bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Should human resource managers use social media to screen job applicants? Managerial and legal issues in the USA
Authors: Slovensky Ross , Ross William H. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the present paper is to describe managerial and US legal issues associated with using social networking web sites (SNWs) such as Facebook for personnel selection. Managers must consider the benefits and concerns that using such information presents.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies issues based on the academic literature, theoretical concepts, and current managerial and legal developments as reported in the popular and business press.FindingsUsing SNWs to screen applicants offers benefits to organizations in the form of gaining a large amount of information about applicants, which may be used to supplement other information (e.g. a resume). It may also help a firm address “negligent hiring” legal concerns. However, other legal considerations as well as issues pertaining to information accuracy, privacy, and justice argue against using such information.Research limitations/implicationsThroughout the paper, topics are raised which may guide future research.Practical implicationsBy recognizing both the advantages and disadvantages of using SNW information for applicant screening, managers can make an informed decision as to whether they wish to use this screening method; if so, managers can devise policies that provide the firm with appropriate information while respecting applicant privacy, and complying with US legal and ethical expectations.Originality/valueWhile much has been written about SNWs, little has been written from an academic perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of accessing applicants' SNWs. The present paper reviews the literature from a variety of disciplines and identifies important issues for researchers and managers.
Genre analysis of bookmarked webpages
Authors: Montesi Michela 
Published: January 2012

PurposeA total of 17 user‐compiled collections of webpages, comprising 833 bookmarked links in terms of genre, are studied. The purpose of this paper is to find out whether users tend to bookmark certain web genres more than others. Genre theory helps to make sense of the different pages included in these collections, and to classify them, according to their communicative purpose and salient non‐topical features, into blogs, search interfaces, articles, tutorials.Design/methodology/approachA total of 17 participants took part in the research by providing their collections of bookmark links. They were also interviewed about the reasons for bookmarking and to comment on their collections. Relying on the interview results and on the previous literature, the bookmarks were classified into four super‐genres: main or access pages, transactional pages, navigational pages, and content pages.FindingsThe results of the classification into web genres revealed a clear tendency to bookmark main pages, such as homepages, which accounted for 42 per cent of all bookmarked web links. Moreover, some aspects of relevance were highlighted such as the connections to use, time, and context, as well as to the main web activity (browsing or searching).Originality/valuePreviously, bookmarks have mostly been studied as tools for information reuse, but very rarely as sources of implicit relevance feedback. In addition, from the point of view of genre theory, this research shows the importance of relating web genres to users' intentions behind queries.
The relationship between employee involvement, partnership management and supply performance
Authors: Vanichchinchai Assadej 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis research aims to investigate the relationships among employee involvement, partnership management, and a firm's supply performance in the automotive industry in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe measurement instruments for employee involvement, partnership management and a firm's supply performance were developed based on an extensive literature review, and validated by experts. They were pilot‐tested, and analyzed using various statistical techniques to ensure reliability and validity in structural equation modeling constructs. A hypothesized model was tested through path analysis.FindingsThe study found that the measurements of employee involvement, partnership management, and a firm's supply performance are reliable and valid for Thailand's automotive industry. Employee involvement has not only a significant direct positive impact on partnership management and firm's supply performance, but also a significant indirect positive impact on a firm's supply performance through partnership management.Research limitations/implicationsThe distribution of paper‐based questionnaires was a convenience sample. Although data from a sample of 211 companies was collected, only 19 percent of them provided more than one response. Future research should apply different random sampling methods, and investigate the reasons for and ways to improve the low multiple‐response rate.Practical implicationsThe findings are beneficial to managers in the automotive industry in developing countries who want to improve partnership management and supply performance through employee involvement.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to examine the linkage among internal employee involvement, external partnership management, and a firm's supply performance in the automotive industry in a newly industrialized country such as Thailand. It can be used in further research on the new concept of supply chain quality management.
Identifying productivity blemishes in Pakistan automotive industry: a case study
Authors: Zahoor Sarwar Sheikh , Ishaque Azam , Ehsan Nadeem , Saeed Pirzada Danial , Moeen Nasir Zafar 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to identify the prevalent condition of productivity in the automotive manufacturing industry of Pakistan and to indicate the possible areas for enhancing productivity.Design/methodology/approachSecondary data for the last ten years were gathered. Total productivity and all partial productivities were computed using methodology proposed by Sumanth, and total factor productivity (TFP) was computed using Cobb‐Douglas production function. Regression analysis and Pearson correlations were run to determine labor elasticity and capital elasticity.FindingsResults indicated very low levels of labor productivity and capital productivity, resulting in huge losses and stagnant growth of these firms. Increasing returns to scales (IRTS) with high values of labor elasticity and low and even negative value of capital elasticity were computed. Low values of TFP showed minimal utilization of technology in these firms.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this research is that only two automotive manufacturing companies of Pakistan i.e. Honda Atlas and Indus Motors were targeted, which limits the generalizability of findings.Practical implicationsFindings of this research revealed that effective utilization of technology can enhance the productivity of Pakistani manufacturing firms significantly. IRTS with high values of labor elasticity and low value of capital elasticity depict the areas of productivity enhancement.Originality/valueIn Pakistan not enough effort has been put into measuring the productivity of manufacturing industry. The contribution of this paper is that it indicates the productivity blemishes in this industry and also the areas of focus for productivity enhancement.
Monitoring quality goals through lean Six‐Sigma insures competitiveness
Authors: Gupta Vipul , Acharya Padmanav , Patwardhan Manoj 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis case seeks to illustrate the specific problem of excessive defects in radial tyres produced in a renowned tyre manufacturing company in India. This paper aims to show how lean Six‐Sigma methodology can be used to tackle the specific issues like defects reduction.Design/methodology/approachThe management took this problem on top priority as it is eroding their brand value and financial performance. A Mumbai‐based lean Six‐Sigma consulting group was approached to tackle the issue. One of the authors, who is pursuing research on determinants of successful lean manufacturing implementation in Indian industries, joined this project as a part of his field study and he spent considerable time in discussing and observing the issue with people of different hierarchical levels of the company. Lean Six‐Sigma methodologies were incorporated and the problem was evaluated with root‐cause analysis. This case is formulated on the basis of the initial findings of the study in an Indian tyre manufacturing organisation keeping the actual name of the company in disguise.FindingsOn the basis root‐cause analysis of the radial tyre manufacturing process, it was found that presence of foreign particles in the manufacturing environment, under‐ageing and over‐ageing of tyre components, and inefficient bead winding process, were the main culprits of defects. It was confirmed that lean Six‐Sigma methodology can serve as a major tool to reduce defects in the tyre manufacturing process in India.Originality/valueThis paper provides some key insights to the successful adoption of lean Six‐Sigma tools in an Indian industrial environment, where lean practices are still in the very nascent stage and very little literature is available in this context.
Leadership performance is significant to project success or failure: a critical analysis
Authors: Nixon Phil , Harrington Megan , Parker David 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to review the current literature in order to explore how performance of leadership in project management determines project outcomes. The specific causes of project success or failure have been an area of much debate in the project management literature. Performance of leadership has been cited as a critical success factor, determining either the success or failure of a project.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review has been undertaken to explore our understanding of how project leadership performance impacts on project outcome.FindingsThe mechanisms through which leadership may impact on outcomes are considered. Implications include the need for project managers to prioritize training in leadership skills, and the need for continuous professional improvement to enhance leadership outcomes. No single leadership model is appropriate throughout the duration of the project. Performance, therefore, must be modified to align with the stages of the project duration.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the literature has given meaningful insights into leadership of projects, there has been little research into performance management of project leadership. The work is the basis of developing a research agenda and establishing a conceptual framework. The opportunity exists, based on this work, for carrying out research on project leadership performance and its effect on project outcomes.Practical implicationsInsightful learning has been achieved into project leadership and the failing of practitioners in appropriate training and development at various stages of the projects life cycle.Social implicationsProjects and project‐based management, delivered nationally and internationally, are of significant importance to organizations. Increasing understanding of the implications of leadership performance, therefore, is of critical importance.Originality/valueThe literature review has identified significant limitation in project leadership performance management. It is anticipated that this work will trigger further research.
Market conditions driving international franchising in emerging markets
Authors: Baena Verónica 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a model that explores various possible determining factors in the rate of franchising among emerging nations. Emerging markets are some of the fastest growing economies in the world; moreover, the countries they represent are undergoing substantial economic transformations. Yet despite all this, little is known about the factors influencing country selection for expansion into these markets. In an attempt to enhance the knowledge that managers and scholars have on franchising expansion, the present study examines how market conditions may constrain diffusion of franchising into emerging markets. They are: geographical distance; cultural distance; uncertainty avoidance; individualism; political stability, and corruption. The author also controlled for gross domestic product, the efficiency of contract enforcement, and nascent entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative approach applied to a sample of 63 Spanish franchisors with 2,836 franchisee outlets operating across the emerging countries.FindingsResults conclude that geographical distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, political stability, corruption, gross domestic product, efficiency of contract enforcement, and nascent entrepreneurship are able to constrain the spread of franchising across emerging nations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides readers with a general overview of the current state of global franchising diffusion overseas. Results obtained in this study are useful for understanding and predicting the demand for franchising in emerging countries.Practical implicationsThe present manuscript develops and tests a model that can be useful not only to academics interested in broadening their knowledge regarding global franchising, but also to firm managers wanting to establish new outlets in emerging nations. Thus, franchisors may use the results of this study as a starting point for identifying the emerging regions whose characteristics best meet their needs of expansion.Originality/valueThis paper explores how certain market conditions may drive international diffusion of franchising into emerging markets. The scant theoretical or empirical attention given to this topic has usually been examined from a US base and focused on developed markets. To fill this gap, the present study analyzes the international spread of the Spanish franchise system, which since 2008 has ranked fifth worldwide in terms of both the number of franchisors and the quantity of franchisee outlets across emerging markets.
Determinants of outward foreign direct investment from BRIC countries: an explorative study
Authors: Holtbrügge Dirk , Kreppel Heidi 
Published: January 2012

PurposeOutward foreign direct investment (FDI) of firms from Brazil, Russia, India and China has increased significantly during the last few years. Despite this trend, comprehensive research on the specific determinants and antecedents of outward FDI from BRIC countries is still underrepresented. The purpose of this paper is to give a more comprehensive understanding of outward FDI from BRIC countries.Design/methodology/approachBased on an exploratory approach, case studies of eight companies were conducted. Both a within‐case and a cross‐case approach were conducted.FindingsThe findings reveal the relevance of determinants on the country, industry and firm level. Gaining access to new markets is of utmost importance for all firms. Additionally, most companies seek to obtain access to technological resources and management know‐how, therefore emphasizing the availability of these resources in the target countries. While the internationalization of Brazilian and Indian companies is primarily driven by economic motives, many Chinese and Russian firms also receive substantial political support from their governments to invest abroad, especially in strategically important industries. On the firm‐level, the strength of firm‐specific resources is highlighted. BRIC country firms possess specific strengths that help them to enter both developing as well as developed countries and to pursue their internationalization strategy.Originality/valueThe aim of this study is to systematically analyze the determinants of FDI of firms from BRIC countries. While previous studies in this context are based on internationalization theories which were at least implicitly focused on FDI of firms from developed markets, the authors use a more emic approach and look for specific determinants of outward FDI of firms originating in BRIC countries.
Success predictor for international joint ventures in Vietnam
Authors: Minh Tri Cao 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine a success predictor for Vietnam‐based international joint ventures (IJVs).Design/methodology/approachUsing the multiple case study method, seven successful IJVs in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam's largest and most economically dynamic metropolitan area – were examined by reviewing their business records and by personal interviews with senior management and staff. Two specific types of data collection procedures were applied: methodological triangulation (using multiple methods of data capture: in‐depth interviews, non‐participation observation during visits, and analysis both of companies' internal and external documents) and data triangulation (using a variety of data sources: spreading out during a 30‐month period and involved 75 in‐depth face to face interviews).FindingsSuccessful IJVs in Vietnam usually use four popular control mechanisms. Action‐control, result‐control, and personnel‐control mechanisms co‐exist in a closely‐knit environment yet still influence each other in a process assisted by relationship control mechanism. As a condition for success, an IJV should have at least one control mechanism at a high level of importance with no control mechanisms positioned at a low level of importance.Originality/valueThose who are building successful IJVs in Vietnam should first determine proper control mechanisms necessary for IJV success. It also proves useful and helpful if investors and local government use these results to jointly develop successful IJVs for the benefit of Vietnam's economy and society.
Getting real about innovations
Authors: Fox Stephen 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how descriptions of innovations can be formulated in order to reduce the potential for ontological uncertainty. Ontological uncertainty exists when individuals have perceptions about the future consequences of an innovation, which are based more on their diverse world views than on the innovation itself.Design/methodology/approachThe research comprised unstructured interviews and review of the literature relating to innovation hype, innovation reliability, innovation negative unintended consequences, and critical realism.FindingsCritical realist diagrams provide the basis for descriptions that can encompass an innovation's purpose; the functions and conditions which are necessary for its reliable operation; and also potential negative unintended consequences that might arise from the innovation.Practical implicationsThere can be much hype and little clarity surrounding an innovation. This can make it easier for different stakeholders to have different perceptions of the same innovation. By increasing the clarity of descriptions, there can be less uncertainty about the purpose, reliability, and consequences of an innovation.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper is that provides example innovation descriptions which illustrate how hype can be decreased and clarity can be increased. The value of this paper is that supports reduction of ontological uncertainty in practice.
Project management maturity: a critical analysis of existing and emergent factors
Authors: Pasian Beverly , Sankaran Shankar , Boydell Spike 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a doctoral thesis examining the limitations of project management maturity and associated models. It examines the management of undefined projects where the definition, repeatability and predictability of processes cannot be reasonably expected. The challenge to project management maturity theorists is to recognize the possibility of project management maturity in an environment characterized by undefined project elements and the requirement for greater flexibility in their management.Design/methodology/approachThis inquiry was supported by a multimethod (MXM) research design with two stages: a content/textual analysis of two different collections of maturity models, and an exploratory case study of two university sites. The analysis (supported by grounded theory techniques) contributed to the development of a 4‐node conceptual framework that was used as the primary data collection instrument at two Canadian university sites.FindingsResults indicate that multiple non‐process factors can contribute to a mature project management capability. These can include context‐specific values, specialized bodies of knowledge (instructional design), customer involvement, third‐party influence, and tacit “human factors” such as trust and creativity. The demands of this inquiry also demonstrated the need for a new data collection sequence in multimethod research design theory.Practical implicationsPractitioners are encouraged to consider customer involvement, organizational dynamics and adaptable variables such as leadership (among other non‐process factors) in their assessment of the maturity of their project management capability, and designers of future models could explore a multi‐dimensional approach that includes context‐specific factors to assessing and defining project management maturity.Originality/valueThis research expands the conceptual view and practical assessment of project management maturity; offers new analysis of the current generation of project management maturity models; documents e‐Learning project management; and defines a new data collection sequencing model.