bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hindering factors of beginning teachers' high performance in higher education Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar Shakeel , Danyal Aslam Hassan , Imran Rasheed Muhammad 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe aim of the researchers in this endeavor is to identify the challenges and obstacles faced by beginning teachers in higher education. This study also explores practical implications and what adaptation can be utilized in order to have high performance of the beginning teachers.Design/methodology/approachResearchers have applied qualitative and quantitative technique to collect and interpret data. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted from the 40 beginning teachers of the case study university in order to identify various hindering factors of high performance.FindingsResearch results indicate that by addressing the 11 major hindering factors of beginning teachers' high performance, i.e. less teaching exposure, overburden, strict evaluation, lack of training, insufficient material and supplies, lack of effective communication, student counseling problems, classroom discipline problems, difficulties in assessing students' work, least expectations of career in teaching and misbehavior of students, the performance level of beginning teachers in higher education can be enhanced.Originality/valueThe current research addresses the most neglected area about teachers' performance management, that is problems of higher education teachers in their early careers. This exploration of beginning teachers' hindering issues can play a vital role in developing human resource development strategies in universities. The present research can prove to be a significant initiator for beginning teachers as they will get a glimpse of what problem areas they could face.
Factors affecting the implementation of curriculum reform in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Alan C.K. , Man Wong Ping 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe objective of this paper was to examine key hindering and facilitating factors in schools during the first stage of the curriculum reform (2001‐2006) in Hong Kong and to identify key strategies to address these challenges.Design/methodology/approachA total of 150 primary and 120 secondary schools with 7,869 key stakeholders including principals, curriculum leaders, teachers, and students participated in the study. The data for this study was collected from the following two major methods: survey questionnaire and in‐depth interviews. The response rate was 95 percent.FindingsIn spite of the different roles played by each stakeholder in the curriculum reform, the perceptions of school principals, curriculum leaders, and teachers were very similar with regards to the factors that facilitated and hindered their successful implementation of the reform. Consistent with the current literature, the findings clearly indicated that the recent curriculum reform in Hong Kong was still facing several key obstacles and challenges that were common in many other countries, in the implementation stage, such as teachers' heavy workloads, learning diversity in class, and teachers' inadequate understanding of the reform.Originality/valueThe study is important in that this was the first large‐scale study ever conducted to examine the progress of the recent curriculum reform in Hong Kong. The findings of the results generate important policy recommendations that may improve the implementation of the curriculum reform in the next phase and contribute to the related literature in the areas of curriculum reform not only in Hong Kong but also other parts of the world.
A level playing field: social inclusion in public leisure
Authors: Hodgkinson Ian R. , Hughes Paul 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe transfer to partnership in public sector management has created significantly new modes of service delivery, and is suggested to be the best means of ensuring that disadvantaged groups are socially included. The purpose of this paper is to examine New Leisure Trust (NLT) structures in public leisure provision relative to direct, in‐house managed facilities and privately run Leisure Management Contractor (LMC) facilities. In particular, NLTs receive significant government funds and subsidies through tax breaks that are not forthcoming to rivals, which raises questions as to whether NLTs deserve such aid for delivering upon the social inclusion agenda of the government.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved a national survey questionnaire to 1,060 public leisure service providers in England. Empirical testing through multiple analysis of variance and regression analysis was applied to the dataset.FindingsThe authors find that NLTs do not follow social orientation strategies to any significantly greater degree than rivals, nor seem to create social inclusion to any greater degree. Further, NLTs have the least to gain in terms of business performance from creating social inclusion, whilst in‐house (in particular) and LMC facilities stand to gain the most.Practical implicationsThough each approach to provision examined places a considerable strategic emphasis on being socially oriented, they are not effective at increasing the social inclusion of recreationally disadvantaged groups.Originality/valueThis paper calls for the current public leisure management playing field to be levelled in a rebalance of opportunity and investment through the removal of anti‐competitive measures.
Initial emergency response performance of fire fighters in Malaysia
Authors: Subramaniam Chandrakantan , Ali Hassan , Mohd Shamsudin Faridahwati 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the initial emergency response time of fire fighting teams in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachIn an emergency incident time is of the essence, and the basic philosophy of an emergency response agency is to respond as quickly as possible to minimize the loss of life and property damage. In the current study, emergency response performance refers to team members' speed in responding to emergency situations, which was measured as the time taken for the team members to get to the fire truck from the waiting room in selected fire stations in Malaysia. The data collection period lasted for five months.FindingsThis study found that the overall average initial emergency response time was 84 seconds, while the overall average weighted initial emergency response time was 3.71 seconds per meter. The current study has demonstrated that the average initial emergency response performed by fire fighting teams in Malaysia is apparently better than that reported by previous studies by other emergency responders.Originality/valueThis paper presents empirical evidence of the initial emergency response time of fire fighters in Malaysia, by taking into account the distance traveled by the responders. As such, the performance measure obtained gives a meaningful indicator. The finding of the current study is then compared to emergency response performance by other emergency response agencies in other countries.
The effects and interactions of fabrication parameters on the properties of selective laser sintered hydroxyapatite polyamide composite biomaterials
Authors: Savalani M.M. , Hao L. , Dickens P.M. , Zhang Y. , Tanner K.E. , Harris R.A. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeHydroxyapatite‐polymer composite materials are being researched for the development of low‐load bearing implants because of their bioactive and osteoconductive properties, while avoiding modulus mismatch found in homogenous materials. For the direct production of hydroxyapatite‐polymer composite implants, selective laser sintering (SLS) has been used and various parameters and their effects on the physical properties (micro and macro morphologies) have been investigated. The purpose of this paper is to identify the most influential parameters on the micro and macro pore morphologies of sintered hydroxyapatite‐polymer composites.Design/methodology/approachA two‐level full factorial experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of the various processing parameters and their effects on the physical properties, including open porosity, average pore width and the percentage of pores which could enable potential bone regeneration and ingrowth of the sintered parts. The density of the sintered parts was measured by weight and volume; optical microscopy combined with the interception method was used to determine the average pore size and proportion of pores suitable to enable bone regeneration.FindingsIt was found that the effect of build layer thickness was the most influential parameter with respect to physical and pore morphology features. Consequently, it is found that the energy density equation with the layer thickness parameter provides a better estimation of part porosity of composite structures than the energy density equation without the layer thickness parameter. However, further work needs to be conducted to overcome the existing error of variance.Originality/valueThis work is the first step in identifying the most significant SLS parameters and their effects on the porosity, micro and macro pore morphologies of the fabricated parts. This is an important step in the further development of implants which may be required.
Statistical modeling and minimization of form error in SLS prototyping
Authors: Senthilkumaran K. , Pandey P.M. , Rao P.V.M. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report experimental investigations performed to analyze the effect of process parameters on the shape accuracy of selective laser sintered (SLS) parts.Design/methodology/approachThe effect of process parameters, namely build orientation, laser power, scan speed, cylinder diameter and build chamber temperature has been studied on shape accuracy by using geometric tolerances such as cylindricity and flatness. Central composite design (CCD) is used to plan the experiments and a second order regression model has been developed to predict flatness and cylindricity. The significance of process variables on flatness and cylindricity has been evaluated using analysis of variance technique.FindingsIt is observed that interaction effects are more dominant than individual effects. In case of cylindricity, it is found that the interaction between the scan speed and orientation is the dominant factor next to the orientation and quadratic effect of the geometry. In case of flatness, the interaction between build chamber temperature and scan speed is the dominant factor.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical models presented in this paper work within the range of values used for the experiments and most of these models need to be redeveloped for use with other materials.Practical implicationsThe empirical models developed in this work would be useful in deciding the process parameters for parts with improved geometrical tolerances. The optimum parameters identified from the empirical model are found to yield accurate parts with minimum shape error.Originality/valueThe paper establishes the interactions between this build orientation, geometry and process parameters on the shape accuracy of SLS process.
Work experience and the generation of new business ideas among entrepreneurs
Authors: Gabrielsson Jonas , Politis Diamanto 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to develop an integrated framework to examine how entrepreneurs' work experience is associated with the generation of new business ideas. The framework combines human capital theory with theory and research on entrepreneurial learning.Design/methodology/approachA statistical analysis on a sample of 291 Swedish entrepreneurs is conducted.FindingsThe paper finds that a learning mind‐set that favors exploration is the strongest predictor of the generation of new business ideas. It also finds that breadth in functional work experience seems to favor the generation of new business ideas while deep industry work experience is negatively related to new business idea generation. In addition, the paper finds indications that a learning mind‐set that favors exploration is required to more fully benefit from investments in human capital.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's findings add to knowledge of how investments in human capital via work experience, and the employment of a learning mindset that favors exploration, influence performance outcomes in the early stages of the entrepreneurial process.Practical implicationsThe study's findings suggest that entrepreneurs should develop and nurture a learning mind‐set that favors exploration as this will increase their ability to generate more new business ideas. Moreover, movements across different functional work areas appear to have great potential as sources of ideas for new products and markets.Originality/valuePrior empirical studies have not taken individual learning preferences among entrepreneurs into account. Nor have they explicitly tested the effect of depth versus breadth in work experience. The paper thus provides novel insights with respect to how these factors interact in the process of generating new business ideas.
Mental health service user involvement in policy development: social inclusion or disempowerment?
Authors: Cowan Sue , Banks David , Crawshaw Paul , Clifton Andrew 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to reopen a debate around the potential impact of narrow conceptualisations of inclusion, or participation, of service users in current mental health policy development and implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe approach here is a conceptual analysis of the continuity of “‘New Labour’ thinking” and its connection to Putnam on social capital and citizenship, whilst also offering counter critiques drawing on Bourdieu, Rose, and Arnstein.FindingsThe findings show the potential for disempowerment and argue for alternative service user action, either contracting on “their own rules of engagement” or specifically taking up an oppositional stance to disempowering forms of involvement. The authors also draw attention to the influence of differing English and Scottish policy drivers which appear to offer potentially different forms of engagement.Originality/valueThe paper offers a fresh analysis that particularly points to the potential value of service user groups considering alternative forms of involvement, rather than those prescribed by “Third Way” or “Big Society” thinking.
The adoption of open innovation within the telecommunication industry
Authors: Bigliardi Barbara , Ivo Dormio Alberto , Galati Francesco 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe paper, covering the actual argument of open innovation, aims to answer two main research questions, namely: “Which open innovation approach is adopted by the companies belonging to the ICTs industry?” and “Which types of collaborations are carried out by the companies and which are the dynamics that characterize it?”.Design/methodology/approachIn order to answer the research questions a multiple case study methodology is adopted. The research framework was structured in three main phases: first, a literature review on the matter of open innovation in general and within the ICTs industry in particular, as well as of the specific features of the industry investigated, was carried out. Second, a list of questions containing the main issues that arose from the previous step has been designed for the case study protocol, to be used in the following structured interviews. Finally, structured direct interviews were conducted on three important Italian companies active in the telecommunications area.FindingsResults highlighted different ways to manage the open innovation processes, based on teamwork or task forces, and the different roles, more or less proactive, that an information communication technology (ICT) company may undertake within this process. Moreover, they show that ICT companies acquire external knowledge and skills mainly from universities and research centers, as well as from value chain's actors (suppliersin primis).Originality/valueStill little attention has been paid to the understanding of the open innovation approach of Italian firms belonging to the ICT industry, thus the authors believe that this paper may represent a valuable basis for future research on the open innovation issues in the field of ICT.
Evolution of project teams for Generation Y workforce
Authors: Anantatmula Vittal S. , Shrivastav Bobbie 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge base for project managers to understand and deal with issues that arise out of Generation Y working with other generations. The research study is expected to generate interest among the research community for undertaking similar studies to advance understanding on this interesting and important topic.Design/methodology/approachThis research method consists of analyzing literature review findings and survey results of an exploratory study of Generation Y working professionals. Both the literature review findings and the study results were analyzed to develop findings and recommendations.FindingsResearch results confirmed that the generation gap is an issue. Generation Y is viewed unfavorably and they face struggles in dealing with other generations. These generation gap issues might vary depending on the type of industry and composition of the workforce. People from each generation – raised in different social and technological contexts – bring different attitudes, values, and work ethics to the workplace and a project manager is required to manage these to improve project team effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe research study has a participant selection bias; only Gen Y working professionals from the USA participated in the study and people from other generations and Generation Y people from other countries were not included in the study. Therefore, study results do not reflect issues from the perspectives of other generations. A similar study that considers participation of people from real project teams consisting of different generations is recommended to validate the research results of this study.Practical implicationsThe paper explored issues concerning project teams consisting of members from different generations. Results are expected to help project managers develop team management strategies. This study is also aimed to develop a foundation for future studies to examine how project management can deal with project teams consisting of people of different generations working together. The study findings and implications for practical use are limited due to participation bias.Originality/valueThe study is an original effort in examining some of the issues related to different generations working together in a project environment. Results are of relevance in today's corporate world. Project teams span many generations and present challenges in developing them into a high performing team. This paper addresses some of the challenges from the perspective of Generation Y.
Understanding PMs' activities in a coopetitive interorganizational multi‐project setting
Authors: Burström Thommie 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the character of activities performed by project managers (PMs) in the early phases of product development in an interorganizational, multi‐project setting. The aim is to contribute to the extant literature on boundary work in projects by providing a typology of boundary activities and by presenting a conceptual model in which the relationship between these boundary activities is established.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on an explorative, in‐depth case study of a multi‐project setting where PMs assigned to three projects developed new products while simultaneously competing and collaborating. Each project's concept phase was followed by participative observations and ongoing interviews over a 15‐week period at two sites and in two countries.FindingsIt is understood that PMs in organizations collaborate and perform balancing activities. These balancing activities are part of a refinement process, which is created through three intertwined dimensions of boundary activities: administrative, sharing, and tuning. These, in turn, are constructed through complementary micro activities. These micro activities are politically colored and do not necessarily follow a prescribed and orderly path; instead, they are situation contingent and iterative in their character.Research limitations/implicationsThe character of boundary activities in coopetitive project settings should be further studied to better understand the early phases of product development.Practical implicationsThe political dimension of product development activities in the early phases of product development should be acknowledged. By acknowledging the presence of politics, PMs will be more prepared to deal with the complexity and ambiguity that follows when trying to collaborate and compete simultaneously.Originality/valueThis paper takes a practice perspective and focuses on what people do in interorganizational new product development in situations characterised by coopetition.
Redesigning a project‐oriented organization in a complex system
Authors: Staadt Jürgen 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the usability of systems thinking in the process of redesigning a leading public housing provider within a problematic situation. The paper attempts to describe the influence of evolving negative internal socio‐political arrangements on the further development of the whole organization and suggests a purposeful activity model based on constant improvement and collaborative learning for the ongoing intervention.Design/methodology/approachThe study combines soft systems methodology, as the leading or guiding methodology, with case study research and action research. This rather pluralistic approach made it possible to adequately respond to the varying tasks and intricacies of the different research phases within a power‐laden environment. Each phase or part of the process was informed by the analysis of the preceding one, thus creating a documented learning process.FindingsThe results reveal that further development within the project‐oriented organization was hindered or blocked by failure to address the oppressive socio‐political system. The proposed new design, based on systems thinking, allocates an important role to project management and its ability to cope with different paradigms and to address tame, messy as well as wicked problems. Consequently, the discipline of project management should further develop towards an equal appreciation of hard as well as soft systems thinking which emphasises a critical systems thinking approach.Practical implicationsThe project management capabilities needed in the complex housing system go beyond the strategic and operational level since a greater understanding of complex social systems as well as their behaviour is of major importance. This puts emphasis on problem structuring methods and methodologies, as well as their combination, so as to support the debate about the nature of organizational as well as societal problems rather than to focus on their solution.Originality/valueThe paper describes the first soft systems methodology intervention in a predominantly francophone country within the European Union. It proposes a new avenue to the management of organizational as well as societal problems.