bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buoyancy effects on upward and downward laminar mixed convection heat and mass transfer in a vertical channel
Authors: Azizi Youssef , Benhamou Brahim , Galanis Nicolas , El‐Ganaoui Mohammed
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The objective of the present study is to investigate numerically the effects of thermal and buoyancy forces on both upward flow (UF) and downward flow (DF) of air in a vertical parallel‐plates channel. The plates are wetted by a thin liquid water film and maintained at a constant temperature lower than that of the air entering the channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The solution of the elliptical PDE modeling the flow field is based on the finite volume method.

Findings

Results show that buoyancy forces have an important effect on heat and mass transfers. Cases with evaporation and condensation have been investigated for both UF and DF. It has been established that the heat transfer associated with these phase changes (i.e. latent heat transfer) may be more or less important compared with sensible heat transfer. The importance of these transfers depends on the temperature and humidity conditions. On the other hand, flow reversal has been predicted for an UF with a relatively high temperature difference between the incoming air and the walls.

Originality/value

Contrary to most studies in channel heat and mass transfer with phase change, the mathematical model considers the full elliptical Navier‐Stokes equations. This allows one to compute situations of flow reversal.
Japanese corporations: gender differences in re‐defining tacit knowledge
Authors: Luethge Denise J. , Byosiere Philippe
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This research aims to examine differences in male and female tacit knowledge conversion behaviours in Japan, essentially marrying the studies from knowledge creation and gender‐based management in an Asian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from a sample of 986 junior, middle and senior level managers in a Japanese firm, of which 14 per cent are women, examining socialisation variables from Nonaka's SECI model.

Findings

The study finds that female managers in Japan believe they attach more importance and perceive that they allocate more time to tacit knowledge socialisation variables than do males for all of the variables in question, although they rank the importance of the variables in much the same way.

Research implications/implications

The study concludes that Kingston may be correct in his description of a “demographic time bomb” in Japanese society, as women begin to undertake similar management behaviours as men.

Practical implications

Women focus on or show a preference for using certain types of information while men may focus on or show a preference for using different types of information. As more women move into middle and upper management in Japan, firms that better meet the needs and focus upon opportunities for women will be able to take advantage of the diversity these individuals bring to an organisation.

Originality/value

Because women are so sparse in Japanese management, few studies have examined their preferences and behaviours. This study gives us a window into the future of how women may act as their numbers increase in Japanese organisations.
Preparing for natural hazards: normative and attitudinal influences
Authors: McIvor David , Paton Douglas
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to further develop a model of natural hazard preparedness by examining the role of attitudes to natural hazards and their mitigation and social norms. It aims to examine whether social‐cultural factors influence the decisions people make regarding their relationship with natural hazards.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 156 residents in Napier, New Zealand. A cross‐sectional design was used. Data were analysed using the AMOS 5 structural equation modelling program.

Findings

Positive attitudes to hazard mitigation, existing in a social context that advocates adopting protective behaviours, belief in the effectiveness of personal mitigation (outcome expectancy) and good problem solving (action coping) skills increase the likelihood of adopting protective measures for earthquakes. The research identified how attitudes and social norms influence the perception of hazards and how people make preparedness decisions.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to examine how hazard attitudes are formed, sustained and organized, as well as how they can be changed to facilitate the sustained adoption of protective measures. Work also needs to be directed to identifying those with whom normative comparisons are made and the relative influence of different referents.

Practical implications

The findings argue for a move away from reliance on the passive presentation of information to people and communities that dominates risk communication. Rather, strategies for encouraging and sustaining positive discourse about hazards and their mitigation within a community should be prioritized in future risk communication work.

Originality/value

Provides new insights into the relationship between people and natural hazards and provides empirical support for the inclusion of attitudes and social norms in risk communication work. It provides additional support for accommodating the social and cultural context in the development and delivery of risk communication strategies.
Sex and relationships education in schools: the views and experiences of young people
Authors: Selwyn Neil , Powell Eryl
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate how young people are using school‐based sources of sex and relationships education (SRE) to obtain information and advice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows how anonymous self‐completion questionnaires were administered to young people aged between 12 and 19 years in three secondary school and six out‐of‐school youth settings (n=401). Follow‐up focus group interviews were conducted with 12 groups of young people from the school and out‐of‐school settings (n=57).

Findings

The paper finds that school lessons were the most frequent source of sex and relationships information for many young people. Lessons were reported to be most useful for students who were male, younger and more educationally engaged. School lessons were widely criticised by young people as predominantly focusing on biological aspects of sex and relationships and lacking a discursive or participatory element. Young people perceived a diminishing commitment to SRE by teachers as they progressed into later years.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examines a predominantly working‐class sample of young people from one urban area of South Wales.

Practical implications/implications

On the basis of the data analysis in this paper a number of suggestions are made regarding the nature of future school provision of SRE.

Originality/value

This paper raises awareness and highlights issues surrounding the role of schools, teachers and school nurses in sex and relationships education.
Mutual objective setting for partnering projects in the public sector
Authors: Swan Will , Khalfan Malik M.A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The use of partnering has grown within the public sector of the UK construction industry. Central to partnering is the use of the partnering charter. The charter establishes the mutual objectives of the project team. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the types of objectives that are identified and the potential reasons for them.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of partnering workshops have been undertaken through one of the University of Salford's Enterprise Units, the Centre for Construction Innovation. Each of these generated a workshop report, which captured the discussions during the day. These have been analysed in order to establish the different mutual objectives that have been identified for different projects.

Findings

The results show that while the key issues of time, cost, quality and safety are still central to what teams identify as successful project delivery, issues surrounding management of relationships including external stakeholders, such as the public, are also prevalent. In addition, there is an increase in identified objectives surrounding sustainable development issues, covering social and environmental goals.

Originality/value

The findings provide strong indications that construction is moving towards a more complex regime of objectives in the context of value procurement and partnering arrangements. The objectives identified by the different project teams show that construction projects are now considering both soft management issues and sustainable development as central to the successful delivery of projects.
Technology readiness among managers of Malaysian construction firms
Authors: Jaafar Mastura , Ramayah T. , Abdul‐Aziz Abdul‐Rashid , Saad Basri
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) of the managers of Malaysian construction firms. Also, the backgrounds of the managers were examined to determine the influence of background on the TRI level.

Design/methodology/approach

The TRI developed by Parasuraman was adopted to measure the readiness of construction firm managers. TRI refers to people's propensity to embrace and use technologies for accomplishing goals in home life and at work. Four hundred structured questionnaires were sent out to respondents.

Findings

The overall TRI score (M=3.18, SD=0.23) indicates that the managers are moderate in terms of their technology readiness. There are no significant differences in terms of technology readiness (TRI) across various demographic variables (e.g. gender, age, etc.), except for educational level. Individual dimensions of TRI, i.e. insecurity and overall TRI, show a significant difference at p<0.05 and p<0.01 to educational level, respectively.

Originality/value

The findings are discussed in relation to the emerging information technology era in Malaysia. CIDB extensively promotes ICT training for managers in the CI. Research and development should be promoted to enhance the technology readiness.
Succeeding in China: cultural adjustments for Indian businesses
Authors: Bhasin Balbir B.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a framework for understanding the differences in the cultures of China and India and to highlight the adjustments that will need to be made for Indian businesses to succeed in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of historical background of cultures in India and China to define values, traditions and attitudes. Drawing conclusions based on this research in outlining areas where adjustments may help achieve success in business.

Findings

Provides a list of adjustments that Indian businesses need to make to succeed in China.

Research limitations/implications

The list is by no means exhaustive but serves as a starting point for empirical research on effectiveness of proposed adjustments.

Practical implications

An extremely useful and practical source for Indian and global business executives planning to do business in China. An opportunity for academics to conduct follow‐up research.

Originality/value

This paper serves as a guide and offers practical measures in terms of behaviour for Indian and international companies doing or planning to do business in China.
National culture, business culture and management practices: consequential relationships?
Authors: Bhaskaran Suku , Sukumaran Nishal
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to trace the evolution of nationality‐based business organisations in Malaysia and review whether national culture, as determined by the nationality‐based work values, beliefs and orientations of the owners and managers of organisations, influences the values, orientations and practices of organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth literature review and “key‐informant” surveys, based on which a structured questionnaire was developed. After pre‐testing and finalisation, questionnaires were administered by fax on 1,248 Malaysian organisations selected through systematic sampling. The survey generated 376 usable responses. After testing for non‐response bias, usable responses were subjected to common factor, reliability and canonical correlation analysis.

Findings

Even though there are significant differences in how business entities (delineated on the basis of the national culture of owners and managers) organise and conduct their operations, these differences cannot be attributed to the beliefs and orientations of the owners and managers of these organisations. Significant “cultural” differences are evident across organisations owned and managed by individuals of one nationality and significant “cultural” similarities are evident across organisations owned and managed by individuals of different nationalities. Many other factors such as the legal, economic and regulatory context of the organisation influence its values, orientations and practices more profoundly than the national culture of its owners and managers.

Practical implications

Interfacing managers should not stereotype the values, orientations and behaviours of organisations with which they interact based on knowledge about nationality‐based beliefs, behaviours and orientations of the owners and managers of organisations.

Originality/value

Provides a challengingly different perspective from the conclusions in some of the most authoritative studies on nationality‐based organisational beliefs and culture.
λ/2 Microstrip rejection filter behavior due to ferrite thin film overlay in the absence of external magnetic field
Authors: Surve Vandan , Puri Vijaya
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To study nonreciprocal effects in microstrip components due to ferrite thin film overlay.

Design/methodology/approach

The possibility of obtaining non reciprocal characteristics in the X band microwave region in the absence of external magnetic field by a simple process of using Mg, Co, Zn ferrite thin films as in‐touch overlay over λ/2 microstrip rejection filter was investigated. Microstrip rejection filter is basically a reciprocal component. The ferrite thin films were deposited by electroless plating.

Findings

It was found that frequency, pH and ferrite overlay material dependent changes occurred and differences in forward and reverse loss also observed, in some cases greater than 30 dB. Owing to the overlay the rejection properties of the filter is lost and there is an increase in insertion loss. The best non reciprocal effects are seen at higher frequencies. The presence of permeability related effects like magnetostatic modes interfering with the normal propagation of the microstrip circuits might be causing the changes in the circuits.

Originality/value

There is scope for true planarisation of ferrite‐based components by using the ferrite in thin film form as in‐touch overlay.
Voltage scaling – a novel approach for crosstalk reduction in global VLSI interconnects
Authors: Kaushik B.K. , Sarkar S. , Agarwal R.P. , Joshi R.C.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To analyze the effect of voltage scaling on crosstalk.

Design/methodology/approach

Voltage scaling has been often used for reducing power dissipation of CMOS driven interconnects. An undesired effect observed due to voltage scaling is increase in propagation delay. Thus, a trade off lies between power dissipation and propagation delay with voltage scaling. However, voltage scaling can result in overall reduction of power delay product. Therefore, their lies an optimized supply voltage where‐in power dissipation and propagation delay can be optimized. Many of the previous researches have discussed about power dissipation and propagation delay only with voltage scaling. This paper for first time shows the effect on crosstalk in voltage scaled interconnects. In this paper, we primarily study the noise for an input signal having transition time of 50 ps. The simulations are run for interconnect length of 2 and 4 mm. These parameters are varied for four different cases of stimulations to aggressor and victim lines viz.VA(input at aggressor node A) andVB(input at victim node B) switching in same direction;VAis switching andVBat static low;VAandVBare switching in opposite direction;VAis switching andVBat static high.

Findings

It is quite encouraging to observe that irrespective of interconnect length and technology node used, an optimized voltage scaling reduces normalized crosstalk level.

Originality/value

Voltage scaling can be effectively used for crosstalk reduction by the new era VLSI interconnect designers. This paper shows simulation results for crosstalk reduction in different nano‐sized CMOS driven RLC‐modeled interconnects.
Analysis of comparative advantage in the textile complex
Authors: Kilduff Peter , Chi Ting
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present an exploratory investigation into ten‐year (1995‐2004) patterns of trade specialization among Eastern European and former Soviet Union Nations, assessing patterns of comparative advantage across the textile machinery, man‐made fiber, textile, and apparel sectors of the textile complex to determine whether these conform with both trade specialization and industry evolution theories.

Design/methodology/approach

A revealed symmetric comparative advantage index is employed to evaluate international competitiveness for 27 Eastern European and former Soviet Union Nations over a ten‐year period. Repeated measures ANOVA is used to determine the significance of the observed patterns across four income‐defined groups of nations.

Findings

Overall, the pattern of export development and RSCA generally reflects expectations regarding factor proportions theory and industry evolution models. The RMANOVA partially confirms the observations. The analysis indicates that income group does not independently affect comparative advantage; however, the nature of products is the significant factor influencing national comparative advantage.

Practical implications

The established models may be better at understanding those nations which have established relatively stable politic and economic environment, and been experiencing earlier stages of industry development, but appear less useful in predicting development patterns for those nations experiencing dramatic transitions from regulated to de‐regulated markets.

Originality/value

The patterns of national comparative advantage in a vertical textile complex are identified for Eastern European and former Soviet Union Nations. The dynamics of change over a ten‐year period following economic reforms are revealed.
Dynamics of Western career attributes in the Russian context
Authors: Khapova Svetlana N. , Korotov Konstantin
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the dynamic character of career and its key attributes, and the embeddedness of their definitions and meanings in national social, political and economic contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Features of three recent distinct social, political and economic situations in Russia are used to explore the meanings of nine key career attributes introduced by the Western career literature.

Findings

It was found that in Russia each of the nine key career attributes accommodates a different meaning compared with their original Western meaning, and that these meanings are continuously changing to reflect the current social, political and economic environment. In sum, this exploration revealed a dynamic character to career attributes, and their content changed depending on the underlying context.

Research limitations/implications

Among key research implications are: a possibility of using Western career theories mainly as conceptual frameworks for studying careers in other countries; that current social, political and economic contexts need to be taken into consideration when studying careers in a particular country; and the “intelligent career” concept can be used to study careers in various cultural contexts, and to examine the interdependence between career and a national culture.

Originality/value

This paper examines the extent to which Western career concepts may be used to study careers in various countries around the globe. It notes the dynamic character of career and its related career attitudes. This paper also makes suggestions on how the “intelligent career” concept can be used for exploring career meanings in a particular national setting. Finally, this paper looks at specifics of careers in Russia, which are still underrepresented in the literature.
Refined understanding of perspectives on employee‐organization relationships
Authors: Ni Lan
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the perceptions of organizational members about employee‐organization relationships (EOR) under the globalization context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used 58 qualitative interviews with both managers and employees in multinational and domestic companies in China.

Findings

First, the unique features of employee publics determined the nature of EOR (why and how an EOR was established) and EOR was a multi‐level (interpersonal and organizational) and multi‐dimensional (job and task related vs human and benefits oriented) concept for most organizational members. Second, the outcomes of EOR, especially trust, control mutuality, and commitment were also determined by the multi‐dimensional nature of EOR. Finally, the influencing factors on EOR can be classified into three levels: individual (such as types of employees, styles of top management), organizational (such as developmental stages and types of organizations), and macro‐environmental (such as the overall employment prospect).

Originality/value

This study contributes to relationship management theory by refining different dimensions of EOR in different types of organizations. It improves the understanding about employee relations and suggests useful and unique relationship cultivation strategies for EOR.
Outsourcing as symptomatic: class visibility and ethnic scapegoating in the US IT sector
Authors: Ganesh Shiv
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze recent debates about outsourcing in the USA, using examples from IT sector, especially in the context of India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a critical commentary and uses methods based in rhetorical criticism.

Findings

The author argues that to fully understand the outsourcing issue, it has to be considered a symptomatic discourse rather than a causative one. Specifically, it is argued that the outsourcing debate in the context of IT work evidences class issues in as much as it involves white collar visibility. Moreover, the debate is also symptomatic of ethnic tensions in the form of ethnic scapegoating. Some implications of the debate are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to those interested in debates about outsourcing, and highlights the importance of a communication‐oriented perspective.
A metaphor for knowledge management: explicit islands in a tacit sea
Authors: Hicks Richard C. , Dattero Ronald , Galup Stuart D.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the current thoughts on knowledge management (KM) and to develop a metaphor to combine these thoughts in a new way that effectively conveys the different types of knowledge and ways of managing it.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on the transition of data to knowledge is reviewed. A popular paradigm in KM states that data are integrated to create information and information is integrated to create knowledge. This paradigm is represented as a pyramid‐shaped hierarchy with knowledge at the top, information in the middle, and data on the bottom. Why this paradigm is a simplistic and limited view of knowledge and KM is discussed.

Findings

The “explicit islands in a tacit sea (EITS)” metaphor is explained and discussed in the context of knowledge and knowledge management (KM).

Practical implications

The EITS metaphor more accurately and completely describes knowledge in the context of KM. The practical implications of this metaphor are its flexibility and transparency of the transitional actions that affect the evolution of data to knowledge.

Originality/value

The EITS metaphor is an evolution of the prevailing frameworks and removes the apparent limitations in earlier frameworks. The paper provides a paradigm shift in the discussion of KM.
The concept of knowledge in KM: a dimensional model
Authors: Meyer Bertolt , Sugiyama Kozo
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to sharpen the concepts of tacit, implicit and explicit knowledge by linking them to findings from cognitive psychology and memory science and thus finding a possibility for measuring non‐explicit knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of KM and cognitive science literature leads to a dimensional model of knowledge types that links the concepts from KM to more specific concepts from psychology. One central assumption of the model was empirically tested and put into practice in one small‐scale KM project.

Findings

The concepts in KM can be linked to concepts from psychology and thus receive theoretical support. The developed model enables psychometric access to a part of non‐explicit knowledge through structural assessment techniques. Furthermore, the model has proven to be of value in a practical application in KM.

Research limitations/implications

The experiment and the practical application are too small in scope to provide full support for the model. Further research is required.

Practical implications

A fraction of non‐explicit knowledge can be measured with structural assessment techniques. This can be used in the quantitative evaluation of KM projects as these techniques allow the quantification of individual knowledge increase. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of individual project‐relevant knowledge is useful for post‐project analysis.

Originality/value

The paper integrates findings from several scientific fields for use in KM and presents a novel view of classic KM concepts. The developed model is of importance to both researchers and practitioners.
Emerging and capturing tacit knowledge: a methodology for a bounded environment
Authors: Mulder Ursula , Whiteley Alma
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to report on an empirical case study, (single case multi‐site) employing both a “hard” and “soft” method. The tangible, visible component of the study was the production of a database whose fields were to be the source of tacit knowledge emergence.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposition was that the possibility for the capture of tacit knowledge was subject to four conditions. The first was the need for a teleological motive and purpose. The second was a bounded environment expressed in this case in terms of the published corporate goals and key business drivers. The third was the production of a controlled vocabulary that made sense to both the respondents in the context of the true nature of the business activity. The fourth and most important condition was the interactive and iterative process that allowed those involved to own the tacit knowledge emerging process.

Findings

Results supported the idea that under bounded conditions, a shared sense of purpose and an iterative process where ownership was possible, tacit knowledge could be captured. In the bounded environment tacit knowledge was found to be not haphazard, confirming its “end purpose” for being.

Practical implications

The findings of the research have practical application for organisations wishing to capture the tacit knowledge of their knowledge workers and describes a methodology for emerging and capturing it.

Originality/value

Is of value in presenting a method for emerging tacit knowledge in‐play in a bounded environment.
The pecking order hypothesis: does it apply to start‐up firms?
Authors: Paul Stuart , Whittam Geoff , Wyper Janette
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore whether the “pecking order hypothesis” (POH) applies to the capital finance preferences of start‐up businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with 20 Scotland‐based entrepreneurs were conducted in order to reveal the subtleties of the capital finance preferences which applied to a sample of start‐up firms. To ensure reliability and validity, data was analysed using a systematic schema.

Findings

Consistent with the POH we found that entrepreneurs in start‐ups turn to internal sources first, that is, their own funds. In contradiction to the POH, however, evidence in this paper finds that where external funds are required, the main source is equity rather than debt. In the majority of cases, in depth interviews show that a bridged pecking order applies in that the businesses move from self‐funding to external equity in preference to, or instead of bank finance. Two reasons for this pattern can be established. First, entrepreneurs consider debt to be a personal liability as it invariably requires to be underwritten by personal guarantees. Entrepreneurs place a self‐imposed limit on the extent to which they are prepared to mortgage their assets. Second, entrepreneurs deliberately seek out equity investment as a means of obtaining added value over and above the finance invested. Rather than the external equity being viewed as expensive, it is viewed as good value as a well‐chosen investor can add business skills and social capital in the form of commercial contacts and access to relevant networks.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs searching for investment should assess the post‐investment role they wish investors to play. Successful consideration of this issue will make it more likely that a start‐up business obtains external finance and that entrepreneurs achieve good “matches” with investors, and vice versa.

Originality/value

The value of this paper rests in its finding that a bridged pecking order may apply to start‐up firms in that entrepreneurs move directly from self‐funding to equity.
Profiling the capabilities of SMEs to compete internationally
Authors: Grimes Anthony , Doole Isobel , Kitchen Philip J.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detail the rationale for, and development of, the Export Marketing Profiling System; a methodology for profiling and benchmarking the capabilities of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

It is the outcome of four years of research, incorporating quantitative, qualitative and longitudinal studies into the international activities of SMEs.

Findings

The findings of this research are utilised in the development of a system that recognises key themes and distils them into the specific characteristics, competencies, capabilities and activities that contribute to successful performance in international markets.

Originality/value

The value of this system lies in the population of a large database of SMEs that have been profiled using in‐depth interviews. This enables users to profile and benchmark a company's export capabilities against other SMEs. It has been piloted successfully in the Yorkshire and The Humber region as part of the Regional International Trade Strategy and has also been disseminated to business support agencies in the UK and Europe, where it is currently used to identify support needs and evaluate the impact of specific interventions over time.
A supplier development programme: the SME experience
Authors: Williams Sharon
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and understand the learning opportunities that exist for smaller organisations within the context of a supplier development and business improvement environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Through case study research two pilot activities are presented. These are co‐ordinated by a lead organisation (customer) and involve two micro firm suppliers.

Findings

The research discusses the types of learning identified within two pilot activities and the benefits and issues for both the supplier and customer when undertaking development and improvement programmes. The results conclude that the collaborative nature of the supply chain environment is conducive to shared learning between the lead customer and the suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

The case study approach taken for this exploratory research limits the generalisibility of the results. Yet, this research has started to understand how the smaller firm can benefit from supplier development activities. The challenge will be to sustain these activities by ensuring that double loop learning is achieved.

Originality/value

The applied nature of this research should appeal to both the academic and the practitioner.
The adoption of e‐business and knowledge management in SMEs
Authors: Maguire S. , Koh S.C.L. , Magrys A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate how small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are using information and communications technology (ICT) to try and gain a competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

A joint methodology of questionnaire survey and semi‐structured interviews was used for both phases of the study. The research method used consisted of mailed questionnaires being sent to over 200 firms with follow‐up telephone interviews. This paper combines a significant literature review with primary data collected from the various SMEs.

Findings

This paper provides sound evidence that SMEs can gain competitive advantage through the use of ICT. More than 70 per cent of the respondents identified ICT as aiding their business in one or more of the accepted competitive areas. However, there is potential for SMEs to gain further advantages by using an integrated and strategic approach in their use of ICT.

Research limitations/implications

The research has direct implications for UK SMEs. It will be interesting to undertake an international comparison of ICT assimilation in SMEs.

Practical implications

This research identifies the need for a coherent reference framework for SMEs to assess, manage, and utilise existing and future e‐business tools.

Originality/value

SMEs tend to use their ICT independently rather than in an integrated manner. They are not always able to take advantage of methodologies generally developed for large firms. Currently SMEs are not taking advantage of supply chain management and customer relationship management applications. A significant majority of SMEs are not using knowledge management techniques.
Benchmarking the performance of English universities
Authors: Pursglove Jeff , Simpson Mike
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the effectiveness of teaching and widening participation as measures to assess, compare, and benchmark the performance of English universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses data from a paired sample English universities to compare the effectiveness of teaching and widening participation in: research‐orientated “Russell Group” universities versus teaching‐orientated “post 1992” universities. All data were in the public domain and provided from reports of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, The Higher Education Statistics Agency and The Times Higher Education Supplement.

Findings

The analysis quantified the greater academic effectiveness and academic efficiencies of post‐1992 universities compared with members of the Russell Group. These results are the complete opposite of the widely accepted position of universities in published league tables and so are likely to be controversial.

Research limitations/implications

The equations used for the numerical analysis could be modified to give a different weighting to different factors and/or to include the effectiveness of research activity, and could therefore result in a different interpretation of the data.

Practical implications

The introduction of variable top‐up fees in 2006 will probably lead to the Russell Group universities charging a higher monetary price. If all other factors remain unchanged, this will increase the academic and operational efficiencies of the Russell Group universities compared with the post‐1992 group.

Originality/value

This is highly original analysis of existing data in the public domain and leads to controversial but logically inescapable findings.
Business process patterns and frameworks
Authors: Barros Oscar
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To develop a novel approach for encapsulating high level business knowledge and logic of a given application domain in patterns and frameworks, which can be reused and be applied to improve a process for a given business in the domain and to develop an application to support such process.

Design/methodology/approach

Formal and explicit business process patterns (BPP) have been developed that synthesize best practices found in hundreds of real projects of process redesign. From these, software business objects (BO) frameworks that encapsulate business logic have been derived.

Findings

Good characterization of the processes and associated decisions by means of formal BPP allows including complex generalized business decisions logic in BO frameworks. Such logic is built upon the best current knowledge of analytical methods, such as business intelligence, optimization and heuristics.

Practical implications

This approach provides a very flexible way, based on reusable components, to develop solutions and software for complex business decisions, which is an alternative to packaged products. The approach is exemplified by using a specific application domain and applied to a real case in the domain.

Originality/value

As it is shown in the literature review in the paper, patterns and frameworks up to now have only marginally included high‐level decision logic.
An exploratory study of implementation of customer relationship management strategy
Authors: Osarenkhoe Aihie , Bennani Az‐Eddine
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Efforts made in extant literature to link the components of customer relationship management (CRM) strategy to its implementation are insufficient. This paper aims to provide insights on the core components of CRM and the implementation of CRM strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of CRM implementation at a large Swedish firm was carried out using open‐ended, face‐to‐face and telephone interview methods to collect data from key informants at both strategic and operative levels. The empirical studies focused on technical and cognitive aspects necessary for successful implementation of a sustainable CRM strategy.

Findings

Results show that relationships are not only a tactical weapon, but represent a different, strategic approach to buyer‐seller exchange. Findings also show that implementing sustainable CRM strategy requires the endorsement by and commitment from top management, systematic cross‐functional communication, and mandatory customer loyalty training programmes for all employees.

Research limitations/implications

Attempts made in extant literature to define CRM have been varied. A theoretical model on which future empirical analysis should be based when conceptualizing CRM should consist of a business strategy, a business philosophy and a database application, thereby forming a tripod.

Practical implications

CRM is a strategic business and process issue, not merely a technology solution as most often conceived in practice. The CRM process is a continuous learning process where information about individual customer is transformed into a customer relationship.

Originality/value

A process‐oriented integrative framework that facilitate successful implementation of a sustainable CRM strategy. It links components of CRM strategy with the key dimension of its implementation. The depth of the anchorage of this paper in the body of literature is a contribution.
Environmental management systems
Authors: Walker David , Pitt Michael , Jha Thakur Urmila
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To demonstrate the importance of environmental management systems (EMS) in achieving overall sustainability within organisations, by reducing ecological impacts of economic activities and improving corporate environmental care.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of published works over a decade (1994‐2004) has been explored in setting the trend for EMS within the context of corporate responsibility (CR). The discussion is presented in four sections, which are – introduction; background; requirement of environmental management system and conclusion.

Findings

The literature traces the gradual transformation of the role of environmental management system within organisations, from a legal obligation in the past, to an investment driver for commercial advantage in future. Facilities management is identified as the crucial link, which can assist in developing appropriate knowledge management systems necessary for attaining continued business success.

Research limitations/implications

The work highlights the importance of EMS in achieving overall sustainability and profitability of organisations. However, due to limitations of experience of EMS within organisations, it will take a while before significant results can be provided in proof of this.

Practical implications

The paper establishes an approach imperative for success of future organisations in achieving effective environmental management, leading to sustained economic growth, which will eventually prove beneficial to all sections of society across the world.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates how environmental management has evolved within the context of CR and by integrating it with information management, the work sets the direction for continual improvement of environmental and financial performance of future organisations.
Aesthetic medicine: a health regulator's perspective
Authors: Boon Harold Tan Keng
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help understand the extent of regulation of aesthetic medicine in various developed countries and to discuss the current pitfalls and potential strategies in regulating this area of healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of published articles and press reports from bound and internet sources on aesthetic medicine in the recent five to six years were obtained to allow a better understanding of existing practices and regulatory climate. Reports from relevant authorities in various countries were also referred to for information on proposed regulatory regimes and future regulatory directions.

Findings

The practice of aesthetic medicine has been marginally regulated, even in more highly developed countries. The main regulatory concern appears to be the practice of minimally invasive aesthetic surgery by general practitioners. Professional voluntary self‐regulation would probably not be effective in view of the peculiar nature of aesthetic medicine vis‐à‐vis conventional medicine.

Practical implications

There is a need for health regulatory bodies across the world to brace themselves for potentially more widespread health and social risks posed by aesthetic medicine. Statutory governance is needed to maintain safe practice standards and to manage the supply and demand of aesthetic services. In less developed countries, there is a need for better public education and empowerment to enable patients to make better‐informed decisions and assume greater responsibility for the aesthetic services that they seek.

Originality/value

This paper discusses regulatory issues concerning aesthetic medicine which are rarely featured in academic journals. It offers some strategies for better regulation of aesthetic medicine which health authorities in certain countries may find useful.
Evaluation of information leaflets for flexible cystoscopy
Authors: Shah J. , Sill S.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review patient information leaflets for flexible cystoscopies and to determine the quality of information available to patients.

Design/methodology/approach

Information leaflets from 20 hospitals in the region that carried out flexible cystoscopies as a day‐case procedure were evaluated against a checklist of items for inclusion in the leaflets.

Findings

A total of 13 leaflets were received. There was a large variation in the information supplied between hospitals, and there was a lack of vital information in most of the leaflets. Only four leaflets provided a diagram of the urinary tract for clarity.

Originality/value

Many of the leaflets evaluated fell below an adequate standard. This study shows the need for a better, more accurate and up‐to‐date leaflet for what is probably the most commonly performed urological procedure.
Talent management: making it real
Authors: Cunningham Ian
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To explore ways in which organizations can take a systemic stance on talent management.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on work done in a variety of organizations plus research in HR functions.

Findings

The need is for a systemic approach to talent management. Just focusing on talent acquisition is misguided and unhelpful.

Practical implications

The article has real practical implications for leaders/managers and learning and development professionals in setting up a functional strategy for talent management.

Originality/value

The article will be of value to managers and learning specialists who are involved in talent management strategy.
Indigenous resource management and environmental degradation: southern Greece
Authors: Petropoulou Eugenia A.
Published: February 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of indigenous agricultural knowledge for sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon fieldwork on the natural resource management practices of diversified farming systems in a mountainous community in southern Greece, the paper explores the potential of the traditional system for a sustainable food security system.

Findings

Small‐scale mountainous farmers possess a range of ideas and concepts from experience related to land degradation. At another level the findings of the study suggest that farmers place over‐riding emphasis on the physical characteristics of their environment in judging the various stages of degradation. Until in a direct interview situation they were forced to confront the part played by human‐related factors.

Practical implications

A major implication is that mountain farming communities need to be educated on the human aspects of degradation and in fact the interrelatedness of cultural activities and the physical world. Furthermore, sustainability in mountain communities depends on more than ecological factors; it requires sensitivity to socio‐economic parameters such as labour demands and food security policies.

Originality/value

The current paper presents useful information on indigenous resource management practices and environmental degradation in mountain communities in Greece. The approach, fieldwork data and interpretation of data can be of value to social researchers in Greece and southern Europe who study issues of sustainability in mountain farming communities.