bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of management in tackling corruption
Authors: Sööt Mari‐Liis 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the study reported in this article is to examine the role of management in establishing anti‐corruption organisational culture in law enforcement agencies. The study focuses on organisational perspectives on corruption and on the views of managers regarding the tackling of corruption.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses qualitative data gathered from the Estonian law enforcement agencies. It is based on nine semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with top managers of various Estonian law enforcement agencies.FindingsThe findings of the study show that managers' beliefs may reinforce an organisational culture that systematically downplays the importance of anti‐corruption work. The study outlines major impediments likely to counteract successful implementation of anti‐corruption policies in law enforcement agencies: corruption is seen as a problem of the street level staff, individual staff members' ability to resist corruption is considered to be determined by their knowledge of the relevant legal definitions and sanctions, control methods are considered to be the most effective means of curbing corruption.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses exclusively on the values and role of managers. As noted by early researchers (e.g. Trevino) of the field, managers are not very likely to allow their values to be measured and analysed. The reluctance by most academics directly to approach top managers of law enforcement agencies makes studies such as the one reported below a complex endeavour in most countries. Top managers tend to shun open discussions of corruption – especially in relation to their organisations. Any views they express on the subject tend to be protective of their organisation and are usually intended for the record.Practical implicationsThe study helps to understand the reasons that contribute to failure of anti‐corruption policies and points to the relevant general shortcomings in managerial skills. By identifying these reasons and shortcomings, the study paves the way to remedial training and critical self‐assessment.Originality/valueBesides, the fact that managerial attitudes about corruption have not been studied earlier in Estonia, this study contributes to the overall understanding of managerial attitudes and their relation to corruption in an organisation. This is important for improving our theoretical understanding of corruption in organisations and contributing to the value‐based approach to corruption.
Pay‐for‐performance in Estonian general educational schools: the situation for further development
Authors: Irs Reelika 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the situation of performance management, to be more precise, the usage and attitudes towards pay‐for‐performance on the example of Estonian schools and brings out practical implications for implementing pay‐for‐performance in Estonian general educational schools.Design/methodology/approachAltogether 298 headmasters and 2,165 teachers participated in this research. The goal of the research was to map the situation of the usage of pay‐for‐performance in Estonian schools and to find out teachers' and headmasters' opinions about the most effective pay‐for‐performance system.FindingsDespite the great expectations of performance management and pay‐for‐performance, it is not being used in many Estonian general educational schools. However, the findings of this research show that both headmasters and teachers have quite positive attitudes towards pay‐for‐performance that gives a favourable platform for implementing pay‐for‐performance in the Estonian educational sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was mainly quantitative with only a few open questions, which raises limitations for finding complete answers and explanations to questions raised. Therefore, case studies need to be done to find answers to some interesting research questions.Originality/valueWith the view to raising the performance of the Estonian educational system and to guarantee its sustainability, a new course concerning schools' and pupils' individual development must be taken. It can be achieved through performance management and pay‐for‐performance, which also helps to raise teachers' motivation. A central feature of the pay‐for‐performance is that pay must be in accord with performance and must provide an incentive to promote the success of the organisation.
Exploring critical factors in China's manufacturing technology innovation
Authors: Su Jingqin , Liu Jing 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore what critical factors influenced the technological innovation of China's manufacturing enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe authors took CNR Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Company Ltd as a case and used data coding method with ROST CM6.0, including three steps, open coding, axial coding and selective coding.FindingsThe results of the case study suggest that adhering to developing products by themselves is the key factor, huge market demand is the induced factor, technology platform is the supporting factor and technology integration is the strategic factor.Originality/valueThe paper presents four critical factors which influenced technological innovation of China's manufacturing enterprises. In addition, the paper provides Chinese manufacturers with a preliminary framework and some experiences to enable them to practice technological innovation.
Disaffected communities, riots and policing: Manchester 1981 and 2011
Authors: Wain Neil , Joyce Peter 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the disorders that occurred in Manchester in 1981 and 2011 with the aim of comparing the similarities and differences that have been put forward to explain why these events occurred. The paper further seeks to evaluate the tactics that might be used in future years to police disaffected communities.Design/methodology/approachThe research for this paper is library‐based, making considerable use of primary sources that relate to events in 1981 and 2011. The objectives of this research are addressed by examining a number of key themes: the 1981 Moss Side riot: explanations for the 1981 Moss Side riot: the 2011 riots in Greater Manchester: explanations of the causes of the 2011 riots in Manchester: the future policing of disaffected communities in Manchester.FindingsThe research established that although there were many similarities in the events that occurred in 1981 and 2011, there were also important differences that reflect social, economic and cultural changes that have affected society since 1981. It also rejects the opinion that a more aggressive style of policing is the only way to police disaffected communities to prevent a repetition of events that took place in 2011.Practical implicationsThe research suggests that the way forward for the policing of disaffected communities lies in an approach that seeks to engage hearts and minds rather than one that aims to quell dissent through coercive methods.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original comparison of events that took place in one area of Britain in 1981 and 2011. The interpretation of material relating to the causes of rioting and future policing policies is informed by both academic and practitioner perspectives.
Integrated offender management workforce development
Authors: Lane Bernard , Kangulec Sule 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis article aims to inform the reader of the developments around integrated offender management (IOM) arrangements with a particular focus on the issues in relation to workforce development and responding to emerging support needs.Design/methodology/approachThe article is designed to take the reader through an IOM development journey, its key principles and some common issues on which the Government departments are supporting local areas.FindingsThe article emphasises that integrated offender management should not be seen as a programme or scheme. Rather, it is a locally agreed strategic framework for bringing together different offender‐focused programmes and approaches. It highlights the need for a skilled work force at both strategic and operational levels, in order to mainstream effective and efficient offender management approaches.Practical implicationsA focus on workforce development and training can be expected to help local areas to develop an agreed vision for the local IOM approach and raise awareness of it at all levels, to help to mainstream the approach.Originality/valueThe article highlights the importance of workforce development to the effectiveness of IOM and invites areas to engage with the Home Office.
Implications of urban adolescent discourses of (un)happy slapping
Authors: Palasinski Marek 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to provide an overview of British adolescents' views on happy slapping and offer a potential framework for challenging their implicit tolerance of the phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 41 adolescents from three large English cities was interviewed about happy slapping at seven youth community centres and their narratives were analysed by drawing on the classical discourse analysis and the concept of narrative repertoires.FindingsIn contrast to popular press associations between happy slapping and boredom or deviance, the study suggests that adolescents construe happy slapping (but not lasting‐injury “unhappy slapping”) as amusing, original, controllable and deterring rather than encouraging violence.Practical implicationsIt is cautiously proposed that the narratives might be potentially questioned by impugning the alleged originality, challenging the perceived harmlessness, casting doubt on the excuse of evidence collection and putting greater emphasis on psychosocial skills.Social implicationsWhen analyzing the data both methodological and ethical considerations should be kept in mind. Participants, who were criminal record‐free college students, may have been inhibited by the recorded nature of the interview with a stranger, although the technique of projective questions likely alleviated their anxiety.Originality/valueNot only does the study offer insight into urban adolescents' perspectives on happy slapping, which to date has not been addressed in social science, but it also cautiously proposes an intervention framework which needs to be developed, tested and refined in further research.
Risk and vulnerability assessment: a comprehensive approach
Authors: Nirupama Niru 
Published: July 2012

PurposeDisaster risk and vulnerability assessment depends on various factors such as appropriate theoretical concepts and quality and adequacy of information gathered. Accounting for people's perception and partnering with them in the process leads to deeper understanding of community vulnerability, which in turn provides better assessment of disaster risk. The purpose of this paper is to offer an integrated approach for risk and vulnerability assessment that includes theoretical concept, quantitative risk assessment method, and a component representing people's perception.Design/methodology/approachThe Pressure and Release (PAR) model framework is used for basic understanding of the progression of vulnerability through identification of root causes such as: limited access to power and resources; dynamic pressures – lack of education, urbanization and demographics; and unsafe conditions such as dangerous locations. To complement PAR, the Access to Resources (ATR) model is used that expands upon the dynamics of changing decisions, options, livelihood opportunities, available resources, and choices made by the population that is impacted by disaster(s) – in time and space. Conventional risk equation: R=H x V provides community risk profile.FindingsUsing a working example, it is demonstrated that risk assessment can have significant influence by introducing an additional component to represent “community perception” in the fundamental risk equation.Originality/valueThe proposed approach: Risk (R) = Hazard (H) x Vulnerability (V) x Community Perception (cp), provides a unique and comprehensive approach to evaluate disaster risk by taking people's perception into account.
Analyzing the state of seismic consideration of architectural non‐structural components (ANSCs) in design process (based on IBC)
Authors: Mahdavinejad Mohamadjavad , Bemanian Mohammadreza , Abolvardi Ghazal , Mohammadmehdi Elhamian Seyed 
Published: July 2012

PurposeEarthquakes are a serious threat to life; they claim many casualties and cause huge damage to people's properties. Seismic design provisions are added to building codes in response to the lessons learned from past earthquakes. However, despite all successes, many challenges are still faced and there are still deficiencies, especially in the field of architectural non‐structural components (ANSCs). In spite of their significance in the seismic performance of the building, ANSCs are mostly neglected from the viewpoint of seismic design. The purpose of this paper is to explain a proper state for the seismic consideration of ANSCs in the designing and construction process.Design/methodology/approachThe key aim of this research is explaining a proper state for the seismic consideration of ANSCs in designing and construction process. For this purpose, first, their state is analyzed based on the conventional seismic design and construction process. Then, the insufficiencies of this approach are discussed through studying the consequences in the past earthquakes. Finally, based on the results obtained, the article tries to offer useful strategies to bring the potential threats of ANSCs to minimum.FindingsIt is found that ANSCs are considered only in a very small part of the design and construction process. In most cases, their executed details are allocated to a minor part of the design process or left to be chosen in the last stage of construction, as finishing details. As a result, despite all code provisions and practical guidelines, we still see many damages to and from ANSCs. The paper shows that the only way that the success of ANSCs' seismic restraints can be anticipated is by considering them in all stages of the design and construction process. To achieve this goal, collaboration is needed throughout all parts of the design and construction process, namely an interactive system design.Originality/valueThe paper, from the viewpoint of the design process, analyzes the seismic consideration of ANSCs, offering a new model for placing these components in a systematic design and construction process.
A concept for a performance‐based rating system for home resilience: ReScU
Authors: Csilla Bencze Orsolya , Dasmohapatra Sudipta , Tilotta David C. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeCitizens who live in disaster prone areas need to protect their properties – particularly their homes – against the destructive effects of natural disasters to avoid large‐scale economic losses. The purpose of this paper is to present the basic concepts and methodology for an improved system for rating the resilience of homes against natural disaster perils. This system is referred to as the Resilient Scoring Utility (ReScU) framework.Design/methodology/approachA two‐pronged approach was undertaken in developing the ReScU framework. Existing building programs for homes were studied as potential models for a system to rate the natural disaster resilience of homes. Simultaneously, a diverse 25‐member stakeholder panel (focus) group was queried periodically, using a Delphi technique, in order to better understand and gain a consensus about the issues surrounding homes, incentives and natural disasters.FindingsUsing the results from the above approach, the ReScU framework was designed with four key operational features: an output that can be tied to incentives; the use of performance‐based evaluation criteria; utilization of “threshold” adjustments to represent the variability due to the location of homes; and adaptability to new technologies, perils, and non‐perils.Originality/valueThere are few existing programs that offer assistance to homeowners by providing them with guidance on how to protect/reinforce their homes against natural disasters. Unlike these other programs, the ReScU framework proposed in this paper is location specific, performance‐driven, and may be tied readily to incentives. These features will assist homeowners, homebuilders, and others in designing, building, and maintaining more natural disaster resilient homes. It should, however be noted that the proposed ReScU framework is a concept, and future work will include testing the assumptions for their reliability and validity when rating homes.
Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Indonesia
Authors: Djalante Riyanti , Thomalla Frank 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how past experiences in implementing disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities can be harnessed to conceptualise effective and appropriate climate change adaptation (CCA) programs in Indonesia. The authors propose a conceptual framework for integrating DRR and CCA in managing climate‐related risks and explain the need for joint implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conducted through review and analysis of academic, government and non‐government literature to determine the Indonesian experience in integrating DRR and CCA. Interviews were conducted with 26 DRR and CCA stakeholders in Indonesia.FindingsThe authors make three propositions in this paper. First, there needs to be a re‐orientation of the institutional arrangements for DRR and CCA, to increase the effectiveness of planning and implementation. Second, DRR and CCA activities needed to be stronger supported at the local level, with a specific aim to reduce the underlying causes of vulnerability of communities at risk. Third, non‐government organisations play a very important role in integrating DRR and CCA through community‐based initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this paper focuses specifically on Indonesia, the findings are relevant to other countries with similar geographical and socio‐economic conditions, as they are likely to face similar challenges.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practical suggestions on what steps government actors, at all political levels, can do to support the integration of DRR and CCA planning and implementation activities in Indonesia.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the first to document progress in integrating DRR and CCA in Indonesia.
Influence of stem‐cell cycle time on accelerated re‐population during radiotherapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Marcu L. G. , Bezak E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectivesTumour re‐population during radiotherapy was identified as an important reason for treatment failure in head and neck cancers. The process of re‐population is suggested to be caused by various mechanisms, one of the most plausible one being accelerated division of stem‐cells (i.e. drastic shortening of cell cycle duration). However, the literature lacks quantitative data regarding the length of tumour stem‐cell cycle time during irradiation.Materials and methodsThe presented work suggests that if accelerated stem‐cell division is indeed a key mechanism behind tumour re‐population, the stem‐cell cycle time can drop below 10 h during radiotherapy. To illustrate the possible implications, the mechanism of accelerated division was implemented into a Monte Carlo model of tumour growth and response to radiotherapy. Tumour response to radiotherapy was simulated with different stem‐cell cycle times (between 2 and 10 h) after the initiation of radiotherapy.ResultsIt was found that very short stem‐cell cycle times lead to tumour re‐population during treatment, which cannot be overcome by radiation‐induced cell kill. Increasing the number of radiation dose fractions per week might be effective, but only for longer cell cycle times.ConclusionIt is of crucial importance to quantitatively assess the mechanisms responsible for tumour re‐population, given that conventional treatment regimens are not efficient in delivering lethal doses to advanced head and neck tumours.
Associations between complications and health‐related quality of life in individuals with diabetes
Authors: Venkataraman K. , Wee H. L. , Leow M. K. S. , Tai E. S. , Lee J. , Lim S. C. , Tavintharan S. , Wong T. Y. , Ma S. , Heng D. , Thumboo J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryObjectiveType 2 diabetes and associated complications adversely affect health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). However, it is unclear whether different complications have the same or different associations with HRQoL. We examined associations between retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy (microvascular), coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease (macrovascular) in diabetes and HRQoL.DesignThis study was a follow‐up examination between 2004 and 2007 of participants from four previous cross‐sectional population‐based studies in Singapore.MethodsHealth‐related quality of life was assessed through self‐administered SF‐36 health survey version 2. Diabetes and complications status were assessed through self‐report, clinical and laboratory examinations. About 2601 individuals, 2205 healthy and 396 with diabetes, were studied.ResultsLower physical component scores (PCS) were associated with microvascular (2·96 points, P < 0·001) and both macro‐ and microvascular complications (4·67 points, P < 0·001), but not diabetes alone. Coronary heart disease (3·86 points, P = 0·007), peripheral neuropathy (11·46 points, P < 0·001) and severe retinopathy (4·46 points, P < 0·001) were associated with lower PCS. The greatest reduction in scores was seen in peripheral neuropathy.ConclusionsQuality of life in patients with diabetes is affected mainly by presence of complications, and not diabetes per se. Peripheral neuropathy was associated with the greatest reduction in quality of life. Improved management to prevent or delay onset of complications may reduce the effect on quality of life in patients with diabetes.