bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived managerial problems in SMEs: evidence from Botswana
Authors: Temtime Zelealem T. , Pansiri Jaloni
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper investigates the perceived critical managerial factors affecting the performance of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 250 SMEs in Botswana through questionnaire and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The respondents were asked to rate the impact of 34 selected items (derived from small business management literature) using a five‐point Likert type scale ranging from very high (5) to very low (1).

Findings

The findings revealed that four factors (managerial action, human resources development, managerial background and organization development) emerged as critical management problems affecting the survival and growth of SMEs in Botswana.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings are based on perceptions of managers rather than actual impact analysis, they have practical implications for the development of a proactive management development and training and small business support programs in developing economies like Botswana.

Practical implications

The paper promotes the importance of designing management development and support programs based on assessment of the organizational and managerial problems and the objective conditions in which SMEs are operating.

Originality/value

This article discusses SMEs in Botswana.
How top‐level managers develop: a field study
Authors: Longenecker Clinton O. , Fink Laurence S.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine how top‐level managers continue their development/performance improvement, once they have reached the highest levels of their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 106 of senior‐level managers who were asked to identify the specific things they did to continue their development.

Findings

The top ten practices identified by executives included: seeking out honest/accurate performance feedback from a wide variety of sources; reading relevant material; self‐reflection/self‐appraisal; recruiting, hiring, and promoting talented people attending formal continuing education programs, workshops and/or seminars; membership in professional/trade organization associations; mentoring and coaching others; benchmarking and observing the practices of other leaders/organizations; working at knowing the current needs of your own organization and the demands of your job; always knowing the current needs of your own organization and the demands of your job; and having a mentor and/or coach.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations of this study include a limited executive sample from large US organizations that makes generalizing these finding difficult. Future research should focus on the barriers that prevent executive development and whether these same development techniques are used by executives all over the world.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research make it clear that executive development is a complex and critical organizational/personal process.

Originality/value

Most research has focused on management development techniques of middle and lower‐level managers. This study determines how top‐level managers continue their development once they have reached the highest levels of their organizations.
Thinking outside the bun: the manager's role in sensemaking
Authors: Wheeler Linda
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to alert managers to the importance of managing employee sensemaking during organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses her personal experience as a manager to discuss the importance of managing employee sensemaking during organizational change.

Findings

Managers and employees must learn to understand their sensemaking assumptions, biases, and perceptions to do a better job of implementing organizational change.

Practical implications

By understanding and managing employee thought processes and communicating the story of an organizational change to meet employee needs, managers can make organizational change less risky.

Originality/value

This study informs managers about how employee perceptions can inhibit organizational change success.
Market failure and public policy on training: some reasons for caution
Authors: Keep Ewart
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine market failure and public policy on training.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents four categories for market failure. It also examines evidence for the incidence of market failure

Findings

The study finds that there is weak evidence for market failure, but that it has featured prominently in policy thinking because of policy makers tendency to compare stocks of skills between countries.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on market failure and public policy on training.
It's the system that matters
Authors: Denton Keith
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the importance of creating an effective work system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows the benefits of systematically incorporating good work practices.

Findings

The paper illustrated that a systematic work system can unify work efforts. Several different work systems are described within the text.

Practical implications

The paper describes what is needed so everyone is knows “Who we are” and “Where we are going”.

Originality/value

This paper makes the case that it is more important to create a systematic approach to work than it is to implement any particular high performance work practice.
Personal development plans: evidence from research on their use
Authors: Bennett Ben
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The article aims to investigate personal development plans (PDPs), which have become increasingly popular in organizations as perceived demands for staff to become more adaptable, flexible and empowered have grown in response to internal and external organizational change. The adoption of PDPs is seen to be in tune with the times.

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws from research into work based learning by Strategic Developments International.

Findings

The study shows that, despite their popularity, PDPs are used patchily and only a few organizations use them well. One problem is that “Personal” can come to mean disconnected from work or from the organization's strategy. Second, we see too often that these plans stay as interesting plans that do not get actioned. A third concern is that the PDP is often very short term. However, just because many people and organizations use PDPs badly does not undermine the value of planned learning. It just means that learners and their managers need to manage the process well so that they and their organization get the maximum value from it.

Originality/value

The article provides guidance on how to get the best from the PDP process.
Designing an appropriate ESCOs' environment in the Mediterranean
Authors: Patlitzianas Konstantinos D. , Doukas Haris , Psarras John
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To contribute to the design of the energy service companies (ESCOs)' environment in the Mediterranean countries, mainly focusing on the constraints this company's environment face and the actions that can fulfil its needs and aims, taking also into consideration the opportunities and threats emerging from the energy liberalization and climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology that was followed (based in a large part on the context of two projects targeted to the Mediterranean region and funded by the European Commission) incorporated four steps, the desk analysis for energy efficiency potential in the Mediterranean, the data collection, the assessment of the constraints and the final assessment of the ESCOs' environment.

Findings

Provides information regarding the current status of ESCOs' development, in the dimensions of the ESCOs' environment (political/legal, economical/financial, social/cultural and technological), both in the European Union (EU) (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain) and non‐EU (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey) Mediterranean countries.

Originality/value

There are no papers investigating the activation environment of ESCOs in a coherent and integrated way in the Mediterranean. This paper provides to decision makers a supportive framework for policy design and formulation of policy priorities for ESCOs development in the region.
From the traditional to the contemporary Cycladic sustainable house
Authors: Sinou Maria
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to compare traditional and contemporary architecture in terms of their environmental performance. It will demonstrate that the traditional constructions create much more stable and comfortable environments than the contemporary ones.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study used for the analysis is the medieval settlement of Kastro in the Island of Siphnos in Greece. Five representative houses were examined; three traditional and two contemporary. They were measured and monitored for five days in terms of temperature, air movement, illuminance, and surface temperatures; however, this paper will focus on the temperature results.

Findings

The research showed that traditional houses are primarily environmental shelters, as opposed to the contemporary constructions, which failed to provide such an optimum microclimate. The contemporary need for more spacious residences with wider openings, large facades and views to the outside cannot co‐exist with the microclimate created by the heavy mass, compact, with small openings traditional dwellings.

Practical implications

The paper does not suggest that architects should recreate former techniques and morphology, but argues that in the quest for the sustainable building, traditional architecture can offer valuable information.

Originality/value

Traditional climate responsive constructions are proving to be sustainable throughout the centuries, since even today with the new technology and knowledge they perform better than the contemporary constructions.
The HQE approach
Authors: Bidou Dominique
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to present the concept and dynamics of building environmental quality (the so‐called “high environmental quality” in France) as it has been initiated in France and as it is being actually implemented. It is also aiming at showing how the Haute Qualité Environnementale (HQE) can be a tool towards sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the concept of the HQE method, its dynamics, the implementation results and its perspectives. It is showing how the HQE can contribute to sustainable development in the construction sector.

Findings

The first results obtained from the implementation of the HQE method show that, well beyond the environment, interesting results are reached in the social field (health, control loads of dwelling, reduction of the accidents on the building sites, etc.) as well as in the economic one (controlled total cost, dynamics of the professions, search and development for new materials, etc.). On the basis of the environment, the HQE thus initiates a true step of sustainable development.

Practical implications

In France, it is the step HQE which federates the initiatives around environmental quality in buildings. It is founded on the search for performances touching at the same time the interior environment, for the users, and the environment in general from the interior space scale up to the planet. It is an environmental management which is thus put in practice, rendering responsible and mobilizing the actors for obtaining at the same time personal and collective performances. It is a systemic approach, accounting for the complexity and lifespan of a construction, and creating a synergy among the actors.

Originality/value

The paper is a conceptual one. It is trying to present the approach of high environmental quality as ex‐post project methodology and the management character of the operation. It is rather original in the analysis of the dynamics and perspectives of the HQE method.
Sustainable management and urban space quality in the Mediterranean
Authors: Kyvelou Stella , Leal Filho Walter
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to present some challenging issues concerning urban space management in the Mediterranean region, with a special focus to sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

It is structured around the outcomes of the SB05MED International Conference titled “Sustainable Construction: Action for Sustainability in the Mediterranean Region,” held in Athens in June 2005, which is the main subject of this special issue. It will present the main outcomes related to existing approaches of environmental quality in buildings as well as methodologies, policies and standards for environmental quality in buildings and cities. Furthermore, it will present future trends and explore the current situation of projects, systems and operations, as well as performance assessment tools and financial instruments and mechanisms towards sustainable construction in the Mediterranean region. Each major scientific topic is presented and analysed. Finally, a synthesis of outcomes is presented.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the links between developments in the field of sustainable building in the Mediterranean region and relates them with future developments and perspectives at a macro‐regional level.

Originality/value

This overview paper can be used as the starting point of future research as well as a reference paper.
Credit‐default swap rates and equity volatility: a nonlinear relationship
Authors: Abid Fathi , Naifar Nader
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the impact of equity returns volatility of reference entities on credit‐default swap rates using a new dataset from the Japanese market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a copula approach, the paper models the different relationships that can exist in different ranges of behavior. It studies the bivariate distributions of credit‐default swap rates and equity return volatility estimated with GARCH (1,1) and focus on one parameter Archimedean copula.

Findings

First, the paper emphasizes the finding that pairs with higher rating present a weaker dependence coefficient and then, the impact of equity returns volatility on credit‐default swap rates is higher for the lowest rating class. Second, the dependence structure is positive and asymmetric indicating that protection sellers ask for higher credit‐default swap returns to compensate the higher credit risk incurred by low rating class.

Practical implications

The paper has several practical implications that are of value for financial hedgers and engineers, loan market participants, financial regulators, government regulators, central banks, and risk managers.

Originality/value

The paper also illustrates the potential benefits of equity returns volatility of reference entities as a proxy of default risk. These simplifications could be lifted in future research on this theme.
When does cross‐border acquisition of insurance firms lead to value creation?
Authors: Elango B.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on international acquisitions that took place in the insurance sector by US‐based firms in the years 1997‐2003 and their impact on shareholder wealth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample is based on 52 international acquisitions in 24 countries undertaken by US firms in the insurance industry during the years 1997‐2003. The event‐study methodology is used to verify the impact of international acquisition announcements on an insurance firm's shareholder wealth. Cross‐sectional regression analysis is used to determine the importance of host country factors.

Findings

Overall results of this study show that firms undertaking overseas acquisitions face statistically insignificant negative market returns, indicating the market neither rewards nor penalizes such firms. The market returns faced by firms during such acquisitions tend to vary by the degree of wealth of the host country, amount of bilateral trade between host and home country, extent of potential liabilities of foreignness (LOF) faced by the firm, and economies of scope.

Originality/value

An important contribution of this study is that it indicates how these returns in insurer acquisitions are influenced by country characteristics. Insurers are likely to face relatively higher positive returns while seeking entry into countries with large size markets and which have extensive trade relationships with the US insurers are also likely to face negative returns when entering markets that have potential pitfalls of LOF. The market does see higher risk in acquisitions made in countries characterized by greater differences in culture, environment, legal systems, and geographic distance. Additionally, there is limited evidence indicating that firms gaining scope economies might be able to reduce the negative impact of LOF. Therefore, the conventional phrase, “look before you leap” would be apt for insurers planning acquisitions in overseas markets.
Pricing credit risk through equity options calibration
Authors: Fabio Delzio Marco
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To implement the model described in the companion paper, “Pricing credit risk through equity options calibration, part 1 – theory,” and show how to calculate the price of a set of coupon bonds issued by a US telecommunications and media company, AOL Time Warner, based on the information retrieved by the AOL equity derivatives market.

Design/methodology/approach

The risk‐neutral density function of AOL Time Warner's stock is inferred from options volatilities; from there, the AOL assets risk neutral density function is calculated together with the default probabilities at different dates in the future. Finally, a set of AOL coupon bonds are priced accordingly and compared to market prices.

Findings

The AOL model‐theoretical prices are close to market prices, meaning that it is possible to perform relative‐value analysis in the risky bonds market based on the equity markets information.

Originality/value

The paper shows how easily the model can be used as a tool for performing relative‐value analysis between the equity options and the credit markets by using real market data.
Multiple response optimization using Taguchi methodology and neuro‐fuzzy based model
Authors: Antony Jiju , Bardhan Anand Raj , Kumar Maneesh , Tiwari M.K.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To provide a good insight into solving a multi‐response optimization problem using neuro‐fuzzy model and Taguchi method of experimental design.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the last few years in many manufacturing organizations, multiple response optimization problems were resolved using the past experience and engineering judgment, which leads to increase in uncertainty during the decision‐making process. In this paper, a four‐step procedure is proposed to resolve the parameter design problem involving multiple responses. This approach employs the advantage of both artificial intelligence tool (neuro‐fuzzy model) and Taguchi method of experimental design to tackle problems involving multiple responses optimization.

Findings

The proposed methodology is validated by revisiting a case study to optimize the three responses for a double‐sided surface mount technology of an electronic assembly. Multiple signal‐to‐noise ratios are mapped into a single performance statistic through neuro‐fuzzy based model, to identify the optimal level settings for each parameter. Analysis of variance is finally performed to identify parameters significant to the process.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model will be validated in future by conducting a real life case study, where multiple responses need to be optimized simultaneously.

Practical implications

It is believed that the proposed procedure in this study can resolve a complex parameter design problem with multiple responses. It can be applied to those areas where there are large data sets and a number of responses are to be optimized simultaneously. In addition, the proposed procedure is relatively simple and can be implemented easily by using ready‐made neural and statistical software like Neuro Work II professional and Minitab.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature of multi‐optimization problem, where a combination of the neuro‐fuzzy model and Taguchi method is utilized hand‐in‐hand.
A new heuristic approach for a computer‐aided facility layout
Authors: Rawabdeh Ibrahim , Tahboub Khaldoun
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to apply a heuristic approach to solve the facility layout problem and the description of a new computer‐aided layout design system.

Design/methodology/approach

The system utilizes a new approach for computing the adjacency scores, stacking of departments, and reserving or changing the department's shapes and dimensions. The system algorithms are based on calculating the minimal distance between departments and modified departmental closeness rating.

Findings

The research addressed in this paper has resulted in developing FLASP (Facility LAyout Support Program) software. FLASP could reduce the number of iterations needed to reach the optimal solution of the layout problems by restricting the location for each department depending on the relationships between them.

Practical implications

The system is built on a set of algorithms that are concerned with stacking, calculating the shortest rectilinear distances between departments, adjacency matrix system, modifications capabilities, and plans main aisles surrounding each department.

Originality/value

The program gathers the importance of both the adjacency relationships and the distances between departments in a way that depends on the concept that the adjacency score should not be nullified just because the two departments are no longer strictly adjacent. It rather considers that the adjacency score fades away gradually with the increase of distance between the two departments which leads to a main difference in distance consideration.
Evaluation of overall line effectiveness (OLE) in a continuous product line manufacturing system
Authors: Nachiappan R.M. , Anantharaman N.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The total productive maintenance concept provided a quantitative metric – overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), for measuring the effectiveness of individual equipment in a factory, which is significant but insufficient since world class manufacturing (WCM) system focus on product line involving machines in series. This paper aims to present an approach to measure the overall line effectiveness (OLE) in continuous line‐manufacturing system.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic methodology, based on OEE metrics, is developed to model the productivity of a line manufacturing system in terms of OLE. The general and step‐by‐step method of OLE measurement in the line consisting of n number of processes is explained using a flow chart.

Findings

Computer simulation has been carried out for the evaluation of OLE in product line manufacturing system with n number of machines. It also identifies the bottle‐neck machines and the effect of specific contributing parameter for improvement.

Practical implications

The result of this research makes it possible to represent the overall product line effectiveness as a benchmark for WCM to compare the performance of the various continuous product line manufacturing‐based industries.

Originality/value

This paper presents a successful and effective evaluation of OLE which will provide a useful guide to aspects of the production process where inefficiencies can be targeted for doing improvements in the product line.
Do women in top management affect firm performance?A panel study of 2,500 Danish firms
Authors: Smith Nina , Smith Valdemar , Verner Mette
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between management diversity and firm performance in the case of women in top executive jobs and on boards of directors. Corporate governance literature argues that board diversity is potentially positively related to firm performance. This hypothesis is tested in the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper with the use of data for the 2,500 largest Danish firms observed during the period 1993‐2001 various statistical models for firm performance are specified and estimated. The main focus in the models is the estimated relationship between the proportion of women in top management (CEOs and on boards of directors) and firm performance.

Findings

The results in this paper show that the proportion of women in top management jobs tends to have positive effects on firm performance, even after controlling for numerous characteristics of the firm and direction of causality. The results show that the positive effects of women in top management strongly depend on the qualifications of female top managers.

Originality/value

This paper provides solid statistical evidence of the effects of women in top management on firm performance. The use of a large sample and the panel nature of the data set make it possible to properly control for direction of causality and, furthermore, much firm and individual information is included to estimate genuine effects of women in top management.
Critical theory: 15 years later
Authors: Magala Slawomir
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The pupose of this paper is to explore the role of criticism in the growth of academic communities and their organizational transformations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a comparison between the Frankfurter School of critical thought with contemporary critical management studies, possible routes for further development of the latter are explored.

Findings

The cognitive turn in behavioural sciences and the bureaucratic professionalization of knowledge‐intensive occupations are a serious threat to the possible development of critical management studies.

Practical implications

By focussing on implications of the Frankfurter School of social thought, critical management studies can establish itself as a more profound and fundamental form of research within social sciences.

Originality/value

The goal is to make the Frankfurter School a salonfähig discourse for managerial establishments.
Management concepts: their transfer and implementation
Authors: Karsten Luchien
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to claim that Habermas's pragmatic speech act theory helps us to extend our understanding of how management concepts are actually applied. First, the relevant features of management concepts are examined, to indicate how the diffusion of knowledge about management practices and organizational structuring takes place. Subsequently, the paper focuses on the adoption of management concepts in companies, looking at the different ways management concepts are implemented. Some implementation is based on strategic actions, others on communicative action. This issue is further explored in the final section.

Design/methodology/approach

Compares Lervik and Lunnar's categorization of management concept implementation to Habermas's epistemology.

Findings

Identifies aspects of language as conversation as determinant of new management concept implementation.

Practical implications

Shows how role discourse analysis coupled with Habermas can give an understanding of implementation of new management concepts.

Originality/value

Practical application of Habermasian analysis of communication.
Media(tion)
Authors: van Boeschoten Robert
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use media studies as a creative impulse for critical research into practices of organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an aesthetic reflection on the use of media, an experience of organization is examined as a form of postponed judgement.

Findings

Aesthetic judgement can be helpful to establish new forms of relationships, but it is questionable if organizations are willing to stimulate this form of dis‐organizing.

Practical implications

Media studies in organizations can lead to emphasis on communication as a form of control, or the opening up of the organization to more chatter and noise.

Originality/value

Using McLuhan and media studies in the context of organization studies can lead to new insights for both.
E‐learning as internationalization strategy in higher education
Authors: Mihhailova Gerda
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Use of e‐learning opens up a whole new range of business expansion and internationalization opportunities for many companies including higher education institutions. The paper seeks to explore the challenges a business college may encounter using e‐learning as internationalization strategy. E‐learning‐related problems are analyzed from two main internal interest groups' point of view – lecturers and students. The aim of the case study presented in the paper is to find out what are the major challenges from a student and academic personnel perspective using e‐learning. This kind of analyses should be the first step introducing e‐learning as a strategic tool for business expansion.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires, in‐depth interviewing and semi‐structured group interviews were used to find answers to the posed research questions. Research took place in two phases. In phase one, two types of questionnaires were distributed – Type A to lecturers (ten respondents) and Type B to students (115 respondents), Both types were constructed by the author. In phase two, two in‐depth interviews and two semi‐structured group interviews were conducted (ten students in one group of interview, eight lecturers in the second group of interview).

Findings

The main problem areas for lecturers related to e‐learning are: lack of time, lack of interest/motivation, lack of co‐operation, compensation system does not take into account the specifics of e‐learning and lecturers are concerned about the quality of teaching in a virtual environment. The most problematic of them appear to be lack of time and inappropriate compensation system. Students appear to have interest in e‐courses, but the level of knowledge regarding specifics of web‐based learning as well as about e‐courses offered was unexpectedly low. This is an especially problematic case as open university students were the main target group for whom the e‐courses were designed in the first place.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on one case study and thus the conclusions made may not exactly reflect the situation in all universities of Estonia. But due to the shared economic, cultural and historical background, at least to some extent the case study reflects the main problem areas of all Estonian universities using e‐learning.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper stems from an interdisciplinary approach to e‐learning – use of e‐learning as a tool for internationalization. The paper presents results of a case study research, conducted in an East‐European business college and the results of the study are discussed in respect of historical, social and economic specifics of Estonia.
Building employee commitment in the hospitality industry
Authors: Kazlauskaite Ruta , Buciuniene Ilona , Turauskas Linas
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Employee turnover has lately considerably increased in the Lithuanian hospitality industry. Given the fact that organizational commitment is negatively related to employee turnover, the research aim is to determine the level of employee organizational commitment as well as their empowerment, which can be viewed as a possible means of stimulating employee commitment, as well as the interrelationship between employee commitment and empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was carried out among customer‐contact employees of Lithuanian upscale (four and five star) hotels.

Findings

The levels of both organizational commitment and organizational empowerment in Lithuanian upscale hotels are rather low, while the correlation between them is rather strong. This implies that improvement of conditions that foster empowerment would lead to a higher level of employee organizational commitment, especially the level of affective commitment that is of greater importance for the organization, as in this case commitment rests on common values and stimulates emotional attachment to the organization.

Practical implications

This paper gives evidence that by developing certain organizational conditions Lithuanian hotel management may raise the level of employee empowerment and commitment, which in turn can lead to a decrease in employee turnover.

Originality/value

The paper presents the state of employee commitment and empowerment levels in Lithuanian upscale hotels, and demonstrates an interrelationship between organisational commitment and employee empowerment.
Re‐inventing or recycling?
Authors: Limerick Brigid , O'Leary Jane
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To provide examples of qualitative research based on feminist epistemological assumptions. Such research re‐invents rather than recycles management theory, producing alternative understandings which speak to the demands of managing post‐corporate workplaces characterised by growing levels of diversity and rapid discontinuous change.

Design/methodology/approach

Reports on three feminist qualitative research projects. Describes research processes and outcomes which aim to reflexively attend to diverse voices and researcher and research participant subjectivities.

Findings

Provides tangible examples of empirical feminist qualitative research, including discussions of how the research was conducted, the nature of the findings and critical reflections on the extent to which the researchers' feminist epistemological assumptions were enacted.

Research limitations/implications

The three research projects discussed have all been conducted within the Australian education sector. Accordingly, future research could focus on providing practical examples of feminist qualitative research approaches in the management field, in different international and industrial/sector contexts.

Practical implications

Provides management researchers with three examples of feminist qualitative research covering diverse topics including leadership, mentoring and ethics.

Originality/value

While there is a plethora of writing concerned with feminist research generally, there is a dearth of feminist research in the management field specifically. This paper's contribution therefore lies in providing tangible examples of feminist qualitative research in the management field.
A system dynamic model of management of a television game show
Authors: Mukherjee Avinandan , Roy Rahul
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Success of a television game show requires brand‐building effort and brand value management like any other product. However, aspects of information, entertainment, novelty, instant gratification, and experience dimensions are more salient in game shows. This has been amply proven by the television game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. The purpose of this research is to explore why some entertainment products succeed, while others fail.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we present the system dynamic model of brand management of the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Initially, we present the reference mode behaviour, drawn from published data. In the dynamic model, we include factors such as channel popularity, host popularity, prize money, and competition that work towards building the viewership and influencing operational revenues. Computer‐based simulation and experimentalism are then applied as a research method to the model to explore its dynamic behaviour.

Findings

Our analysis shows that the right mix of host popularity, channel popularity and prize money has enabled KBC to achieve unprecedented success.

Research limitations/implications

Validation of the model is based on the strength that the simulation results can replicate the reference mode behaviour and produce behaviour expected under extreme conditions. The validated model is used to draw what‐if scenarios, some of which resemble the experiences of competing game shows.

Originality/value

Understanding the dynamics of brand management of this game show can serve as an important tool for brand management of entertainment products. Further, the use of system dynamics for dynamic modelling of brand value has application in broader areas of marketing, and would be of interest to a wide managerial audience.
Pedagogy in management history: the scholarship of representation
Authors: Lamond David
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on some aspects of pedagogy in management history, using Boyer's model of scholarship as a framework for consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on Boyer's model of scholarship, this paper considers how one might apply the notion of the “scholarship of representation” to one's teaching efforts in management history.

Findings

Satisfied that one's conceptions of the past are developed in ways that, as far as possible, make them useful in creating one's future, one then needs to represent those conceptions in a meaningful way. This paper considers some of the issues of which those seeking to represent those conceptions must be cognisant.

Originality/value

Learning from the lessons of management history depends, at least in part, on the quality of the scholarship of representation, which should be a combination of transmission and transformation.
Principles of management and competitive strategies: using Fayol to implement Porter
Authors: Wook Yoo Jae , Lemak David J. , Choi Youngjun
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present how the past, Fayol's principles of management, is applied to the present, Porter's competitive strategies – cost leadership and differentiation – and in turn how the understanding of this connection between the past and present directs the future development of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores which of Fayol's principles can be matched to Porter's cost‐leadership or differentiation strategy in terms of strategy implementation.

Findings

The paper finds that the principles of division of work, authority and responsibility, unity of command, unity of direction and scalar chain are useful in the implementation of a cost leadership strategy but other, more modern alternative principles apply for differentiation strategy. Likewise, the three principles of stability of tenure of personnel, initiative and esprit de corps apply to the implementation of differentiation strategy, but not to cost leadership, where, again, alternative principles apply. The remaining six principles of discipline, subordination of individual interests to the general interest, remuneration, centralization, order and equity are applicable to implementation of both.

Practical implications

By melding the past with the future, it shows that the flexible use of Fayol's principles in an integrated manner lays the foundation for the successful implementation of competitive strategies and the future development of firms.

Originality/value

This study documents the flexible use of Fayol's principles, an issue that has received modest attention in the literature. It also adds to the literature on the potential implication of Fayol's work for successfully implementing competitive strategies.
A seminal framework of marketing schools: revisited and updated
Authors: Lagrosen Stefan , Svensson Göran
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The objective is to re‐visit and up‐date a seminal framework of marketing schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a conceptual description and positioning of old, modern and recent marketing schools.

Findings

Recent developments in marketing – such as services marketing, industrial marketing and relationship marketing – do not fit into the seminal framework of marketing schools.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have limited the discussion to the human practice of marketing and the academic discipline of marketing. In addition, the authors' focus is on marketing as part of business.

Practical implications

The up‐dated framework of marketing schools may assist practitioners to understand the current status of marketing by connecting to the past, and the future by revealing unexplored areas of the marketing discipline.

Originality/value

The up‐dated framework of marketing schools builds on and extends the seminal framework in question to incorporate the recent developments in marketing. In extension, it reveals a white spot in the research of the marketing discipline – a field of further research that may focus on a combination of economic and relational dimensions of marketing.
Robert McNamara's “11 lessons” in the context of theories of strategic management
Authors: Grattan Robert
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the 11 lessons propounded by Robert McNamara in the film The Fog of War and to consider them in the context of theories of strategic management, particularly the formulation of strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The film is taken as a case study and the evidence is considered against the background of Mr McNamara's career and contemporary events, triangulated wherever possible by additional accounts so that bias is avoided as much as possible.

Findings

The paper finds that, despite a lifelong rational, empirical approach, Mr McNamara has discovered that there are limits to these methods. The importance of values, morals and ethics emerges. The importance of these messages is that the business strategist should acknowledge the limits of rationality and the importance of intangible factors, not least the vagaries of human nature.

Originality/value

The paper is a part of a continuing study by the author of the parallels between military/grand strategy formulation and the similar activity in business.
The internet and change in corporate stakeholder engagement and communication strategies on social and environmental performance
Authors: Adams Carol A. , Frost Geoffrey R.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the use of the web as a means of stakeholder engagement and as part of a strategy for communicating to stakeholders particularly on social and environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal questionnaire was sent to over one hundred companies in Australia, Germany and in the UK and interviews were conducted with six companies (two British, one German and three Australian) identified as adopting best practice.

Findings

A key finding was the limited understanding of the advantages of using the web as part of a communication strategy on all aspects of corporate performance. The study also found that the lack of resources made available for web‐based communication limited its potential.

Research limitations/implications

Web technologies provide the possibility of communicating on performance with a broad group of stakeholders. This is particularly relevant to reporting on social and environmental performance which is of interest to a broader group of stakeholders than financial reporting. Stakeholder involvement is important in developing organisational change strategies aimed at improving social and environmental performance.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for companies developing strategies to enhance their communication with key stakeholder groups.

Originality/value

The paper considers the use of the web as part of a communication strategy to a broad group of stakeholders. This is particularly relevant to reporting on social and environmental performance which is aimed at a broader group of stakeholders than traditional financial reporting.
Determination of the human type I interferon receptor binding site on human interferon‐α2 by cross saturation and an NMR‐based model of the complex
Authors: Quadt‐Akabayov Sabine R. , Chill Jordan H. , Levy Rina , Kessler Naama , Anglister Jacob
Published: September 2006

Type I interferons (IFNs) are a family of homologous helical cytokines that exhibit pleiotropic effects on a wide variety of cell types, including antiviral activity and antibacterial, antiprozoal, immunomodulatory, and cell growth regulatory functions. Consequently, IFNs are the human proteins most widely used in the treatment of several kinds of cancer, hepatitis C, and multiple sclerosis. All type I IFNs bind to a cell surface receptor consisting of two subunits, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, associating upon binding of interferon. The structure of the extracellular domain of IFNAR2 (R2‐EC) was solved recently. Here we study the complex and the binding interface of IFNα2 with R2‐EC using multidimensional NMR techniques. NMR shows that IFNα2 does not undergo significant structural changes upon binding to its receptor, suggesting a lock‐and‐key mechanism for binding. Cross saturation experiments were used to determine the receptor binding site upon IFNα2. The NMR data and previously published mutagenesis data were used to derive a docking model of the complex with an RMSD of 1 Å, and its well‐defined orientation between IFNα2 and R2‐EC and the structural quality greatly improve upon previously suggested models. The relative ligand–receptor orientation is believed to be important for interferon signaling and possibly one of the parameters that distinguish the different IFN I subtypes. This structural information provides important insight into interferon signaling processes and may allow improvement in the development of therapeutically used IFNs and IFN‐like molecules.
Essential crosstalk between myeloid and lymphoid cells for development of chronic colitis in myeloid‐specific signal transducer and activator of transcription 3‐deficient mice
Authors: Reindl Wolfgang , Weiss Susanne , Lehr Hans‐Anton , Förster Irmgard
Published: September 2006

Dysregulated cytokine responsiveness by myeloid cells can be a trigger for the development of chronic inflammation as well as inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, mice with a myeloid‐specific defect in signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 3 develop spontaneous colitis secondary to the inability of myeloid cells to respond to the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin‐10. We now examined whether the inflammation caused by Stat3‐deficient macrophages is cell autonomous or dependent on their interaction with lymphocytes. For this purpose, myeloid‐specific Stat3‐deficient mice (LysMcre/Stat3floxmice) were intercrossed with RAG‐1 knockout mice to generate LysMcre/Stat3flox RAG–/–mice. In these mutants and LysMcre/Stat3floxlittermate control mice we determined the onset and severity of spontaneous chronic enterocolitis, and the reaction to dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced epithelial damage, as well as to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In contrast to LysMcre/Stat3floxmice, LysMcre/Stat3flox RAG–/–animals are protected from chronic enterocolitis. Although they respond to oral dextran sulphate with acute colitis symptoms, the inflammation heals similarly to wild type mice whereas LysMcre/Stat3floxmice exhibit continued colitis pathology. In addition, the hyperreactivity of LysMcre/Stat3floxmice to LPS‐challengein vivowas less severe in the absence of lymphocytes. Despite clear differences in the strength of inflammatory responses, macrophages of both LysMcre/Stat3floxmice and LysMcre/Stat3flox RAG–/–animals exhibited increased costimulatory capacity. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that Stat3‐deficient myeloid cells alone are not capable of inducing the severe pathology seen in LysMcre/Stat3floxmice. Yet when these cells can interact with lymphocytes their increased costimulatory potential will trigger an overshooting inflammatory response.