bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management indecision
Authors: Brooks Margaret E. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeIndecision is not the hallmark of a great manager, but what do we know about when and why managers avoid or postpone decisions? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the limited research on indecision.Design/methodology/approachThis article reviews research from judgment and decision making, psychology, management, and marketing literatures to assemble what we already know about indecision. The review spans situational and personal determinants of indecision, highlighting what we know about when and why people experience indecision as well as who is predictably indecisive.FindingsDecisions are avoided when people are asked to justify them, when options are similar in attractiveness, and when there are a large number of options to consider. Indecision may sometimes be a result of systematic biases (i.e. omission bias and status quo bias), and indecisive people may be more prone to confirmation bias. Finally, indecisiveness is related to numerous other individual differences, many of which are negative.Practical implicationsSpecific recommendations for managers include evaluating options separately rather than comparing options, structuring incentive systems to reward decisive action, and explicitly considering the risk of lost opportunity when deciding whether to put off making a decision.Originality/valueThe literature reviewed in this paper spans diverse disciplines and perspectives. This paper provides a starting point for managers and researchers interested in understanding indecision: when and why it occurs, who is likely to be most indecisive, and what we might do to counter indecision.
Enhancing decisions with criteria for quality
Authors: Rausch Erwin , Anderson Charles 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper is intended to offer a practical perspective on how to achieve high quality of decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an inductive approach by looking at all the issues that deserve consideration in one or more of the steps in the decision‐making process to ensure that none are overlooked that are relevant to the respective decision. It suggests eight guidelines for decision‐makers for this purpose. The guidelines apply primarily to the non‐technical (soft) aspects of decisions.FindingsEight guidelines are described. When considered in every significant decision they will bring considerable assurance that the outcome of the decision will be as close as possible to the desired one. The primary conclusion is that development of the habit to use guidelines, either those provided by the paper, or similarly comprehensive ones, help to ensure high quality decisions because they help the decision maker ensure that few if any relevant issues are ignored.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the regular use of meaningful guidelines lies with the decision quality they enhance.Social implicationsBetter decisions throughout society.Originality/valueUnique approach to ensuring highest possible quality of decisions.
A new fast, reliable filtering method for multiple criteria decision making
Authors: Walk Steven R. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce a new method for the evaluation and selection (filtering) of alternatives in a complex multi‐criteria decision environment.Design/methodology/approachThe method uses an original modified outranking methodology to select optimal opportunities among competing alternatives for adoption.FindingsThe process has application in scenarios such as wherein an executive or manager of a technology‐intensive enterprise faces the significant challenges of making effective investment decisions for new business processes and product technology.Practical implicationsAs applied in an enterprise technology decision‐making environment, the method reduces uncertainty in the process of filtering and selecting the best technology opportunities evaluated against multiple criteria or business objectives.Originality/valueThe value of the method is in its simplicity and expediency to identify, assess, and then isolate the most appropriate technology opportunities among many.
Growth and diffusion of e‐journal usage in universities of the western Himalayan region of India
Authors: Sharma Dhirendra , Sharma Hemant , Singh Vikram 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study and analyse the information communication technology‐based growth and diffusion of research using e‐journals for two universities belonging to different states in the western Himalayan region of India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an assessment period for the analysis of usage of e‐journals of 36 months from 2007‐2009. It demonstrates a relative comparison of the usage of e‐journals within the framework of a logistic model and the S‐curve. In the process, the status of internet users, from international level to national and university level, is also analysed.FindingsOwing to the rapid technological growth and its phase‐wise development, the “Replacement hypothesis” does not permit the expectation of a smoother behaviour in the cumulative growth in internet users and consequently the usage of e‐journals in these universities. A simple statistical analysis of the usage was also undertaken. The coefficient of variation shows a wide fluctuation for four out of 12 publishing houses. Compound growth rate was also calculated and analysed for the two universities. A typical case of usage of e‐journals from one publishing house was also analysed more thoroughly with a likely future projection.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis reflects the limitations inherent in the logistic model, particularly the linear growth rate and the appearance of the inflection point at Xs/2 in the S‐curve.Originality/valueThe paper presents an in‐depth analysis of growth and diffusion of usage of e‐journals in two universities located in the western Himalayan region of India, for the first time. It also projects the usage of e‐journals, reflecting research progress, until the time of saturation in the S‐curve of each of the universities in the region.
The nutritional properties and health benefits of eggs
Authors: Ruxton C.H.S. , Derbyshire E. , Gibson S. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeAdvice about the role of eggs in the diet has changed several times over the decades. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate published evidence reporting associations between egg consumption, egg nutrients and health.Design/methodology/approachThe scientific literature was searched using Medline and key words relevant to eggs and egg nutrients. In addition, a new secondary analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) was undertaken to examine nutritional and health differences between consumers and non‐consumers of eggs.FindingsEggs are a rich source of protein and several essential nutrients, particularly vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and choline. Emerging evidence suggests that eating eggs is associated with satiety, weight management and better diet quality. In addition, antioxidants found in egg yolk may help prevent age‐related macular degeneration. The secondary analysis showed that regular egg consumers with a low red and processed meat (RPM) intake ate healthier diets and had a better micronutrient status than those who did not eat eggs but who had a high RPM intake. It was concluded that egg consumption, at a range of intakes, was associated with nutrition and health benefits.Research limitations/implicationsMore research on eggs, and egg nutrients, is needed to confirm the health benefits. Future studies should control for other dietary and lifestyle factors.Originality/valueThis paper develops knowledge about egg consumption beyond cholesterol content and provides new evidence from a secondary analysis of a large national dietary database.
Influence of external horizontal vibration on the coefficient of friction of aluminium sliding against stainless steel
Authors: Asaduzzaman Chowdhury Mohammad , Muhammad Nuruzzaman Dewan , Lutfar Rahaman Mohammad 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe present paper aims to experimentally investigate the effect of external horizontal vibration on friction property of an aluminium disc sliding against stainless steel pin.Design/methodology/approachTo do so, a pin‐on‐disc apparatus having facility of vibrating the test samples at horizontal direction was designed and fabricated. In the study, a dimensional analysis is done to correlate the friction coefficient of aluminium with sliding velocity, frequency and amplitude of vibration.FindingsAt 100 Hz frequency of vibration, it is seen that during the starting, value of friction coefficient is 0.39 which remains constant for few seconds then increases almost linearly up to 0.45 over a duration of 15 s of rubbing and after that it remains constant for the rest of the experimental time. Similar trends of behavior are observed for transverse vibration. These findings are in agreement with the findings of Chowdhury and Helali.Originality/valueIt is expected that the applications of these results will contribute to the improvement of different concerned mechanical systems.
Analysis of capillary compensated hydrostatic journal bearing operating with micropolar lubricant
Authors: Verma Suresh , Jadon Vijay Kumar , Gupta K.D. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to study, theoretically, the performance characteristics of capillary compensated multi‐recessed hydrostatic journal bearings operating with micropolar lubricant. The finite element method is used to solve the modified Reynolds' equation governing the micropolar lubricant flow in the clearance space of a hydrostatic journal bearing. The performance characteristics of bearing operating with micropolar lubricant are presented and compared with that of Newtonian lubricant, for a wide range of non‐dimensional load, capillary restrictor design parameter and micropolar parameters.Design/methodology/approachThe modified Reynolds' equation governing the flow of the micropolar lubricant is solved along with restrictor flow equation by finite element method so as to obtain fluid‐film pressures. The iterative procedure is repeated until the converged solution for the fluid‐film pressure field is obtained.FindingsA study of four‐pocket hydrostatic journal bearing system capillary compensated and operating with micropolar lubricant is presented. The following conclusions are made from the results presented in this study: at a constant load, pocket pressures and minimum film thickness, stiffness coefficients and, the damping coefficients increase with increase in micropolar effect of lubricant as compared to the Newtonian lubricant; the influence of the micropolar parameters of lubricant is more significant upon the minimum fluid‐film thickness at higher values of load and lower values of restrictor design parameter; the non‐dimensional flow decreases with increase in the micropolar effect of the lubricant a given values of restrictor design parameter and load; and the stiffness coefficient in the direction of load is found to be influenced by the micropolar parameters and more significantly at lower values of restrictor design parameter and load.Originality/valueStudies of capillary compensated multi‐recess hydrostatic journal bearing operating with micropolar fluid/lubricant are not available in the existing literature to the best of authors' knowledge. Although, such bearing has been studied with Newtonian lubricant and available in open literature. Therefore, this paper is an original piece of work in the area of micropolar lubrication and compensated hydrostatic bearings.
The tribological behaviour of a novel triazine derivative and its combination with ZDDP as additive in mineral oil
Authors: Peng Lulu , Li Jianchang , Ren Tianhui , Wu Hua , Ma Chenyan 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the research was to test whether the novel synthesized additive TEAT can be a substitution for the traditional additive ZDDP partly or entirely in mineral oil.Design/methodology/approachThe extreme pressure, antiwear (AW) and friction reducing property of TEAT was examined, the tribological property of the combination of TEAT and ZDDP was also examined. The worn surfaces of the steel balls were observed using a polarizing optical microscope and x‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy.FindingsThe results show that: TEAT can enhance the PB value of the base oil obviously; TEAT shows better AW performance than ZDDP in high load and a wide range of concentration, it shows better friction‐reducing performance than ZDDP in high load and all the concentration tested; TEAT alone can provide a better AW and friction reducing property than ZDDP and the combination of TEAT and ZDDP; and the tribochemical reaction occurs between novel compound and metallic surface, generating sulfur containing layer mainly exists in the form of FeS.Originality/valueThese findings indicate that TEAT presents better tribological properties than ZDDP in a wide range of practical conditions. TEAT may be a substitute for ZDDP in the future.
Student‐community engagement and the changing role and context of higher education
Authors: Millican Juliet , Bourner Tom 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this Editorial is to introduce key themes in the area of student‐community engagement (SCE) and the papers included in this special issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses dominant trends in the current context.FindingsThe selection of papers in this issue represent the range of programmes that have been developed over the past five or so years and indicate what they have, and have not been able to achieve. However, the recent context indicates an acceleration of the expectations placed on higher education to develop socially responsible citizens and to create graduates who will be able to solve the complex problems of an increasingly complex world.Originality/valueThe paper provides a background to SCE and the changing role and context of higher education.
Dublin Institute of Technology's Programme for Students Learning With Communities
Authors: Gamble Elena , Bates Catherine 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the process of critically evaluating Dublin Institute of Technology's Programme for Students Learning With Communities after its first year of operation. The programme supports and promotes community‐based learning/service‐learning across DIT.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is presented in the form of a case study, wherein the context for the work is outlined, addressing both strengths and weaknesses of the practice to date, and comment briefly on wider implications.FindingsAfter nine months an evaluation of the programme was carried out. It identified four main areas where it was felt there was potential for improvement: reflection on learning; the nature and quality of student, staff and community engagement on projects; project evaluations; student involvement in project planning and recruitment to community‐based research projects. Each area is addressed in turn and the actions taken to date to enhance the service delivery is described. Some initial thoughts on the implications of the work are given.Originality/valueThis paper will be of value to students, educators and community partners interested in the possibilities inherent in students learning with communities, and in the process of reflection on this work.
Both‐and, not either‐or: knowledge and service‐learning
Authors: Casile Maureen , Hoover Kristine F. , O'Neil Deborah A. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to expand the understanding of outcomes of service‐learning/community engagement. The current study explored the efficacy of service‐learning as a pedagogical tool to support content mastery by undergraduates in a management class.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved a classroom experiment with 120 students randomly assigned to complete a service‐learning or a research project as a class requirement. Data regarding mastery of course content was collected through a multiple‐choice assessment at the end of the course, and analyzed using statistical methods.FindingsResults showed that service‐learning can be a better mechanism for student mastery of course concepts than a traditional research project. However, the benefits of service‐learning appeared to accrue disproportionately to women.Research limitations/implicationsResults suggest that educators should incorporate service‐learning into their classrooms to enhance content mastery, and that future research should examine the specific elements of service‐learning that contribute to both female and male students' learning. The findings are limited to traditional undergraduate students in a face‐to‐face management course.Originality/valueThis research study directly addresses some of the tensions between service‐learning/student‐community engagement and traditional university education. Service‐learning has been shown to support student development of socially valuable outcomes. Inclusion of service‐learning in college curricula can be particularly challenging, when a desire for ethical development must be balanced with course content mastery. According to the findings of the current study, service‐learning produces both service to the community and service to the students, as an effective pedagogical tool for content mastery.
University‐community engagement: a case study using popular theatre
Authors: Feagan Robert , Rossiter Katherine 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of popular theatre (PT) as a pedagogical tool around which a community service learning (CSL) senior undergraduate course was oriented, specifically assessing the university student learning experience from this work relative to PT processes and CSL objectives.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a case study based on participant observations made by the course instructor, and reflective journal entries written by the university student participants.Research limitations/implicationsEducational partnership efforts of this nature require that they be tailored to contingent circumstances: locale, time constraints, spaces of interaction, willingness, effort and abilities of the group partners, and other particularities of community. Given this, we see learning outcomes as replicable, though shaped in various ways by the circumstances of specific situations.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates that by recognizing and relying upon the often unnoticed and neglected, strengths of differently‐abled community members – both students from the university, and the clients from the partner social agency – this kind of community service learning team project transforms and enriches traditional academic outcomes.FindingsThis paper reports on the outcomes of this experience from the student perspective, and highlights themes of boundary‐breaking, pedagogical risk‐taking and changes in understanding of community through the analysis of the student service‐learning diaries and instructor participation. It also highlights some specific difficulties regarding group dynamics and student concerns that can emerge under learning environments like this, where course expectations, direction and outcomes may not be clearly defined at the outset.Originality/valueThis paper describes a unique fusion of two alternative teaching and learning methods: CSL and PT. This fusion contributed significantly to student creativity and innovation, to their sense of accomplishment and confidence, and especially to their understanding of diversity and connection to community, all of which they take into the world beyond the university. This fusion of pedagogies is seen as a fruitful direction for institutions of higher education seeking innovative paths to learning, while noting that facilitators need to pay close attention to the unique dynamics of such learning environments.
Assessing learning from a student community engagement project
Authors: Jung Jessica 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to chart developments in a community engagement scheme run by two Universities in the North East, offering students academic credit in return for work within the local community. The particular focus is on how learning has been assessed from this work experience, within the requirements of higher education courses, and the introduction of a new and innovative practice of assessing students by interview.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a critical reflection on the practice and the rationale behind changes and developments that have been made to this. It includes some of the theoretical background in relation to the benefits of undertaking work experience, and to assessment methods within higher education.FindingsUsing an assessed interview for all students taking work experience modules has compared favourably with other assessment methods used in the past. Although there have been some adjustments to the process in the three years since its introduction, it has been successful in providing greater authenticity of experience for students, without significantly increasing investment of staff time in the assessment process.Originality/valueThis paper will be of value to practitioners involved with, or wishing to set up, community engagement or work experience schemes offering students or pupils academic accreditation in exchange for this experience, as well as those interested in novel practice within higher education assessment.
Civic education in research universities: leaders or followers?
Authors: Hollander Elizabeth L. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeResearch‐intensive universities have special challenges in providing their students with civic education, particularly education that is rooted in the curriculum. Their efforts are important to the overall effort to promote education “for the common good” at colleges and universities because of their stature within the higher education community. This paper aims to address the particular needs and challenges of research universities in fostering civic education and strengthening their leadership contributions.Design/methodology/approachThis article provides a snapshot of how 15 American research university campuses, which are part of a “learning community”, approach their goal of educating their students to promote the common good. Based on survey self‐reports conducted in the spring of 2009, it documents their civic education work.FindingsThe survey confirms, while research universities are being creative and assertive in expanding their civic education work, there is ample room to extend and improve their efforts, and it frames an agenda for continued improvement. All surveyed campuses are committed to civic education and provide domestic and international engagement experience to undergraduates. Most provide curricular engagement experiences. In‐depth opportunities for a select group of students are common, university‐wide opportunities are not. Many want to improve the integration of curricular and extra‐curricular engagement.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on self‐reports of a small sample.Practical implicationsThese campuses face two major challenges to fostering civic education: generating greater faculty buy‐in, and overcoming the difficulties of program development at large decentralized institutions. Opportunities for program improvement include: better measurement of outcomes, more use of theory, and more student involvement in institutional governance.Originality/valueThese findings provide unique insight into the work of some of the most able practitioners of civic education at American research universities.