bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological characteristics of di(iso‐butyl) polysulfide as extreme pressure additive in some mineral base oils
Authors: Fu Xisheng , Shao Heyang , Ren Tianhui , Liu Weimin , Xue Qunji
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In order to develop novel high EP S‐containing additives and to meet the need of formulating GL‐5 gear oil or other high EP lubricating oils, aims to investigate the tribological behaviors and mechanism of a di(iso‐butyl)polysulfide (DIBPS), which was synthesized from some cheap materials at low temperature and under normal atmospheric pressure, as an additive in some mineral base oils compared with the traditional sulfurized olefin (SO) additive.

Design/methodology/approach

The DIBPS additive was designed and synthesized, of which the main composition is the di(iso‐butyl)trisulfide. Its load‐carrying capacity, anti‐wear and friction reduction properties as additive in some mineral base oils, compared with the traditional SO additive, were investigated using a four‐ball machine and a Timken tester according to relative testing standards. The tribological mechanism was discussed according to the SEM and XPS analytical data.

Findings

The results indicate that the four‐ball PD value and the Timken OK value of the prepared DIBPS in VHVIS500 is clearly better than that of the traditional SO; the anti‐wear property of DIBPS is equivalent to the traditional SO and the friction reduction effect of DIBPS is better than that of the traditional SO. The SEM and XPS data show that the DIBPS additive experiences different tribochemical reaction during tribological process compared with the traditional SO. The S active element of DIBPS reacted with surface metal mainly to form FeSO4 and/or Fe2(SO4)3 inorganic film, but the S active element of the traditional SO reacted with the surface metal mainly to form FeS inorganic film. This may be the chief reason why the prepared DIBPS possesses better EP properties than the SO.

Research limitations/implications

The results show that the polysulfide additive (DIBPS) possesses better extreme pressure property than the traditional SO. However, more experimental study such as the synergic effect with other additives must be performed, from which it will be clearly shown whether the novel polysulfide can be applied in industrial oils.

Practical implications

These results may be useful for the researchers to formulate some high EP industrial oils.

Originality/value

This paper proves that the designed polysulfide additive, of which the main composition is the trisulfide, possesses better extreme pressure property than the traditional SO, and its tribological mechanicsm is also different with that of SO. It is noticed that the preparative method of this novel polysulfide additive has some superiorities, such as: low‐experimental temperature, low‐experimental pressure and cheap materials.
Structure‐energy criterion of the wear resistance of metals and alloys with allowance for the stiffness of the stressed‐strained state of the surface
Authors: Kaczyński Roman , Pogodaev Leongard I.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the phenomenon of wear resistance of some metals and alloys with allowance for the stiffness of their stressed‐strained state of the surface.

Design/methodology/approach

An original criterion (in the form of limiting deformation power density) of wear resistance on the basis of structure‐energy theory of friction is proposed. Experimental data on the wear resistance are generalized using the criterion for the conditions of hydroabrasive, impact‐abrasive and cavitational erosion.

Findings

The dependence of the criterion on stiffness coefficient of the stressed‐strained state of the surface of materials is demonstrated. It has been found that an increase of the stiffness results in the reduction in the energy capacity and wear resistance of both metals and alloys investigated.

Practical implications

The structure‐energy criterion can be used for choosing suitable frictional materials and to compare and estimate the theoretical considerations with experimental data.

Originality/value

The proposed structure‐energy approach allows systemizing the results of our analyses and the experimental data.
Learning styles in education and training: problems, politicisation and potential
Authors: Evans Carol , Sadler‐Smith Eugene
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a selection of papers from the 10th Annual European Learning Styles Information Network Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at problems, developments in the application of style and potential styles for practice in the area of cognitive and learning styles in education and training practice, with a brief look at the papers within this issue.

Findings

The paper finds that each of the papers presented here raises a number of pertinent issues which are significant in the ongoing debate regarding the value of cognitive and learning styles in education and training practice. These are presented in the form of ten key messages.

Originality/value

The paper presents a useful insight into the problems, politicisation and potential of learning styles in education and training.
Course experience, approaches to learning and academic achievement
Authors: Diseth Åge , Pallesen Ståle , Hovland Anders , Larsen Svein
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The present study seeks to compare scores on factors from the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) with scores on an abbreviated version of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) and examination grade among undergraduate psychology students. The purpose is to investigate the relationship between course experience and approaches to learning, and to examine their relative importance as predictors of academic achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modelling were utilised in order to find measurement models for each of the constructs and to test hypothesised structural relations between these constructs.

Findings

The original CEQ and ASSIST factors were reproduced. A model in which course experience factors predicted SAL was supported, but the same model did not provide evidence for any indirect or mediator effect between course experience, approaches to learning and academic achievement. Indirect empirical support for a hypothesised causal link between course experience and approaches to learning was found.

Research limitations/implications

Weak relations between the predictor variables (course experience/approaches to learning) and academic achievement limited the possibility of identifying mediator effects, and future research should address this issue.

Practical implications

Lecturers and course designers should take into account that students' approaches to learning are influenced by course experience, especially with respect to the adoption of a surface approach to learning.

Originality/value

This paper included a comparison between course experience, approaches to learning, and academic achievement, whereas most previous research has not included academic achievement. The utilisation of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling gave a stronger test of construct validity than exploratory analyses, and it facilitated the testing of hypothesised structural models.
The marriage breaking aspect: experiences of the MBA
Authors: Berman Brown Reva
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate an aspect of undertaking a part‐time Masters of Business Administration (MBA) that has been discussed informally but has not been researched – that a proportion of MBA students who start their studies within a marriage are likely to end up with the qualification, but without the spouse.

Design/methodology/approach

The site of the research was a part‐time MBA programme delivered by a university in the south‐east of England. It was a degree lasting two calendar years, designed for practising middle and senior managers, and was run for five years before being disbanded in the late 1990s. The population was made up of three cohorts of students – there were ten graduates from the first intake, 11 from second; and nine from the third and last group. The research approach was qualitative, relying on conversations, interviews, and documents.

Findings

The study finds that in each cohort, marriages came under severe strain and a number of these ended very painfully. The paper is anecdotal and puts forward no solutions. Instead, it attempts to shed some light on a phenomenon that proved, for the MBA students involved, to be destructive in the short term, but constructive in the long term.

Practical implications

The paper examines the marriage breaking aspect of the MBA, and attempts to find some explanation for what happened, by examining the inter‐relationship between home, work and study, and between husbands and wives. Their experiences may be of use to designers of MBA programmes and those who lecture on them.

Originality/value

The paper deals with an aspect of the MBA which is generally absent from the literature and which reveals an unexpected downside to what is supposed to be a productive and rewarding educational experience.
Student and tutor perspectives of on‐line moderation
Authors: Packham Gary , Jones Paul , Thomas Brychan , Miller Christopher
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The on‐line tutor or e‐moderator faces a diversity of new challenges, including instructional design, organisation, direct instruction and facilitating discourse. This study aims to contrast the views of students and tutors regarding what factors constitute effective e‐moderation in order to identify key attributes of an on‐line tutor.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was adopted. The research utilised a semi‐structured interview technique to collect data contrasting and comparing the views of 35 students and 35 tutors on the constituents of effective e‐moderation.

Findings

The paper finds that from a student perspective the quality of feedback, student support and module management were key attributes of an effective e‐moderator. In contrast tutors argued that motivating students, including the provision of constructive feedback and developing an engaging on‐line persona were critical to successful e‐moderation. Comparison revealed that students and tutors have a broadly similar view to what constitutes effective on‐line moderation and any disparities related to how these groups tended to interact with the learning environment. Students were concerned primarily with how moderation enabled them to engage with the learning environment whereas tutors tended to discuss effective moderation in terms of factors that facilitated the learning process.

Originality/value

The study recognises the key attributes of an effective e‐moderator that should inform course design and tutor training.
Teaching pigeons to dance: sense and meaning in entrepreneurship education
Authors: Hannon Paul D.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the philosophical and conceptual understanding of entrepreneurship education through borrowing and applying conceptualisations of education from education theory to bring deeper meaning to approaches to entrepreneurship education in UK higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies existing theoretical and conceptual frameworks from adult education and applies these to the phenomenon of entrepreneurship education as a sense‐making tool from which deeper insights and understanding are gained.

Findings

As a conceptual paper the “findings” relate to the unearthing of the inherent drivers and values to the design and delivery of entrepreneurship education in UK HEIs. Applying education theoretical frameworks enables presentation of a purposeful and guiding framework for effective curricula design in entrepreneurship thereby enabling coherence and cohesion of approach and achievable outcomes. Furthermore, the paper maps the purpose and role of educators against a segmented framework to draw out distinctions across contexts and to present the need for a clarification of the role of the educator in the entrepreneurial learning process. This enables a discussion of the development needs of entrepreneurship educators for the UK.

Practical implications

Overall, the paper presents implications for HEIs in how they conceive of and introduce entrepreneurship education; educators and the role they perform in effective entrepreneurship education and curricula designers in developing meaningful “fit for purpose” offerings across the diversity of the entrepreneurial opportunity environment.

Originality/value

This paper further builds on a significant gap in the extant knowledge and literature for enhancing understanding in the development of the field of entrepreneurship education within higher education in the UK.
Exploring career transitions: accounting for structure and agency
Authors: Duberley Joanne , Mallon Mary , Cohen Laurie
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To apply and develop Stephen Barley's model of career structuration to offer insights into the transition into portfolio working.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study methodology is used. Interviews were conducted with managers who had left the National Health Service to develop portfolio careers.

Findings

The adoption of the Barley model of career structuration as a sensitising device has made it possible to show how individuals have drawn from existing scripts embedded in institutional forms but have also contributed to developing new career scripts, such as portfolio working. Their enactment of career scripts is a dynamic process whereby they impact back on those scripts in both intentional and unintentional ways. Thus the transformative capacity of individual career actions is asserted but, critically, alongside awareness of constraints as bound up in structures which have salience for individuals and for collectives.

Research limitations/implications

This is a study based in one large public sector organisation. Further exploration of the potential role of career as a way of understanding socially embedded action and its capacity for change is required, which takes account of different occupational settings.

Practical implications

The study outlines some of the frustrations experienced by portfolio workers and has practical implications for the ways in which they should be managed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debate concerning structure and agency in career theory.
Human resource information systems: a review and empirical analysis
Authors: Ngai E.W.T. , Wat F.K.T.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present a comprehensive literature review of human resource information systems (HRIS) and to report the results of a survey on the implementation of HRIS in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was designed, pre‐tested, modified, and used to capture data on a cross‐section of HRIS users in Hong Kong. The questionnaire was pilot‐tested by practicing HRIS consultants and by HR and MIS managers. Based on the feedback from the pilot‐test, the questionnaire was modified and a final questionnaire was developed and mailed to companies in Hong Kong.

Findings

Most Hong Kong industries perceived that the greatest benefits to the implementation of HRIS were the quick response and access to information that it brought, and the greatest barrier was insufficient financial support. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between HRIS adopters and non‐adopters, and between small, medium, and large companies, regarding some potential benefits and barriers to the implementation of HRIS.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should address the status of internet/intranet‐based HRIS. An internet/intranet‐based HRIS will undoubtedly be of much more benefit than the traditional HRIS, but its adoption will pose some challenges to practitioners.

Practical implications

Provides some insights into the implementation of HRIS by Hong Kong companies, which should help HR practitioners acquire a better understanding of the current status, benefits, and barriers to the implementation of HRIS.

Originality/value

Little research has been done to address the perceived benefits and potential barriers to the implementation of HRIS. This study is timely and important in that it examines the current status of HRIS in Hong Kong. It also compares differences in perception between HRIS adopters and non‐adopters as well as in the size of organizations in relation to the adoption of HRIS.
The discourse of diversity in unionised contexts: views from trade union equality officers
Authors: Kirton Gill , Greene Anne‐marie
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the little researched question of how trade unions have interpreted and engaged with the discourse of diversity adopted by many organisations to replace the traditional “equal opportunities” discourse.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on interviews with national trade union equality officers, the paper presents a discourse‐based analysis, exploring what the shift towards a diversity discourse means for trade unions.

Findings

The paper identifies three main features of the diversity discourse, which cause concern from the trade union perspective: its business‐driven nature, its focus on the individual and its positioning as a top‐down managerial activity. The main concern expressed was that the upbeat rhetoric of the diversity discourse diverts attention from the realities of discrimination and disadvantage. However, the discussion concludes that unions believe it is possible to work critically with diversity in order to pursue equality objectives.

Originality/value

The paper offers an original perspective on the diversity discourse, and within the field of employment relations, an unusual analytical approach.
An empirical investigation of job burnout among expatriates
Authors: Bhanugopan Ramudu , Fish Alan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of workplace “job burnout” experienced by expatriate managers in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The study also examined the relationship between job burnout and intention to quit, and findings suggest that expatriates are affected by job burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has assessed three key job characteristics (role conflict, role ambiguity and role overload) and their association with three dimensions of job burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal commitment). Data were collected from 189 respondents who were stratified via industry, age, size of organization, education and nationality. LISREL VIII was employed to evaluate the fit of the measurement model, and to examine the relationship between “job burnout” and expatriates “intention to quit”.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the three job characteristics are significantly associated with job burnout with role conflict being the main reason. Whilst role ambiguity was also a key issue, job burnout was least effected by role overload.

Research limitations/implications

The research has only begun to address the many issues that are of importance to the expatriates working in PNG and developing countries more generally. Also, this study was based on expatriates at a management level only; hence it is difficult to generalise beyond this.

Practical implications

Provides insights into the effects and consequences “job burnout” on expatriates in a developing country.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to understanding on relationship between the job burnout and expatriate failure.
Transsexuals and workplace diversity
Authors: Barclay J.M. , Scott L.J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the key issues involved in situations within the workplace when an employee goes through gender reassignment, in order to consider how such situations might be managed more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

It analyses a case study from a national public sector organisation in the UK where a transsexual person went through male to female gender reassignment. The case was compiled via participant observation and one to one interviews with the key players in the process (managers, human resource staff and colleagues as well as the individual).

Findings

Key issues discussed include the effects on trust and relationships at work, harassment, the role of trade unions, training, and other support. It explores the difficulty of gaining acceptance for a transsexual, and links this to literature on managing diversity and change management.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is in the public sector in the UK, but implications are valid for other organisations.

Practical implications

Makes suggestions for managing transsexual issues for management and for trade unions, whilst being cautious about the extent of acceptance that can be achieved.

Originality/value

Existing literature tends to focus on the transsexual individual's own viewpoint, and guidelines from transgender support groups. This study includes the roles and reactions of all the key people involved within a real organisational case, and offers insights into the issues involved when managing transsexual cases in the workplace.
The buzz and the reality: when the rubber hits the bibliographic services road in the University of California and what that means for the rest of us ...
Authors: Barbara Watstein Sarah
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the “buzz” about the University of California's Bibliographic Services Task Force report Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California and begins to explore Task Force findings from a public service perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Members of the University of California's Bibliographic Services Task Force were interviewed about their report published in December 2005, Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California.

Findings

Establishes that “search and retrieval” are of primary importance to today's library users, and that the design and delivery of bibliographic services are of equal import to public services librarians.

Practical implications

Informs and stimulates discussion about the value of “search” as service, and reinforces the importance of bibliographic services in today's information marketplace.

Originality/value

Challenges librarians and library workers to think about their roles and responsibilities with regards to the care for and tending of the entire bibliographic information space.
Focus group interviewing in the library literature
Authors: Walden Graham R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Focus group interviewing, an important social science research methodology dating to the 1920s, is currently experiencing renewed popularity worldwide. This paper aims to review the implementation of this qualitative assessment tool as it relates to the library environment. The article is designed to stimulate the use of focus groups in librarianship and to demonstrate the range of positive applications across various activities within this field, such as administration, cataloging, reference, internet, and other areas. The goal is to bolster recognition that this data‐gathering technique can be utilized to achieve a variety of goals.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive search of online databases was conducted in library science and in numerous other social sciences, given the interdisciplinary nature of the topic. The salient monographic and journal literature was selected and annotated. A number of standard handbooks, textbooks, references sources, and scholarly articles were consulted to provide the background information found in the introductory essay.

Findings

The paper finds focus group interviewing can be successfully employed in a wide range of endeavors within librarianship. Relative to the other social sciences, to date libraries have underutilized the approach.

Originality/value

This research may be useful for librarians, library administrators, and others who are involved in planning and conducting a focus group project in order to appraise the quality of library programs, services, and policies. No other article provides this level of in‐depth review and evaluation through copiously annotated entries covering the spectrum of use throughout the library literature.
The information commons as a collaborative workspace
Authors: Malenfant Chuck
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the evolving concept of “Information Commons” through the documentation of one library's renovation and the comparison of that library's experience with the earlier theoretical and case study literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper cites gate counts, a user‐satisfaction survey, and examples of emerging collaboration between library and information technology staff as evidence of substantial changes in how the library is used by both staff and students following its transformation into an information commons.

Findings

This paper finds that the library's transformation into an information commons has resulted in dramatically high gate counts, indications of user satisfaction, and anecdotal evidence that demand for reference service is increasing. The author also finds that, perhaps equally as important, the blending of information technology and library staffs as the information commons was implemented has led to a number of collaborative partnerships developing among them.

Practical implications

Shows that the Westminster College's experience has transformed its library to an information commons, and demonstrates how one library chose to remain a vital and effective resource for its students.

Originality/value

The paper shows that although a growing number of libraries are moving towards various forms of an information commons, few case studies describing how these changes have affected library services one year or more after the changes have been made have appeared.
Evaluating public opinion polls: designing a model for library instruction
Authors: Woods Stephen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and describe a model of instruction for librarians to effectively teach evaluation skills for public opinion polls.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper show a coherent framework for instruction was identified through a survey of the literature. Learning objectives or essential core questions were identified by looking at codes and standards from five major organizations: National Council on Public Polls, Council of American Survey Research Organizations, World Association of Opinion and Marketing Research, American Association for Public Opinion Research, and the European Society of Marketing and Research. The objectives were incorporated into the aforementioned structure.

Findings

The paper finds from nine documents produced by these organizations 15 elements were identified and grouped into nine essential questions: purpose of the poll, sponsor of the poll, polling organization, questions asked, order of the questions, who was polled, how were the interviews conducted, date of the poll, statistics offered to substantiate accuracy. A consistent framework was identified from an earlier work by Dodd.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows it is virtually impossible to provide a comprehensive list of all the possible ways that opinion polls can be misrepresentative. These are only a list of essential elements and questions necessary for an evaluation of polls.

Practical implications

The public opinion poll continues to have a prominent role as a source of information in the societies of the world. As such, it is important that librarians as well as users are conversant in how to evaluate and place into context this type of information.

Originality/value

This paper continues a dialogue within the profession about the impact of numbers as an information source. Librarians must become more conversant with numbers and, along with users, savvy consumers.
A tool for all places: a web‐based reference statistics system
Authors: Smith Michael M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a report of the results of an automated system that was developed and implemented for the collection of reference statistics, and to evaluate the system within the context of issues and proposed solutions culled from the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that the system discussed has been in operation for the past two years, making it a good candidate for a post‐implementation review.

Findings

The paper finds that the system has proved to be effective and efficient in the collection of reference statistics, eliminating manual tabulations and report generation. The ability to access the system from any Library computer has improved the collection of data on reference interactions occurring away from the physical reference desk.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not address the important issue of whether these statistics are the right statistics to be captured given the goals/objectives of the service. These wider management issues need to be explored further.

Originality/value

This paper outlines an effective approach to collecting reference statistics and discusses many of the operational approaches and issues facing academic reference units.
Global leadership potential in Mexican firms
Authors: Murphy David S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Exploratory research which provides insight into the global leadership potential that is being developed in Mexican companies through their management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 500 executives of firms that were members of the American chamber of commerce of Mexico. The response rate, with follow up mailings, was 69.4 per cent (347 questionnaires). The questionnaires gathered information about the criteria used in making executive management promotion decisions and for performance evaluation.

Findings

Significant differences between management practices in Mexico and the US were identified. These differences may influence the ability of Mexican companies to compete in the global market place.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should be conducted to measure the effects of different management styles and cultural differences on the ability of firms to compete in the global market place. The findings in this paper may not be generalizable to companies in cultures that are significantly different from Mexico.

Practical implications

Mexican companies, when compared to US firms, appear to place more emphasis on administrative management skills than on leadership skills. In addition, they place less emphasis on developing international expertise. To increase their level of global competitiveness and orientation the paper recommends that the companies modify their training programs and management practices.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new view of the reward and promotion practices within Mexican companies and relates that view to the development of global managers. This paper should be of interest to executives in Mexico and companies with operations in Mexico, and to researchers interested in global management.
Attitudes of Hispanics and non‐Hispanics in the US: a comparative study of business ethics
Authors: Peppas Spero C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Globalization, changing demographics, and a push for diversity have resulted in corporate cultures that are less homogeneous, increasing the likelihood that individuals working side by side may not see eye‐to‐eye when it comes to business ethics. The objective of this study was to examine whether Hispanics and non‐Hispanics, living in the US, shared similar attitudes with regard to business ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

Hispanics and non‐Hispanics were asked to indicate their levels of disagreement/agreement with eight business ethics value statements.

Findings

Several significant differences in attitudes toward business ethics values were found.

Research limitations/implications

While there were more similarities than differences between the two samples, the findings of this study support the idea that ethics values are in part shaped by subculture and may be further influenced by individual characteristics.

Practical implications

Society expects organizations today to conduct their business in an ethical manner. However, significant differences exist among individuals in terms of what is ethical behavior. Further, differences among subcultures may magnify differences among individuals. Organizations must be able to understand and take advantage of a multicultural workforce; therefore, it is imperative that business leaders gain as much information as possible with regard to the values, attitudes, and beliefs of the subcultures represented in their companies.

Originality/value

A company’s productivity and success in a highly competitive global economy require having employees who are comfortable working in an environment comprised of different races, classes, and backgrounds. These findings should lead to better understanding of the Hispanic subculture, help organizations manage cultural diversity, and promote ethical decision‐making.
Exploring stakeholder emotional intelligence
Authors: Keane Timothy P.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the causal factors influencing conflicts that evolve in highly regulated industries. The stakeholder emotional intelligence framework assesses two critical factors – emotional intensity and stakeholder power – that influence how an issue gets defined in the general public and ultimately resolved with policymakers over the lifecycle of the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework presented outlines a methodology for assessing conflicts in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms and gambling industries, identifying factors influencing policy outcomes. An important objective of the framework was increasing the understanding of how the key stakeholders in each industry engaged in discourse, particularly when emotional intensity in the industry was high.

Findings

The framework indicated that emotional intensity and stakeholder power did impact the level of authentic discourse surrounding policy conflicts in each of the highly regulated industries studied.

Research limitations/implications

The next steps for the framework would be to apply the factors to other issues in highly regulated industries to see if there are similar findings.

Practical implications

When an issue reaches a balance in stakeholder power, where neither party dominates and there is an attempt to reduce the emotional intensity through authentic discourse between stakeholders, there is the potential for long‐term policy solutions.

Originality/value

The value of this research is the confirmation that an industry environment where engagement is transparent and inclusive will tend to advance mutual goals among stakeholders and policymakers.
A study of supply chain integration in Thai automotive industry: a theoretical framework and measurement
Authors: Boon‐itt Sakun , Paul Himangshu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual framework and a scale development process, in order to address the reliability and validity in supply chain integration and environmental uncertainty constructs; in an effort to develop and revalidate scale metrics in different contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected for a small pre‐test survey in the Thai automotive industry. The measurement scales were pre‐assessed using the Q‐sort method. In addition, a preliminary test for predictive validity was evaluated using correlation analysis.

Findings

This study established an explanatory model and a corresponding instrument to conduct future research in supply chain integration. Dimensions/constructs, including supply chain integration, environmental uncertainty, and firm competitive capability are operationally defined in terms of their scale development process.

Practical implications

This study will provide a measurement scale for supply chain integration and uncertainty constructs. This will allow researchers to be confident and bring new insights when exploring supply chain integration under differing operational conditions.

Originality/value

The findings address additional steps required towards improved methodological aspects in terms of how to prevalidate and develop a measurement scale in various constructs within alternative domains.
Managerial perceptions on volume flexible strategies and performance in health care services
Authors: Jack Eric P. , Powers Thomas L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of volume flexible strategies on organizational performance in academic medical centers (AMCs). Volume flexible strategies represent a variety of methods where organizations use their portfolio of resources and capabilities to meet fluctuating customer demand while improving organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A path model is developed and tested based on a survey of AMCs in the USA as listed in the American hospital directory.

Findings

The results indicate that desired levels of volume flexibility have a positive impact on organizational capabilities that in turn, positively influence how internal sources of volume flexibility are leveraged. In addition, volume flexible capability and the use of internal strategies were found to have a positive influence on customer‐related performance that in turn, positively impacts financial and market share performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research was exploratory in nature and limited to a sample of AMCs. To improve the generalizability of these results, future studies should evaluate these constructs using a larger sample of health care organizations.

Practical implications

The deployment and use of volume flexible strategies is germane to any health care organization's strategy and performance. This study offers some guidance to administrators who need both a clear understanding of the underlying tradeoffs involved in deploying these strategies and a prescriptive model to help guide their use.

Originality/value

This work answers the recent calls for more empirical research in general, and specifically, for more operations strategy research on flexibility in service industries. It should assist future researchers who focus on flexibility in health care services and would also be of interest to practitioners interested in keeping up with academic literature.
ERP investment analysis using the strategic alignment model
Authors: Presley Adrien
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop a model to assist in the analysis of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems based upon a validated approach to aligning information systems with enterprise strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a proposed analytic network process (ANP) model built on the strategic alignment model (SAM) to support the alignment of ERP investment decisions to strategies. The model developed is generic enough to be applied to a wide range of enterprises and applications while being based on the well‐documented SAM. A small illustrative example is provided to show the use and applicability of the model.

Findings

The SAM is found to provide a useful framework for investment analysis. ANP provides a conceptually easy to use but decisionally robust model which can be used to operationalize the SAM for investment analysis.

Practical implications

The model provides practitioners a flexible tool for making investment decisions not only for ERP systems but also for other IS investments. The paper provides academics and researchers with a methodology for the important area of IS alignment.

Originality/value

The paper represents a novel use of the multi‐attribute decision‐making method of ANP. It is also a new applied tool within the area of strategic IS evaluation.
Relationship between leadership power bases and job stress of subordinates: example from boutique hotels
Authors: Erkutlu Hakan V. , Chafra Jamel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the influence of leadership power bases on subordinates’ job stress at boutique hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 400 subjects (20 managers and 380 non‐managerial employees) participated in this study from 20 boutique hotels. Participants were told that the study was designed to collect information on the leadership power bases used by first line managers and on the job stress levels of employees in the hospitality workforce. The Rahim Leader Power Inventory and Spielberger and Vagg's Job Stress Survey were used to assess leadership power bases and job stress, respectively.

Findings

There are significant relations between leader power bases and subordinates’ job stress. The findings support the suggestion in the literature that positional power bases stimulate job stress in the hospitality industry.

Research limitations/implications

The study has several limitations that could be future research topics, such as hotels’ source of funding, demographic characteristics of the participants, etc. There is a question about the generalizability of these findings to other hospitality organizations such as four or five‐star hotels.

Originality/value

This paper explores an aspect of leadership in the hospitality industry that is often neglected. Organizations that actively consider leadership approaches and wish to nurture and develop their leaders and managers will need to be mindful of the leadership power bases.
Economic pressure, multi‐tiered subcontracting and occupational health and safety in Australian long‐haul trucking
Authors: Mayhew Claire , Quinlan Michael
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyse the relationship between economic pressure, multi‐tiered subcontracting and occupational health and safety (OHS) outcomes for employee and owner/drivers in long‐haul trucking, using Australian evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on direct interviews with 300 long‐haul drivers, using a structured questionnaire along with an examination of documentary records, statistics and government reports. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on self‐reported acute and chronic injuries, the incidence of occupational violence, truck crashes, indicators of illicit drug use, hours of work/fatigue and psychological distress.

Findings

Variations between owner/drivers and employees working for small and large firms were investigated. Overall, owner/drivers reported worse OHS than small fleet and, more especially, large fleet drivers. Evidence also indicated a connection between economic pressure, the expansion of contingent work and negative OHS outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Further longitudinal and comparative research is needed to test the hypothesized link between competitive pressures, supply chain rationalization and OHS outcomes. Research to investigate these issues in other countries is required in order to compare findings with those for Australia and to assess the effectiveness of new enforcement initiatives.

Practical implications

Findings suggest the need for policy interventions aimed at improving OHS to address commercial practices, including elaborate subcontracting chains, more explicitly than is currently the case with road transport regulation. Recent moves in this direction are identified.

Originality/value

Unlike manufacturing, healthcare and the public sector, there have been few studies of the OHS effects associated with contingent work arrangements in transport. In addition to helping to fill this gap the paper provides evidence on the effects of competitive pressure and supply chains on work practices and OHS.
The OHS regulatory challenges posed by agency workers: evidence from Australia
Authors: Johnstone Richard , Quinlan Michael
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyse the problems for occupational health and safety (OHS) regulators posed by agency work/leased labour (also known as labour hire in Australasia), using Australian evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on an examination of prosecutions involving labour hire firms along with other documentary records (union, industry and government reports and guidance material). The study also draws on interviews with approximately 200 regulatory officials, employers and union representatives since 2001 and workplace visits with 40 OHS inspectors in 2004‐2005.

Findings

The triangular relationship entailed in labour leasing, in combination with the temporary nature of most placements, poses serious problems for government agencies in terms of enforcing OHS standards notwithstanding a growing number of successful prosecutions for breaches of legislative duties by host and labour leasing firms.

Research limitations/implications

Research to investigate these issues in other countries and compare findings with those for Australia is required, along with assessing the effectiveness of new enforcement initiatives.

Practical implications

The paper assesses existing regulatory responses and highlights the need for new regulatory strategies to combat the problems posed by labour.

Originality/value

The OHS problems posed by agency work have received comparatively little attention. The paper provides insights into the specific problems posed for OHS regulators and how inspectorates are trying to address them.
Defining market orientation for libraries
Authors: Sen Barbara
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper is the result of exploratory research forming part of ongoing study into the value and relevance of market orientation as a strategic option for library managers. The aim of the study is to define the concept of market orientation relative to the library sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of focus groups and field interviews were carried out in order to validate the established constructs of market orientation prevalent in the management literature. Focus groups were used to gather data from librarians working at different levels in two different sectors, health and arts. Interviews were carried out with library service managers in two other sectors, academic and public. Senior library policy makers were also interviewed. The object was to gain an indication of the breadth of opinion across sectors. The data were coded and analysed using a taxonomic map developed during the study.

Findings

Market orientation is a concept that library professionals see as being valuable. Library managers define market orientation in the same way as the concept is defined in the management literature. Their understanding of the concept is developing.

Research implications/limitations

There are implications for further research. Methods used to measure market orientation in other domains are likely to be relevant for libraries.

Practical implications

Fostering an organisational culture that supports market orientation has implications for service management and development.

Originality/value

Research in market orientation in libraries is limited. This study provides the basis for research development into market orientation and its value for libraries.