bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical success factors for implementing knowledge management in small and medium enterprises
Authors: Yew Wong Kuan
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To date, critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing knowledge management (KM) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have not been systematically investigated. Existing studies have derived their CSFs from large companies' perspectives and have not considered the needs of smaller businesses. This paper is aimed to bridge this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing studies on CSFs were reviewed and their limitations were identified. By integrating insights drawn from these studies as well as adding some new factors, the author proposed a set of 11 CSFs which is believed to be more suitable for SMEs. The importance of the proposed CSFs was theoretically discussed and justified. In addition, an empirical assessment was conducted to evaluate the extent of success of this proposition.

Findings

The overall results from the empirical assessment were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed CSFs.

Practical implications

The set of CSFs can act as a list of items for SMEs to address when adopting KM. This helps to ensure that the essential issues and factors are covered during implementation. For academics, it provides a common language for them to discuss and study the factors crucial for the success of KM in SMEs.

Originality/value

This study is probably the first to provide an integrative perspective of CSFs for implementing KM in the SME sector. It gives valuable information, which hopefully will help this business sector to accomplish KM.
Impact of product structure on order review/evaluation procedures
Authors: Bragg Daniel J. , Duplaga Edward A. , Penlesky Richard J.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To investigate the impact of number of components (NC) and component commonality (CC) (i.e. product structure characteristics) on the effectiveness of component reservation methods and partial order releases (i.e. order review and evaluation (ORE) procedures).

Design/methodology/approach

Simulation experiments were conducted using a multistage production‐inventory system with MRP for planning. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance.

Findings

The results indicate that: in the presence of component availability problems, partial order release is a more effective ORE procedure than component reservation; product structure characteristics should be considered when selecting partial order release proportions; and high levels of shop congestion (SC) mitigate the influence of ORE procedures, regardless of product structure characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

This study used fixed lot sizes and two factors to characterize product structures (NC and CC). Thus, studies that investigate the impact of alternative lot sizing strategies and a wider range of product structure factors could provide additional insight into the order release process.

Practical implications

The results provide a useful source of information for managers to consider when addressing problem orders related to material availability.

Originality/value

Although the literature on order review/release (ORR) recognizes the possibility of material availability problems, very little guidance is provided on how managers should react to the situation. This paper fulfils an identified information need by integrating and extending the research streams on product structure and ORE activities.
The effects of business operation mode on market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness
Authors: Lee Tien‐Shang , Tsai Hsin‐Ju
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the interrelationships between market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness. The effects of business operation mode on learning orientation and innovativeness are also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A 65‐item survey questionnaire was developed and 700 manufacturing and service firms in Taiwan were selected as the samples of this study. Mail survey was conducted and respondents were asked to express the opinions related to the effects of business operation modes on market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness of their firms.

Findings

The results conclude that: the emphasis of market orientation, including intelligence generation, intelligence dissemination, and responsiveness, is associated with the levels of learning orientation and organizational innovativeness; the emphasis of learning orientation is associated with the levels of business innovation; and a participate, power sharing, and collaborative business operation mode may enhance a firm to promote innovativeness and business performance.

Originality/value

As the management environment has become more dynamic, the emphasis of market orientation, learning orientation and innovativeness are some of the important issues that executives need to follow. Since very limited studies have concentrated on above issues, the results of this study can provide important references to academicians and practitioners in the developing of business innovativeness.
Impact of relational differences on supervisor/subordinate dyad
Authors: Green Kenneth W. , Whitten Dwayne , Medlin Bobby
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Prior research indicates that workplace diversity negatively impacts the job satisfaction and organizational commitment levels of minority workers. This study investigates the impact of age and gender diversity between human resources (HR) professionals and their supervisors on the satisfaction and commitment levels of the professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 279 HR professionals employed by large US manufacturers were collected using a traditional mail methodology and were analyzed using ANOVA.

Findings

Neither age differential, gender differential nor age and gender differential interaction were found to impact the job satisfaction and organizational commitment levels of HR professionals.

Research limitations/implications

Although it appears that the number of females and, in particular, female supervisors is under represented in the sample, it is likely that the sample accurately reflects the current status of the manufacturing labor force.

Practical implications

The negative impact on supervisor/subordinate relationships of demographic differences may be mitigated through the implementation of diversity management strategies, such as those adopted by HR professionals.

Originality/value

These unexpected findings may be attributed to the heightened awareness of diversity‐related legislation and regulation on the part of HR professionals. Additionally, HR professionals as a group are likely more attuned to the potential negative impact of workplace diversity and more skilled in applying workplace strategies to minimize the negative impact of such diversity.
Defining, developing, and implementing a new design for the technology component of a human resource development undergraduate program
Authors: Byers Celina
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To describe an approach to course redesign that may provide others in the field with a “template” to follow or modify when course redesign is necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

Action research implies making a change and then observing and responding to the consequences of that change. Making the change in this course involved: defining the knowledge and skills that would best enable program graduates to satisfy the requirements of the marketplace, and identifying and including those elements that would best enable students to learn the material. Data came from interviews with faculty, personnel from companies that hire program graduates, and the students themselves. After the change, data was continuously compiled and utilized to refine the course as it progressed.

Findings

The data show that the revised course was perceived as a definite improvement, although adjustment was required over a period of several semesters to make this perception uniform and general.

Research limitations/implications

One course at one university was involved by this project, so caution must be used when drawing generalizations from its results.

Practical implications

This approach, based on information provided both by academia and industry, links theoretical and practical learning. Students should find strong motivation in the fact that what they are learning is in demand.

Originality/value

This paper provides a step‐by‐step process by which to redesign a course in a systematic way, taking into account how both graduates of the program and their employers may profit from the end product of the learning.
Integrating effect of consumer perception factors in predicting private brand purchase in a Korean discount store context
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Gu Suh Yong
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Despite proven strategic significance and wide acceptance of private label products (PB), our understanding of PB in international markets is limited. The purposes of this study are to propose a model that integrates four consumer characteristic variables (price consciousness, value consciousness, perceived price variation, and consumer innovativeness) toward PB attitude and purchase intention, and to test the model in two product categories, grocery and home appliances, in a South Korean discount store context.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 168 usable data (87 for food and 81 for home appliances were collected using mall intercept method from female shoppers at one Korean discount store in Seoul, Korea.

Findings

The findings revealed that, depending on the product category, contribution of the factors varies. Among four consumer characteristics, only three in each category exhibited direct and indirect association with PB purchase intention. Perceived quality variability in a food category and price consciousness in a home appliance category did not show any relationship with PB purchase intention nor with PB attitude. In both product categories, only two variables, value consciousness and consumer innovativeness, predicted PB attitude. Overall, consumer innovativeness was the strongest factor predicting Korean shoppers’ PB attitude.

Originality/value

Important theoretical contributions of this study are finding the relative importance of the variables on PB attitude and purchase intention, and differing roles of consumer variables by product characteristics. Further significance of this study lies in understanding the differing impact of consumer perceptual variables in predicting PB attitude and purchase intention simultaneously. Managerial implications of these results were discussed.
Linking global market segmentation decisions with strategic positioning options
Authors: Hassan Salah S. , Craft Stephen H.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the relationship between positioning strategies and bases of segmentation in international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A principal component analysis was conducted to determine the major macro‐ as well as micro‐bases of segmentation that are linked with strategic positioning decision options. Further, a regression analysis was used to examine the effect of each of the segmentation bases on the different strategic positioning options used by segmentation managers.

Findings

This study suggests the combined use of both macro‐ and micro‐bases of segmentation in order to leverage similar strategic positioning across global markets. However, micro‐bases of segmentation are suggested for firms seeking differential positioning strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual and empirical findings of this study pave the way for embarking on promising and relevant future research that is needed to substantiate and enrich the academic understanding and managerial practice of linking global segmentation with strategic positioning decisions. Future research should focus on the use of hybrid segmentation strategies; its logical design; implementation issues; and its evaluation mechanism.

Practical implications

This study provides specific empirical evidence of the relationship between strategic use of segmentation bases and strategic positioning. An effective use of the proposed framework will have various strategic marketing implications for firms; including cost efficiencies, opportunities to transfer products globally, expansion opportunities of current operation, and development of more effective brand management decisions.

Originality/value

The proposed global strategic segmentation and positioning matrix is a new tool that guides managers to position their brands effectively in world markets.
The cynical use of marketing to the unwitting consumer
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To show how marketing is accused of having all sorts of powers to control consumers and segmentation itself is often accused of abusing consumers, and yet there are many times when marketing people who should know better unethically abuse consumer targets’ naïve willingness to believe all sorts of nonsense.

Design/methodology/approach

Points out the potential unethical nature of marketing practices that could take advantage of consumers’ inability to know or understand the truth of the matter.

Findings

A growing number of books and articles describe the limits of human understanding, or how there are many things people believe that are not true. For some people, ignorance is simply a point of view. Yet it is patently unethical when marketing people take materials they know are false and sell to people not able to know better.

Practical implications

Marketing is not inherently unethical, but the worst of practices make all others look bad. At best, many marketing decision makers are too often amoral, and do not even consider the morality of what they do. This describes a distinction of clearly immoral approaches to marketing practice.

Originality/value

Stating the difference between simply meeting consumer needs and abusing consumers.
Nightclubs and bars: what do customers really want?
Authors: Skinner Heather , Moss Gloria , Parfitt Scott
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to give a wider understanding of what customers really want from first and subsequent visits to mainstream city centre nightclubs and bars by examining customer attitudes to various aspects of the services arena and service offerings provided by such venues.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was used to establish two focus groups within the industry's main target market age group. This qualitative data were analysed from a grounded theory approach in order to identify the emerging themes that were then tested by quantitative data gathered by means of a questionnaire in phase 2 of the research. These data were then subjected to a frequency analysis in SPSS in order to identify those elements that were most preferred by the majority of respondents.

Findings

Findings point to the relative importance of various elements of the servicescape in influencing customer decisions to enter a venue for the first time, and also to the relative importance of factors which prompt subsequent visits to a venue.

Practical implications

In such a saturated and highly competitive marketplace these findings can assist mainstream venues within the late night economy to improve their competitive position by understanding and then providing what customers really want.

Originality/value

Although there is much services marketing literature on the relevance of the servicescape and the importance of service quality, this paper attempts to ascertain which factors are truly key in customer decision‐making, and in which order each element of the service is rated by the industry's key target market.
Differential impact of social influence in the hospitality encounter
Authors: Butcher Ken
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This study investigates how social influence variables will affect repurchase intentions differently depending on the number of prior visits made to the service. Specifically, the social influence variables of social regard and social comfort are compared with perceived core service quality to determine the greatest influence on repurchase intentions at four stages of customer experience with the service.

Design/methodology/approach

A single, cross‐sectional survey was conducted to gather data for this study. Customer data were drawn from nine small hospitality businesses operating in Queensland, Australia.

Findings

A cross‐sectional survey of 146 café respondents revealed that social regard is the greatest influence on repurchase intentions for the initial visits to the café, but after 11 visits only perceived core service quality is a significant predictor.

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional design used in this study may not yield accurate associations between predictors and re‐purchase behaviour. In addition, the sample was weighted toward females.

Practical implications

The results suggest that, for customers in the early café encounter, feeling respected is especially important.

Originality/value

This exploratory study sheds light on some of the predictor variables of re‐purchase intentions.
Selecting a food service system: a review
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The selection of a food service system (cook‐chill, cook‐freeze and cook‐hot‐hold) is a major strategic initiative, which involves a large capital investment. Each system has specific advantages and disadvantages and each is most suited to a particular set of operational conditions. The paper provides an inventory of data on the efficiency of the systems, identifies deficiencies as well as future needs and tools in the research in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the studies supporting the decision‐making process – the identification of the need for a system, evaluation of different systems, system selection, implementation and analysis of outcomes.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the lack of up‐to‐date objective data substantiating the benefits of the systems in the commercial and institutional hospitality sectors. It suggests a conceptual framework linking food preparation technologies with the elements of strategic marketing as well as statistical techniques, which can be used in the development of a model describing these relationships. Total productivity can be used as an indicator of the overall performance of a system.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should address the need for quantitative assessment of the aggregate effect of operational and financial factors including those related to construction, menu design, productivity and food quality.

Originality/value

The analysis of inputs/outputs and the possible research methodologies would be of interest to researches and educators, industry practitioners and other stakeholders in the efficient food provision in the tourism/hospitality/institutional sectors.
Rent and the lessee
Authors: Pratten J.D.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This paper considers the changes in the nature of the public house sector in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Profiles the changing nature of the public house sector using published reports and current literature. Comments on the emerging trends and the impacts that they are having on the UK public house sector.

Findings

Reveals that many of the old‐style licensees have not been able to adapt to new trading circumstances and are preparing to leave the industry.

Practical implications

Indicates that pub‐owning companies need to recruit a different type of lessee or tenant in the future, characterized by a dynamic sales presence, able to continually generate incremental improvements in pub income.

Originality/value

Reviews the changing characteristics of the UK public house sector.
A study of hotel information technology applications
Authors: Law Rob , Jogaratnam Giri
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Information technology (IT) applications in the hotel industry have largely been devoted to the handling of the routine operational problems that crop up while running a hotel. Previously, the hotel industry has been criticised as reluctant to make full use of IT. This paper reports and analyses the findings of a recent survey on IT applications in Hong Kong hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

Through personal interviews with 21 managers of hotel electronic data processing/management information systems (EDP/MIS) in 2003, different technical and behavioural aspects of IT were examined.

Findings

Compared with a similar study performed in 1997, the empirical findings in 2003 showed that IT was used not merely to replace the existing paper system but also to improve customer services and to enhance operational effectiveness. Unfortunately, the empirical findings also indicated that hotel decision makers did not seem to realise the importance of IT for the purpose of developing business strategies and, therefore, IT was generally not used in hotels for high‐level business decision‐making.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study was the fairly low participation rate of hotel managers.

Practical implications

The study does offer useful insights for hoteliers to realistically analyse the potential benefits of IT applications to their business.

Originality/value

This paper will contribute to help raise the awareness of IT involvement at all levels of hotel business processes, and facilitate hoteliers to proactively incorporate IT into their efforts to remain competitive in the industry.
The smoking ban in hospitality: a cross‐border perspective from Ireland
Authors: McNabb Jennifer , Hearns Niamh
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This paper reflects on the recent introduction of a statutory smoking ban in workplaces in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). The aim of the research is to identify the arguments for and against statutory smoking bans and to explore the impact of such legislation on hospitality organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the literature review, which examines evidence from other jurisdictions that have introduced smoking bans, the primary research is based on semi‐structured interviews with the managers of licensed premises in both the ROI and Northern Ireland.

Findings

Qualitative data based on the recent introduction of a smoking ban in the ROI indicate that, although the industry's concerns are understandable, hospitality businesses and their customers are adapting to the statutory smoking ban. The findings indicate that, to date, the smoking ban in the ROI has not adversely affected the licensed premises surveyed. However, the findings do indicate changes in consumer behaviour, which is consistent with press reports in the ROI.

Originality/value

This paper presents insights from both the ROI where a statutory smoking ban is in place and Northern Ireland where no such restrictions are in place. It is believed that this cross border perspective affords greater insight into the issues surrounding statutory smoking bans. Within the UK, the debate on the idea of a statutory smoking ban is ongoing; this paper seeks to provide a concise review of the issues within the context of the hospitality industry.
Destination image: to see or not to see? Part II
Authors: White Christopher
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate insights into the area of tourism destination image.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was based on earlier work that identified a number of gaps in the literature related to destination image, and a qualitative design that incorporated structured interviews generated the results.

Findings

Indicated that when individuals (45) were requested to respond to questions that included the terms image and perceptions of a destination, the responses were mostly identical. There was, however, some differences in the content of a small but significant number of responses (15) to the image question. Moreover, these individuals were more animated than the others, and six of them used colours in their response.

Research limitations/implications

The representativeness and generalisibility of the findings are limited due to the small and convenient sample that formed the basis of this study.

Practical implications

These findings provide interesting possibilities for tourism destination researchers and question whether managers and marketers should use the term image when gathering the information.

Originality/value

This paper has contributed to the development of theory related to destination image and has presented insights that have not yet been considered in the tourism literature.
Note on optimal redundant policies for reliability models
Authors: Nakagawa Toshio , Yasui Kazumi
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The reliabilities of systems are generally improved as units of redundancy increase. This paper aims to summarize the authors' results.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion and approach are taken.

Findings

Focuses on the optimal number of units and replacement times of parallel systems, two modified replacement policies and two maintenance policies where a system is replaced at Nth repair and Nth failure. Further, as some examples of redundancy, five redundant models of data transmission, checkpoint, network and copy are given, and optimal policies for each model are analytically discussed.

Originality/value

Presents the number of units and replacement times of parallel systems, and other modified replacement and preventive maintenance policies.
Biological sex, stereotypical sex‐roles, and SME owner characteristics
Authors: Watson John , Newby Rick
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between biological sex (male or female) and stereotypical sex‐roles (masculinity and femininity) and to determine which might be more appropriate to use when examining small to medium‐size (SME) owner characteristics such as: locus of control (internal, powerful others and chance); need for achievement; risk‐taking propensity; and preference for innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study came from 673 usable responses (517 males, 156 females) to a survey of the attitudes and expectations of a random sample of SME owner‐operators in Western Australia.

Findings

It was found that femininity was significantly higher for women compared with men, but that there was no significant difference for masculinity. Results also indicate that, unlike femininity, masculinity is highly correlated with all of the “traditional” psychological traits. As a result, only one significant difference between men and women (based on their biological sex) was found; men had a higher risk‐taking propensity.

Originality/value

The results presented in this study confirm the belief that biological sex may not be an appropriate discriminator when examining differences in the psychological attributes of SME owners. Results suggest that the use of masculine and feminine traits might prove more useful in future research on this issue. Further, given the masculinity bias inherent in most of the psychological attributes typically found in the SME literature, it is suggested that Norman's Big Five (being more gender‐neutral) might be more appropriate in examining differences in SME owner characteristics.
No gender in cyberspace?
Authors: Martin Lynn M. , Tiu Wright Len
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To explore how information communication technologies (ICT) and the internet offer new opportunities for women to develop as entrepreneurs and innovators. To add to the literature and provide updated research to raise awareness about female‐run ICT small businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses qualitative research methodology for case studies of female entrepreneurs and thematic grid analysis to form a major part of text analysis. The approach is influenced by the need to examine closely the nature of the enterprises or phenomena under investigation and to ask pertinent questions related to their particular mode of operations.

Findings

Shows the background of small firm development and innovation as well as personal and company characteristics, personal contacts and IT networking in obtaining information and customers. Reflects also the concern of female entrepreneurs from ethnic minorities in gaining financial backing and recognition of themselves as committed and successful entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is the small size of the sample (ten firms). There are implications for further work on gender analysis. The sample, though small, has contributed insights into the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in business and questioned the constraints on ethnicity for others. Technology is a great equaliser and the research has added further discussion on the economic contribution of female entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

Shows guidance on qualitative analysis using personal interviews and thematic grid analysis of textual data, as well as presenting findings.

Originality/value

Contributes to the literature due to the scarcity of publications concerning female‐operated ICT small businesses. The paper is useful for researchers wishing to pursue entrepreneurship and gender studies.
Gender and career choice
Authors: Broadbridge Adelina , Parsons Elizabeth
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This paper extends the debate on gender and career choice using the case study of managers in charity shops in the UK, a group that have previously not been researched. The charity retail sector has undergone considerable change over the last few years, particularly in its effort to professionalize. As a result shop managers' positions have changed from being voluntary to paid. With the changes taking place in the sector, the purpose of this research was to explore the views of current charity shop managers with regard to their career choice and career development issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach taken to the research was qualitative and used a series of in‐depth interviews with 22 shop managers.

Findings

The research found that charity retail management serves an important purpose for many women in the transition from the home to working environment. It provides the balance necessary to effectively combine the multiple role demands between personal and professional lives. Career success for these managers was less to do with occupational status or income, but encompassed the satisfaction, autonomy, challenge and self‐fulfillment the job presented them. As such, the majority had little interest in progressing their careers linearly but were contented with other forms of career development.

Research limitations/implications

Being an exploratory study, the results are not generalisable to the population. A quantitative research methodology could be utilized to test the findings of this paper and enable researchers to draw firmer conclusions.

Originality/value

The findings of this research may aid recruitment and selection practices for the future recruitment and development of charity shop managers.
Expatriate compensation
Authors: Sims Robert H. , Schraeder Mike
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This study aims to examine important situational factors impacting expatriate compensation and common practices utilized in compensating expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of literature was reviewed, leading to the identification of numerous situational or contextual factors impacting expatriate compensation. A review of extant literature also identified several customary approaches to expatriate compensation.

Findings

A variety of factors can directly affect expatriate compensation, with three primary approaches an organization should consider. These factors include host‐country cost of living, housing, dependent education, tax implications and health care – factors most often incorporated as a component of one of the primary approaches to compensation discussions: destination‐based approach, the balance‐sheet approach, and the international headquarters approach.

Practical implications

This article was intended to enhance understanding of expatriate compensation by collectively examining not only the “how” (primary approaches) but also the “why” (salient contextual or situation factors) firms should consider when determining how to assemble an appropriate package.

Originality/value

Presenting the factors and practices together makes an important contribution to the literature on expatriate compensation by addressing not only the “how” (customary approaches) of expatriate compensation, but also the “why” (salient contextual factors).
Have traditional career paths given way to protean ones?
Authors: McDonald Paula , Brown Kerry , Bradley Lisa
Published: April 2005

Purpose

This mixed‐method study aims to determine the extent to which the career paths of senior managers conform with the traditional versus protean elements described in the careers literature and whether these paths vary by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 15 senior managers (seven women and eight men) in a large public sector agency in Australia were interviewed about their career trajectories to date. Data were coded according to four major areas which characterise and distinguish between traditional and protean careers: development, orientation of the employee, definition of success, and organisational environment. A total of 81 managers (34 women and 47 men) from the same organisation were also surveyed. Variables of interest were those that could be triangulated with qualitative data such as the availability of career opportunities.

Findings

Results suggest that, contrary to much existing literature which proposes that all careers have been fundamentally altered, the traditional career which relies on length of service, geographic mobility and a steady climb up the corporate ladder, is still the dominant model in some organisations. However, the trend towards protean careers is evident and is more pronounced for women than for men.

Research limitations/implications

The specific nature of the organisation (large, male‐dominated, public sector) may limit the generalisability of results.

Practical implications

The framework used to explore career paths according to traditional/ protean elements in this study may assist human resource practitioners to develop appropriate strategies which maximise the professional development of employees.

Originality/value

The results of this research challenge the universality of change in the nature of careers, particularly in public sector environments.
How to individualise your balanced scorecard
Authors: Ahn Heinz
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to explain how the balanced scorecard concept can be improved through customising the normal four perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of existing methods for developing a balanced scorecard reveals that the goals identified by using the approaches may not correspond to the company's mission and values. Against this background, fundamental multi‐criteria decision‐making principles are applied to design a method which helps to overcome this weakness.

Findings

Since the core idea is to derive the perspectives directly from the mission statements of a company, the method described here helps to develop an individualized balanced scorecard. A case study illustrates how the method works in practice.

Practical implications

The paper has practical relevance for the effectiveness and credibility of the balanced scorecard inside a company, particularly as it is gaining additional importance due to the fact that the concept is increasingly being used for external reporting.

Originality/value

Pointing out how an important methodical shortcoming of the balanced scorecard concept can be eliminated, the paper is especially of interest for practitioners.
Business performance measurement practices in construction engineering organisations
Authors: Robinson Herbert S. , Anumba Chimay J. , Carrillo Patricia M. , Al‐Ghassani Ahmed M.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The need for performance improvement has led to the implementation of industry‐specific key performance indicators (KPIs) and greater awareness of the benefits of measurement in construction engineering organisations. This paper aims to present and discuss the findings of a survey based on the practical experiences of leading UK construction engineering organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a questionnaire survey, the findings of which are discussed and analysed. The survey focused on establishing current industry practice and forms part of a larger study, which involved detailed case studies and led to the development of an innovative framework for links knowledge management initiatives with business performance measurement.

Findings

The survey shows that a significant proportion of organisations are now using a range of financial and non‐financial measures to assess business performance, and a growing number are adopting the excellence model and/or the balanced scorecard to facilitate a structured approach to implementing continuous improvement strategies. The paper identifies the barriers to the use of performance measurement models and discusses the differences between the practices in smaller and larger construction engineering firms.

Originality/value

The paper concludes with some practical considerations for implementing performance measurement models, which will be of value to business improvement managers and other senior managers in construction and other project‐based industries.
An attempt to quantify the quality of student bibliographies
Authors: Middleton Anne
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To provide a possible methodology by which the quality of student bibliographies can be measured.

Design/methodology/approach

The citations in some undergraduate business student bibliographies were categorised by resource type which were designated as either “scholarly” or “non‐scholarly”. A ratio of scholarly/non‐scholarly references – the “scholarly index”, was calculated for each bibliography as an indication of its quality.

Findings

The scholarly index did allow differences in bibliography quality to be detected between the different module assignments that were examined.

Research limitations/implications

There are a number of variables affecting the quality of student bibliographies including the library. As a measurement of library impact student bibliography quality has a limited value unless library factors can be isolated from other variables.

Originality/value

This methodology and the scholarly index, could be employed where it is required to assess or compare the quality of student bibliographies.
Does the student's love of the search engine mean that high quality online academic resources are being missed?
Authors: Markland Margaret
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To compare the resource discovery network (RDN) hubs and Google as search tools within an academic context, taking into account well documented user information seeking behaviours. To find out whether the students' apparent preference for search engines as an information retrieval tool means that they might miss quality online resources to support their academic work.

Design/methodology/approach

With key factors about user behaviour and service provision in mind, to conduct a small study to see what students are actually presented with when they search for online information for their academic studies, by comparing search results from the RDN hubs and Google.

Findings

Analysis of results suggests that the exclusive use of search engines will lead to users missing the high quality resources provided by the RDN hubs, that if users use subject gateways in the same way that they use search engines they are likely to miss much that the hubs' sophisticated structures and search options have to offer them, and that search engines do provide access to quality resources.

Research limitations/implications

A larger scale investigation of the level of sophistication of searching behaviour among hubs users is called for.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the need for online information service developers to take into account well documented user behaviours when designing new services.

Originality/value

The paper will be of value to researchers in the fields of information retrieval and information seeking behaviour, and to developers and providers of online information services to the academic community.
AIB‐ISTAT statistics: the first time for Italian public libraries
Authors: Boretti Elena
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Aim of the paper is to report on the first Italian national library statistics.

Design/methodology/approach

No national library statistics existed in Italy. In Italy there is no national law governing public library services and no national authority for them. The Official Publications Working Group of the Italian Library Association, in collaboration with the Central Institute for the Union Catalogue of Italian Libraries and the Italian National Statistics Institute (ISTAT), carried out a survey, financed by the University of Perugia, to collect information about the presence of official publications in Italian public libraries. A high percentage of answers was collected. The few questions, useful for the identification of the main peculiarities of the answering libraries, were able to supply for the first time some national data about Italian public libraries.

Findings

The paper presents aims and objectives of the survey, methodology, the unexpected success. ISTAT methodological office stated that the responding libraries constituted a valid sample of Italian public libraries and the results of the survey could be considered the first Italian national library statistics. Results, limits, impact and some prospectives for the future are presented.

Research limitations/implications

The first official national statistics about Italian public libraries are an unexpected success.

Practical implications

It has proved however that we need wider agreements among institutions and funds, to have regular national library statistics.

Originality/value

Thanks to this survey, for the first time we can speak about Italian public libraries in terms of numbers.
Subcutaneous panniculitic T‐cell lymphoma in a cardiac allograft recipient
Authors: Bregman Shelli G. , Yeaney Gabrielle A. , Greig Bruce W. , Vnencak‐Jones Cindy L. , Hamilton Katherine S.
Published: April 2005

Background:  Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is the third leading cause of death in heart transplant patients beyond the immediate peri‐operative period (Ouseph R, Denny DM, Erbeck KM. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1998; 11: 758; Armitage JM, Kormos RL, Stuart RS, et al. J Heart Lung Transplant 1991; 10: 877; Swinnen LJ, Mullen M, Carr TJ, et al. Blood 1995; 86: 3333; Ying AJ, Myerowitz D, Marsh WL. Ann Thorac Surg 1997; 64: 1822). The majority of PTLD cases are of B‐cell origin whereas T‐cell neoplasms have been reported as rare, aggressive, and late complications of solid‐organ transplantation (Fatio R, Sütsch G, Mayer K, et al. Transplant Proc 1998; 30: 1118).

Case report:  A 50‐year‐old cardiac allograft heart transplant patient presented with subcutaneous nodules involving his trunk and extremities.

Results:  Light microscopy revealed features characteristic of subcutaneous panniculitic‐like T‐cell lymphoma. Immunohistochemical analysis showed expression for CD45RO, TIA‐1, and focal CD3 positivity by tumor cells. Flow cytometry performed on a subsequent subcutaneous nodule demonstrated an abnormal T‐cell population with expression of CD3, CD8, CD56, and T‐cell receptor alpha‐beta, and no expression of CD4. T‐cell gene rearrangement studies revealed a clonal population of cells with a bi‐allelic gene rearrangement.

Conclusion:  We report a case of an unusual subtype of PTLD in a cardiac allograft recipient.
CD10 is expressed in cutaneous clear cell lesions of different histogenesis
Authors: Perna Ashley G. , Smith Megan J. , Krishnan Bhuvaneswari , Reed Jon A.
Published: April 2005

Background:  CD10, the Common Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Antigen, is a neutral endopeptidase commonly used as a marker of early B‐cell differentiation in the classification of lymphomas. Neoplasms of other histogenesis may express CD10, including renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the skin (MRCC) can simulate other more common clear cell lesions in which expression of CD10 has not been described.

Methods:  Fifty‐two cutaneous clear cell lesions including xanthomas (CX), xanthelasmas (XA), xanthogranulomas (XG), balloon cell nevi (BCN), nodular/clear cell hidradenomas (CCH), and MRCC were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CD10, noting frequency and pattern of labeling.

Results:  CD10 was expressed in 32/35 of the xanthomatous lesions (CX, XA, and XG), 3/3 MRCC, but only 2/8 BCN and 2/6 CCH. BCN and CCH expressed CD10 in fewer than 10% of the clear cells, whereas all MRCC and most xanthomatous lesions had labeling in greater than 10% (p < 0.001). Xanthomatous lesions exhibited a predominantly membranous pattern of labeling compared to the cytoplasmic pattern of MRCC (p < 0.025).

Conclusions:  Cutaneous clear cell lesions of different histogenesis express CD10, limiting its use as a specific diagnostic marker for MRCC. Among other clear cell lesions, however, BCN and CCH have a lower frequency of labeling than does MRCC, and xanthomatous lesions show a membranous pattern compared to the cytoplasmic pattern of MRCC, BCN, and CCH. This latter observation may be indicative of altered protein function or trafficking.
Immunoglobulin M predominance in cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kontos Andrew P. , Jirsari Maryam , Jacobsen Gordon , Fivenson David P.
Published: April 2005

Background:  Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE). Our goal was to characterize the most frequent immune reactants in the skin biopsies of cutaneous LE and identify the most common immunofluorescence staining patterns.

Methods:  DIF results of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, C3, and fibrinogen from 199 patients between 1989 and 1998 were retrospectively analyzed. Confirmatory clinical and serological diagnosis of LE subtype was available for 95 patients. Intensity of staining was ranked from 0 to 4+ but only included as significant if ≥2+. Laboratory values were gathered and analyzed for all patients who had distinct granular immune deposition for Ig and/or complement.

Results:  The most commonly detected individual Ig was IgM in 149 (75%) specimens. IgM and C3 combination was the most common pair expressed with 98 (49%) specimens. The most common triplet was IgM, C3, and fibrinogen in 63 (32%) specimens. The most common quadruplet was the combination of IgG, IgM, C3, and fibrinogen in 42 (21%) specimens. All the five immunoreactants were detected in only 25 (13%) specimens. Systemic LE patients had a higher percent of abnormal laboratory values compared to discoid LE (DLE) and subacute LE (SCLE) patients (p = 0.02). Fibrinogen staining was found to be significantly higher in DLE patients and lowest in SCLE patients (p = 0.05).

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates a marked predominance of IgM ± C3 in cutaneous LE. When used in conjunction with other data, DIF is an extremely powerful tool in the routine evaluation of the LE patient. Our report emphasizes the importance of IgM expression in the diagnosis of LE by DIF and how positive staining with multiple conjugates can raise its sensitivity.