bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of scent in a naturally odourless store
Authors: Parsons Andrew G.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to introduce the concept of associated scents for retail stores that are normally odourless, and provide an understanding of how associated scent can be used by these non‐scented retailers to influence shopper behaviour and the appeal of the store.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves both an experiment and a field study. The experiment is design to see if scents that have been identify as associated with different store types differed in their influence on behaviour and affect from scents that are not associated with the store. The field study involves an actual store where scent is manipulated, with an associated scent during one period, and a non‐associated yet pleasant scent present during another period. Customer perceptions of the store are measured, their purchase behaviour is measured, and actual year‐on‐year weekly sales are compared.

Findings

Previous studies have suggested that simply having a pleasant scent present can enhance liking for the store and encourage positive sales behaviour, however, this study shows that for a store that is normally odourless, the scent needs to have a perceived association with the store‐type to gain positive responses. Presence of a pleasant but non‐associated scent can actually lead to negative affective or behavioural responses.

Research limitations/implications

An important research implication is that the association of a non product‐specific scent with a particular (normally odourless) store might mean that encountering that scent elsewhere may trigger in the person thoughts of the store, which further research could show to be a motivator for visiting the store. Another implication is the need to identify best performing associated scents, and whether a retailer through a marketing campaign can create an artificial association, thus gaining a unique, sustainable competitive advantage.

Practical/implications

Because it is expected, the naturally scented store (e.g. the florist or bakery) gains no competitive advantage through the use of scent, but this study shows managers of normally odourless stores that they can gain a competitive advantage in their category through the identification and use of scent customers would associate with the store‐type. Furthermore, because the store is not stuck with the scent, unlike the naturally scented stores, and because there may even be multiple associated scents, managers can vary the use of scent so that desensitisation can be mitigated.

Originality/value

The paper introduces for the first time to the literature the concept of associated scents for stores, and demonstrates the managerial value that use of an associated scent in a normally odourless store can have with regard to enhanced shopper behaviour and liking for the store.
How to help your graduates secure better jobs? An industry perspective
Authors: Chi Christina G. , Gursoy Dogan
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Many hospitality programs have developed their own career and placement services to assist students in job searching efforts. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that are important for the success of career and placement services offered by hospitality programs, from the industry's perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey from hospitality recruiters and human resources managers. Descriptive statistics were applied for the data analysis.

Findings

Internship requirement was found to be the most important factor for the success of career services, followed by faculty industry experience and quality of student preparation for job/internship interviews. These were followed by reputation of the program and quality of educational curriculum and courses taught.

Originality/value

The important implications drawn in this paper could assist hospitality schools to allocate limited resources to help create excellent career and placement services.
Developing an organizational learning‐based model for risk management in Chinese construction firms
Authors: Ying Liu Jun , Pheng Low Sui
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The features of construction projects, characterized by their transient nature, multi‐players, and strong dependency on local natural and human environment, highlight the difficulties of risk management in construction firms. This is particularly crucial when a construction firm ventures overseas where the risk exposure is high. However, it is unclear how Chinese construction firms would behave organizationally or if they have adopted appropriate risk management best practices, especially when they operate outside of Mainland China. Moreover, it is also unclear if such firms have formally documented risk management lessons for the purpose of organizational learning to share both success and failure so that similar mistakes can be avoided in the future. This paper primarily aims to establish a conceptual framework linking organizational learning with risk management, focusing on the organizational behavior of Chinese construction firms when they operate in both Mainland China and overseas.

Design/methodology/approach

The research agenda proposes the use of questionnaire surveys and in‐depth case studies of Chinese contractors with operations both in Mainland China and Singapore.

Findings

An outcome of the study is the formulation of a research agenda that will eventually lead to the development of a knowledge‐based decision support system (KBDSS) linking organizational behavior with risk management for supporting organizational learning in Chinese construction firms.

Practical implications

The outcomes of the research agenda can help chinese contractors gain “sustainable competitive advantage” against contractors from other developed countries in the global market.

Originality/value

This is possibly the first ever study to correlate organizational behaviour (OB), technical, organizational, project and external (TOPE) risks, CQ‐SET and mitigate, accept, avoid or transfer (MAAT) within the context of Chinese construction firms operating both in Mainland China and the overseas market of Singapore. As part of the research agenda, theories of organizational behavior and risk management would also be applied to the empirical findings to draw inferences.
Deflating resistance to change: or a quick guide to understanding resistance and moving forwards
Authors: Derwent Cooke Richard
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Looks at some of the common causes for resisting change.

Design/methodology/research

A clear and compelling vision has to be painted so that employees are encouraged to move towards it; and for those who are differently motivated, also build a burning platform to compel them forwards. These plans need to be realistic, and expressed in language that means something to them, and not just corporate gobbledygook.

Findings

People need a reason to change: and it is the job of the managers to give it to them! The default position for most people is I will carry on doing what I know and understand until I am given a good reason to change.

Originality/value

The key to successful change programs is to understand the WIFM factor (What Is in it For Me?) Every change will alter the balance of winners and losers in the corporate game.
Timing of the initial functionality development as a key to sustainable functionality: comparative analysis of copying machine development in Canon and Ricoh
Authors: Ouchi Noritomo , Takahashi Toru , Watanabe* Chihiro
Published: April 2009

Purpose: Sustainable functionality development (FD) is decisive to firm's profitability in their new innovation in a competitive market. While functionality instills attractive values in innovative goods leading to a dramatic increase in profit through increasing demand and higher prices, it obsolesces immediately in a competitive market. Therefore, how to maintain sustainable FD trajectory is decisive to firm survival strategy within the context of mega‐competition in a globalizing economy. Notwithstanding an increasing significance of this subject, dynamism enabling a sustainable FD trajectory still remains inside a black box. The purpose of this paper, on the basis of an empirical comparative analysis of the diffusion trajectories for copying machines developed by Canon and Ricoh, is to attempt to elucidate this dynamism. Design/methodology/approach: This paper employed a bi‐logistic growth model utilizing patent data for copying machine technologies. Findings: It was found that early undertaking of 2nd generational copying machinery initiated by Canon played a more decisive role in terms of its higher level of sustainable FD than with its competitor. Originality/value: This paper provides significant insight to firm's management of technology strategy in a competitive market.
Analyzing the technical and scale efficiency performance: a case study of cement firms in India
Authors: Sharma Seema
Published: April 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to perform non‐parametric production efficiency analysis of cement companies in India. Relative technical and scale efficiencies are estimated for the year 2005‐2006. Design/methodology/approach: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been used to calculate the technical and scale efficiency measures of the companies. Within DEA framework, the input oriented variable returns to scale (VRS) model is employed for the study. A representative sample of 20 companies which account for 85.5 per cent of the total market share is studied. The selection criterion for the inclusion of a firm in the analysis has been market share of one per cent or more. Findings: Findings suggest that 50 per cent of the firms are found to be technically efficient and they are also operating at optimum plant size. Whereas 25 per cent firms are exhibiting decreasing returns to scale inferring over utilization of their plant capacities and the rest 25 per cent are showing increasing returns to scale signifying underutilization of plants. Input targets and reductions are suggested for the inefficient firms. Overall, the industry seems to do well on both the efficiency parameters since the average scores for technical and scale efficiency for the industry came out to be 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. Originality/value: This current paper is the first study to apply DEA tool to get insights on productivity efficiency of the cement firms in India.
Do fights prohibit helping?
Authors: Rispens Sonja
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of group conflict norms and task interdependence on individuals' willingness to help others under conditions of task conflict to better understand how group characteristics influence individual helping behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 81 university students participate in a scenario study. The scenario has a 2 (task interdependence: high vs low) ×2 (group conflict norm: open vs avoiding) design.

Findings

The results suggest that in groups characterized with open conflict norms and high‐task interdependence members are less willing to help than members in groups with avoiding conflict norms and high‐task interdependence.

Research limitations/implications

This research implies that helping behavior in high‐task interdependent workgroups is highest when groups have an avoiding conflict norm. Limitations include amongst others discussing the explicit request for help coming from the group used in this study and the external validity of scenario studies.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that managers or supervisors can help to provide circumstances in which task conflict does not prohibit helping behavior.

Originality/value

The paper offers a first step to experimentally investigate how individuals react to intragroup task conflict and the consequence for constructive behavior.
Niches at the edges: price‐value tradeoff, consumer behavior, and marketing strategy
Authors: Akhter Syed H.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the perception of price‐value tradeoff is related to overall satisfaction, purchase intention, word‐of‐mouth advertising, and actual repurchase behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on subscribers and single ticket buyers of a major symphony orchestra in the Midwest are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The ANOVA results show significant differences across the three levels of price‐value tradeoff in each of the response variables. Additional analyses of cross‐tabulated data show that some of the bivariate relations conform to, as well as depart from, the rational consumer behavior model.

Research limitations/implications

Although the hypotheses are supported, bivariate relations examined in this study can mask or overstate true relations due to the omitted variables bias. Future research can explore reasons for favorable behaviors of consumers whose perception is that the value they receive is overpriced, and also for unfavorable behaviors of consumers whose perception is that the value they received is under‐priced.

Practical implications

The different niches at the edges provide opportunities for marketers to fine‐tune segmentation and marketing mix strategies. The use of standardized strategies for these niches with different perception and behavior linkages will yield suboptimal results.

Originality/value

While previous research has mostly focused on price‐quality linkages, this study extends the body of research by examining the perception of price‐value tradeoff and its relation to overall satisfaction, purchase intention, word‐of‐mouth advertising, and actual repurchase behavior. This adds to our understanding of post consumption behavior, showing how consumers respond to the perception of price‐value tradeoff.
The product strategy for seasonal products
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Scherr Brandon G.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to exemplify the product management of seasonal products.

Design/methodology/approach

Comment on existing literature.

Findings

The comment synthesizes literature on an uncommon product strategy issue.

Research limitations/implications

As in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.

Practical implications

The comment depicts the process that one firm uses to link product introductions to seasonal events.

Originality/value

The comment describes an approach to product strategy that maintains customer interest and involvement with a complex product line.
Social enterprises as consumer products: the case of vehicles for change
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Howard Kucher J.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how a social enterprise can use product innovation and management to succeed in its mission.

Design/methodology/approach

The case describes an approach to new product development and management that is of value to social enterprises. The Vehicles for Change organization exists and operates in the USA.

Findings

Provides information and action approaches to non‐profit organizations to increase their sustainability. Often non‐profits do not understand nor value business. Consequently, they elevate their mission to do good but sabotage their ability to succeed. Infusing business into non‐profits can lead to an entirely new organization, the social enterprise. Social enterprises use profit‐generating businesses to fund their charitable elements. This new form can be called a for benefits organization. That focus lends itself to using product development and management techniques to succeed. Their results offer implications for non‐profit organizations.

Research limitations/implications

As in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applicability.

Practical implications

The case depicts the process that one firm uses to innovate and succeed. It requires breaking existing perceptions, changing managerial attitudes, restructuring and adopting a consumer focus.

Originality/value

The case describes an evolutionary approach to social welfare in part based the benefits of a product. It illustrates the value that a product focused, profit seeking approach can yield in support of an organization that seeks to aid humanity.
Integrating wireless sensor networks and the internet: a security analysis
Authors: Roman Rodrigo , Lopez Javier
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the security issues that arise when integrating wireless sensor networks (WSN) and the internet. Also, it seeks to review whether existing technology mechanisms are suitable and can be applied in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the possible approaches that can be used to connect a WSN with the internet, and analyzes the security of their interactions.

Findings

By providing the services of the network through a front‐end proxy, a sensor network and the internet can interact securely. There are other challenges to be solved if the sensor nodes are integrated into the internet infrastructure, although there exists interesting advances on his matter.

Research limitations/implications

The complete integration of sensor networks and the internet still remains as an open issue.

Practical implications

With the current state of the art, it is possible to develop a secure sensor network that can provide its services to internet hosts with certain security properties.

Originality/value

The paper studies the interactions between sensor networks and the internet from the point of view of security. It identifies both solutions and research challenges.
Spatial and temporal specificity and transferability
Authors: Nicholson John , Lindgreen Adam , Kitchen Philip
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply pragmatic and practical perspectives to the transferability of research findings by examining the potential of structuration to serve as the relationship marketing meta‐theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper revisits the advanced subjectivist critique of functionalism as the dominant research paradigm before challenging the apparent fortification of the interpretivist paradigm and, in so doing, highlights interpretivism's weaknesses when dealing with social structures.

Findings

With the proposed model, relationship marketing researchers, using structuration theory, can recognize the temporal and spatial specificity – and thereby transferability – of interactions and relationships. Structuration is academically rigorous and pragmatic, because it avoids the distraction of the largely academic paradigm wars.

Research limitations/implications

By addressing the often‐noted spatial and temporal limitations of relationship marketing research, this research responds to calls for longitudinal research. The model offers the potential for examining historical interactions and relationships to gain insight into the constraining and enabling forces of social structures.

Practical implications

The use of a multi‐paradigm perspective is more pragmatic than a single paradigm investigation. Using structuration as that multi‐paradigm perspective, a relationship marketing researcher can gain greater insight into the spatial and temporal specificity and transferability of research findings. Researchers thus may assess the limitations of implementing marketing practice on the basis of the findings they gain from one space and time context in a different space and time context.

Originality/value

A paper discussing structuration is a rarity among marketing literature. This paper is the first to outline the potential use of structuration as the meta‐theory in relationship marketing research.
Strategic integration of human resource management practices
Authors: Ekhsan Abang Othman Abang
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the strategic integration of HRM practices with business/corporate strategy in the context of its applications and processes in two Japanese multinational companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used mixed‐methodology via case studies and questionnaire surveys. Overall 29 questionnaires, 15 from Company A and 14 from Company B were returned and analyzed for a response rate of 58 per cent. In addition, 15 respondents were interviewed, including Executive Director, Head of HR and line managers.

Findings

Analysis of questionnaire responses and interview findings shows strategic integration of HRM practices has been adopted by both organizations, though their approaches vary slightly. Importantly, the involvement of HR at board level, direct reporting of HR to the CEOs and the organization's supportive culture symbolize the integrative approach to HRM. Additionally, the findings indicate that although company strategies are in place, other factors such as business credibility of the HR manager and the level of commitment and support from CEOs and line management commitment are important determinants of strategic integration of HRM practices.

Practical implications

The influence of Japanese management practices which has similar characteristics of high performance work system (HPWS) and resource‐based view (RBV) approach that emphasizes participatory decision making and construe employees and HR function not as cost burdens but as sources of competitive advantage are important predictors of higher and effective strategic integration.

Originality/value

The paper provides some insights into approaches to strategic integration of HRM practices in two Japanese multinational companies in Malaysia.
Four alternative models of online purchase behavior in the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Muthaly Siva , Ha Hong‐Youl
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model the development of e‐purchasing behavior by examining the simultaneous effects of information, web interactivity, satisfaction and positive attitude (PA) on purchase intentions (PIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Development and testing of four competing models from surveys of 402 consumers.

Findings

The results highlight the appropriateness of the multiple mediation model (MMM). The findings also indicate that both the dual mediating role of PA and the simple mediating role of positive emotional bond (PEB) in the model significantly improve the explanation of e‐purchasing model process. Particularly, path coefficients for two groups (male vs female) are significantly different. Female consumers have a tendency to accept valuable information and to participate in interactivity.

Originality/value

In this study, Armstrong et al.'s notion is adopted to show that the role of the scientist is changed from advocating a single hypothesis to evaluating a number of competing models. The current research attempts to empirically test competing mechanisms of the variables and their affects on PI.
An insight into knowledge management practices at Bangkok University
Authors: Aurelie Bechina Arntzen Aurilla , Worasinchai Lugkana , Ribière Vincent M.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to present how Bangkok University (BU) embarked on its knowledge management journey by examining how knowledge management processes could contribute to improve the educational environment by providing new styles of teaching and by increasing the relationships between faculty, students and staff.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the reasons why Bangkok University started its KM initiative. It presents the adopted KM approach, the tools developed as well at the KM action plan.

Findings

The initial overall benefits emerging from the early stage of KM at Bangkok University are encouraging. The educational community has improved not only through the communication and cooperation between students and staff, but also through creating an environment that supports efficiently the cross‐organizational learning and knowledge‐sharing processes.

Practical implications

The KM experience of Bangkok University could be used by other universities or educational institutions as one approach/strategy/guidelines to launch a KM initiative.

Originality/value

Few cases of KM implementations in the university environment have so far been published.
A conceptual framework of service quality in healthcare
Authors: Padma Panchapakesan , Rajendran Chandrasekharan , Sai L. Prakash
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the dimensions of service quality in Indian hospitals, from the perspectives of patients and their family members/friends (referred to as “attendants”).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the existing models and the literature on healthcare services, a framework is proposed to conceptualize and measure hospital service quality.

Findings

Two instruments for measuring the dimensions of hospital service quality, one each from the perspective of patients and attendants, are proposed.

Practical implications

This framework enables hospital managers to understand how patients and their attendants evaluate the quality of healthcare provided in respect of every dimension. A comparison of perceptions between patients and attendants would aid them to allocate resources to various aspects of healthcare, with respect to these two customer groups. Hospital administrators can use the instruments proposed to obtain feedback on their performance on service quality parameters so that they can benchmark themselves with their competitors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research on healthcare services by the development of a comprehensive framework for customer (both patient and attendant)‐perceived healthcare quality.
Supply chain information‐sharing: benchmarking a proven path
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Wallin Cynthia , Allred Chad , Magnan Gregory
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development and competitive influence of a supply chain (SC) information‐sharing capability over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected in 1999/2000 and 2005/2006. Case study interviews conducted in the same time periods are used to contextualize the survey results.

Findings

The analysis shows that an overall increase in the level of investment in IT in conjunction with higher levels of willingness to share the information is needed to support SC competitiveness. Both connectivity and willingness are shown to contribute to performance improvements. Further, empirical evidence suggests that the greatest performance improvements occur when companies develop both dimensions of an information sharing capability.

Originality/value

The paper uses a multi‐method, longitudinal methodology to evaluate the evolution of technology and behavioral dimensions of a SC information‐sharing capability and to document their influence on firm operating and competitive performance.
Forecasting the economic impact of new policies
Authors: Savio Nicolas , Nikolopoulos Konstantinos
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Once a policy proposed by the European Commission is approved by European Parliament or Council, its implementation strategy is the responsibility of the member states. Often, there will be several parallel strategies shaped by a series of incentives financed by the government and naturally, the aim is to choose the most cost effective one. For strategy and planning as well as budgeting purposes, forecasts of the adoption rate of these policy implementation strategies will be an indicator as to their effectiveness. A new hybrid approach combining structured analogies and econometric modelling is proposed for producing such forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach

With every different policy, there will be different qualitative and quantitative data available for producing such implementation strategy adoption rate forecasts. Hence, the proposed hybrid approach, which combines the strengths and reduces the weaknesses of each of its constituents, can be adjusted to match the quantity and nature of the available data.

Findings

This paper reveals a lack of emphasis on such a forecasting application in the existing literature, while stressing its importance to governmental decision makers. What is more, the paper reveals a lack of documentation of this forecasting process in large governmental structures.

Practical implications

If shown to improve the ability to produce such forecasts, the proposed approach could be very beneficial to decision makers when faced with several possible implementation strategies.

Originality/value

The use of expertise is quite common in forecasting policy impact but in an unstructured way. The advanced model proposes structuring the use of analogies in an objective manner. Furthermore, combining with econometric modelling, the incorporation of valuable quantitative information is made possible.
Knowledge‐sharing behaviour of bank employees in Greece
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos D. , Vraimaki Eftichia
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an understanding of the factors that influence knowledge‐sharing behaviour within an organisational framework, using widely accepted social psychology theories.

Design/methodology/approach

Knowledge‐sharing behaviour of bank employees in Greece is examined using an aggregate model, which is based on the theory of planned behaviour. The suggested research model was tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate that intention to share knowledge is mainly influenced by employees' attitude toward knowledge sharing, followed by subjective norms.

Research limitations/implications

Knowledge‐sharing behaviour was examined solely focusing on salient beliefs. Findings should be confirmed using a larger sample, as well as through cross‐sectional studies.

Practical implications

The results highlight the necessity of creating a climate that would help individuals develop a more favourable attitude toward knowledge sharing as well as the important role of the perceived social pressure by organisational members (peers, supervisors, senior management) on the intention of individuals to share knowledge.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this study are the following: examination of the knowledge sharing in the banking sector; testing of a specific well‐known research model in the South‐Eastern European environment; examination of the actual knowledge‐sharing behaviour and not only of the behavioural intention to share knowledge and, finally, examination of the direct effect of the perceived behavioural control on knowledge‐sharing behaviour, which, although suggested by theory, has been neglected by previous studies.
Developing Connectivity: a PKM path for higher education workplace learners
Authors: Garcia Blanca C.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Adopting a personal knowledge management (PKM) scope, this paper aims to report the resulting experience of a four‐year qualitative research project on the dynamics of social skills development strategies in knowledge‐intensive, e‐learning workplace environments.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting a grounded encased study approach, the research explored how practitioners develop strategies for adapting to emerging e‐learning spaces while developing networking skills. The encased study stemmed from research completed at the University of Manchester. The study aimed to gain perspectives and make sense of social skills development (communication, networking and collaboration skills) in the particular setting of knowledge facilitation within virtual environments in three universities of the Manchester city region.

Findings

The personal lifelong learning journey that educational and academic staff undertake in order to become skilled knowledge facilitators online is perceived and represented as a full learning cycle of multiple dimensions. Also, by identifying specific roles of knowledge facilitators according to context, the existing institutional social systems and city networks of learning were made evident in the practitioners' learning scope within their own institutions and beyond.

Originality/value

The paper uses a multiple‐layer, third‐generation knowledge management framework to explore the different emerging roles of knowledge workers in knowledge‐intensive communities online, and how they facilitate multiple tacit knowledge conversion into explicit scholarly knowledge.
Intellectual capital under the temporal lens
Authors: Giuliani Marco
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of intellectual capital (IC) by adopting a temporal lens and emphasizing the role time plays in IC analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research case study (Alpha) related to a joint venture development process is conducted.

Findings

IC is a complex and dynamic system which can be observed from several different perspectives, not only according to the point of view adopted by the observer, but also according to the moment in which IC is being observed. Thus, the time factor must also be considered in the whole IC issue.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are related to the particular research methodology adopted (action research). The main implication of this paper is that the temporal context and the time dimension have to be considered as variables in IC analysis. How to explicitly consider time in the IC question represents future research opportunities.

Originality/value

First, the paper applies, in the accounting field, a research lens that is mainly used in organizational studies. Second, it stresses the role played by time in IC, a factor that authors tend to underestimate in their studies.
Intellectual capital dynamics in universities: a reporting model
Authors: Paloma Sánchez M. , Elena Susana , Castrillo Rocío
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the increasing attention to universities and research organizations at political level and the growing implementation in these institutions of intellectual capital (IC) management and reporting mechanisms, traditionally used by private companies. The objective of the paper is twofold. On one hand, to present an IC report specially designed for universities, suggesting a battery of indicators for resources related to research activity, and, on the other hand, to move one step forward and discuss current challenges in relation to establishing standards for universities to manage and report on their IC and the difficulties in capturing the process dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews recent literature both on conceptual issues and experiences in relation to IC. The Austrian IC report, the observatory of European university exercise and some recent experiences of the Madrid regional government concerning Madrid universities are analysed. Both theory and practice contribute to the development of an IC reporting and management model for universities.

Findings

A model for reporting and managing IC resources in universities and research organisations is suggested. IC dynamics are discussed and current shortcomings of IC analysis presented. The latter points may define the research agenda in the field.

Originality/value

Available experiences are used to discuss possibilities and difficulties in showing the dynamics of higher education institutions by means of an IC report.
Editorial: New directions in leadership
Authors: Newton Sidney
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the study of leadership and examine potential new directions specific to innovation research in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An editorial review of current literature and reflective critique of leadership research specific to the construction industry.

Findings

Two key barriers are identified: a general focus on individual leadership qualities, rather than leadership as an activity; the problems with qualitative research methodologies in general, and grounded theory specifically.

Originality/value

The intention is to promote a more grounded theoretical approach to the study of leadership in order to encourage research publications in journals such as Construction Innovation.
Innovation and small residential builders: an Australian study
Authors: Thorpe David , Ryan Neal , Charles Michael B.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Through investigating the innovation‐adoption process in smaller construction industry firms, this paper aims to ascertain the drivers of innovation in Australian small residential building firms, and determine how such firms develop or adopt innovations. The research thus provides a more thoroughly nuanced understanding of the innovation‐adoption process within these firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research described in this paper was conducted among small residential housing contractors in South‐East Queensland, Australia. This was undertaken by means of a semi‐structured interview process, based on a questionnaire requesting information from owners or managers.

Findings

Innovation in this sector is driven by general business concerns pertaining to maintaining overall competitiveness rather than specific client needs. The same firms also utilize supply‐chain relationships and broader industry associations as sources of external knowledge. Despite this, better pathways to transfer externally generated knowledge require implementation, especially as a means to ensure continued sector growth and deliver public goods such as enhanced worker health and environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the current communication and informational disjuncture between research institutions and practitioners. As a result, workable suggestions for enhanced and meaningful interaction among firms, peak bodies and key research institutions are advanced.

Originality/value

The study complements previous research on innovation development and adoption. Given that there is little previous research on the innovation‐adoption process in the residential building sector, the paper provides an important counterpoint to studies that generally focus on much larger construction firms.
An overview of previous studies in stakeholder management and its implications for the construction industry
Authors: Yang Jing , Shen Qiping , Ho Manfong
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of previous studies in the field of stakeholder management, and propose implications for the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Three major databases are searched: ABI, EI CompendexWeb, and ISI web of knowledge. Papers are searched on topic by using the keywords of “stakeholder management”, “management of stakeholders” and “management of stakeholder”. A brief review of the abstracts and conclusions of these papers is conducted to filter out the irrelevant and/or duplicate papers. After filtering, 159 articles with content relevant to stakeholder management are selected for analysis.

Findings

An overview of previous studies reveals that research interest in stakeholder management has turned to the descriptive approach. Through a critical review of stakeholder management process, three main problems of previous studies are identified: very few methods and tools are available to identify all stakeholders and their interests; limited studies involve the change management about the stakeholders' influence and relationship; and few studies are capable of reflecting the influence of the entire relationship network in practice.

Research limitations/implications

Two implications for the construction industry are suggested: establish a practical framework for managing stakeholders; and apply social network theory (SNT) in developing a stakeholder relationship model.

Originality/value

The overview and implications lead to new knowledge and an improved understanding of the management of multiple stakeholders in construction projects. The perspective of SNT avoids the deficiency of Freeman's dyadic ties model, and the project managers can make decisions in response to the stakeholder behaviours according to the entire relationship.
Determinants of patient satisfaction survey in a gastrointestinal endoscopy service
Authors: Scotto Francesco , De Ceglie Antonella , Guerra Vito , Misciagna Giovanni , Pellecchia Antonio
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The principal aim of this study is to assess the determinants of patient satisfaction in a gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy service.

Design/methodology/approach

A standardised questionnaire is the tool used to measure the perception of patient satisfaction. Questions were grouped by topic into the following sections: service choice, access, approach to the service, endoscopic procedures, staff caring, endoscopy facilities, histological biopsies, ticket payment, communication and information, therapeutical advice and demographic information. The answer format for subjective questions was generated using a Likert‐type scale. The patient satisfaction outcome was obtained from questions about the utility of endoscopy and the willingness to come back to the service again. The determinants of satisfaction identification were evaluated using a multiple logistic regression.

Findings

The questionnaire was administered by the same interviewer to 200 consecutive patients of the Endoscopy Service of the National Cancer Institute in Bari (93 males and 107 females). The variables associated with satisfaction in the most parsimonious logistic model were: hospital cleanliness, comfortable endoscopy area, adequate explanation of endoscopic diagnosis, training and caring of medical staff.

Originality/value

In the survey patient satisfaction with the GI Endoscopy Service is associated with both good structure quality and physician‐patient communication.
Executive development: planning for “key experiences”
Authors: Haskins Mark E. , Shaffer George R.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper presents the case for, and several templates for, the planning and monitoring of the key experiences status of a cadre of high‐potential managers seeking to become executive‐ready.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the result of numerous years of advising executive education corporate clients on the importance of key experiences to complete and complement a future executive's development.

Findings

Offers seven key experiences as examples of what a company might develop for its executive‐oriented, key experiences portfolio.

Practical implications

The field‐inspired tools presented here, are immediately and broadly applicable to those charged with the development of a pipeline of executive‐ready talent.

Originality/value

In a concise and comprehensive manner, readers are provided a framework for conceptualizing, planning, and establishing a key experiences portfolio for its high‐potential executives. It is also shown how such an inventory can be linked to a company's competency model and to an articulated set of personal learning objectives.
Immigrant workers' induction training in Finland: case Petmo project
Authors: Mohamed Abdirizak , Leponiemi Jussi
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The organizations' shareholder value maximization is one of the oldest beliefs in business economics. An organization is seen as a compromise between various goals and targets set by stakeholders, including the workforce. Induction training for newcomers is a part of a comprehensive selection of training and development functions in organizations. Those actions are seen as having a role in the socialization functions in organizations. In other words, it offers opportunities for the newcomers to create unofficial networks inside the work community. The purpose of this study is to investigate the induction training practices in use in organizations with an ethnic minority workforce as well as the development of induction training and methods used in diverse workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the findings of investigations regarding ethnic minority group members' induction training practices in Finland as a part of Perehdyttämällä monimuotoiseen työyhteisöön – Petmo (initiation training of multicultural working place)‐project.

Findings

The study found that internationalisation and diversity are clearly beneficial for the company/community, but they also require resources and investments both in recruitment, induction training and work familiarization as well as in comprehensive human resource development; the great challenge seems to be the lack of resources and time during the induction process – what is needed is more evaluation, information (feedback and assessment systems), innovations and training for the induction trainers (communications); the induction training should be the same for everyone. However, in different tasks flexibility may be required, e.g. in the order the issues are presented – for one person the concrete work and the feelings associated with it, knowing the working community and developing the skills are better foundations for general integration and commitment, the other person may approach issues more naturally through a theoretical framework.

Originality/value

The paper uses the research material because it captures successfully the typical situation in Finnish organizations. These insights may act as a basis for developmental actions.
Hindu philosophy: bridging corporate governance and CSR
Authors: Sharma Manoj K. , Agarwal Punam , Ketola Tarja
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight how fast the divide between the good corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is declining. The concepts covered under CG and the areas covered under CSR are no longer distinctive. Both the philosophies advocate doing good and disclosing the good done.

Design/methodology/approach

The study does a brief survey of Indian mythology to make its point clear that Indian philosophy is positive and it inculcates positive values in Indians, which influence their socially responsible behaviour. The study further analyses the annual reports of 50 Indian private corporate houses to show the extent of CG and CSR undertaken by them. The information is shown in the tabular form or in statement form, both are included for the purpose of the study.

Findings

In India, the CG practices are mandatory as per the clause 49 of the listing agreement of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for all the companies listed on recognized stock exchanges of India. However; there are two parts of disclosure – mandatory and non‐mandatory. In so far as mandatory requirements are concerned, 100 per cent compliance exists. But with regard to non‐mandatory requirements the results are quite disheartening. Similarly, when the study analyzed the annual reports to examine the extent of corporate responsibility disclosure the results are equally discouraging for reasons discuss below in the introduction part of the paper.

Originality/value

The study has revealed certain awakening facts, which will serve as a useful guide for policy formulation in relation to Indian corporate sector.