bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional foods and nutraceuticals in the management of obesity
Authors: Kasbia Gursevak S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

With a global increase in the prevalence of obesity, nutrition and exercise play a key role in its prevention and treatment. Natural product (nutraceutical) interventions are currently being investigated on a large‐scale basis as potential treatments for obesity and weight management. This paper aims to examine current research on nutraceuticals and their role in the management of obesity and body composition. This paper will focus specifically on nutraceuticals, which are plant‐based, which may aid in preventing/treating the metabolic syndrome. Those that will be discussed include conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), capsaicin, Momordica Charantia (MC) and Psyllium fibre.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent empirical evidence has suggested that the utilization of such nutraceuticals to treat human cases of the metabolic syndrome may indeed be warranted. By examining various databases and conducting literature searches the following herbs and food additives were found to be of significant importance within this realm of food science. More importantly, emphasis was placed on research which used the randomized placebo control design.

Findings

Whilst many of the nutraceuticals already have widespread usage, dosage and utilization have still not been critically examined in research literature. Many studies have focused solely on animal research, while others have implemented these nutraceuticals in controlled human trials.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst many journal articles met rigorous scientific standards, international research in this area has also revealed that, language barriers may exist. The field of clinical nutraceutical research is rel atively new in North America, and thus much information is still available in the East but barriers still exist with respect to knowledge of certain herbs.

Practical implications

Clinical nutritionists as well as physicians must gain knowledge of nutraceutical usage as well as availability. With recent marketing of products online, issues of safety should also be raised with respect to clinical treatment. Some products may have contra‐indicatory properties and thus further investigation with nutraceuticals and significant interactions with physician supervised treatment should also be evaluated in future research.

Originality/value

To date few papers have evaluated nutraceutical usage specifically clinical usage and, furthermore, the implications that some may have on obesity and treatment of the metabolic syndrome. Filling this gap in the literature may allow other researchers, clinicians and physicians to learn more about nutraceuticals.
The potential role of peanuts in the prevention of obesity
Authors: Higgs Jennette
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide an overview of recent research that collectively demonstrates the potential for peanuts as an aid to weight management.

Design/methodology/approach

Research on nuts and their effects on health has been plentiful in recent years. This short literature review focuses principally on that research relevant to peanuts.

Findings

Epidemiological and intervention studies have provided useful information on the beneficial effects of nuts, including peanuts in relation to weight management and obesity. This has served to overturn the perception that peanuts, due to their fat content, should not be included in weight loss diets. Furthermore, that, for effective weight management, a moderate fat diet, that includes peanuts, may be more effective for both cardiovascular health and weight management.

Research limitations/implications

More definitive research to directly assess the effects of peanuts on energy balance and body weight is recommended to ascertain optimal quantities of peanuts that can be included in diets for both weight loss and weight maintenance. Plausible explanations for the absence of expected weight gain with regular nut consumption are reported and further research to explore these theories will be reassuring.

Practical implications

Inclusion of daily 1oz(30g) handfuls of peanuts within a moderate fat diet can be recommended as a useful means not only to improve diet quality but also to assist with weight management, due to their satiating effects.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to health professionals and educators by highlighting how a convenient snack food, peanuts can play a beneficial role within a healthy diet for both cardiovascular protection and weight management.
Waist to height ratio and the Ashwell® shape chart could predict the health risks of obesity in adults and children in all ethnic groups
Authors: Ashwell OBE Margaret
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To outline the benefits of the ratio of the waist to height ratio (WHTR) and its graphical representation in the Ashwell® shape chart for the assessment of the health risks of obesity. To show that it has potential to be used in all ethnic groups and in adults and children.

Design/methodology…/approach

A review of the benefits and limitations of the use of some different anthropometric measures to assess the health risks of obesity. Those covered are the body mass index (BMI), the waist to hip ratio (WHR), the waist circumference (WC) and the waist to height ratio (WHTR).

Findings

Waist to Height Ratio (WHTR) has the potential to be globally applicable to different ethnic populations and to children as well as adults. Further validation, particularly of the suggested boundary values of 0.5 and 0.6, as used within the Ashwell® shape chart to indicate different levels of risk, is required.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to summarise the accumulating evidence for the benefits of using WHTR and the Ashwell® shape chart to assess health risk.
Chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of Ogi enriched with soybeans and crayfish
Authors: Olukemi Samuel Folake , Omolara Otegbayo Bolanle
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of this work is to prepare two complementary diets based on the enrichment of the traditional Ogi with soybeans and crayfish and comparatively evaluate the compositional and sensory attributes of the two diets.

Design/methodology/approach

The diets were formulated by mixing Ogi with soybean flour in the ratio of 7:3 to produce diet A, and with the crayfish flour in the same ratio, giving rise to diet B. These diets were evaluated for their nutritive value using proximate analysis. Sensory evaluation was also carried out to assess the acceptability of the diets.

Findings

Chemical analysis showed that diet A (Ogi‐soybeans) contained 14.16 per cent protein, 18.6 per cent fat, 2.0 per cent crude fibre and 2.14 per cent ash, while diet B (Ogi‐crayfish) contained 17.66 per cent protein, 12.6 per cent fat, 2.45 per cent crude fibre and 5.35 per cent ash. Sensory evaluation showed that diet A was generally more acceptable in terms of colour, tastes, consistency and aroma. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05).

Originality/value

The methods employed in this study are very simple and ingredients used are available and acceptable to local tastes. Both prepared diets, in their present form, are compared favourably with industrially prepared Nutrend. It is therefore possible for small‐scale and cottage industries to engage in suitable complementary food production in Nigeria, utilizing local resources.
A study into the antimicrobial effects of cloves (Syzgium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) using disc‐diffusion assay
Authors: Maidment Clem , Dyson Allan , Haysom Iain
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper is aimed at food science or biology students planning a practical independent study into the antimicrobial properties of spices and academic staff wishing to develop a straightforward and reproducible practical activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Disc‐diffusion assays are used to investigate the antimicrobial activity of cinnamon and cloves against two bacteria Escherichia coli B and staphylococcus albus and a yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the spices and alcoholic extracts of their essential oils are examined. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of alcoholic extracts of both spices and oils are also determined.

Findings

Both spices demonstrated microbial inhibitory effects; alcoholic extracts had greater activity than aqueous extracts. Additionally, essential oils had greater activity than the spices. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were smaller with the oils than with the spices.

Research limitations/implications

Although the research for this paper involved just two spices, such is the size of the plant kingdom that there are wide opportunities for further investigations using this procedure.

Practical implications

Disc‐assays were found to be a simple, cheap and reproducible practical method. For this paper, micro‐organisms available for educational purposes were used; however, other organisms could be investigated depending upon available microbiological expertise and facilities.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate that the antimicrobial effects of spices and particularly their essential oils can be examined using disc‐diffusion assay. The method provides many opportunities for student investigation.
Mineral profile, anti‐nutrients and in vitro digestibility of biscuit prepared from blanched and malted pearl millet flour
Authors: Singh G. , Sehgal S. , Kawatra A. , Preeti
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop the biscuit from pearl millet flour prepared from pearl millet grains subjected to processing treatment, i.e. blanching and malting. Purpose was also to analyze the developed biscuit for nutritional evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Pearl millet is under utilized crop and its consumption is limited to low‐income group in the forms of chapatti, dalia, rabari, etc. However, when pearl millet grain was subjected to processing treatment, i.e. blanching and malting (methods are given in research paper), it helped to reduce the anti‐nutrients, rancidity and bitterness in the flour. After that, this processed flour was incorporated in biscuit to increase the consumption in human beings. Biscuit was also developed in combination with soybean flour to improve the protein quality, as pearl millet is deficient in lysine whereas soybean flour is rich in lysine.

Findings

The research revealed that all types of biscuit were organoleptically acceptable, with good mineral profile and low amount of anti‐nutrients. However, biscuit prepared from blanched flour had high calcium, phosphorus, iron and manganese content as compared to that prepared from malted flour. Low anti‐nutrient content and high in vitro digestibility were observed in biscuit prepared from blanched flour. Addition of soybean flour to biscuit also helps to increase the mineral profile as compared to that prepared without incorporation of soybean flour.

Originality/value

Utilization of processed pearl millet for product development was scanty. Work on blanching technique for product development and its comparison with product developed from malted flour was very less. The results indicate that processing method will help in lowering the amount of anti‐nutrients and lead to improvement in protein and starch digestibility. This research paper is valuable for processing industries, scientists and general public.
Potentials of high intensity electric field pulses (HELP) to food processors in developing countries
Authors: Olajide J.O. , Adedeji A.A. , Ade‐Omowaye B.I.O. , Otunola E.T. , Adejuyitan J.A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the prospects of incorporating a non‐thermal process (high intensity electric field pulses, HELP) into food processing and preservation methods in developing countries. Besides, it is to create awareness to food processors and motivate researchers in developing countries to generate more data on the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This is based on the review of the various successful applications of HELP process in inactivation of micro‐organisms for the purpose of preservation. The adaptability of the process to plant food processing was also reviewed. Potential areas of application in developing countries were also highlighted and discussed.

Findings

The present findings reveal possible applications of HELP to food processing in developing countries such as fermentation, fruit and vegetable processing, and dehydration of tropical food.

Originality/value

The paper has indicated that the poor energy system in developing countries has made drying and fermentation techniques appropriate methods of food processing. Therefore, HELP technology offers good potentials for both food processing and preservation and as adjunct to other processes such as fermentation and drying.
The relationship between job satisfaction and demographic variables for healthcare professionals
Authors: Kavanaugh Joe , Duffy Jo Ann , Lilly Juliana
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The study aims to examine the association between job satisfaction and demographic variables, such as years in profession, of healthcare professionals in an in‐patient rehabilitation hospital setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 128 employees were surveyed using a 47‐item opinion survey to assess demographic variables and overall job satisfaction, as well as nine facets of job satisfaction.

Findings

The findings indicate that years in profession (professional experience) is associated with job satisfaction in a defined pattern.

Research limitations/implications

These findings need to be tested in other professional groups where plateauing is common. The results are limited by the use of a convenience sample, relatively small sample size, some categorical data that restricted the forms of analysis, and the fact that only demographic variables were examined. The use of continuous measures and broadening the study to include other organizational variables and personal variables would provide more robust results.

Practical implications

The paper suggests a two‐tier program of coaching and mentoring to address issues in job motivation, which may lead to increased job satisfaction and retention of health care professionals.

Originality/value

Drawing from earlier literature, strategies such as mentoring and coaching are proposed for moderating the negative effect of plateauing on satisfaction. The value of the paper is the identification of a pattern in the motivation of plateaued employees and the application of previous findings about coaching and mentoring that may address issues of employee motivation and retention.
Strategic planning in smaller enterprises – new empirical findings
Authors: Kraus Sascha , Harms Rainer , Schwarz Erich J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To analyze the performance implications of essential elements of strategic planning (time span, formalization, frequency of control, and use of planning instruments) in smaller enterprises in a simultaneous way.

Design/methodology/approach

The main methods being used for this article were a thorough review of literature for the development of hypotheses and a logistical regression analysis for the empirical evaluation. The study is based on a representative sample of small Austrian enterprises (n = 290).

Findings

Planning formalization has a positive and highly significant impact on the probability of belonging to the group of growth firms, whereas other aspects of strategic planning (time horizon, strategic instruments, and control) did not contribute to performance.

Research limitations/implications

Employee growth has been used as an indicator for firm performance. Other indicators (e.g. sales growth, profitability, and subjective evaluation of the entrepreneur) might be used to draw a more detailed picture. Additionally, dichotomizing the dependent variable has some weaknesses. Furthermore, only a limited number of industry categories have been controlled for.

Practical implications

Practitioners might want to emphasize formal strategic planning in order to enhance the probability of performance. Also, they might want to regard the business plan as a management and learning tool rather than as a pure means to generate funding.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to analyze different dimensions of strategic planning in small firms simultaneously. Additionally, it is one of only very few studies outside of the Anglo‐American realm, which might be a help especially for European SMEs (small and medium‐sized enterprises).
The utilization of part‐time and casual work for managers, professionals, general and administrative staff in large Australian organizations
Authors: Nesbit Paul L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In recent years, organizations have responded to calls for greater labor flexibility with increased use of non‐standard work arrangements such as part‐time and temporary/casual employment. The purpose of this paper is to offer a better understanding of the nature and use of non‐standard work arrangements within Australian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports upon a study of 122 organizations in 2003 of the extent of their use of non‐standard work arrangements across a range of employee groups – managerial, professional, general and administrative staff. These data are also examined in terms of their relationship to the gender in these non‐standard roles.

Findings

The study shows that non‐standard work appears at all levels of these organizations but is concentrated within the administrative and general work categories. Part‐time work dominates the use of non‐standard work for all work categories except general staff. The data shows the feminization of non‐standard work with females dominating in all non‐standard roles irrespective of occupational category, or type of non‐standard condition. Females held 16 per cent of managerial roles in these organizations but there was decreasing representation of women within management as the level increased from supervisory to senior managers.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study reflect its descriptive focus which permits only the speculative assessment of patterns of non‐standard employment observed. Further qualitative research is recommended to develop and refine understanding of drivers of observed patterns and longitudinal analysis could examine the changing nature of the patterns observed.

Originality/value

The paper presents empirical evidence for the use of non‐standard work across a variety of work categories and highlights the heterogeneity of non‐standard work.
A pragmatic approach to management accounting research: a research path
Authors: Lefley Frank
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper traces an eight‐year journey along a research path in identifying the need for conception, development, and pragmatic evaluation of a new capital investment appraisal model – the financial appraisal profile (FAP) model. In many cases, existing research in developing new financial models is limited to theoretical conception rather than testing of these models in the real world. This papers sets out to address that issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology draws heavily on philosophical pragmatism. The paper traces a clear path, starting from the firm foundation of earlier studies, questionnaire feedback from presentations of the model, and two case studies.

Findings

The three‐stage pragmatic evaluation of the FAP model establishes the support for the model in both the academic and practical world.

Research limitations/implications

Although the first two stages in the evaluation of the model may be susceptible to systemic bias, the final evaluation in practical application of the model provides credible evidence for its pragmatic support.

Practical implications

It is hoped that this paper will encourage other researchers to be more pragmatic in their research methodology and that practitioners will find the FAP model more effective than their existing capital investment appraisal methods/procedures.

Originality/value

The pragmatic diversity of the research methodology presented in this paper gives management accounting researchers’ an insight into one particular researcher's approach to such a complex issue.
The relationship between legislation and industrial practice
Authors: Moore Sian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper sets out to ask whether the existence of a statutory model of collective bargaining has influenced the scope and depth of bargaining following voluntary trade union recognition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is largely based on a telephone survey of 101 employer representatives, commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry (2000). The survey was based on a sample of 213 voluntary trade union recognition agreements concluded between 1998 and 2002. The paper also draws on a textual analysis of 213 voluntary recognition agreements and refers to nine in‐depth case studies.

Findings

In this paper the research found evidence of dynamic relationships following recognition and in the majority of cases there has been collective bargaining on the core issues of pay, hours and holiday. There was less likely to have been negotiation over the non‐core issues of pensions, equal opportunities and training. There are clear differences between employers' reports of the nature of discussions with the union and what was set out in the written recognition agreements. The fact that a proportion of voluntary agreements have been formally limited to the core issues suggests the influence of the law in shaping both the scope and depth of voluntary recognition (and subsequent practice).

Research limitations/implications

The analysis in this paper is based on employer perceptions of the bargaining process; clearly bargaining also reflects union aspirations. Further case studies based on workplace bargaining would illustrate this dynamic process.

Originality/value

The paper offers the first analysis of bargaining following voluntary recognition and assessment of the impact of the Employment Relations Act 1999.
Improving working lives: flexible working and the role of employee control
Authors: Hall Laura , Atkinson Carol
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate employee perceptions of the flexibility they utilize or have available to them in an NHS Trust and relate these perceptions to the concept of control.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a constructivist approach and uses semi‐structured interviews, allowing employees, in their own way, to explain what flexibility policies, and practice mean to them. The paper conducted 43 interviews and one focus group across five directorates, to include a range of staff levels and job types.

Findings

The findings in this paper show that informal rather than formal flexibility was more widely used and valued; and that, although staff needed to be proactive to access formal flexibility, some staff did not see formal flexibility as relevant to themselves; and informal flexibility generated an increased sense of employee responsibility. Uses the perspective of employee control over their working lives, in order to interpret the impact of flexible working.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that these findings may be context‐specific, and further investigation of informal flexible working is needed in different settings.

Practical implications

This paper shows that organizations need to communicate flexibility well, and train their managers' adequately but, critically, they need to understand what different forms of flexibility mean to employees, and how they are valued.

Originality/value

The paper shows the prevalence and value of informal flexible working, and its potential. Uses the concept of control to explain why different individuals value different forms of flexible working differentially.
Procedures as a way of handling capability problems in the teaching profession and implications for more general application
Authors: Torrington Derek
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to describe research, commissioned by the UK Department of Education and Skills, on the effectiveness of procedures to improve performance by unsatisfactory schoolteachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was conducted first by telephone interviews with a sample of local authorities in the UK to understand the scale of procedure usage. This provided a large and representative selection of authorities, which differed geographically, by size and by socio‐economic characteristics. In total, 56 case studies were then carried out in schools where procedures had been used.

Findings

The paper finds that the procedure usage was very low. In some authorities there had not been any cases at all and there was widespread reluctance to adopt the approach that procedures were seen to embody: legalistic, bureaucratic and “lacking the human touch”. Case studies consistently showed ineptitude in handling procedures and frustration that they took so long. The findings were reviewed against the background of the large literature on employment law and human resource management, as that was the type of expertise that the research sponsors wished to deploy. Further reference was made to the literature on school leadership as well as to the concept of emotional labour.

Originality/value

The value of the work in this paper is to show how reluctant both managers and employees are to enter procedures and to show how some of this reluctance may be overcome. The research sadly uncovered very little good practice in schools, although some local authorities had excellent HR practitioners.
Does emotional intelligence – as measured by the EQI – influence transformational leadership and/or desirable outcomes?
Authors: Brown F. William , Bryant Scott E. , Reilly Michael D.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study aims to examine the possibility of relationships between and among emotional intelligence (EI), leadership, and desirable outcomes in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 2,411 manufacturing workers, engineers, and professional staff, the study empirically examined the impact of EI, as measured by Bar‐On's Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQI), on organizational outcomes; the well documented ability of transformational leadership to predict those outcomes, and the relationship between EI and transformational leadership.

Findings

The results confirm previous studies of the extraordinary effectiveness power of transformational leadership in predicting organizational outcomes. However, in this study no support was found for hypothesized relationships between EI and desirable outcomes or a significant relationship between EI and transformational leadership.

Originality/value

EI may be a useful concept in understanding leadership and social influence; however, unlike previous studies no indication was found that EI as operationalized and measured by the EQI is of particular value in that exploration.
Exploring the implications of vision, appropriateness, and execution of organizational change
Authors: Cole Michael S. , Harris Stanley G. , Bernerth Jeremy B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine the interaction effects of managers' perceptions of the supporting vision clarity, appropriateness, and execution of a major organizational change on their job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intentions, and role ambiguity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from upper and middle‐level managers of a Fortune 500 US manufacturer and maker of consumer goods involved in a large organizational change initiative. A survey was completed by 217 managers, for a response rate of 89 percent. Change attitudes, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intentions, role ambiguity, and control variables were all assessed.

Findings

A three‐way interaction between change vision clarity, change appropriateness, and change execution was found to predict managers' job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and role ambiguity.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied on self‐reports collected at one point in time, allowing for the possibility of common method bias. The complex, nonlinear relationships indicate that method bias cannot fully account for the reported relationships.

Practical implications

Study results illustrate that the individual experience of major change is multifaceted and that simultaneously considering the combined effects of individual's change attitudes including readiness (in the form of believing a change is needed and appropriate) and the perceived effectiveness of the change execution on key job‐related outcomes can help practitioners understand more fully the implications of organizational change.

Originality/value

The findings lend support to the notion that individual's sentiments concerning organizational change are interactive and should not be ignored.
How emotional is transformational leadership really?
Authors: Küpers Wendelin , Weibler Jürgen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the significance of emotions in transformational leadership (TL), particularly the explicit and implicit coverage of emotional dimensions and emotional intelligence (EI) competencies within the specific components of TL. The goal is to contribute an extension to the concept of TL.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematically, the paper reveals the coverage and emotional ties of TL as operationalised through the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). For analysing the emotional quality of the MLQ an interpretative method is used. This hermeneutic and qualitative investigation shows which emotions, respectively dimensions, functions and effects of emotions are entailed in the specific components. Then, based on a comparison of a refined EI framework, EI competencies are related to specific dimensions of TL.

Findings

The interpretative analysis shows that the TL and the MLQ have not integrated emotions and emotional competencies systematically. Facing conceptual deficits and various omissions, the paper proposes that emotions and emotional competencies should be reconsidered more comprehensively in the debate surrounding TL and its corresponding instruments.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited in using only the MLQ as a reference point for TL and Goleman's EI framework. Other instruments for measuring TL and EI might reveal different results. Research implications with regard to methodology and contents for future research are outlined.

Practical implications

Practical implications for reducing the identified weaknesses in integrating emotions into TL are offered.

Originality/value

The paper offers important clarifications and reasons for a necessary extension of TL. It shows systematically the deficits concerning the neglected emotional dimensions in TL and opens up perspectives for integrating them. With this it is contributing to the advancement of the conventional leadership discourse and research on TL in particular.
Managing aggression in organizations: what leaders must know
Authors: Olson Bradley John , Nelson Debra L. , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to incorporate a sensemaking framework that augments research on organizational justice and aggression.

Design/methodology/approach

Sensemaking is used as a basis for designing an aggression model. Organizational justice and attribution theory are key components of sensemaking triggers. In addition, the model includes both organizational and personal influences on the sensemaking process. Finally, information processing theory provides explanations as to the importance of retrospect in sensemaking.

Findings

The sensemaking framework: presents the workplace antecedents of the sensemaking process; specifies the sensemaking triggers that provoke aggressive responses; identifies the individual and organizational factors that affect both the sensemaking triggers and the link between triggers and aggressive behaviors; and incorporates a full range of aggressive behaviors (e.g. violence, verbal abuse, or refusal to return telephone calls) that occur in organizations.

Practical implications

The paper proposes that by taking a sensemaking perspective, leaders can understand and proactively manage aggressive behavior in the workplace.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive aggression model that can assist both researchers and practitioners regarding the sensemaking process and its role in workplace aggression.
Causal inferences between participation in decision making, task attributes, work effort, rewards, job satisfaction and commitment
Authors: Scott‐Ladd Brenda , Travaglione Anthony , Marshall Verena
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Regulatory frameworks in Australia encourage employee participation in decision making (PDM) on the basis that participation benefits work effort, job satisfaction and commitment. Although the literature supports this premise, there is little evidence that patterns of causal inference in the relationship are clearly understood. This study aims to examine for structural and causal inference between PDM and the work environment over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to examine longitudinal, matched sample data for causal inferences.

Findings

The paper finds that participation in decision making appears to promote job satisfaction and commitment, whereas task variety and work effort foster participation.

Research limitations/implications

The use of quantitative, self report data, small samples and cross industry data as well as possible overlap between commitment foci may limit the transferability of the findings. It is also important to note causality is merely inferred.

Practical implications

Although participation in decision making positively influences work effort, autonomy and commitment, practitioners need to be mindful of keeping a balance between employee and employer needs. Job satisfaction and commitment are at risk in the long term if participation is viewed merely as a survival strategy for coping with work effort and task variety.

Originality/value

The paper examines inferred causality within a participative decision‐making framework and addresses the previously neglected need for multi‐site and longitudinal studies.
Working on the positive emotional attractor through training in health care
Authors: Dyck Loren R. , Caron Aleece , Aron David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to link complexity theory to the intentional change process by examining the role of emotional attraction. A research study currently underway on intentional change theory (ICT) in a healthcare context is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the concept of “attractors” from complexity theory to suggest that emotion affects the process of intentional change in different ways dependent upon whether the emotion is positive or negative. Determination of the emotion in this way proposes the existence of either a positive emotional attractor (PEA) or a negative emotional attractor (NEA). The paper discusses positive psychology's perspective on the differential impacts of positive and negative emotion. The paper also outlines an ongoing research project at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center which examines the concept of PEA and its effect on diabetes self‐management as well as its consequent role in improved health.

Findings

A review of the literature and subsequent development of hypotheses and the conceptual model, indicate education for chronically ill adults must be purposeful and directed toward a self‐perceived need for personal change; include their own disease experience; allow them to become active participants in learning; and lastly, the learning process should be considerate of individual cognitive ability.

Originality/value

ICT could address the needs of chronically ill patients as its focus is a self‐directed journey to personal change and learning. The potential of ICT is enormous given that diabetes is a national problem that has reached epidemic proportions.
The evolving group: towards a prescriptive theory of intentional group development
Authors: Akrivou Kleio , Boyatzis Richard. E. , McLeod Poppy L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework for understanding and formulating team intentional change.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a critical review of existing theories of group development, gaps in the literature regarding how teams can and should develop, especially when the change is intentional and has a desired direction, are examined. A set of propositions is offered to address these aspects of group development that have been neglected by the literature.

Findings

A systematic and critical discussion of the core literature on group development showed: the complex and discontinuous nature of change in groups was neglected, because the group was not treated as a complex system; the literature has not dealt with group development processes when the change process is intentional (it has been descriptive of what occurs), nor has it examined which are key drivers of group change; existing literature on group development have predominantly seen negative emotion as catalytic to group development, and they have ignored the role of positive emotion. Therefore, drawing on positive psychology, complexity theory, small group research literatures, and Boyatzis' intentional change theory, a prescriptive theoretical framework for explaining intentional group change and development is offered and discussed.

Originality/value

A prescriptive model or theoretical framework with a set of hypotheses are proposed that explain intentional, and positive group development processes.
Intentional change theory at the organizational level: a case study
Authors: Van Oosten Ellen B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of intentional change theory (ICT) at the organizational level through the lens of a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a case study of Roadway Express, a leading transportation provider of industrial and commercial goods throughout North America, which embarked on a journey of cultural transformation in 1999, using a popular change process known as appreciative inquiry (AI). The Roadway case study illustrates both the theory of intentional change and the method of AI in use and provides a platform upon which to observe change at the organizational level.

Findings

Roadway Express serves as a solid benchmark for organizations considering how to succeed in cultural transformation. The implementation of the philosophy and methodology of appreciative inquiry, played a key role in that success. Analysis shows the link between ICT and AI. From this observation, ICT emerges as a stand‐along theory upon which to interpret the success of Roadway's organizational change efforts.

Practical implications

Drawing insight from the Roadway case study, ICT provides us with a comprehensive model for understanding how to approach and sustain change at the organizational level.

Originality/value

For the past three decades, most of the work using intentional change theory has focused on individual change. This paper presents a different view of the same theory, this time at the organizational level. This insight may be of interest to leaders, managers and change agents.
Social capital and intentional change
Authors: Smith Melvin L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Better understanding the mechanisms through which individuals engage in sustainable change efforts has been an ongoing concern of both researchers and practitioners. While dyadic interactions with others can play a significant role in individual change efforts, the purpose of this article is to explore how the networks of relationships in which individuals are embedded are likely to impact their efforts to engage in sustainable change.

Design/methodology/approach

This article develops a conceptual framework and offers propositions regarding the suggested impact of bridging and bonding social capital on each of the discovery phases of the intentional change process.

Findings

Drawing on a variety of literatures, It is argued that the bridging and bonding forms of social capital may each significantly influence the intentional change process, but in different ways. Also provided is an example of how the intentional change process can, in turn, be utilized to build one's social capital.

Originality/value

While previous research on intentional change has alluded to the importance of relationships to individual change efforts, little attention has been paid to the role that social capital may play in facilitating the individual change process. Considering the role of social capital in individual change efforts may suggest new avenues of inquiry for researchers, as well as provide insight to practitioners interested in mechanisms to facilitate change at the individual level.
National level intentional change: a story of two countries
Authors: Howard Anita , Coombe Duncan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an insight, through an examination of the American Civil Rights Movement and the Anti‐Apartheid Movement in South Africa, into how desired change occurs at a national or cultural level of social organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The words and actions of two key figures in these national change movements are analyzed through the use of intentional change theory, and its constituent elements of discontinuous change, reference groups, the ideal self and emotional attractors.

Findings

The findings lead to the suggestion that great leaders, at times of national change, articulate a shared ideal or national vision and are primarily grounded in the positive emotional attractor. Furthermore, they appeal to their followers' cognition and affect.

Research limitations/implications

While these two figures are prominent historical figures in their respective change movements, it is naïve to suggest that they were solely responsible for the change. Future research could look at the many other figures and factors that played a role in these tremendously complex and sensitive change processes.

Practical implications

This paper has important implications for people involved in change efforts at the national and cultural level. It provides evidence from two exemplary cases that could be applied to other such situations.

Originality/value

This paper develops an insight into how desired change occurs at a national or cultural level of social organization. In a world riddled with tension, violence and poverty, this insight is potentially of great value.
An enterprise‐wide knowledge management system infrastructure
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Hong Soongoo
Published: July 2006

The borderless global economy has accentuated the importance of knowledge as the most critical source of competitive advantage. Thus, knowledge management (KM) has become a strategic mandate for most world‐class organizations. A key enabler for implementing an effective KM system is advanced information technology (IT). Strategies for developing an enterprise‐wide KM system infrastructure with embedded IT are discussed. In particular, this paper discusses the concept of a KM life cycle – knowledge capture, knowledge development, knowledge sharing, and knowledge utilization, and how applications of new IT support each step of the KM practices within and between organizations is suggested.
Detailed formulation of the rotation‐free triangular element “S3” for general purpose shell analysis
Authors: Sabourin Francis , Brunet Michel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present an enriched formulation of a rotation‐free (RF) triangular shell element in order to use it for shells of general shapes while, up to now, it is limited to shells without branching surfaces and progressive variations in terms of material behavior and thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

The formulation keeps the main characteristic of Morley's element: bending effects can be expressed with three “bending angles” only. But, for a RF element, these angles are defined with the rigid body rotations of the element itself and those of its neighbours. This usual formulation of a RF shell element can be extended provided that curvatures‐displacements relation involves the material characteristics of the element itself and of its neighbours and the same goes for thickness.

Findings

Numerous examples with regular and irregular meshes of structures involving branching surfaces point out convergence and accuracy. Large displacement analyses – including crash simulations – show the effectiveness, too. A deep‐drawing of a “U” shape and the following springback prediction highlight the fact that the curvatures are captured more exactly (when nodes slide on die radius) since they are imposed in terms of translations whereas they are traditionally computed with nodal rotations not managed by contact conditions on the tooling.

Practical implications

The “S3” element detailed here is implemented in RADIOSS® software. The general conclusions are that this triangle often gives almost the same result as “DKT18” but is two times less cheaper and it is found interesting for sheet forming simulations.

Originality/value

Specificity of such an element clearly appears while lifting the initial restrictions quoted before.
A method for prediction and estimation of large‐amplitude optical flows via extended Kalman filtering approach
Authors: Michailovich Oleg , Tannenbaum Allen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop a reliable and computationally efficient method for estimating and predicting large‐amplitude optical flows via taking into consideration their coherence along the time dimension.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the differential‐based techniques for estimating optical flows have long been in wide use owing to the relative simplicity of their mathematical description, their applicability is known to be limited to the situations, when the optical flow has a relatively small norm. In order to extend such method to deal with large‐amplitude optical flows, it is proposed to model the optical flow as a composition of its time‐delayed version and a complementary optical flow. The former is used to predict the current optical flow and, subsequently, to warp forward the preceding image of the tracking sequence, while the latter accounts for the residual displacements that are estimated using Kalman filtering based on the “small norm” assumption.

Findings

The study shows that taking into consideration the temporal coherence of optical flows results in considerable improvement in the quality of their estimation in the case when the amplitude of the optical flow is relatively large and, hence, the “small norm” assumption is not applicable.

Research limitations/implications

In the present work, the algorithm is formulated under the assumption that the optical flow is affine. This assumption may be restrictive in practice. Consequently, an important direction to extend this work is to consider more general classes of optical flows.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the present study is the use of multigrid methods and a projection scheme to relate the state equation to the apparent image motion.