bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Transporter Regulating Silicon Distribution in Rice Shoots
Authors: Yamaji Naoki , Mitatni Namiki , Ma Jian Feng
Published: May 2008

Rice (Oryza sativa) accumulates very high concentrations of silicon (Si) in the shoots, and the deposition of Si as amorphous silica helps plants to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we describe a transporter, Lsi6, which is involved in the distribution of Si in the shoots. Lsi6 belongs to the nodulin-26 intrinsic protein III subgroup of aquaporins and is permeable to silicic acid. Lsi6 is expressed in the leaf sheath and leaf blades as well as in the root tips. Cellular localization studies revealed that Lsi6 is found in the xylem parenchyma cells of the leaf sheath and leaf blades. Moreover, Lsi6 showed polar localization at the side facing toward the vessel. Knockdown of Lsi6 did not affect the uptake of Si by the roots but resulted in disordered deposition of silica in the shoots and increased excretion of Si in the guttation fluid. These results indicate that Lsi6 is a transporter responsible for the transport of Si out of the xylem and subsequently affects the distribution of Si in the leaf.
Work‐family conflict and career success: the effects of domain‐specific determinants
Authors: Ballout Hassan I.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Despite widespread acknowledgement that work‐family conflict and career success are salient issues that impact individual wellbeing and organizational effectiveness, there is little research that studies how the two concepts are related. The purpose of this paper is to develop and present a tentative framework for understanding the relationships among antecedents of interrole conflict between work and family and career success.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on existing theoretical and empirical evidence the paper develops and presents a conceptual framework of the relationships between domain‐specific variables, work‐family conflict, and career success. The paper also presents propositions based on the relationships suggested by the framework.

Findings

The framework suggests that individual‐specific variables will be more likely to predict family‐to‐work conflict and perceived career success, while work‐specific variables will be more likely to predict work‐to‐family conflict and perceived career success. It also suggests that such domain‐specific variables influence both work‐family conflict and career success.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should examine empirically the linkages suggested by this framework, along with other domain‐specific and, perhaps, cultural‐specific variables that may explain or predict dimensions of organizational cultures that are most relevant to the types of work‐family conflict and to indicators of career success. The paper suggests that employees and employers would be well advised to identify appropriate strategies for balancing work and non‐work domains in such a way that employees strive to perform work and family roles successfully, and employers ensure that employees have the necessary “infrastucture” and tailored‐made family supportive programs to encourage them to achieve dual‐success: success in family relationships and success in careers.

Originality/value

This paper makes a valuable contribution to both the work‐family conflict and career success literatures by being one of the first to examine the effects of domain‐specific characteristics on the relationships between these important organizational concepts and by revealing that managing work‐family conflict and career decision making is relevant for employees, employers, and career consultants.
Occupational communities and cruise tourism: testing a theory
Authors: Lee‐Ross Darren
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This study aims to advance and test an argument for the existence of a particular type of organizational culture on board cruise tourism vessels known as an occupational community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a questionnaire instrument developed from earlier related studies.

Findings

A strong occupational culture was identified for hospitality workers (n=72) amongst a sample of cruise ships. These communities were found to be more acute on longer duration voyages than day trips with individuals being attracted to opportunities for socialization provided by the work situation rather than the occupation itself.

Practical implications

Cruise directors/hospitality managers will need to understand how occupational communities and espoused organizational cultures impact on each other to maintain positive on‐board employee attitudes, effectiveness and efficiency.

Originality/value

The novel occupational view of on‐board hospitality work could provide a much‐needed new understanding of employee attitudes and behaviors in the twenty‐first century.
Charismatic leadership in Sri Lankan business organizations
Authors: Jayakody J.A.S.K.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

As the number of studies reported on the new leadership approach in the South Asian region and especially in Sri Lanka is very limited, the present study aims to explore to what extent the Conger and Kanungo (C‐K) model can be employed to explain the leadership phenomenon in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was undertaken among 53 managers who are reading for MBA degrees using the questionnaire devised and validated by Conger and Kanungo, and the data were subjected to principle component factor (varimax rotation) analysis.

Findings

The paper finds that the Sri Lankan version of charismatic leadership is found to be similar to the C‐K model in terms of personal risk, sensitivity to member needs and sensitivity to the environment. However, it differs from the C‐K model, as it does not contain unconventional behavior and articulation of vision, and contains a new dimension – creating excitement. The variation is attributed to some aspects of culture i.e. conservative, hierarchical, caring and less futuristic.

Originality/value

There have not been very many attempts at replicating new leadership theories in the South Asian region that is in some ways, i.e. level of development, religion and cultural values, different from the rest of the world. The present study fills this empirical gap.
Team roles, team balance and performance
Authors: van de Water Henny , Ahaus Kees , Rozier Robert
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the relationship between team composition and team performance by applying the construct of Ten Haaf, Bikker and Adriaanse.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 39 teams out of a population of 234 undergraduate MBA students. Four performance indices of each team were tested against the Ten Haaf et al. scores by using Spearman's rank test.

Findings

A statistical relation between team composition according to Ten Haaf et al. and team performance was not found. It is argued that Ten Haaf et al. and other authors do not use constructs according to Belbin's theory of balancing teams.

Research limitations/implications

There is need for a construct, which is isomorphic with Belbin's notions of team balancing. The relation between this construct and performance should be tested.

Practical implications

The current team balancing constructs in literature are of limited use. As the various constructs give differing assessments of balance these constructs should not be used. Implications are suggested for more prescriptive algorithms for designing balanced teams.

Originality/value

The team composition algorithm of Ten Haaf et al. has not been tested up to now with regard to team performance. The study amplifies on the ambiguity of the concept of team balance.
What happens after the developmental assessment center?
Authors: Hetty van Emmerik I.J. , Bakker Arnold B. , Euwema Martin C.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Departing from Hobfoll's conservation of resources theory, the paper aims to examine the relationship between resource losses (excessive job demands and unfavorable performance feedback) on the one hand, and negative job attitudes (dissatisfaction, reduced commitment, intention to leave) and burnout (exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment) on the other hand.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included surveys from 272 male constabulary officers who had participated in a developmental assessment center. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression.

Findings

The results showed direct associations between resource losses and negative outcomes. There were indications for the development of loss spirals for four out of six negative outcomes. Specifically, these relationships between job demands and negative outcomes were stronger for those officers receiving unfavorable feedback than for officers not receiving unfavorable feedback.

Practical implications

Employees confronted with excessive job demands and unfavorable developmental assessment center (DAC) feedback were most vulnerable to combined resource losses, and this experience was associated with negative outcomes (i.e. more dissatisfaction, less affective commitment, more emotional exhaustion, and more cynicism).

Originality/value

The unique contribution of this study is that, besides balancing the benefits of using DACs with the costs of implementation, it is emphasized that it is important to anticipate consequences of unfavorable feedback. Moreover, the disappointment and association with negative outcomes should be explicitly considered in the design of the DAC.
Developing practical management wisdom
Authors: Gibson Paul S.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to propose and explain a procedure for developing practical wisdom in novice managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A heuristic model of practical management wisdom which articulates and displays its dynamic nature was constructed from the literature. The model was then applied to two recently published narrative accounts of effective management, and to an empirical case study that was conducted by the author, to test the heuristic value of the model for novice managers.

Findings

The literature review revealed that practical wisdom relies on a dynamic interaction between perception, experience, character, and an insightful vision of what is proximately and ultimately good for people, organizations, and business. The applications of the model demonstrated its capacity to illuminate the thinking and actions of senior managers for novices.

Research limitations/implications

Further empirical evaluation of the model is required to confirm its heuristic value.

Practical implications

The model and the applications reported in this paper should be of use to academics and human resources practitioners interested in the professional development of managers within classroom settings and organizational settings.

Originality/value

The heuristic model is an advance in that it brings together and integrates a wide range of views about the factors that constitute and enable the operation of practical management wisdom. The applications commence the task of enriching the abstract model with illustrative examples, and provide a practical means of assisting novice managers to understand what has often been considered ineffable and inaccessible.
Enabling the business strategy of SMEs through e‐business capabilities
Authors: Raymond Louis , Bergeron François
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The present study aims at a deeper understanding of the performance outcomes of the alignment between the e‐business capabilities of manufacturing small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and their business strategy in terms of Miles and Snow's recognised strategic typology that includes prospectors, analyzers, and defenders.

Design/methodology/approach

From a contingency theory perspective, a survey of 107 Canadian manufacturers was used to collect data that were analyzed through correlation analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that the ideal e‐business profiles vary in the relation to the firms' strategic orientation, whether it is of the defender, analyzer or prospector type. E‐business alignment has positive performance outcomes for manufacturing SMEs in terms of growth, productivity and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of the sample impose care in generalizing the results of the study. These results also allow us to emphasise the nature rather than the investment value of the SMEs' information technology investment, given that certain forms of e‐business would be more appropriate for certain firms, depending upon their strategic orientation.

Practical implications

For SME owner‐managers that require greater manufacturing flexibility, increased systems integration, products and services of better quality, and higher levels of product and process innovation, the results of this study allow us to prone an examination of their firm's level of e‐business assimilation, this being done in conjunction with their strategic intent.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to have used a rigorous conceptualisation and measure of alignment to confirm the theoretical validity and empirical usefulness of this notion and of the strategic contingency approach for research on e‐business, and to compare this approach with the universalistic approach founded upon “best practices”.
The adoption of RFID in fashion retailing: a business value‐added framework
Authors: Moon K.L. , Ngai E.W.T.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) will create a revolutionary change in the management of a supply chain, particularly in the retail sector. The aim of this paper is to study the views of fashion retailers on RFID applications and, in turn, to analyze the added value to be gained by adopting this technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐stage methodological approach was adopted. The first involved a multi‐case study of five large, highly representative fashion retailers in Hong Kong, in which in‐depth interviews were conducted with ten senior staff members. The second involved the design of a framework with four propositions for examining the values generated for fashion retailers upon the RFID implementation.

Findings

The findings show that RFID could be implemented in the fashion retailing in the customer relationship management, shop floor management, marketing and promotion, and logistics and inventory management. Improved operational efficiency and effectiveness, and increased sales and profits, are the major perceived benefits, while implementation cost, compatibility with current systems, data accuracy, top management attitude, and staff acceptance are the key challenges.

Practical implications

The results give fashion retailers a better understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of adopting RFID. The retailers will, therefore, be able to make more informed decisions in operational planning and resource allocation. Moreover, the results may inspire more fashion retailers to use this technology.

Originality/value

By integrating the views of the potential users, the RFID‐based business value‐added framework supports a research agenda for further investigation of the use of RFID in commercial sectors and contributes to the understanding of technology transfer in a less technologically advanced fashion retailing industry.
e‐Gaps in the economy: a case of Poland
Authors: Pastuszak Zbigniew
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to present the results of the author's research on the development of the new economy in Poland. It focuses on identifying two types of so‐called “e‐gaps”, and shows the connection between e‐technology and e‐organisational gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The factors determined the e‐gaps have been identified based on the author's past research, and on the review of reports and statistics coming from different sources (net readiness indexes, public institutions, etc.).

Findings

Despite the unfavourable macroeconomic, exogenous conditions which determine the high level of the e‐technological gap in the Polish economy, Polish enterprises display a relatively lower level of the e‐organisational gap. One of the methods of limiting the scope of the e‐technological gap in economy seems to lie in initiating macroeconomic activities aimed at reducing the setback of particular enterprises and – consequently – facilitating the increase of economic competitiveness, taken as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on the net readiness research made in Poland, and to see the international sight of e‐gaps, the international net readiness research are needed.

Practical implications

This paper makes possible to prepare a diagnosis of now‐a‐days net readiness development in Poland and indicates the most needed areas of activity of polish government and polish CEO's.

Originality/value

The research may be used by other countries not as well developed in the e‐business area as international leaders in order to know and to decrease the level of their e‐gaps.
A knowledge management approach to data mining process for business intelligence
Authors: Wang Hai , Wang Shouhong
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Data mining (DM) has been considered to be a tool of business intelligence (BI) for knowledge discovery. Recent discussions in this field state that DM does not contribute to business in a large‐scale. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of business insiders in the process of knowledge development to make DM more relevant to business.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a blog‐based model of knowledge sharing system to support the DM process for effective BI.

Findings

Through an illustrative case study, the paper has demonstrated the usefulness of the model of knowledge sharing system for DM in the dynamic transformation of explicit and tacit knowledge for BI. DM can be an effective BI tool only when business insiders are involved and organizational knowledge sharing is implemented.

Practical implications

The structure of blog‐based knowledge sharing systems for DM process can be practically applied to enterprises for BI.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that any significant DM process in the BI context must involve data miner centered DM cycle and business insider centered knowledge development cycle.
Maturity in IT outsourcing relationships: an exploratory study of client companies
Authors: Solli‐Sæther Hans , Gottschalk Petter
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This research is concerned with the validation of a maturity model for information technology outsourcing relationships. The paper aims to focus on this research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is validating the cost, resource and partnership stages, respectively, as maturity stages in outsourcing relationships developed and proposed by Gottschalk and Solli‐Sæther.

Findings

First, stages of growth and benchmark variables were validated. Then, the evolving path of growth was examined. Limited support for the stage of growth model was found.

Practical implications

This paper suggests a broad range of organizational activities and structures to guide development from one stage of maturity to the next. To stimulate growth developments, individuals and organizations have to understand and experience transitional events in relationship maturity.

Originality/value

Validation procedure linking stages to benchmark variables is presented. Future empirical research should rephrase some of the authors benchmark variables as well as measurement issues concerned with stages of growth.
Logistics service quality: a new way to loyalty
Authors: Gil Saura Irene , Servera Francés David , Berenguer Contrí Gloria , Fuentes Blasco María
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Now‐a‐days, logistics research focuses on the ability of logistics to deliver a quality service and generate greater satisfaction with the delivered service. Therefore, the aim of this work is to analyze the quality, satisfaction, and loyalty sequence in the logistic service delivery context, with the purpose of considering the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in this chain of effects.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the different approaches given by the literature, SEM analysis is used to contrast the hypotheses for the analyzed constructs in the presence of high/low ICT level. A questionnaire based on personal survey was conducted among manufacturers. The study collected data from 194 companies. Structural equation modeling was applied to these data to test relationships among the variables in the study.

Findings

The reliability and validity tests show satisfactory results. The conclusions confirm this chain of consequences, and emphasize the incidence of ICT in the description and intensity of these relations.

Research limitations/implications

As non‐probabilistic sampling methods have been used, in subsequent research, it would be useful to obtain a more representative population sample. In future, works relations between the variables proposed would be analyzed contemplating the sectoral nature of the sample, accepting that relationship intensity may be modified according to the company's sector of activity.

Originality/value

This paper describes a framework to explore the relationships between service quality, customer satisfaction and loyalty in the supply chain from the perspective of ICT.
Safeguard gaps and their managerial issues
Authors: Tsaih Rua‐Huan , Lin Wan‐Ying , Chen Ada
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Targeting the information security issue related to a bank loan process, this study aims to explore an approach that is user‐friendly to non‐information technology managers to be actively participative in the process of investigating the underlying information‐processing infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is used to analyze the safeguard gaps between the physical information assets (IAs) of a business process and their digital counterparts.

Findings

This study shows the existence of safeguard gaps between the physical IAs of a business process and their digital counterparts, explores a way of investigating such gaps, and provides (detection‐ and prevention‐oriented) managerial proposals to cope with the safeguard gap issue.

Originality/value

The existence of safeguard gaps releases (warning) signal to executives and executives should consult managers on how to manage these safeguard gaps. There are two types of managerial proposals to cope with the safeguard gap issue. The detection‐oriented proposals aim at ensuring early detection and interception of security breaches;, e.g. setting up a cross‐audit function to discover the security breaches. The prevention‐oriented proposals aim at alleviating the safeguard gaps;, e.g. re‐designing the processes of operation management and the associated risk management.
Assessing forecast model performance in an ERP environment
Authors: Catt Peter M. , Barbour Robert H. , Robb David J.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to describe and apply a commercially oriented method of forecast performance measurement (cost of forecast error – CFE) and to compare the results with commonly adopted statistical measures of forecast accuracy in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative methodology to evaluate the nine forecasting models (two moving average and seven exponential smoothing) of SAP®'s ERP system. Event management adjustment and fitted smoothing parameters are also assessed. SAP®is the largest European software enterprise and the third largest in the world, with headquarters in Walldorf, Germany.

Findings

The findings of the study support the adoption of CFE as a more relevant commercial decision‐making measure than commonly applied statistical forecast measures.

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide forecast model selection guidance to SAP®'s 12+ million worldwide users. However, the CFE metric can be adopted in any commercial forecasting situation.

Originality/value

This study is the first published cost assessment of SAP®'s forecasting models.
Proactive risk management in emerging and Islamic financial markets
Authors: Al Janabi Mazin A.M.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide proactive risk management techniques and strategies that can be applied to trading and investment portfolios in emerging and Islamic illiquid financial markets, such as the Moroccan foreign exchange and stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper demonstrates a practical approach for the measurements, management and control of market risk exposure for financial portfolios that contain illiquid foreign exchange and equity securities. This approach is based on the renowned concept of value‐at‐risk (VAR) along with the innovation of a software tool utilizing matrix‐algebra technique.

Findings

In order to illustrate the proper use of VAR and stress‐testing methods, real‐world examples and feasible reports of risk management are presented for the Moroccan financial markets. To this end, several case studies were achieved with the objective of creating a realistic framework of trading risk measurement and control reports in addition to the inception of procedures for the calculation of VAR limits.

Practical implications

The versatile risk management procedures that are discussed in this work will be of value to financial entities, regulators and policymakers operating within the context of emerging and Islamic markets. The risk management procedures that are outlined in this paper will aid in setting‐up of realistic policies for the management of trading/investment risk exposures in illiquid markets. The document includes comprehensive theory, analyses sections, conclusions and recommendations, and full viable risk management reports.

Originality/value

Even though considerable literatures have investigated the statistical and economic significance of VAR models, this article provides real‐world techniques and optimum asset allocation strategies that are useful for trading/investment portfolios in emerging and Islamic financial markets. This is with the objective of setting‐up the basis of a proactive methodology/procedure for the measurement, management and control of equity and foreign exchange exposures in the day‐to‐day trading/investment operations.
Mitigating legal risk in Islamic banking operations
Authors: Djojosugito Reza
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the principles of and legal risk faced by Islamic banking and suggest necessary steps to mitigate them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines ideal concept of Islamic banking and its practice. A range of publication is used, however the bulk of it concerns existing practices to provide practical insight on the subject rather than theoretical discourse. The paper is sorted into sections: Introduction, Islamic banking system, existing practices, legal risk and proposed reform.

Findings

Islamic banks face risks stemming from legal structure chosen due to the differences between principles of Shariah and law. While compliance to Shariah is paramount for Islamic banks, the law governing Islamic banking transactions may not necessarily give any consideration to Shariah. The paper elaborates legal risk exposed to parties to Islamic banking transactions encompassing the issues of the capacity of the parties to enter into a contract and its enforceability, uncertainty in laws, regulations, and legal actions pertaining to Shariah; as well as the legality of Islamic financial instruments.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reviews relevant laws and regulations related to Islamic banking, however no specific reference to any particular jurisdiction.

Practical implications

This paper is a source of information for those in the Islamic banking industry without legal background or lawyer new to it.

Originality/value

This paper touches upon a new area, the legal risk due to the divergence between the principle of Shariah and law. It offers practical insight into the legal aspect of Islamic banking operations.
An Islamic capital asset pricing model
Authors: Selim Tarek H.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of the Islamic financing method based on direct musharakah to the conventional capital asset pricing model yielding several interesting hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical methodology, with maximin criteria, and rational economic optimization.

Findings

There are four major findings. First, an Islamic financing partnership based on complementary capital is proven to necessarily yield a lower beta‐risk of investments than that compared to the market. Second, in order for the above conclusion to hold, capital lenders (such as banks) must abide by a maximum partnership share inversely proportional to project risk and increasing with opportunity cost of capital. Third, the sum of lender's share and relative risk level balances to unity at equilibrium. Hence, tradeoffs exist in risk‐shares and not in risk‐returns. Fourth, without accounting for inflation, and in contrast to predetermined fixed interest, a maximin strategy of financing partnerships (maximum return with minimum risk) imply an existence of an optimum zero risk‐free rate.

Research limitations/implications

The paper's findings are limited to a Direct Musharakah Partnership.

Originality/value

A comparison between Islamic risks and returns to conventional risk management is deduced. Several implications on the conduct of Islamic financing are discussed.
Imperative of economic integration among Muslim countries
Authors: Raimi L. , Mobolaji H.I.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The paper was written to highlight the advantages of initiating economic integration among Muslim countries across the globe, drawing special lessons from Europe's experience; its successful economic integration and challenges which trailed the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is basically descriptive and analytical. Theoretical construct and model on economic integration was developed for adoption by the Muslim countries. The model seeks to enhance their economic strength through intra and inter trade relations and reduces their weaknesses through specialization. Secondary data from Organization of the Islamic Conference and Islamic Development Bank member countries were exhaustively used in the study.

Findings

The paper found out that integration is plausible and beneficial, however, a concerted effort must be made in promoting technological development, raise human capital, and improve the product diversification among Muslim countries while developing stable institutions and infrastructures. Two, the potential benefits of integrating exceed the costs. The emphasis needs to be, not in cutting costs/inputs (reductionist approach), but on generating more wealth/revenue/income (incrementalist approach) that results in reducing the huge external debt, poverty, diseases, frustration, and corruption in most Muslim countries. Three, key to Muslims' socio‐economic happiness is through mutual cooperation for growth and development (Qur'an 42:38, Q3:159).

Research limitations/implications

The major contributions of this paper are three, firstly, the paper explores a faith‐based integration effort, and secondly, it identifies reasons for low success in the integration efforts among Muslim countries and finally suggests an econometric model based on faith that neglects the artificial geographical barrier.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the paper is the recommendation to establish a Muslim Economic Bloc because Muslim countries are economically heterogenous group, with uneven development and growth pattern.

Originality/value

The paper is major contribution in the field of Islamic economics and applied economics. Contrary to what we know in the conventional economics, this paper advocates a faith‐based economic model and bloc in a globalised world economy. It is a contribution to existing literature.
A comparative study of financing small and cottage industries by interest‐free banks in Turkey, Cyprus, Sudan and Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Mohammed N.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a comparative study of financing small and cottage industries (SCIs) by interest‐free banks in different countries like Turkey, Cyprus, Sudan and Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are achieved by analyzing data based on an “institutional network” theoretical frame of references. The methodological approach used in the research is of a qualitative nature.

Findings

The research result shows that the lender–borrower network relationship, especially in case of financing rural‐based SCIs by interest‐free banks, differ from one country to the other even though the basic principles of interest‐free financing remains the same.

Originality/value

The ideas of interest‐free financing system (IFS) and its specific mode of lending funds towards rural‐based SCIs. The research is useful to both financing organizations based on interest‐free principles also small and cottage industry owners in developing as well as developed nations, where the Shariah‐based IFS is working.
The changing context of public leadership and management
Authors: Pedersen Dorthe , Hartley Jean
Published: May 2008

Purpose– Reform, transformation and restructuring have become endemic in public services. This paper aims to examine the central “modernisation” and improvement themes of public service reform in Denmark and the UK.Design/methodology/approach– The paper is based on the authors' reflections on experience and analysis, drawing on the UK and Denmark as sites where there have been substantial efforts to undertake public services reform. It argues that there has been a weakening of the hierarchically organised state in favour of more differentiated governance regimes that cut across the public, private and voluntary sectors. However, the new dynamic image of public leadership and the apparently enlarged opportunities for managerial discretion seem to be counter‐balanced by a strengthening of central interventions and controls.Findings– The paper identifies that managing the tensions and paradoxes of governance regimes has become a key element of the work of public service managers, and that this means that three sets of dynamics need to be worked with. First, the dynamics of self‐creation means that authority is not solely formal but that self‐constitution is necessary. Second, the dynamics of strategising means that managers cannot rely on a fixed legal or professional set of values but must be able to decode, challenge and develop varied sets of values and goals, working with varied rationales for action. Third, the dynamics of networking and negotiation mean that management and leadership positions are partly created through negotiated relations in a network‐like governance structure.Practical implications– These dynamics mean that teaching and learning have to address new challenges if programmes for public service leaders and managers are to be enabling.Originality/value– The paper highlights the challenges facing public sector leaders and managers.
Pedagogic implications of anxiety and loss of agency in public services managers and leaders
Authors: Ahmad Yusuf , Broussine Mike
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to report on the results of an inquiry into the possible reasons why many public service managers and leaders across six European countries report a loss of personal agency and suggests a possible pedagogic response to this.

Design/methodology/approach

The nature of agency is explored with reference to theory, and the methodology for the study – heuristic action inquiry – is outlined. The paper argues that spaces within postgraduate education are needed to facilitate managers' critical reflection and working with anxiety, and the article goes on to outline how public services leadership programmes can seek to achieve this.

Findings

The paper suggests that programmes need to work both with the cognitive and affective domains, and to find ways of exploring within the curriculum how managers may begin more to see their roles as potentially key actors in the policy‐making process rather than as passive recipients of policy imperatives received from above. The loss of agency experienced by public servants in several European countries suggests that MPA programmes and the like need to work with students' anxieties in a contained way.

Originality/value

Some trends within contemporary public services that lie behind anxiety and loss of agency are identified, including high emphasis on performance targets, centrally driven change, financial stringency, loss of professional and organisation identities, a perpetuation of a “private is best” governmental ideology, and contradictory accountability structures.
Mind‐sets, mirrors and mid‐career education
Authors: Quinn Bríd , Wennes Grete
Published: May 2008

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore why critical reflexivity should be promoted within mid‐career management education programmes and articulate the benefits of a deliberate research orientation for such programmes. Design/methodology/approach – Having considered meta‐issues concerning the content and context of management education and research, the article identifies the categorical, methodological and contextual challenges which confront manager‐researchers and those facilitating mid‐career programmes. It argues that managers need to develop awareness of the different epistemologies and an understanding of their personal ontological orientation and methodological preferences in order to maximise the pertinence and added value of their research. Findings – The paper delineates the curricular, pedagogical and organisational challenges inherent in the promotion of critical reflexivity and research within mid‐career programmes. Originality/value – The paper outlines how a deliberate linkage of research and teaching can be forged in order to help managers surface and interrogate the knowledge, norms and values which frame their beliefs and actions. Consequently, it is of practical help to both academics and manager‐researchers.
Why not teach “diversity” to public sector managers?
Authors: Page Margaret , Oldfield Chrissie , Urstad Birgit
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Equality and diversity are generally positioned as special interests, marginal to the mainstream of social policy teaching and learning. The purpose of this paper is to make the case for shifting equality and diversity out of the margins and into the centre of education for mid career public managers, and offers practical methods for doing so.

Design/methodology/approach

The current EU policy framework requires public services to go beyond eliminating discrimination, and to promote equality. The paper suggests that while this offers great opportunities for advancing the cause of social justice, the cultures that predominate in public policy may lead to loss and failure. Academic research and experience demonstrate that these changes are highly complex, touching on issues that are integral to our sense of who we are, and how we relate to each other as educators and students, and as enforcers, beneficiaries and implementers of these policies. The paper touches on deeply held emotions, showing that more exploration of appropriate pedagogical methods is needed.

Findings

The paper finds that only by raising issues of equality and diversity to mainstream social policy teaching and learning is there likely to be a shift in thinking and commitment that will encourage integration of equality measures within management and leadership of public.

Originality/value

The paper offers three dimensions of pedagogy for enabling public service managers to engage with diversity and the equality agenda within educational contexts, and offers three illustrations of pedagogic processes that support this learning.
Innovation, design and delivery of MPA programmes for public leaders and managers in Europe
Authors: Benington John , Hartley Jean , Ry Nielsen J.C. , Notten Ton
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse three innovative Master's programmes designed for public and voluntary sector managers across three EU countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares similarities and differences between the programmes in order to shed light on the “innovation journey” which the authors took in establishing these programmes, and on the distinctive pedagogies which have been designed and developed to help address the complex dilemmas and challenges facing public and voluntary sector managers in the three countries.

Findings

The paper draws on theories of innovation and entrepreneurship to illustrate how these programmes were created, and how both new curriculum content and new approaches to pedagogy had to be developed.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the current and future learning needs of these public and voluntary service managers.
Learning‐centred public management education
Authors: Nygaard Claus , Bramming Pia
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give concrete ideas to the development of MPA programmes in the light of the changing public sector. Following the introduction of ideas and practices from New Public Management, public managers face new requirements. The paper aims to deal with some of them and argues that in order to be a competent manager in the public sector today, one needs to be able to self‐develop four types of competence‐in‐practice: methodological competencies; theoretical competencies; meta‐theoretical competencies; and contextual competencies.

Design methodology/approach

The approach in the paper is explorative and normative. The paper explores the changes and challenges in the public sector based on the aforementioned four types of competence‐in‐practice. Following that the paper presents a normative model for curriculum design and exemplify the development and possible processes of learning‐centered MPA programmes.

Findings

The paper finds that learning‐centred MPA programmes are fruitful for the development of said the types of competence‐in‐practice.

Practical implications

With its particular focus on public sector management education this article may be relevant to curriculum developers, academics and practitioners interested in education and employability of public managers.

Originality/value

The paper shows that building on theories about learning, competencies, and curriculum development suggests a processual model for curriculum development that can inspire faculty members to develop learning‐centred MPA programmes where focus is learning and competence development.
The art and dilemmas of assessment
Authors: Raine John W. , Rubienska Annie
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on issues of assessment in leadership and management programmes for mid career public managers. Drawing on experiences of such programmes from across Europe, the paper examines the potential conflict between traditional perspectives on academic study, with the typically‐associated focus on testing what has been learned, and the expectations and needs for competence and relevance for the work‐place.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aruges that two key distinctions are crucial – on the one hand, between formative and summative assessment (i.e. between assessment and feedback during a programme to help participants learn, as opposed to assessment at the end of a programme to judge and determine if they have met the grade), and on the other, between participant‐centred and institution‐centred approaches (i.e. between commitment to collaborating with individual participants to ensure that their personal learning and development objectives are met, and a more traditional perspective reflecting a culture of “the institution knows best” and of concern to protect academic standards).

Findings

From the evidence gathered the conclusion is reached that, despite the claims made about the developmental objectives of such programmes, mostly, the assessment processes tend to accord with traditional academic perspectives, and give only limited weight to learning and skills for the workplace.

Originality/value

The paper argues for more emphasis on formative assessment and participant‐centredness and also for greater clarity about purposes in such management programmes. It advocates more imaginative and innovative learning and development approaches to mirror better the diverse realities and requirements of a public service organisational context.
Linking the knowledge creation process to organizational theories
Authors: Chen Chung‐An
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The author aims to provide a macro (organization‐environment) view for knowledge creation (KC), a study traditionally considered to be a micro (individual‐organization) management issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and literature integration are the main approaches used in this paper. Instead of providing a critique, the author reviews recent KC process studies and integrates them into a “process heuristic,” in which different phases of KC activity are embedded. The author then discusses how each phase of KC interacts with the change of an organization's external environment (the integration of change theories and the KC process heuristic).

Findings

The author found that an organization needs the function and balance of three different momenta – imitation, rationality, and inertia – to proceed with KC when confronted with pressure from external environments. Knowledge feedback, prompted by the synergy of these momenta, ensures the fitness of an organization and its environment. However, knowledge feedback falls short if organizations fail to process ambiguous information in a turbulent environment.

Research limitations/implications

The author provides five propositions based on the literature review. One may need more qualitative or quantitative evidence to test these propositions.

Practical implications

In addition to the traditional micro view, managers can diagnose their KC problems from a macro view.

Originality/value

This paper is the first one to address the importance of environment‐organization fitness in terms of KC studies.
Builders and cleaners
Authors: Leijon Svante , Söderbom Arne
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to contribute to strategy theory by differentiating different types of top management narratives and trying to understand the interplay between them as well as the dynamics over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed from an interpretative narrative approach. Narratives were produced from deep interviews and organisational documents covering a period of more than 25 years.

Findings

Two kinds of narratives were detected – builders and cleaners. The builders' narratives illustrate how personal life‐stories are embedded in the strategic development processes but the cleaners' narratives are organisational stories without personal life‐stories and cover no actual development. The concept meta‐narrative helped to understand strategic changes over time and was embedded in the myth‐periods involved. The meta‐narrative identified was built on an idea of a going concern and on the role to produce physical large objects for long‐term use.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the longitudinal design of the study a cyclical pattern with related managerial narratives were produced. The dichotomy builders and cleaners could be developed studying other longitudinal business strategies and also by connections to meta‐narratives derived from more general economic theories.

Practical implications

Builders and cleaners focus on either business or organisational/financial aspects but neither of both. Awareness of this, learning strategic management requires co‐operation between different actors.

Originality/value

The longitudinal design describes and analyzes a cyclical pattern of managerial patterns, while other studies based on narratives cover more limited organisational events in time and space.