bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When is a team a team? “Teamworking” and the reorganisation of work in commercial cleaning
Authors: Ryan Shaun 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe article seeks to analyse and explore the contradictions and variations in the concepts “team” and “teamwork” and their use in the NSW, Australia, commercial cleaning industry.Design/methodology/approachThe article utilises an ethnographic study of a large Australian cleaning firm. Data were collected using participant observation, field notes, and interviews with managers.FindingsThe study provides evidence for the limited uptake of the idealised form of teamwork in commercial cleaning and suggests that teamworking is another means of coordinating groups of workers. Furthermore, the findings support previous research into the paradox of teams without teamwork.Originality/valueThe research provides an insight into the largely neglected area of the reorganisation of work in commercial cleaning. It also provides a critique of the concept of teams and teamworking.
Successful maintenance practice through team autonomy
Authors: Rolfsen Monica , Langeland Camilla 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate how teamwork contributes to successful maintenance practice within maintenance work in an industrial setting.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were gathered from a single case. This includes interviews, participatory observation and document collection.FindingsThe findings suggest that even though TPM is originally a technologically‐based concept, the explanations for success or failure are mainly organisational, pointing to management style, collaboration between maintenance and production, involvement and teamwork. This case study shows that a high degree of team autonomy was an important contributor to success; a point not previously emphasized in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a deep understanding of a unique case, but should be supplemented with more data in order to reach general conclusions.Practical implicationsMany companies struggle with implementing total productive maintenance. The paper provides an understanding on how TPM can successfully be supported by teamwork.Originality/valueFew case studies on TPM and teamwork are available. The main contribution of the paper is a deep understanding of teamwork and maintenance practices, and of including autonomy in TPM teams.
Agents of “influence”: exploring the usage, timing, and outcomes of executive coaching tactics
Authors: Lewis‐Duarte Melissa , Bligh Michelle C. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeExecutive coaching is commonly utilized in organizations to facilitate the personal and professional growth of executives. Executive coaches utilize a variety of proactive influence tactics to create behavioral change in their clients. The current study aimed to examine coaches' perceived use and effectiveness of the outcome, timing, and objective of proactive influence tactics in coaching relationships.Design/methodology/approachMembers of ten organizations affiliated with executive coaching were targeted for participation. A total of 110 participants completed the online survey.FindingsInfluence tactics including coalition, consultation, inspirational appeals, and rational persuasion were more frequently associated with client commitment. Consultation was more frequently utilized during initial influence attempts; pressure was more frequently utilized during follow‐up attempts. Coaches also reported using different tactics depending on the desired outcome of the influence attempt: coalition and pressure were utilized to change behavior, whereas coaches used consultation and rational persuasion to both change behavior and assign work.Research limitations/implicationsThe results offer insights into executive coaching engagements, areas for potential training and development of practicing coaches, and techniques for creating more successful outcomes with coaching clients. The findings are limited by sample size, self‐report measures, and the lack of contextual or organizational information. Future research should expand these findings to provide additional information regarding the use of influence tactics in the executive coaching industry.Originality/valueThere is little empirical data regarding how executive coaches effectively influence behavioral change in their clients. The current study applies research on proactive influence tactics to the context of executive coaching, bridging these two previously disparate streams of research.
Unmanned vehicle show makes a capital appearance
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Conference and Show held in Washington DC, with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots and their application on the ground, in the air and in the water.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles and the providers of the technologies which are fundamental to their design and deployment.FindingsThe unmanned vehicle industry is largely driven by government requirements, both military and civilian. Unmanned service robots are also found in applications such as crop monitoring and fish school location at sea. Unmanned vehicles are getting smaller, smarter and more rugged to meet new challenges.Originality/valueUnmanned vehicles continue to address air, ground and marine application needs where human safety is important. The vehicles continue to become more and more autonomous, smaller and ever better to address a wider range of application requirements.
Robots at the International Robot Exhibition 2011 in Tokyo
Authors: Kusuda Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the International Robot Exhibition (IREX) in Tokyo, Japan 2011, with emphasis on the new trend of the Japanese robot industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on in‐depth interviews with exhibitors and the reporter's insight into the Japanese robot industry.FindingsA big change is observed in the direction of the Japanese industrial robotics in an attempt to cope with the increasing demand from the emerging nations and to create new business in domestic Japan.Originality/valueThis is the first report describing the change in the Japanese robot industry after the great earthquake and tsunami.
Neural networks‐based adaptive robust control of crawler‐type mobile manipulators using sliding mode approach
Authors: Wang Yaonan , Wu Xiru 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the radial basis function (RBF) networks‐based adaptive robust control for an omni‐directional wheeled mobile manipulator in the presence of uncertainties and disturbances.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a dynamic model is obtained based on the practical omni‐directional wheeled mobile manipulator system. Second, the RBF neural network is used to identify the unstructured system dynamics directly due to its ability to approximate a nonlinear continuous function to arbitrary accuracy. Using the learning ability of neural networks, RBFNARC can co‐ordinately control the omni‐directional mobile platform and the mounted manipulator with different dynamics efficiently. The implementation of the control algorithm is dependent on the sliding mode control.FindingsBased on the Lyapunov stability theory, the stability of the whole control system, the boundedness of the neural networks weight estimation errors, and the uniformly ultimate boundedness of the tracking error are all strictly guaranteed.Originality/valueIn this paper, an adaptive robust control scheme using neural networks combined with sliding mode control is proposed for crawler‐type mobile manipulators in the presence of uncertainties and disturbances. RBF neural networks approximate the system dynamics directly and overcome the structured uncertainty by learning. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the stability of the whole control system, the boundedness of the neural networks weight estimation errors, and the uniformly ultimate boundedness of the tracking error are all strictly guaranteed.
An autonomous restaurant service robot with high positioning accuracy
Authors: Yu Qingxiao , Yuan Can , Fu Z. , Zhao Yanzheng 
Published: April 2012

PurposeRecently, service robots have been widely used in various fields. The purpose of this paper is to design a restaurant service robot which could be applicable to provide basic service, such as ordering, fetching and sending food, settlement and so on, for the customers in the robot restaurant.Design/methodology/approachBased on characteristics of wheeled mobile robots, the service robot with two manipulators is designed. Constrained by the DOF, the final positioning accuracy within ±3 cm must be guaranteed to successfully grasp the plate. Segmented positioning method is applied considering the positioning costs and accuracy requirement in the different stages, and the shape‐based matching tracking method is adopted to navigate the robot to the object.FindingsExperiments indicate that the service robot could successfully grasp the plate, from wherever is its initial position; and the proposed algorithms could estimate the robot pose well and accurately evaluate the localization performance.Research limitations/implicationsAt present, the service robot could only work in an indoor environment where there is steady illumination.Practical implicationsThe service robot is applicable to provide basic service for the customers in the robot restaurant.Originality/valueThe paper gives us a concept of a restaurant service robot and its localization and navigation algorithms. The service robot could provide its real‐time coordinates and arrive at the object with ±2 cm positioning precision, from wherever is its initial position.
The effect of business and economics education programs on students' entrepreneurial intention
Authors: De Jorge‐Moreno Justo , Laborda Castillo Leopoldo , Sanz Triguero María 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the effect of participation in business and economics education programs on the student's entrepreneurial intention in terms of perceptions of the desirability and personal feasibility of starting a business.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used to measure the student's entrepreneurial intention is the data envelopment analysis (DEA). This approach involves mathematical programming and as a new tool in this field has permitted enrichment of the results achieved.FindingsResults reveal that the explanatory factors for both types of students are different. This could be explained because the students choose one career or another according to their expectations of employment. In this sense, the student's entrepreneurial intention decreases in the business students when they progress in their studies and they are closer in contact with the business reality. However, the student's entrepreneurial intention increases in the case of business students when they choose a future work option different to work in public administration.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the work reaches conclusive findings, further research is required in a longitudinal way.Practical implicationsThe article provides new methodology and results in the field of entrepreneurship and employability in higher education in Spain.Originality/valueIn the context of the theory of planned behavior, the article is innovative on a methodological level in arguing for “connected” perceptions of the desirability and personal feasibility of starting a business with an approach toward employability and enterprise development for students. The authors think that the understanding of the sources of “entrepreneurial intention” at the students' level is crucial for policymakers to develop appropriate educational polices to improve entrepreneurship performances.
Application of Six Sigma methodology to a diagnostic imaging process
Authors: Tolga Taner Mehmet , Sezen Bulent , Atwat Kamal M. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to apply the Six Sigma methodology to improve workflow by eliminating the causes of failure in the medical imaging department of a private Turkish hospital.Design/methodology/approachImplementation of the design, measure, analyse, improve and control (DMAIC) improvement cycle, workflow chart, fishbone diagrams and Pareto charts were employed, together with rigorous data collection in the department. The identification of root causes of repeat sessions and delays was followed by failure, mode and effect analysis, hazard analysis and decision tree analysis.FindingsThe most frequent causes of failure were malfunction of the RIS/PACS system and improper positioning of patients. Subsequent to extensive training of professionals, the sigma level was increased from 3.5 to 4.2.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected over only four months.Practical implicationsSix Sigma's data measurement and process improvement methodology is the impetus for health care organisations to rethink their workflow and reduce malpractice. It involves measuring, recording and reporting data on a regular basis. This enables the administration to monitor workflow continuously.Social implicationsThe improvements in the workflow under study, made by determining the failures and potential risks associated with radiologic care, will have a positive impact on society in terms of patient safety. Having eliminated repeat examinations, the risk of being exposed to more radiation was also minimised.Originality/valueThis paper supports the need to apply Six Sigma and present an evaluation of the process in an imaging department.
RFID in healthcare: a Six Sigma DMAIC and simulation case study
Authors: Southard Peter B. , Chandra Charu , Kumar Sameer 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a business model to generate quantitative evidence of the benefits of implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, limiting the scope to outpatient surgical processes in hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThe study primarily uses the define‐measure‐analyze‐improve‐control (DMAIC) approach, and draws on various analytical tools such as work flow diagrams, value stream mapping, and discrete event simulation to examine the effect of implementing RFID technology on improving effectiveness (quality and timeliness) and efficiency (cost reduction) of outpatient surgical processes.FindingsThe analysis showed significant estimated annual cost and time savings in carrying out patients' surgical procedures with RFID technology implementation for the outpatient surgery processes in a hospital. This is largely due to the elimination of both non‐value added activities of locating supplies and equipment and also the elimination of the “return” loop created by preventable post operative infections. Several poka‐yokes developed using RFID technology were identified to eliminate those two issues.Practical implicationsSeveral poka‐yokes developed using RFID technology were identified for improving the safety of the patient and cost effectiveness of the operation to ensure the success of the outpatient surgical process.Originality/valueMany stakeholders in the hospital environment will be impacted including patients, physicians, nurses, technicians, administrators and other hospital personnel. Different levels of training of hospital personnel will be required, based on the degree of interaction with the RFID system. Computations of costs and savings will help decision makers understand the benefits and implications of the technology in the hospital environment.
Development of interorganizational trust in virtual organizations
Authors: Mukherjee Debmalya , Renn Robert W. , Kedia Ben L. , Mukherjee Deepraj 
Published: April 2012

PurposeA virtual organization (VO) is a set of geographically dispersed and functionally diverse organizational entities interconnected by electronic forms of communication that cooperate with one another for a common valued outcome. The objective of this article is to propose a research framework that illustrates the development of trust between VOs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an overview of literature on VOs, identifies antecedents of trustworthiness in virtual environment, explores the role of boundary spanners' interpersonal trust, and relates them to inter‐VO trust formation. A research analysis is developed that depicts the proposed relationships.FindingsThe propositions shed light on the overall interorganizational trust building process in VOs. In doing so, the framework also acknowledges the role of individual boundary spanners of a trustor organization in the trust development process.Originality/valueSystematic scholarly research relating to VOs has been somewhat limited. With the emergence of VOs as important organizational forms, there is an increasing need to comprehend how interorganizational trust is developed and maintained in VOs. This study attempts to fill this gap in the extant literature by exploring how social exchange factors in a virtual context relate to factors of organizational trustworthiness of the trustee organization. In addition, this paper also investigates the key role played by the boundary spanners of both organizations in the trust formation process.
Using stochastic frontier regression to estimate the construction cost inefficiency of prevailing wage laws
Authors: Duncan Kevin , Philips Peter , Prus Mark 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to use stochastic frontier regression to measure the effect of the introduction and expansion of prevailing wage requirements on the cost efficiency of public school construction in British Columbia. The results provide evidence from a specific sector and location that contributes to the accumulated evidence on the topic.Design/methodology/approachStochastic frontier regression is used to measure the effect of the introduction and expansion of prevailing wage requirements on the cost efficiency of public school construction in British Columbia. The results of a likelihood ratio test indicate that stochastic frontier regression is preferred to OLS cost estimation because of the presence of statistically different cost inefficiencies across a sample of covered and uncovered projects.FindingsSpecifically, projects covered by the introductory stage of the wage requirements are significantly less cost efficient compared to other public school projects. However, by the time of the expansion of the wage policy 17 months later, covered projects were no more cost inefficient than other projects. The results indicate that if prevailing wage laws are associated with changes in the cost efficiency of construction, stochastic frontier regression is the preferred estimation technique.Research limitations/implicationsThis is the first study of its kind with results specific to school construction in British Columbia. Further research based on data from other projects may/may not confirm the existence of differences in construction cost inefficiencies for projects covered by construction wage policies.Social implicationsBy implication, the results suggest that if the cost inefficiency of prevailing wage laws is short‐lived, the impact on the total cost of construction may similarly be ephemeral. The results imply that prevailing wage regulations do not contribute to long‐run construction cost inefficiency.Originality/valueThis is the first study to use stochastic frontier regression to examine the cost inefficiencies associated with prevailing wage laws. Previous studies that examine the effect of the wage policy on construction costs are based on OLS estimation.
Tax compliance of small business owners
Authors: Kamleitner Bernadette , Korunka Christian , Kirchler Erich 
Published: April 2012

PurposeSmall business owners play an important role in the tax system. This paper seeks to establish a framework to highlight the particular tax situation of small business owners and the resulting implications, from a psychological perspective.Design/methodology/approachA framework identifying the key characteristics of small business owners' actual and perceived tax situation is established. Literature investigating these characteristics is reviewed in line with the proposed framework.FindingsThree key aspects seem to distinguish small business owners' perceptions of their tax situation: small business owners are likely to perceive more opportunities not to comply than employed taxpayers; they are more likely to experience a lack of meaningful taxation knowledge; and they are more likely to face decision frames that render taxes as painful losses.Research limitations/implicationsThe suggested link between the subjective experience of the tax situation and compliance calls for a focus on strategies that aim to influence taxpayers' perceptions of their own evasion opportunities, their level of legislative and procedural knowledge, and their sense of ownership of tax money. Such a strategy is suggested to be particularly likely to be effective in the phase of nascent entrepreneurship and in a climate of mutual trust between taxpayers and tax authorities.Originality/valueThis paper comprehensively identifies and reviews the perceptual correlates of factors unique to small business owners' tax behaviour.
The corporate communication process between listed companies and financial analysts
Authors: Arvidsson Susanne 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to analyse the views of management teams regarding different aspects related to the corporate communication process with financial analysts. The focus is the following aspects: incentive for communication; sources of information; and frequency and initiator of communication.Design/methodology/approachThe data is based on a comprehensive questionnaire survey addressed to investor‐relation managers (IRMs) at the largest companies listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.FindingsThe study confirms an increasing frequency of corporate communication, a short‐term orientation, more demand for direct contacts, and embracing of new communication tools. The findings reveal that quite a few challenges lie ahead in shaping the efficient corporate communication process of tomorrow. The most critical relate to the risk of opportunity costs due to lost management opportunities caused by increased demand from stock‐market actors for communication time with management teams and to perceived risks with, for example, increased accessibility, information leakage and misinterpretations due to the introduction of new electronic communication tools.Practical implicationsGiven the delicate nature of the above challenges, they need to be taken on promptly by management teams, policy makers and financial market regulators if the corporate communication process is to function efficiently and facilitate decreased information asymmetry and uphold an efficient allocation of resources on the stock market.Originality/valueThe study is motivated by the changed conditions for corporate communication (e.g. increased globalisation, new electronic ways to communicate, importance of non‐financial drivers), paired with a lack of recent studies. Furthermore, herein not only one aspect is being analysed but several, and from a management‐team perspective, which is a perspective often neglected for the sophisticated‐user perspective.