bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HR directors in UK boardrooms
Authors: Caldwell Raymond 
Published: November 2010

PurposeA place in the boardroom is often considered a necessary if not sufficient condition for HR directors to exercise strategic influence on business decision‐making. The purpose of the paper is to explore the perceived importance of HR boardroom representation, both in a formal and symbolic sense, and to what extent HR directors can exercise strategic influence without it?Design/methodology/approachEvidence is explored from a survey of 1,188 UK HR practitioners, including 255 board members, and a series of follow‐up interviews with 16 HR directors.FindingsAnalysis of the survey findings suggests that boardroom versus non‐boardroom representation of HR appears to matter in four key areas: board members believe they have greater involvement and influence in business planning processes; they have more positive perceptions of the overall performance of HR; they give higher ratings of CEO perceptions of the HR function; and they believe they achieve greater integration of HR strategy with business strategy.Research limitations/implicationsWhile there are increasingly other formal mechanisms and forums (e.g. executive committees, personal networks) outside the boardroom for HR directors to exercise their influence, it appears that the “symbolic capital” of boardroom recognition and esteem still retains enormous significance and rhetorical appeal for the HR profession.Originality/valueThe paper seeks to reframe the debates on the relative importance of HR boardroom versus executive committee representation as forums of strategic influence, by focusing on the continued symbolic significance of boardroom representation. It is concluded that a reworking of Bourdieu's concept of “symbolic capital” (i.e. professional esteem, recognition, status, or respect) as board capital may be useful in reframing future research on HR boardroom representation.
Knowledge management and innovativeness
Authors: Chen Chung‐Jen , Huang Jing‐Wen , Hsiao Yung‐Chang 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of organizational climate and structure on knowledge management and firm innovativeness from the social capital and social network perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study employed a questionnaire approach. The sample for this study was drawn from the population of the top 5,000 Taiwanese firms listed in the yearbook published by the China Credit Information Service Incorporation. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 146 Taiwanese firms.FindingsThe findings suggest that knowledge management is positively related to firm innovativeness. In addition, the effect of knowledge management on innovativeness is positively moderated by supportive climate and decentralized, integrated, and less formalized structure. The study also examines the effects of organizational climate and structure on knowledge management and the results indicate that innovative and supportive climate are positively related to knowledge management. When the organizational structure is less formalized, more decentralized and integrated, knowledge management is more enhanced.Practical implicationsFirms need to be aware of the critical role of organizational structure and climate in the transition process of knowledge management to innovative products or services.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by investigating the relationships among organizational contexts of climate and structure, knowledge management, and firm innovativeness from the social capital and social network perspectives.
An exploratory research on the factors stimulating corporate entrepreneurship in the Greek public sector
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A. , Moustakis Vassilis S. 
Published: November 2010

PurposePractice demonstrates and research validates that entrepreneurship is moving from the individual to the organization and from the private sector to the social and not‐for‐profit sectors. The present study endeavors to complement the emerging public entrepreneurship literature by aiming to identify which of those factors that stimulate corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector are preferred by entrepreneurial civil servants.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was completed by a random sample (n=247) of public servants across 15 Greek prefectures. Results are based on Bayesian factor analysis, conjoint analysis and cluster analysis.FindingsResults provide preliminary evidence about entrepreneurial civil servants' preferences and make available a well‐documented framework for addressing corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe reported research relied on self‐reporting. In addition, because the sample consisted entirely of public servants across Greek prefectures, findings may not be applicable to other public sector contexts (such as hospitals) and other countries. Data are cross‐sectional and alternative relationships may exist. Future research should be multinational and longitudinal to test the assumptions of the present study.Practical implicationsThe results of the study are useful both to academics and policy makers interested in formulating a strategy that fosters corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector.Originality/valueDuring the last 15 years, considerable effort has been devoted to developing more effective, more efficient, and more flexible public organizations. Using qualitative methods, the results of the present exploratory research identify which factors that foster corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector are preferred by entrepreneurial public servants.
Escaping low pay: do male labour market entrants stand a chance?
Authors: Pavlopoulos Dimitris , Fouarge Didier 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and the human‐capital determinants of low‐wage mobility for labour market entrants in the UK and Germany.Design/methodology/approachUsing panel data for the UK (BHPS) and Germany (GSOEP), a competing‐risks duration model is applied that allows the study of transitions from low pay to competing destination states: higher pay, self‐employment, unemployment and inactivity. Unobserved heterogeneity is tackled by a non‐parametric mass‐point approach.FindingsIt is found that low pay is only a temporary state for most young job starters. However, there is a small group of job starters that is caught in a trap of low pay, unemployment or inactivity. In the UK, job starters escape from low pay mainly by developing firm‐specific skills. In Germany, involvement in formal vocational training and the attainment of apprenticeship qualifications account for low pay exits.Originality/valueOver the past decades, unemployment and low‐wage employment have emerged as major challenges facing young labour market entrants. While most empirical studies focus exclusively on the transition from low pay to high pay, the paper shows that a significant percentage of young entrants are caught in a low‐pay‐non‐employment trap. Moreover, it is shown that, depending on the institutional context, different types of human capital investments can account for a successful low‐pay exit.
Paradigms of choice in manufacturing strategy
Authors: da Silveira Giovani J.C. , Sousa Rui S. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe paper sets out to test relationships between performance improvements and the three classical manufacturing strategy paradigms of fit, best practices, and capabilities defined by Voss.Design/methodology/approachRegression analyses are carried out on an international sample of 697 manufacturers of fabricated metal products, machinery, and equipment.FindingsThe results indicate that capability learning and best practices are positively related to performance improvements in quality, flexibility, and dependability, whereas internal fit appears to be negatively related to flexibility improvements.Research limitations/implicationsThe study reinforces the need for research to explore the nature and role of the three paradigms jointly rather than in isolation. In particular, more research is needed to assess the merits of maintaining fit between operations structure and processes.Practical implicationsImproving performance in areas such as quality, flexibility, and delivery can be achieved through building capabilities and/or adopting best practices, but not apparently by maintaining internal fit between operations structure and processes.Originality/valueThe study validates two of the three classical paradigms of manufacturing strategy and makes the case for research to further specify and test the merits of maintaining internal fit between operations structure and processes.
Measuring internal service quality: comparing the gap‐based and perceptions‐only approaches
Authors: Brandon‐Jones Alistair , Silvestro Rhian 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to build upon the debate in the service quality literature regarding both the theoretical and practical effectiveness of expectations data in the measurement of internal service quality (ISQ). Gap‐based and perceptions‐only approaches to measuring ISQ are tested and their respective benefits and limitations evaluated.Design/methodology/approachThe internal service context used in this study is the provision of e‐procurement software, training, and user support in four organisations. The two approaches are evaluated in terms of reliability and validity, as well as pragmatic aspects of survey administration.FindingsThe various tests carried out indicate that both the gap‐measure and perceptions‐only measure are reliable and valid, the latter being the marginally higher performer. Both approaches were found to have benefits and limitations, and so the empirical study, combined with contributions from the literature, generates some understanding of the internal service context in which the two approaches might be appropriate.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was based on an internal e‐procurement service; as such, the variables and dimensions selected to measure ISQ in this context inevitably limit the scope of the research.Practical implicationsFor operations managers, the paper clarifies the basis on which they might choose between the two approaches to ISQ measurement.Originality/valueThis study is the first to directly test and compare the relative merits of these two approaches to ISQ measurement. The paper also offers insights as to the operational contexts in which each approach might be appropriate.
Web site accessibility evaluation methods in action
Authors: Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Navidi Fatemeh 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to provide knowledge about methods used to evaluate the accessibility of Iranian web sites through a real research environment.Design/methodology/approachThe main theoretical base of this article is that almost all research conducted to evaluate the accessibility of web sites has used only one of three methods (namely manual, automatic and users' experiences). However, it seems that using a combination of these three methods is actually necessary. Consequently, taking a critical approach this article examines 18 Iranian ministerial web sites using the three methods.FindingsFindings in both documents and evaluative studies show that each of the methods has deficits and it is necessary to employ a combination of the methods in order to conduct a reliable accessibility assessment. The different rankings of ministerial web sites in various evaluations have confirmed this view.Originality/valueIdentifying the advantages and disadvantages of the three methods and employing them in real research environments to assess the accessibility of ministerial web sites has been a useful exercise. The work can not only be a starting point for further discussions on the reliability of accessibility evaluation methods, but can also be applied to other types of web site.
Dissemination motives and effects of internet book reviews
Authors: Kuei Huang Yun , Yang Wen I. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the motives of consumers in the dissemination of book reviews on the internet. It aims to present an exploratory investigation followed by an empirical study that seeks to analyze the effects of such motives on the communication behavior of consumers.Design/methodology/approachA study was conducted of both traditional and online focus groups to investigate from a broad perspective why consumers disseminate internet book reviews. A survey was also carried out of the disseminators of internet book reviews which aimed to assess the influence and importance of the motives on dissemination behavior.FindingsThe pluralistic approach to research methods adopted in this study reveals that a desire for sharing, venting negative feelings, and social interaction, as well as product involvement are the main motives why consumers disseminate internet book reviews. At the same time, except for venting negative feelings, all the motives generate positive influences on dissemination behaviors.Practical implicationsThe findings can serve as a reference in the management and marketing strategies of book reviews for internet platform owners (e.g. internet bookstores or other shops) that provide book reviews. It is also envisioned that internet book reviews can recommend good books or promote the borrowing of books from libraries, and it is hoped that this study will serve as a reference for such promotion.Originality/valueThe broad applications of electronic word‐of‐mouth (eWOM) and their relevant benefits have been generally recognized by individuals and companies. This paper explores the motives and effects of word‐of‐mouth associated with book reviews online and makes relevant recommendations for management.
Scientific information transfer: a conceptual model for scientific communication in IranDoc
Authors: Khosrowjerdi Mahmood , Alidousti Sirous 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design a conceptual model for the scholarly communication system in the Iranian Research Institute for Scientific Information and Documentation (IranDoc).Design/methodology/approachSome models have been developed to describe the scholarly communication process in different contexts but few considered this process from the organizational point of view. In the model, the organizational structure of scientific communication in IranDoc was considered. This model has four levels:, e.g. person‐to‐persons (P2P) scientific communication, person‐to‐organizations (P2O) scientific communication, organization‐to‐organizations (O2O) scientific communication, and organization‐to‐persons (O2P) scientific communication.FindingsA conceptual model for scholarly communication within IranDoc is designed. Scientific and research institutions can establish their scholarly communication system by customizing the model.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is fairly conceptual and does not refer to technological aspects of the system. The implementation implications of the model are also not considered, so it could not be used directly in action. As it has been developed specifically for IranDoc, it may need some revisions to be used in other contexts.Originality/valueCompared to the earlier models, the main differences and innovations in the model are: its organizational structure; detailed functions of the organizational scholarly‐communication; researcher based approach of the model; and different and new levels of the model analysis. This model can be applied in research institutions and generalized to those institutions in which information plays an important role.
Recommendation sources on the intention to use e‐books in academic digital libraries
Authors: Lin Chiun‐Sin , Tzeng Gwo‐Hshiung , Chin Yang‐Chieh , Chang Chiao‐Chen 
Published: November 2010

PurposeFew library studies have investigated recommendation classifications for e‐book (electronic book) usage, while none have directly compared what recommendation sources (word‐of‐mouth, advertising, and expert recommendation) might influence e‐book usage intentions. To fill this gap in the literature, the main purposes of this study are to: examine how users perceive the influence of recommendations on the intention to use e‐books for academic purposes; and to measure the level of the perception of trust and perceived risk when users receive e‐book recommendations from peers, advertisers, and experts.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were collected from 382 academic digital library users between the ages of 18 and 25. A multiple regression analysis was then conducted to identify the key causal relationships.FindingsThe comparison of three recommendation sources (word‐of‐mouth, advertising, and expert recommendations) revealed that word‐of‐mouth (WOM) played a more important role than other recommendations in determining the intention to use e‐books in an academic digital library. In addition, enhancing the perceived trust and reducing the risk towards the use of e‐books can mediate the relationship between recommendation sources and the behavioural intentions to use e‐books.Research limitations/implicationsThis study assessed self‐reported behavioural intention as part of its survey and, as a result, could have introduced unintentional inaccuracies.Practical implicationsLibrarians should emphasise e‐book advantages (e.g. easy searching, easily accessible index) to get positive recommendation if users follow all of the recommendations of the source. They can also create online discussion forums to provide usage intention discussions, which can influence users' perceptions of trust and risk and increase the willingness of potential users to read e‐books.Originality/valueLittle has been written on the intentions of using e‐books. Therefore, this conceptual model is novel. This model is also useful in explaining how recommendations stimulate the intentions of using e‐books by enhancing the perceived trust and reducing the perceived risk; these findings may generally be applicable to librarians, current users, and potential users.
Integrated systems applications in Kuwait academic libraries
Authors: ur Rehman Sajjad , Al‐Huraiti Reham 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the integrated systems applications in Kuwaiti academic libraries with a particular emphasis on their profiles, procurement, implementation, management and service aspects.Design/methodology/approachThe survey method was employed for the study. Procedures used were as follows: identification of Kuwaiti academic libraries; preparation and testing of survey instrument; physical visits and administration of the instruments; interpreting the instruments and having them filled out in one‐to‐one encounters; analysis of data; and write‐up and reporting.FindingsThree of the six Kuwaiti higher education institutions were established during the last decade. Five of the six academic libraries are using an integrated system. Cataloging applications are almost complete in all the surveyed libraries. The circulation module has not been in use in the largest university library. Serials management is not optimally utilized in the surveyed libraries. The library managers are mostly satisfied with hardware/software, vendor support, physical facilities, and funding opportunities. There are opportunities for networking, system‐integration, and full utilization of management reporting aspects of these systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe study does not assess the technical aspects of automated systems. Portals and digital library initiatives have not been covered in this study.Practical implicationsAcademic libraries in the region may take useful clues from these findings for developing and managing their automated systems.Originality/valueSince no similar study has been conducted in Kuwait, it enhances the understanding of the prevailing situation about the use of integrated systems and their applications in the country.
An innovative approach for developing and employing electronic libraries to support context‐aware ubiquitous learning
Authors: Chu Hui‐Chun , Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Tseng Judy C.R. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to propose an innovative approach to assist teachers in using electronic libraries to develop learning activities for context‐aware ubiquitous learning, in which the learning system can detect students' behaviors and guide them to learn in the real world with personalized support from the digital world.Design/methodology/approachAn electronic library with context‐awareness metadata for supporting learning activities conducted in real‐world environments is presented. Furthermore, a systematic procedure for guiding teachers in employing the electronic library to develop learning activities is proposed based on an innovative approach.FindingsFrom a practical application conducted on an elementary school, it is found that, with this innovative approach, electronic libraries not only have the potential in supporting traditional in‐class or online learning activities, but also can assist teachers and digital content workers in developing high quality learning activities and related digital learning materials to support outdoor learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper imply that, to promote the utilization rate of electronic libraries for more specified purposes, more features of the application domains need to be considered while designing the database schemas of the electronic libraries.Practical implicationsFrom the feedback of teachers and digital content workers, it is found electronic libraries have high potential for supporting outdoor learning activities for “Science” and “Social science” courses with proper database schema design and the provision of user guidance.Originality/valueAn electronic library for supporting context‐aware ubiquitous‐learning is presented and an innovative approach for guiding teachers to design learning activities is proposed.
SpaceCat: an online union catalogue for space science serials in India
Authors: Alam Nurul , Pandey Pragya 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to describe SpaceCat, a centralised and distributed online information system based on open source software (GSDL) and its use for the space science community in India.Design/methodology /approachThe system is based on open source software (GSDL, Apache, PERL, and GRE). SpaceCat gathers collections of space science serials, indexes them and offers them to the space science community.FindingsThe findings of the study suggest that SpaceCat can serve as an ideal access tool for space science serials holdings information in India and will enhance space research activity by providing information accurately, exhaustively and expeditiously.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an experimental prototype study and only a few samples have been considered. This will be investigated further with a wider population, which will improve the SpaceCat System.Practical implicationsThese results suggest that a system like SpaceCat could be applicable to space science libraries, which would help to serve the students and scientists working on space science research in quickly accessing information from other institutes.Originality/valueThe paper describes the application of open source software (GSDL) as a form of resource‐sharing tool and a single authoritative source of space science serials holdings information in India.