bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The portability of career‐long work experience
Authors: Mahony Douglas M. , Klimchak Malayka , Morrell Daniel L. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe aims of this paper are to expand understanding on the portability of work experience and to understand how an employee's level of propensity to trust interplays with perceived value of previous career‐long work experience to affect on‐the‐job performance.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 127 new employees of three newly opened locations of a national full‐service restaurant chain were surveyed during the orientation phase of their jobs. This was followed up three‐four weeks later by job performance ratings from supervisors.FindingsThe higher the perceived value of previous work experience the stronger the relationship between industry work experience and job performance. Also, the higher the perceived value of previous work experience the weaker the relationship between propensity to trust and job performance.Research limitations/implicationsBecause this study concentrated on a single firm in a single industry, generalizability to other industries may suffer.Practical implicationsEmployees that seek to find value in their current jobs may be more valuable in their future jobs. Also, employees who lack valuable prior work experiences will need to rely more on their propensity to trust other employees if they want to perform well at their new jobs.Originality/valueThe study explains the reasoning behind prior inconsistencies in the work experience‐job performance literature by introducing the concept of perceived value of previous work experience and explaining how this relates to propensity to trust in a newcomer relationship.
Risk factors affecting building maintenance under tropical conditions
Authors: De Silva Nayanthara , Ranasinghe Malik , De Silva C.R. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe factors contributing to maintenance cost include the life‐long environmental factors that the building is exposed to during its useful life as well as parameters relating to the design, construction and maintenance processes. The performance of risk associated with these factors decides the future maintenance requirements of buildings. Ignoring these risks factors generally result in high maintenance costs. The purpose of this paper is to identify the maintainability risk factors and their implications on maintenance costs.Design/methodology/approachA survey based methodology was used to establish the risks factors of building maintainability. A sample of high‐rise buildings was selected to evaluate these risk factors that were identified through an extensive literature review and survey of substantive experts. Further, these risks factors were applied to a real case study.FindingsA total of ten risk factors of maintainability were identified in relation to high‐rise buildings. They were analyzed using a case study and the implications on maintenance cost were evaluated. The results show that there is a considerable reduction in maintenance cost when these risks are minimized.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to the USA and its six biggest cities. The results presented are predominantly qualitative and the results rely on extensive evaluation.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information to the designers and users on the maintenance problems related to buildings. Also it highlights critical risk conditions that should be considered to minimize maintenance costs.
Evaluating organisational climate through IC lens: the case of a public hospital
Authors: Carlucci Daniela , Schiuma Giovanni 
Published: November 2012

PurposeDuring the past two decades a renewed interest about the role of intangible resources in determining performance of public services organisations has risen. This is particularly valid for healthcare (HC) services. HC services are knowledge intensive services basically founded, as the vast majority of their outputs, on intangible resources. Recently, some scholars have examined the relevance of organisational climate (OC) for gathering outstanding performance in HC services. Literature suggests that OC is a multifaceted concept deeply rooted in intangible resources of an organisation. Several intangible resources intervene to shape OC. Based on this consideration, the study seeks to show, through an action research (AR) project, how intellectual capital (IC) provides a useful and fresh frame for analysing intangible components of OC and planning initiatives for their effective management.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the action research methodology.FindingsThe AR project highlights that analysing OC according to an IC based perspective supports the planning of management initiatives aimed to improve climate and its components and, in turn, the “value” embedded in services outcomes.Practical implicationsThe examination of OC according to an IC based perspective is proposed both as a tool for identifying elements of OC which are hindering productivity, reducing effectiveness and quality of HC services and as a tool for supporting managers in designing management initiatives aimed to enhance organisational performances by leveraging OC.Originality/valueThis paper shows how the adoption of an IC lens to disentangle and examine OC can enhance the analysis of components of climate and the identification of initiatives for their effective management.
Institutional constraints and SME growth in post‐communist Albania
Authors: Xheneti Mirela , Bartlett Will 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate business growth in post‐communist Albania using an institutional perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes an institutional perspective, which emphasises the role of institutional change in enabling/constraining business growth whilst allowing for entrepreneurial objectives and motivations to be taken into account. The analysis is based on firm‐level data collected through a survey questionnaire in April‐July 2004. The paper uses principal components analysis and a regression model to explain the factors that determine the pace of business growth of small firms.FindingsThe analysis offers important insights into the nature of entrepreneurship in a post‐communist setting. The age of the firm, the age, education, qualifications and work orientation of the entrepreneur, insufficient information and corruption, explain the differential growth of firms. Older entrepreneurs grow faster suggesting unfulfilled aspirations during communism as well as their access to wider professional, social and possibly also political connections. The positive effect of corruption on business growth suggests that an ability to cope with a corrupt environment has been a necessary entrepreneurial skill during a period of chaotic change in social and formal institutions that has characterized transition in Albania.Originality/valueThis research can be of special interest to studies of entrepreneurship in institutional transformation contexts, and it contributes especially to the accumulation of knowledge on transition economies by looking at the little researched case of post communist Albania.
Motivations of migrant entrepreneurship in Greece: a factor analysis approach
Authors: Liargovas Panagiotis G. , Skandalis Konstantinos S. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe past decade has shown a remarkable growth in entrepreneurship among immigrants in Greece, while their contribution to Greek society is still clouded by issues of social integration, crime, exclusion, racism and discrimination. The purpose of this paper is to empirically identify the motivations that are responsible for migrant entrepreneurship in the case of Greece.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the principal component factor analysis technique in order to investigate common factors that might explain underlying beliefs about the perceived variables. The research questionnaire includes open‐ended and closed questions to collect the necessary information in order to provide insights into a variety of critical factors which determine the start and existence of ethnic firms.FindingsIt is found that the intention to become an entrepreneur depends on family survival needs, immigrant community ties, personality features or traits and market infrastructure and general conditions of the Greek economy.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide important insights into the perceived and actual motivations encountered by immigrant entrepreneurs in Greece and allow for implications to be made to both owners and government policies.
Calibrating risk for violent political extremists and terrorists: the VERA 2 structured assessment
Authors: Elaine Pressman D. , Flockton John 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the process of risk assessment for terrorists and violent political extremists and to present an example of such an approach. The approach proposed is referred to as the VERA 2 or violent extremism risk assessment protocol (Consultative Version 2).Design/methodology/approachA review of the knowledge base relating to risk assessment and risk assessment methodology was undertaken with a focus on relevance to individual terrorists and violent extremists. The need for a specific approach for the risk assessment of terrorists that differs from approaches used for ordinary violent criminals was identified. A model that could be used for the risk assessment of terrorists was identified with pertinent risk indicators. This was structured into a protocol referred to as the VERA (Consultative Version 2). The approach is intended to be applied to different types of violent extremists, terrorists and unlawful violent offenders motivated by religious, political or social ideologies.FindingsFirst, risk assessments of adjudicated terrorists and violent extremists should be undertaken with risk indicators that are relevant to ideological motivated violence. Indicators used for ordinary common violence differ in substantive ways from those relevant to terrorists and therefore may have questionable relevance for the assessment of risk in terrorists. Second, it is possible to construct an evidence‐based risk assessment approach for the range of violent extremists and terrorists using a structured professional judgment approach with pertinent risk indicators. The VERA 2 is an example of this type of risk assessment protocol for terrorists and unlawful violent extremists.Research limitations/implicationsRisk assessment tools that have been developed for ordinary violent criminals and members of organised criminal gangs should be used with caution with terrorists, violent extremists and other perpetrators of ideologically motivated unlawful violence. Specific risk assessment approaches for terrorists with relevant indicators should be used. At this time, terrorist oriented approaches such as the VERA 2 are to be considered consultative and used as an add‐on to other established approaches.Originality/valueThere are few transparent, structured risk assessment approaches that use indicators specifically relevant to violent political extremists and terrorists. One new approach, the VERA 2 is outlined in the paper using risk indicators that differ in substantive ways from those used for other ordinary violent criminals.
The use of LibQUAL+ by European research libraries
Authors: Voorbij Henk 
Published: November 2012

PurposeOne of the aims of the LIBER strategic plan 2009‐2012 was to stimulate the use of LibQUAL+ by European research libraries. The purpose of this study is to investigate how far this initiative has been successful.Design/methodology/approachAll 385 LIBER libraries were invited to complete an online survey, mounted on Survey Monkey. The questionnaire was meant for all libraries, whether or not they performed a user survey during the last five years and, if so, whether or not they used LibQUAL + as the survey instrument.FindingsThe study shows that the use of LibQUAL+ in Europe is widespread and that there is a great potential for further growth. LibQUAL+'s strong areas are the ease of administering and opportunities for benchmarking. A weak area is the user unfriendliness: 50 per cent of the libraries having experience with LibQUAL+ find the survey difficult to complete for the participants. Carrying out a LibQUAL+ survey has great practical implications. More than 75 per cent of the respondents took measures to improve their performance on weak areas or to promote their existing services better among the user community. About one third established new services.Practical implicationsThe results point at the need to improve the user friendliness of LibQUAL+.Originality/valueThis is the first study that covers the experience of European research libraries with LibQUAL+ on a broad scale.
Knowledge management – time to focus on purpose and motivation
Authors: McGurk John , Baron Angela 
Published: November 2012

PurposeKnowledge management (KM) is a key driver of organisational growth and development. It is a major conduit for the development of varying organisational capitals, and pivotal to learning, innovation and employee engagement. It is the authors' belief that KM has over‐focused on structures, processes and technologies and not enough on learning, innovation and engagement. This paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on experience and research from within the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in the UK since 2000 and up to 2012, as well as external research sources.FindingsThis lack of alignment can be attributed to three issues: the often diffuse and vague nature of the concept itself; the undue focus on tracking, capturing and storing KM assets; and the lack of a coherent organisational purpose and focus for knowledge management.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that by focusing on the three key areas of learning, innovation and engagement, both a business rationale for KM and a “why bother” focus for employees can be developed, as well as contributing to sustainable organisation performance.Originality/valueThe paper examines knowledge management and links it to core HR processes.
US$500 and a click: investing the “crowdfunding” way
Authors: Gelfond Stuart H. , Foti Anthony D. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a preliminary explanation of “crowdfunding,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, subject to more specific rules that will be issued by the SEC later in 2012.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an introduction to crowdfunding followed by preliminary explanations of the criteria for securities offerings that are exempted from traditional registration, requirements for brokers or funding portals that serve as crowdfunding intermediaries, disclosure and other requirements for the issuing company, the types of companies that would be likely crowdfunding issuers, significant risks and pitfalls potential crowdfunding issuers need to consider, and the potential effects of crowdfunding on a company's prospects for later‐stage funding such as venture capital.FindingsThe success of crowdfunding will likely depend on whether the rules to be defined by the SEC allow for a lean, efficient process for early stage capital raising or a complicated set of rules that makes crowdfunding unappealing or costly to startups and small issuers.Originality/valueThe paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Applying a lean approach to identify waste in motor carrier operations
Authors: Sternberg Henrik , Stefansson Gunnar , Westernberg Emma , Boije af Gennäs Rikard , Allenström Erik , Linger Nauska Malin 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a waste framework for motor carrier operations by adapting the classical 7 waste framework, and furthermore, to validate it by collecting empirical data from several motor carrier operators.Design/methodology/approachThe chosen approach includes three steps, starting with analyzing qualitative data from a literature review and an interview study. The interviewees were experts from carrier operations, the lean field, carrier technology providers and carrier service buyers. The findings were validated with qualitative and quantitative studies at five motor carrier operators.FindingsThe finding of this paper is a waste framework adapted to motor carrier operations that has been based on the classical 7 waste framework. This provides a structured framework of inefficiencies found in motor carrier operations.Originality/valuePrevious literature is scarce on both holistic approaches to describing waste in carrier operations and in‐depth studies of day‐to‐day transport operations. It is also a novel approach to use a waste framework for transport operations.
Flexibility requirements concerning the design of synchronous e‐learning systems
Authors: Jahn Matthias , Piesche Claudia , Jablonski Stefan 
Published: November 2012

PurposeToday's requirements concerning successful learning support comprise a variety of application scenarios. Therefore, the development of supporting software preferably aims at modular design. This article discusses requirements regarding flexibility of e‐learning systems and presents important principles, which should be met by successful systems. The purpose of this paper is to achieve a highly flexible system as follows: first of all, the system itself should be capable of easily being integrated into other systems. Second, the approach should allow easy integration of new components, respectively, existing resources without the need to adapt the whole system.Design/methodology/approachGuided by the results of previous projects and by various experiences in online education the importance of modular structures of an effective architecture as well as for the system usage were discovered. Accordingly, existing e‐learning systems were examined and some deficiency regarding support of synchronous learning activities were found.FindingsThe architecture of the Meeting Room Platform (MRP) is introduced as an example implementation of synchronous communication and collaboration systems. In addition to fulfilling explained flexibility requirements, it is configurable in a way so that the user can choose a set of services he wants to provide in online meetings.Originality/valueWith aforementioned aspects of flexibility in mind, the concept of the MRP system differs from existing systems and constitutes a new approach in designing synchronous e‐learning environments. Finally, various use cases as described in this article show the benefit of this approach more detailed.
The labour behind the (Fair Trade) label
Authors: Davenport Eileen , Low Will 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThis paper critically examines the marketing of fair trade, arguing that the use of the term producer conflates a number of categories of actors, not all of whom benefit equally. The authors contend that the two existing archetypes – the noble peasant farmer and the independent artisan – and the emerging archetype of the “empowered decision maker” serve to obscure and mask complex labour relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper draws on a wide range of literature and original fieldwork conducted by the authors to illustrate the three marketing archetypes in the fair trade value chain.FindingsHidden behind the three dominant archetypes used to promote fair trade is a relationship between fair trade “producers” (small farmer, craft enterprise and plantations) and permanent and temporary/casual labourers. The trickle‐down of fair trade benefits to these workers is uneven at best and falls far short of the expectation of empowerment of all “producers” that fair trade promises.Research limitations/implicationsThe fair trade project must look beyond the simple archetypes to engage more deeply with labour issues in the fair trade value chain, and to re‐engage with fair trade as a development strategy through which broader and more complex forms of empowerment can be realised.Practical implicationsFair trade standards are not a substitute for organised labour's activities. Interactions between trade unions and fair trade bodies could ensure that existing labour standards are met, and improvements in the lives of all workers can occur.Originality/valueThis paper conceptualises three fair trade mainstream marketing archetypes and suggests why and how the fair trade movement must move beyond these to ensure empowerment amongst its least well‐off stakeholders.
Critical perspectives on Fair Trade: an introduction
Authors: Gibbon Jane , Śliwa Martyna 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThis editorial article aims to introduce the special issue of Critical Perspectives on International Business entitled “Critical perspectives on fair trade”.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial provides a brief overview of the subject of fair trade, with an emphasis on the critical arguments that have been put forward in relation to the fair trade movement. It then locates the four papers included in this special issue within extant debates on fair trade.FindingsWhile the fair trade movement has been attracting the attention of scholars for over a decade, there is still space and scope for academic debate, and especially for empirical studies focusing on different aspects of fair trade initiatives. This special issue contributes to addressing the current gap in critical studies of fair trade.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on fair trade is needed to inform both academic thinking and policy.Originality/valueThe editorial fulfils an informative role of introducing the readers to the topics covered in the articles included in the special issue.
Knowing, learning and acting in health care organizations and services
Authors: Bosio Claudio , Graffigna Guendalina , Scaratti Giuseppe 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the value of post‐modern psychosocial approaches to studying knowledge and practice construction in health care organizations and settings (HCO&S) and the increasing ability of qualitative research to furnish a deeper, more ecological, and more usable understanding of the social construction of health knowledge and practices.Design/methodology/approachThe argument proposed in the paper is based on a critical literature review conducted on the Psychinfo, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases.FindingsRecent years have seen cultural changes in the values and goals of healthcare interventions that are deeply reconfiguring HCO&S. These changes are reframing HCO&S action and are highlighting the importance of understanding and managing not only the “expert context” but also the “lay contexts” of healthcare interventions. In an attempt to deal with these emergent changes (and challenges), HCO&S are taking advantage of new insights matured in the post‐modern turn of organizational analysis. In this frame, qualitative research proves suitable for connecting HCO&S needs and priorities with the new post‐modern paradigm of knowledge‐ and practice‐sharing in organizations.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the value of qualitative research in the analysis of HCO&S and casts light on the new research trends and new technical‐methodological options arising in this field.