bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contract and labour relations: the Polish case
Authors: Seweryñski Michal
Published: June 2007

Investigates the Polish Labour Code and how it has been updated to modern standards similar to those int he rest of Europe. States the Polish Labour code doctrine is for maintaining the multiplicity of employment contracts, defined by the Labour Code in corresponding to various needs and interests of both employers and employees. Sets out four main conclusions in depth, which cover labour relations contracts in full and how they are perceived to affect the workers and bosses.
The contractualization of labour relations law: an illustration of North American trends
Authors: Trudeau Gilles
Published: June 2007

Investigates what is happening in North America with regard to labour relations law. Examines, first, collective labour relations and labour law and, second, focuses on the legal regulation of the individual relationship, also known as employment law. Goes on to cover these two separate, but intertwined, entities in depth and as they are interpreted in both Canada and the USA. Concludes that labour law is changing and moving toward contractualization and proceduralization. Wonders whether labour law will be able to continue to play the role of protecting wage earners for which it was originally developed.
Contract and industrial relations: the German case
Authors: Weiss Manfred
Published: June 2007

Spotlights labour law contracts in Germany and how this increase is only modest. States contractual relations in both the public and private sector in Germany (in principle) are identical. Adds that public servants are excluded from labour laws and are covered by a separate law. Debates the various legal and moral rights of the law and concludes that the developments in Germany are not deregulation but to the contrary – the regulatory framework limiting individual freedom of contracts is steadily increasing.
An empirical assessment of employment‐at‐will: a tale of two states
Authors: Abraham Steven E.
Published: June 2007

The market’s reactions to six decisions that dealt with the employment‐at‐will doctrine were examined with event study methodology. Three hypotheses were tested, all three of which were supported clearly by the data. Shareholder returns to a sample of California firms fell in response to the three California decisions that provided at‐will employees with causes of action to challenge their discharges; returns to those same firms rose in response to the Foley decision, which cut back on the employment‐at‐will erosions in California; and, returns to a sample of firms in New York rose in response to the two decisions from New York that affirmed the supremacy of the employment‐at‐will doctrine in New York. These results support the view that employment‐at‐will is beneficial for employers and that erosions to that doctrine are costly to employers.
Entrepreneurship and property rights within Russia’s business law environment (the correlation)
Authors: Dickinson Paul
Published: June 2007

Focuses on Russia and examines the development and significance of attaining an entrepreneurial business culture together with clear enforceable property rights within a legal framework. The connection between property rights, entrenched economic growth and an entrepreneurial culture together with the influence of history and culture on the Russian legal system is reviewed and assessed. There is an overview of recent relevant business and property law legislation including the land codes of 200 I and 2002 and the civil code of 1995 and the connected problems as Russia strives to become a market economy. The article also incorporates a Finnish perspective which comprises of the authors own views whilst working in Finland together with aspects of the Finnish outlook in relation to their business dealings with Russia. This also includes an interview with a company’s managing director (specialising in Russia’s business environment and the development of Finnish entrepreneurial activity’. The author concludes on the significance of the socialist legacy and its effect on Russia’s legal system and property rights. In particular how it is perceived by entrepreneurs and the effect on the purchase of land and production facilities because of the risk involved.
The role of courts in commercial & maritime arbitration under US, Greek and English law
Authors: Zekos Georgios I.
Published: June 2007

Investigates the differences in protocols between arbitral tribunals and courts, with particular emphasis on US, Greek and English law. Gives examples of each country and its way of using the law in specific circumstances, and shows the variations therein. Sums up that arbitration is much the better way to gok as it avoids delays and expenses, plus the vexation/frustration of normal litigation. Concludes that the US and Greek constitutions and common law tradition in England appear to allow involved parties to choose their own judge, who can thus be an arbitrator. Discusses e‐commerce and speculates on this for the future.
“Whence and what art thou” – collective bargaining in occupational pensions?
Authors: Carby‐Hall Jo
Published: June 2007

States that there was a time when nobody mentioned pensions unless someone had retired, but now pensions make headlines that affect people of all ages. Concludes that the UK state pension is steadily shrinking, and regarding occupational schemes (defined benefit schemes) many employers are closing their final salary pension schemes.
Labor law in the United States: the continuing need for reform
Authors: Lieberwitz Risa L.
Published: June 2007

Looks at the decline of unionization in the USA, and its future prognosis, with regard to the labour laws. States that a conservative ideology now favours capitalistic interests over workers’ rights, which divert negotiations with regard to unionizing with free collective bargaining.
What is corporate social responsibility?
Authors: Vallée Guylaine
Published: June 2007

The question of responsibility is not new to labour law. The earliest developments in labour law and social law sprang from a “legal revolution” to borrow the words of Georges Scelle, considering the concept of responsibility that prevailed in common law. Civil responsibility which was originally based on fault could now be based on the risk inherent to a socially useful activity so as to ensure that the responsibility for damages that might result from it be equitably shared. This development took place under the generalization of the industrial production mode, first within the frame work of laws respecting compensation for industrial accidents.
Reforming the legal environment of business in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Moderating effects on foreign direct investment
Authors: Richards Darlington C. , Nwankwo Sonny
Published: June 2007

Purpose: This paper discusses some of the contending issues in the legal environment of business in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) as they relate to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Given that ‘fear of national laws’ has been consistently cited as a major factor inhibiting foreign investments in the region, this paper argues that ‘arbitration/alternative dispute resolution’ (A/ADR) offers a strategically complementary adjudicative system to mitigate this adverse perception. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a synthesis of the literature, the paper, first, outlines the emerging A/ADR‐driven trends in global business. From this premise, it focuses the market transition challenges facing SSA and identifies the disparate regional legal systems, with their backgrounds and origins in common, civil and Islamic laws, as primary issues of concern. Findings: Apart from lacking uniformity in application, the legal strictures have made the resolution of legal and contractual obligations much more cumbersome and expensive, thereby discouraging significant FDI flow to SSA. Research limitations/implications: The need to secure the confidence of investors by reforming the law and the adjudication process appears compelling. However, the socio‐cultural considerations that should naturally embed effective arbitral protocols are not addressed in this paper. Originality/value: A/ADR mechanism is not presently a key feature in the legal environment of business in SSA. However, it is likely to prove a more functional adjudication process than the procedural formalities of litigation. By its characterization, this approach promotes the creative implementation of a “home‐grown” frame work for commercial dispute resolution, thus avoiding the drudgeries of litigation but at the same time providing the needed catalysts for enabling FDI.
Living up to the European Union concept of employee involvement
Authors: Weiss Manfred
Published: June 2007

Employee involvement in management’s decision making has been a challenge for the European Community (EC) since its beginning. Already in view of the six founding countries the European Economic Community (EEC) was confronted with a significant degree of diversity between the different Member States. This diversity increased with every enlargement, in particular when in 1973 the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland became members and much later in 2004 when Central and Eastern European (CEE) States together with Malta and Cyprus were included. This diversity in the area of employee involvement in management’s decision‐making is well documented. Therefore, it may be sufficient for the purpose of this paper to only give some broad indications. There are countries, as for example Germany, Austria, the Netherlands or Luxembourg, which have systems with a dual structure where employee involvement in management’s decision‐making institutionally is separated from the trade unions, even if in actual practice the links between the two are significant. In other countries employee involvement is based on two pillars: both the trade unions and a body elected by all em ployees. This is the case in France, Greece, Portugal and Spain. In the Scandinavian countries employee in volvement is exclusively in the hands of the trade unions. In countries
like Ireland and the U.K. employee involvement for a long time was more or less a taboo subject for the trade unions. The fear of being compromised in opposing measures through their industrial strength prevented them becoming integrated into the mechanism of decision‐making in companies. Only recently ‐ mainly due to the EU input ‐ this attitude is changing gradually. Italy has developed an interesting mixture of its own. Even if it may be possible ‐ as just indicated ‐ to discover or gani ‐ sational similarities between the systems of different countries, the still remaining differences should not be overlooked. It has to be added that in some countries employee involvement in manage ment’s deci sion‐making is exclusively based on legislation (as for example in Germany), in others exclusively on collective agreements (as for example in Scandinavia) and again in others on a mixture of both (as for example in Belgium). The subject matters for employee involvement are as different as the degree of participation, ranging from mere information to co‐determination. And only some countries know employee involvement in company boards whose systems again differ significantly from each other. In short, there is a wide spectrum of patterns of employee involvement in management’s decision‐making and some countries where such involvement is virtually unknown.
Free movement of workers: Changing the european society
Authors: Grawert Rolf
Published: June 2007

Free movement of persons is one of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by European laws. For workers, this freedom was set up since the beginning of the European selforganization by the European Council and the Economic Community. When this Community was established in 1957, that free dom became one of its leading principles. Since the Treaty of Maastricht, it is an essential element of European citizenship, and there fore an element of the civil community and of the democracy of the Union, too. Today, this freedom is guaranteed in Article 18 of the Treaty Establishing the European Community as a civil right and especially in Article 39 of that Treaty as a fundamental freedom. Because of this connection of a right for individuals and a status defining a corporation and community, I will discuss the thesis that free movement of workers can build or change the European society.
Fundamental trade union rights and european constitution
Authors: Veneziani Bruno
Published: June 2007

The new European Constitution recognises the function of the role of the social dialogue in the EU context as a key element of the European strategies. But the impression is that the legal outcome contained in the too sober sentences of the European Constitu tion is not coherent with the role gained defacto by social partners today in the national members states and at the EU context. It is still striking the lacking of legal rules to guaranteeing the respect of transnational trade union rights as the right of association and strike. The philosophy promoting collective labour relations at EU level, enshrined in the Constitution, does not find a coherent development in the web of provisions interesting labour law and industrial relations. The language of the social democracy is not increased in all stages of the constitutional itinerary where it would be more appropriate and logic to involve social partners in all fields of their interests: macroeconomy and social policies.
The impact of european law on the Polish regulation of atypical employment contracts
Authors: Zbigniew Hajn hab.
Published: June 2007

The wording “atypical forms of employment” is grounded on juxtaposing it with typical employment, i.e. full‐time employment, for indefinite period and in one place of work. However one can notice that different forms of atypical work have spread so much at present that the expression “atypical” is becoming less and less adequate for the majority of them.
Social protection of employees in labour code after Poland’s accession to the European Union
Authors: Wierzbiñska Halina
Published: June 2007

Social protection issues of employees is connected with laws to make in European Social Charter (1961) and Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers (1989). Some of the these rights are regulated in the Directives EC, which in the period of Polish assoiation with European Communities were implemented in the Polish labour law. After Polish accession to the European Community, three aspects of the social protection of employees are especially important and in these cases it is necessary to pay attention to them in this paper
Freedom, solidarity and citizenship
Authors: Ryland Diane
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes to evaluate the heart of the concept of citizenship of the European Union: namely, freedom of movement and residence. The evolution of citizenship, from its inception in the Maastricht Treaty, as a political concept will be treated. Freedom of movement and residence, with its rights and limitations, historically and legally accrued to economically active persons. Non‐economically ac tive per sons have been given rights in secondary legislation to move and to reside subject to specified conditions and limitations. The jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice, in accordance with which the link with economic in dependence and the freedom to move and reside has been broken, will be critically appraised. Resort to the principle of non discrimination on grounds of nationality in Article 12 of the European Community Treaty, read in conjunction with the citizenship provisions in Articles 17 and 18 EC, has resulted in legal rights for nationals of European Union Member States who are lawfully resident in, and who do not become an unreasonable burden on, the host Member State. Enforceable at the suit of individuals, EU citizenship has given rise to social advantages for non‐economic actors. Citizenship has become a legal source of rights be yond those agreed to by the Member States, the legitimacy for which lies with the degree of financial solidarity accorded under the principle of non‐discrimination and the level of integration of a particular EU citizen into the society of the host Member State. The need to establish a real link and the proportionate legitimate interests of the Member State are limits to citizenship as a source of rights. Nevertheless, it is the intention of this paper to examine the potential for citizenship to transform the polity of the European Union, from one based on economic and social rights, to one based on fundamental rights.
The social rights are full and justiciable rights!
Authors: Aliprantis Nikitas
Published: June 2007

Considerable confusion reigns as to whether social rights are genuine rights and whether they are justiciable, that is to say whether they are subject to scrutiny by the courts ‐ and, if so, to what extent. The confusion is kept alive not to say enhanced by a large number of legal writers who, for ideological reasons, will not accept that social rights are full rights in themselves and will not even reconcile themselves to the fact that they are part of positive law. I believe therefore that it is important ‐ indeed high time ‐ for us, firstly, to review the various arguments put forward ‐ particularly by German writers ‐ and examine them from a purely legal viewpoint in order to show that social rights are justiciable and, secondly, to highlight the “structural” characteristics of social rights which lend their justiciability certain distinctive traits.
Issues in National and Cultural Identity: The Case of Asian (East) Indian Migrants
Authors: Bathala Chenchuramaiah
Published: June 2007

Migration is defined as movement of people, especially of whole groups, from one place, region, or country to an other, particularly with the intention of making permanent settlement in a new location (Microsoft Encarta). Migration is as old as the beginnings of human evolution, and in the distant past migrations were localized, slow, and gradual processes taking centuries or even longer to establish significant populations in a given region or country. The populations, therefore, possessed unique and highly homogeneous characteristics of race, religion, culture, traditions, or language. From the oldest periods of civiliza tion, India attracted migrants from different parts of the neighboring regions and continents (notably, Middle east, China, and Africa) owing to its warm weather, wealth of natural resources, spices, and so forth. Like wise, India also be came a prominent country from where people migrated to different parts of the world, first to the neighboring lands (Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bali) and then to distant countries (several African countries, for example, Uganda, South Africa, Mauritius). More recently, migration of Indians has been mostly to the Western Europe and USA.
The U.S. FairPay Overtime Initiative
Authors: Von Bergen C.W. , Mawer William T.
Published: June 2007

The Fair Labor Standards Act (here in after referred to as the FLSA or Act, 1938) requires that most employees in the U.S. be paid at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and receive overtime pay at one and one‐half times the regular rate for all hours worked over 40 hours in a work‐week. Defined within the Act are certain types of employees who are exempt from both minimum wage and overtime pay, i.e., if a worker is employed as a bonafide executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, or computer employee. These exempt categories are cumulatively referred to as the white collar exemption and the workers are called white collar employees. To qualify for such exemptions the job description and/or employment contract must meet certain salary and job duties tests. The past thirty years have seen these tests become outdated resulting in uncertainty and ambiguity in their application. On April 24, 2004 the Wage and Hour Division of the U. S. Department of Labor responded to these decades‐old exemption descriptions with new regulations relating to white collar exemptions of the Act called the FairPay Over time Initiative (here in after referred to asFPOI). The purpose of the new FLSA regulations was to modernize, update, and clarify the criteria for these exemptions and to eliminate legal problems that the prior regulations caused.
Conduct of Corporations and Corporate Officers: Expected Business Practices or Unlawful Violations
Authors: Dorweiler Vernon P. , Yakhou Mehenna
Published: June 2007

The U. S. economy is based on free enterprise. “Free” indicates that the national economy is based largely on necessary restrictions, both in business transactions and in capital transactions. The hall‐mark of free enterprise is the kind of competition that considers both the size and geographic scope of the participants. Restraint on competition is determined by law, by regulation, and by judicial decision. Arange of these determinations has been established in the modern U. S., to set expected conduct of business. The purpose of this paper is to examine the conduct of corporations that is beyond legal business affairs, and those that falls into unlawful areas. “Unlawful” here defines violations of law and regulation. Clearly the federal and state governments have enacted an integrated scope of law controlling conduct in both business practices and employment protection. This analysis focuses on the external violations of law and regulation.
Illuminating Pathways of Harmony: Integration of International Education and Volunteerism
Authors: Enga Fujikawa Linda
Published: June 2007

In KCC’s International Café program, students from all cultures meet in a casual café setting (including coffee, tea, and world music) to share their talents in a moderately structured Service Learning program. Language exchange is one of the most popular features of the International Café, with students of all languages (e.g. English, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Filipino, French, Spanish, Hawaiian) able to find native speakers for honing their conversation and writing skills. Cultural exchange occurs in both formal and informal modes through student cultural presentations and on and off campus service activities. Students from many types of courses enroll in the café (language classes, anthropology, linguistics, history, etc.), enriching their classroom experience with hands‐on intercultural experiences.
A Cross Cultural Experiential Project: An Evaluation
Authors: Koev Jordan , Luytjes Jan B.
Published: June 2007

The present evaluation concerns a project under taken by Florida International University, Miami, USA; the Economics University of Varna, Bulgaria; the World Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria; the University of Utah, USA; and Westminster College, Utah. USA. The project was undertaken during the summers of 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003. The project entailed the visit of students from four US academic institutions to Varna, Bulgaria and Sofia, Bulgaria for a period of four weeks, They were joined by students from the Bulgarian academic institutions under the supervision of professors from Bulgaria and the US. The program of the project consisted of lectures on entrepreneurship and small business management during the mornings were as the afternoons were dedicated to developing a business plan for actual businesses operating in the Varna and Sofia region. The findings and recommendations were presented at the end of the four week period to the participating parties.The evaluation was conducted through surveys by and interviews with the participating parties as well as an analysis by the participating professors in terms of the objectives set at the initiation of the project.
The Short Happy Life of the American Sociological Tradition
Authors: Dimitrov Georgi
Published: June 2007

The very headline of this presentation hints at least two things. First, what is meant is the history of American sociology, though it is some what awkward to say so outright. Second, the history of American sociology is accomplished, in an impor tant sense, but one should not say that so out‐right, either. In philosophy, as Wittgenstein advised, whereof we can not speak, thereof we must be silent. A different rule reigns in sociology: whereof we can hint at, thereof we must prove. My first task, there fore, is to prove that no matter how embarrassing it may seem one canspeak of a his tory of American sociology after all. My second task is to prove that it has already been on a course of development specifically characteristic of it. And, finally, my last point will be that this specific course is brought to its desired end. Every thing in its own time. Talking about the history of American sociology is extremely risky. But it is the risk that it makes it worth trying. Part of the risk stems from the issue if there is a history of sociology at all, as well as from the issue if there is American sociology in the proper sense of the word. Apart from this, there is the consideration that it may be the American nature proper of that sociology that makes it the least likely to have its own history. First things first.
Negotiable bills of lading and their contractual role under Greek, United States and English Law
Authors: Zekos Georgios I.
Published: June 2007

Refers to the history of the maritime sale of goods which resulted in a bill of lading, representing goods at sea in a ship. Attempts to determine whether or not a bill of lading is a negotiable instrument if it is characterized by such words as to order or to bearer. Compares US, Greek and English law and finds that English law is not in line with US and Greek law. Refers to the English Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) 1992. Claims that differences in law may cause some problems for international trade and mentions the European Commission’s project to examine the feasibility of electronic bills of lading.
Conflict of laws and the contractual role of bills of lading
Authors: Zekos Georgios I.
Published: June 2007

Looks at the practice of stipulating in international contracts which country’s law should govern any disputes that arise, using a governing‐law clause. Considers the regulations relating to contractual matters of conflict of laws laid down by the 1980 Convention on the Law Applicable to Contractual Obligations, which exclude bills of lading unless they are regarded as non‐negotiable instruments. Outlines the treatment of conflict of laws relating to bills of lading under Greek, US and English law, citing legal cases as examples, and reveals that in all three legal systems the choice of the applicable law, set out in the contract itself, is included in the bill of lading. Uncovers contradictions in the Greek and English approaches to the contractual role of bills of lading, and suggests that a uniform approach must be adopted, following the lead of US legislation, which clearly specifies that the bill of lading is the contract of carriage in which the choice of law is explicitly stated.
The Bill of Lading contract and the transfer of property under Greek, English and United States law
Authors: Zekos Georgios I.
Published: June 2007

Discusses the Bill of Lading and its differences under UK, US and Greek law. Bases the paper on the fact that, under UK and US law, property in the goods sold passes from seller to buyer when the parties intend to pass it (regardless of whether or not delivery actually took place); whereas, under Greek law, ownership of goods passes from seller to buyer only if the intention to pass goods is supported by actual delivery. Asserts that this difference in national law causes problems in international trade. Explores the law in more depth, citing a number of cases and quoting legal precedents. Concludes that the intention of the parties concerned should be taken into consideration.
The legally enforceable/non‐enforceable European collective agreement? A discussion paper
Authors: Carby‐Hall Jo
Published: June 2007

Considers the nature of a collective agreement, outlining two types, collective and procedural. States that no European laws exist, at present, which cover these and questions the legal enforceability of any agreement. Outlines the European position and then covers the situation under UK law, showing the differences. Looks at the future proposed models of European Collective Agreements and highlights the need for discussion whilst the European Collective Agreement is in its infancy. Advocates different definitions for procedural and collective agreements with the former carrying legal enforceability which exists in Europe and the latter using the UK definitions and carrying legal unenforceability.
Service quality and satisfaction – the moderating role of value
Authors: Caruana Albert , Money Arthur H. , Berthon Pierre R.
Published: June 2007

The constructs of service quality, satisfaction and value are discussed. Instruments are identified and exploratory research is undertaken among customers of an audit firm to determine whether value plays a moderating role between service quality and satisfaction. Results from a moderated regression confirming such a role for value are reported. Implications are drawn and opportunities for further research are highlighted.
What is personalization? A conceptual framework
Authors: Vesanen Jari
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The object of this paper is to help to understand what it is all about in question when talking about personalization.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework of personalization is presented, based on the literature.

Findings

Marketers are looking increasingly at personalization to help them improve the performance of their efforts. However, personalization seems to be hard to apply. Some of these problems are caused by the fact that personalization means something different to each business and to the different actors in the value chain. This lack of agreement regarding the meaning of personalization limits successful communication between the different actors who produce or buy services and products that are connection with personalized marketing. This hinders co‐operation between service providers and marketers who are willing to apply personalization.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the framework is useful when discussing and developing the idea of personalization further.
Market orientation processes in retailing: a cross‐national study
Authors: Elg Ulf
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The main purpose is to provide an in‐depth understanding of market orientation in retailing and to identify the specific activities that have to be understood and managed in order for a retail firm to become market oriented.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative studies of six firms in Sweden, Italy and the UK were carried out, including in‐depth interviews with retail managers and manufacturers.

Findings

Three market orientation processes on different operational levels are identified, including critical activities that support each process. Linkages between retail market orientation and different background characteristics are also identified.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative, in‐depth approach using a limited number of respondents means that the results are not generalizable. The findings can serve as a basis for future operationalizations of retail market orientation in order to measure the degree of retail market orientation as well as its character with regards to the emphasis a certain retailer puts on each of the processes.

Practical implications

The identified three processes and the corresponding activities can assist retailer managers in developing a more systematic market orientation approach.

Originality/value

The paper is a first attempt to develop a framework for market orientation in retailing based on the specific nature of retail marketing and management. It also shows that the quality and relevance of the market data in relation to the specific strategic activity that it is expected to support should be given much more consideration.
Gendered perceptions of experiential value in using web‐based retail channels
Authors: Andrews Lynda , Kiel Geoffrey , Drennan Judy , Boyle Maree V. , Weerawardena Jay
Published: June 2007

Purpose – This paper compares the experiential consumption values that motivate consumer choice to purchase online for both male and female purchasers and non‐purchasers. Design/methodology/approach – Using the theory of consumption value the study examines gendered perceptions of the functional, social and conditional value of using a virtual consumption setting for purchasing. Data was collected through an online survey and analysed using multiple discriminant analysis to determine meaningful differences between male and female purchasers and non‐purchasers. Findings – The findings show that male online purchasers are discriminated from female purchasers by social value and from male non‐purchasers by conditional value. Female purchasers are discriminated from male purchasers by functional value and from female non‐purchasers by social value. Female non‐purchasers are discriminated from female purchasers by conditional value. Male non‐purchasers are discriminated from male purchasers by functional and social value. Research limitations/implications – Limitations include using an Internet survey and an Australian sample which may impact the generalisability of the findings to a wider population of Internet users. Future research should involve replication of the study in a country more or less developed in terms of gender composition of internet users to extend the generalisability of the findings. Additionally, researchers should examine whether other dimensions of consumption value, such as social influence through on‐ and off‐line communication networks, may influence consumer choice to purchase online. Practical implications – The study provides practical implications for marketers to leverage consumption values that influence male and female consumers' choice to purchase online and then drive their behaviour online through integrated marketing campaigns that involve both on‐ and offline strategies. Originality/value – The research makes an original contribution to the consumer behaviour literature as to date, no research has been found that undertakes such a comprehensive gender‐based comparison of the perceived value of using a virtual consumption setting for purchasing.
Determinants and Direction of Trading Companies′
Development in Europe
Authors: Balabanis George I. , Baker Michael J.
Published: June 2007

Recently many EC countries have expressed an increasing interest in
the development of strong trading companies (TCs) which will assist in
the growth of national exports. However, a lack of clear direction for
the envisaged TCs′ development has been observed. Attempts to identify
the mechanisms by which TCs change their structure and strategies. A set
of internal and external factors which influence TCs′ development and
change has been identified and combined in a comprehensive conceptual
framework. Both institutional and competitive (market) approaches are
included. Based on this theoretical framework the direction of European
TCs′ development route across a number of possible dimensions is
explored. The research involved a sample of large EC TCs and a sample of
EC environmental agents which were found to influence directly or
indirectly TCs′ development.
Tacit knowledge in the workplace: the facilitating role of peer relationships
Authors: Peroune Denise L.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the role peer relationships play in making tacit knowledge explicit and accessible in the wider organization and whether they contribute to learning in a learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A dominant‐less dominant design, with the qualitative design being the dominant paradigm. Semi‐structured interviews provided qualitative data while the dimensions of the learning organization questionnaire (DLOQ) yielded quantitative data.

Findings

It was found that peer relationships provide the context within which sensemaking can take place and that the peer relationship by definition is the context within which these constructs already function effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are relevant to this case, a small organization within a specific industry, printing, and so cannot be generalized. Existing research addresses sensemaking in hierarchical organizations. Future research should address sensemaking in the context of the flatter organization. Such research must look at the role of peer relationships.

Originality/value

Adds to limited existing body of knowledge peer relationships. Shows how peer relationships can contribute to learning within the organization through the use of dialogue, inquiry, and the process of sensemaking and that the learning organization is environment in which sharing of tacit knowledge can take place.
Training transfer: the mediating role of perception of learning
Authors: Velada Raquel , Caetano António
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyse the mediating effects of perception of learning between occupational satisfaction, affective reactions, utility reactions and perceived training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants in the study were 185 Portuguese teachers who attended a professional training programme.

Findings

The results of this study show that occupational satisfaction, affective and utility reactions are associated with perception of learning and perceived training transfer. Furthermore, the results also reveal that perception of learning fully mediates the relationship between occupational satisfaction and perceived training transfer and partially mediates the relationship between affective reactions, utility reactions and perceived training transfer.

Research limitations/implications

Results are based on self‐reported measures to evaluate training transfer.

Practical implications

Organisations interested in maximising their return on investment on training and development should regularly monitor the employees' level of satisfaction with their occupation and determine whether new actions need to be taken regarding human resources practices or the working conditions. To enhance training transfer, careful attention should be given to the training design in order to ensure that it reflects the trainees' needs previously identified and to guarantee that trainees acquire a good level of learning in the programme.

Originality/value

The present study extends the empirical literature about the predictors of training transfer, showing that learning can play a mediating role between some predictors and transfer.
Structural issues and knowledge management in transnational education partnerships
Authors: Walton John S. , Guarisco Gisèle
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyse knowledge flows within a transnational educational partnership and to use social network analysis to map out structural differences between the two partners and the evolution of these differences over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A single longitudinal case study social network analysis is undertaken over a ten‐year period based on semi‐structured interviews with key informants supported by observational and archival data.

Findings

The investigation identifies feedback, feed‐forward and feed‐across knowledge transfer processes resulting in shared personal learning within the network zone and increasing institutionalisation of acquired knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a single case study setting and further research with similar partnerships needs to be undertaken to establish points of comparison.

Practical implications

How diagrammatic representation can be used to capture key structural issues that underpin the knowledge management process in loosely formed organisational settings.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new diagnostic‐enabling knowledge management model that helps address issues of how knowledge flows/transfer can be analysed and identified between partners at individual, group and organisational level. This model also identifies the inter‐organisational space that bounds the social network under discussion.
Open‐ended course evaluations: a response rate problem?
Authors: Darby Jenny A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine participants' response rate on dual style training course evaluation forms. These combine structured and open‐ended formats. Pencil and paper forms have a long history of use by trainers in business and commerce and more recently in education. Research methods texts tend to have neglected the issue of response rates with this type of form.

Design/methodology/approach

Approximately 2,000 course participants attending 28 courses completed evaluation forms. These were designed with a series of structured responses scales followed by a section for open‐ended comments.

Findings

It was found that the completion rate for the open‐ended sections was low and thus validity was suspect. Various explanations were offered for this. Subsequently when a redesigned evaluation form was administered to a further 1,641 course participants it was found that response rates increased dramatically when open‐ended sections were placed earlier in the questionnaire.

Practical implications

Indicates ways in which course evaluation forms can be redesigned to increase response rates for open‐ended sections and thus improve the validity of any findings.

Originality/value

Provides information about response rates neglected by most methodology texts concerning the design of training evaluation questionnaires which include open‐ended sections.
On integrated circuit chip reduction
Authors: Lee Edward T. , Lee Eddy T.
Published: June 2007

Boolean algebra, Karnaugh map method and Quine‐McClusky algorithm are usually the tools used for minimizing logic functions using gates. However, with the advent of IC chips, the criteria for implementing a low‐cost circuit have been changed from logic gate reduction to IC chip reduction. In this paper, the IC chip reduction problem is systematically analyzed and illustrated by examples. More specifically, the direct mapping method, the IC chip diagram, the IC chip usage table, the reduced IC chip usage table and the reduced IC chip diagram are created and used for IC chip reduction. The reduction process is illustrated step by step with examples. In addition, six substitution rules for reducing the IC chip usage table are also presented. The IC chip reduction problem is both theoretically challenging and practically useful. The results may have useful applications in picture description reduction, picture semantic network reduction as well as in other related areas. It illustrates the effectiveness of a cybernetic approach.
Ontological and Kantian modes of perceiving experience Hemispheric basis for physical cognition
Authors: Fidelman Uri
Published: June 2007

It is suggested that nominalism and Platonism are modes of perceiving experience in the Kantian sense. These two modes, like the temporal and the spatial Kantian modes of perceiving experience, are related to the left and right cerebral hemispheres respectively. Learning experiments showing the relation of all these four modes of perceiving experience to the hemispheres are described. It is discussed that the nominalist and Platonic modes of perceiving experience are subjective as well as the Kantian modes, time and space. Some relation of this discussion to the collapse of the wave function in quantum mechanics is considered. A phenomenon of a one‐and‐a‐half hour cycle in hemispheric activity, which may have implications to the designing of examinations, is described.
New results for the Adomian method
Authors: Khelifa S. , Cherruault Y.
Published: June 2007

Describes the Adomian decomposition method and provides a new proof for the evaluation of the Abbaoui‐Cherruault numbers. Demonstrates a new result for Bell polynominals and establishes and proves a new norm bound for Adomian polynominals. Demonstrates an application to the truncation error evaluation and applies the presented results to a microchip lasers problem.
Multiple input transfer function noise modelling in the time domain, Empirical evidence on Scandinavian stock data
Authors: Östermark Ralf
Published: June 2007

Provides evidence on the power of transfer function noise modelling in explaining the empirical connection between endogenous and exogenous (control) variables in linear regression type input‐output systems. The multiple input transfer function noise model – of specific value when the input variables are collinear – is used to demonstrate the connection between macroeconomic forces and stock market pricing on a thin security market. Shows that the transfer function approach provides new evidence partly in conflict with previous results obtained by ordinary least squares methodology. Previous empirical evidence suggests that money supply, inflation, the level of industrial production and the psychological impact of the general index of the Stockholm Stock Exchange affects Finnish stock pricing. The problem of selecting relevant economic state variables is tackled by regressing each of the five factor time series obtained from testing the arbitrage pricing theory (see Östermark, circa 1989) on the set of tentative state variables. The economic state variables are significant explanators of stock pricing, both at the market and at the individual asset level. Only nine individual stocks are tested. Comprehensive testing of all individual stocks is left for future research.
Communications and forum
Authors: Lee Edward T. , Lee Eddy T.
Published: June 2007

Four approaches (relational, network, hierarchical, entity‐relationship) to integrated‐circuit chip database design are presented with illustrative examples. Integrated‐circuit chip databases appear to be a fertile field for further study. In addition, the study of integrated‐circuit chip databases may contribute to finding more effective and more efficient ways to design large‐scale digital systems, computers, and intelligent robots.
Rethinking research management in Colombia
Authors: Zarama Roberto , Reyes Alfonso , Aldana Eduardo , Villalobos Jorge , Bohorquez Juan C. , Calderón Juan P. , Botero Alonso , Lammoglia Nelson L. , Villaveces José L. , Pinzón Luis , Bonilla Ricardo , Mejía Andrés , Bermeo José , Dyner Isaac , Johnson Neil F. , Valdivia Juan A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a proposal to change the form in which knowledge is produced in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the key issue – to transform the way in which the production of knowledge is currently taking place at the university level.

Findings

To be able to increase the production of knowledge in this country there is a need to create bonds among industrial, governmental, and academic institutions. It is believed that this can be done by the development of a system capable of continuously forming researchers at a doctoral level.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward a proposal for the construction of such a system based on the developments of organizational cybernetics. The proposal is based on the concept of autonomy which is crucial to solve this problem.