bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of buyer firm information connectivity enablers on supplier firm performance
Authors: Sanders Nada R. , Autry Chad W. , Gligor David M. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of buyer investment in interorganizational, information‐related connectivity enablers on supplier firm performance within the context of buyer‐seller matched dyads.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were obtained from a field survey. A mail questionnaire was constructed that contained items measuring the five key constructs of interest. Based on the supply chain information literature and the relational view, two competing models linking the focal constructs using structural equation modeling were evaluated.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that buyer‐to‐supplier information sharing, buyer‐to‐supplier performance feedback, and buyer investment in inter‐organizational information technology are key enablers of buyer‐to‐supplier communication openness. However, only buyer‐to‐supplier communication openness plays the direct and critical role in achieving significant performance improvement.Research limitations/implicationsIn this study performance is only examined from the supplier's perspective. It would be valuable to reevaluate and compare the performance outcomes from a buyer's perspective as well, or even more significantly, to compare these findings in a dyadic study where paired buyer and supplier data are collected over time to establish a pattern governing these efforts.Practical implicationsThe fact that investments in the buyer‐side information resources engender supplier‐side competitiveness provides an incentive for suppliers to assist buyers in their investments in buyer‐side information resources. The study provides validation for the positive impact of such investments on supplier performance, therefore reassuring suppliers that their contribution to the dyad will pay off.Originality/valueWhile information connectivity between buyers and suppliers has long been considered a critical enabler of buyer‐supplier integration, research had yet to explore the relationship between buyer investments in interorganizational information initiatives and supplier performance. The paper has addressed this gap.
Potential methods of adjustment to declining imports of Russian roundwood for the Finnish pulp and paper industry
Authors: Palander Teijo , Vesa Lauri 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate optimal strategic decision alternatives for Finnish pulp production companies in response to rising export tariffs on Russian roundwood. Traditionally, increasing the domestic or Russian supply to pulp mills satisfied their wood requirements. However, once this conventional strategy could no longer be implemented (in 2008), the wood requirements were met by adjusting pulp production (reducing) and wood procurement (increasing domestic procurement).Design/methodology/approachAs the primary research data for the study, the procurement situation in 2005 was used to describe the conventional business strategy for purchasers of Russian or domestic roundwood. Possible business strategies were then simulated for changing pulp production by Stora Enso, with the goal of adjusting roundwood requirements, to develop a globally‐optimal strategy to solve the procurement problem.FindingsAfter removing production by the northernmost Finnish pulp mill, the authors could not find a globally optimal solution for the wood‐procurement problem. It was found that Russia's tax policy (high export tariffs on roundwood) will have large implications for Finnish wood procurement (i.e. the use of domestic wood vs imported Russian roundwood), and can dramatically change the basis, type, and location of pulp mills. The reduction or total elimination of imported Russian roundwood caused severe supply shortages and reduced pulp production.Originality/valueBased on the results of analysis, the authors recommend adjustment methods to assist strategic wood‐procurement decisions, given the need to adapt wood‐procurement logistics to an unpredictable and complicated pulp production environment that requires continual optimization of the wood flow.
Primary principals' leadership styles, school organizational health and workplace bullying
Authors: Cemaloğlu Necati 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the relationships between leadership styles of primary school principals and organizational health and bullying.Design/methodology/approachTwo hypotheses were formulated in relation to the research. Three instruments were used – a multi‐level questionnaire for measuring leadership, an Organizational Health Inventory (OHI‐S), and a negative acts questionnaire (NAQ) for measuring workplace bullying. The questionnaires were administered to 500 teachers working in primary schools in Turkey. Path analysis was conducted using the AMOS programs; other statistical analyses were conducted via LISREL and EQS 6.1 programs.FindingsThere is a positive relationship between transformational leadership acts of principals and organizational health and a negative relationship between the transformational leadership acts of principals and workplace bullying. While a reverse relationship between organizational health and workplace bullying is identified, there is a relationship between transactional leadership acts of principals and organizational health. No relationship between transactional leadership acts of principals and workplace bullying is found.Practical implicationsThese results suggest the desirability of principals striving to improve transformational leadership behaviors in order to develop their schools as healthy organizations and to solve the problem of bullying therein.Originality/valueSeveral resources are provided as tools, such as the NAQ, the OHI‐S, and the multifactor leadership questionnaire. These may be profitably used in similar studies.
Aspiring principal development programme evaluation in New Zealand
Authors: Piggot‐Irvine Eileen , Youngs Howard 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe New Zealand Ministry of Education has constructed a wide‐ranging “Professional Development Plan” providing a four‐stage national pathway for progression to principalship; the first stage has been the conduction of the National Aspiring Principals Pilot (NAPP) programme in five regional locations. The purpose of this paper is to outline the evaluation of the programme.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method approach for evaluation was employed where qualitative and quantitative data were collected almost simultaneously, and compared and contrasted.FindingsKey findings indicated overall sound programme delivery, curriculum coherence, high relevancy to stakeholders and good rates of principal appointments. Greater emphasis is placed on distinctive findings that have not been reported elsewhere. These included: primary‐sector participants rating course facilitation, online learning, and “relevancy of the course for principal development” more positively than their secondary counterparts; aspirants who had partial or full completion of a relevant post‐graduate leadership qualification rating eight aspects of NAPP lower than those without such qualifications; and aspirants who were approached and encouraged to apply for NAPP by their principal and subsequently supported by them, finding the programme more relevant and applicable.Research limitations/implicationsThe multiple positive outcomes reported reveal short‐term programme adequacy and effectiveness against a range of indicators. Long‐term impact (including capacity to change leadership practice, student learning and school improvement) evaluation is required to determine sustained effectiveness.Originality/valueThe paper provides distinctive findings that have not been reported previously for principal development and more general findings that should inform such development programmes.
Academic optimism and community engagement in urban schools
Authors: Kirby Misty M. , DiPaola Michael F. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among academic optimism, community engagement, and student achievement in urban elementary schools across one district.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from all 35 urban elementary schools across one district in Virginia, USA. Correlation, multiple regression, and factor analyses were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsIn schools where the faculty are optimistic that their students can succeed despite the obstacle of low socioeconomic status (SES) and where the community is engaged, students are more likely to achieve at higher levels. Findings of this study also supported that community engagement, collective efficacy, trust in clients, and academic press do act as predictors to collectively influence student achievement.Research limitations/implicationsThe Goddard measure for collective efficacy was replaced with one developed for more challenging settings such as urban schools.Practical implicationsAcademic optimism and community engagement were found to work in ways that improve student achievement. Understanding the social contexts in classrooms and schools allows education leaders to work with faculty in examining current practice, in an effort to improve the educational outcomes for all students, even those who must overcome the obstacles to learning posed by their low SES.Originality/valueWith only one previous study of this construct in an urban elementary setting, the current study sought to test those findings in an effort to continue pushing this research agenda into urban settings.
Web sites for e‐electioneering in Maharashtra and Gujarat, India
Authors: Gadekar Rahul , Thakur Kiran , Hwa Ang Peng 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory study is to look at how the Internet was used by political parties and candidates during the Indian parliamentary elections of 2009.Design/methodology/approachA total of 31 web sites belonging to political parties and their candidates in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were examined for how they were used to mobilize volunteers and voters. An online questionnaire and in‐depth interviews were administered to the web site coordinators/designers and politicians.FindingsThe study found that sites were not used to their maximum potential but instead, merely for publicity, online presence, and to explore the new medium. There was greater reliance by most candidates on traditional media such as rallies and face‐to‐face interaction. The reason may be due to the limited Internet penetration in India, which also means the Internet may have less influence on voters. Some candidates have shown the way to the potential use of the medium for fund raising and recruiting volunteers. But Indian politicians will likely continue to be cautious in using the Internet.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat and did not consider the impact or the effectiveness of the Internet.Originality/valueThis is the first such study of the use of web sites for electioneering in India. It also documents the development in the use of the new medium for campaigning in 2009 as compared with the elections of 2004.
Pedagogy and praxis: simulations and skill sets
Authors: Pettine Susan B. , Cojanu Kevin A. , Walters Kimberly 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine the expectations of human resource management professionals as they relate to reality‐based learning experiences that can shape college graduates' education. Computer‐based simulations can provide a strong opportunity for learning‐by‐doing, so it would be important to understand what skill sets should be targeted for these.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used for the research question: what work‐related skill sets will human resource management (HRM) professionals value in recent college graduates who are starting in entry‐level HRM positions? The respondents were from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).FindingsThe respondents targeted specific skill sets that they value, and the data provided can now be applied in creating reality‐based learning opportunities using educational simulations in an online environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe potential for future research includes the opportunity to collect data on student use of educational simulations that focus on providing the subject HRM skill sets in this paper.Practical implicationsThe implications for pedagogy include the use of educational simulations that target the reinforcement of specific HRM skill sets that have been identified. These can provide college students with a unique opportunity for praxis.Originality/valueThis paper examines the underlying value of reality‐based learning and how the use of educational simulations can add value in praxis. Additionally, it identifies several HRM skill sets for recent college graduates seeking to enter the HRM field. This paper will be of value to university educators, curriculum management professionals, university administrators, and university technology management professionals.
Prosocial behaviour in avatar‐mediated interaction: the influence of character gender on material versus emotional help‐giving
Authors: Lehdonvirta Mika , Lehdonvirta Vili , Baba Akira 
Published: August 2011

PurposeResearch on prosocial behaviour shows that help‐giving differs between the sexes. Gender role theory posits that males specialise in material aid, while females specialize in emotional support. Today, people increasingly help and support each other via online environments. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the genders of avatars used in online interactions influence help‐giving behaviour in similar ways as physical sex does in face‐to‐face situations.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted using a unique observational data set from a Japanese massively‐multiplayer online game. Instances of help‐giving were identified from conversation logs, coded, and analysed statistically to discover differences between male and female avatars and different help types.FindingsAvatar gender is found to influence help‐giving in ways that deviate from expected gender roles: female avatars are more likely than males to provide assistance in the form of material support and labour, and no more likely than males to provide emotional support. Female avatars are more likely to give help to male avatars than other females. The results are explained using behavioural confirmation and self‐perception theory.Research limitations/implicationsPhysical sex was not controlled for, but most players were male. The study should be repeated in other environments.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that designers can prime users towards prosocial behaviours by tuning the available line‐up of avatars.Originality/valueThe research question and use of observational data are novel. The study is valuable to online educators, companies seeking to reduce customer support costs through peer help, and policymakers dealing with ICTs and societal change.
Evaluation of the importance of professional competences: the case of Spanish trainers
Authors: Mamaqi Xhevrie , Miguel Jesus , Olave Pilar 
Published: August 2011

PurposeEducation and training are critical factors for achieving the Lisbon strategy's objectives of encouraging economic growth, competitiveness and social inclusion in the European Union (EU). The role of continuing vocational training (CVT) and its contribution to personal development and fulfilment is increasingly recognised in EU Member States' National Reform Programmes. In this context the main objective of this paper is to establish a ranking of the importance of the competences required by CVT trainers in Spain according to national lifelong learning (LLL) standards.Design/methodology/approachA combination of literature review analysis and evaluation of experts' participation is used, based on two‐round e‐Delphi techniques. The literature review analysis identified the criteria, sub‐criteria and indicators that describe the trainers' basic (pedagogical) and specific (skills, abilities, aptitude/attitude and attributes) competences. The questionnaire summarises a wide range of competences and skills related to Spanish trainers. It was distributed among 20 national experts (with experience ranging from three to 30 years in informal and non‐formal training and professional profiles such as training manager, high manager, training programmer, trainers and tutors among others) in order to evaluate the importance of different competences.FindingsThe analysis of the e‐Delphi expert evaluation yields two main findings. First, it provides a unique e‐Delphi draft that contains trainers' professional competences in a non‐formal permanent learning context. Second, it also includes the evaluation of their importance by 20 Spanish experts who are considered to be a qualitative national sample.Practical implicationsThe role of European and Spanish trainers has changed in the last two decades. Trainers need wide recognition of their professional profile in a LLL framework. This requires the recognition of new and renewal of traditional competences, so that they can work as professionals of non‐formal education and assume responsibilities.Originality/valueCVT takes on a variety of forms in different countries and also within a given country. Thus the identification and anticipation of competences and skills required by trainers as important actors on whom training quality and efficiency depends is important. In this case study, the analysis of the expert evaluations shows that specific competences/skills (personal abilities, attitudes in classroom and workshop), are very important in developing a trainer's professional figure. Traditional pedagogical competences (planning, imparting and evaluation) are not forgotten, but new skills have additional characteristics such as “identification, and analysis of training needs”, “training management”, “training implementation” and participant focus.
Questioning the assumption that contingent work arrangements reshape organizations and relationships
Authors: Lemmergaard Jeanette 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this editorial is two‐fold: first, to provide an overview of team‐related issues in the particular realm of contingent work arrangements, and second, to introduce the collection of articles encompassing this special issue.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial is a general literature review that provides the readers of this special issue with a broader scholarly literature framework. The editorial also provides a historical context of the field. First, the phenomenon of contingent work arrangements is discussed. Second, attention is given to identification of major strategic factors, which have been contributing to the growth of contingent work arrangements. Third, team‐related issues of differentiation, integration, and cooperation are discussed.FindingsThe overview of research in the area of contingent work arrangements demonstrates that such work arrangements are diverse in their contractual structure. The rationale for which organizations use contingent work arrangements are diverse, as are the reasons why employees undertake such work outside the scope of the traditional employment model. Research in this area has grown primarily with the focus on economic, legal, and social factors influencing the expansion of non‐standard work arrangements. Less research is found in the area of individual, managerial, and organizational consequences of this expansion.Originality/valueThis editorial – and the special issue in particular – gives attention to understanding the array of experiences associated with contingent workers with the purpose of accumulating theoretical knowledge in this field, but also – and perhaps more importantly – to add to the transition from evidence‐based knowledge to practical advice.
Computer simulation exploring organizational identification for contingent workers
Authors: Ekmekci Ozgur , Casey Andrea 
Published: August 2011

PurposeVery little is known about how contingent workers' identification with an organization evolves over time. This study seeks to contribute to the literature by investigating how the emergence and strength of organizational identification is affected by four variables: duration of primacy; duration of recency; frequency of interaction with other members of the organization; and frequency of information received about the organization.Design/methodology/approachUsing a cognitive model of organizational identification grounded in memory, agent‐based modeling and NetLogo language were employed to form a model in which two groups of 567 contingent workers joined 1,134 different organizations and worked for 365 days. Correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.FindingsEvolution of organizational identification for a contingent worker depends on how much the individual interacts with other members of the organization and how much information about the organization that particular individual receives over time.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the simulation study's findings may be expanded if similar studies are carried out incorporating factors that mark differences in individuals, groups, organizations, sectors, industries, cultures, and geographies.Originality/valueThe existing literature on how contingent employees identify with an organization does not adequately provide a process‐based view of the phenomenon. This study extends and complements literature on contingent workers by emphasizing the social construction of time in and from memory throughout the process of organizational identification.
Traditional and non‐traditional employees in production teams
Authors: Voxted Søren 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to illustrate how employees in self‐managing teams handle the fact that each self‐managing team includes traditional as well as non‐traditional team members.Design/methodology/approachThis paper, based on two case studies from Post Danmark A/S, the Danish national postal service company, examines the work organization of self‐managing teams as well as the mobility of self‐managing teams' traditional and non‐traditional employees in the teams.FindingsIn terms of its contribution to research, this paper illustrates the paradox of an organization using self‐managing teams consisting of traditional and non‐traditional employees. This article argues that two characteristics contribute to this situation. First, self‐managing teams are unique in the sense that they are open to the participation of employees with different qualifications and with varying levels of contribution and, second, the position of “traditional” and “non‐traditional” employees means that non‐static mobility is allowed in both directions, contributing to cohesiveness and conflict reduction, as the empirical study shows.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of the research presented is its focus on only one organization, Post Danmark A/S. Identification of this limitation is based on available indicators in the absence of quantitative evaluations of the team's performance.Practical implicationsThis paper provides an example for researchers and practitioners (e.g. managers and HR personnel) on how production teams can handle the challenge of dealing with teams that consist of traditional and non‐traditional employees.Originality/valueBased on empirical data, this paper describes the positions, internal mobility and relationships between traditional and non‐traditional employees in self‐managing teams comprising skilled and unskilled workers.