bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking the impacts of US magnet schools in urban schools
Authors: Green Daryl D. , Davis Deshaun H.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the range of benchmark applications associated with US magnet schools in urban areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The collection and critical analysis of secondary data from relevant publications are used to evaluate the results of America's magnet schools. Analysis of organizational and leadership theory has been utilized in order to benchmark future successful efforts.

Findings

The paper finds the following key issues: magnet schools have numerous mission goals that prevent them for having a clear strategy, magnet school structures should be customized for the specific communities and promote parental involvement, and magnet schools instruct students who are heavily influenced by pop culture values and challenge traditional values in the school culture.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examines benchmarking applications that are exclusively relevant in US urban schools.

Practical implications

There are several implications for researchers and practitioners related to improving the academic success of low‐performing schools in urban areas in America.

Originality/value

This paper is significant because it presents a theoretical framework for interpreting the impacts of magnet schools in urban schools.
A natural resource valuation tool for assisting natural resource management
Authors: Mazourenko Elena
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to investigate the opportunities for better integration of environmental valuation (EV) methodology into the natural resource management (NRM) decision‐making process in the context of NRM practices in South Australia and to offer a practical valuation tool to the NRM agencies for assisting the NRM decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examines the theoretical approach to EV methodology in an attempt to reduce certain limitations of the methodology. Data for this project were collected through interviews with various South Australian state NRM authorities. Both theoretical and empirical findings led to the development of a natural resource valuation (NRV) tool based on a modification of the contingent valuation (CV) technique.

Findings

The data obtained indicate a range of reasons for under‐utilisation of EV methodology in NRM practice in South Australia such as the controversial nature of the methodology and low level of awareness among NRM practitioners about the benefits of undertaking EV studies. These findings are addressed by the NRV tool aimed at promoting EV in NRM community consultation practices.

Originality/value

The results described in the paper are of value to NRM practitioners in offering a new valuation tool for better‐informed decision making. As a theoretical assessment of certain aspects of EV methodology, this research is of value to the academic community.
Renewable energy in Australia: 20 per cent by 2020
Authors: Froome Craig
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The Australian Government has proposed a portfolio standard requiring 20 per cent of electricity to be supplied by renewable energy. It has introduced a number of policy measures to drive this target; however based on the resources and commercially available technology is this enough? This paper aims to look at the application of both Federal and State measures and to determine whether this will drive the deployment of technology at the rate required to meet the targets set.

Design/methodology/approach

Research and modelling was undertaken on the anticipated generation technologies (based on proposed policy measures and commercial availability of the technology), which indicate a shortfall in renewable generation by 2018.

Findings

The findings indicate that additional policy measures will be required to meet the objectives set. These measures will need to be introduced at a State level where the policy measure can target those renewable resources in which the State has both an economic and abundant supply.

Practical implications

Within any country (particularly one the size of Australia) different regions will have different renewable resources and policy will need to target those resources in which the region has an abundant and economically viable supply.

Originality/value

Currently all discussion in relation to policy measures to combat global warming issues within Australia has been focused at the Federal level. The paper highlights the need to focus policy at State level when looking at deploying technology at specific renewable resources.
Opinion leaders and complex sustainability issues
Authors: Keys Noni , Thomsen Dana C. , Smith Timothy F.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify mechanisms and strategies involved in individual and local responses to complex global sustainability issues such as climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes an innovative approach to understanding the role of informal leadership and its utility in influencing societal attitudes and practice. The approach builds on theories of diffusion in which learning about new ideas, practices or technologies occurs through interpersonal communication with informal opinion leaders. It draws on findings from studies in other fields of social research, such as community health, development aid, and agriculture, in which the engagement of opinion leaders has been found to speed up the spread of responsive behaviours. The approach also analyses linkages between the concepts of response capacity to climate change and social capital with the strategies of opinion leaders for influencing societal change through informal social networks.

Findings

Research related to social change in response to climate change has focused predominantly on the need for reform at the public policy and institutional level, and at the other extreme, on individual behaviour change. The role of leaders has been cited as an important component of social change in case studies of adaptive management of natural resources, sustainability studies, and in research on social capital.

Originality/value

Development of the approach will contribute to the understanding of social mechanisms and processes involved in community engagement with complex problems and more specifically, response capacity for climate change at the regional level.
The role of labels in directing consumer packaging waste
Authors: Buelow Sarah , Lewis Helen , Sonneveld Kees
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which consumers in Melbourne understand recycling information on packaging labels and their resulting recycling behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed research methods were used in the study (qualitative and quantitative approaches) in the form of randomly distributed surveys and structured face‐to‐face interviews. Both methods were administered with consumers from three demographically different areas in the metropolitan Melbourne (Australia) region. The software program SPSS was used to analyze some of the results.

Findings

The research shows that despite good intentions, consumers' understanding of packaging materials and labelling for common products, and therefore resulting sorting behaviour, is often very poor. The confusion surrounding current labelling and recycling schemes can be attributed to incorrect labelling and system complexity combined with a lack of consumer understanding and care.

Practical implications

Correct sorting of recyclable and non‐recyclable packaging means materials finish in the correct waste stream and recyclable materials have the opportunity to be reprocessed and eventually reused, saving raw materials as well as reducing other environmental impacts. If consumers do not correctly sort materials, recyclable packaging will go to landfill and non‐recyclable materials will contaminate the recycling stream.

Social implications

The results of the research, when completed, could be used to design more effective labelling schemes for packaging to inform consumers about its recyclability. The social benefits potentially include increased diversion of recyclable materials from the waste stream and reduced costs of both recycling and waste disposal.

Originality/value

There has been very little research undertaken on the role and adequacy of labelling in driving consumer‐recycling behaviour, and therefore this paper fills that gap. The results in the paper may be used to further enhance environmental package labelling through policy development or commercial applications.
Localizing climate change: stepping up local climate action
Authors: Bond Meghan
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the current literature and ideas on how local climate change action (both mitigation and adaptation) could be intensified.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of Australian and international academic journals and policy documents on the current views of effective local climate action was conducted. Additional data on Australian grassroots community activities was compiled from the internet, participant observation and secondary sources.

Findings

The paper argues that local climate action is important and three key aspects could provide effective avenues to step‐up local climate action. These three avenues are: increased attention to local adaptation; the linking of adaptation and mitigation efforts together and with other local ecological concerns; and greater engagement with active community members and grassroots community‐initiated climate change actions. These three key aspects could give climate change a local saliency and tangibility, spur more effective action, build community resilience and reduce vulnerability.

Research limitations/implications

Research is in the explorative stages and, therefore, only tentative conclusions and possible future directions can be suggested.

Practical implications

The avenues identified to scale‐up local action on climate change could be readily utilised by local governments and/or other interested groups.

Originality/value

The paper disseminates three compelling ways that climate action could be intensified at the local scale, and possibly create greater public engagement and avenues to innovative approaches to tackle climate change.
Field performance of a phytocap at Lakes Creek landfill, Rockhampton, Australia
Authors: Venkatraman Kartik , Ashwath Nanjappa
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Landfill capping is a mandatory post closure procedure in Australia to isolate the deposited wastes from the outside environment, mainly water. Compacted clay caps are predominantly used in Australian landfills. Recent studies have shown that clay caps have shorter life span and fail to prevent percolation of water due to cracking. This paper aims to discuss a new technology called “Phytocapping” that has been trialled at Lakes Creek landfill in Rockhampton.

Design/methodology/approach

In this technique, trees were used as “bio‐pumps” and “rainfall interceptors” and soil cover as “storage” of water. The field performance of the phytocapping system was measured based on its ability to minimise water percolation into waste. Tree growth, transpiration, canopy rainfall interception and methane emission were monitored over three years. The percolation rate was modelled using HYDRUS 1D code for two different scenarios (with and without vegetation) for the thick (1,400 mm soil) and thin (700 mm soil) phytocaps respectively.

Findings

Results from the modelling showed percolation rates of 16.7 mm yr−1in thick phytocap and 23.8 mm yr−1in thin phytocap, both of which are markedly lower than those expected from a clay cap. Results from monitoring and observations showed that 19 of 21 tree species grew well in the harsh landfill environment. However, the correct species selection is very important for the long‐term sustainability of the phytocap. Results also show that phytocaps can reduce a significant amount of methane emission from landfills.

Practical implications

The cost of landfill capping is escalating and is putting a lot of financial and legal pressure on the small and medium sized local governments in Australia. The phytocapping technique not only offers financial benefits but also has some environmental and commercial benefits.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on a new technology being used in waste management.
Aquifer visualization for sustainable water management
Authors: Nasrin Nury Sultana , Zhu Xuan , Cartwright Ian , Ailleres Laurent
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a three dimensional (3D) geological model, based on geographic information system (GIS), of the Barwon Downs Graben aquifer system in Victoria, Australia, and to visualize the complex geometry as a decision support tool for sustainable water management.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3D visualization of the aquifer is completed, based on subsurface geological modelling. The existing borehole database, hydrogeological data, geological information and surface topography are used to model the subsurface aquifer. ArcGIS 9.2 is employed for two‐dimensional (2D) GIS analysis and for 3D visualization and modelling geological objects computer aided design (GOCAD) 2.5.2 is used. The developed methodology of ArcGIS and GOCAD is implemented for creating the 3D geological model of the aquifer system.

Findings

The 3D geomodel of the Barwon Downs Graben provides a new perspective of the complex subsurface aquifer geometry and its relation with surface hydrogeology in a more interactive manner. Considering the geometry, estimated volume of the unconfined Eastern View aquifer is as 0.83 × 1010m3and for the confined aquifer is about 1.02 × 1010m3. The total volume of overlying strata of this aquifer is about 3.09× 1010m3. The water resources of the study area are affected by the pumping from this aquifer. This is also significantly influenced by the geometry of the Graben.

Originality/value

The 3D model utilises comprehensive and generally available datasets in the public domain. Although the used 3D geomodelling tools are mainly developed for applications in the petroleum industry, the current paper shows its ability to be adapted to hydrogeological investigations.
Revisiting customer value analysis in a heterogeneous market
Authors: DeSarbo Wayne S. , Ebbes Peter , Fong Duncan K.H. , Snow Charles C.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Customer value has recently become a primary focus among many strategy researchers and practitioners as an essential element of a firm's competitive strategy. Many firms are engaged in some form of customer value analysis (CVA), which involves a structural analysis of the antecedent factors of perceived value (i.e. perceived quality and perceived price) to assess their relative importance in the perceptions of their buyers. Previous CVA research has focused upon using aggregate market or market segment level analyses. The purpose of this paper is to expose the limitations of implementing CVA on either an aggregate or market segment level basis, and propose an alternative individual level approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops an extended hierarchical Bayesian approach for cross‐sectional data with one observation per response unit, which allows for estimation at the individual firm level to make CVA more useful. This paper demonstrates the utility of the proposed Bayesian methodology involving a CVA study conducted for a large electric utility company. It also compares the empirical results from aggregate, market segment, and the proposed individual level analyses, and show how traditional approaches mask underlying price and quality importance.

Findings

Marketing and management strategy researchers need to exhibit care when conducting such CVA analyses as underlying heterogeneity can be masked when aggregate market or segment level analyses are conducted.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new hierarchical Bayes recursive simultaneous model formulation for CVA analyses to provide individual level insights with cross‐sectional data.
Effects of organizational citizenship behaviour on group performance
Authors: Sevi Enrico
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on organizational effectiveness. Specifically, it investigates the impact of helping behaviour on a group where members withhold the effort on job.

Design/methodology/approach

Results are drawn from an agent‐based simulation model of a workgroup that has to accomplish some tasks for a specific duration.

Findings

When there are group members withholding effort, OCB decreases organizational effectiveness; on the contrary, when individuals provide much effort in the job, OCB enhances group performance. High performance is reached by the group who are able to learn when OCB is appropriate and fitting.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this paper are strictly linked to the absence of empirical analysis. The simulation model provides a logical and consistent theory that needs an empirical validation.

Practical implications

This paper helps workers and supervisors since it warns them on the OCB gap and suggests that in the place of a blind OCB, the groups need to share a smart OCB to cultivate altruism with people who work hard, and to exclude the others.

Originality/value

In the study of OCBs determinants and consequences, the academy has almost exclusively assembled on positive factors. This paper shows the OCB dark side and it asserts that citizenship effects on organization performance are not predetermined as a conceptual assumption. Effectiveness is assured by a dynamic and selective OCB only toward good workers.
Classification and prediction in customer scoring
Authors: Zuccaro Cataldo
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and assess the structural characteristics (conceptual utility) of the most popular classification and predictive techniques employed in customer relationship management and customer scoring and to evaluate their classification and predictive precision.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of customers' credit rating and socio‐demographic profiles are employed to evaluate the analytic and classification properties of discriminant analysis, binary logistic regression, artificial neural networks, C5 algorithm, and regression trees employing Chi‐squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID).

Findings

With regards to interpretability and the conceptual utility of the parameters generated by the five techniques, logistic regression provides easily interpretable parameters through its logit. The logits can be interpreted in the same way as regression slopes. In addition, the logits can be converted to odds providing a common sense evaluation of the relative importance of each independent variable. Finally, the technique provides robust statistical tests to evaluate the model parameters. Finally, both CHAID and the C5 algorithm provide visual tools (regression tree) and semantic rules (rule set for classification) to facilitate the interpretation of the model parameters. These can be highly desirable properties when the researcher attempts to explain the conceptual and operational foundations of the model.

Originality/value

Most treatments of complex classification procedures have been undertaken idiosyncratically, that is, evaluating only one technique. This paper evaluates and compares the conceptual utility and predictive precision of five different classification techniques on a moderate sample size and provides clear guidelines in technique selection when undertaking customer scoring and classification.
A bicriteria integer programming model for the hierarchical workforce scheduling problem
Authors: Pastor Rafael , Corominas Albert
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a bicriteria integer programming model for hierarchical workforce scheduling in which the first criterion is the cost and the second is the suitability of task assignment to individual employees. The model is based on the integer programming formulation for the hierarchical workforce scheduling problem published in 2007 by Seçkiner et al., which extends the model proposed by Billionnet in 1999.

Design/methodology/approach

The principal hypothesis of this paper is that, although an employee is capable of performing several different tasks with equal efficiency, the type of task to which he/she is assigned affects the overall suitability of the assignment configuration. Therefore, cost‐minimising solutions should also optimise task assignment when possible. This paper considers real cases and confirm that this approach to the problem is appropriate for dealing with common situations in personnel management.

Findings

The proposed idea is applied to the example problem used by Seçkiner et al. and the results are compared with Seçkiner et al.'s model results.

Originality/value

Consequently, the proposal is more general and a more faithful representation of the problems faced by personnel managers, which should help to bridge the gap between academic studies and practical cases.
Quantifying uncertainty in ranking problems with composite indicators: a Bayesian approach
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A. , Moustakis Vassilis S.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an inductive methodology, which supports ranking of entities. Methodology is based on Bayesian latent variable measurement modeling and makes use of assessment across composite indicators to assess internal and external model validity (uncertainty is used in lieu of validity). Proposed methodology is generic and it is demonstrated on a well‐known data set, related to the relative position of a country in a “doing business.”

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is demonstrated using data from the World Banks' “Doing Business 2008” project. A Bayesian latent variable measurement model is developed and both internal and external model uncertainties are considered.

Findings

The methodology enables the quantification of model structure uncertainty through comparisons among competing models, nested or non‐nested using both an information theoretic approach and a Bayesian approach. Furthermore, it estimates the degree of uncertainty in the rankings of alternatives.

Research limitations/implications

Analyses are restricted to first‐order Bayesian measurement models.

Originality/value

Overall, the presented methodology contributes to a better understanding of ranking efforts providing a useful tool for those who publish rankings to gain greater insights into the nature of the distinctions they disseminate.
Corporate social responsibility in a Brazilian mining company: “official” and divergent narratives
Authors: Duarte Fernanda
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This research paper seeks to explore two narratives identified in a project focusing on CSR in Brazil: the “official view” promoted by the company, and “divergent voices” that called into question the legitimacy of the official view.

Design/methodology/approach

This takes the form of a qualitative design and interpretive approach. Semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews supplemented with corporate materials, web searches, informal conversations with external stakeholders, and non‐participant observation are also used.

Findings

The study revealed that the official narrative emerging from the “corporate performances” organized by the key informant was consistently positive. The divergent narrative portrayed the company in a negative light, and was unveiled through web searches and further reflection in the post‐fieldwork period.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection could have been carried out more systematically if the researcher had had greater control over the situation, especially with regard to recruitment of participants, which was done by the key informant.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a better understanding of the concept of “CSR as organizational culture”, which has not been significantly explored in the literature. It addresses the scarcity of works on CSR in the Brazilian mining sector and stresses the importance of going beyond the official view when researching CSR cultures, to consider a diversity of perspectives.
Students' perceptions regarding CSR success of the US forest products industry
Authors: Panwar Rajat , Hansen Eric , Anderson Roy
Published: February 2010

Purpose

From the standpoint of the future of corporate social responsibility, students' perceptions are an important research proposition. Several studies have been conducted to examine this phenomenon, yet sector‐specific studies are rather scant. The primary purpose of this work is to examine students' perceptions regarding social responsibility in the context of the US forest products industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 257 graduate and upper level undergraduate students from Oregon State University and University of Montana, pursuing different academic majors, were surveyed to examine the differences in their perceptions of the US forest products industry's success in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities.

Findings

Results suggest that business and forest ecology/environmental science students were least satisfied with industry fulfilling its economic responsibilities. Regarding fulfillment of socio‐environmental responsibilities, forest ecology/environmental science students were significantly less satisfied than any other study major. Additionally, a comparison between male and female students suggested that males and females have a similar level of satisfaction regarding industry fulfilling its economic responsibilities. However, males were found to be more satisfied with industry fulfilling its socio‐environmental responsibilities than females.

Research limitations/implications

Students for the study were not selected randomly and as such the results of the study can, at best, be considered indicative. Study findings have implications for academic curriculum designers as well as for industry policy makers.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to examine students' perceptions about the social responsibility success of the US forest products industry.
Biotechnology education and societal demands: challenges faced by biotechnology and human resources development
Authors: Pandu Ranga Narasimharao B.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the social responsibility of universities and other higher education institutes in meeting the challenges faced by biotechnology and human resource development.

Design/methodology/approach

The challenges faced by biotechnology are discussed under three broad heads – exponential growth in biotechnology knowledge, commercialization and industrialization of the biotechnologies, and knowledge integration by various stakeholders of biotechnology.

Findings

The emergence of the knowledge society warrants that universities ensure that overall work of the academy is more relevant to the nation's most pressing civic, social, economic and moral problems and that there is an urgent need to have a fresh look at the approaches followed in biotechnology education and training, particularly with reference to developing countries. It is necessary to see how the different players (industries, university, society, government) concerned with biotechnology can act in unison and in a mutually beneficial way. An integrated approach to the field of biotechnology combining different subject areas is necessary and the courses and approach should reflect this.

Originality/value

Career counselors and those engaged in educational guidance are flooded with inquiries about biotechnology courses and their scope. It is observed, on the one hand, that the biotechnology field is starved of talent and, on the other hand, that there are several universities/colleges, particularly in developing countries, producing large numbers of unemployable graduates. Some serious thinking needs to be done urgently to overcome this problem.
Sustainability along the global supply chain: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Tencati Antonio , Russo Angeloantonio , Quaglia Victoria
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact that more sustainable sourcing policies by many multinational companies are having on the suppliers located in developing countries such as Vietnam. Questions are raised about the process through which CSR is reaching the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in Vietnam thanks to the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's (UNIDO) Regional Office. The survey was carried out on the basis of a questionnaire that was used as a support during the direct interviews and was sent electronically when the preferred method of on‐site visits was not possible. A total of 25 Vietnamese enterprises were involved in the research.

Findings

The results achieved highlight, on the one hand, how CSR does make business sense even in a developing country such as Vietnam and, on the other, the difficulties related to the way requirements of sustainability are moving from Northern consumers to suppliers in Vietnam.

Practical implications

This process calls for new forms of collaboration involving firms along the supply chain, local authorities, international players, and civil society.

Originality/value

The paper points out the unsustainability of the process through which corporate responsibility is being imposed on Vietnamese suppliers and how CSR, having become a mandatory requirement for access to international markets, might transform itself into a new type of technical barrier to trade. Therefore, CSR needs to be fostered rather than imposed, through the creation of innovative partnerships and locally‐rooted solutions.
Corporate social responsibility of a Nigerian polluter: the West African Portland Cement (WAPCO) Nigerian PLC's case
Authors: Adewuyi Adeolu O. , Olowookere Afolabi E.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Owing to the dearth of studies in Africa on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community satisfaction with them, this study aims to examine the case of WAPCO and its host communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use of a simple structured questionnaire, the authors collected data from key respondents including community development leaders, community chiefs, market women leaders, youth development leaders, religious leaders and other opinion leaders in and around the locations of WAPCO's Plants. The authors also extract some useful information from the company's annual reports. In analyzing the data, both a descriptive approach and some measures of linear association are adopted.

Findings

The authors found that, although the proportion of resources committed to CSR is small, CSR expenditure rises with the firm's sales. Further, the host community displays a great knowledge of the adverse effects of the company's operation; however, reactions are minimal. This is attributed to the company's elaborate governance structure and CSR practices as well as to a high level of host community satisfaction with them. However, there is the budding predisposition for the company's activities to generate conflict with workers from the community and the community as a whole in the future.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the facts that some data extracted from the company's annual reports are taken as given, and by an inability to carry out a large‐scale survey of opinions as planned due to unwillingness of the community individual members to cooperate. Besides, the study is based on a single firm in the manufacturing industry. Thus, caution should be exercised in the interpretation and generalization of these results.

Practical implications

The company's CSR is rated as satisfactory; nonetheless, involving the community more in the design of its CSR programs is imperative. The idea of institutionalization of collective bargaining procedures in CSR activities is relevant not just to WAPCO, but also to other companies, especially those with much environmental impact, like the oil companies. It is also suggested that a grassroots approach be taken in studying the CSR profile of companies, especially in a developing economy, like Nigeria; in order to serve as early warning signs of conflicts.

Originality/value

The study adopts both theoretical and empirical approaches to associate a company's CSR practice with the immediate community needs or satisfaction so as to forestall the replication of the kind of crisis observed in the Nigerian oil industry. To one's knowledge, no prior study in Africa has taken such a holistic and balanced approach.
Principles for responsible metals supply to electronics
Authors: Young Steven B. , Fonseca Alberto , Dias Goretty
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to critically analyse the list of principles on the extractive phase of the electronics supply chains, proposed for consumer electronic companies, by the non‐governmental campaign MakeITfair. The purpose is to understand whether conformance with these principles could positively influence the socio‐environmental conditions at the mining level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature on incorporation of corporate social responsibility in supply chain management. It then examines how metals are mined, traded and used in electronics, as well as how the mining industry has been managing its own socio‐environmental problems. This information underpins the qualitative discussion of the principles.

Findings

MakeITfair's principles were found to be constructive insofar as they draw the attention of electronic companies to their shared responsibility for the problems of distant‐tier suppliers. Nevertheless, some principles may lead to potentially undesired outcomes such as biased prioritization of mining companies or regions, adoption of contentious “standards”, and conflicts concerning the sovereign rights of nations over their natural resources. Overall, the principles stress traceability mechanisms as means of influencing the mining phase of supply chains without considering the costs and benefits of overcoming the complexities involved in the metal trade and other barriers. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to consider additional ways of positively influencing metals supply.

Research limitations/implications

The paper points out specific research priorities in the value chains of metals.

Originality/value

The paper provides a critical analysis of intricate responsibility issues in the supply chain of the world's top electronic companies.
Operationalising place‐based innovation in public administration
Authors: Adams David , Hess Michael
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Place‐based innovation has become central to meeting the complex demands on contemporary public administration. Among the difficulties in introducing new practices is the gap between political authorisation and administrative implementation. This paper aims to use the emergence of new forms of place‐based public administration involved in the (re)introduction of community‐based ideas, practices and instruments into public administration to demonstrate how authorising and operationalising innovation can be addressed in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews placed‐based public administration initiatives in Victoria, Australia over a decade.

Findings

To be effective public sector innovations need both a powerful authorising environment and also a framework for operationalisation. As with private sector innovation new ideas in the public sector often need new institutional arrangements and instruments to enable their effective take up and diffusion. These new arrangements often require the “creative destruction” of previous ways of thinking and working.

Originality/value

This paper contains evidence of new place‐based approaches to public management, that could be of interest to other states and countries.
Measuring the perceived performance of a residential development
Authors: Lundgren Berndt A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether residential buyers' beliefs about the built environment in a specific place influence their willingness to buy in a large‐scale real‐estate development (RED) by developing and testing a new attitude scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study is carried out in two phases. The first phase is a qualitative laddering study to capture the beliefs of potential buyers visiting open sales of apartments on sale in the RED of Frösunda, Sweden. In the second phase, a multivariate analysis is carried out to identify and measure factors that have an influence on their willingness to buy.

Findings

Five factors are found that describe buyers' beliefs about the built environment: urban environment, architecture, relaxation, safety and liveliness. Buyers' and non‐buyers' attitudes towards these factors vary depending on the characteristics of the built environment. The means‐end chain model and laddering technique proves useful in eliciting beliefs that describe how a particular place is perceived by potential buyers.

Research limitations/implications

These findings stem from one case study and a retest should be made using an independent sample to assess the generalisation of the scale.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates novel research using the laddering technique, how real‐estate buyers' attitudes and their evaluation of performance of the built environment vary depending on location. Practitioners will have a new tool for RED, if the RED scale proves to be broadly applicable to access real‐estate buyers' evaluation of the performance of a residential development.
Sustainable green urban planning: the Green Credit Tool
Authors: Cilliers E.J. , Diemont E. , Stobbelaar D.J. , Timmermans W.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The Green Credit Tool is evaluated as a method to quantify the value of green‐spaces and to determine how these green‐space‐values can be replaced or compensated for within urban spatial planning projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Amersfoort Local Municipality created the Green Credit Tool to ensure protection and enhancement of the urban green totality. The tool is described and evaluated based on three core elements: the value matrix, the collection of values and green compensation. Findings were based on case studies in Parkweelde and Randerbroek (Amersfoort, The Netherlands).

Findings

Green‐planning is not just about flora and fauna, but also about planning for economic benefits and thus needs to have a quantifiable value. The Green Credit Tool enhances integrated green‐planning by means of the value matrix (identifying values of green), collecting values (participation and stakeholder‐identification) and compensation (protecting green spaces).

Research limitations/implications

Assessment of green values will differ between users, experts and between locations.

Practical implications

The Green Credit Tool introduces a different perspective to green‐spaces that can add value to urban environments and thus creates economic spin‐offs. It stresses the need for environmental issues to play a greater role in future planning processes.

Social implications

Green‐planning is known to have various psychological benefits. The Green Credit Tool is a communication tool and thus incorporates public opinions, enhances social responsibility and enhances awareness of the broader benefits of green spaces.

Originality/value

The Green Credit Tool creates an integrated approach towards the planning of green‐spaces, enhancing the value of green areas and thus ensuring qualitative urban planning and sustainable economic development.
New urban governance approaches for knowledge‐based industries in multiplicities
Authors: Lange Bastian , Kalandides Ares , Wellmann Inga , Krusche Bernhard
Published: February 2010

Purpose

European metropolises nowadays are struggling even more to attract highly mobile creative as well as knowledge‐based industries. In many European cities, the ongoing socio‐economic transformation of inner‐city brownfields enables metropolises to allocate new economies within these inner‐city spaces. The purpose of this paper is to observe impressive infrastructural projects, e.g. Stuttgart 21, Hamburg HafenCity – aiming at attracting and allocating knowledge and creative industries in the inner‐city for the purpose of strengthening its core.

Design/methodology/approach

Two of these large empty inner‐city slots can be found in Berlin (Tempelhof) and in Graz (Reininghaus). The first one is a former airport in the inner‐city area of Berlin, the second one a former brewery located in the inner‐city of Graz, Austria. In this paper, these projects are analysed by focussing on governance and urban management approaches, which seek to accommodate creative and knowledge‐intensive industries as well as the adjacent creative knowledge milieus.

Findings

The paper analyses implications that can be derived from these two cases on the level of governance efforts seeking to overcome the organisational as well as the governance paradox, as it is described by scholars such as Grabheret al.

Originality/value

The paper is aiming at presenting new empirical as well as conceptual insights into how this paradox could be successfully dealt with in order to develop places for these targeted creative knowledge milieus in European metropolises.
Managers, balance, and fulfilling lives
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on the author's earlier paper published inGender in Management: An International Journal(formerlyWomen in Management Review) in 2000 titled “Do managerial men benefit from organizational values supporting work‐personal life balance?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is examined in the context of the author's research and writing program.

Findings

The 2000 paper built on the author's previous research and writing and informed their current research activities. In addition, the 2000 paper seemed to reflect emerging interest in work‐personal life balance or integration, as well as the experience of men at work, that was emerging at this time.

Research limitations/implications

Greater attention to the work and life experiences of men at work is warranted.

Practical implications

The paper finds that men benefit from organizational values supporting work‐personal balance as do other studies involving managerial and professional women. These collective findings suggest that organizations would benefit by supporting both male and female managers and professionals in their efforts to lead more complete lives as employees and family members.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that a greater understanding of men's lives would benefit not only men but also women and employing organizations.
Do managerial men benefit from organizational values supporting work‐personal life balance?
Authors: Burke Ronald
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of managerial and professional men's perception of organizational values supporting work‐personal life balance in their workplace and their work experiences, indicators of work and life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 283 men using anonymous questionnaires.

Findings

Managerial men reporting organizational values more supportive of work‐personal life balance also report working fewer hours and extra hours, less job stress, greater joy in work, lower intentions to quit, greater job career and life satisfaction, fewer psychosomatic symptoms and more positive emotional and physical wellbeing.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information on the relationship of managerial and professional men's perception of organizational values supporting work‐personal life balance in their workplace and their work experiences, indicators of work and life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.
A reflection of the contributions of “Women in sport management: advancing the representation through HRM structures”
Authors: Moore Mark E. , Konrad Alison M.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a reflection of contributions made by the paper “Women in sport management: advancing the representation through HRM structures.”

Design/methodology/approach

The approach the paper took in preparing this reflection was to offer the recollections as why the study was initiated and the significance it has had since being in print.

Findings

In this paper, four key outcomes of the original study are identified and discussed. They are that women rated their leaders as significantly less committed to gender equity than men did; that experiencing a gender equity lawsuit increased top management's philosophical support of gender equity, that top management support for gender equity is significantly positively associated with both substantive human resource management (HRM) practices and the percentage of female managers in the organization; and that the presence of substantive HRM practices for gender equity is unrelated to the employment of female sport managers.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight on the significance of the original paper and communicates the importance of further practical and scholarly efforts to increase gender equity within management.
Women in sport management: advancing the representation through HRM structures
Authors: Moore Mark E. , Parkhouse Bonnie L. , Konrad Alison M.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of organizational characteristics, philosophical support, and substantive human resource management (HRM) programs on promoting gender equality within sport management.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire is developed to collect data on philosophical support and HRM practices within sport organizations and sent to 500 collegiate and professional sport organizations in the USA; 196 respondents (39 percent) returned their completed survey forms.

Findings

Findings indicate significant confirmatory paths between experiencing a gender discrimination lawsuit and philosophical support (t=−3.14, p<0.05), philosophical support and substantive HRM programs (t=9.56, p<0.05) and philosophical support and representation of female managers (t=2.36, p<0.05). The paper concludes that philosophical support of top managers leads to the development of substantive HRM programs to promote gender equality in sport management and greater female manager representation.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful insights into the effect of philosophical support from top managers on HRM programs that promote gender equality in sport management.