bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employee engagement for control freaks
Authors: Chick Gareth 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to claim that most people are control freaks and explain how they can be encouraged to accept change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper puts forward a five‐step plan to help to create genuine change in an organization.FindingsThe paper describes the five stages as: uncertainty; denial; negotiation; reflection; and action.Practical implicationsThe paper advances the view that the job of the leader is to move people through these five stages as fast as possible; arguably the definition of leadership is to get people through these stages quicker than on their own.Social implicationsThis paper highlights, at a time when organizational change is the norm, a way in which managers can encourage their people to accept and embrace this change.Originality/valueThe paper reveals that authentic leadership means creating an emotional journey towards an inspirational vision of the future – creating a compelling mission or purpose – and then communicating this effectively.
Interview with Lee McQueen, 2008 winner of The Apprentice
Authors: by Juliet Harrison Interview 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Lee McQueen, 2008 winner of The Apprentice, who has recently started up a new business called “Raw Talent Academy”. The aim of the Academy is to provide small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporate organizations with the opportunity to build internal sales academies into long‐term staffing plans and to encourage organizations to look at the wider talent the UK and not just graduates.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.FindingsThe paper finds that Lee is currently working with one of Britain's biggest recruitment organizations, Resource Solutions Group plc (RSG), who have enlisted the skills of Raw Talent Academy to help find fresh new sales talent for their flagship recruitment centre in Bristol. Lee is able to draw on his previous experiences in the area of recruitment and offer advice to people wanting to start their own business.Practical implicationsThe paper provides guidance on starting a new business, focusing on new models for academy‐style training programs.Originality/valueThe paper is useful in that Lee previously worked in recruitment and spent ten years in this industry before his success on The Apprentice, so is able to provide useful advice from the perspective of employee, manager and entrepreneur.
Licensing construction workforce
Authors: Wirahadikusumah Reini D. , Pribadi Krishna S. 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the challenges faced by a developing country (case of Indonesia) in the effort to improve the quality of national construction industry through “certification” requirement for professionals and skilled labors. It also aims to identify root problems and propose a recommendation for rethinking the “certification” systems. Indonesia's experiences can be regarded as lessons learned by other developing countries struggling to strengthen their construction industries.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on an exploratory study including a focus group discussion with stakeholders representing the various professional associations, construction company associations (contractors and consultants), the Ministry of Manpower, and the Ministry of Public Works. An analysis based on the findings about implementation issues of “certification” requirement resulted in the identification of the root problems and the recommendation for restructuring the system.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights about how “certification” requirement for all professionals and skilled labors have been implemented in a developing country. Although the requirement seemed to be tactical, it resulted in a circumstance in which there are numerous types of highly specialized certificates/licenses. The mechanism in the administration of these licenses has been problematic because of institutional issues, i.e. the extensive authority of the Construction Services Development Board and the inadequate controls from the government.Research limitations/implicationsThe recommendations may lack details and practicality, while the recommendation for rethinking and restructuring requires changes of fundamental conceptions in all stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe paper includes recommendations for the development of Indonesia's construction industry. The recommendations include the distinction between voluntary and mandatory certificates, putting more authority back to the government in the administration of the mandatory certificates/licenses, and the establishment of an independent licensing board. Other developing countries can learn from Indonesia's experience.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to rethink the certification/licensing system.
Diversity, value and technology: exposing value pluralism in institutional strategy
Authors: Johnson Mark , Smyth Keith 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to explore ways in which value pluralism in institutional learning‐technology strategy can be exposed and managed with the use of learning activities involving stakeholder groups across and between educational institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe case‐study of a series of national workshops on technology strategy in the UK is situated against a broader model of “intervention points” in strategy development in institutions. The model is used to explain the rationale behind the workshops, and to situate their efficacy against the broader objectives of strategy development.FindingsThe workshops revealed significant areas of dissonance between the expressed values and priorities of different stakeholder groups within universities: particularly between the expressed wishes of learners, those of teachers and those of learning technologists. Revealing these value conflicts can be attributed to the particular ways in which the communications were managed using learning activities in the workshops.Practical implicationsThe managed coordination of learning activities within and between stakeholder groups in universities can be effective in exposing the value pluralism that lies behind different approaches to technology. It is argued that, with more explicit identification of the tension between different stakeholder values, the likelihood of more realistic strategy development is increased.Originality/valueThe practical example of the case study has been used to articulate a deeper theoretical framework drawn from sociology. This framework has potential for use in situating a further range of strategic interventions in learning technology in the university, which extend beyond the scope of the strategy workshops.
Informing TEL strategy through formal and informal channels:a case study
Authors: Walker David , Sloan David , Boyle Lynn , Walsh Lorraine 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline and discuss a multifaceted approach to embedding change in academic practice, resulting in the integration of technology‐enhanced learning (TEL) within the wider institutional strategic approach to learning and teaching.Design/methodology/approachThis approach is evidenced through a discussion of three examples of practitioner engagement and ownership across the institution – “bottom‐up”, “middle‐out” and “top‐down” activities – demonstrating the attendant potential for transferability to other institutional settings.FindingsThe triangulation of all three levels of activity in this way ensures that strategy is informed, developed, discussed, deployed and owned across the institution.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the challenges of integrating TEL approaches within an overall teaching and learning strategic framework through the medium of practitioner‐developed and supported initiatives developed at the University of Dundee but with potential for transferability to other institutions.
Reflections on the development of a dynamic learning, teaching and assessment strategy
Authors: Strickland Karen , McLatchie Joan , Pelik Rowena 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate how an institutional learning, teaching and assessment (LTA) strategy was developed and a “dynamic” strategy created in order to achieve the ongoing enhancement of the quality of the student learning experience. Developing LTA strategies that foster ongoing engagement and provide inspiration to academic staff is a particular challenge in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the discussion of the evolution, development and launch of the strategy and underpinning Resource Bank to reflect on the hopes and intentions behind the approach; first the paper will discuss the collaborative and iterative approach taken to the development of an institutional LTA strategy; and second, the development of open access educational resources to underpin the strategy.FindingsThe paper then outlines staff engagement with the resource bank and positive outcomes which have been identified to date, and identifies the next steps in achieving the ambition behind the strategy and outlines the action research and fuller evaluation which will be used to monitor progress and ensure responsive learning at institutional level.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reports on the development of the “dynamic” strategy and, although initial reactions have been very positive, a full evaluation is yet to take place.Originality/valueThe approach used in developing this dynamic strategy is innovative and offers insight into how institutions may enliven their LTA strategy.
Understanding how perceived barriers influence growth intentions and behaviours
Authors: Doern Rachel 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to expand on existing conceptualisations of barriers to small business growth by addressing the question of how, or in what ways, do perceived barriers influence the growth intentions and behaviours of owner‐managers?Design/methodology/approachAdopting an interpretive methodological approach, in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were held with 27 owner‐managers working in St Petersburg, Russia. Participants were asked about their intentions for their businesses, how they intended to grow and what, if anything, prevented or interfered with these intentions. Template analysis was used to develop owner‐managers' perceptions and experiences of barriers to growth, and to facilitate theory building.FindingsSix ways in which perceived barriers influence the growth intentions and behaviours of small business owner‐managers were identified. Barriers: stop owner‐managers from intending to grow; undermine intentions; add to the ambivalence around growth intentions; provide incentives to grow; postpone intention realization; and slow down the process of realizing intentions to grow.Research limitations/implicationsBecause data were collected at one point in time, it was not possible to capture the dynamic nature of barriers or the intentions/behaviours they influenced. Future research could be strengthened through the use of longitudinal designs and process‐based methods (e.g. diary studies).Practical implicationsEducators and policy makers should help owner‐managers understand the ways in which barriers can affect business growth and be overcome.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine how barriers influence growth intentions and behaviours, and to facilitate theory development on the topic.
Transfers of business planning and bounded emotionality: a follow‐up case study
Authors: Hytti Ulla , Stenholm Pekka , Peura Kirsi 
Published: September 2011

PurposeExisting research focuses on the role of planning in successful transfers of family business. From a bounded emotionality perspective, this paper aims to investigate the transfer of business processes and the underlying reasons for delayed or unplanned transfers despite the feasible succession plans.Design/methodology/approachA follow‐up case study in six small family firms was carried out between 2001 and 2008. The research material was collected primarily in interviews with firm representatives in 2001 and 2008. Further information was obtained through participant observation, and background data on the firms were also used.FindingsThe analysis enhances understanding of business‐transfer processes in the context of subjective limitations and relational feelings. Any divergence from the original conditions in the transfer plan may delay the process but the delays are tolerated by putting the transfer on hold in the daily activities and focusing on business routines instead. The results emphasise how individuals' goals and values change over time, and how decisions are weighed up from various identity positions questioning the basic assumptions and decisions set out in the plan. Despite the delays, however, transfers of business or the firm are not easily abandoned.Research limitations/implicationsThe results suggest that linear, goal‐oriented planning may not be sufficient for executing successful transfers, but further longitudinal research is needed to corroborate these qualitative findings.Originality/valueThe paper makes use of the bounded emotionality approach, which allows the analysis of both the rational and emotional aspects involved, and helps to explain delays or unplanned transfers.
An EFQM‐Rembrandt excellence model based on the theory of displaced ideal
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Karbassi Yazdi Amir , Shiri Mehran , Rappaport Jack 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a new benchmarking framework that uses a series of existing intuitive and analytical methods to systematically capture both objective data and subjective beliefs and preferences from a group of decision makers (DMs).Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework combines the excellence model developed by the European Foundation for Quality Management with the Rembrandt method, the entropy concept, the weighted‐sum approach, and the theory of the displaced ideal. Hard data and personal judgments are synthesized to evaluate a set of business units (BUs) with two overall performance scores plotted in a four quadrant model.FindingsThe two performance scores are used to benchmark the performance of the BUs in accordance with their Euclidean distance from the “ideal” BU. Quadrants are used to classify the BUs as efficacious, productive ineffectual, proficient unproductive, and inefficacious. The efficacious BUs, referred to as “excellent”, fall in the competency zone and have the shortest Euclidean distance from the ideal BU relative to their peers.Originality/valueThe benchmarking framework presented in this study has some obvious attractive features. First, the generic nature of the framework allows for the subjective and objective evaluation of a finite number of BUs by a group of DMs. Second, the information requirements of the framework are stratified hierarchically allowing DMs to focus on a small area of the large problem. Third, the framework does not dispel subjectivity; it calibrates the subjective weights with the objective weights determined through the entropy concept.
Benchmarking for investment decisions: a case of food production
Authors: Goncharuk Anatoliy G. 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to focus on improving the methodology and developing the model of choice of optimal investment object using benchmarking tools that eliminate the drawbacks of existing approaches.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological basis of the proposed model is frontier analysis, namely the nonparametric data envelopment analysis. Using this and other benchmarking tools, the author introduces the concept and mathematical model for evaluation of super‐attractiveness for investors that allows a full ranking of potential objects for investment.FindingsThe concept of variable investment decision that combines various periods, varying degrees of risk and other decision characteristics with a common purpose of maximizing the benefits from investments is defined. The model for the making of variable investment decisions is developed.Practical implicationsThe proposed model enables strategic and portfolio investors to implement the optimal choice of investment object. It is demonstrated on a case of the food production of Ukraine.Originality/valueThis paper adopts benchmarking tools to the decision‐making process to optimal choice of investment object.
Benchmark to escape from Lake Wobegon
Authors: Betts Alan , Croom Simon , Lu Dawei 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether an employee reports an accurate view of the relative performance level of the organisation for which they work.Design/methodology/approachUtilizes a survey of 2,517 senior managers, managers and team leaders from 120 different organisations in nine different countries.FindingsThere is significant and consistent overestimation of performance with 75 percent of the management team reporting that their organisation is above average, and only 5 percent rating their organisation as below average compared to its competitors. A very significant finding is that where there is likely to be a greater degree of knowledge of competitor's performance estimation improves.Practical implicationsThe implication of this misrepresentation of the true position is to make it less likely that an improvement initiative will succeed as managers will not be sufficiently motivated to improve an apparently satisfactory status quo. The paper calls for greater focus both on the activity of benchmarking and in the process of spreading knowledge of the benchmarking activity.Originality/valueThis paper extends issues such as the Lake Wobegon effect and socially desirable reporting which have been investigated in depth in the area of personal self‐assessment and applies them into a different arena, that of the employee's view of the performance of the organisation.
Development of the Kano model
Authors: Shahin Arash , Nekuie Nasrin 
Published: September 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a solution for differentiating must‐be and attractive quality dimensions of the Kano model.Design/methodology/approachThe distance between the three curves of must‐be/attractive dimensions has been assumed as equal and the linear logarithmic transformation has been used in order to compute new k (Kano category) values for differentiating the dimensions. Then, the new values have been examined in a case study at the Amin Parvaz air travel agency in Isfahan and the results have been compared with those of the traditional Kano approach.FindingsThe new methodology as an example suggests k‐values of 2, 3 and 4.5 for less, moderate and more must‐be dimensions, respectively; and 0.5, 0.7 and 0.98 for less, moderate and more attractive dimensions, respectively. Also, the results of the case study indicate that the new methodology is significantly effective in differentiating Kano dimensions and provides more accurate prioritization of the dimensions compared to the traditional approach.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the new methodology evolutes the Kano methodology and could benefit other quality tools and techniques such as quality function deployment more effectively, the case study is limited only to a particular service company and the questionnaire is long and time‐consuming.Originality/valueThe proposed solution provides new enhancement into the knowledge of quality management. It is believed that the proposed approach facilitates analysis and decision making, particularly in cases where the frequency of attractive, one‐dimensional and must‐be dimensions are equal.
XA2C: a framework for manipulating XML data
Authors: Tekli Gilbert , Chbeir Richard , Fayolle Jacques 
Published: September 2011

PurposeXML has spread beyond the computer science fields and reached other areas such as, e‐commerce, identification, information storage, instant messaging and others. Data communicated over these domains are now mainly based on XML. Thus, allowing non‐expert programmers to manipulate and control their XML data is essential. The purpose of this paper is to present an XA2C framework intended for both non‐expert and expert programmers and provide them with means to write/draw their XML data manipulation operations.Design/methodology/approachIn the literature, this issue has been dealt with from two perspectives: first, XML alteration/adaptation techniques requiring a certain level of expertise to be implemented and are not unified yet; and second, Mashups, which are not formally defined yet and are not specific to XML data, and XML‐oriented visual languages are based on structural transformations and data extraction mainly and do not allow XML textual data manipulations. The paper discusses existing approaches and the XA2C framework is presented.FindingsThe framework is defined based on the dataflow paradigm (visual diagram compositions) while taking advantage of both Mashups and XML‐oriented visual languages by defining a well‐founded modular architecture and an XML‐oriented visual functional composition language based on colored petri nets allowing functional compositions. The framework takes advantage of existing XML alteration/adaptation techniques by defining them as XML‐oriented manipulation functions. A prototype called XA2C is developed and presented here for testing and validating the authors' approach.Originality/valueThis paper presents a detailed description of an XML‐oriented manipulation framework implementing the XML‐oriented composition definition language.
Young adult perception of visible tattoos on a white‐collar service provider
Authors: Dean Dwane H. 
Published: September 2011

PurposeAlthough customers may interact with visibly tattooed employees, there has been very little research investigating customer perceptions of visibly tattooed workers. This paper aims to fill some of the gaps.Design/methodology/approachThe independent variables of employee appearance (tattooed versus non‐tattooed) and service outcome (below, equal to, or above expectations) were presented in textual scenario to a convenience sample of university students aged 18‐24. Subjects responded to questions regarding the appropriateness of employee appearance, confidence in the ability of the service provider, satisfaction with the service, and likeliness to recommend the service provider.FindingsThe youthful sample considered visible tattoos on a tax service provider to be very inappropriate, and they held significantly less confidence in the ability of the tattooed versus non‐tattooed employee. Satisfaction with the service (across three levels of outcome) was significantly lower in the tattooed employee scenario (as compared to the non‐tattooed employee), and subjects were significantly less likely to recommend the tattooed service provider, even when service outcome was favorable.Research limitations/implicationsThe effect of visible tattoos was only investigated for one service occupation; other types of services may be more (or less) affected.Originality/valueHuman resource managers have generally been unwilling to hire visibly tattooed job applicants, though empirical evidence to support this posture has been lacking. The present study, using a sample expected to be accepting of tattoos, provides evidence that visible tattoos are unfavorably perceived and have negative consequences for the business, at least for the service business tested in the scenario.