bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contingent workers: needs, personality characteristics, and work motivation
Authors: Vaiman Vlad , Lemmergaard Jeanette , Azevedo Ana 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to challenge the claim that traditional and non‐traditional employees differ significantly in terms of their needs, personality characteristics, and work motivation patterns, by surveying management consultants in Canada.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a quantitative online survey undertaken among 204 Canadian management consultants in 2008, representing both traditional employed consultants, contingent consultants, and company representatives.FindingsThe study demonstrated no significant differences with regard to needs, motivation, and personality characteristics between traditional and non‐traditional employed management consultants, which means that no significant changes to existing human resource management policies seem to be needed.Originality/valueThe existing literature on contingent employees' needs, personality characteristics and work motivation has mainly been devoted to the study of differences between traditional and non‐traditional work arrangements seen as single groups. This study extends and complements the understanding of the underlying dimensions of both the explicit and the implicit contract within the contingent management consultant‐organization relationship in order to explain the influence of these dimensions on the human resource management strategies. The underlying assumption is that non‐traditional work arrangements vary according to the type of job and the context in which the job is performed.
An integrated hierarchical production and maintenance‐planning model
Authors: Sitompul Carles , Aghezzaf El‐Houssaine 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose and formulate an integrated hierarchical production, and maintenance‐planning model.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model is formulated mathematically and tested for some hypothetical cases. A two‐level planning is proposed to address the hierarchical planning problem, i.e. aggregate planning and detailed planning. A preventive maintenance planning is integrated into the aggregate planning, while machine breakdowns, which require corrective maintenance actions, are investigated in the detailed planning. The proposed general preventive maintenance model is tested against cyclical preventive maintenance models for some cases, and for evaluating the performance of the models, in terms of costs, and service levels.FindingsThe proposed general preventive maintenance model gives a better solution in terms of cost than the cyclical maintenance model (i.e. 6 per cent less costly), if the maintenance planning is executed separately from the production planning. In terms of service level, however, both models perform equally well with average service levels equal to 97.6 per cent. The effect of tight capacity, long maintenance duration, and small machine parameters similarly tightens the capacity. In these cases, it is shown that a stable level of capacity is more beneficial to achieve a better service level, which is gained if the preventive maintenance actions are carried out monthly.Practical implicationsAt the aggregate level, the proposed preventive maintenance model considers a non‐cyclical planning, which means that the preventive maintenance periods do not necessarily fall at equally distant times. The inventory movement constraints at the aggregate level decouple machines to operate independently; hence the detailed level problem can be solved separately for each machine. In a rolling horizon approach, only the first period of the aggregate plan is implemented and disaggregated into the production of items at the detailed level.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an integrated model of hierarchical production and maintenance planning. A general preventive maintenance is integrated into the aggregate planning, while machine breakdowns are investigated in the detailed planning. To the best of one's knowledge, such a hierarchical view of production planning and maintenance has not been addressed adequately.
Identifying knowledge boundaries: the case of networked projects
Authors: Swart Juani , Harvey Philippa 
Published: August 2011

PurposeIn an interconnected world, projects span boundaries bringing together multiple organizations that enable cross‐boundary teams to contribute their collective knowledge assets. Herein lies the theoretical and managerial challenge; to date no‐one has identified the “knowledge boundaries” of projects. This means knowledge resources may be duplicated or ineffectively managed, impacting on project and organizational success. This paper seeks to demonstrate how “knowledge boundaries” can be identified and to illustrate how knowledge can be more effectively and efficiently used by cross‐boundary projects.Design/methodology/approachThe research question: “How can the knowledge boundaries of networked projects be identified?” was addressed through a set of case studies spanning the Ministry of Defence (MOD)/Defence‐Industry boundary. Individual and shared knowledge assets, and the interrelationships between them, were identified via parallel coding of interview data and the analysis of the survey results. The knowledge boundary of the networked project was therefore determined and its interconnections and managerial implications unraveled.FindingsKnowledge boundaries, as opposed to project or organizational boundaries, define the self‐sustaining knowledge core required by a project to access and use all the complementary and interconnecting knowledge it needs. Project knowledge is a linked, interdependent typology that spans boundaries; it must either be managed across boundaries, or all the organizations involved must invest over the odds to maintain it. Project team members need differently shaped knowledge but with enough overlap to communicate effectively thus linking knowledge together.Originality/valueThe paper introduces the “knowledge boundary” concept to define the self‐sustaining knowledge core a project requires to access, and use, all the knowledge it needs. Projects that understand their knowledge boundaries can use knowledge far more efficiently and effectively than those that do not.
How can we increase Spanish technology firms' performance?
Authors: Martín‐Rojas Rodrigo , García‐Morales Víctor J. , Mihi‐Ramírez Antonio 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of different technological aspects of organizations for Spanish firms' performance through organizational learning and corporate entrepreneurship (where organizational innovation is essential).Design/methodology/approachThe relationships studied are confirmed empirically using a structural equation model to demonstrate the hypotheses. The sample was selected from the database Dun & Bradstreet España for 2003, obtaining 201 Spanish firms. CEOs were the main informants.FindingsThe results show that the support adopted by top managers will directly influence the organizational learning process, technological distinctive competencies and corporate entrepreneurship. Technological distinctive competencies are also supported by organizational slack resources, technological skills and a technological infrastructure. Finally, corporate entrepreneurship influences organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is exploratory in character, and its goal is to show whether interrelations exist between the variables. The main limitations are: the sectors chosen refer only to Spain; the analysis performed is cross‐sectional; and a single method and self‐reports are used.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that to obtain perfect adaptation of the firm to its environment, it is crucial that managers develop corporate entrepreneurship, especially innovation, to improve high‐technology sector firms' performance.Originality/valueThe paper seeks to stimulate new lines of research regarding technological distinctive competencies, organizational learning and corporate entrepreneurship and to relate them to other constructs, observing their repercussions for the firm.
Linking properties of knowledge with innovation performance: the moderate role of absorptive capacity
Authors: Wang Changfeng , Han Yan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to unravel the complex linkages between properties of knowledge, firm's absorptive capacities, and innovation performance in China small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilize moderated multiple regression (MMR) to explore the complex relationships by using the empirical data of Chinese information technology and electro‐communication firms during 2005‐2008.FindingsThe results show that only a few knowledge properties have negative effects on innovation performance. Most knowledge properties have a positive effect on innovation. The results also claim that the relationship between properties of knowledge and innovation performance is more pronounced when the firm has higher absorptive capacity.Originality/valueThe study indicates that properties of knowledge and absorptive capacity are two inseparable determinants for innovation performance, and absorptive capacity moderates the relationship between properties of knowledge and innovation performance.
Formation mechanism of knowledge rigidity in firms
Authors: Zhou Zhong , Chen Zhigao 
Published: August 2011

PurposeBased on definition and characteristic analysis, this paper seeks to propose a formation mechanism of knowledge rigidity, which is constituted by the effects of three precipitating factors: time‐effectiveness of knowledge, reinforcing effectiveness, and sunk cost effect in knowledge selection mechanism.Design/methodology/approachBy presenting knowledge time‐effectiveness model, reinforcing effectiveness model, and knowledge selection mechanism, the paper theoretically analyzes firms' rigid behavior of knowledge application. Theories of increasing returns and sunk cost are introduced to explain the formation process of knowledge rigidity in firms. Two cases are presented to analyze the knowledge rigidity in industrial firms basing on the proposed models and mechanism.FindingsFirst, the lifecycle of knowledge rigidity is dynamically defined by knowledge time‐effectiveness. Second, the degree of rigidity and firm's dependence on specific knowledge are enhanced by reinforcing effectiveness during the process of application. At the end of the life cycle, the sunk cost mainly hinders a firm's decision making to replace ineffective knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsQuantitative research is needed to further explore the formation mechanism of knowledge rigidity and to present operational approaches for practitioners. The proposed models and mechanism are useful for understanding the knowledge rigidity and analyzing its formation mechanism in firms.Practical implicationsThis paper provides theoretical support to realize knowledge rigidity in KM practice. Three indicators were proposed to evaluate the rigidity and action suggestions were given to help control knowledge rigidity in firms.Originality/valueCausal analysis models and a formation mechanism are proposed to show how knowledge rigidity forms.
Organizational memory and empowerment
Authors: Dunham Annette H. , Burt Christopher D.B. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to test a model of the relationship between organizational memory and empowerment. The model posited that organizational memory would be related to requests to share knowledge, psychological empowerment in the workplace (meaning, competence, self‐determination and impact), and organization‐based self‐esteem.Design/methodology/approachThe model was tested with 134 employees representing six companies using hierarchical regression analysis.FindingsSignificant relationships were found between organizational memory and requests to share knowledge, empowerment, and organization‐based self‐esteem. Findings indicated that a positive stereotype may exist towards older workers and the frequency they are requested to share knowledge, and that a halo‐type effect may operate, where knowledge of an organization's history is generalized to other knowledge domains.Research limitations/implicationsCausal implications cannot be made as this was correlational research. Some of the research measures while achieving acceptable to good reliability were in an early development stage. The study utilized a convenience sample that may limit how the results can be generalized.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates that organizations can emphasize positive outcomes for those who are knowledge repositories and mentors. It is also important to consider possible “positive stereotypes” which may be operating when organizational members evaluate older workers as knowledge repositories and mentors.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the assumptions in the human resources literature concerning the role of older workers as repositories of organizational memory and suitable mentors. The study introduces the “requests to share knowledge scale”.
Public health and social housing: a natural alliance
Authors: Johnson Robin 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to comment on current evolving UK policy in public health and social housing; and especially to outline “blind spots” in conventional health research approaches that have tended to obscure the evidence and potential in collaborative working.Design/methodology/approachThe paper summarises policy developments, in the light of recent relevant research. Mental health is used as an example.FindingsPublic health policy in the UK is new and rapidly developing; but the evidence base remains scattered across different disciplines and their various disparate communication channels. Any new public health strategy focussed on health inequalities needs to recognise the role that social housing already plays in supporting concentrations of the more vulnerable. Better recognition of the everyday social and especially mental health problems that social housing staff deal with illustrates the central role of housing management as the defining factor in social housing, and the potential for partnerships with public health.Originality/valueThis paper offers a contemporary overview and comment; but it also introduces to the readership recent research findings that shed new light upon the potential in closer alignment of public health and social housing management practice.
Depaul International
Authors: McGreevy Mark , Slade Rachel 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to take a look at the growth and development of Depaul International, the parent company of a group of charities that work to tackle homelessness around the world, as an international homelessness charity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the approach of Depaul International and the key role that community networks and local start‐ups have to bear on the company's expansion into becoming a global organisation.FindingsThis paper shows how the ability to work within a broad network of governments and an international community with grass roots impact has been vital to Depaul International's expansion.Originality/valueHomelessness is an issue that affects people across the world in a variety of ways and it means different things in different cultures. This paper demonstrates Depaul International's response to this issue: not to offer a top down response, but to help local people set up their own independent charities that are governed locally but have the guidance and expertise of the Depaul group, so that together a global response can be offered to homelessness.
Different models of health and social care in Devon – observations and implications for commissioners and providers
Authors: Pearson Virginia , Chant Simon 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe organisation of health and social care in Devon including Torbay and Plymouth has developed over the last few years into different organisational structures. This paper aims to compare these different models.Design/methodology/approachRoutine information and audit data were analysed to explore what was known about the different organisational models in health and social care in Devon.FindingsThere is evidence from these data that more highly integrated models of care have demonstrable benefits for users and for local health and social care economies.Research limitations/implicationsThe local organisational models are complex and it is not known whether they are transferable to other settings. The data used in the study are routine data, and therefore, may include confounding factors; the local audit data may be subject to observer error. More research is recommended in this area.Practical implicationsAs health and social care services move towards greater integration and the health care market creates different combinations of provider integration, this paper discusses what routine data can tell us about these models of care and what the implications are for both commissioners and providers of health and social care in the future.Originality/valueBenefits of health and social care integration are often described by case study and this review using quantitative data adds to the evidence base supporting integration as a way forward.
Methodological issues in the measurement of multinationality of US firms
Authors: Rugman Alan M. , Hoon Oh Chang 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a critical discussion of the scope and correct scale metrics used in the measurement of multinationality.Design/methodology/approachThere are two ways of measuring the degree of multinationality (sometimes called the international diversification) of firms. The literature is reviewed using both types of metric, and then both are applied to tests of the regional nature of international business.FindingsIt is found that the correct method is to use a scale metric which captures the degree of multinationality, such as the ratio of foreign to total sales. This paper provides empirical evidence that the scope metric, which counts the number of countries in which a firm has a foreign subsidiary, is unsatisfactory.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new scale metric of the intra‐regional activities of large US firms.
The home‐region orientation of Spanish exporting firms
Authors: Almodóvar Paloma 
Published: August 2011

PurposeBuilding on the recent literature on regionalization, the purpose of this paper is to explore the home‐region orientation of Spanish new multinationals in the manufacturing sector and investigate the impact of the liability of foreignness (LOF) on Spanish firms.Design/methodology/approachThe source of the empirical work is the Survey on Business Strategies from 2000 to 2008. The sample is fully representative of exporting Spanish manufacturing firms and collects more than 1,000 firms per year on average. The study defines and calculates the regionalization and multinationality ratios of home‐region oriented firms. Three moderating factors that affect the international behaviour of Spanish firms are introduced and analysed – the degree of foreign ownership, the level of advertising intensity and the level of research intensity.FindingsThe results demonstrate a strong home‐region orientation for Spanish exporting firms in manufacturing and that the three moderating factors are critical to their regional orientation and degree of multinationality. Furthermore, the results are linked to the LOF.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light on the regionalization topic, so far unexplored in the Spanish context. The original triad defined by Rugman is modified by dividing the world into three groups – the European Union, Latin America and the rest of the world – in order to fit Spanish interests. This paper contributes to understanding how firm specific advantages affect firms' behaviour and how they are related to the LOF.
“I, Robot”: has the modern workplace lost its soul?
Authors: Gilbert Peter 
Published: August 2011

PurposeIn the context of the current financial crisis, this paper aims to examine values and spirituality in the modern workplace.Design/methodology/approachUsing contemporary examples and examining recent literature on spirituality and loneliness, the paper considers the concept of loneliness and argues that this may stem from an over‐preoccupation with the workplace and employment‐based achievement, at the expense of having rounded lives as human beings.FindingsIt is demonstrated that, over the last decade at least, the levels of stress in life and work have risen noticeably. In this context, leaders need even more to be forgers of a sense of meaning and purpose in the workplace and engage the hearts and minds of staff towards improved outcomes.Originality/valueThe current financial crisis is also a major spiritual crisis. Now there seems to be a growing gap between leaders and the led, and an increase in what the author terms “soul‐less leadership”, which fails to engage and motivate and inspire. The author calls on leaders in this crisis of capitalism to work and engage with staff in health and social care, so that those serving at the frontline feel‐valued and supported, developed and engaged in a common purpose.
The Belief in Change Programme: leading offenders to a better life
Authors: Bird Liz 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore recent approaches to reducing reoffending and to describe a new intervention, The Belief in Change Programme, which proposes an holistic approach to working with offenders.Design/methodology/approachSome background on the recent UK government policies and research on reducing offending is given. The Belief in Change Programme is explored in this context.FindingsThe Belief in Change Programme highlights the importance of changing the offender's view of life, cognitive skills, access to resources and the perspective of communities to which they return. It encourages offenders to take responsibility to create a vision for the future and be leaders in their own journey of change; but, it also calls on communities to inspire, support and participate in this process.Originality/valueLeadership is an important dimension of The Belief in Change Programme as some of the methods mirror those used in organisational development. Offenders can also be important leaders of each other by inspiring through role modeling, directing, coaching and mentoring those in earlier stages of the change journey. To ensure the reintegration and successful change of offenders, the wider community would benefit from inspirational leadership to create a revised vision for the rehabilitation and the vital part in which we all play.
Leadership reflection: leading myself to lead others
Authors: Anderson Ellen 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide the viewpoint of a visually impaired student social worker.Design/methodology/approachThe author provides some reflections on leadership.FindingsBlind from birth, the author was educated at a Residential School for the Blind in Worcestershire and currently resides in North Staffordshire with her husband and six children. Following the birth of her sixth child, Ellen embarked on her ambition to pursue a career in Social Work enrolling at Staffordshire University in 2008.Originality/valueThe author provides a unique viewpoint and both personal and professional reflections on the act of leadership.