bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing successful change
Authors: Edmonds John 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to help organisations understand the importance of managing organisational change in today's uncertain economic climate. How training in change management can help to provide a deeper knowledge of its principles and an understanding of how to implement and manage change in an organisation.Design/methodology/approachOrganizations operating in today's uncertain economic climate need to know how to manage change. This paper's approach is to show how they can prepare for change which will lead to a greater probability of success.FindingsThere is resistance to change in organisations, brought about largely by the fear of the unknown by people. Handled correctly, using known and tested change management techniques, change can be brought about successfully, achieving set goals and objectives and to budget.Research limitationsAs every organisation is different, there is no template for successful organisational change management. In reality, change cannot be wholly managed; it will emerge naturally once a strategy for change is in place.Practical implicationsA compelling case needs to be established as a key part of the project definition, as the more people agree at the outset that the objectives of a change initiative are necessary, the more they are likely to support any change. The outcome, impact and benefits should also be defined, taking care not to over‐emphasise the process of change over the impact on those involved.Originality/valueAny organisation operating In today's uncertain economic climate needs to know how to manage change in order to survive. They need to react quickly to the global revolution, while at a local and national level keeping up with new technology and competition if they want to stay ahead of the game. This viewpoint provides these organisations with a conscious approach to getting ready for change, which is likely to lead to a greater probability of success.
Is the glass ceiling cracked in information technology? A qualitative analysis: part 1
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Asham Neveen , Argheyd Kamal 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to qualitatively investigate, through a literature review of past studies and an in‐field case study, three different hypotheses regarding women working in the IT sector and their career and promotional aspirations.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was used for data collection from female employees with varying professional specializations across several IT departments within the company. Questions for the survey were designed from the findings of the literature review.FindingsThe results obtained have proven that married women who are intrinsically inspired to maintain their work‐family balance face higher stress and more conflicts than those who do not. In addition, the glass ceiling was still evident in today's corporations, but mainly affecting the older generation of women professionals. Also, the results slightly hinted at a ten‐year cut‐off period, after which promotional aspiration is lost.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the limitations of the research conducted, further qualitative studies can be done to compare careers and promotional patterns between men and women in the IT departments, as well as those between women in IT departments and women working in other departments.Practical implicationsEmployers should strive to provide their female employees with practical solutions to allow for an easier balancing of work‐family responsibilities, such as flexi‐time and telecommuting. At the same time, the employers should place the female employees in more opportunity‐enhancing positions within the corporation so that they can exploit or utilize their talents and increase the probability of climbing up the corporate ladder.Originality/valueWith a generous response rate, this paper provides a realistic perspective of professional females working within the IT domain with regard to their career and promotional aspirations.
Affirming our ideals at work
Authors: Callum Jayne 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to extend previous research on the self‐concept and leadership to better understand how line managers can successfully influence their direct reports, aiding personal development.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional, self‐report, online questionnaire was used to collect responses from 116 participants across a number of different industries; including learning and development, healthcare, financial, public sector, and media. The measures used were validated in previous research, with all scales showing high levels of reliability. Results were analysed using bivariate and multiple regression analyses, including the use of a Sobel test to verify mediation results.FindingsResults suggest that the more a line manager affirms their direct report's ideal self at work, the stronger their relationship is perceived, and the more likely the psychological contract is to be fulfilled. In turn, this has a positive impact on job satisfaction.Practical implicationsThe research underpinning this paper suggests that line managers have a significant part to play in the development of their direct reports. They must ascertain exactly how each of their direct reports views themselves within their role, and what is specifically important to them as individuals, in order to be able to successfully influence the way they behave and develop.Originality/ valueThis paper contributes to the limited research exploring the influence of the self‐concept on leadership effectiveness and consequent work‐related outcomes. It offers a further understanding of the psychological processes underlying how a line manager influences their direct report's view of themselves and their consequent development.
The frontline manager: fronting up to organisational change
Authors: Hales Sebastian , Rabey Gordon 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an organisational structure not based on power and control but on the organic and functional processes of the front line.Design/methodology/approachThese ideas arose from discussions about the roles and training needs of frontline managers, and frequent conflict between their organisational and functional roles.FindingsOrganisations that emphasise power and control functions, as symbolised in the organisational chart, often view solutions to efficiency, productivity and change in terms of the ability of senior managers to impose solutions on frontline staff, and the appointment of frontline managers for their ability to implement those solutions. However, more efficient, effective and creative solutions often result from developing dynamic and creative frontline teams, who can use their awareness of production, customer service and staffing issues to provide innovative organisational changes.Practical implicationsOrganisations should appoint staff to frontline management positions based not on their ability to control but on their ability to provide leadership, functional facilitation and support to meet the purposes of the team.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in a proposed paradigm shift in organisational thinking from a model based on control to one based on functional team building.
Continuous organizational development (COD)
Authors: Mwanzia Mulili Benjamin , Wong Peter 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the need for organizations to adopt organizational development (OD) programs on a continuous basis as a way of coping with a changing business environment. Emphasis is to be laid on organizational learning due to its significance in enhancing organizational change and development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an extensive literature review.FindingsA wide range of organizational development (OD) intervention strategies exists. There is a need to adopt a coordinated approach in applying OD efforts for organizations to reap maximum benefits.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is theoretical and is not based on empirical findings.Practical implicationsSeveral recommendations are included in the paper. It is envisaged that adoption of the recommendations can assist an organization to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe paper identifies several OD frameworks that can be tested in future research projects.
I am here to stay! The stockbroking way (an Indian perspective): part 2
Authors: Anappindi Shankar , Manohar M.S. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeSince the financial services industry has reached a level of maturity in terms of products and quality of delivery of services and the advent of foreign players, there has been virtual war for talent among the premier stockbroking companies in India and it is observed that the need of the hour is to ensure long‐term association of the employees with the company. It is necessary to understand how best one can integrate the aspirations of the employees in this industry with the mission and goals of the organization.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the modern trends involved in changing office dynamics and people associated with it, growing Intellectuality and aspirations, the changing face of the stockbroking industry and how the job of a stockbroker has been adding value to business. This paper provides an overview of the environmental factors, workplace factors and trade factors and the intensity of their influence on various functions of stockbroking.FindingsThe stockbroking firms require professionals of different cadre: dealers, research analysts, business development executives, operation executives, executives associated with surveillance and risk management. This paper analyses the nature of the job of these professionals, the soft skills and hard skills the job demands on the part of the doer. Employee engagement may not be easy unless one promotes among one's employees a clear understanding about the interdependence of the various functions of stockbroking – operations, dealing, research trends, business development and surveillance and risk management processes. In the process, it indicates how the players in the stockbroking industry need to gear up to ensure a hassle‐less flow of the business.Originality/valueThe paper concludes with a discussion on “biting the bullet before it pricks” and strategies the stockbroking companies need to follow for ensuring long‐term association with their employees.
Effect of duration of rubbing and normal load on friction coefficient for polymer and composite materials
Authors: Muhammad Nuruzzaman Dewan , Asaduzzaman Chowdhury Mohammad , Lutfar Rahaman Mohammad 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe present paper seeks to report the effect of duration of rubbing on friction coefficient for different polymer and composite materials. Variations of friction coefficient and wear rate with the normal load are also investigated experimentally when stainless steel (SS 304) pin slides on different types of materials such as cloth‐reinforced ebonite (commercially known as gear fiber), glass fiber‐reinforced plastic (glass fiber), nylon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).Design/methodology/approachA pin on disc apparatus is designed and fabricated. During experiment, the rpm of test samples was kept constant and relative humidity was 70 percent.FindingsStudies have shown that the values of friction coefficient depend on applied load and duration of rubbing. It is observed that the values of friction coefficient decrease with the increase of normal load for glass fiber, nylon and PTFE. Different trend is observed for gear fiber, i.e. coefficient of friction increases with the increase of normal load. It is also found that wear rate increases with the increase of normal load for all the materials. The magnitudes of friction coefficient and wear rate are different for different materials.Practical implicationsIt is expected that the applications of these results will contribute to the design of different mechanical components of these materials.Originality/valueWithin the observed range of applied normal load, the relative friction coefficient and wear rate of gear fiber, glass fiber, nylon and PTFE are experimentally investigated.
The tribological behaviours of aluminium‐based materials under dry sliding
Authors: Feyzullahoğlu Erol , Şakiroğlu Nehir 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop new Al‐based bearing alloys which have better properties than classic commercial bearing materials and to analyze tribologic properties of these alloys under dry sliding conditions experimentally.Design/methodology/approachFour different aluminium alloys were produced with casting method and tested on pin‐on‐disc wear testing machine. Friction coefficients and weight losses of the samples were determined under various working conditions in consequence of the experiments. Hardness, surface roughness, and surface temperatures of the samples were measured.FindingsThe results of the experiment show that friction coefficients vary by surface pressure and sliding speed. Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe and Al15Sn5Cu3Si alloys have lower friction coefficient values than other alloys. Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloy has the biggest wear resistance. Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe and Al15Sn5Cu3Si alloys are the most worn materials. Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloy has the lowest wear rate.Research limitations/implicationsWhen the comparison was done between commercial Al alloys and developed Al alloys in this study, it was seen that Al15Sn5Cu3Si and Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe alloys have lower friction coefficient values than other commercial alloys.Practical implicationsThe effects of the elements except aluminium composing alloys upon tribologic properties were analyzed. Some of the alloy elements were seen to improve tribologic properties whereas some downgrade. When the results are evaluated, Al15Sn5Cu3Si and Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloys containing Si and Sn can be preferred among the aluminium alloys that will work under dry sliding.Originality/valueThis paper reveals new bearing materials. These alloys can be used in journal bearings.
Investigation of properties of ion‐nitrided AISI 304 austenitic‐stainless steel
Authors: Sahin Mumin , Sevil Ceyhun 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim is to provide detailed mechanical and metallurgical examinations of ion‐nitrided austenitic‐stainless steels.Design/methodology/approachAustenitic‐stainless steel was the material chosen for the present study. Ion nitriding process was applied to fatigue and tensile samples prepared by machining. Process temperature was 550°C and treatment time period 24 and 60 h. Then, tensile, fatigue, notch‐impact, hardness tests were applied and metallographic examinations were performed.FindingsHigh temperature and longer treatment by ion nitriding decreased fatigue and tensile strengths together with notch‐impact toughness. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis revealed formation of nitrides on the sample surfaces. Surface hardness increased with an increase in process time due to diffusion of nitrogen during ion nitriding.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be interesting to search the different temperature and time intervals of the ion nitriding. It could be a good idea if future work could be concentrated on ion nitriding on welded stainless steels.Practical implicationsSurfaces of mechanical parts are exposed to higher stress and abrasive forces compared to inside mechanical parts during the time period that mechanical components carry out their expected functions. When stresses and forces exceed the surface strength limit of the material, cracks begin to form at the material surface leading to abrasion and corrosion. Therefore, surface strength of materials needs to be increased to provide a longer service life. Ion (plasma) nitriding is a possible remedy for surface wear.Originality/valueThe main value of this paper is to contribute and fulfil the detailed mechanical and metallurgical examinations of ion‐nitrided austenitic‐stainless steels that are being studied so far in the literature.
Laser bending of steel sheets: corrosion testing of bended sections
Authors: Sami Yilbas Bekir , Khaled Mazen , Akhtar Sohail , Karatas Cihan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeLaser bending is a good candidate to replace the flame bending process. The electrochemical response of laser bending region changes due to the microstructural modifications and high level of residual stress developed in the laser‐irradiated region after the bending process. Consequently, investigation into laser bending and microstructural changes in the irradiated region as well as the electrochemical response of bending section becomes essential. This paper aims to focus on the laser bending process.Design/methodology/approachThe laser bending of steel sheets was carried out. The microstructural changes in the bending region are examined using the scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The electrochemical response of the bended sections is investigated through potentiodynamic tests.FindingsIt is found that laser‐irradiated surface is free from cracks and cavitations. However, deep pit sites due to secondary pitting are observed in the bending sections.Research limitations/implicationsThe experiment is limited to certain thickness of the steel sheets. Increasing workpiece thickness reduces the bend angle. However, introducing high‐intensity laser beams improves the bend angle on the expense of high surface roughness in the bend section.Practical implicationsLaser bending process is involved with non‐mechanical tooling with low cost and precision of operation. Moreover, laser bending is a good candidate to replace the flame bending process. Consequently, laser bending finds application in industry. However, under the corrosive environment care should be taken.Originality/valueThe work presented is original and has not been published anywhere before. The findings will be useful for researchers and engineers working in the sheet metal forming area.
Friction and wear behaviors of Al‐SiC‐B4C composites produced by pressure infiltration method
Authors: Soy U. , Demir A. , Findik F. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe main goal of the present study is to investigate the friction and wear behaviors of aluminum matrix composites with an A360 matrix reinforced with SiC, B4C and SiC/B4C particles.Design/methodology/approachUn‐reinforced aluminum casting alloy, Al/SiC, Al/B4C and Al/SiC/B4C aluminum composites were prepared for the present study. Friction and wear tests of aluminum and its composites versus AISI316L stainless steel were carried out for dry sliding condition using by a pin‐on‐disc arrangement. Tests were realized at the sliding speed of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ms−1 and under the loads of 10, 20 and 30 N. The microstructures of the present composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis.FindingsThe coefficient of friction of the composites is approximately 25‐30 percent lower than that of the un‐reinforced aluminum. The specific wear rate of the aluminum and its composites decreases with the increase in load and increases with the increment of sliding speed. Un‐reinforced aluminum has specific wear rate value of 1.73×10−13 which is the highest specific wear rate, while Al+17%SiC has specific wear rate value of 2.25×10−13 m2 N−1 which is the lowest specific wear rate among the tested materials. The average specific wear rates for Al+17%B4C, Al+17%SiC/B4C and Al+17%SiC composites are obtained about 49, 79 and 160 percent lower than aluminum wear rate under the same test conditions, respectively.Originality/valueIn the present study, composites were prepared by pressured infiltration technique. The employed composites are important in industry due to their higher wear resistance, light in weight and less thermal distortion comparing to conventional composites. Also, wear behavior of Al/B4C, Al/SiC/B4C and Al/SiC composites produced by pressured infiltration technique were not studied very much earlier, therefore more explanation about these composites were proposed.
The inverse U curve relationship between software piracy and technological outputs in developed nations
Authors: Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth , Elkassabgi Ahmed 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between software piracy and technological outputs in developed nations.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs the data of 28 industrialized countries from 2003‐2007. The hypotheses were tested using panel data regression.FindingsThe results demonstrate that software piracy appears to have the inverse U curve relationship with the aggregate technological outputs of a nation as measured through the share of high‐tech exports.Research limitations/implicationsEven though past studies have tended to focus on the negative impact of software piracy, this study found interesting evidence that its impact is not always absolute. In particular, firms in high‐tech industries may benefit from the presence of software piracy when its level is limited at some optimal level. This benefit may derive from: the dissemination of technical knowledge; the diffusion of software deployment especially in small businesses; and the increase in technical skills of labors.Originality/valueThis study is the first that provides the empirical evidence of the inverse U curve relationship between software piracy and technological outputs at the national level.
Evolutionary selection and variation in family businesses
Authors: Laakkonen Anne , Kansikas Juha 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis qualitative study attempts to understand what kinds of evolutionary selection and variation occur in family businesses during the preparation of a managerial and ownership succession.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted by interviewing members of one family business in Louisiana, USA and one in Finland in order to contribute to the understanding of succession preparation in small family businesses with two generations. Evolutionary economics was adapted for this interdisciplinary study to explain evolutionary changes in a family business succession.FindingsThe findings indicate that both selection and variation can take place through different routes during the preparatory phase of a family business succession. Selection is influenced both by the founder and next generations. However, it does not occur in company A due to the reluctance of the younger generation. In company B selection is processed through joint thinking and visioning. This will lead to variation which is shaped by both generations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on qualitative interpretation. Limitations of the study are the small number of informants and the lack of generalization of the results.Practical implicationsThis study shows that selection and variation are intertwined. If selection does not occur in a family business, it leads to no variation between the generations. However, exits are possible; death and birth of companies are part of the life cycle of family businesses.Originality/valueEvolutionary thinking has not been studied recently among family firms except in the field of evolutionary psychology. Evolutionary thinking offers a variety of topics to study in the future.