bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility in culture and art
Authors: Bulut Diren , Bulut Yumrukaya Ceren
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand and distinguish the mainstream of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in culture and art in Turkey. It aims to examine all parties related to CSR in culture and art (corporations, artists, art institutes and art communities) and their expectations of CSR. It is also aimed to understand the relationship between government and art institutions, communities and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

To be able to understand the general tendency, applications and problems of CSR in culture and arts, 17 in‐depth interviews were implemented with corporations, art institutes, communities and individual artists from different art fields. All interviews were digitally audio taped. All digital recordings were encoded and analyzed after the interviews and findings were grouped under four general topics.

Findings

General environment, comments and problems are defined in situation analyses. Government relations and corporation relations are separately evaluated. Future prospects, expectations and projects are included in the last headline. Government and corporations are the main supporters for art and art organizations but there is a very serious risk for art organizations to lose their corporate funds to environmental and educational CSR projects and sport sponsorships.

Originality/value

This study shows the gap of needed and existing funding and support in culture and art field in Turkey. There is a great potential in upcoming period for cultural investment in Turkey, which may produce both social welfare and corporate image increase. Turkish culture and art environment should be monitored for European Capital of Culture in 2010 organization.
An exploratory study of alignment ERP implementation and organizational development activities in a newly established firm
Authors: Chen Jau‐Rong
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The importance of alignment of enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation for organizational strategies has been widely recognized. However, ERP implementation in the context of new ventures has not yet been convincingly demonstrated. Furthermore, how to align ERP implementation with organizational development in new ventures deserves further examination as new ventures are in the emergency or early growth stage and thus have distinct concerns in adopting ERP. Against this background, the main purpose of this paper is to explore how ERP implementation can facilitate the organization development of new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an in‐depth case study method for gathering and analyzing data. The case research strategy allows the exploration of unforeseen phenomena and offers insights into the inter‐dependencies among the factors captured in the study. It is believed that case study research will be most appropriate in gaining in‐depth knowledge of the practices of ERP implementation in new venture development.

Findings

Drawing on an in‐depth case study from a Taiwanese IC design house, this study shows that, to leverage the value of ERP system, the implementation should consider the firm's growth stages, the unique industrial characteristics, the influences from the business group, and the alignment of the internal control and audit function, corporate governance, and information technology governance.

Practical implications

The findings of this study contribute to the literature on ERP implementation and organization development in new ventures. The implications and future research directions are also discussed.

Originality/value

This single case study has provided valuable insights into the practice of ERP implementation. Furthermore, data analysis of this study provides a set of vocabularies that researchers and practitioners could employ in similar organizational processes as in new ventures. Accordingly, future ERP implementation processes can be compared and benchmarked.
Why moral failures precede financial crises
Authors: Weitzner David , Darroch James
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the linkages between greed and governance failures in both financial institutions and financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper described how innovation changed the US financial system through an analysis of recent events, and employs the philosophic concepts of hubris and greed to explain certain developments.

Findings

The development of the shadow banking system and opaque products was motivated in part by greed. These developments made governance at both the institutional and market levels extremely difficult, if not impossible. In part the findings are limited by the current opacity of the markets and the dynamics of events.

Practical implications

The implication of the research is to reinforce the need for transparency if the risk of innovation in the financial system is to be both identified and managed. The creation of central clearing houses and/or exchanges for new products is clearly indicated.

Originality/value

Understanding the linkages between greed, hubris and governance in the development of opaque products provides insights of value to those trying to understand the current crisis – from academics to practitioners.
Financial crisis, activist states and (missed) opportunities
Authors: Caprotti Federico
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This article seeks to discuss three key issues raised by the recent financial crisis: the rise of “activist states”; a new focus on the geopolitical effects of finance; and possible future social implications of the rapid response to crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an analytical overview of three of the implications of the current crisis, and introduces the idea of the “activist state” in financial markets.

Findings

The article focuses on three issues raised in connection with the recent crisis: the rapid rise of “activist states” as a result of impaired liquidity; the bringing to light of long‐neglected geopolitical spaces of finance; and the opportunities for improved social aims communication and lobbying which result from future analyses of responses to the crisis.

Originality/value

The article's focus is on the interface between finance and politics. The article introduces the idea of a financial “activist state” as a public entity which behaves like an activist shareholder in the market. The article also suggests that the political and banking reaction to the current crisis can be seen in terms of opportunities to improve communication of social, political and policy aims in the future.
From demutualisation to meltdown: a tale of two wannabe banks
Authors: Klimecki Robin , Willmott Hugh
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of neoliberalist deregulation on the rash of demutualisations of the 1990s. It explores the extent to which the demutualisation of two building societies – Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley – and their subsequent demise in the wake of the credit crunch exemplify key features of the neoliberalist experiment, with a particular focus on their post‐mutualisation business models.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis draws on literature that examines the neoliberal development of the financial sector and examines the media coverage of the financial crisis of 2007/2008 to study the discursive and material conditions of possibility for the development and implosion of the business models used by Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley.

Findings

The paper argues that the demutualisation of Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley was part of a broader neoliberal movement which had processes of financialisation at its centre. By converting into banks, former building societies gained greater access to wholesale borrowing, to new types of investors and to the unrestricted use of financial instruments such as securitisation. The collapse of Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley is interpreted in the light of their access to these new sources of funding and their use of financial instruments which were either unavailable for, or antithetical to, the operation of mutual societies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper comments on the contemporary features and current effects of the 2007/2008 crisis of liquidity, whose full long‐term consequences are uncertain. Further research and future events may offer confirmation or serve to qualify or correct its central argument. The intent of the paper is to provide a detailed analysis of the conditions and consequences of building society demutualisation in the context of the neoliberal expansion of the financial sector that resulted in a financial meltdown. It is hoped that this study will stimulate more critical analysis of the financial sector, and of the significance of financialisation more specifically.

Originality/value

The paper adopts an alternative perspective on the so‐called “subprime crisis”. The collapse of Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley is understood in relation to the expansion, and subsequent crisis, of financialisation, in which financial instruments such as collateralized debt obligations and credit default swaps were at its explosive centre, rather than to the expansion of subprime lending per se. Demutualisation is presented as a symptom of neoliberalism, a development that, in the UK, is seen to have contributed significantly to the financial meltdown.
Building resilience to international financial crises: lessons from Brazil
Authors: Filipe Zago de Azevedo André , Renato Soares Terra Paulo
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper sets out to argue that, due to a stable set of economic policies over the past decade, today Brazil is much more resilient to international financial crises than in the 1990s.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents preliminary macroeconomic data in a country case study.

Findings

The paper concludes that the initial impact of the current international financial crisis on Brazil has been much less severe than similar crisis episodes in the past.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the crisis is still unfolding, the paper presents only preliminary data regarding its impact on emerging markets.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that emerging markets should adopt flexible exchange rate regimes and stable macroeconomic policies as a means to reduce their exposure to international shocks.

Originality/value

The paper makes an initial diagnosis regarding the impact of the international financial crisis on emerging markets that have adopted sensible economic policies, and is of interest to scholars, business people, and policymakers in developed and emerging countries.
Towards pervasive instant messaging and presence awareness
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Law Chun‐Fai , Wang Cho‐Li , Lau Francis C.M.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to envision the benefits of applying the Instant Messaging (IM) paradigm in pervasive computing environments. With IM in such an environment, all smart entities, human or not, can interact using IM as the unified interface. To realize this vision, the design of a Smart Instant Messaging (SIM) system is proposed, which features context‐aware presence management, user‐centric resource configuration, and adaptive grouping.

Design/methodology/approach

Three prototype versions of a client have been implemented and their performance in terms of memory usage and response time evaluated.

Findings

The SIM system was found to transcend current IM products by having new features including context‐aware presence management, user‐centric resource configuration, and adaptive grouping support.

Originality/value

The system described here extends the Jabber‐based IM framework and relies on an ontology‐based supporting middleware to handle the chore of retrieving and interpreting contextual information.
A survey on context‐aware web service systems
Authors: Truong Hong‐Linh , Dustdar Schahram
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This survey aims to study and analyze current techniques and methods for context‐aware web service systems, to discuss future trends and propose further steps on making web services systems context‐aware.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes and compares existing context‐aware web service‐based systems based on techniques they support, such as context information modeling, context sensing, distribution, security and privacy, and adaptation techniques. Existing systems are also examined in terms of application domains, system type, mobility support, multi‐organization support and level of web services implementation.

Findings

Supporting context‐aware web service‐based systems is increasing. It is hard to find a truly context‐aware web service‐based system that is interoperable and secure, and operates on multi‐organizational environments. Various issues, such as distributed context management, context‐aware service modeling and engineering, context reasoning and quality of context, security and privacy issues have not been well addressed.

Research limitations/implications

The number of systems analyzed is limited. Furthermore, the survey is based on published papers. Therefore, up‐to‐date information and development might not be taken into account.

Originality/value

Existing surveys do not focus on context‐awareness techniques for web services. This paper helps to understand the state of the art in context‐aware techniques for web services that can be employed in the future of services which is built around, amongst others, mobile devices, web services, and pervasive environments.
Developing a conceptual framework for assessing competitiveness of India's agrifood chain
Authors: Sagheer Silpa , Yadav S.S. , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework and set of propositions to analyze competitiveness of India's agrifood chain. Nine components constitute the framework. These are identified on the basis of theoretical studies and expert consultations. Each component leads to at least one proposition.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is dependent on two major streams of management – value chain analysis (VCA) and strategic competitiveness. Porter's diamond at the industry level and Momaya's asset‐process‐performance (APP) model at the firm level provide the base for competitiveness discussions.

Findings

The framework comprises of “human” and “non‐human” components. They are more like members of a network where action of each has an impact on the other. By examining the roles of human components like national government, producers, processors, etc. and non‐human components like food quality, regulatory scenario, etc. side‐by‐side, this study breaks new grounds in exploring the synergy of VCA and competitiveness management.

Research limitations/implications

Journal papers based on Indian food industry's competitiveness or supply chain are very limited. There is also a dearth of literature on India's agrifood sector. This has reduced the scope for published references from India.

Practical implications

The paper can serve as a reference point for researchers/students and other stakeholders interested in Indian food and retail industry. The framework has implications for developing countries like India that are exploring opportunities in global retail diffusions. It is also of use to researchers from developing economies where the role of “national government” can be significant in the development of an industry. The framework is built as a flexible and adaptable tool, which can suit other industry sectors with minor modifications.

Originality/value

The paper has attempted to create a common ground where the two theories of VCA and competitiveness are able to meet. An empirical validation of the framework can encourage more future research on this topic. This paper can also be used by researchers as a reference point for studies on Indian agrifood sector. The proposed framework can be used as an analytical tool by researchers to study similar industries from developing economies like textiles, leather, etc. that are unorganized.
Dynamic linkages among ASEAN‐5 emerging stock markets
Authors: Shabri Abd. Majid M. , Kameel Mydin Meera Ahamed , Azmi Omar Mohd. , Abdul Aziz Hassanuddeen
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore market integration among five selected Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emerging markets (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore) during the pre‐ and post‐1997 financial crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach

Employs two‐step estimation, cointegration and generalized method of moments (GMM).

Findings

The study finds that the stock markets in the ASEAN region are cointegrated both during the pre‐ and post‐1997 financial crisis. However, the markets are moving towards a greater integration, particularly during the post‐1997 financial crisis. Finally, as measured by the error correction terms, except the emerging market of Indonesia, all other ASEAN markets appear to be the important bearers of short‐run adjustment to a shock in the long‐run equilibrium relationships in the region both during the pre‐ and post‐crisis periods.

Research limitations/implications

The study only focuses on stock markets of the five founding members of ASEAN, i.e. Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

Practical implications

The paper reveals that unlike during the pre‐crisis period, the long‐run diversification benefits that can be earned by investors across the ASEAN markets in the post‐crisis period tend to diminish.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to use two‐step estimation, cointegration and GMM to re‐examine market integration either in the emerging or developed markets.
Developing country perceptions of high‐ and low‐involvement products manufactured in other countries
Authors: Saffu Kojo , Scott Don
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the quality perceptions of developing country consumers in Malaysia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), on a high‐ and low‐involvement product (personal computer and shoes) produced by the manufacturing countries of origin of the USA, Australia, Italy and Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The country‐of‐origin (COO) effect on quality perceptions was measured by exploring interactive effect differences, using analysis of variance.

Findings

The findings from this study were first, that consumers in PNG evaluated their homemade products less favourably than foreign‐made products. Second, that COO effects influence consumers' preferences differently in the case of high‐ and low‐involvement products and third, that analyses using overall mean values instead of interaction effects can lead to incorrect interpretations. The results also supported the widely held view that consumers hold stereotypical views of products made in different foreign countries but disagreed about the nature of such stereotypical views.

Practical implications

The main implications of this study are first, that more attention needs to be paid to a product's COO when marketing to consumers in Malaysia and PNG. Second, that in the case of high‐ and low‐involvement products, marketing managers should take special care to examine the impact of COO effects. Third, that COO research should take care to correctly evaluate and use interaction effects since the simple use of overall mean values can produce very different and incorrect interpretations.

Originality/value

This paper makes important contributions to the COO and consumer ethnocentrism research.
A cross‐cultural study of online collaborative learning
Authors: Zhu Chang , Valcke Martin , Schellens Tammy
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether there is a cultural gap in student perceptions of online collaborative learning and to investigate to what extent student perceptions, motivation, and learning strategies change over time due to the actual involvement in a collaborative e‐learning environment (ELE).

Design/methodology/approach

A parallel e‐learning environment for a first‐year university course is implemented for a Flemish group (n = 217) at Ghent University and a Chinese group (n = 165) at Beijing Normal University. Student perceptions of the online collaborative learning environment and their motivation and learning strategies before and after the ELE are measured.

Findings

The findings show that the Flemish group perceive the online collaborative learning environment more positively compared to the Chinese group. However, Chinese students' motivation, and learning strategies change significantly towards a way that is more in line with a social‐constructivist learning approach after the online collaborative learning experience.

Practical implications

The current results indicate that students from different cultural contexts perceive online collaborative learning environments differently. Specific cultural adaptations in e‐learning design could be considered when an ELE is to be implemented cross‐culturally.

Originality/value

This study can help both Chinese and Western instructors to become aware of different perceptions of online collaborative learning and to be more supportive to the students.
How did you find your physician?
Authors: Cooley Delonia O. , Madupu Vivek
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate what sources of information consumers are utilizing when they are selecting physicians, and if there are any differences in the types of sources they evaluate when searching for information for themselves versus searching for someone else (e.g. loved ones).

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups and personal interviews were conducted based on a convenience sampling approach.

Findings

Consumers no longer depend on subjective sources such as word of mouth (WOM), but also look at objective internet sources. When searching for information for somebody else, consumers refer to more sources and prefer objective sources of information, such as the internet. When searching for loved ones, consumers spend more time and effort as they want to give the best possible advice.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused only on baby‐boomers. Hence, the results may not be extended to other segments. Hospitals and other not‐for‐profit groups providing health care information should make attempts to provide information about physicians' services on the internet. Health care marketers should recognize that searching for information for self versus searching for loved ones is not similar.

Originality/value

Health care marketers can begin investigating the necessary means of how consumers are searching for information for self versus searching for loved ones. They should put in place mechanisms to identify whether a consumer is searching for information for self or for somebody else. Consumers are now referring to the internet‐based information sources and not just WOM.
Off‐label drug use – price analysis for Avastin® in ophthalmology
Authors: Michels Stephan , Kurz‐Levin Malaika , Schmitz Christian
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The use of drugs outside the approved indication, called off‐label use, is a growing phenomenon in medical practice. Especially, when a drug approved for systemic use is used locally in small quantities, the drug price per treatment can fall far below the potential value of the drug. This paper aims to outline the potential value of off‐label Avastin® used for wet/neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of legal blindness in western countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The van Westendorp price sensitivity measurement (PSM) method was used to find an optimal price range for an Avastin formulation potentially approved by German regulatory authorities for neovascular/wet AMD. A survey was conducted among a majority of German AMD specialists as the central part of the buying center. Germany, the largest pharmaceutical market in Europe, was selected for the study.

Findings

The effective total response rate was 25.1 percent (51 questionnaires).The price range found is clearly above the price for currently used “off‐label” Avastin and far below the price for other comparable drugs approved for the treatment of neovascular AMD. The van Westendorp PSM method found for Avastin used in the eye the optimal price at €95 ($131), the indifference price at €200 ($276) and the acceptable price range between €90 ($124) and €310 ($428). The discussion provides further implications for pricing strategies for new drugs.

Originality/value

As price sensitivity and availability of drugs have become an increasingly political and public topic, off‐label application of drugs is turning into an important challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. Taken in total, the results provide support for the view that off‐label application not only creates major threats for pharmaceutical companies, but can also offer growth opportunities.
Organizational alignment and hospitality firm performance
Authors: Crotts John C. , Ford Robert C. , Heung Vincent C.S. , Ngai E.W.T.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Hospitality organizations, whether large or small, are complex entities requiring managers to work through frontline employees to manage every guest's moment of truth and meet their firms' goals and objectives. This study aims to test propositions that firms whose staffing policies and systems are aligned with their strategic goals and objectives to outperform those firms with poorer organizational alignment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey administered in winter of 2005 to 200 hourly wage employees from each of four matched hotels. Some 479 completed surveys were returned yielding a 59 percent response rate.

Findings

Between‐group differences in organizational alignment measures were statistically significant in the directions predicted. Specifically, subjects from the high organizational alignment hotels, on average, reported significantly higher organizational support, employee service commitment and employee satisfaction as compared to low organizational alignment properties.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study provide a strong indication that the workplace environment is a concept that employees are aware of which in turn influences their commitment and satisfaction.

Practical implications

This research provides managers with an assessment tool useful for ensuring that a firm is being effectively managed.
Island tourism marketing: music and culture
Authors: Brown Keith G.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an historical context of the growth of Celtic music on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada and to trace the development as a component of a cultural tourism product.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines literature on music and cultural tourism as well as government reports. Semi‐structured interviews were done with a cross‐section of people, key to the development of musical cultural tourism on Cape Breton Island.

Findings

The paper reports on the initial investments of the federal government of Canada in tourism infrastructure on Cape Breton Island in the 1970s and the initial investments in entertainment as a component of tourism in 1986. The paper examines the growth of Celtic music in Cape Breton and the birth of the success of the Cape Breton sound.

Research limitations/implications

The practitioners of the music industry are quite clear in their views of the importance of their sector to the broader tourism industry. However, the study is quiet on the actual perceptions and views of the tourist. Further research should examine the importance of the cultural experience in contributing to the satisfaction of the visitors' experience.

Practical implications

The success of the Celtic Colors International Festival has clearly indicated the market for Cape Breton Celtic music and that festivals of this sort have the ability to extend the tourism season.

Originality/value

The paper chronicles the development of one of the most successful Atlantic Canadian cultural tourism products which has broad applications in comparable tourist destinations.
China's energy security situation and countermeasures
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Jiang Xinmin
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forward countermeasures to ensure China's energy security based on an analysis of the world energy security situation and challenges China faces in the future in terms of energy security.

Design/methodology/approach

An induction approach is adopted to analyze the energy security situation of the world and that of China.

Findings

Although available energy resources can meet the medium and long‐term global energy demand, the world energy security faces lots of severe challenges in the aspects of demand and supply factors, infrastructure, geopolitics and strict environmental protection requirements, etc. China's energy supply security faces many challenges in the coming 20 ∼ 30 years or even in the long term. Taking external factors into consideration, the primary challenge is to ensure a stable and sustainable oil supply with reasonable prices. Though the external conditions are of great importance to China's energy security, the influences of domestic factors also need to be well recognized. With energy resources supply being the bedrock of energy security, the establishment of domestic energy market system and energy management framework will exert momentous impact upon the energy security. In addition, while the petroleum supply security is emphasized, attentions should at the same time be paid to the supply security of other energy products, especially to the supply of China's fundamental energy resource of coal.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful and timely analysis of world energy resources, world energy security situation and world economic performances.
Consumer preferences of wine in Italy applying best‐worst scaling
Authors: Casini Leonardo , Corsi Armando Maria , Goodman Steve
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on measuring the importance of the attributes, which influence the wine choice of Italian consumers when they buy wine either in a retail or an on‐premise setting, identifying significant behavioural differences across geo‐demographic subgroups of the sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The best‐worst (BW) method was applied together with simple statistical methods to measure the degree of importance given by respondents to attributes, avoid rating bias problems, and compare potential market segments.

Findings

A general analysis of BW scores showed that direct, personal and sensorial experiences are the most important attributes when choosing wine. The statistical analysis evidenced that, while choosing wine in retail stores, the level of involvement respondents have toward wine, the age of the interviewees and the geographical provenance of the respondents showed the greatest differences in attribute importance. Respondents in the on‐premise sector were more similar across the socio‐demographic groups compared to the retail respondents, with differences in the age and involvement having the greatest effect compared to other variables.

Originality/value

The BW method has never been applied in Italy so far. Moreover, it has never been used to measure preferences of Italian consumers for wine, either in the retail or in the on‐premise setting. The BW method allowed researchers to identify the attributes able to influence consumers choices for wine at most (and at least). Compared to other methodologies, this has been done avoiding problems of rating bias, favouring a cross regional comparison of the way diverse populations judge similar attributes.
The Gilbreths' quality system stands the test of time
Authors: Mousa Fariss‐Terry , Lemak David J.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the work of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and how it is still a fundamental part of business in the twenty‐first century. It is also proposed that the system developed by the Gilbreths could be added as a supplement, or even considered as a replacement to certain modern process management systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology is used and the Gilbreths' system as described in their original works are compared and contrasted with modern process management systems appearing in contemporary literature.

Findings

It is found that most modern process management systems are based on the work of the Gilbreths and other seminal thinkers. However, it is suggested that by paying more attention to the human element, the Gilbreths might have developed a more comprehensive system in comparison with current ones.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to reemphasize the role and importance of Frank and Lillian's work as foundational to modern process management systems and to suggest that more attention needs to be given to the human interface in such systems.
The Übermensch meets the “One Best Way”
Authors: Bedeian Arthur G. , Taylor Shannon G.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the eugenic beliefs of behavioral geneticist Barbara S. Burks and scientific‐management pioneers B. Frank and Lillian M. Moeller Gilbreth.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on personal communications with the Gilbreths' daughter, Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, and archival records, this paper clarifies the relationship between Barbara S. Burks and the Gilbreth family.

Findings

This research establishes that the unnamed psychologist described in an unflattering manner in the best‐selling book on the Gilbreth family, Cheaper by the Dozen, was not Barbara S. Burks.

Originality/value

Based on information that only Ernestine Gilbreth Carey could have provided, this paper sets the record straight regarding the Gilbreths' involvement with eugenicist Barbara S. Burks.
Management policies of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies: critical factors in international competition (Part 1)
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Fischer Thomas , Fleisch Elgar
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the management policies behind the success of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies in international competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included a few multinational corporations as well as a large number of “hidden champions”.

Findings

The study has led to three management policies that are currently driven by their top management. The three management policies were: extension of the service business; entering the medium market; and optimising the global footprint.

Practical implications

The paper provides effective guidance for managers seeking to extend the service business and to enter the medium market segment. The management policies are complementary perspectives to many existing ideas advocated by practitioners.

Originality/value

Shifting management attention towards the service business and the medium market segment is not easy. There are several barriers limiting management attention.
Management policies of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies: critical factors in international competition (Part 2)
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Fischer Thomas , Fleisch Elgar
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the management policies behind the success of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies in international competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included a few multinational corporations as well as a large number of “hidden champions”.

Findings

This part of the study focuses on one management policy that is currently driven by the top management. The management policies capture the optimisation of the global footprint.

Practical implications

The paper provides effective guidance for managers seeking to optimise the global value chain activities. The management policies are complementary perspectives to many existing ideas advocated by practitioners.

Originality/value

Shifting management attention towards the service business and the medium market segment is not easy. There are several barriers limiting management attention.
Comparing the leadership styles of functional and project managers
Authors: Rodney Turner J. , Müller Ralf , Dulewicz Vic
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences between leadership competences of project managers and those of functional managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Leadership styles of 414 project managers were assessed using a validated research instrument, the leadership development questionnaire. The results were compared with the leadership profiles of over 1,000 functional managers, assessed with the same instrument. Quantitative analysis techniques were used to identify significant differences in the leadership styles of project managers when compared to functional managers. Correlations between leadership competences and leadership performance and follower commitment of project managers were compared with those of functional managers.

Findings

The paper finds that project managers score higher than functional managers on conscientiousness, sensitivity, and critical analysis, but they score lower on communication and development competencies. The correlation between the fit of project managers to their organizational context and their leadership performance and follower commitment was calculated.

Research limitations/implications

Comparisons show differences in leadership competences for functional and project managers. Managers in general management roles should be trained to a lesser extent in managerial and intellectual competences than those in project management roles. However, solid training in emotional competences is needed for success in both managerial roles.

Originality/value

The differences in leadership competences of project managers and line managers from industry and government are identified.
Formulation of robust strategies for project manufacturing business
Authors: Fox Stephen , Jokinen Tero , Lindfors Niklas , Ylén Jean‐Peter
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform of the development and use of comprehensive system dynamics model for the formulation of robust strategies in project manufacturing business.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiences from action research involving field study with project manufacturing businesses are reported.

Findings

It is possible, using readily available resources, to develop comprehensive system dynamics model for project manufacturing business which can be used to facilitate the formulation of robust strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Field study involved only five businesses serving three project manufacturing sectors.

Practical implications

The need for better approaches for dealing with dynamic complexity in project business is recognized in the literature. However, extant models deal with single projects or a few aspects of multiple projects. The research suggests that companies can develop system dynamics models that go beyond multiple projects to encompass broader business issues which cause effects within their projects. Further, such comprehensive models can be used to formulate robust strategies.

Originality/value

The originality of the research reported in this paper is that both immediate sources, and ultimate sources, of dynamic complexity are described. Extant system dynamics models are concerned with either, but not both. Hence, extant models are not comprehensive. That is, they do not encompass the full extent of sources of dynamic complexity in project business. The value of this paper is that it offers practical examples to inform the development of comprehensive system dynamics model for project manufacturing business. Moreover, the use of comprehensive model to facilitate the formulation of robust strategies is explained.
Project autonomy in complex service development networks
Authors: Martinsuo Miia , Lehtonen Päivi
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Earlier research has investigated project autonomy only in the context of one parent organization, and not sufficiently in complex stakeholder environments. This paper aims to examine project autonomy and its formation in a complex stakeholder environment. The purpose is to increase understanding on project autonomy, its formation, enablers, and barriers in a complex stakeholder environment, particularly in service development networks.

Design/methodology/approach

An embedded case study strategy of 11 service development projects are employed within the same non‐profit parent organization, each with their unique, complex stakeholder networks. Data were collected through interviews with key informants both in the projects and their parent organization and content analyzed.

Findings

The results reveal that project autonomy appears in constant interplay with the surrounding stakeholder environment. Four types of context‐dependent autonomy are characterized in the projects: isolated, privileged, networked, and embedded. How the parent organization enables and constrains autonomy is also reported by moderating the level of attention given to projects more or less deliberately.

Research limitations/implications

The alleged connection between project autonomy and success needs to be questioned in complex stakeholder environments. Further research is suggested on the dynamics of project autonomy throughout the project lifecycle, and the effects of contingency factors such as project type. As the embedded single‐case strategy has its limitations for generalizability, further research should test and verify the findings in other contexts.

Practical implications

Project manager and owner capabilities should be aligned with the type and degree of project autonomy.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the literature on project autonomy by drawing attention to the complexity of a project's stakeholder environment and by lending empirical support to recent conceptual research on context‐bound project strategies.
Efficiency of conventional versus Islamic banks: evidence from the Middle East
Authors: Hassan Taufiq , Mohamad Shamsher , Khaled I. Bader Mohammed
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the differences in mean cost, revenue and profit efficiency scores of conventional versus Islamic banks. It also aims to examine the effect of size and age on cost, revenue and profit efficiency of the sampled banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates a cross‐country level data compiled from the financial statements of 40 banks in 11 Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) countries over the period 1990‐2005. The data were collected for each year available from the BankScope database. The DEA nonparametric efficiency approach originally developed by Farrell was applied to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings suggest no significant differences between the overall efficiency of conventional and Islamic banks. However, it was noted that, on average, banks are more efficient in using their resources compared to their ability to generate revenues and profits. The average bank lost an opportunity to receive 27.9 percent more revenue, given the same amount of resources. Similarly, the average bank lost the opportunity to make 20.9 percent more profits utilising the same level of inputs. Clearly there is substantial room for improvement in cost minimisation and revenue and profit maximisation in both banking systems. The size and age factor did not significantly influence the efficiency scores in both banking streams.

Originality/value

This research is substantially different from the prior work in this area in three main ways. First, it investigates cost, revenue, and profit efficiency, whereas previous studies focus on cost, profit, or cost and profit efficiency. Also, no previous studies have compared conventional and Islamic banks. Second, this study distinguishes differences among big versus small, and old versus new banks, which allows more detailed insights on the efficiency issue. Third, the age issue in Islamic banks has been addressed, so far undocumented.
Criteria for the appropriate use of mediation in construction disputes
Authors: Brooker Penny
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the circumstances in which a refusal to refer a construction dispute to mediation may be judged acceptable in the English Technology and Construction Court (TCC), thus avoiding the imposition of a costs penalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses traditional doctrinal legal methodology in the evaluation of judicial statements in the TCC on the criteria for determining the appropriate use of mediation and combines this with a socio‐legal approach which examines empirical findings on settlement outcome.

Findings

An analysis of TCC cases indicates a significant steer from the judiciary on when construction cases are deemed appropriate for the process of mediation. Most cases are identified as suitable, particularly if they involve small sums compared to litigation and where there is uncertainty about factual and legal issues. Judges continue to emphasise the ability of skilled mediators to deal with intractable parties and the importance of continuing commercial relationships despite empirical evidence to the contrary. The personal experiences and perceptions of TCC judges continue to drive mediation “appropriateness criteria”. This could work negatively against its true potential if construction parties' actual experience of the mediation process involves less‐experienced mediators or a failure to achieve settlement.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed and scholarly analysis of the application of Court of Appeal's decision in Halsey in the TCC with specific reference to built environment cases. It evaluates empirical findings on the effectiveness of construction mediation on settlement outcome with the judicial steer on “appropriateness criteria”. It is of value to legal scholars, legal practitioners and researchers in the built environment.
Gender and the SME “finance gap”
Authors: Watson John , Newby Rick , Mahuka Annie
Published: April 2009

Purpose

While some previous research supports the existence of a finance gap within the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, particularly for female owned SMEs, the evidence is hardly unequivocal. Further, much of the prior research has focused on supply‐ rather than demand‐side issues. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate both supply‐ and demand‐side issues for female and male SME owners.

Design/methodology/approach

From the results of three focus groups and a review of the literature eight hypotheses were formulated for testing with a mail survey sent to 534 SME owners.

Findings

Based on 123 responses, the findings provide no evidence to suggest that a supply‐side finance gap exists within the Australian SME sector. There is also no evidence that Australian SME owners (particularly female owners) are being discouraged from applying for loans from a financial institution because they believe their application will be rejected. The results suggest that other demand‐side issues (particularly risk‐taking propensity and desire to maintain control) play a more important role in the capital structure decision making of SME owners.

Research limitations/implications

This study's major limitations are its reliance on a sample of solely Western Australian businesses that were not representative of the population of Western Australian SMEs and its relatively small sample size.

Practical implications

Financial advisers need to be sensitive to various demand‐side issues when advising SME owners about the merits of applying for external funding.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited available evidence concerning the importance of various demand‐side issues to SME owners considering accessing external funding.