bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
United Arab Emirates female entrepreneurs: motivations and frustrations
Authors: Itani Hanifa , Sidani Yusuf M. , Baalbaki Imad 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to summarize the results of a study assessing the status of United Arab Emirates (UAE) female entrepreneurs and attempts to sketch the pattern of the UAE female entrepreneur. It aims to draw a profile of typical UAE women entrepreneurs and their characteristics, outline the makeup of their entrepreneurial businesses, identify some barriers that women face at the startup stage, and in addition – their entrepreneurial motivations and driving forces, satisfactions and frustrations.Design/methodology/approachAn interview‐based qualitative method was used. Structured interviews were conducted with 16 women entrepreneurs over a two‐month period. The contents of the interviews were analyzed and recurring themes were identified and highlighted.FindingsThe interviewed women seem to experience no conflicts between their entrepreneurial life and their personal, family, social, leisure, and friendship lives. However, although satisfied from being in business, they face some barriers at the startup of their venture, emanating mainly from the lack of support, society and traditions, and personal and family reasons.Practical implicationsThere is a need to establish an appropriate institutional framework in collaboration with the supporters of UAE women entrepreneurs to identify business opportunities available for women and develop adequate financial and management training.Originality/valueThis study opens a window into an area of the world that has seldom been addressed before.
Gender and investment climate reform assessment in the Pacific region
Authors: Zamberi Ahmad Syed 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an account of gender and investment climate reform in the Pacific region.Design/methodology/approachThis six‐country research studies face‐to‐face interviews with a variety of stakeholders including: private sector representative bodies; private sector operators; banks and micro‐credit institutions; lawyers; civil society; government departments and bodies; and donors in Papua New Guinea, Timor‐Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa.FindingsThe findings recognised the solutions identified to address gender‐based investment climate barriers which constrain women's economic empowerment in six Pacific nations.Practical implicationsThis research offers valuable practical insights for policy makers, the judiciaries, the private sectors, women's business organizations, and financial institutions.Originality/valueThe paper offers an unprecedented level of new information about gender and investment climate reform in the Pacific region.
Ethics and corporate social responsibility integrated into knowledge management and innovation technology
Authors: Guadamillas‐Gómez Fátima , Donate‐Manzanares Mario J. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to offer an analysis of how firms could integrate ethical values and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives into its corporate and business strategies, especially in relation to its knowledge management (KM) strategy, technological innovation and human development.Design/methodology/approachA model for the “strategization” of ethics and CSR – i.e. their integration into a firm's strategies – is put forward in this paper. In addition, this model is evaluated through a case study of a Spanish innovative company, Indra. Data were generated based on interviews with various managers involved in the development of CSR, KM and corporate strategies.FindingsThe paper provides evidence of the efforts this company is making in order to connect CSR initiatives with competitive advantage through the development of intangible assets such as human capital and innovation capacity, for which KM is an essential tool.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study is limited to one company in order to go deeper into the “strategization” of CSR process. Future studies will focus on a larger and more diverse sample of firms.Practical implicationsImportant factors of influence, which have been observed in this process, have been extracted from the case study, such as the necessity of promoting the company's ethical principles through its corporate culture, the human resources practices which encourage the access to and the transfer of knowledge, and relationships with its stakeholders that allow the creation of knowledge, innovation and human development.Originality/valueThe paper provides a model of integration of ethics and CSR into the company's strategy through four stages: establishment of CSR vision, diagnosis of CSR problems, development plan of CSR development, and communication. This model can provide a roadmap for managers in other firms in order to formulate and implement a CSR plan in accordance with the company's strategies and mission.
Humanistic corporate community involvement: Walgreens/MEF One‐On‐One program
Authors: Melé Domènec , Mammoser Thomas L. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to discuss a humanistic perspective on corporate community involvement (CCI), proposing the concept of humanistic corporate community involvement (HCCI). This concept is illustrated through a case study.Design/methodology/approachThe understanding of humanism applied is one drawn from Catholic social teaching. The case has been developed from the personal experience of one of the authors (Mammoser), enriched with interviews and reports, along with some public information, which helps to understand the socio‐cultural context.FindingsHCCI is defined by four characteristics: recognizing and respecting human dignity and rights, fostering integral human development, acting virtuously; this means that the social actions included in CCI have the direct motive of doing good, and organizing social actions in accordance with both the Principle of Solidarity and the Principle of Subsidiarity. The specification of these characteristics can vary from one situation to another. Here we discuss a real case in which these characteristics underlie a successful project in the USA, jointly developed by the US company Walgreens and the Midtown Educational Foundation, a Chicago‐based NGO.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study does not seek to suggest that this is the only way for CCI with a humanistic approach, but to shed light on and motivate other similar initiatives.Practical implicationsFindings provide new horizons to undertake CCI and a project, which could be included within the best practices in this field.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new approach to CCI based on a humanistic perspective, which enriches other approaches. In doing so, it does not consider such involvement as a means for public relations, reputation enhancement, and ultimately profits. It goes beyond a generic contribution to public good, or of a fair return to society for what a company has received from it. Integral human development of individuals and communities is its goal.
Managing effectiveness and efficiency through FM blueprinting
Authors: Coenen Christian , von Felten Daniel , Schmid Mirjam 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the specifics of facilities management (FM) process modelling and the application of the service blueprinting technique within the field of FM. The paper aims to develop a visualisation method for optimised management of process interfaces to better integrate core and support processes and increase effectiveness and efficiency.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive overview of general management literature about process management issues in FM, certain challenges and requirements of FM process modelling are presented and discussed. Service blueprinting, a technique known from services marketing, is introduced and characterised in detail. Subsequently, the application of blueprinting within the FM sector is discussed and the specifics of FM blueprinting are presented. A qualitative case‐based research in the health‐care sector was conducted to provide a practical insight into this technique.FindingsThe paper argues that the implementation of FM blueprinting gives management the opportunity of improving process steps and dependent interrelationships between core and support processes. The insights not only apply to the field of management, but can also readily be used for operations.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new process modelling method that supports the customer‐oriented perspective within FM and facilitates the visualisation of simultaneous complex process networks within core and support businesses. The paper introduces the possibility of including measures to achieve effectiveness and efficiency within one single process visualisation.
Reading in 2110 – reading behavior and reading devices:a case study
Authors: Grzeschik Kathrin , Kruppa Yevgeniya , Marti Diana , Donner Paul 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of these experiments is to find out whether and how reading behavior might be influenced by reading devices.Design/methodology/approachIn total, three experiments, the first one more independent from the second and third, investigate how European Library and Information Science students react to electronic reading devices, unfamiliar as they are with them. The second and third experiments explore implications such as reading rate, concentration and symptoms of fatigue in conjunction with electronic reading devices. Test objects were the Sony eBook Reader, the IREX iLiad, LCD computer screens, Laptops and the Smart Phone HTC Touch HD in comparison with printed documents and books.FindingsContrary to common opinion, the results indicate a trend that concentration and/or reading rates do not suffer from reading on electronic reading devices. Further, it was found that influences on reading rate and concentration are posed rather by the individual reading behavior of a person, as well as by the nature of a text (scholarly or novelistic), than by the reading devices used.Research limitations/implicationsProblems included the limited means to acquire technical support. The first experiment, in particular, suffered from inadequate equipment such as audio recordings that were too quiet. The value of the statistics is limited by the small number of test subjects and test runs. Additionally, the test persons had differing experience in reading with an electronic device. Two had used an electronic reading device before, whilst the others never had.Originality/valueBased on the findings in recent literature, experiments such as this have rarely been conducted. Research in this particular field, i.e. print vs screen reading performance in adults, is sparse in recent history and more often done through examining personal preferences. To the knowledge of the authors, the research has never been done from the perspective of Library and Information Science (LIS). The preliminary results question common assumptions and theses.
From communication to collaboration: blogging to troubleshoot e‐resources
Authors: Pan Denise , Bradbeer Gayle , Jurries Elaine 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis case study aims to demonstrate that the combination of teamwork and technology enabled troubleshooting librarians to transform Web 2.0 social networking (blog) software into a knowledge management tool for resolving issues with electronic resources.Design/methodology/approachCurrent library management software is ill‐equipped to cope with the complexities of troubleshooting problems with online materials. After implementation of a commercial Electronic Resources Management (ERM) system overwhelmed the librarians with access issues, they naturally formed a community of practice to initiate knowledge creation through developing a custom solution – the AurProblem Blog. In doing so, they recognized unintended benefits of using social networking software to communicate with one another, colleagues and patrons, and to facilitate improvements in their workflow.FindingsThe paper describes the processes in which the librarians established a self‐identified and formed group which enabled them to create their own troubleshooting tool and procedures. Since their relationship initially developed as peers, with mutual respect for the others' complementary and non‐competing capabilities, they achieved authentic shared leadership – where each member shifted between leader and follower roles depending on the circumstance.Research limitations/implicationsThe troubleshooting team attributes their success to voluntary and spontaneous formation of a shared leadership environment. While achievement of knowledge creation among equals is more challenging in traditional hierarchically defined establishments where roles and responsibilities are assigned, the authors believe that many of the case study findings are transferable.Practical implicationsThe paper describes steps taken to convert a generic blog into a customized troubleshooting management tool. As a result, readers will be able to set up blog labels and templates, establish problem‐solving protocol with colleagues, and develop their own custom solutions.Social implicationsThis paper demonstrates that blogs can become essential workplace tools for improving organizational efficiency.Originality/valueBased on literature reviews, this paper presents a unique perspective, which re‐imagines the use of Web 2.0 technology for troubleshooting e‐resources.
Hybrid‐Trefftz finite element method for heat conduction in nonlinear functionally graded materials
Authors: Fu Zhuo‐Jia , Qin Qing‐Hua , Chen Wen 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid‐Trefftz (HT) finite element model (FEM) for simulating heat conduction in nonlinear functionally graded materials (FGMs) which can effectively handle continuously varying properties within an element.Design/methodology/approachIn the proposed model, a T‐complete set of homogeneous solutions is first derived and used to represent the intra‐element temperature fields. As a result, the graded properties of the FGMs are naturally reflected by using the newly developed Trefftz functions (T‐complete functions in some literature) to model the intra‐element fields. The derivation of the Trefftz functions is carried out by means of the well‐known Kirchhoff transformation in conjunction with various variable transformations.FindingsThe study shows that, in contrast to the conventional FEM, the HT‐FEM is an accurate numerical scheme for FGMs in terms of the number of unknowns and is insensitive to mesh distortion. The method also performs very well in terms of numerical accuracy and can converge to the analytical solution when the number of elements is increased.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is twofold: a T‐complete set of homogeneous solutions for nonlinear FMGs has been derived and used to represent the intra‐element temperature; and the corresponding variational functional and the associated algorithm has been constructed.
Predicting professional preferences for intuition‐based hiring
Authors: Lodato Michael A. , Highhouse Scott , Brooks Margaret E. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeMany human resource professionals erroneously believe that they can hire the best employees without the assistance of decision aids. The purpose of this study is to examine personal and situational characteristics that may relate to preference for intuition‐based approaches to hiring employees.Design/methodology/approachA representative sample of 206 managers and directors of human resources management was asked to complete an online questionnaire addressing psychological constructs and career information.FindingsThe authors found that the profile of a professional who prefers intuition‐based hiring is one who is an experiential thinker (i.e. tends to make everyday decisions based on feelings), is less experienced, works for a smaller organization, and does not possess advanced professional certification. Hiring context (i.e. selecting hourly versus salaried employees) did not influence preferences for intuition‐based hiring.Research limitations/implicationsElements of the study are cross‐sectional and based on self‐reports. This does not allow for causal interpretations and increases the risk of common method bias.Practical implicationsQualities that serve a human resource professional well in some aspects of work performance may interfere with the adoption of evidence‐based practices.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the characteristics of human resource professionals that are associated with a preference for intuition‐based hiring, and provides a new measure of selection decision‐making approach that may be used as a dependent variable in future research on the topic.
Implications of psychological contract breach
Authors: Suazo Mark M. , Stone‐Romero Eugene F. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the assumed direct and indirect effects of psychological contract breach (breach) on supervisor‐rated employee behaviors of in‐role performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) directed at an individual (OCBI), and OCB directed at the organization (OCBO). The assumed indirect effects are to be investigated with psychological contract violation (violation) as a mediator of these relations. In addition, perceived organizational support (perceived support) is to be examined as a moderator of the same relations.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to 1,013 employees working in the USA and hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate that: breach is negatively related to supervisor‐rated in‐role behavior, OCBI, and OCBO; breach is positively related to violation and that violation in turn is negatively related to supervisor‐rated in‐role behavior, OCBI, and OCBO; and perceived support can strengthen the positive relation between breach and violation, and the negative relations between breach or violation and supervisor‐rated employee behaviors.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a non‐experimental design does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding causality.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of the potential negative implications of the escalation of breach to violation on employee behaviors and the value of understanding that the level of perceived support may influence employee behaviors following breach or violation.Originality/valueThis study makes a unique contribution to the literature by being the first to examine perceived support as a moderator of the relations between breach or violation and supervisor‐rated in‐role behavior, OCBI, and OCBO.
Fisher skills and compliance with effort‐limiting fishing regulations in a developing country
Authors: Akpalu Wisdom 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe formal model of economics of crime developed by Becker is based on the assumption that a miscreant knows with certainty the benefit that accrues to a criminal activity. The purpose of this paper is to relax this assumption and establish a link between technical efficiency and commission of fishery crimes in a developing country where fishing techniques are rudimentary making catch volumes uncertain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper extends the neoclassical model of crime developed by Becker to account for catch uncertainties. The extended model predicts that, in addition to the risk and severity of punishment, less skilful fishermen are more likely to violate effort‐limiting fishing regulations. Primary data were obtained through a survey of 258 artisanal fishermen from the Central and Western Regions of Ghana to test the predictions of the model.FindingsThe prediction that less skillful fishers are more likely to violate effort‐limiting fishing regulations is confirmed by the data. Other factors that determined the rate of violation of the fishing regulation include the risk of detection, severity of punishment, rate of time preference, age of the fisher, perceived legitimacy of the regulation and respect for religious norms.Social implicationsIf returns to illegal activities are uncertain, policies that improve the efficiency of potential violators may decrease the rate or extent of violation. Moreover, minimizing overfishing will improve livelihood and reduce poverty among fishers.Originality/valueThe paper makes a novel attempt at linking efficiency (or skills) to violation of regulations.
The effects of FDI on voice and accountability in the MENA region
Authors: Gholipour Fereidouni Hassan , Ariffin Masron Tajul , Ekhtiari Amiri Reza 
Published: July 2011

PurposeSeveral scholars, policymakers and international development agencies have been suggesting that trade and capital openness would bring better governance, in particular higher level of voice and accountability (VA), for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on VA in the MENA region.Design/methodology/approachApplying two different panel models (fixed‐effects and dynamic), this paper uses related observations from 19 MENA countries between 2000 and 2008 to analyze the impacts of FDI inflows on VA.FindingsThe results reveal that FDI inflows do not contribute to the higher level of VA in the MENA region.Originality/valueWith no previous studies of the linkage between FDI inflows and VA in the MENA region, the paper makes a significant contribution in this regard.
Distortion in corporate valuation: implications of capital structure changes
Authors: Oded Jacob , Michel Allen , Feinstein Steven P. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe traditional discounted cash flows (DCF) valuation procedure used by financial analysts assumes that firms maintain a policy of fixed debt. However, empirical evidence suggests that many firms rebalance their debt. This paper seeks to explore the implication of this discrepancy for valuation of firms that undergo a capital structure change.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is both theoretical and empirical.FindingsThe authors show how the valuation process should be modified for firms that are expected to rebalance their debt and demonstrate the distortion in value that results if the traditional DCF valuation procedure is used instead. Furthermore, they illustrate the significance of their results using a sample of the largest largest leveraged buyouts of the current decade.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first investigation into this issue.