bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning opportunities for nurses working within home care
Authors: Lundgren Solveig 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore home care nurses' experience of learning in a multicultural environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on qualitative research design. Data were collected through repeated interviews with registered home care nurses working in a multicultural area. The data were analyzed through a qualitative content analysis with a direct approach.FindingsSix categories describing nurses' experiences of learning were developed in order to define which components were determinative in facilitating or constraining home care in a multicultural environment. The findings show that home care demands high individual nursing skills and also offers many opportunities for further learning. The most important sources of learning were the challenges presented in the daily experience of encountering diversity of patients and families, by informal social interactions and exchange of knowledge with colleagues.Research limitations/implicationsThe strength of this study is that data are collected by two different methods with time for reflection in between. Limitations are that only female nurses participate in the study and from one team of nurses.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used by nurses to create an awareness of the opportunities that exist in everyday work. For managers, this study highlights learning and constraints that exist on the organisation level.Originality/valueThis article adds to existing research by describing the learning environment for home care nurses in relation to the theoretical framework that examines the factors which either facilitate or constrain learning at work.
Reflecting the experience of truth: issues of empathy in narrative inquiry
Authors: Çelik Servet 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to underscore the issues of empathy in narrative inquiry, particularly in cases where the researcher shares numerous characteristics in common with the research population. The author explores the use of narrative as a qualitative research tool, as well as a means for addressing the challenges of maintaining objectivity in circumstances where empathy and understanding may overpower the need for unbiased reporting.Design/methodology/approachThis narrative case study, which is based on the author's doctoral research, was designed according to a framework of critical theory, as the original intent of the project was to expose the challenges and injustices faced by Turkish study‐abroad scholarship recipients who are required to serve as university faculty members in the Turkish university system upon completion of their graduate degrees.FindingsThe researcher found that, in opposition to his belief that government‐sponsored scholars were able to contribute significantly to higher education, the strict hierarchy and bureaucratic nature of the Turkish university system prevented them from accomplishing their objectives.Originality/valueThis study is unique in that it is the only qualitative investigation which relates the personal narratives of Turkish faculty members who, at the same time they are charged with bringing innovation to a stagnating system, are deterred by that same system from achieving this aim. As such, it serves to advocate for this marginalized group and to call attention to the need for meaningful and comprehensive reform.
Working in partnership with family carers: the importance of learning from carers' experiences
Authors: Watkins Joy , Stanton Lorely , Saunders Barry , Lasocki Gillian , Chung Pat , Hibberd Penny 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss professionals working in partnership with family carers and the importance of learning from their experiences in designing and delivering support to themselves and people with dementia.Design/methodology/approachWorking in partnership with carers is a key goal of policy and practice. This paper demonstrates how this can work in practice.FindingsKey issues are synthesized, drawing on the stories of three carers who shared their stories as part of the original conference workshop on which the paper is based.Originality/valueLessons for professionals about the nature of the dementia caring journey and dimensions of good practice are highlighted.
Emerging determinants of firm performance
Authors: Ribeiro Serra Fernando , Portugal Ferreira Manuel 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study advance four factors – strategy pillars – that help explain firms' success: leader and top management team; strategic focus; trust in the future; and resources support.Design/methodology/approachThese factors were identified in five case studies of well‐known multinational corporations often referred to in the strategy literature and research.FindingsThe paper proposes the four pillars from a resource‐based view (RBV) as a departure point for the identification of strategic resources.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations derive from case study methodology, such as difficulty of generalization. The paper helps clarify how to look at the resources and how the strategy pillars may embody the four characteristics VRIN.Practical implicationsThe role of the chief executive officer entrepreneur as a core strategic pillar.Social implicationsTo deepen understanding of strategic leadership succession, namely to avoid firms' decline once the founding father retires.Originality/valueThe paper not only uses the RBV to help identify strategic resources and understand the major strategic pillars of competitive advantage, but it also contributes to the debate on where lies the source of competitive advantage.
HRM strength, situation strength and improvisation behavior
Authors: Rodrigues Ribeiro Tânia , Pinto Coelho Joaquim , Gomes Jorge F.S. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the connections between human resource (HR), situation strength and improvisation behavior. A high degree of “fit” among HR practices and between such practices and organizational strategy, is said to have an impact on organizational outcomes. How these fits are achieved is not fully understood in the literature. It has been proposed that horizontal fit is achieved when messages regarding HR matters are communicated to employees in a distinct, consensual, and consistent way. This will create a strong situation, which in turn will affect outcomes such as improvisation behavior. Situation strength is captured by the concepts of climate strength, and culture strength.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted at a call center of a company belonging to a Portuguese Telecommunications Group. In total, 91 questionnaires were collected. Scales in the questionnaire are based on existing indicators, but a new measure of HR strength (HRS) was also used. The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling.FindingsResults show that HRS has a direct effect on improvisation behavior. Furthermore, culture is a mediator between HRS and climate. There was also a strong indication that culture may be a mediator between HRS and improvisation behavior.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations concern the sample size and the fact that research was conducted in a call center. Implications for research include the need to introduce leadership into this type of studies, as well as model and scales validation.Originality/valueThe current research advances knowledge in the area in three ways. First, it presents a new instrument to measure HRS. Second, it introduces improvisation as an outcome of HR. And third, it tests a full model that links HR to social common structures (climate and culture) and performance outcomes (improvisation behavior in this work).
Family firms in Iberoamerican countries
Authors: Larraza‐Kintana Martin , Cruz Cristina , Belausteguigoitia Rius Imanol 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue on family firms in Iberoamerican countries. The special issue aims at enlarging our understanding of the uniqueness of family firms by providing new evidence from Iberoamerican countries about this widespread organizational type. The paper concludes by highlighting some areas in which the authors believe devoting more energy and resources, with new evidence from other samples, may be favourable to advancing the family business field.Design/methodology/approachThe authors revise relevant literature on the subject and integrate with the content of the papers published in the special issue.FindingsThe paper introduces the articles in the special issue, places them in the current academic debate and highlights areas for future research.Practical implicationsProvides a view of research on family firms in Iberoamerica, with indications of relevant potential areas for future research.Originality/valueThe paper introduces four new articles on family firms in Iberoamerican countries and suggests areas for future research.
The effect of thermal relaxation times on wave propagation of micropolar thermoelastic medium with voids due to various sources
Authors: Othman Mohamed I.A. , Lotfy Kh. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to formulate a model of the equations of a two‐dimensional problem with the deformation of micropolar generalized thermoelastic medium with voids under the influence of various sources in the context of the Lord‐Shulman, Green‐Lindsay theories, as well as the classical dynamical coupled theory.Design/methodology/approachThe normal mode analysis was used to obtain the exact expressions of the displacement components, force stress, coupled stress, change in volume fraction field and temperature distribution. Numerical results were given and illustrated graphically when the volume source was applied.FindingsThe presence of voids plays a significant role on all the physical quantities. The value of normal displacement and normal force stress increases while the temperature, tangential force stress and the couple stress increase and then decrease due to the presence of voids. The value of all the physical quantities converges to zero with increase in distance z.Originality/valueComparisons are made with the results predicted by the three theories in the presence and the absence of material constants due to voids.
Optimal orbital transfer with finite thrust based on Gauss pseudospectral method
Authors: Yafeng Zhang , Xingsuo He 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study a finite‐thrust orbital transfer optimization problem via a new optimal control method‐Gauss pseudospectral method.Design/methodology/approachBased on the dynamic equations with the pseudo‐equinoctial elements as state variable, optimality condition is derived and the optimization problem is converted into nonlinear programming problem. Gauss pseudospectral method is used to avoid the two‐point boundary value problem. The dynamic equations are converted into static parameter optimization problem. The state variables and control variables are selected as optimal parameters at all collocation nodes. Two numerical examples of orbital transfer with coplanar and different planes are analyzed, respectively.FindingsThe simulation results demonstrate that Gauss pseudospectral method is not sensitive to the initial conditions of orbital transfer. They also show good robustness and control facility.Originality/valueThe precision and efficiency of this trajectory optimization method are demonstrated by applying it to space vehicle orbital transfer with finite thrust optimization problem.
The mental health recovery star
Authors: Onifade Yetunde 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the origin, development and increasing application of the Recovery Star within the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe mental health Recovery Star is an holistic and personalised outcomes measurement and recovery‐focused key working tool and it was designed primarily for people of working age. The author describes its origin, development, and increasing application within the UK.FindingsThe paper finds that the Recovery Star has been instrumental in promoting social inclusion for many service users, their carers and families.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the Recovery Star as an innovative tool developed by Triangle Consulting and the Mental Health Providers Forum, one which has rapidly established itself as the recovery tool of choice for many service users and providers and fits in well with the personalisation agenda.
Sinthu Creation
Authors: Walsh John 
Published: November 2014

Subject area
Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability
Undergraduate level courses on entrepreneurialism and possibly on business ethics; MBA classes at the beginning of their course of study. The case is intended to provide a way to encourage students to consider what the life of an entrepreneur is like, what qualities are needed to survive and what sacrifices are possible.

Case overview
This case follows the evolution of an entrepreneurial venture run by a young woman in Thailand. She reinvents herself as a social entrepreneur but faces ongoing revenue generation problems according to her business model. The case explores the interaction between commercial and social entrepreneurialism in the context of a rapidly changing business environment in a developing, middle-income country.

Expected learning outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to consider the extent to which they are personally cut out for the entrepreneurial life. As a secondary objective, students will be encouraged to think about their attitudes towards lifelong learning and the need to adapt to changing circumstances through their working careers.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Uncertainties in business environment – political exigencies versus economic realities: the saga of Zimbabwe Iron & Steel Company (ZISCO)
Authors: Tripathi Gaurav , Durgamohan M. 
Published: November 2014

Subject area
The political and economic environment of business.

Study level/applicability
The case is suitable for students of MBA and equivalent courses; courses on the international business environment, international marketing and related subjects.

Case overview
The case focuses on cross border acquisitions in the sub-Saharan economy of Zimbabwe. It discusses Essar Steel's attempt to acquire a stake in Zimbabwe Iron & Steel Company (ZISCO) with long term goals. However, recent political developments have led to the situation hanging by a thread. The case attempts to provide an overview of the complex business environment in Zimbabwe.

Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to highlight the economic and political factors during the analysis of any country's business environment.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available; please contact your librarian for access.
Feeding the hungry surfers: www.justeat.in
Authors: Paul Rik , Purkayastha Debapratim 
Published: November 2014

Subject area
Services marketing.

Study level/applicability
This case can be taught effectively to MBA/MS students. The case provides students with an opportunity to closely examine various marketing activities and to understand how problems associated with intangible services can be dealt with by using effective integrated marketing communications.

Case overview
On March 1, 2011, JustEat, the world's largest and premium online food ordering and table reservation portal, acquired a 60 per cent stake in India's premium online food ordering and table reservation portal – Hungryzone. Following this, Hungryzone was rebranded as www.justeat.in. Ritesh Kumar Dwivedy Founder and CEO of Hungryzone and now the CEO of www.justeat.in, soon faced some challenges that cropped up as a result of this new development. Rebranding and the scalability of operations with the existing resources were the major causes of concern. To overcome these problems, www.justeat.in undertook several marketing initiatives and in the process implemented innovative ideas like JustConnect Terminal; introduction of the global JustEast mascots Belly and Brain to replace the existing mascot Aloo Patel of Hungryzone; and various innovative promotional activities to promote www.justeat.in. The case highlights the issues and challenges faced by the management. Finally some significant challenges yet to be resolved are posed. What should be done to deal with the problem of poaching of customers by partnering restaurants? How should www.justeat.in ensure that the partnering restaurants do not perceive it as their competitor in spite of the fact that registering with www.justeat.in helps increase their revenues by 10-15 perx cent? How should www.justeat.in convince popular restaurant chains to register with it keeping in mind the fact that they are already facing excess demand situations?

Expected learning outcomes
The case is designed to enable students to understand: the concepts associated with delivering services through electronic channels; communications and the services marketing triangle; key serxvice communication challenges; the integrated services marketing communication mix; strategies to match service promises with delivery; and the services branding model.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Growing pains: problems in the performance appraisal of China's state-owned enterprises transformed from governmental organizations
Authors: Gui Huang , Chunguang Fu , Jingli Chen , Minting Pan 
Published: November 2014

Study level/applicability
This case is suitable for undergraduates, MBA students and students from business administration departments in the teaching of human resources management and performance management.

Case overview
Luodian Electric Power Construction Corporation Group (LEPCC Group) is a state owned enterprise transformed from a construction unit of Luopu Power Supply Bureau (LPSB), a governmental organization in charge of all the electricity supply in Luopu City. The general manager of LEPCC, Gu Ming tried to set up a modern market-oriented management system for LEPCC. Unfortunately the problems that had accumulated in the past two decades during which LEPCC was a governmental organization made his reforms very difficult. The first headache for Gu Ming was the performance appraisal reform in LEPCC. The existing performance appraisal system seemed to have at least three problems in practice: unclear appraisal objectives, an improper assessment system, a different appraisal standard for similar positions. What should Gu Ming do to build a proper performance appraisal system to help the fast-growing LEPCC Group to make LEPCC a competitive market-oriented player?

Expected learning outcomes
The first objective of this case is to enable students to understand that the issues of working performance are issues of people first, rather than issues of the management system. If the management focuses on the system instead of on the staff of the company to design the performance management system, the system will be fruitless and inefficient. The second objective is to cultivate students' capability to apply the basic theories of human resource management and the knowledge of performance appraisal in case analysis and practical management. This case, seemingly about performance appraisal, is in fact about the organizational structure and processes of the organization. Reform should start with organizational analysis, job analysis and job descriptions. Only when all these have been done correctly, can the performance management system be designed more reasonably, scientifically and efficiently.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Should “Tbgo” be dropped from UCF's product portfolio?
Authors: Das Prafulla Kumar 
Published: November 2014

Subject area
Business administration, brand management, marketing management, international marketing, strategic marketing.

Study level/applicability
This case is suitable for MBA students with exposure to marketing strategy and basic marketing. It may also be useful for junior and middle level marketing professionals during their training programs. This case-study may find its application while teaching strategic marketing, marketing management, international marketing and pharmaceutical management.

Case overview
Unicare Formulations was a reputable pharmaceutical company in India. It started small and with the growth of the industry it could capture significant market share in it chosen segments. It introduced brands in small and niche areas with low innovation and where bigger companies showed little interest. It also infused new blood through outside talent. It brought newer brands to its brand portfolio. A relatively new but promising brand – Tbgo – was struggling. Its marketing head was confused whether to continue with the brand. He needs advice based on management principles.

Expected learning outcomes
After covering this case study, a student should be able to: use SWOT and environmental analyses to solve complex business problems; explain segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) and shall be able to use those for preparing marketing strategy; use 4Ps in different combinations in planning brand strategies; use Ansoff's model (product-market grid); use Porter's generic strategy to analyze brand performance and to take appropriate action for brand revival; and internalize the intricacies of brand-building and their impacts on the business performance of a firm.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.