bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Operating Costs of Heavy Lorries
Authors: Hallett Sharon , Gray Richard
Published: January 2008

Costing procedures must be relevant and accurate if they are to be effectively used by management. A survey is reported on the operational costing of heavy lorries. The authors conclude from their findings that more attention should be paid by many operators to this aspect of their activities. “The implications of not doing detailed costings are potentially devastating.”
An Analysis of Strike Activity In Post‐War Britain
Authors: Winterton Jonathan
Published: January 2008

An outline of research into temporal and industrial patterns of post‐war strike activity in Britain.
Technical Change Non‐Manual Unions and Management Industrial Relations Strategies
Authors: Smith Anthony E.
Published: January 2008

Research into how management and non‐manual unions at workplace level met the challenges posed by the economic recession and technical change.
Employee Relations, Trade Unions and Attitudes to Work in Swindon
Authors: Fielder Sarah , Rose Michael
Published: January 2008

The research being undertaken in Swindon, discussed here, is part of a much larger project on “Social Change and Economic Life” in six localities in England and Scotland, by different research teams.
The Regulation of Pay and Conditions of Public Servants in W. Germany
Authors: Seglow Peter
Published: January 2008

The research identifies five major reasons which explain how West German public service workers have maintained their position in the pay league.
Corporate and Industrial Relations Strategies and Improvements in Labour Utilisation The Case of Scott Lithgow 1967–87
Authors: Kelly James
Published: January 2008

The research examines the impact of corporate and industrial relations strategies on company performance as measured by changes in labour utilisation, based on a study of Scott Lithgow, a shipbuilding and offshore construction yard.
Engineers in the UK and Abroad
Authors: Glover Ian A. , Kelly Michael P.
Published: January 2008

Research into different British and Western European engineering traditions, and how these have influenced the formation of engineers in North America, Japan and elsewhere since the nineteenth century.
The History of Industrial Training Policy and the Limits of Corporatism in Britain
Authors: Vickerstaff Sarah , Sheldrake John
Published: January 2008

The research traces the development of industrial training in industry and changes in the state's role from 1900 to the early 1980s.
Wage Structure and Low Pay in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: McMahon Gerard V.
Published: January 2008

An assessment of wage structure stability, the incidence and extent of low pay and the impact of the selective statutory minimum wage fixing system on that structure.
Compulsory Ballots in Trades Unions
Authors: Blackwell Richard
Published: January 2008

Two studies of compulsory ballots in trades unions are discussed.
New Technology and Trade Unions in Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Rathkey Paul , Allen Calvin
Published: January 2008

The research was commissioned by a major manufacturing union concerned about the level of involvement of its members in workplace introductions of new technology and is intended to provide an independent assessment of the impact of technological change in recent years as well as a set of guidelines with regard to future policy making within the union.
New Patterns of Industrial Relations Practice in West Midlands Companies
Authors: Black John , Ackers Peter
Published: January 2008

The advent of a worldwide economic recession has weakened union power and put pressure on management to increase efficiency or “die”. The emergence of Thatcherism has reinforced this. The study examines the impact of this new context on management attitudes, behaviour and overall style at the workplace level.
The Resolution of Interest Disputes by Final Offer Arbitration
Authors: Newall Jeff
Published: January 2008

Research into the results of, and indeed necessity for, the resolution of disputes by Final Offer Arbitration, mostly in the US.
Youth Training and the Surrogate Labour Market: A Case Study
Authors: Lee D.J. , Marsden D. , Rickman P.
Published: January 2008

How can national requirements and standards of the Youth Training Scheme be met when the relevant decisions are effectively decentralised and delegated to firms and organisations?
Strike Activity in the U.K.
Authors: Sapsford David
Published: January 2008

The research project discussed sets out to clarify the behavioural mechanisms involved in the strike process by the construction of a model which does some justice to the fundamental two‐party nature of union‐employer bargaining.
The Effectiveness of ECSC Aid for Redundant Coat and Steel Workers
Authors: Thomas Barry
Published: January 2008

The study examines the practices and efficacy of the EC's finance of Readaptation Aid paid to redundant coal and steelworkers.
Careers Open to Talent? Family Background and Pay in America and Britain
Authors: Siebert W.S.
Published: January 2008

The study is concerned with contrasting and explaining the influence of family background on pay in America and Britain. A particular concern of the study is whether Britain is too “difficult” for those without family connections in the business world to become managers.
The Local Trade Union Organisation of White‐Collar Workers
Authors: Kelly Michael P. , Martin Graeme
Published: January 2008

A series of projects is reported which focus on various aspects of white‐collar trade unionism, and which had to confront the theoretical limitations of some of the conventional ways of studying white‐collar trade unions.
The Management of Industrial Relations in Recession
Authors: Edwards Christine
Published: January 2008

The research presents an analysis of the impact of recession on industrial relations in a public sector company.
The Effects of Incomes Policy on a Model of Wage Bargaining
Authors: Elliott R.F. , Murphy P.D.
Published: January 2008

The research conducts an investigation into incomes policy and non‐compliance and suggests that there is considerable evidence to support an economic model of non‐compliance.
Industrial Relations Advisory Services in a Changing Market
Authors: Hunter L.C. , Steele Mairi
Published: January 2008

Industry's need for external advisory assistance in the management/industrial relations area will be determined by the nature of the problems currently faced or anticipated. These problems in turn will be influenced by the industrial sector, size of establishment, technology and the economic and legal context.
Industrial Relations in Service Industries with particular reference to the Hotel and Catering Industry
Authors: Ebsworth R.A.
Published: January 2008

The hotel and catering industry employs well over a million people in the UK and is expanding its labour force whilst the manufacturing industry, although recovering lost output, is still not expanding employment.
Labour markets and manufacturing management strategies
Authors: Grubb‐lngram H.A. , Masson R.
Published: January 2008

The objective of the research is to investigate and explain differences in the manufacturing performance of comparable firms in terms of the manner in which their manufacturing process is managed.
HOW HYPOTHESES AND MEASUREMENTS COULD IMPROVE DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES OF ORGANISATIONS
Authors: Nasierowski Wojciech
Published: January 2008

A concept of diagnosing conditions of organisations is presented in this paper. It suggests the use of test hypotheses in successive steps of a diagnosing process. A new diagnostic procedure is described and its qualities shown.
THE REGULATION OF TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS IN THE UK: RESEARCH NEEDED
Authors: Barnes Paul
Published: January 2008

The latest wave of merger mania began in 1984. That year the value of completed takeovers more than doubled that of the previous year to over £5.5 billion. The study looks at the reasons for the boom, the legislation involved, and the benefits of merging.
USER PARTICIPATION AND EXPERT SYSTEMS:
Authors: Rees Patricia
Published: January 2008

The purpose of the case study is to ascertain how future users of an expert system would like the system to be designed and the problems associated with this, and to find out why design of the system has stopped.
EXPERT SYSTEMS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF R&D:
Authors: Wilkinson Alan
Published: January 2008

Research into the use of expert systems in the management of R&D.
THE PATTERN OF EQUITY JOINT VENTURES IN CHINA
Authors: Campbell Nigel
Published: January 2008

The article reviews existing literature on equity joint ventures (EJVs), outlines the research methodology and analyses the results of the study of EJVs in China.
PROCESSES OF MANAGING STRATEGIC CHANGE
Authors: Johnson Gerry
Published: January 2008

The propositions and arguments from a study of the management of strategic change are summarised, and the argument that an understanding of the cultural and cognitive realities of strategic management is central to the process is put forward.
MANAGERIAL STREAMS OF DECISIONS AND THE ORGANISATION OF WORK ON THE SHOP FLOOR; AN EXPLANATORY FRAMEWORK
Authors: Tsoukas Haridimos
Published: January 2008

A causal explanatory analysis of the organisation of work on the shopfloor.
ORGANISATIONAL HIERARCHY AND CORPORATE STRATEGY: A MODIFICATION OF THE NORMATIVE MODEL
Authors: Singer Alan E. , Oral Muhittin
Published: January 2008

The potential for new insight from inter‐discipiinary research in strategic management research has been widely acknowledged (e.g., Pennings, 1985; Linstone, 1984; Meyer, 1984; Jemison, 1981). Jemison (1981) has commented particularly on the importance of exploring the interactions among “…problems found in the content of strategy and problems found in the processes of formulating and implementing strategy…”. More recently, Ackoff (1987) has advocated research that addresses the problem of the “interaction of strategic behaviour with the configuration and dynamics of the organisation.”
A Novel Approach to Curriculum Development
Authors: Ball D.F. , Banks P. , McCann T.
Published: January 2008

There is now widespread recognition of some degree of mismatch between the needs of industry and much of the provision of management and business education. There appears to be a gap between the traditional curriculum in business and management and the actual knowledge and understanding required to undertake the management task. This is exemplified by the experience that those undergoing formal training in business and management often report at their workbase to very successful managers who nevertheless would be often unable to succeed at the examination which their subordinates are taking — or indeed have taken. This phenomenon does not extend to science and engineering nor to the established professions. Qualified scientists and engineers, lawyers and accountants would, given some time for revision, expect to pass examinations being taken by their subordinates. This can arise because the nature of the industrial and commercial experience of those teaching science, engineering and professional subjects is often different, in kind, to the experience of those teaching business and management.
UK Chief Executives Move Up The Pay League
Authors: Exall Keith
Published: January 2008

UK Chief Executives now rank 11th in the international pay league in terms of total cash remuneration (pay and bonus) but rise to 4th when long term incentives and perquisites and benefits are included. These rankings compare with 13th and 8th respectively in 1987.
Women Returners — Options For Employers
Authors: Berry‐Lound Dorothy
Published: January 2008

The number of 16 – 24 year olds entering the GB labour market will fall by 1.2 million between 1987 and 1995. This dramatic downturn is well chronicled.
Between Adverserial Relations and Incorporation: Directions and Dilemmas in the U.S. Auto Industry
Authors: Black John , Ackers Peter
Published: January 2008

This paper explores new directions in labour relations in the U.S. car industry by focussing on new developments in “Jointness” and “Teamworking” at a General Motors components plant in up state New York. Given the increasing emphasis on plant agreements in the U.K., the potential undermining of national bargaining in the U.S., and certain common material and ideological factors influencing Capital in both countries, the U.S. experience will hold important lessons for industrial relations in the U.K.
Beyond Substitution: The Organisational Implications for the Successful Use of Integrated Technologies
Authors: Buckingham Joanna , Bessant John
Published: January 2008

In recent years, process innovation has been increasingly seized upon by manufacturing industry as a key to improved performance. Complex integrated technologies, under banner headings such as Computer Aided Production Management (CAPM) and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), are marketed as ‘The Solution’ to enhancing a company's competitive edge. Such systems promise the manufacturer reductions in work‐in‐ progress, stock holdings, lead times, and overall improvements in control and communications throughout the company.
Quality Strategies and Workforce Strategies in the European iron and Steel Industries
Authors: Franz Hans‐Werner , Lichte Rainer
Published: January 2008

Public attention on iron and steel affairs is, despite booming production figures, still focussed on rude capacity and employment reductions, due to the far‐reaching social consequences of structural change in this basic industry which is living its midlife crisis
State Intervention at the Margin — Employment Initiatives into the 1990s
Authors: Highley Chris
Published: January 2008

Over the past decade the Government has identified two main policy areas relating directly to employment. These are covered by its initiatives to reduce unemployment through Action for Jobs and latterly Employment Training and, in the area of employment creation, by programmes such as the Enterprise Initiative and the many developments aimed at new enterprise creation and growth. As with Action for Jobs and Employment Training, this latter area is currently being restructured.
Subcontracting Flexibility? Changes in Buyer‐Supplier Relations
Authors: Rutherford T. , Morris J. , Imrie R.
Published: January 2008

The past decade has witnessed a dramatic change in the scale and nature of production subcontracting in Britain. Recent surveys on buyer‐supplier relations indicate an increase in outsourcing whilst, at the same time, this has been accompanied by a general reduction in the number of firms accredited supplier status. These trends are underpinned by major corporations slimming down for reasons of cost and competitiveness, with vertical disintegration to satellite and subcontract firms. The emergence of closer links between firms, which this implies, reflects wider changes in the business environment, based on the adoption of new attitudes and practices in British industry.
From ‘Welfare Capitalism’ to ‘Market Capitalism’; a Comparative Review of Trends Towards Employment Flexibility in the Labour Markets of Three Major European Societies
Authors: Lane Christel
Published: January 2008

This paper focuses on trends towards employment flexibility or numerical flexibility in the manufacturing sector. A careful distinction will be made between policy and actual practice, and the analysis will focus on both management and the state. As policy statements in relation to labour markets have made large claims about the positive impact of market de‐regulation on the level of employment, some assessment of the impact of new practices will be attempted. Impact will be assessed both in quantitative terms and in terms of the changing nature of employment.
Strategic Management and the Decision to Subcontract
Authors: Malloch H.
Published: January 2008

Subcontracting labour is an area which is likely to grow in importance in the 1990's: it has recently been highlighted as the major obstacle to growth in industries like construction; that is, cohorts of skilled male labour. In doing so it reaches those parts of the labour market which are not touched by other forms of distancing strategy: temporary work and part‐time work are both mainly female intensive and/or low skill. It has been firmly identified as a key means by which firms seek flexibility; indeed, it has been described as the ‘dominant form of distancing strategy’. Despite its importance it does not appear to have attracted the degree of research enjoyed by temporary work and part‐time work and many of the judgements made about it appear to be impressionistic.
Open Secrets and Hidden Agendas: Working Time, Flexibility and Industrial Relations in Engineering
Authors: McKinlay Alan
Published: January 2008

A common theme in industrial relations and business policy is the need for increased ‘flexibility’ to maintain or regain competitive advantage. The industrial relationsimplications of this recasting of management strategy — in product, process and work organisation — remain an open question. Importantly, notions of the ‘flexible firm’ with its strategic segmentation of workforces into core and peripheral sectors have already found their way onto trade union as well as managerial agendas. And yet the only attempt to negotiate an industry‐wide enabling agreement which would provide the framework for negotiated trade offs involving productivity, hours and flexibility has received little attention. In large part, this reflects the highly secret nature of discussions in engineering between 1983 and 1987 and their ultimate failure to reach an agreement. This paper examines the complex internal politics of the employers' organisation — the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) — and the trade unions which played a vital role in shaping the bargaining process. In particular, we shall argue that it was vital for the EEF to secure an agreed settlement which satisfied the diverse demands of the variegated membership but which also consoladated the Federation's historic role as the coordinator of employers' collective strategy in labour relations. The fluidity of union politics and the symbolic importance of shorter hours for the Amalgamated Engineering Union's leadership exercised an equally profound influence on the bargaining process. It was these complex political and organisational factors which were both the motive force and the reason for the collapse of the search for a ‘flexibility’ agreement.
Flexible Working Practices in European Engineering
Authors: Needham Peter , Donaldson Nigel
Published: January 2008

Peter Needham, Director of Studies at Ashridge Management College and Nigel Donaldson of the EEF describe the Study Tour organised by Ashridge and the Engineering Employees Federation (EEF) in March 1988 and draw out some of the lessons learned. The objective was to offer an opportunity to managers from EEF member companies to study at first hand how European Engineering companies were approaching flexible working practices.
Beyond the Black Hole
Authors: Rose Ed
Published: January 2008

The paper will explore issues arising from technological changes and work re‐structuring within a high volume manufacturing organisation based at Kirkby, Merseyside. It is hoped that the paper will contribute to the post‐Braverman debate. Braverman's thesis is well‐known, as are the criticisms of it. Our reasons for going ‘beyond Braverman’ are two‐fold.
The Law as Gamekeeper? Skills Poaching and Training in the UK
Authors: Snape Ed , Brinkworth Keith
Published: January 2008

Employers and government are becoming increasingly concerned at the shortage of trained manpower. In some sectors, employers are reacting to this problem by “poaching” skilled staff, using “headhunters” and attractive remuneration packages to entice individuals to quit their current employment. In the face of this, some employers have argued that their incentive to provide and finance training is being reduced, since staff turnover denies them a return on their training investment. To the extent that this is true, such developments threaten to undermine any attempt to increase the level of training in the UK.
Flexible Futures: Work, Place and Politics in the Region of Limburg (Belgium)
Authors: Swyngedouw Erik A.
Published: January 2008

This contribution is aimed at exploring the socio‐spatial dynamics of technological change and innovation under capitalist relations of production with special emphasis on these current shifts and transformations in the organisation and functioning of the global space‐economy.
Cross National and Sectoral Comparisons in Human Resource Strategic Management
Authors: Ursell Gillian
Published: January 2008

This is a report on work in progress to investigate empirically and to analyse the human resource management practices of comparable organisations representing the public‐private/service‐ manufacturing sectors in Canada and the United Kingdom, and to establish or indicate the causal factors underlying any changes in such management occurring in, roughly, the last decade.
‘Flexible’ Labour: Some Policy Perspectives
Authors: Walsh Tim
Published: January 2008

Drawing on publicly available statistics and data on employment structures, hours and labour utilisation practices from detailed company case‐studies in the retail and catering sectors, this paper considers the implications for labour markets of the rise in part‐time, temporary and casual working (variously described as ‘flexible’ labour). Throughout the paper, emphasis will be given to part‐time employment and temporary and casual working in their own right, not simply in relation to full‐time work.
Technical Change & Buyer Supplier Relationships in the British Clothing Industry
Authors: Whitaker Marian
Published: January 2008

This paper reports on a project exploring the opportunities for change in the technical and organisational infrastructure of the British clothing industry which will help it to gear up for flexible production. The project aims to enrich our understanding of precisely what flexibility means by identifying that combination of:
Technological Change and Flexibility in the British Coal Mining Industry
Authors: Winterton Jonathan
Published: January 2008

This paper traces the relationship between technological changes and work organisation in coal mining and examines the present drive towards flexible working in British Coal.
THE TOR‐PLAN: A TOOL FOR ORGANISATIONAL RENEWAL
Authors: Edgren Lars
Published: January 2008

It is maintained that Scandinavian management is becoming a concept with substance. It may seem somewhat peculiar for a Scandinavian business consultant to continue the search for ideas and inspiration in some of the most successful companies in the USA.
THE VALHALLA PROJECT: “STATE OF THE ART” RESEARCH ON ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE
Authors: Kreiner Kristian
Published: January 2008

For a few days during 1991, VALHALLA will rise again in Denmark. As will be remembered, VALHALLA was, in Scandinavian mythology, the “hall assigned to those who have died in battle, in which they feast with Odin”. This time around, the hall will be assigned to the membership of the Standing Conference on Organisational Symbolism (SCOS) and others with a professional interest in the issue of organisational culture. Feasting there will be, all right, and hopefully on the occasion some major advances in “cultivated” ways of understanding modern organisations.
STRATEGIC PLANNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Bogorya Yvonne
Published: January 2008

Literature on strategic planning and management is prolific. Articles deal with various aspects of strategic planning, its definition, process, and application. However, many of these articles concentrate on the theory and on the strategic planning models rather than deal with practical application or problems experienced at implementation levels. My interest in reviewing this literature is to identify studies which offer significant key approaches and relate them to the field of education planning. Can we learn something from the way in which strategic plans are formulated and implemented in the business world and apply this knowledge to planning and operation of academic institutions?
The Doers and the Talkers — The Effects of Communication Apprehension on Group Performance in a Business Simulation
Authors: Pitt Leyland F. , Ramaseshan B. , Nel Deon
Published: January 2008

Groups and group dynamics have been areas which have received considerable attention not only in Social Psychology and Sociology, but in the last thirty years, also in the field of managerial decision‐making. Many activities within organisations are performed in a group context. Budgets are compiled by committees, new products are evaluated by marketing teams and strategic plans constructed by top management team members. Much of the confidence in the use of groups in management decision‐making has its origins in the belief that “two heads are better than one” and from early research which in fact indicates that this is so.
Further Management Development of Executive MBA's: Expectancy Versus Justification
Authors: Kassner Marcia , Eberhardt Bruce J.
Published: January 2008

What makes managers choose to continue taking classes and seminars to further their management development? In the past twenty years, motivated and behavioural theory has been applied to the career decision‐making process in management development. Two approaches, expectancy theory and, to a lesser extent, justification processes have been investigated. The major difference between the two approaches is that expectancy theory suggests that managers are primarily forward‐looking in their careers and management development, whereas justification takes the position that managers attempt to make present career behaviours consistent with past career actions.
Business Information Technology: The Way Forward
Authors: Skok Walter , Fitz‐Gerald Stuart
Published: January 2008

A sixth‐former, who is interested in studying for a “computer”‐ related degree is faced with what may be a bewildering choice of course titles:
Methods to Evaluate and Select Strategic Plans: A Review of Concepts
Authors: Nasierowski Wojciech
Published: January 2008

The disagreement concerning basic concepts and definitions is still characteristic of strategic management as a field of study. Strategic plans can be elaborated within different frameworks, for example, the descriptive or prescriptive (Mintzberg 1987, pp. 2–6). Since varying, even conflicting paradigms and methodologies are employed, strategic plans for the same organisation elaborated by independent researchers are different. Varying solutions show strengths and weaknesses, unavoidably inherited from the frameworks within which they were formulated. This circumstance, in turn, creates problems in comparing different strategic plans in order to choose the best alternative, or to make use of their strengths in an attempt to prepare somewhat eclectic, but comprehensive, plans. Such a situation is reinforced by the lack of meta‐paradigm which allows us to evaluate different outcomes resulting from different paradigms.
Financial management: What should a firm's (educational organisation's) objectives be?
Authors: Whittaker Jean
Published: January 2008

The 1988 Education Reform Act (ERA) heralds a brave new world for organisations in the maintained sector of education. In schools, as part of the “Local Management of Schools” (LMS) proposals, responsibility for finance will be added to existing aspects of management. It will demand of senior management increased awareness of and more systematic strategies in the use of money. Universities, polytechnics and institutes and colleges of education will be encouraged to adopt a free‐market approach, competing for students and private cash. The huge expansion proposed for higher education will expect students to take out loans and to use their own money in order to gain further qualifications or to graduate. Many will attend the nearest establishment and live at home: they will not have the benefit of living away from home in a collegiate atmosphere. The reward for all — students and institutions — will be the greater flexibility and creativity that accompanies the easing of external controls.
TEACHING BUSINESS POLICY:CASES VERSUS BUSINESS GAMES
Authors: Sculli D. , Hau K.C.
Published: January 2008

Many graduates, especially those in the more practical disciplines such as engineering and social science, often take up employment in a manufacturing or service enterprise, doing work of a managerial/administrative nature. Even recent graduates will often find themselves managing a sub‐system of an organisation such as materials purchasing, finished stocks, or quality control. This is particularly true in the smaller companies of the developing countries, where the graduate is usually one of a few professional employees reporting directly to the owners.
Sectoral Dynamics and Changing Managerial Practice: The Advent of Computer Aided Design in the UK Traction Engineering Industry
Authors: Harris Martin
Published: January 2008

Recent social‐scientific work on the implications of the new production technologies suggests that the adoption of computer aided design (CAD) in manufacturing organisations offers significant potential for radical changes in the organisation of production. It has also been argued that the implementation of CAD presents managers with problems and opportunities which are ‘strategic’ as well as operational in nature. (Kaplinsky, 1982; Bessant, 1986; Voss, 1986; Boddy and Buchanan, 1986).
Human Resource Management Policies and the Retention of Technical Professionals in Electronics
Authors: Jones Carol , Causer Gordon
Published: January 2008

The 1980s saw considerable debate about the nature and extent of skills shortages in the IT and engineering sectors, particularly in the increasingly competitive labour markets of the South East. The concern of this paper is not to add to that debate, but to consider the ways in which companies employing specialist technical staff have responded to the situation by examining human resource management policies developed to aid the retention of skilled staff in the electronics sector. This will be related to wider issues concerning the technical/managerial dichotomy which is perceived to shape the career trajectories of professional engineers and scientists.
Some Theoretical and Conceptual Issues in the Study of Employment Relations in the Small Service Sector Firm
Authors: Kitching John , Blackburn Robert , Curran James
Published: January 2008

Industrial relations researchers have typically directed their attention towards large manufacturing firms to the neglect of the small business. This situation is becoming increasingly difficult to justify particularly for small service sector firms. Between 1980–88 there was a 22% increase in the number of businesses registered for VAT (British Business 1989) which suggests a considerable rise in the number of small firms. About 96% of all firms have less than 20 employees and these firms, it is estimated, account for 36% of total private sector employment in the UK (G. Bannock and Partners Ltd, cited in Dept of Employment 1989). The small firm population is markedly skewed towards services with nearly 90% of all small businesses (1–24 employees) in services of construction (Cur‐ran and Burrows 1988).
‘New Look’ Employee Relations: The View from the Inside
Authors: Lowe Jim , Oliver Nick
Published: January 2008

Recent years have seen traditional management practice questionned in many areas — in terms of personnel, manufacturing, buyer‐supplier relations and even accounting practice. In the sphere of manufacturing we have seen the emergence of practices such as just‐in‐time production, total quality control and now the generic title ‘World Class Manufacturing’. In buyer‐supplier relations there has been a swing away from short‐term competitive contracting to longer term obligation arrangements based on the Japanese model. Traditional management accounting methods have been labelled The number one enemy of productivity' (Goldratt, 1983).
Enterprise Without Unions: Employment Relations in Non‐Union Firms
Authors: McLoughlin Ian , Gourlay Stephen
Published: January 2008

Non‐unionism and non‐union firms have been an increasing focus of interest since the early 1980s, and indeed for some constitute an emerging model of employee relations which could (or should) become dominant in an ‘enterprise culture’, This view is prompted by a belief that trade union organisation is in terminal decline; a lasting transformation in the economic, legal and political context of industrial relations is being achieved; new sophisticated ‘human resource management’ (HRM) strategies acting as ‘substitutes’ for union representation are emerging; and that non‐union firms enjoy a competitive advantage because they are inherently conducive settings for technological innovation, flexible working practices and high productivity. In short, the non‐union firm and the ‘enterprise culture’ go hand in hand.
Enterprise Culture and the Search for Excellence: New Times or Old Hat?
Authors: Salaman Graeme , du Gay Paul
Published: January 2008

The central issue pre‐occupying the sociology of work is the origin, nature and implications of changes currently occurring in paid employment. These changes are seen to occur along a number of key dimensions: the structuring of organisations, the design of work, and the nature and form of industrial relations.
Employment Relations in Mature SME's: An Investigation of a Panel of Small Manufacturing Firms in London
Authors: Smallbone David , North David
Published: January 2008

This is not a detailed synopsis of the proposed paper since the data collection from which the analysis will be made is still being undertaken.
Foucault, Power/Knowledge and its Relevance for HRM
Authors: Townley Barbara
Published: January 2008

In order for any discussion of employment relations or HRM to be of value, debate must be theoretically grounded. Not only this, it must allow for consideration of specific employment practices, rather than being couched in very general terms. This paper examines the theoretical frameworks available for such an analysis. It takes as its focus the ‘technology’ traditionally associated with personnel management — job analysis, evaluation, appraisal, training and development etc.‐and tries to offer a framework of analysis which provides an analytical as opposed to a merely descriptive coherence. Only by doing so are the foundations laid for a comparative analysis, which allows statements to be made to the effect that changes have occurred in patterns of employer‐employee relations.
Public Sector Higher Education and the Enterprise Culture: A Trade Union Perspective
Authors: Whitaker Marian , Sodagar Babak , Robertson Jenny
Published: January 2008

This paper reports the experience of a group of lay trade union officers working in the Polytechnic sector over the period since ‘incorporation’ in April 1989. It documents the process of change from a local trade union perspective, with important commentary on the gradual shift from national to local bargaining.
The Implications of Internal Labour Market Research for Theory and Methodology in Labour Economics
Authors: Whitfield Keith
Published: January 2008

For many years the operation of the internal labour market (ILM) was a topic to which economists devoted little attention. Recent years, however, have seen a plethora of research on the ILM by economists. The major theme implicit in much of this research has been the extension of concepts from mainstream neoclassical economics to the ILM. This work and associated research on labour market institutions has been termed the New Institutional Labour Economics (NILE) by some commentators.
STYLES OF LEADERSHIP AND DECISION MAKING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS LEADERS
Authors: Petzall Stanley , Willis Quentin
Published: January 2008

In an earlier study reported in the Journal of Educational Administration (17, 1, May 1979), Dufty and Williams analysed decision‐making procedures and managerial styles of Heads of Departments (HODs) at WAIT, now Curtin University, and compared their findings with an earlier study by Dufty of business managers. Of the two groups, the former were found to be more likely to use participatory and power‐sharing procedures than the latter. However, a decade on, the present paper analyses the same two aspects of leader behaviour in a broader sample of HODs in professional and business organisations. In contrast with the Dufty and Williams study, evidence is presented to show a high level of commonality (and a low rating of basic differences) between professional and business leaders. It is proposed that leaders in both kinds of organisations tend to reveal more people‐related styles and preferences for participative procedures in decision‐making in their leadership of their people at work.
1992: ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONNEL PRACTICES
Authors: Wood Stephen , Peccei Riccardo
Published: January 2008

Increased product and labour market pressures arising from the Single European Market (SEM) are far more im‐portant to Personnel Managers than the Social Charter or any pan‐European legislation.
THE INDUSTRIAL POLICY DEBATE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Authors: Chan Peng S. , Chinta Ravi R.
Published: January 2008

In recent times the term “industrial policy” has sparked a lively American debate. The apparent decline of America's competitive position in the world economy, widespread concern over the deterioration of such basic industries as steel and automobiles (also called “Rust belt industries”), and increasing concern about the potential of U.S. to main‐tain its lead in high technology have led to renewed reap‐praisal of government's role in economic life.
The Strategic Input of Information Technology on Britain's Leading Businesses: Myth and Reality
Authors: Taylor Ian
Published: January 2008

The impact of advances in information technology (IT) can be seen everywhere, whether in financial markets, computer controlled production lines or supermarket check‐out counters. These technical advances are expected to continue into the foreseeable future. But has this progress led to better profits for the financial services, manufacturing and retail companies investing in IT?
MANAGEMENT BUYOUTS: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Thompson R.S.
Published: January 2008

It is now curious to recall that ten years ago management buy‐outs were infrequent and largely ignored by those not directly involved, (Arnfield et.al., 1981). During the subsequent decade a previously unrecognised oddity has become not merely commonplace but a major force in restructuring the private sector and in privatising public services. In 1989 there were over 500 recorded management buy‐outs (MBO's) and associated deals to a total value of £7.5 billion. In the same year these transactions accounted for 22% of all mergers and acquisitions by value and almost one third by volume. Furthermore, in the latter half of the 1980s the MBO spread to Europe and now appears poised to become a major instrument in dismantling the state industries of Eastern Europe.
Privatisation, Share‐Ownership and Employee Financial Awareness — Some New Evidence
Authors: Peel Mike , Pendlebury Maurice , Groves Roger
Published: January 2008

In an earlier paper in this journal (Peel, Groves and Pendlebury, 1990), we outlined a major research project, being conducted at the Cardiff Business School, into the impact of privatisation/share‐ownership on the ‘financial awareness’ of employees.
DTI: Enterprise and Education Initiative: Marketing a change within the education world in attitudes towards business
Authors: Sharpe Endellion
Published: January 2008

The Department of Trade and Industry's Enterprise and Education Initiative forms part of a broad Government strategy to promote greater understanding and co‐operation between education and business. Its overall aim is to bridge the divide between schools and industry, in order to encourage more enterprising attitudes in the educational world.
The …. space …. between …. words. The application of a new model of communication to quantitative brand image measurement
Authors: Gordon Wendy , Corr David
Published: January 2008

This paper was written in response to an increasing number of requests by marketing people to provide an answer to the question “What is the essence of my brand?” Many of these queries come from companies who already have vast amounts of qualitative research, tracking information on advertising awareness and brand imagery, in addition to continuous data of various types. None of these seem to be able to provide a measurable understanding of the emotional values which shape the consumer‐brand relationship.
Generalising to the specific: Strategic forecasting for business
Authors: Willmott Michael
Published: January 2008

The essential element at the start of any strategic forecasting exercise is the need to think strategically and creatively (if not philosophically). There should be no intellectual constraints. This involves clearing the mind of preconceptions and prejudices, of casting aside any specific knowledge of the market or the product that existing market research has given you. In other words, not worrying about the detail (at this initial stage) but concentrating instead on wider factors and issues which are likely to have a critical influence or overriding affect on the product, market or business in question. Of course, any market research relevant to the implementation of any strategic recommendations must be considered at the appropriate stage of the analytic process.
“We'll meet again…” Repeat attendance at group discussions — does it matter?
Authors: Hayward Wendy , Rose John
Published: January 2008

Recognising respondents at group discussions can be an alarming and embarrassing experience for both moderators and observers alike. Alarming because recruitment questionnaires, supported by tradition, require that, on the whole, no respondents should have attended a group in the previous six or twelve months, the period depending on a number of different issues including the recruitment policy of the researcher involved. We usually assume that if any individual seems familiar, they shouldn't be there.
MANAGING THE EUROPEAN MERGER
Authors: Lees Stan
Published: January 2008

A very different perestroika is currently sweeping through the boardrooms of Europe which will have an impact at least as great as the recent changes in the realpolitik of East‐ West relations. It is the massive industrial reconstruction which is taking place in anticipation of the single European market in 1992. Quietly and with very little publicity companies from every European country have been actively acquiring businesses in all of the EC member states. Between 1985 and 1990 the rate of cross‐border acquiring across Europe has increased five‐fold both in volume and value, with 1989 the first year in which UK companies made more acquisitions in continental Europe than in the USA. Virtually every major European industry — automobiles, banking, chemicals, electronics, food — is in a state of transition, with companies in all of these sectors acquiring and divesting across Europe as they attempt to consolidate their strategic positions. American and Far Eastern competitors are also beginning to line up for a place in a market which many see as having an enormous growth potential.
CONSUMER GOODS AND ENERGY PRICES ON THE ISLE OF MAN
Authors: Armstrong Harvey , Johnes Geraint , Johnes Jill , McBean Alasdair
Published: January 2008

The widespread expansion of the financial sector over the last few years has generated a considerable increase of interest in the various offshore economies around Europe. In many cases these small economies possess the advantages of tax haven status which, together with special trade arrangements with the European Community, render them particularly attractive as locations for the rapidly growing service industries. The Isle of Man is one such community.
CHANGING STRATEGIES IN THE UK GROCERY SECTOR
Authors: Hopwood Desmond G.
Published: January 2008

Until April this year the confidence of the five major national multiple grocery retailers continued to be bouyant. Collectively Argyll (Safeway), Asda, Gateway (Dee Corporation) Sainsbury and Tesco were estimated to have 43% of the total floorspace in their trade sector in 1989. This compared to 24% in 1983. Such a significant increase reflected a combination of the acquisition of smaller and mainly regional enterprises, major refurbishment of the better sited traditional stores, and the opening of many new and larger purpose built superstores. Dependent on the whims of local planning authorities, these superstores combined both out‐of‐town and off‐centre sites. It is still often easier to get planning permission for an off‐centre store.
ON THE (ORGANISATIONAL) CONTEXT OF (MANAGERIAL) COMPETENCE
Authors: Malavé Jose , Cooper Robert
Published: January 2008

This article describes the conceptual background of some recent research on the organisational context of managerial roles. The guiding principle is the idea that the notion of management competence is not independent of the notion of organisation as context for the deployment of managerial performance. Through a discussion of some general aspects of contemporary organisation theory, an alternative way of thinking about organisations is introduced which leads to an alternative view of management competence.
THE CONTEXT FOR MANAGERIAL DILEMMAS: MORAL QUICKSANDS AND WEBS OF DECEIT?
Authors: Snell Robin
Published: January 2008

Recent research from the USA has painted, for the humanistically inclined, a bleak picture of the ethical predicaments of business executives. Jackall (1988) conducted 143 interviews with managers in three organisations. He explored, essentially, the following question:
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, CORPORATE STRATEGY AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN BRITISH MANUFACTURING
Authors: Fox Stephen
Published: January 2008

The completed project discussed here represents the largest in‐depth survey of HRM to date. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with HRM directors, or equivalents in 60, mainly large, UK firms. The field work took place within a sampling‐frame created from the Data‐stream financial information source. Two key contrasting sectors were focussed upon ‐ Engineering and Electronics — with twenty companies in each. A miscellaneous group of twenty firms was also investigated as a piloting and control exercise. Data collected was of two kinds (1) rich qualitative descriptions of HRM practices and systems used in each company and (b) various quantitative company financial performance indices. The study is therefore revealing in terms of (a) simply describing HRM practice on the ground and (b) statistical correlations between these practices and company financial performance adjusted for sector effects.
Research into the Use of Interactive Video in Management Development
Authors: Armitage Susan , Binsted Don
Published: January 2008

The aim of this research is as follows:‐