Authors: Allen Lee E.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the concerns of administrative and clerical employees towards a web‐based business system and associated training which were not identified either before or during an enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. Post‐implementation analyses revealed that while an implementation can be deemed a success immediately following go‐live dates, long‐term planning is essential to maintain change management continuity for administrators and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The stages of concern component of the concerns‐based adoption model offered a method of analysis of the Dallas, Texas, Independent School District's employees to identify the perceptions and levels of acceptance of the users in regards to the implementation of an ERP system in a public school district.

Findings

The findings for the research questions assisted in interpreting and categorizing the responses to the open‐ended portion of the stages of concern questionnaire; and providing recommended guidelines for future ERP implementations in similar environments.

Practical implications

The paper shows how leaders in an organization must understand the employees' perceptions of the changes taking place in an ERP implementation and post‐implementation. Based on the findings, a summary, conclusion, and recommendations for further research are provided to assist K‐12 districts in planning for ERP implementations.

Originality/value

The significance of this study encompasses the impact of the integration of new technology with various associated people, processes, and systems. Understanding the impact of such potentially significant change by measuring a user community's overall perception and level of acceptance is a key component in providing guidance for future implementations in similar organizational and institutional environments.
An overall view of knowledge management challenges for global business
Authors: Denizhan Kalkan Veli
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an overall view of knowledge management challenges for global business via discussing the challenges and proposing theoretical and managerial implications.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive literature review, the paper identifies six main knowledge management challenges faced by global business today. Then, the challenges are discussed in relation to managerial practice.

Findings

The paper argues that developing a working definition of knowledge, dealing with tacit knowledge and utilization of information technology, adaptation to cultural complexity, attention to human resources, developing new organizational structures, and coping with increased competition are the main knowledge management challenges faced by global business today.

Practical implications

Suggested implications include a more significant managerial emphasis on considering and dealing with the knowledge management challenges in a holistic manner, taking into account all internal and external factors influencing the knowledge‐management process.

Originality/value

The paper evaluates the critical findings of the literature within the historical progress of knowledge management, clarifies the main knowledge management challenges faced by global business organizations today, and offers a basic framework for further studies.
Design for supply chain collaboration
Authors: Simatupang Togar M. , Sridharan Ramaswami
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the architecture of supply chain collaboration and to propose a design for supply chain collaboration (DfC), which enables participating members to create and develop key elements of the proposed architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a concept for designing the five elements of the architecture of supply chain collaboration, namely collaborative performance system, decision synchronisation, information sharing, incentive alignment, and innovative supply chain processes. A case study was carried out to illustrate the applicability of the framework.

Findings

DfC was confirmed using a case to evaluate a supply chain system in which the chain members concurrently designed the architecture of supply chain collaboration. The findings show that design for collaboration facilitates the chain members to have a broader view to develop and ensure an effective collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

Secondary data were collected to describe the collaborative practice in the company. Future research is required to elicit primary data using interview or focus group representing key players of collaboration for the purpose of model enhancement and action research.

Practical implications

The concept of DfC can be used by the chain members in the discussion forum to (re)design appropriate settings of the five elements of the architecture that lead to better overall performance.

Originality/value

Previous research has indicated the emerging school of design for collaboration. However, current researchers pay little attention to integrating and revealing the interactions of key design elements that drive the effectiveness of the chain members to realise better performance. The paper, for the first time, offers a novel framework for understanding DfC.
Business process modelling for a central securities depository
Authors: Romero‐Hernández Omar , de Lascurain Morhan Miguel , Muñoz Negrón David , Romero Hernández Sergio , Muñoz Medina David G. , Palacios Brun Arturo A. , Oneto Suberbie Manuel A. , Detta Silveira Jose E.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a business process modelling approach based on: the incorporation of the best practices in the industry; higher reliability standards for operation; real‐time settlement; improved security; and transparency in the process and information handling.

Design/methodology/approach

This novel process modelling considers three major phases. First, devising a new operating model covering the following main aspects: core services, secondary services, support services, common processes for all services and, system interaction with the national and international financial markets. Second, modelling of the redesigned business processes. Third, construction of a new system.

Findings

Significant improvements in the five attributes mentioned above were achieved by incorporating a straight‐through continuous processing model with a single entry and exit channel, a new account structure, an intelligent pre‐settlement process, and by stressing transparency in every process (system log).

Research limitations/implications

The illustrated methodology represents close to 10,000 work‐hours of research and consultancy at the Mexican central securities depository –CSD (INDEVAL). Although, arithmetic results are case specific, insight knowledge can be easily adapted on other CSD worldwide.

Practical implications

International standards as well as the best international practices were incorporated in the new system. Hence, the operation of INDEVAL will be in the leading edge of financial systems.

Originality/value

The present contribution illustrates a comprehensive re‐design of a complex business environment. One of the most innovative proposals for this new model was the new pre‐settlement module which optimizes the settlement process. Moreover, the incorporation of a straight‐through continuous processing model for a securities depository provides a transparent and efficient operation for a CSD.
Work system design to improve the economic performance of the firm
Authors: Maxwell James R.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at job design, motivation and teamwork. As the market gets more competitive, companies must change their plan of attack on almost a daily basis. They need to answer the question: what is the best way to do business? As employers look at job design they will find that it is not the only factor that indicates how productive employees are in the workplace. Motivation also determines how much energy employees will expend, as well as what tasks will be accomplished, and in what amount of time it will be completed.

Design/methodology/approach

Increasing productivity among employees is the key to a successful work group and firm. This paper will look at job design, motivation in the workplace and teamwork as they continue to be the major factors that determine the amount of work an individual does within a firm. Job design includes three main categories: job enlargement, job rotation, and job enrichment. The job characteristics model, a more recent approach to job design, includes five core job characteristics that include skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and job feedback.

Findings

The paper presents plenty of evidence that organizations are increasingly relying on teams to handle work once taken on by one person. Self‐managed teams are given the authority to make decisions that were once reserved for managers. Cross‐functional teams are used to improve coordination among different departments involved in carrying out a joint project. Many organizations are implementing these teams successfully into their structure. The result is that they are finding them to be more productive and prosperous than the work of single individuals.

Practical implications

Work teams such as self‐directed teams and cross‐functional teams are becoming increasingly popular among firms in today's work environment. Teams can work together in a dynamic business world to gain an edge over the competition.

Originality/value

Overall, job design, motivation, and teamwork tie together and create a work environment that can either help or hurt an organization. If a proper plan is implemented, then the firm should be more productively successful.
The plague of plagiarism in an online world
Authors: Gorman G.E.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to focus on a long standing, but increasingly problematic, occurrence in academic writing and publishing – plagiarism.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an opinion piece based on the current situation in academic publishing, particularly in the online environment.

Findings

Plagiarism has been common among generations of students in secondary and tertiary education and the situation has not improved. Many tertiary institutions almost never make a forceful response to cases of plagiarism for fear of litigation. “Litigation‐creep” has spread, with universities regularly adopting avoidance measures rather than tackling the issue head‐on.

Originality/value

The paper offers the view that it is now an opportune time for all involved in research and writing, editing and publishing to look seriously at the issue of plagiarism, and to create clearly and fully articulated protocols regarding the nature, context and penalty for plagiarism.
Key usability factors of service‐oriented web sites for students: an empirical study
Authors: Nathan Robert J. , Yeow Paul H.P. , Murugesan San
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a web usability study and to identify and prioritise key web interface usability factors (WIUFs) for web sites of 36 student‐related online services categorised into three groups: personal services, purchase services and study‐related web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, involving 400 student internet users (SIUs), 12,310 data points were collected and analysed using a multiple linear regression test. Seven WIUFs were tested: use of colour and font (UCF), use of graphics and multimedia (UGM), clarity of goals in web site (CGW), trustworthiness of web site (TOW), interactivity of web site (IOW), ease of web navigation (EWN), and download speed of web site (DSOW).

Findings

The study results reveal that every online service category has a different set of crucial WIUFs. SIUs' web usability preferences were compared with those of general internet users.

Research limitations/implications

The participants were all Malaysians; therefore, generalising the findings to all SIUs will require a confirmatory study with SIUs from other parts of the world.

Practical implications

Web developers can use the results to design usable web sites for specific online service categories.

Originality/value

The research offers a simpler alternative to measure web usability and to determine which WIUFs are crucial for a specific online service category with consideration of the users' role. This study overcomes some weaknesses of previous studies, i.e. small sample size, no consideration of product‐task relationship, no specific customer group and cumbersome procedures.
Hyperlink analysis of the visibility of Canadian library and information science school web sites
Authors: Yi Kwan , Jin Tao
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to probe the external visibility of the web sites of all seven ALA‐accredited Canadian library and information science (LIS) schools. The number of inlinks to the schools' web sites is used as an indicator of the visibility of all or some portions of the LIS web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

Inlinks pointing to the LIS school web sites were collected using the AlltheWeb search engine. The LIS school web pages pointed to by inlinks were manually analysed to discover visible topics and contents.

Findings

Four content clusters were identified by which to group the content of all the inlinked LIS school web pages. These clusters were LIS, research, home page and resources. The most visible cluster was the LIS cluster and the least visible was the research cluster. The most visible topics were student projects/activities, LIS‐related resources and course‐related information, in that order. The home page of each LIS school's web site was shown to be the single web page with the most visibility.

Originality/value

This was a comparative webometric study, which collected and analysed inlinks for seven Canadian LIS school web sites at two different times, 3 years apart (2003 and 2006). In the study, the ranking of visible clusters, topics and web pages from the LIS web sites were identified.
Knowledge access, creation and transfer in e‐government portals
Authors: Hoe‐Lian Goh Dion , Yeow‐Kuan Chua Alton , Luyt Brendan , Sian Lee Chei
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) is an important consideration in e‐government portals to ensure that knowledge flows efficiently between governments, individuals and organisations. A crucial aspect of e‐government portals that has not been addressed adequately is the extent to which KM mechanisms have been implemented. Specifically, the authors argue that appropriate KM mechanisms are necessary to support the access, creation and transfer of knowledge between these portals and their users. The paper aims to propose an evaluation model for this purpose by first defining the main KM mechanisms and then burrowing deeper into their constituent dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation model known as knowledge access, creation and transfer (K‐ACT) is presented which identifies three KM mechanisms for portals: knowledge access, creation and transfer. Each mechanism is characterised by a set of dimensions and sub‐dimensions representing the tools and features for supporting that mechanism. The model was derived from an analysis of the literature and validated by two independent reviewers who were trained in information science, were familiar with the objectives of the project and understood the concepts underlying KM implementation in portals. Using this model, a checklist was developed and applied to 60 e‐government portals in the Asian and North American regions to investigate the extent to which these KM mechanisms have been implemented.

Findings

The findings indicate that, on average, e‐government portals featured only about 36 per cent of the KM mechanisms described in the model. Furthermore, no significant differences in the implementation of the KM mechanisms were found between the two regions' portals. The evaluation also offered potential areas for improvement based on the K‐ACT model.

Originality/value

The present work has developed an evaluation model known as K‐ACT which can be used to assess KM implementation gaps in e‐government portals. This model can also be generalised to other types of portals. The evaluation also provides insights into the state of KM processes in the portals of the Asian and North American regions.
Deconstructing blogs
Authors: Wilde Erik
Published: June 2008

Purpose

A growing amount of information available on the web can be classified as contextual information, putting already existing information into a new context rather than creating isolated new information resources. Blogs are a typical and popular example of this category. By looking at blogs from a more context‐oriented view, it is possible to deconstruct them into structures which are more contextual than just focused on the content, facilitating flexible reuse of these structures: that is the aim of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the underlying structures of blogs and blog posts, representing them as multi‐ended links. This alternative representation of blogs and blog posts allows us to represent them as reusable information structures. This paper presents blogs as a popular content type, but the approach of restructuring Web 2.0 content can be extended to other classes of information, as long as they can be regarded as being mainly contextual.

Findings

By deconstructing blogs and blog posts into their essential properties, it can be shown how there is a simple and universal representation for blogs. This representation allows the reuse of blog information across specific blog or blogging platforms, and can even go beyond blogs by representing other web content which provides context.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel approach for mapping a popular web content type to a simple and universal representation. The value of such a unified representation lies in exposing the structural similarities among blogs and blog posts, and making them available for reuse.
Internet reporting in microfinance institutions
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Nieto Begoña , Fuertes‐Callén Yolanda , Serrano‐Cinca Carlos
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present research on how and why microfinance institutions (MFIs) disclose financial and social information on the internet. Legitimacy theory provides the theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study analysed factors influencing MFIs to publish financial and social information on the internet. The model was tested using regression analysis. The sample consisted of publicly available data from the web sites of 273 MFIs.

Findings

The study found that MFIs' internet presence overall is scarce and that greater levels of disclosure are needed. It was found that large MFIs with a high degree of public exposure on the internet disclose greater amounts of information on their web sites than smaller MFIs with a low degree of public exposure. It was also found that for‐profit MFIs disclose more financial information on their web sites, while non‐profit non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) reveal more social information.

Practical implications

MFIs should be proud to tell the world what they are doing. MFI managers need to remember that transparency increases funds from donors. Donors are mostly based in developed countries, so the internet plays a key role in disclosure and attracting potential donors. Thus, managers of MFIs are encouraged to increase disclosure levels – especially on the internet.

Originality/value

Academic research into the factors that influence MFIs' internet disclosure is still scarce. This is an important area of study because full disclosure offers enormous benefits. Since MFIs have a social mission, they are legitimated in the eyes of their donors by disclosing social information. Since they are also financial institutions, they have to show that they use the funds they receive efficiently.
Leadership learning: key to organizational transformation
Authors: Varney Sharon
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how strategic HR professionals might create the conditions for leadership learning to play a key role in supporting organizational transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on research into learning in complex organizations, the paper applies six different lenses to consider what made a real leadership development program successful as an enabler of change.

Findings

It highlights some of the apparently small things that made a huge difference to the impact of the leadership learning investment and includes practical advice for HR professionals on how to apply this thinking to their own leadership development programs.

Practical implications

It introduces a simple model that can be used to consider some of the complex contextual dynamics of leadership learning and other forms of organizational learning.

Originality/value

Strategic HR practitioners are encouraged to consider their own leadership learning initiatives in terms of a broader range of influences that have an impact in complex organizations.
View from the top: executive perceptions of the value of learning
Authors: Anderson Valerie
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to outline important lessons for HR professionals who seek to ensure that investment in learning delivers strategic value to the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Making use of data from semi‐structured interviews, the paper explores the extent to which perceptions of the strategic value of learning held by senior HR professionals are aligned with those of senior operational managers.

Findings

The data indicate what executives expect learning to deliver at an organizational level, the challenges of aligning learning to strategic priorities and the ways in which HR professionals are measuring and reporting on the value of learning. A trend away from “return on investment” approaches to “return on expectation” assessments of the value of learning is identified.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to the views of senior managers, further research into the value expectations of line managers and other stakeholder groups is now required.

Practical implications

The article highlights the importance of identifying and communicating the alignment of learning strategy with organizational priorities, the need for proactive dialogue between HR professionals and senior decision makers to develop management trust in the learning value contribution and the development of a balanced range of value measures and assessments that are significant for the organization in its specific context.

Originality/value

Traditional measures of training effectiveness have focused on the functional interests of learners and trainers. This research shifts attention to expectations at a strategic level and the consequences of this for measuring and reporting on the value of learning.
Leadership succession: an approach to filling the pipeline
Authors: Brant James , Dooley Rebecca , Iman Stephen
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to summarize the development of a systematic approach to assessing executive potential by studying a major medical device manufacturer that aimed at substantially increasing its pipeline of candidates for top executive positions through programs designed to identify and assess high potential leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study illustrates a range of issues pertinent to developing integrated approaches to succession planning, including identification of criteria suitable to the culture of the organization and its strategic challenges, sound assessment of candidates and integration of program efforts with development needs of high potential managers. The approach developed in the case provided consistent criteria for assessing leadership potential in a global corporation and relied on methods derived from assessment centers.

Findings

Events of the case led to the development of systematic and integrated processes promoting succession planning and executive development. The program has been well received by high potential managers and seems to have yielded benefits in retention of top executive talent.

Research limitations/implications

Since program development, 64 percent of candidates nominated with high degrees of confidence have been promoted and 70 percent have experienced either functional or cross‐business‐unit moves – compared with a 20 percent promotion rate and a 38 percent attrition rate for individuals not participating in the process.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the events that led to the development of systematic and integrated processes promoting succession planning and executive development.
Driving high performance in the talent‐powered organization
Authors: Cheese Peter
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss the importance of talent management to strategic success, to identify the challenges in building talent power and to explore how to overcome those challenges. It summarizes some of the thinking from the book, The Talent Powered Organization

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by setting the context around today's major HR issues and the importance of talent management. Talent is now the key to strategic success, but is conversely getting harder to find and easier to lose. In tackling these issues, every organization must deal with a world of change and variability. The paper drills down into how to embed and sustain talent power. It explains the importance of understanding and measuring how talent contributes to an organization's performance and goes on to examine the other capabilities and processes required to ensure that talent is not just retained, but is also actively multiplied.

Findings

The paper asserts that an organization needs to put in place key processes in order to retain and actively multiply talent. They include: maintaining visible leadership that is focused on talent; encouraging and rewarding line managers for nurturing talent; and modernizing HR and training to identify, develop and deploy talent to the best effect.

Practical implications

The theory is backed up by examples from different parts of the world that demonstrate practical solutions to tackling specific challenges to building a talent‐powered organization, including: Valero Energy; Yahoo!; Campbell's Soup; Unilever; and SKM.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the importance of talent management to strategic success, in order to identify the challenges in building talent power and to explore how to overcome those challenges.
HM Prison Service: business partnering inside
Authors: Constance Simon
Published: June 2008

Purpose

HM Prison Service has over 48,000 staff and an annual payroll in excess of £1.4 billion. The aim of this article is to examine how this “people business” has radically overhauled its HR processes, placing HR in a strategic position where it can contribute to business growth.

Design/methodology/approach

A new Oracle HR system, regional HR shared services teams and a national shared service center provide the foundations to create a new HR operating model transforming HR support to area managers and governing governors in 130+ locations across England and Wales. In one of the largest recruitment campaigns ever for HR business partners (HRBPs), over 120 HRBPs and 14 area HR and OD manager roles were created.

Findings

Managers' eyes are opening to what can be achieved with a proactive business outcome‐focused approach to HR. By moving HRBPs into a position where they can begin to deliver real outcomes, senior managers have seen tangible examples of what is possible.

Originality/value

The paper examines how this “people business” has radically overhauled its HR processes.
Coaching shouldn't be non‐directive – or even directive: really responding to needs
Authors: Cunningham Ian
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an antidote to the supposed divide between directive and non‐directive coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on work done in a variety of organizations as well as published sources. The paper quotes published work as well as personal experience.

Findings

There is an alternative to the directive/non‐directive debate. Coaches need to be clear about the person they are working with and the problems they face before offering or pointing to solutions to these problems.

Practical implications

The article has real practical implications for leaders/managers, coaches and learning and development professionals. The model discussed within it provides a secure basis on which coaches can offer a real service to clients.

Originality/value

The article will be of value to managers and learning specialists/coaches as it raises important issues about the need to take a realistic view about coaching practice.
A Gestalt perspective of coaching: a case for being more yourself
Authors: Chidiac Marie‐Anne
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline how a Gestalt approach to coaching which makes use of the paradoxical theory of change can lead to personal growth and development.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an overview of the key concepts of paradoxical coaching and a case study to illustrate the method.

Findings

The application of the paradoxical theory of change accesses the personal change process of the coachee and leads to improved performance.

Originality/value

The article provides an alternative perspective to the more widespread behaviorally‐based coaching approaches.
Executive coaching across cultural boundaries: an interesting challenge facing coaches today
Authors: Donnison Phil
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the need for cultural sensitivity and knowledge when working as a coach with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an overview of Hofstede's descriptions of cultural dimensions and explores how an awareness of these can be useful to coaches in their work.

Findings

Executive coaches working with managers from different countries need to be aware of the influence of local culture on the behaviour of the managers. The manager's culture will often be very different to the coach's and understanding these differences can help coaches work more effectively.

Originality/value

The article provides an alternative perspective to the more widespread behaviourally‐based coaching approaches.
The psychology of “managing mistakes”: some implications for coaches and managers
Authors: Piggott David
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper has two main aims: first, to outline the importance of an understanding of psychological theories of learning for coaches and managers; and second, to delineate the practical implications of adopting either of the two psychological theories presented for coaches and managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The main theoretical insights in this paper are derived from the work of the renowned philosopher, Sir Karl Popper, and especially his caricature of learners as active “searchlights” as opposed to passive “buckets” (Popper). The basic tenets of the “searchlight” and “bucket” theories are illustrated with the assistance of analogies from coaching football (soccer) and an argument is advanced in favor of adopting the former.

Findings

Following from the adoption of the searchlight theory of learning, the paper argues that managers and coaches should work to create environments that foster and support learning. In such an environment, people are treated as creative problem solvers and errors or mistakes are regarded as important learning events.

Practical implications

In conclusion it is argued that knowledge can only grow in organizations where mistakes are effectively managed rather than punished or ignored.

Originality/value

This paper advances important arguments from the field of epistemology about the nature of learning and the organisational environment. It will be of value to coaches and managers who are interested in how knowledge grows and who wish to foster this process in their organisations.
Modelling rapid climate changes and analysing their impacts
Authors: Bekteshi Sadik , Kabashi Skender , Šlaus Ivo , Zidanšek Aleksander , Najdovski Dimitrij
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is the modeling of rapid climate changes (RCC) and analysis of their impacts in ecological and economic systems, in particular, their responses on the rate of RCC and assessment of the considered factors most influenced by RCC.

Design/methodology/approach

For modeling impacts of the RCC, the model WORLD3 has been used. Since it is expected that the greatest impacts of RCC be in energy, in this case, the WORLD3 model has been used under the assumption that RCC influences the rapid decrease of energy during a time period of one year. Therefore, the results will be more explicit than in the case when the change occurs gradually during a longer time period.

Findings

The results obtained in this work show that increasing the rate of RCC can be associated also with nonlinear responses of economic and ecological factors. It is seen from the analysis that the later the RCC occurs in the time scale considered, the lesser the consequences for ecological and economic systems affected by the RCC.

Practical implications

From these results, it can be concluded that adaptability and resilience of ecosystems and economies is needed, especially for the factors that are most affected by RCC – in this case, the population and energy, exert efforts for reducing the causes of RCC, and prompt action to mitigate global warming as the main cause of RCC. Also, these results show the possibility of early development of potential mitigation and adaptation strategies and allow for a better evaluation of risk exposure.

Originality/value

This work is original, as no such analysis has been carried out about impacts of RCC in economic and ecological systems. The paper provides data and results upon which further research could be carried out.
Utilization of energy from thermal treatment of sludge
Authors: Boran J. , Houdkova L. , Ucekaj V. , Stehlik P.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare well‐known technologies of sludge utilization on the basis of energy and economical balances of real processes. The calculations are based on pilot tests in the Central Waste Water Treatment Plant (CWWTP) in Prague, the biggest waste water treatment plant in the Czech Republic.

Design/methodology/approach

A key issue for the comparison of mass and energy flow of sludge management is the attainable level of sludge dewaterability. Results of dewatering of anaerobic digested sludge are available from real applications since most sewage plants use digesters. The existing limited knowledge about mixed raw sludge (MRS) dewaterability have driven authors to make pilot tests targeted to establishment of an attainable level of MRS dewaterability. To get as close results as possible even anaerobic stabilized sludge was dewatered and various other data were collected to obtain a comprehensive data set for energy balance of the sludge management calculation. The pilot tests took place at CWWTP in 2005. Measured data were used to calculate energy balance of a number of different sludge managements.

Findings

To produce self‐reliant combusting sludge, a dry matter content of 35‐45 per cent for MRS and 45‐55 per cent for digested sludge has to be achieved by means of dewatering and potentially drying. In recent measurements at CWWTP a dry matter content of about 33 per cent was achieved by dewatering of MRS. This value is very close to the range of the dry matter content at which a self reliant combustion can be expected.

Practical implications

This comparison together with investment cost analysis should be one of the most important parameters in case of design a new or revamp an old waste water treatment plant.

Originality/value

The paper provides results from pilot tests at CWWTP together with three different energy balances comparison.
A heat atlas for demand and supply management in Denmark
Authors: Möller Bernd
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The objective is to describe and evaluate the development of a novel planning tool for end‐use efficiency in the built environment and for infrastructural changes in the energy system.

Design/methodology/approach

After describing problems related to further reduce heat demand in the Danish built environment, the geographical nature of the planning task is discussed. The requirements are then translated into concepts for the development of a general method, which is implemented in a practical design of a heat atlas. Typical applications are described and discussed.

Findings

It was found that the availability of the extensive public databases in Denmark make feasible the development and application of a highly detailed geographical information base for end use and infrastructure planning and analysis. It was also realised that the development has much higher potentials than explored in this paper. On the other hand, the complex geography of the urban/rural boundaries of cities requires extra care when using this approach.

Research limitations/implications

Unfortunately, the results of this report are only directly applicable for Denmark, which maintains public databases on the built environment and socio‐demography with a very high standard of detail and coverage. The research presented here may require further development of empirical methods of the relation between energy demand and physically and socially mapped data. On the other hand, the research may contribute to better data for analyses in the techno‐economic analyses of future energy systems, which now can be carried out for arbitrary geographical units, independent of administrative boundaries.

Practical implications

The method presented here may be further developed as a practical tool to be used to revive the municipal and regional energy planning, either by technical consultants or by local governments. Even a publicly accessible, web‐based tool is feasible.

Originality/value

The paper describes how existing data in society can be assembled to a novel method to be used within energy planning, and environmental management as a whole. A system of the one developed does not exist as yet. On the other hand it builds upon existing traditions in energy planning and local governance.
An optimal electricity allocation model for the effective utilisation of energy sources in India with focus on biofuels
Authors: Jebaraj S. , Iniyan S. , Suganthi L. , Goić Ranko
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Renewable energy sources are likely to play a major role in meeting the future energy requirement of a developing country like India. Among the various renewable energy sources, the bio‐energy plays a key role for the power generation. In this paper, an attempt is made to develop a fuzzy based linear programming optimal electricity allocation model (OEAM) that minimizes the cost and determines the optimum allocation of different energy sources for the centralized and decentralized power generation in India with special emphasis to bio‐energy.

Design/methodology/approach

The OEAM model optimizes and selects the appropriate energy options for the power generation on the factors such as cost, potential, demand, efficiency, emission and carbon tax. The objective function of the model is minimizing the cost of power generation. The other factors are used as constraints in the model. The fuzzy linear programming optimization approach is used in the model.

Findings

The extents of energy sources distribution for the power generation in the year 2020 would be 15,800 GWh (4 per cent) from the coal based plants, 85,400 GWh (20 per cent) from the nuclear plants, 191,100 GWh (44 per cent) from the hydro plants, 22,400 GWh (5 per cent) from the wind mills, 45,520 GWh (11 per cent) from the biomass gasifier plants, 14,112 GWh (3 per cent) from the biogas plants, 8,400 GWh (2 per cent) from the solid waste, 33,600 GWh (8 per cent) from the cogeneration plants and 11,970 GWh (3 per cent) from the mini hydel plants, respectively.

Originality/value

The OEAM has been developed for the electricity demand allocation for the year 2020. An extensive literature survey revealed that carbon tax and emission constraints were never used in the previous models and they are considered in the present model.
Entropy analysis of metal production and recycling
Authors: Gößling‐Reisemann Stefan
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The paper attempts to address both resource consumption and recycling effectiveness, using concepts from thermodynamics: entropy production for evaluating the costs (resource consumption) and statistical entropy for evaluating the benefits (separation of materials) of recycling processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Resource consumption, in this context, is to be understood as the overall thermodynamic devaluation of matter and energy flows. The recycling effectiveness, on the other hand, can be measured by the process's ability to reduce the “mixedness” of the material flows, using statistical entropy (entropy of mixing) as an indicator. Statistical entropy has been used by others as an indicator for the performance of waste separation processes, and its application to metal recycling seems straightforward. Entropy production has been applied as a measure for resource consumption in copper production. Here, the two concepts are combined to reach an expression describing the resource efficiency of recycling.

Findings

The theoretical description of the approach is supported by an example calculation for copper recycling. The findings suggest a near perfect effectiveness of the copper separation when processing medium grade copper scrap in a primary copper smelter. The resource consumption, on the other hand, is quite large when compared to the service of the process, giving rise to a rather small thermodynamic efficiency (in terms of the definition of efficiency as applied in this paper).

Research limitations/implications

Both measures used here, recycling efficiency and recycling effectiveness, are very demanding concerning the data basis, making applications time consuming. These drawbacks can be overcome by linking material flow tools (e.g. LCA software) with thermodynamic databases. More examples have to be considered to show the practical relevance of the approach.

Originality/value

The paper addresses effectiveness and efficiency using a common denominator, thermodynamic entropy. This unification helps in ranking different recycling options regarding their performance in terms of technical effectiveness and resource consumption.