bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interdependence in supply chains and projects in construction
Authors: Bankvall Lars , Bygballe Lena E. , Dubois Anna , Jahre Marianne 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to inquire into the management of construction supply chains by directing attention toward the different types of interdependencies that exist in such chains and in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is developed as part of two ongoing research projects on supply chain management (SCM) in construction. A case study approach is used for illustrating the production and subsequent delivery and installation of plasterboards to a specific construction project. This description reveals extensive coordination among a number of companies and features interesting examples of the consequences of the interdependencies identified.FindingsThe paper concludes that the strong emphasis on coordination of sequential interdependence within individual supply chains does not fit with the complex interdependencies present in and among supply chains and projects in construction. In addition to sequential interdependence it describes and illustrates pooled interdependence based on joint resource utilisation, reciprocal interdependence among activities undertaken at the construction site, and interdependence owing to synchronisation of many supply chains in relation to each and every construction project. The combined effects of these interdependencies challenge traditional SCM recommendations, such as moving activities from the site to the factory.Originality/valueThe main theoretical argument put forward in this paper is that the application of SCM models developed for other industrial contexts such as the automotive industry, are problematic to use in the construction industry. This is because these models emphasise integration of activities that are subject mainly to sequential interdependencies while the pattern of interdependence is very different in construction. A main implication for practice is that focusing on better planning in order to deal with activities that are mainly subject to sequential interdependence, is insufficient. The reciprocal interdependencies in construction require more frequent and direct interaction among the involved actors to enable mutual adjustments among the firms whose activities and resource use need to be coordinated.
Family ties and emotions: a missing piece in the knowledge transfer puzzle
Authors: Nelly Trevinyo‐Rodríguez Rosa , Bontis Nick 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to develop a model of knowledge transfer that considers kinship ties and emotions in family‐based firms.Design/methodology/approachThere exist several models, which show how information flows among individuals and within organizations. One school of thought is known as Cultural‐Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), which was initially formulated by Lev Vygotsky, the Founder of the school. However, when analyzing CHAT within the family business context, the model no longer holds true. This paper examines knowledge‐transfer mechanisms through the lens of family firms.FindingsFamily traditions, ties, and emotions, which are not considered in the original learning framework, affect knowledge transfer, commitment, and the motivation of family members.Research limitations/implicationsBased on CHAT and subsequently on other social networks theories, a more appropriate next generation learning model is developed which explains how intergenerational knowledge transfer takes place within family firms.Practical implicationsThis paper improves the understanding of how family members' shared knowledge (i.e. traditions) may become sources of competitive advantages for the family firm (i.e. long‐term survival).Originality/valueThis paper is among the first known to examine knowledge‐transfer mechanisms specifically for family‐based businesses.
Indian agri‐seed industry: understanding the entrepreneurial process
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Ali Jabir 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to discuss and analyse the entrepreneurial process in Indian seed business and factors affecting entrepreneurship in this sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on in‐depth personal interviews with 40 entrepreneurs involved in 31 seed ventures belonging to five districts covering three states of India – Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. These firms were selected following the convenient method of sampling. All major components of entrepreneurial process – personal traits and background of the entrepreneur, legal and financial environment, and market structure – were studied in detail. Descriptive and relational data‐analytic methods were adopted such as frequency distribution, cross tabulation, and correlation analysis.FindingsRealizing the importance of availability of quality seed to the farming community in adequate quantity in the country, current government policies are geared towards promoting and fostering entrepreneurship in seed industry in India. The paper finds that the firms established during last five to ten years have shown continuous growth indicating attractiveness of the industry. Ability to build entrepreneurial team with complementary skills and knowledge and experience of the lead entrepreneurs are found to be the critical success factors in this industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the paper is based on mainly qualitative data/information collected only from 40 entrepreneurs belonging to 31 seed ventures.Practical implicationsThe study findings have implications for policy makers as well as for prospective entrepreneurs. It will help in designing appropriate policy instruments promote and foster entrepreneurship on one hand and provide suggestions for new entrepreneurs for creating sustainable new seed ventures on the other.Originality/valueThe paper is original and value loaded in the sense that this provides the practical implications for understanding the entrepreneurial process in a very critical segment of the agriculture sector.
Is the efficiency doctrine valid? An evaluation of US local exchange telecommunications company mergers
Authors: Majumdar Sumit K. , Moussawi Rabih , Yaylacicegi Ulku 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the various mergers of the local exchange companies in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe authors evaluate all of the mergers that took place between 1988 and 2001 on several measures of performance for the firms that have undergone the mergers.FindingsThe analysis reveals that the impacts of mergers on the several measures of efficiency that have been evaluated have all been negative.Social implicationsIf the efficiency motive has been primary in influencing merger approvals, then the past mergers approved have led to inefficiencies, corresponding welfare losses for the American consumer, and the mergers of communication common carriers have not been in the public interest. On the other hand, given the inefficiency outcomes, views that the quiet life, hubris and a quest for possible market power have motivated the mergers cannot be discarded.Originality/valueThe results have considerable salience across industry segments and geographies where mergers are being considered and evaluated, since they call into question the strategic and public policy logic behind merger consummation.
Value in technology evolution: case mobile peer‐to‐peer communications
Authors: Heikkinen Mikko V.J. , Luukkainen Sakari 
Published: August 2010

PurposeMobile peer‐to‐peer communications is an essential phase in the evolution of mobile communications technologies, motivating this research which aims to focus on how established industry stakeholders and new entrants can adapt themselves to the new situation.Design/methodology/approachBased on existing literature, the authors identified three distinctive evolution paths for mobile peer‐to‐peer communications and developed an analysis framework for their comparison. The authors validated the analysis by conducting a questionnaire study among domain experts, and analyzed its results using statistical analysis.FindingsInternet‐driven evolution has high value proposition, is profitable and has subscription fees as an important revenue model. Telecom‐driven evolution creates value, leverages markets, leverages competence, is likely to encounter regulatory intervention and benefits all customer segments. Proprietary evolution has a successful revenue model, results in alliances of competitors and is competence‐enhancing to mobile device vendors.Research limitations/implicationsFuture work consists mainly of analyzing quantitatively the implications of the new technologies when they become readily available and evaluating the value analysis framework in other applicable cases.Practical implicationsInternet‐driven evolution enables new business opportunities to independent service operators and equipment vendors by enabling opportunities in profiting from sales of advanced devices and networks. Telecom‐driven evolution benefits mostly incumbent mobile network operators. Proprietary evolution enables limited competition against incumbent actors by independent service operators.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first journal publications on mobile peer‐to‐peer communications from a holistic techno‐economic point of view, beneficial to both academics and practitioners.
Living Requirements Space
Authors: Adisa Femi , Schubert Petra , Sudzina Frantisek , Johansson Björn 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss a new tool for requirements gathering in the Web 2.0 era. It seeks to investigate the features that this kind of tool should have in order to be as widely applicable and useful as possible. Further, it aims to explore the extent to which business requirements for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can be collected and discussed collaboratively in a worldwide community of business process experts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a combination of empirical research, hermeneutics and design research.FindingsThe proposed Living Requirements Space (LRS) platform has the potential of becoming an international forum for collecting and discussing business requirements for ERP systems.Practical implicationsThe LRS platform will allow ERP developers, ERP systems implementers, and academics to better understand the evolution of business requirements for ERP systems. It will create a knowledge base of ERP business requirements, that is, a repository that guarantees open and unrestricted access to content. It will thus allow for more international ERP systems and far more comprehensive education on and understanding of business processes and ERP systems.Originality/valueLRS is an open access tool that allows for the gathering of ERP systems requirements in a vendor‐ and project‐independent approach that is unbiased towards any geographic region.
The University of Alicante's institutional strategy to promote the open dissemination of knowledge
Authors: Llorens Faraón , José Bayona Juan , Gómez Javier , Sanguino Francisco 
Published: August 2010

PurposeInformation and communication technologies have became pervasive in people's lives and in this changing world education cannot remain anchored in old‐fashioned models which ignore the evolution through which society is going. This paper seeks to present the gamble made by the University of Alicante (Spain) on the promotion of open knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe educational environment cannot continue to be fixed, closed and isolated, where students – assuming a basically passive role – receive standardised teaching. It must consequently experience a fast and decisive transformation which allows it, amongst other things, to respond to the new challenge posed by society: the need for all of us to share the knowledge we generate, so that further progress can be made.FindingsThe Institutional Repository (RUA) and the OpenCourseWare of the University of Alicante (OCW‐UA) were conceived from the very beginning as related projects that could constitute consecutive phases in the open publication of knowledge. In this way the aim of presenting the promotion of open knowledge not as a series of discrete projects but as a global strategic gamble of the institution was achieved. In addition to the most visible educational benefits, this policy has had the virtue of favouring the assumption by the University of its role as an online provider of quality (scientific and teaching) content.Originality/valueRUA is the storage place of all the teaching materials published by the University of Alicante's teaching staff, which are retrieved from OCW‐UA, while OCW‐UA serves as an organisational model of teaching content self‐archived by the teaching staff in RUA. The connection between the projects has allowed the presentation of the promotion of open knowledge as a global strategic gamble of the University, which has contributed to a greater acceptance by the teaching staff. This work is original in that it shows a successful experience of involvement by one university and its members in the promotion of open knowledge.
DNA dataveillance: protecting the innocent?
Authors: Vartapetiance Salmasi Anna , Gillam Lee 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the UK National DNA Database (NDNAD) and some of the controversies surrounding it with reference to legal and ethical issues, focusing particularly on privacy and human rights. Governance of this database involves specific exemptions from the Data Protection Act (DPA), and this gives a rise to concerns regarding both the extent of surveillance on the UK population and the possibility for harm to all citizens. This is of wider importance since every current citizen, and everybody who visits the UK, could become a record in the DNA database. Principally, the paper seeks to explore whether these exemptions would also imply exemptions for software developers from codes of practice and ethics of their professional societies as relate to constructing or maintaining such data and the database.Design/methodology/approachThe paper makes a comparison between the principles of the DPA, as would need to be followed by all other organizations handling personal data, professional responsibilities‐based codes of ethics of professional societies, and the current reality as reported in relation to the NDNAD and the exemptions offered through the DPA.FindingsPrimarily, if NDNAD was not exempted from certain provisions in the DPA, the potential for the kinds of data leakages and other mishandlings could largely be avoided without the need for further considerations over so‐called “data minimization”. It can be seen how the lack of afforded protection allows for a wide range of issues as relate at least to privacy.Originality/valueThe paper provides the first evaluation of the combination of law, codes of ethics, and activities in the real world as related to NDNAD, with concomitant considerations for privacy, liberty, and human rights. Originality is demonstrated through consideration of the implications of certain exemptions in the DPA in relation to crime and taxation and national security and in relating the expected protections for personal data to widely reported evidence that such protections may be variously lacking. In addition, the paper provides a broad overview of controversies over certain newer kinds of DNA analysis, and other relatively recent findings, that seem generally absent from the vast majority of debates over this kind of analysis.
Stochastic logic computation based RBFNN with adaptive hidden layer structure
Authors: Joy Vasantha Rani S.P. , Aruna Prabha K. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to implement the hardware structure for radial basis function (RBF) neural network based on stochastic logic computation.Design/methodology/approachThe hardware implementation of artificial neural networks (ANNs) has a complicated structure and is normally space consuming due to huge size of digital multiplication, addition/subtraction, non‐linear activation function, etc. Also the unavailability of ANN hardware at an attractive price limits its use for real time applications. In stochastic logic theory, the real numbers are converted to random streams of bits instead of a binary number. The performance of the proposed structure is analyzed using very high speed integrated circuit hardware description language.FindingsStochastic theory‐based arithmetic and logic approach provides a way to carry out complex computation with very simple hardware and very flexible design of the system. The Gaussian RBF for hidden layer neuron is employed using stochastic counter that reduces the hardware resources significantly. The number of hidden layer neurons in RBF neural network structure is adaptively varied to make it an intelligent system.Originality/valueThe paper outlines the stochastic neural computation on digital hardware for implementing radial basis neural network. The structure has considered the optimized usage of hardware resources.
An empirical analysis of factors impacting career decisions in South African construction industry
Authors: Chileshe Nicholas , Haupt Theodore C. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception of high school students on the factors impacting their career decisions and whether gender and grade have an influence on the decision‐making process.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review was used to identify relevant factors which were incorporated into the design of the survey instrument. The questionnaire was administered via a postal survey and information collected from 599 male and 491 female high school students in the Western Cape Province. Survey response data were subjected to descriptive statistics and subsequently parametric tests.FindingsSalary, working conditions, opportunities for promotion and lifelong learning were reported by both male and female students as the most important factors, whereas family tradition and peers were the least important factors according to the male and female high school students, respectively. Grade had a significant impact on the process with students in Grade 11 scoring higher on salary, working conditions and lifelong learning opportunities whereas Grades 12 and 10 scored higher on skills shortage and family tradition, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐sectional data made it difficult to generalise the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings are of particular importance to high school teachers and guidance counsellors who influence career choices amongst high school students. It is likely that teachers and counsellors themselves have been negatively influenced by the poor image of the construction industry. The identification of factors enables the development of viable strategies and balances the social dynamics of the male dominated environment.Originality/valueThere are few studies which try to investigate the career decision‐making process of high school students in an African environment. These results challenge the factors impacting career decision making among South African high school students and provide information rarely examined. Conclusively, the paper finds that control variables such as grade and gender are significant in the career decision‐making process of high school students. This paper contributes to bridging that gap.
Entrepreneurship education in the higher education institutions (HEIs) of post‐communist European countries
Authors: Varblane Urmas , Mets Tõnis 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map the current situation of entrepreneurship education in higher education institutions (HEIs) of 22 European transition economy countries.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken was an internet survey and analysis covering 774 HEIs of the region.FindingsIn 332 institutions, entrepreneurship‐oriented courses, modules or curricula are offered. Croatia and Slovenia are the leading countries in terms of the coverage of teaching entrepreneurship in universities and colleges, followed by the Baltic countries and the Czech and Slovak Republics. The highest entrepreneurship orientation is found in new and private universities and colleges. In a majority of schools, the theory of entrepreneurship is taught but practice‐oriented training in entrepreneurship is rather limited. The current number of centres of entrepreneurship in the region is small, and the research‐oriented model of entrepreneurship education is used in three to five institutions only.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a useful source of information for entrepreneurship education researchers, developers and education policy makers.Originality/valueThe paper maps the HEIs entrepreneurship teaching in post‐communist European countries.
Resolving the paradox of enterprising communities in Eastern Europe
Authors: Todorovic Zelimir William , Ma Jun 
Published: August 2010

PurposeAttempts to “Westernize” post‐socialist economies of Eastern Europe resulted in little or no progress. This paper aims to incorporate the resource‐based view (RBV) paradigm to shed light on the present difficulties and challenges. A shortage of resources, many of which are taken for granted in the West, is identified as a reason why some “Western‐style” approaches did not work.Design/methodology/approachReviews of literature in entrepreneurial orientation and RBV serve as a foundation of the development of conceptual arguments. The paper presents a framework elaborating on entrepreneurial development by focusing on the national resource base called enabling resources.FindingsRichardian, functional‐regulatory, and tacit culturally based resources are credited with building national entrepreneurial activity and developing a unique national competency.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not include empirical validation of its argument. Further empirical research should be done in different cultural contexts.Practical implicationsThe paper informs policymakers and entrepreneurs alike towards a monumental task of rebuilding these new democracies. Developed framework provides a way of building resources necessary for sustained entrepreneurial growth unique to each post‐socialist economy.Originality/valueBy focusing on the unique national resource base, the economic development of post‐socialist economies of Eastern Europe may be improved and accelerated. This paper emphasizes the need to consider and examine available resources in the transformation and development of enterprising communities.
Local planning for sustainable development
Authors: Saunders Caroline , Dalziel Paul 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how a “capital‐based” framework can be used by a small local government to plan sustainable development to promote the social, economic, environmental and cultural well‐being of their communities.Design/methodology/approachThis New Zealand case study develops a framework for local government action and applies it to measure stocks of human made, natural, human, social and cultural capital for a small rural district.FindingsThe conclusions find that it is possible to apply a capital‐based framework to local government planning, despite some data gaps, especially in the areas of social and cultural capital.Practical implicationsThe framework for local government action developed in the paper provides a well‐structured guide for planning investment in capital to promote the well‐being of local communities.Originality/valueSustainable development indicator (SDI) frameworks are becoming commonplace at the national level; this paper shows how an SDI framework can be used to guide planning at the local government level.