bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Team learning and team composition in nursing
Authors: Timmermans Olaf , Van Linge Roland , Van Petegem Peter , Elseviers Monique , Denekens Joke 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study aims to explore team learning activities in nursing teams and to test the effect of team composition on team learning to extend conceptually an initial model of team learning and to examine empirically a new model of ambidextrous team learning in nursing.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research utilising exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and correlation and multiple regression analyses, were used for empirical validation.FindingsPrincipal component analyses of the team learning activities scale revealed a five‐factor model, explaining 78 per cent of the variance on the team‐learning scale. Being a nursing team in a community hospital, having high team longevity, and having a high percentage of female nurses explained 33 per cent of team learning.Research limitations/implicationsData aggregation in a cross‐sectional design can be criticised for potential biases. However, statistical assumptions for aggregation were met, and the concepts used in this study were clearly formulated at team level. Thus, a valuable instrument is provided for further quantitative research on team learning in nursing.Practical implicationsThe team learning activities in nursing teams reflected the ambidexterity of teams in modern nursing practice. The findings provide a rationale for managers to create infrastructures that support both productive, as well as developmental learning tasks in teams.Originality/valueThe study provides new insights regarding how team learning activities occur in ambidextrous teams in nursing. Contrary to prediction, the results show that team composition has little effect on team learning activities. This is valuable knowledge for researchers, trainers, teams and management in nursing.
An activity‐based framework for quantification of knowledge work
Authors: Heidary Dahooie Jalil , Afrazeh Abbas , Mohammad Moathar Hosseini Seyed 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study attempts to identify the different types of activities that comprise a worker's job, and provide a framework for quantitative definition and segmentation of knowledge works (KWs).Design/methodology/approachEvery KW has two main parts: working with knowledge and establishing communication. Thus, in order to provide an exact definition for the KW it is necessary to calculate the knowledge intensity score of a job (JKIS) and communication intensity score of a job (JCIS). For determining these two parameters precisely, jobs were broken hierarchically to tasks and then activities. To identify these activities, an initial list of activities mentioned in the literature was created and then completed with generalized work activities of O*NET. A six‐step framework for calculating of JKIS and JCIS was proposed and finally, different groups of knowledge workers (KWrs) with respect to JKIS and JCIS were identified by using a clustering method.FindingsThis article shows how KW can be defined and segmented based on two dimensions (i.e. knowledge intensity score of a job (JKIS) and communication intensity score of a job (JCIS)). The proposed framework was used to analyze 133 jobs in 11 organizations. Practicality and validity of framework were examined based on this empirical study.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is a base for the identification of appropriate managerial frameworks corresponding to each discovered group of KWrs. Using more data can improve the results obtained in this study.Practical implicationsThis work emphasizes the importance of defining and clustering KW and proposes a practical method for this aim.Originality/valueA new framework for the quantification of KW is proposed. This framework is supported by five principles inferred from the literature.
Organisational culture's influence on tacit knowledge‐sharing behaviour
Authors: Suppiah Visvalingam , Singh Sandhu Manjit 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis research aimed at investigating the influence of organisational culture types on tacit knowledge sharing behaviour in Malaysian organisations.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data was collected from 362 participants from seven organisations. Multiple regression was used to assess the research model.FindingsThe research findings indicate that organisational culture types influence tacit knowledge sharing behaviour and that such influences may be positive or negative depending on the culture type.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only investigated seven organisations. A larger sample size may be necessary for a study of this nature. Aside from this the ipsative rating scale was not clearly understood by the respondents resulting in scoring errors by some.Practical implicationsKnowledge is considered the one and only distinct resource and is crucial for an organisation to sustain its competitive advantage. Determining the organisation's culture type will allow managers to implement, among the myriad knowledge sharing activities, the ones that would be more appropriate and relevant to the organisational culture.Originality/valueMost of the knowledge in organisations is in tacit form. There is a dearth of literature on the influence of organisational culture types on tacit knowledge sharing behaviour. Aside from theoretical contributions, the findings of this study have the potential to assist organisations to unlock economic value from knowledge embedded in the minds of its employees.
KM implementation in a public sector accounting organization: an empirical investigation
Authors: Choy Chong Siong , Salleh Kalsom , Noh Syed Ahmad Syed , Syed Omar Sharifuddin Syed‐Ikhsan 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how accountants working in a large public sector accounting organization perceive KM implementation issues in their organization. An integrated KM framework that interconnects KM enablers, knowledge sharing process, and organizational performance derived from the literature is proposed and adopted in this study.Design/methodology/approachThe accountants working at the Accountant‐General's Department (AGD) under the Ministry of Finance, Malaysia are selected for an in‐depth study through the use of a self‐reporting questionnaire. The model's validity was confirmed through factor analysis. The data were then analyzed using multiple regression analyses.FindingsThe statistical results provide strong support for the KM framework. There are positive effects of KM enablers and knowledge sharing process towards organizational performance. When both the variables are regarded as antecedents of organizational performance, knowledge sharing process and technology resources are among those of highly significant enablers.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted in only one organization among the lower echelon accountants, thereby limiting the generalizability of the results obtained. This paper provides a framework for developing an instrument for assessing the AGD, which has drawn plans to institutionalize KM. As a knowledge nexus of public sector accounting knowledge and practice, the AGD has to place serious emphasis on the significant KM enablers in drawing up its KM implementation strategy in order to effectively manage and leverage the intellectual assets of its professional intellects. This will enable it to reap better performance.Originality/valueThis study has extended knowledge in KM, especially concerning KM implementation issues in public sector organizations. Moreover, this research is among the first empirical works to address KM implementation in a public accounting organization.
A hybrid performance measurement framework for optimal decisions
Authors: Fukushima Akihiro , Jeffrey Peirce J. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a hybrid performance measurement framework integrating available frameworks and mathematical models. The hybrid framework potentially allows decision makers to move from intuitive decisions to analysis‐based decisions by using a complete hierarchy of objectives, mathematical equations and a simulation of increased capabilities. To illustrate the utility of the proposed framework, this paper aims to apply the framework to a hypothetical decision‐making scenario in a computer manufacturing company.Design/methodology/approachIn the proposed framework, a developed hierarchy is verified with correlation and regression analyses. Mathematical equations relating performance indicators are defined with a multiple linear regression model. An expected final outcome and uncertainty are evaluated with a Monte Carlo simulation.FindingsAn organization can find consistent performance indicators based on correlation and regression analyses. In addition, based on a forecast final outcome, the organization can make proactive decisions about up‐front investments in its capabilities.Research limitations/implicationsA hierarchy of objectives developed in this paper is not comprehensive. A scenario used for simulating a future outcome is hypothetical.Originality/valueAlthough some studies illustrate mathematical equations relating objectives, the studies are limited to parts of a hierarchy and there are few practical directions. This paper proposes mathematical equations that represent vertical relationships among objectives in a hierarchy, while evaluating the importance of a performance measurement system in a big picture. Moreover, this paper explains a decision‐making procedure based on a forecast outcome.
Implementation of the FATF 40+9 Recommendations
Authors: Jensen Neil , Png Cheong‐Ann 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the extent to which the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 40+9 Recommendations have been implemented by developing countries from the Asia‐Pacific region and the issues pertaining to these countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the compliance ratings from published reports of assessments/mutual evaluations for these countries between 2004 and 2010 and makes comparisons with the ratings for FATF countries for that period.FindingsThese developing countries have demonstrated positive developments in addressing anti‐money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements and having their level of compliance evaluated through the rigorous process of assessment/mutual evaluation. Nonetheless, the general level of compliance is quite limited, not least when compared with FATF countries. This may be due to complexities of the FATF 40+9 Recommendations, challenges in prioritizing AML/CFT development amidst other national priorities and general limited capacity in these countries. An appreciation of the challenges faced by these countries is essential in the formulation and implementation of AML/CFT measures for these countries.Originality/valueThis paper considers implementation of international standards for AML/CFT from the perspective of developing countries, which is an important contribution given the needs and peculiarities of these countries.
The dark side of European immigration policy
Authors: Duca Rita 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis article aims to highlight the dark side of the restrictive immigration policies, undertaken both at European and national level, paying special attention to the negative effects that these policies can cause.Design/methodology/approachIn particular, the article focuses on two of the main aims stated by these migration policies: the organization of legal immigration and the control of the illegal immigration.FindingsThe paper demonstrates how the repressive instruments, today put into practice, not only have not been a solution, but they have produced destructive effects, such as: the increasing of illegal immigration and the consequential increasing of the exploitation of immigrants – making the borders between smuggling and trafficking more and more transitory – the strengthening of the more and more professionalized criminal organization and finally the enlargement of the black market's borders, of which the European single market feeds itself.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the dark side of European immigration policy.
The EU's preventive AML/CFT policy: asymmetrical harmonisation
Authors: van den Broek Melissa 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis article aims to consider the role of the European Union (EU) in the prevention of money laundering and to show that the EU has a lot more to win in this field of policy.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on a literature study and a thorough analysis of the EU Directives on the prevention of money laundering.FindingsWhereas, the material norms for entities subject to regulation have been harmonised and adjusted to the risk‐based approach at European level, the norms regarding the enforcement instruments have mostly been left to the Member States' legislation. As a result, there exists a “patchwork” of enforcement mechanisms throughout the EU.Research limitations/implicationsThis article focuses on the prevention of money laundering on the level of the EU only; no connection is made to the international or to the national level.Originality/valueThis article does not provide a value judgment on the preventive rules at European level as such, but rather it offers an academic perspective on the role of the EU in the prevention of money laundering.
Political barriers to economic development in Russia
Authors: Robinson Neil 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to question the periodization of Russian political and economic development that sees a break occurring between the Yeltsin and Putin presidencies. It does this by looking at how political problems common to late developing nations influenced the development of reform programs in Russia under its first two presidents.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies concepts from the literature on development to Russia, using it as a case study to develop an alternative historical narrative on Russian political economy.FindingsThe paper finds that there was more continuity in political conditions between Yeltsin and Putin and that economic change in Russia under Putin was not achieved because a political consensus over economic policy developed but because the wealth generated by hydrocarbon exports enabled Putin to buy support. Whilst this has meant that there was less contest over economic policy during the Putin presidency, it is far from certain whether this means of managing the economy can last over the longer term if the price of oil declines.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the need for political reform in Russia as a condition of economic change, something that is beginning to be taken seriously in Russian political circles after the experience of economic crisis that followed Putin.
The interactive effect of remittances and civil liberties on investment and consumption
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey A. , Biser Jennis J. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of influence that civil liberties has on the marginal effect of remittances on gross domestic investment and consumption separately and measures it across all levels of civil liberties.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ a two‐stage system generalized method of moments procedure and the civil liberties subset of the Freedom in the World Index as a proxy for civil liberty.FindingsThe findings indicate a substitution effect from investment to consumption as civil liberties deteriorate for developing south economies, though not for emerging economies. In addition, the marginal effect of remittances on investment diminishes less quickly as economies become less free than it increases for consumption indicating that the substitution is not quite one‐for‐one.Practical implicationsEconomies with low levels of civil liberties could benefit by improving them in ways that would encourage recipients to channel remittances into investment rather than consumption.Originality/valueThis paper differs from previous research in that the authors evaluate investment and consumption separately rather than embedding these component parts within growth. In addition, when interactions are employed in existing literature, the inference drawn is static with regard to the varying degrees of institutional development. Third, none of the prior studies directly explores civil liberties proper; they usually aggregate civil liberties with other aspects of political or economic freedom.
The role of portfolio diversification in the hotel industry
Authors: Giannotti Claudio , Mattarocci Gianluca , Spinelli Luca 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study whether geographic and sector diversification allow for a significant reduction in the risk exposure of a portfolio of hotel investments in one of the major tourist markets, the Italian market.Design/methodology/approachThis paper evaluates the benefits related to a Markowitz diversification approach for the construction of a specialised portfolio in the hotel real estate market. The portfolio analysis considers the degree of efficiency of each portfolio, the type of diversification adopted by a more efficient portfolio, the persistence of results over time and the impact of diversification constraints.FindingsThe results demonstrate that, while standard geographic and sector diversification allow for good results, the more efficient portfolios are more concentrated. The trade‐off is worse if some concentration constraints are established, but the portfolios identified are characterised by higher performance persistence.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis only considers high‐quality hotels in the Italian market. Unfortunately, some information on costs is not as detailed as would be desired. The availability of a more complete database could increase the significance of the results obtained.Practical implicationsThe results are relevant for constructing all hotels' portfolios, like those managed by a real estate fund manager, in order to define the type and degree of diversification that allow for minimal risk exposure.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to apply the Markowitz theory to the Italian hotel industry in order to identify the best diversification criteria.
Figures of speech as semantic operators in the innovation process
Authors: Dell'Era Claudio , Buganza Tommaso , Verganti Roberto 
Published: May 2011

PurposeProduct functionalities aim to satisfy the operative needs of the customer, while product meanings (i.e. the emotion and the symbolic values represented by the product) aim to satisfy the emotional and socio‐cultural needs of the customer. What consumers are increasingly looking for in consumer products are new forms of psychological satisfaction that go beyond normal and simple consumption; today, more than ever, products define their own presence not only through their attributes, but also through the meanings that they assume, through the dialogue that they establish with the user, and also through the symbolic nature that they emanate. Figures of speech can be exploited to emphasise a message or a meaning. The purpose of this paper is to propose an application of rhetorical figures to product design that will make them more communicative.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, the authors propose the “Rhetorical Innovation Process” as a methodology that foresees the application of figures of speech as semantic operators. First, the authors discuss several product innovations that can be interpreted according to the “Rhetorical Innovation Process”. Then, a brief workshop assignment in the strategic design course at the Faculty of Industrial Design of Politecnico di Milano explored the potentialities of the method in relation to different product typologies: 40 Italian master students were divided into eight groups (five industrial design students each) in order to develop five products per group.FindingsThe results obtained by design students demonstrated as figures of speech can stimulate associations with other contexts and modifications to existing architecture. The exploration of the “rhetorical innovation process” in collaboration with eight design student teams has shown that this method can support and enrich the concept generation phase. Moreover, four configurations proposed by the “rhetorical innovation process” allow one to generate different alternatives supporting the creative process and allowing the identification of strengths and weaknesses associated to each solution.Originality/valueThe method described in the paper elucidates the structure and process adopted by several designers and also illustrates an effective framework for communicating choices to their clients. In particular, the cross‐context associations proposed in the “rhetorical innovation process” provide additional insights and incentives during the concept generation.
New product development best practice in SME and large organisations: theory vs practice
Authors: Nicholas John , Ledwith Ann , Perks Helen 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore new product development (NPD) best practice from a practitioner's perspective. A large body of research has been completed on best practices in NPD. However, there is a limited knowledge of the extent to which practitioners are aware of what constitutes a NPD best practice and are aware of the relative importance of different NPD best practices.Design/methodology/approachUsing an established framework, this research investigates NPD practitioners' views of best practices. Data were collected through a survey using a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions from 70 SMEs and 74 large companies in Ireland and the UK.FindingsThe results show that practitioners assign different levels of importance to the various NPD best practices. Regardless of company size, strategy is viewed as the most importance best practice for NPD, while metrics and performance evaluation is seen as the least important. This does not support previous research, which has shown that excellence in NPD process is the primary driver of NPD success. Additionally, there were differences between the specific practices that NPD practitioners from SMEs and large companies considered to be best practice.Originality/valueThis paper identifies a gap between what researchers and practitioners understand to be NPD best practice. The results further our understanding of how NPD practitioners translate existing NPD knowledge into actual NPD practice. The results presented in this paper suggest that there is much to be gained by strengthening the links between researchers and NPD practitioners. There is limited value in developing theories and models about the “best” ways to manage NPD unless these model and theories are fully diffused and can be made useful to NPD practitioners.
Exploring the links between entrepreneurial orientation and intrapreneurship in SMEs
Authors: Bouchard Véronique , Basso Olivier 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the links between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and intrapreneurship within the context of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper builds on a historical review of the two main currents of the corporate entrepreneurship literature and the distinction established by French scholars between “traditional SMEs” and “miniature large firms”.FindingsThe paper summarizes various findings regarding the antecedents of EO and intrapreneurship in SMEs and elaborates a series of testable propositions linking EO to intrapreneurship.Practical implicationsThe paper posits the existence of different types of SMEs and suggests that the organizational and managerial antecedents of EO differ by type.Originality/valueThe paper explores the relation between intrapreneurship and EO, thus connecting two unrelated streams of literature within the field of corporate entrepreneurship.