bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate perceptions of the development of team-working skills
Authors: Jackson Denise , Sibson Ruth , Riebe Linda 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The ability to working effectively with others (WEWO) is critical yet industry continues to lament deficiencies in new graduates. Progress in developing this highly valued skill in undergraduates is impeded by a lack of conceptual clarity and evidence of how best to measure it, and a tendency to adopt an outcomes-focused, rather than process-oriented, approach. This paper aims to investigate undergraduate perceptions of how well a stand-alone employability skill development programme, operating in an Australian Business Faculty, is fostering the WEWO skill set and which pedagogical practices are considered to add most value.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study examines undergraduate perceptions using data gathered from a skills audit of 799 business undergraduates from all four sequential units within the skills programme. Undergraduates rated and described their development against an established framework of WEWO behaviours.

Findings
– Findings indicate that, overall, skill development is rated highly among the undergraduates although the behaviours of conflict resolution, social intelligence and influencing others were rated less highly than others within the skill set. The importance of class activities and assessment items, including the use of virtual learning tools were identified by students as critical to the development of WEWO behaviours.

Originality/value
– The study highlights the important role of constructive alignment, sequential skill development, consistency of delivery and ensuring student “buy-in” to education practitioners in their efforts to meet industry expectations of graduates who can WEWO.
Age, gender and work experience as predictors of success
Authors: M. Fournier Susan , M. Ineson Elizabeth 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the predictive value of age, gender and work experience in relation to hospitality management (HM) academic success, as measured by year one leadership programme (LP) achievement and cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The association between LP and CGPA success and internship performance is also evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach
– The sample comprised 349 international undergraduate HM students. Secondary data were compiled and analysed using SPSS. Eight hypotheses, developed from the literature were tested using χ2, t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate.

Findings
– Although age was not a predictor of success, males significantly outperformed females. Pre-programme work experience was not a predictor of LP performance but length of paid work experience and supervisory work experience were linked significantly to mean CGPA. LP achievement was positively associated with CGPA and with successful internship completion.

Research limitations/implications
– Although the student sample was international and spanned three cohorts, the data collection was limited to one institution.

Practical implications
– Pre-programme work experience, in particular supervisory experience, and the incorporation of management competency-linked LPs into first-year HM curricula are recommended.

Originality/value
– The paper contributes to the under-researched predictive value of age, gender and pre-programme work experience in relation to HM academic performance, in particular in an LP context. An additional innovative finding is the positive association between LP achievement and success in HM professional practice.
Future research agenda for FM in the Nordic countries in Europe
Authors: Anker Jensen Per , Dannemand Andersen Per , Rasmussen Birgitte 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to identify trends and challenges in relation to the FM profession in the Nordic countries of Europe and to identify inputs to a common Nordic research agenda.Design/methodology/approach– The study is based on theory from innovation systems and strategic foresight. First, a review of literature was carried out and an innovation systems model of the FM sector was developed. Second, four national workshops were held involving FM practitioners and researchers from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Third, the results of the workshops were presented and discussed at a Nordic FM conference in August 2011. Finally, an adapted Delphi survey was carried out as a final data collection and validation of the findings. This article has the main focus on the results of the Delphi survey.Findings– The results of the study show that the main issues vary considerably between the four countries, both with regards to megatrends in the strategic environments, the current trends and challenges and the future needs for new competences and knowledge. Despite the large national differences the study is able to identify joint interest across the four countries. Based on the study a common Nordic research agenda is proposed with two headlines: Valuation and professionalization of FM, and Resources and sustainability.Research limitations/implications– The study provides directions for future research with particular focus on the Nordic countries in Europe.Practical implications– The study identifies trends and challenges as well as need for new knowledge and competences for FM practice in each of the four Nordic countries.Originality/value– This is the first comprehensive foresight study aimed at developing a research agenda for FM across the Nordic countries.
Facilities management research in Finland – state-of-art about current Finnish PhD-projects
Authors: Nenonen Suvi , Sarasoja Anna-Liisa 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The goal of this paper is to present a description of ongoing PhD-projects as a part of facilities management (FM) research in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach
– The empirical evidence is collected from PhD-research projects, the facilities management research sector in Finland. The aim is to identify and analyze: drivers for the research; dominant research themes; theories; research methods.

Findings
– The Finnish research in facilities management began already in the beginning of 1990s at Helsinki University of Technology (nowadays Aalto-University). The research followed the embryonic phase of development of facilities management as a profession. At first the research was focusing on the facility services, e.g. problems related to outsourcing, contracting-out,co-operations. Nowadays, the research focus is wider and more scattered as a topic and methods wise.

Research limitations/implications
– The paper describes the situation only in one Finnish university in Finland excluding the research projects, which do not aim to doctoral degrees.

Practical implications
– The focus is on research, but the reflections to the development of the industry as well as to the affordance in the education can be made. The results offer material for the future research agenda and also for collaborative and comparative research initiatives.

Originality/value
– This paper provides important input to the European FM research by describing the current PhD research initiatives in Finland. The overview is useful in the discussion of topics for FM research, relevance and implications for practice, and the development of FM as an academic field.
The challenge in poverty alleviation: role of Islamic microfinance and social capital
Authors: Hassan Abul 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the growth of Islamic microfinance (bila sudi-qardh) scheme in Andaman Islands and to see how Islamic microfinance sector and social capital contribute to face the challenge in poverty alleviation.

Design/methodology/approach
– The researcher developed a questionnaire and conducted non-random survey with the samples of Islamic microfinance group members to examine the Islamic microfinance and cash awqaf effect for the development of the local common resources (LCRs) in general; and financial, physical capital as well as social and human capital effects of the group members in particular.

Findings
– This study found that collective action through Islamic microfinance groups actually helps to increase environmental awareness, economic betterment of the members and fruitful management of LCRs through Islamic microfinance.

Research limitations/implications
– The paper's findings are limited to the Islamic microfinance groups' management in Andaman Islands in India.

Originality/value
– The paper explores social, financial and physical capital effects such as environmental awareness, economic upliftment of the Islamic microfinance groups' members and potential for LCR management through united action of the groups.
9/11, foreign threats, political legitimacy, and democratic institutions
Authors: D. Wisman Jon 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The manipulation of fears generated by 9/11 resulted in restrictions of civil liberties. Although this danger to freedom has been descriptively addressed, its deeper causes and dynamics have not received extensive treatment. This article reassesses the political reaction to 9/11 in terms of economic theory and evolutionary biology. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– The explanatory framework is drawn from findings in the economics of war and the biological evolution of war-like behavior in the human species.Findings– The fact that war and its threat were ever-present in human evolution resulted in two social propensities that render society vulnerable to political manipulation. External threats dramatically heighten social cohesion as well as loyalty to leaders. In pre-state societies, all members could clearly witness and judge the nature of an external threat, and because leaders led responses, they were vulnerable to injury or death. In modern highly complex societies, by contrast, the nature of threats is less transparent, and leaders can command far from immediate danger. Consequently, in modern times, leaders can be tempted to generate, especially in times of economic dysfunction, fear of an external threat to rally support and detract attention from otherwise inadequate leadership.Originality/value– This article presents a deeper analysis, grounded in economics and evolutionary biology, of the manner in which political leaders can exaggerate the dangers of foreign threats to enhance their power at the cost of civil liberties.
Ethics and the economy
Authors: Trainer Frederick 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– An examination of the economy reveals it to be structured in ways that contradict generally accepted ethical values. This is primarily due to the narrowness of its principles, being focused on the maximisation of monetary costs and benefits and on the separation of the economic realm from the realm of ethics. Economics now exists as an independent realm in which some crucial values can be routinely disregarded. The problematic nature of the economy is most apparent when issues of global sustainability and justice are considered. It is argued that these problems are systemic; they are inevitably generated by the structures built into the current economic theory and practice and cannot be remedied without fundamental system replacement. A radically alternative economy is sketched, in which institutions and practices enable and reward more satisfactory values. Implications for the economics profession are considered, notably to do with the lack of concern with the problems evident within economics. It is suggested that “virtue ethics” best enables thinking about this field. This paper seeks to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper is a critical theoretical discussion of the ethical implications of the economy. Thus, there is little to say about “methodology” other than that several aspects of conventional economic theory and practice are considered, and in general rejected.

Findings
– The paper rejects conventional economic theory and practice and points to the need for a radically alternative model.

Originality/value
– The author is not aware of work making the main points this paper raises, i.e. to do with the important connections with “The Simpler Way” perspective on sustainability and economics.
Contextualizing phenomenology in event management research
Authors: Ziakas Vassilios , Boukas Nikolaos 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– Although the core phenomenon of events is the experiences and the meanings attached to them, there is limited management research on the experiential, existential and ontological dimensions of events. Phenomenology provides a sound philosophical framework for studying the multifaceted dimensions of experiences and associated meanings of events. However, quite surprisingly, phenomenology has not yet been systematically applied on the event management field. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to introduce phenomenology to the study of events, demonstrate its value for the field and encourage as well as guide its application on event management research.Design/methodology/approach– A review and synthesis of the main phenomenological streams of thought was undertaken in order to develop a research paradigm for the application of phenomenology on the event management field.Findings– The paper explains why phenomenology is needed in the study of events and their management, its conceptual underpinnings and streams of thought and finally suggests a research framework for conducting phenomenological studies in event management.Research limitations/implications– The consequences of the phenomenological perspective are delineated for explaining how the study of event meanings and experiences can be undertaken from this perspective. The limitations of phenomenology are noted such as the emphasis on “lifeworld” subjectivity and subsequent difficulty to claim the generalizability of research findings.Practical implications– The suggested research framework can guide future event management research on how to apply phenomenology to the study of event experiences and meanings. On this basis, practitioners can get insight regarding how to develop and design events that optimize the perceived experiences of attendees.Originality/value– While the experiential paradigm and the phenomenological turn have been spread across many disciplines emphasizing the essence of lived experiences in a variety of human interactions and exchanges, the event management field lags behind. This is unfortunate and has to be addressed as the experiences and meanings shape the essence of events. Therefore, this conceptual paper hopes to inspire, encourage and guide event management researchers to embrace and apply the phenomenological perspective on their future research endeavors, which can profitably complement and expand the predominant research paradigms in the field.
Three biomimetic flight control sensors
Authors: Chahl Javaan 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– Insects depend on the spatial, temporal and spectral distribution of light in the environment for navigation, collision avoidance and flight control. The principles of insect vision have been gradually revealed over the course of decades by biological scientists. The purpose of this paper is to report on bioinspired implementations and flight tests of these sensors and reflexes on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The devices are used for the stabilization of UAVs in attitude, heading and position. The implementations were developed to test the hypothesis that current understanding of insect optical flight control systems is feasible in real systems.Design/methodology/approach– Design was based on behavioral and anatomical studies of insects. The approach taken was to test the designs in flight on a UAV.Findings– The research showed that stabilization in attitude, heading and position is possible using the developed sensors.Practical implications– Partial alternatives to magnetic, inertial and GPS sensing have been demonstrated. Optical flow and polarization compassing are particularly relevant to flight in urban environments and in planetary exploration.Originality/value– For the first time the use of multispectral horizon sensing, polarization compassing and optical flow-based heading control have been demonstrated in flight.
Verification of a special inertial measurement unit using a Quadrotor aircraft
Authors: Flores-Abad Angel , Xie Pu , Martinez-Arredondo Gabriela , Ma Ou 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– Calibration and 6-DOF test of a unique inertial measurement unit (IMU) using a Quadrotor aircraft. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above issue.

Design/methodology/approach
– An IMU with the special capability of measuring the angular acceleration was developed and tested. A Quadrotor aircraft is used as 6-DOF test platform. Kinematics modeling of the Quadrotor was used in the determination of the Euler angles, while Dynamics modeling aided in the design the closed loop controller. For safety, the flight test was performed on a 6-DOF constrained reduced-gravity test stand.

Findings
– The developed IMU is suitable for measuring states and its time derivatives of mini UAVs. Not only that but also a simple control algorithm can be integrated in the same processing unit (a 32 microcontroller in this case).

Originality/value
– The tested IMU as well as the safety constrained test techniques are unique.
A relational perspective on public sector leadership and management
Authors: Clark Michael , Denham-Vaughan Sally , Chidiac Marie-Anne 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to discuss critical perspectives on what has become a dominant approach to public sector management and leadership in England and sets out a new conceptual perspective on leadership to improve this situation, namely a relational one.Design/methodology/approach– A review of key literature on the topics discussed.Findings– A new relational perspective on leadership and management is proposed, along with epistemological, ethical and practical considerations.Research limitations/implications– The paper proposes this new approach to leadership and management in the public sector, but no empirical findings are discussed.Practical implications– The perspective proposes that an explicit consideration of relationships and contextual factors should lie at the heart of leadership and management and all its practice.Originality/value– This is the first time that a relational perspective on public sector management and leadership has been explicated.
Leading the resettlement of adults with profound learning difficulties from hospital accommodation to supported housing in the community
Authors: Ellis Roger , Sylvia Hogard Elaine , Sines David 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical description of the leadership provided by an official identified as “P” in the resettlement of adults with profound learning difficulties from hospital care to supported housing in the community. His story, presented as a case study, is contextualised in the history of the resettlement and its policy context, and in the evaluation of the resettlement.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is a case study of the leadership activities and style of an individual based on evidence from a series of interviews; documentary evidence; and the results of a formal evaluation.

Findings
– The leadership was highly effective in achieving a resettlement which had to overcome numerous hurdles and which achieved externally evaluated outcomes in improving the quality of life of the service users concerned.

Research limitations/implications
– This is a case study of an individual with the attendant difficulties of scientific generalisation. The achievements of the individual in terms of outcomes were evaluated through the use of valid and reliable measures.

Practical implications
– The descriptions of leadership behaviour and style and the obstacle overcome should be illuminating to those facing comparable management challenges.

Originality/value
– This would be the only case study in the literature of leadership in this area. The evaluation which measures its success is also unique.
Public sector leadership development in Bangladesh: present state and future prospect
Authors: Mohabbat Khan Mohammad , Shahriar Islam Md. 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The story of the Bangladesh public sector is not a happy one as it has often failed to uphold efficiency and equality in delivering services to the people. Hence leadership has a critical role to play to ensure equality, effectiveness and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the present condition and future prospect of leadership development in the Bangladesh public sector by focusing on the efforts initiated both by the government of Bangladesh and international organizations during the last ten years.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper has reviewed available literatures on theories of public sector leadership development and its application in Bangladesh to identify the state and future prospect of public sector leadership development utilizing available theories.

Findings
– The analysis shows that partisan politics, dominance of generalists, absence of long-range feedback and monitoring systems and lack of efficient and knowledgeable trainers are the major impediments to public sector leadership development. International organizations provide proposals, frameworks, technical assistance along with funds to develop the public sector leaders but in implementing the schemes they have a very limited role in the implementation process.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper does not offer much empirical evidence on public sector leadership development in Bangladesh, but creates the platform for further research on public sector training and leadership development with empirical data. Significant variables can be drawn out of this piece of work to design future research on this very important issue.

Originality/value
– This paper will help the interested individuals involved in the public sector leadership development in Bangladesh to understand the divergence between the efforts put in by the government and international agencies in developing public sector leadership.
Assessing the social relevance of school transport in Flanders (Belgium)
Authors: van Lier Tom , De Witte Astrid , Mairesse Olivier , Hollevoet Joachim , Kavadias Dimokritos , Macharis Cathy 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the social relevance of school transport in Flanders, Belgium, by using a social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA).Design/methodology/approach– The use of a SCBA already showed to be an appropriate tool for the appraisal of transport projects as it generates a large amount of information on the investment and its return for society.Findings– This paper clearly shows that organizing school transport is socially relevant, using a SCBA as a tool for evaluation. The analysis also provides insight in potential ways for improving school transport organization and financing and allows assessing whether further gains for society are possible. It reveals that the budget granted for the obligatory organization of school transport is not sufficient and that schools are generally forced to use part of their educational budget to be able to organize the (socially relevant) school transport.Practical implications– Findings from this study can assist schools and organizers of school transport in improving their organization. It demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of the investment.Originality/value– Not many socio-economic evaluations of school transport have been done in literature. This study supports the use of SCBA within this context, further developing its use to answer similar research questions.