bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harnessing ICT potential
Authors: Dawson Shane , Heathcote Liz , Poole Gary 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how effective higher education institutions have been in harnessing the data capture mechanisms from their student information systems, learning management systems and communication tools for improving the student learning experience and informing practitioners of the achievement of specific learning outcomes. The paper seeks to argue that the future of analytics in higher education lies in the development of more comprehensive and integrated systems to value add to the student learning experience.Design/methodology/approachLiterature regarding the trend for greater accountability in higher education is reviewed in terms of its implications for greater “user driven” direction. In addition, IT usage within higher education and contemporary usage of data captured from various higher education systems is examined and compared to common commercial applications to suggest how higher education management and teachers can gain greater understanding of the student cohort and personalise and enhance the learning experience much as commercial entities have done for their client base. A way forward for higher education is proposed.FindingsIf the multiple means that students engage with university systems are considered, it is possible to track individual activity throughout the entire student life cycle – from initial admission, through course progression and finally graduation and employment transitions. The combined data captured by various systems builds a detailed picture of the activities students, instructors, service areas and the institution as a whole undertake and can be used to improve relevance, efficiency and effectiveness in a higher education institution.Originality/valueThe paper outlines how academic analytics can be used to better inform institutions about their students learning support needs. The paper provides examples of IT automation that may allow for student user‐information to be translated into a personalised and semi‐automated support system for students.
Early antecedents to students' expected performance
Authors: Garger John , Thomas Michael , Jacques Paul H. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to confirm the predictive validity of several antecedents to students' early perceptions of future performance in collegiate courses.Design/methodology/approachA non‐experimental design was used to test a proposed model based on a review of relevant literature. Students completed surveys capturing the constructs researched.FindingsStudents' internal locus of control predicted student perceptions of social integration, academic self concept and grade point average (GPA) and social integration significantly predicted academic self concept. Moreover, academic self concept significantly predicted early perceptions of expected grade beyond the student's current level of performance as measured by his/her current GPA.Research limitations/implicationsSubjects were from one academic program in one university. Also, expected performance was measured with one item, which focused on expected grade, only one aspect of performance. Other aspects of performance and outcomes such as perceived learning or satisfaction with the course could shed more light on the relationships among the constructs under studyPractical implicationsStudents with an internal locus of control orientation can better leverage self‐confidence to social and academic ends in the classroom and more readily exhibit the sustained goal‐related behaviors requisite for success during transitions to college and subsequent professional placements. Also, students who are encouraged to take personal responsibility for relationships with peers and adjust behaviors are likely to maintain and enhance the quality of these relationships.Originality/valueThe paper's results suggest that instructors who foster/reinforce students' concept of connections between choices and outcomes may be rewarded with enhanced student motivation to perform well in the course.
Educational value: how students choose university
Authors: Petruzzellis Luca , Romanazzi Salvatore 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to measure students' perceptions of value that are influenced by differences in costs (monetary and non‐monetary), students' attitudes and socio‐demographic features. It seeks to investigate the components of the university value that affects students' choice.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed in order to measure students' beliefs and perceptions about the offer and service attributes of the university. All variables, primarily drawn from the literature, were measured using multiple items. ANOVA and a PLS regression was used to investigate the effects of the various value dimensions as perceived by students.FindingsThe findings suggest that, although universities could improve student retention by attempting to increase their level of satisfaction, their efforts will be more effective if focussed on demonstrating the way that the service provided has helped their customers to achieve their objectives, highlighting the strategic importance of the social value.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the limitations, such as the sample size and the convenience sampling strategy, future research should be addressed to define the student lifetime value from both the university and the student point of view. Additionally, it could be interesting to investigate a kind of “student equity” as a function of: student satisfaction, student sacrifice and word‐of‐mouth.Originality/valueSince little empirical research concerning student value and its formation exists, this paper develops a value approach that measures the total student experience. Moreover, very few studies exist in the Italian context, which proves to be interesting due to the recent changes in the university system structure.
Individualism‐collectivism and job satisfaction between Malaysia and Australia
Authors: Noordin Fauziah , Jusoff Kamaruzaman 
Published: February 2010

PurposeOne of the main issues that many organizations will face in the coming years is the management of increasing diversity in the workforce. The purpose of this paper is to examine the levels of individualism and collectivism of managers in two different cultural environments, that is, Malaysia and Australia.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by questionnaire from middle managers in a total of 18 organisations in Malaysia and ten organisations in Australia. Individualism‐collectivism was measured using Singeliset al.'s 32‐item scale. The items in the scale are designed to measure the horizontal and vertical aspects of individualism‐collectivism. The items were answered on seven‐point scale where 1 indicates strong disagreement and 7 indicates strong agreement. In addition, the seven‐item job satisfaction measure, which is part of the Survey of Organizations questionnaire developed by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, was used.FindingsThe study reveals the existence of differences between Malaysian and Australian managers on the level of vertical individualism, horizontal collectivism, and vertical collectivism. In addition, the Australian managers appear to have a significantly higher level of job satisfaction than their counterpart in Malaysia.Research limitations/implicationsOverall, the findings of the present study suggest that there have been significant shifts in value classifications in Malaysia since Hofstede conducted his original study. This finding underscores the fact that, although a nation's work‐related values and attitudes are deep‐seated preferences for certain end states; they are subject to change over the years as external environmental changes shape a society. Therefore, researchers and practitioners should use caution before attempting to use work‐related values and attitudes to understand human behaviours in organizations.Practical implicationsThe results of this study may be of interest and assistance to managers of multinational and international organizations who need to manage in global contexts and, therefore, need to understand cultural‐driven differences in personal and interpersonal work‐related conditions between and across nations.Originality/valueThe results of this study provide empirical corroboration of the theoretical perspectives of Singeliset al.on individualism‐collectivism and horizontal and vertical dimensions of individualism and collectivism respectively. In addition, they may be of interest and assistance to managers of multinational and international organizations who need to manage in global contexts and, therefore, need to understand cultural‐driven differences in work attitudes of employees between and across nations. Finally, the study's findings contribute to a growing body of research that illustrates the need to take a multidimensional approach to the study on individualism‐collectivism.
Social responsibilities of MNCs in downsizing operations
Authors: Mäkelä Hannele , Näsi Salme 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the social aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by studying a case of organizational downsizing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a theoretical framework consisting of stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory together with the concept of social contract. Textual analysis methods are used to analyse and interpret the empirical data, which consist of mass media articles.FindingsThe main finding is that key stakeholders, especially employees and their representatives and the multinational corporation (MNC) itself perceive social aspects of CSR differently. The economic dimension dominates the social aspect in the corporate representatives' argumentation. Accounting information is used as a rhetorical tool to legitimise the downsizing actions rather than for purposes of accountability and transparent informative content.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a detailed analysis of a specific context. This may limit the wider applicability of the findings. Even so, it adds insights to the academic literature on the varying conceptions of the social responsibilities of corporations, perceived not only by the firm itself, but also by different stakeholders.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on CSR by investigating understandings of corporate social responsibility in a case where the economic and social responsibilities of a firm are publicly debated. The study also links the theoretical debate on corporate social responsibility to a context with a complex range of political and social factors affecting the construction of the social and economic responsibilities of a firm.
Strategies for dealing with standard‐setting resistance
Authors: Jeppesen Kim K. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of how auditing standard setting is adapted to changing patterns of resistance at various stages of its development.Design/methodology/approachThe research is conducted as a longitudinal single case study of the auditing standard‐setting activities of the Danish professional body 1970‐1978. The case is based on extensive interviews with members of the standard‐setting board at that time, supplemented with documentary studies.FindingsThe paper identifies and discusses five general measures to deal with the immanent resistance to auditing standard setting: alignment of interests, representation, due process, soft texts, and reference to ideology. It concludes by analyzing how these strategies are adapted to changing patterns of standard‐setting resistance at various stages.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper discusses auditing standard setting only. Although resistance to accounting standard setting may be dealt with in the same way, the patterns of resistance are most likely different and the adaptation strategies may therefore also be different.Practical implicationsPresenting insight into the processes of auditing standard setting, the paper is of interest to anyone involved in the process, either as developers or as users.Originality/valueThe paper supplements previous studies of standard setting by applying the Actor‐Network Theory approach to auditing standard setting, thereby outlining a new general framework for the study of standard setting.
Financial black holes
Authors: Shaoul Jean , Stafford Anne , Stapleton Pam 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine empirically whether the system of public expenditure reporting is capable of delivering financial accountability, focusing on the UK government's use of private finance for roads.Design/methodology/approachPublicly available documents from the public and private sector partners for 11 roads contracts are examined, together with a publicly provided bridge paid for via tolls as a comparator.FindingsReporting by both public and private sectors is limited and opaque, such that accountability to the public is inadequate. The evidence also shows that the scale of the additional expenditure generated by private finance warrants greater disclosure and scrutiny than is currently the case.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings, which occur in the roads sector where projects are large and visible, are likely to be replicated elsewhere in the public sector. Accountability issues may be even more problematic in public bodies where reporting is more diffuse. Furthermore, the proliferation of other forms of private finance increases the problems of reporting clear financial information, the lack of which not only makes informed public debate about public and fiscal policy impossible but also may lead to the wrong policy choice.Originality/valueThere has been little ex post facto examination as to whether extant reporting requirements permit understanding and scrutiny of the cost of private finance. The paper presents a desired list of annual disclosure, highlighting an information gap.
Accountability, narrative reporting and legitimation
Authors: Samkin Grant , Schneider Annika 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how a major public benefit entity in New Zealand uses formal accountability mechanisms and informal reporting to justify its existence. The paper is premised on the view that the accountability relationship for public benefit entities is broader and more complex than the traditional shareholder‐manager relationship in the private sector.Design/methodology/approachThis longitudinal single case study of the Department of Conservation (DOC) spans the period from its establishment in 1987 to June 2006. It involves the detailed examination of the narrative disclosures contained in the annual reports, including the Statement of Service Performance, over the period of the study. A number of controversial items that appeared in the printed media between 1 April 1987 and 30 June 2006 were traced through the annual reports to establish whether DOC used impression management techniques in its annual reports to gain, maintain and repair its organisational legitimacy.FindingsThe analysis found that the annual report of a public benefit entity could play an important legitimising role. Using legitimacy theory, it is argued that assertive and defensive impression management techniques were used by DOC to gain, maintain and repair its organisational legitimacy in the light of extensive negative media publicity.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to examine the relationship between narrative disclosures in annual reports and legitimacy in the public sector. The paper provides a valuable contribution to researchers and practitioners as it extends the understanding of how public benefit entities can make use of the narrative portions of the annual report when pursuing organisational legitimacy.
The pros and cons
Authors: Butt Maggie 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis poem aims to reflect the almost universal embrace of over‐work culture, complaining about its negative aspects and – with some surprise – acknowledging its positive qualities.Design/methodology/approachThis is a free verse poem structured in five triplets, perhaps to echo the five working days of the week. Each triplet takes a different image for work, cold water, a ship, the Minotaur, astronauts' boots, bread and gravy, and sets them against one another as the demands of working lives may be set against one another. The simplicity of the language reflects the everydayness of work itself.FindingsThe “turn” in line 12 (as with a sonnet, though this is not a sonnet) brings us to the ending, the positive, distracting aspects of work. It was not known until well into the writing and drafting process that the poem would turn in this way and celebrate both positive and negative aspects. The title followed this final turn of angle.Research limitations/implicationsHaving to go to work is a mixed blessing.Originality/valueThe poem is unique in its form, the choice of language, and the range of images chosen to represent (and exaggerate) the impact of work on people's lives.
Adam, Inc.
Authors: Hazelton James 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis poem aims to explore corporate ideology.Design/methodology/approachIt is a fictional poem.FindingsThe poem suggests that a capitalist perspective diminishes social and environmental possibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe poem invites renewed reflection on the influence of corporate values.Originality/valueThe poem draws on the story of Genesis to highlight salient aspects of capitalist culture.
Mediation: depolarizing responsibilities to facilitate reconciliation
Authors: Poitras Jean 
Published: February 2010

PurposeParties' respective share of responsibility in a conflict is a topic that many mediators have difficulty approaching from fear of radicalizing discussions. The present paper aims to propose a strategy to help mediators facilitate parties' acknowledgement of their role in the escalation of a conflict.Design/methodology/approachThe strategy is tested using a quasi‐experimental design using real case mediation in partnership with Commission des normes du travail du Québec (CNT).FindingsThe results indicate that it has a significant impact on the parties' acknowledgement of their share of responsibility, reconciliation and the settlement rate.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research design has good external validity, the strategy should be tested in other settings such as family mediation.Practical implicationsThe results show that the parties' perceptions that they played no role in conflict escalation and that the other is responsible for the whole situation are at the heart of any conflict.Originality/valueThis study empirically tests an interesting and valuable approach to mediation.
Team identification, trust and conflict: a mediation model
Authors: Han Guohong (Helen) , Harms P.D. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe current study aims to address the relationship between trust, team identification, and team conflict. Specifically, it aims to examine whether trust in peers mediates the relationship between team identification and team conflict.Design/methodology/approachThis is an empirical paper based on two field studies. In Study 1, 241 employees in a USFortune500 company distributed in various and mostly R&D teams were surveyed. In Study 2, 205 employees in a health care organization in the Midwest were surveyed.FindingsTeam identification was related to lower levels of both task conflict and relationship conflict. This relationship, however, is mediated by the employees' trust in their peers.Research limitations/implicationsThis finding addresses concerns about the mechanisms by which employee attitudes contribute to work behaviors.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of cultivating team members' sense of “we” rather than a sense of “I” in the team context, reinforced the crucial role of trust in organizational context. Further, by shedding light on the process by which teams come into conflict, our results suggest a means by which managers and organizations can work towards creating optimal levels of conflict in their work teams.Originality/valueAs far as it is known, this is the first field study that has examined the mediating role of trust between team identity and team conflict.
Group communication and conflict management in an electronic medium
Authors: Olaniran Bolanle A. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis study aims to explore the use of a Computer‐mediated Communication (CMC) system in‐group conflict management, with specific attention directed toward analyzing the task effect on conflict management patterns of groups in CMC interaction.Design/methodology/approachTwo tasks are used in experimental design to analyze interactions and conflict management patterns within e‐mail communication environment. Group composition and communication medium were kept constant. The group working relations coding system (GWRCS) was used to examine group interaction patterns that characterize the conflict management process.FindingsThe results demonstrate that task type influences the group conflict management process and the extent to which a group employs different levels of confrontiveness strategy in its interaction and conflict management patterns. Specifically, intellective task conflict is best handled by a high confrontiveness while cognitive task conflict is best handled by a moderate confrontiveness strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used small group size and did not take into account variation in group size. Thus, the degree to which a larger size groups might affect the results is unknown. The study showed that group effectiveness requires different conflict management and interaction patterns for different tasks even within the same communication medium.Originality/valueThe study outlined the importance of task types in conflict management within the same group and within the same communication technology. It also stressed the fact that individuals apply technology differently to negotiate conflict based on tasks.
Studying Chinese culture and conflict: a research agenda
Authors: Lin Canchu 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a research agenda for studying Chinese culture and conflict.Design/methodology/approachPublications on Chinese culture and conflict are searched and reviewed to identify conceptualizations of Chinese culture and key findings on conflict.FindingsA review of the scholarly literature on Chinese culture and conflict suggests that Chinese culture has been mainly conceptualized as Confucianism and collectivism. Inadequacies of such conceptualizations and their negative effects on empirical research on Chinese culture and management and organization in China have been addressed.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations were not being able to get an exhaustive list of research publications on Chinese culture and conflict.Practical implicationsThe paper helps to reduce stereotypes about Chinese conflict management stemmed from previous researchOriginality/valueOn the basis of recognizing the importance of past research, new directions for researching Chinese culture and conflict that constitute a new research agenda have been proposed.