bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Good practice in secondary school careers programs
Authors: Broadbent Robyn , Cacciattolo Marcelle , Papadopoulos Theo 
Published: April 2012

PurposeCareer programmes within secondary school curriculum can impact on a young person's sense of direction and meaning in life. The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation that was conducted in 2009 of the careers programmes in one secondary college in the western suburbs of Melbourne.Design/methodology/approachThe research team utilised a multi‐method approach collecting 273 surveys and undertaking both focus groups and interviews, ensuring the voices of young people were at the centre of the work.FindingsInnovative careers and transition programmes create opportunities for young people to plan for their future. Similarly the absence of established careers programmes can compound the disadvantage that some students experience. The findings evidence how important it is for schools to support inclusive classrooms that enable young people to make informed decisions about their career pathways.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings were used to form a model of good practice and highlight the transformational impact of career and transition programmes for young people. The current research explores student knowledge, confidence, attitudes and perceptions while they are still at school. A longitudinal study, tracking these same young people as they progress to tertiary education and/or employment, would enable more definitive evidence on actual transitions and the actual outcomes experienced by young people.Originality/valueThis paper is of value to the education sector as it looks to respond to the need to develop a more seamless approach to young people making successful transitions to further education and/or employment.
Students’ perception of industrial internship programme
Authors: Renganathan Sumathi , Ambri Bin Abdul Karim Zainal , Su Li Chong 
Published: April 2012

PurposeAn important aspect of an academic curriculum in higher learning institutions for technical disciplines is the industrial internship programme for students. The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ perception of the effectiveness of an industrial internship programme offered by a private technological university in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachUtilising a case study approach, the data for this study were collected though a survey questionnaire. The questionnaire gauged students’ perception of their eight‐month internship programme.FindingsThe students rated the industrial internship programme favorably. Generally, students viewed the learning through practical experience during the internship positively. In addition, factors related to the organisers’ operational and administrative efforts and the role played by the host company were also identified as important in determining the success of the industrial internship programme.Originality/valueIndustrial internship programmes in respective universities vary according to various needs. By sharing the findings in this case study, other institutions with similar or different industrial internship programmes can benefit from the information discussed in this paper.
Individual entrepreneurial orientation: development of a measurement instrument
Authors: Langkamp Bolton Dawn , Lane Michelle D. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a measurement instrument for individual entrepreneurial orientation to be used to measure the entrepreneurial orientation of students and other individuals.Design/methodology/approachA measure of Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation (IEO) was generated, validated, and then tested on 1,100 university students. The items for the scale were based on the definitions of the five entrepreneurial orientation dimensions presented by Lumpkin and Dess. Final analysis of the IEO items using exploratory factor analysis resulted in reliable and valid measures for three of the dimensions.FindingsThe scale development process for IEO resulted in three distinct factors that demonstrated reliability and validity: innovativeness, risk‐taking, and proactiveness, which statistically correlated with measures of entrepreneurial intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe study comprised students at one university in the central southern USA and should be extended to other regions of the country and world, as well as to non‐students, for greater generalisability.Practical implicationsAn individual‐level entrepreneurial orientation measurement instrument can be used to assist in entrepreneurship education and in student team and project assignments. It has value as a factor of influence in determining educational training for various decisions such as career choices and business endeavours. IEO also could be used by venture capitalists who are considering supporting business proposals and by individuals who want to assess the strength of their orientation towards entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the measurement of entrepreneurial orientation of individuals and can be used to help with student education and business training.
Understanding the link between work life balance practices and organisational outcomes in SMEs
Authors: Cegarra‐Leiva David , Sánchez‐Vidal M. Eugenia , Gabriel Cegarra‐Navarro Juan 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of the availability of work life balance (WLB) practices on organisational outcomes in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) mediated by the existence of a culture that supports WLB.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was performed with a sample of 229 SMEs representing the metal industry sector of Southeast Spain.FindingsThe findings show that a WLB supportive culture mediates the effect of the availability of WLB practices on organisational performance.Research limitations/implicationsAmong the limitations of this study the authors highlight the transverse nature of the research and the data collection based on self‐reports.Practical implicationsCompanies interested in increasing organisational outcomes should introduce WLB practices. Moreover, practitioners should enhance an organisational culture positive towards employees' balance, communicating their support towards WLB initiatives.Social implicationsThe availability of WLB initiatives in the organisations generates not only positive outcomes for employees (e.g. reduction of inter‐role conflict, higher satisfaction, etc.), but also increases the organisational results for employers.Originality/valueThis research focuses on SMEs and the results have implications for practitioners and academics.
Antecedents of relationship learning in supplier partnerships from the perspective of an industrial customer: the direct effects model
Authors: Kohtamäki Marko , Bourlakis Michael 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis study aims to examine the antecedents of relationship learning in partnerships and develop a research model that explains relationship learning through three complementary constructs: relational practices, social capital and suppliers' relationship‐specific investments.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines data drawn from interviews regarding 195 customer‐supplier relationships from the metal and electronics industries. In terms of methodology, the study employs structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings indicate that relational practices, social capital and supplier's relationship‐specific investments explain relationship learning to a great extent.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study has some limitations, such as the use of cross‐sectional data and a limited sample size. More empirical research is needed on the antecedents and mechanisms of relationship learning as well as the interactions among antecedents.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that companies must be able to facilitate the development of relational practices, social capital and suppliers' relationship‐specific investments, as these constructs explain relationship learning largely.Originality/valueThe prior literature lacks empirical evidence on the antecedents of relationship learning, particularly in the context of partnerships. The present study demonstrates a significant impact of three antecedent constructs on relationship learning.
Process evaluation of an elementary school health learning intervention in Finland
Authors: Sormunen Marjorita , Saaranen Terhi , Tossavainen Kerttu , Turunen Hannele 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to present the process evaluation for a two‐year (2008‐2010) participatory action research project focusing on home‐school partnership in health learning, undertaken within the Schools for Health in Europe (SHE) in Eastern Finland.Design/methodology/approachTwo intervention schools and two control schools (grade 5 pupils, parents, and selected school personnel) participated in a study. Process evaluation data were collected from intervention schools after 10 months of participation, by interviewing two classroom teachers and three families. In addition, program documents and relevant statistics were collected from schools during the intervention.FindingsTeachers' opinions on the development process varied from more concrete expectations (School A teacher) to overall satisfaction to implementation (School B teacher). Parents believed that their children would benefit from the project later in life. The context and differences of the school environments were likely to affect the development process at the school level.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper demonstrates a process evaluation in two schools and, therefore, limits the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe process evaluation was an essential part of this intervention study and may provide a useful structure and an example for process evaluation for future school‐based health intervention studies.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance of planning the process evaluation structure before the start of the intervention, brings out the relevance of systematically assessing the process while it is ongoing, and illustrates process evaluation in an action research project.
Lean production as promoter of thinkers to achieve companies' agility
Authors: Alves Anabela C. , Dinis‐Carvalho José , Sousa Rui M. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the lean production paradigm as promoter of workers' creativity and thinking potential, and recognize this human potential as a fundamental asset for companies' growth and success, being a major factor to face the disturbing and unpredictable needs of current markets, providing companies with the necessary agility. The authors believe these thinkers are the base for an agile company and learning organization.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives were achieved through a deep literature review, starting with the Toyota production system (TPS) origins. Some industrial lean case studies were also explored to show that the adoption of a lean culture promotes a pro‐active attitude and behavior that are so important for companies nowadays.FindingsThis paper explores the association between lean production and the promotion of thinkers. For a long period, and even nowadays, it is common to consider the worker as just another production factor that the companies explore to obtain the maximum utilization. This was a result from the distorted knowledge of the Taylor principles and the Ford assembly line model, seeing the worker as a gear in the “big machine”. Lean production was seen, for many years and by many authors, as an extension of this Taylorist/Fordist model but this paper highlights lean production as a work organization model where the worker assumes a position of thinker, continuously looking for improvement and continuously looking for wastes. By reducing wastes, the company will be prepared to accommodate changes and will attain agility.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is mainly based on literature review and on some industrial case studies of lean implementations (recent or just a few years ago); a deep research is necessary on the cause‐effect relation between lean production adoption and promotion of thinkers.Practical implicationsHelping companies to recognize the importance of workers as thinkers will have relevant impacts through the reduction of waste and costs, improving quality and increase productivity and revenue. Also, for workers, this recognition means respect, self‐esteem and confidence, and, essentially, more satisfaction with work.Social implicationsWith lean production and agility, better products will quickly reach society, contributing thus to clients' satisfaction. Also, lean companies' CEO and workers looking for wastes will lead to a reduction of energy consumption, raw materials needs and gas emissions (reducing pollution of air, land and water), producing only what is needed. Being satisfied with their work they will be happier contributing to the raising of the country's happiness.Originality/valueThe authors are not aware of similar research. The paper is meant for those who are interested in improving their companies' operations and workers' relationships.
The UK public sector Ombudsmen – 20 years of exposing poor practice in integrated care
Authors: Mitchell Ed 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the practical implications for integrated care of the UK public sector Ombudsmen's maladministration findings over recent years.Design/methodology/approachThis is a review of reported UK public sector Ombudsmen decisions.FindingsThrough their published findings of maladministration, the UK public sector Ombudsmen have made an important contribution to the promotion of good practice in integrated care.Originality/valueThis paper identifies themes relevant to integrated care within Ombudsmen decisions in recent years.
Twenty years of health and social care joint working
Authors: Hudson Bob 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on 20 years of joint working between health and social care in England, to take stock of the lessons learned and to consider future scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThe paper consists of secondary research, drawing upon two decades of published work by the author and other analysts.FindingsDespite some pockets of innovative practice, the findings are disappointing for the progress of integrated care. It is suggested that the main reason for this is that the concept has never been used consistently and that underpinning policies have been insufficiently strong to ensure policy success.Originality/valueThis anniversary issue offers an unusual opportunity to reflect back on 20 years of policy and practice in a significant field of study, and to draw out some implications for future directions.
What progress did “Caring for People” instigate and achieve?
Authors: Greig Rob 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis article seeks to review the impact on social care services of the 1989 White Paper “Caring for People”. It pays particular attention to the introduction of commissioning and care management, and seeks to draw lessons from this for the implementation of current day national policy.Design/methodology/approachThe article is a review of progress and draws upon experience and written evidence over the period from a number of sources.FindingsThe paper concludes that the implementation of the policy varied substantially from the original policy intent and that commissioning and care management as currently practiced are neither designed as intended nor delivering the outcomes envisaged by “Caring for People”. It draws on parallels with the current policy agenda and poses questions about whether a similar lack of fidelity to original policy objectives will lead to policies such as Putting People First not delivering on their stated goals.Practical implicationsThis paper is of relevance to policy developers and service managers in considering how to design and implement delivery of national policy.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how concepts such as commissioning and care management as currently practiced have lost their focus and purpose and should encourage reflective practice and renewed rigour around policy implementation of current social care priorities.
Wind characteristics and energy potentials at Wainiyaku Taveuni, Fiji
Authors: Kumar Ajal , Nair Krishnam 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyze the wind regime at Wainiyaku, Taveuni in Fiji, estimate Annual Energy Production (AEP) using a 275 kW Vergnet wind, and determine its economic viability.Design/methodology/approachThe only grid supply is in the northeast (suburban area) of the island. The main source is diesel generators, which are operated only certain hours per day. The study around Wainiyaku state was essential to determine an alternative continuous source of energy. The wind assessment on the island was based on the data provided by the Department of Energy (Fiji) and WAsP was used to reliably estimate the wind power potential on the island.FindingsThe report suggested that Wainiyaku Taveuni is a good site for wind power generation based on mean wind speed at 30 m agl. The software predicted a resource grid for mean wind speed and power density around Wainiyaku. An economic analysis for a prospective wind power generation using Vergnet 275 kW showed a reasonable promise.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusion justifies that a longer period (3y) data are necessary for better accuracy. However, one‐year data are sufficient to predict annual energy production with reasonable certainty.Originality/valueThe paper provides an alternative solution for a continuous supply of electricity for a remote island. It shows the economics of utilizing wind power generator to provide unobstructed supply of electricity. It further explores the saving in foreign exchange for a small Island economy. The analysis of wind regime suggests that an independent power producer may consider investing in a wind farm at Wainiyaku.
CFTC and SEC whistleblower bounties: largely similar but important differences remain
Authors: Davison Douglas J. , White Thomas W. , Bernstein Gail C. , Dube Michael R. , June Arian M. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to point out similarities and differences between the CFTC's and the SEC's final whistleblower incentive and protection rules, both recently adopted as mandated by the Dodd‐Frank Act.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the purpose of the rules, a dissenting CFTC vote concerning internal reporting, and a few notable differences between the CFTC's and the SEC's rules, and recommends compliance measures that companies should take.FindingsGiven the incentives that both agencies' programs give to whistleblowers to report violations directly to the regulators, a company subject to either program would be well advised to enhance its culture of compliance, bolster its internal reporting processes, and encourage employees to utilize internal reporting mechanisms.Originality/valueThe paper provides expert guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
The board: a change agent?
Authors: Kolltveit Bjorn , Hennestad Bjørn , Grønhaug Kjell 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insight into why shareholders often claim dissatisfaction with the results delivered by their boards. A central reason is that boards fail to get their critical decisions effectively implemented. The paper also focuses on whether boards apply essentials developed in the change management discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a study of board documents to capture what boards actually do. The documents were compiled from two Norwegian companies during the 1993‐2005 period. A content analysis was the analytic tool.FindingsThe research indicates that boards apply rational and deterministic approaches to implement critical decisions. It also reveals that boards tend to overlook essentials from the change management discipline. The paper identifies the potential for improved board effectiveness in implementing critical decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this research is that several observations may threaten the generalizability of the findings. However, the limitations may provide opportunities for further research.Practical implicationsBoards should motivate the chief executive officer and top management to apply a change management perspective in implementing critical decisions. To do so, board members must understand the critical decisions and ask appropriate questions.Originality/valueThe main value of this paper pertains to the contribution regarding why shareholders claim dissatisfaction with board‐delivered results.
The 2008 auction rate securities market collapse and US nonprofit health systems
Authors: Stewart Louis J. , Smith Pamela C. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper examines the 2008 collapse of the US tax‐exempt auction rate securities (ARS) market, from the perspective of not‐for‐profit auction rate debt issuers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a multiple case study methodology to examine the financial and operating impact of ARS auction failures on three US nonprofit hospitals and health systems. The analysis is based solely on information drawn from publicly‐available documents.FindingsThe three case study subjects issued more than $ 411 million in ARS. These securities were issued with bond insurance and fixed payer interest rate derivatives. The 2008 global financial crisis resulted in millions of dollars in drastically increased interest costs, costly debt refunding, and derivative‐related collateral postings. It was also found that the ability of an individual ARS issuer to respond effectively to these capital market‐related shocks is related to three key factors – profitability, liquidity and perceived credit quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe reliance on a case study methodology may limit the authors' ability to generalize the findings to the hundreds of other US non‐profit ARS issuers.Practical implicationsNonprofit financial executives must learn to adequately assess their organization's risk exposures if innovative long‐term capital financing instruments are to be used in the future. These potential costs, as well as any ineffectively hedged interest cost exposure, must be considered and weighed against any potential interest cost saving associated with any future debt financing arrangements.Originality/valueThe paper measures the financial and operating impact of the highly publicized 2008 ARS market collapse on non‐profit ARS issuers.