bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expert or speaking‐partner? Shifting roles and identities in consulting work
Authors: Styhre Alexander , Olilla Sanne , Wikmalm Leena , Roth Jonas 
Published: February 2010

PurposeIdentities are central to the regulation and control of knowledge‐intensive work. Rather than being managed on the basis of technocratic or bureaucratic control, knowledge intensive firms are employing knowledge workers who enact and internalize identities and roles that guide everyday behaviour in organizations. However, the concept of identity is relational and contingent on local conditions and interactions in everyday practices, different identities may be complementary or even contradictory. The paper aims to show that consultants are altering between being experts and speaking‐partners, two identities that in many ways are complementary but also mutually reinforcing.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study of a Swedish management consulting firm, Johnson Consulting.FindingsThe challenge for consultants is to be capable of effortlessly transgressing the line of demarcation between the two identities – expert and speaking‐partner – and their accompanying practices for the benefit of the client. Skilled consultants are trained at moving back and forth between these positions while less experienced consultants may find it intimidating to lose their position as expert.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes that knowledge‐intensive firms such as management consulting firms should articulate and elaborate on the various identities mobilized in everyday work when encountering clients.Originality/valueThe paper uses the literature on identities in knowledge‐intensive firms and an empirical study of management consultants to show that knowledge‐intensive work is always operating on the level of identities and self‐images. Understanding knowledge intensive firms thus demands an understanding of how co‐workers perceive their own role.
Towards an understanding of discernment: a conceptual paper
Authors: Traüffer Hazel C.V. , Bekker Corné , Bocârnea Mihai , Winston Bruce E. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define the concept of “discernment”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines and presents discernment in a manner that sheds light on the construct and sets the stage for future research.FindingsDiscernment, is a significantly more involving kind of approach to decision making for the leader. It does not rely on precedents, best practices, or benchmarking. It is to understand the self and organization in a holistic way, inviting constant self‐evaluation and adjustments in order to make good judgments that serve the greater whole.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional research is needed to empirically validate the concept through systematic investigations and devise a means to measure it.Practical implicationsThe paper assists leaders in understanding the “what” and “why” of discernment and provides an opportunity for self‐evaluation by leaders as to how well each leader engages in discernment.Originality/valueThe paper is original and makes the foundational contribution for a beginning stream of research.
How do you decommission a nuclear installation? Call in the robots
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an innovative project to safely cleanup and decommission a major nuclear facility.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to design and apply robotic technology to custom designed robots that can address specific needs in safely removing major structures and cleaning and decontaminating areas of a nuclear processing plant.FindingsThe paper finds that frequently, robots are the answer but commercially available units may not be the suitable solution so designing custom robotics may be the best answer.Practical implicationsFirms considering approaches to handling hazardous cleanup conditions can look to the experience in Scotland for designing robotic answers for special needs handling applications.Originality/valueThis may be the first major hazardous site to design and employ custom robotic techniques to handle most cleanup tasks.
The path‐tracking controller based on dynamic model with slip for one four‐wheeled OMR
Authors: Huang Yanwen , Cao Qixin , Leng Chuntao 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a suitable motion control method for omni‐directional mobile robots (OMRs). In RoboCup competition, the robot moves in a dynamic and oppositional environment, which occurs with high acceleration and deceleration motion frequently, especially for our OMR that slipping is almost inherently encountered in motion. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present one improved dynamical model with slip, and then to propose one suitable path‐tracking controller based on it, which gives more accurate control result.Design/methodology/approachA dynamic modeling method for OMRs based on the theory of vehicle dynamics is proposed. By analyzing the wheel contact friction forces both in the wheel hub rolling direction and in the roller rolling direction, an amendatory dynamics model is presented. This model is introduced into the computed‐torque‐like‐controller (CTLC) system to solve the path‐tracking problem.FindingsAn amendatory dynamics model with slip is analyzed and introduced into the CTLC system to solve the path tracking problem for OMR in this paper. The anti‐disturbance ability and the trajectory tracking effect of the proposed motion control method are proven through simulations and experiments.Practical implicationsThe proposed path tracking control method based on one improved dynamic model with slip is applied successfully to achieve effective motion control for one four‐wheel OMR, which is suitable for any kind of OMR.Originality/valueOne amendatory dynamics model including slipping between the wheels and ground is presented. Based on the above‐slipping model, one CTLC is implemented to solve the path‐tracking problem for one four‐wheel OMR.
Paint deposition pattern modeling and estimation for robotic air spray painting on free‐form surface using the curvature circle method
Authors: Xia Wei , Yu Sheng‐Rui , Liao Xiao‐Ping 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish a paint deposition pattern model applied to robotic air spray painting in order to achieve the accuracy and uniformity of paint film thickness on free‐form surface.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opts for an exploratory study using the curvature circle method for air spray painting on free‐form surface to construct a spray gun model. First, a paint deposition pattern model of ellipse dual‐βdistribution is fitted on the basic of experimental data from robotic air spray painting. Second, a spray gun model is proposed using the curvature circle method for air spray painting on free‐form surface. The theoretical result is coincident with the film thickness in verification experiment spraying a cylinder surface. The biggest error of the sample points between the theoretical and experimental results is less than 4 μm, thereby the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model is validated.FindingsThe paper provides a specific theoretical and methodological support for the realization of process planning and simulation system in surface spray manufacturing. It will make the future developed system meet the actual processing requirement. At the same time, it is more representative.Originality/valueThe paper finds an approach to solve paint deposition pattern model suitable to free‐form surface. The present method can be applied to the complex reality of topological relation for actual workpiece surface to be painted.
Virtues, work experiences and psychological well‐being among managerial women in a Turkish bank
Authors: Fiksenbaum Lisa , Koyuncu Mustafa , Burke Ronald J. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between virtues and indicators of work engagement, satisfaction, and psychological well‐being among a large sample of managerial and professional women working in a large Turkish bank. Managerial women in Turkey, as elsewhere, are under‐represented at senior levels of management. A virtue is any psychological process that enables a person to benefit herself or himself and others.Design/methodology/approachData are collected from 286 managerial and professional women using anonymously completed questionnaires, a 72 percent response rate. Two virtues are considered: Optimism and Proactive Behavior.FindingsOptimism and Proactive Behavior are significantly and positively correlated. Hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for both personal demographic and work situation characteristics, indicate that virtues account for significant increments in explained variance on all outcome measures. Optimism emerges as a particularly consistent predictor of these.Research limitations/implicationsThe research data are collected at one point in time, limiting the understanding of causality.Practical implicationsSuggestions for increasing levels of virtues through training are offered based on previous theory.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the emerging literature in positive organizational scholarship on the relationship of virtues to individual health and performance in work settings.
Modelling and managing affective psychology in Australian local government facilities
Authors: Heywood Chris , Missingham Gregory , Kenley Russell 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to establish a basis for considering and then studying the affective psychology found in subjective assessments encountered in managing facility provision, in this case in Australian local government.Design/methodology/approachThe literature was used to construct a suite of models that provides a legitimate basis to consider affective, subjective and other assessments in the field. A psychologically‐based orientational qualitative enquiry using an Affective Lexicon was used for an empirical study.FindingsThe study found that affect is pervasive in the management of local government facilities. It was found in expectations facility management has concerning consequences of its work, stakeholders' expectations and evaluations, and had utility in managing facility projects. A Scheme of Affective Management is proposed that uses a suite of techniques to achieve affective outcomes and consequences from facility management. These results challenge so‐called objectivity in the field.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical study occurred in Australian local government but it is likely that the results are generalisable to other countries and also to the private sector and could apply more generally to effective facility management.Practical implicationsA Scheme of Affective Management is introduced that provides a suite of practices that could be employed to manage facility projects' affective outcomes.Originality/valueThe field embraces the psychology of facilities. This paper is a very early example that demonstrates that considering psychology in the management of facilities is also important.
Time domain analysis of dam‐reservoir interaction
Authors: Koohkan M.R. , Attarnejad R. , Nasseri M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a semi‐analytical method for studying the interaction between reservoir and concrete gravity dams.Design/methodology/approachThe reservoir is assumed to be unbounded at the far end and the solution is sought for incompressible and in‐viscid fluid. A concrete gravity dam is assumed to behave as a cantilever beam of variable section, and the inclination of the neutral axis is ignored.FindingsIt is shown that use of the differential quadrature method (DQM), with a few grid points in conjunction with the finite difference method (FDM), yields an acceptable convergence of results. Comparing the results of the proposed method with those of the literature shows the competency of the method.Originality/valueDQM for space derivatives and FDM for time derivatives are used to discretize the partial differential equation of motion.
Including the customer in efficiency analysis
Authors: Coughlan Joseph , Shale Estelle , Dyson Robert 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the effect of including the customer as a resource in efficiency measurement. Variations in counting the customer illustrate the different impacts on efficiency between a transactional and a relational approach to bank branch marketing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses data envelopment analysis to analyse the efficiency of the branch network under consideration. This technique, while well established in the bank branch efficiency literature, is used here to gain insight into how relationship and transactional paradigms are affecting performance.FindingsAlthough the average profile of the efficiency scores was similar, the scores of the individual branches differed greatly depending on how customers were counted. Some branches then can be typified as relationship oriented while others as transactions oriented bearing in mind that all branches have both remits.Practical implicationsFuture research in efficiency measurement should include customers as a resource of the bank given the importance of them for the activity of co‐production. Careful consideration is required however of the method of accounting for these customers bearing in mind that different conceptualisations may significantly affect the efficiency score of the individual branches.Originality/valueThis paper sheds light on what is happening at branch level in a large network in the UK in terms of how transactions and relationship marketing approaches are affecting efficiency scores and the objectives of the branch. It also answers a call for research into organisations that simultaneously use relationship and transactions marketing.
Debit and credit card usage and satisfaction
Authors: Foscht Thomas , Maloles Cesar , Swoboda Bernhard , Chia Swee‐Lim 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis exploratory study seeks to explore the link between the choices of payment mode to customer satisfaction. It examines the Austrian market in relation to its choice and usage of debit cards versus credit cards and its impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the key drivers of customer satisfaction for these two modes of electronic payment.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was administered in person to 360 Austrian bank customers. These customers were selected using quota sampling based on Austrian census data for a particular Austrian province. However, while the quota sampling was used to determine the categories, selection of the actual respondents was done through systematic sampling. This ensured that the sample was representative of the population of that Austrian province who had credit and debit cards. One group, women who were 65 and older, were not considered as there were relatively few women in this age range who had debit and credit cards.FindingsFive hypotheses were proposed. Four of the five hypotheses were supported while one, H4, had partial support. Essentially, the results indicate that a person's preference for a particular payment method is dependent on his/her personal characteristics. Additionally, the payment method's features and characteristics influenced its desirability and acceptance. Furthermore, a person's expectations had an impact on his/her attitude toward the payment method. The study also found that positive expectations, performance, and desires led to customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction, in turn, leads to a higher degree of intent to use the payment method and higher degree of intent to recommend the payment method. These results are consistent with the literature on customer satisfaction that identifies expectations, performance and desires as the drivers of customer satisfaction.Originality/valueMultiple payment modes have emerged but there has been scant attention paid to the effects of payment modes on customer behavior and by extension, customer satisfaction and loyalty. This paper addresses these issues.
The online connection: transforming marketing strategy for small businesses
Authors: Harris Lisa , Rae Alan 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in online marketing strategy which demonstrate the growing power of online communities in building brand reputations and customer relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe work draws upon the results of an ongoing research project which is investigating the use of new technologies by entrepreneurial businesses in the London area. A range of examples from our 30 case study businesses are drawn upon to illustrate some of the opportunities and threats associated with these new marketing priorities.FindingsWe conclude that social networks will play a key role in the future of marketing; externally they can replace customer annoyance with engagement, and internally they help to transform the traditional focus on control with an open and collaborative approach that is more conducive to success in the modern business environment.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should aim to track this activity as it integrates with more mainstream marketing over time.Practical implicationsDevelopments in the technologies themselves, as well as a reduction in costs, will mean that more and more information will be available to consumers. This results in unprecedented levels of transparency of dealings between businesses and their customers. A key challenge when engaging customers through these social networks is how to give away power and control while at the same time avoiding embarrassment to the company.Originality/valueThe paper provides practical guidance on the opportunities and threats associated with marketing through social networks, based on lessons learned from “early adopters”.
Developing the next generation of leaders
Authors: Kambil Ajit 
Published: February 2010

PurposeAcross companies, and even the public sector, there is a looming challenge as baby boomers and many current leaders retire. This is the challenge of developing the next generation of leadership ‐ not just at the CEO level, but in the various functions of the organization.Design/methodology/approachFor this study, fifteen leading CFOs were interviewed, asking them to describe their journeys to leadership.FindingsWhile the research was based on interviews of CFOs, the findings could pertain to many leadership roles in companies.Originality/valueThe research found there were five key traits to leaders: curiosity, courage, perseverance, personal ethics, and confidence. Of these five traits, what was surprising was the consistent importance of curiosity as a valued trait among nearly all the CFO participants.
Towards a search for the meaning of entrepreneurship
Authors: Kobia Margaret , Sikalieh Damary 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe primary purpose of this literature review paper is to address the question why it is difficult to define entrepreneurship despite the amount of research that has taken place in the field. In addition, the paper also aims to demonstrate how the struggle to define entrepreneurship has impacted on entrepreneurial careers in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviewed literature on different approaches used by researchers in the struggle to define entrepreneurship. It focused mainly on the trait, behavioral and opportunity identification approaches. It critically examined the extent to which each approach has attempted to explain what entrepreneurship is, and suggests research questions, methodologies and techniques that will do justice to the complexity of defining entrepreneurship.FindingsThe findings of the literature review showed that none of the approaches used to define entrepreneurship gives a comprehensive picture of entrepreneurship. There is a lack of a common definition of entrepreneurship. Following the absence of this common definition, professionals in Kenya do not see themselves as entrepreneurs. The researchers and educators must define what they mean when attempting to define entrepreneurship. Rather than concentrate on one part – the entrepreneur; behavior or opportunity identification – they must focus on the whole entrepreneurial process. In addition, researchers and educators need to study the entrepreneur before, during and after the entrepreneurial process.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should be conducted to relate entrepreneurship to other occupations. Each approach needs to expand in this direction.Originality/valueResearch on the impact of the meaning of entrepreneurship on careers in Kenya and other contexts so far has not been conducted.
Factors affecting the management of women groups' micro and small enterprises in Kakamega District, Kenya
Authors: Wawire Nelson H.W. , Nafukho Fredrick M. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to highlight the main factors that affect the management of the WGs' Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kakamega District and Africa in general.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a descriptive research design. This is because the study was concerned about a univariate question in which the researchers asked about the size, form distribution and existence of factors affecting management of the Women Groups' (WGs) MSEs. The study created a profile on variables affecting WGs' MSEs through collection of data and the tabulation of the frequencies on the research variables and their interaction. Systematic random sampling was used to select the sample. This technique resulted in a sample size of 310 respondents distributed as follows: 95 WGs leaders; 143 group and community members; and 72 donor, government and non‐governmental agents.FindingsThe study found that the factors that affect management of WGs' MSEs could be categorised as financial, administrative, managerial, technical, political, traditional and cultural. The WGs lack skills in these areas, which adversely affects the MSEs. The study then calls for full support of WGs' MSEs by all those involved in one way or another, remembering that “for women, a common theme cuts across the struggles … whether at independence, liberation movement, the New International Economic Order, or development, women have learned that the change, reforms and revolutions were not intended for them”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the data obtained through questionnaires and interviews which were descriptive and qualitative in nature. A study that uses both quantitative and qualitative data is recommended.Originality/valueThe study is ground‐breaking in terms of looking at the management of WGs' MSEs in Kenya.