bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Qualitative approach to the research into the parameters of human security in the community
Authors: Djuric Sladjana 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative methodological model applied in the human security research in local communities as a part of a wider community‐based participatory research (CBPR).Design/methodology/approachThis paper synthesizes methodological experience from four empirical researches where a qualitative model of studying the security indicators in the local communities of Serbia has been applied. The paper presents how to apply qualitative approach and indicates its potentials, and suggests how to implement the study, design the sample plan and analyse obtained data.FindingsThe research of complex phenomenon of social perception of security demands a complementary approach strategy. At the most general level, it means the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods in order to achieve an integral insight into the self‐reflection of citizens about their individual and collective security.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodological experience from four conducted investigations on which this paper is based, gives only an initial foundation for the creation of a successful model of security appraisal. Further elaboration of this model demands inclusion of the findings from other surveys.Practical implicationsThe suggested model may be further developed as well as in the sense of methodological subtilization, and as a practical model for the appraisal of security condition in a local community. This would be the starting point for creating strategies and their operationalization into specific action plans, in order to improve those indicators, which are established as expressing some form of security threat in the local communities studied.Originality/valueBy complementary application of qualitative and quantitative research perspective (using CBPR approach), we can get profound insights into the causes and character of security threats inside communities. Through application of this approach we get deeper understanding of comparable and representative (in)security survey findings, as well as significant participant's opinions about a potential model of action for improving their security and safety.
Instructor beliefs and their mediation of instructor strategies
Authors: Owen Christine 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe overall aim of this research is to investigate how aspects of organizational culture enable or constrain the facilitation of learning in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative design was used involving 100 semi‐structured interviews conducted with air traffic controllers operating in three centers in Australia. The data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach in an attempt to uncover the lived experience of those interviewed.FindingsThe study illustrates how elements of organizational culture evidenced in collectively held values and beliefs mediated the approaches used by on‐the‐job‐training instructors. Three collectively held values and beliefs were identified: belief in ability; the value of performance in demonstrating ability; and the need to exude confidence. The degree to which instructors espoused these beliefs influences the type of instructional strategy they used. Three predominant strategies of engagement with the trainee were identified: acting on, working with, and working against the trainee.Practical implicationsThe evidence here suggests that programs aimed at facilitating skills development for on‐the‐job‐training instructors need to focus on the existing knowledge and beliefs of those personnel and to provide opportunities for challenge and confrontation of those belief systems.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a growing understanding of the socio‐cultural influences present in workplace learning and the role of stereotyping and power in enabling or constraining the learning in the workplace.
“Development Radar”: the co‐configuration of a tool in a learning network
Authors: Toiviainen Hanna , Kerosuo Hannele , Syrjälä Tuula 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe paper aims to argue that new tools are needed for operating, developing and learning in work‐life networks where academic and practice knowledge are intertwined in multiple levels of and in boundary‐crossing across activities. At best, tools for learning are designed in a process of co‐configuration, as the analysis of one tool, Development Radar, aims to demonstrate.Design/methodology/approachThe “Development Radar” narrative offers a way to analyse what co‐configuration might mean in the development practices of the learning network. The data consist of the researchers' and participants' tool‐related actions in planning and running a workshop of the Forum of Workplace Development, for which Development Radar was created. Analysis draws from cultural‐historical activity theory by including cultural sources of knowledge beyond the immediate pedagogic interaction.FindingsMetaphors seem to be facilitative in the early phase of co‐configuration of a tool but not enough for sustainable workplace learning. What is needed is opening up the core concepts for all parties involved and providing ongoing negotiations and elaboration concerning their potential and meaning.Research limitations/implicationsExpansive learning is supported by co‐configuration of tools that simultaneously provide a generic orientation basis of learning and are open to contextual knowledge creation in and across the levels of developmental activities.Practical implicationsThe visual co‐configuration of tools may be crucial for understanding learning, development and the implementation of tools in a specific context, and even have an effect on the professional identity of users.Originality/validityThe significance of tools for the quality of workplace learning is generally acknowledged but the investigation into the pedagogical dynamics and material co‐configuration of tools needs more attention.
The power of professionally situated practice analysis in redesigning organisations
Authors: Scaratti Giuseppe , Gorli Mara , Ripamonti Silvio 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to provoke thoughts around the possibility of using the lever of practices and situated knowledge to trigger organisational change and to redesign it with the involvement of the whole organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents connections between a psychosociological approach and a practice‐based approach. The use of ethnomethodology is offered as a way to detect situated practice and meaning at works.FindingsThis contribution underlines how change and learning in organisations can find support in investing in local knowledge and in detecting and reflecting around the living practices of daily activities. Knowing in practice requires the involvement and continuous work of connecting among individuals, groups, organisations and institutions in situated contexts. The paper shows how strategic a process this is, presenting a way to work on situated data.Practical implicationsThe paper represents a way to work on organisational change grounded on action research.Originality/valueThe paper combines a psychological perspective within the field of practice‐based studies and sustains a specific ethnographic method to create organisational areas of reflexivity.
An empirical assessment of knowledge management criticality for sustainable development
Authors: Mohamed Mirghani , Stankosky Michael , Mohamed Mona 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the importance of knowledge management (KM) for sustainable development. Two main hypotheses about the critical success factors of knowledge and technology contribution to sustainable development are tested.Design/methodology/approachThe research is carried out using surveys and interviews among a KM/integrated information and communication technologies (IICTs) sustainable development community.FindingsResults show that KM is critical for innovation, prioritization and efficient use of resources. A significant linear association between IICTs and KM across time and geography is detected. IICTs improve the quality of shared decision making in inter‐ and intra‐organizational settings. Paradoxically, IICTs lead to information overload, and digitization leads to knowledge dilution “de‐contextualization”. Nevertheless, these drawbacks are outweighed by the multitude of the converged technologies benefits.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a limited amount of data subjected to the statistical analysis. This may skew some of the results, and inflate the experimental error. However, the limited data are due to the restricted targeted population itself.Originality/valueThe results in this paper led to the proposal of the knowledge iterative supply network (KISN) framework, which describes knowledge lifecycle that lessens technology negative impacts. This would be a valuable roadmap for KM practitioners who are planning to deploy KM technology for supporting sustainable development.
Knowledge‐based dynamics of regional development: the case of Basilicata region
Authors: Lerro Antonio , Schiuma Giovanni 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the knowledge dimensions grounding regional development dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first provides a knowledge‐based interpretation of regional development and afterwards the knowledge assets categories at the basis of value creation dynamics at regional level are discussed. The aim is to define a conceptual framework addressing the knowledge assets categories affecting the development dynamics of regions and territories. To support these arguments, the paper integrates the conceptual framework with the analysis of a case study of an Italian region. The paper provides the case example of Basilicata region, which has planned and implemented policies aimed to activate and support regional strategic development by focusing on knowledge assets dimensions. The paper combines a deductive approach with an inductive one. The knowledge assets dimensions grounding regional development dynamics are identified through a review of the literature. Then, the conceptual framework is integrated by the analysis of a case study aimed to enrich the proposed conceptual arguments with empirical evidences.FindingsThe paper highlights the strategic relevance of knowledge capital in sustaining and driving regional development dynamics. The knowledge assets dimensions grounding regional development are discussed, providing insights for both research and practice.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to further develop the knowledge‐based view of the regional development dynamics. The paper provides implications for future research and useful insights for policy making.
External knowledge sources and proximity
Authors: Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , Albino Vito , Carbonara Nunzia 
Published: October 2009

PurposeFollowing the line traced by two previous works of Albino et al. and Messeni Petruzzelli, the paper aims to analyze how technology districts reach and acquire external competencies and capabilities by means of organizational and cognitive proximity. This allows districts to modify their geographical boundaries and evolve into technology clusters.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is based on a case study methodology. In particular, two actual technology districts are analyzed, namely Castel Romano and Toulouse, in order to show how they use organizational, and cognitive proximity to acquire external knowledge sources and re‐shape their geographical boundaries.FindingsBased on the findings of the empirical study, two main propositions are formulated. The first proposition refers to the negative relationship between the geographical distance to the district's actors and the use of organizational proximity as a means for reaching external knowledge sources. By contrast, the second proposition indicates the positive relationship between the geographical distance to the district's actors and the use of cognitive proximity as a means for reaching external knowledge sources.Research limitations/implicationsAs regards the firm strategic behaviors, it seems particularly crucial to exploit all the three dimensions of proximity, in order to guarantee openness and sustain innovativeness and competitiveness. Concerning policy implications, the local governments should address their actions to help and promote the openness of technology districts and the formation of technology clusters. With this aim, actions should be devoted also to sustaining single local firms that are part of a technology cluster but not of a technology district. These, in fact, by increasing their competitive position, may generate positive externalities in the local area, fostering the diffusion and sharing of knowledge in the area and, then, acting as knowledge gatekeepers for the whole area.Originality/valueThe paper extends the findings of previous works linking three proximity dimensions in a holistic framework that explains the different use of organizational and cognitive proximity to acquire knowledge, according to the geographical distance between organizations.
The nuances of knowledge creation and development in Indian pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Sharma N.L. , Goswami Susobhan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeBased on strategic management approaches, this paper aims to develop a systemic and dynamic model of knowledge creation. The boundaries of the environment are changing in terms of contract research, in‐licensing, out‐licensing where strategic intent also changes and gets redefined.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study using available theories and evidences of companies fanning in different directions in the form of novel types of alliances. Suitable propositions are developed for further study.FindingsThe study concludes that organisations will have to reach for tacit knowledge and enhance the knowledge stock by constantly absorbing and assimilating new ideas and research findings.Research limitations/implicationsMore study in depth and across a variety of companies is required to validate the findings particularly comparing the research and development (R&D) paths of organisations located in multiple countries. Not merely big firms, even small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can be the subject of further study.Originality/valuePrevious studies concentrated on conservation, accumulation and recycling of knowledge without considering the absorption capacity of firms. This study takes for its heart the absorptive capacity as the ingredient of dynamic learning opportunities. Both for micro and macro initiatives, a joint interaction is necessary for knowledge to germinate and grow. Organisational learning is also a part of this process. Intellectual property in specialised research fields therefore must be created and defended.
Strategic performance measurement systems: a discussion about their roles
Authors: Pinheiro de Lima Edson , Gouvea da Costa Sergio E. , Angelis Jannis J. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical discussion about the roles that a performance measurement system should perform. The enterprises' operations systems and environments, characterized by their complexity and dynamics, are challenging the strategic operations management models.Design/methodology/approachThe developed theoretical construction is based on a literature review. The measurement system is studied in the context of a strategic operations management system.FindingsThe structures, processes and spaces were the lens used to study the performance measurement system and contributed to organize the concepts in tables, that is, roles statements were created based on these guidelines. These tables synthesized and identified the main roles that the system should perform, stating their definitions and related perspectives.Research limitations/implicationsThe generated framework is theoretical in essence and needs to be tested, although the theoretical exercise showed a common sense around the articulated main concepts.Practical implicationsThe understanding of the performance measurement system roles contributes to improve design, implementation and use of the performance system.Originality/valueThe paper's main contribution is the theoretical underpinning used to develop the performance framework. The system design approach used will enable further research into strategic performance measurement application for the design and use of such a system. Continuous improvement, organizational learning and the management of change process will be required properties for the strategic management of the operations function.
Setting a course in corporate sustainability performance measurement
Authors: Searcy Cory 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present situational, goal, and implementation diagnostic questions to guide the early stages in the development of a corporate sustainability performance measurement system (SPMS).Design/methodology/approachThe paper highlights that measuring corporate sustainability is a complex problem. It argues that significant time must be devoted to defining sustainability in the corporate context, surveying the internal and external environments in which the corporation operates, establishing goals and objectives for the SPMS, identifying how the SPMS will be used, and identifying resource needs at the very beginning of the process to create a SPMS. Key questions that must be addressed in each of these areas are highlighted and discussed.FindingsThe situational, goal, and implementation diagnostic questions will help decision‐makers to structure thinking and discussion around the key issues that all meaningful corporate SPMS will need to address. The diagnostic questions will help corporate decision‐makers understand their current situation, the challenges in developing a robust SPMS, the desired end state, and the options available.Research limitations/implicationsThe diagnostics are conceptual models and it is recognized that there is no optimal set of questions that will apply to all cases. With that in mind, the paper notes opportunities for additional research.Originality/valueThe diagnostics focus attention on the often neglected early stages of developing a corporate SPMS. They offer a novel approach to highlighting the key questions that must be addressed at the very beginning of the process. The diagnostics will be of interest to both researchers and practitioners in corporate sustainability performance measurement.
Value stream mapping as a versatile tool for lean implementation: an Indian case study of a manufacturing firm
Authors: Singh Bhim , Sharma S.K. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how value stream mapping (VSM) is helpful in lean implementation and to develop the road map to tackle improvement areas to bridge the gap between the existing state and the proposed state of a manufacturing firm.Design/methodology/approachThrough this case study, the existing stage of manufacturing is mapped with the help of VSM process symbols and the biggest improvement areas like excessive WIP, lead time, cycle time, are identified. Some modifications in current state map are suggested and with these modifications future state map is prepared. Further TAKT time is calculated to set the pace of production processes.FindingsCurrent state and future state of manufacturing of a firm are compared and witnessed: 92.58 percent reduction in lead time, 2.17 percent reduction in processing time, 97.1 percent reduction in WIP and 26.08 percent reduction in manpower requirement.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited due to the focused nature of the case study. VSM can also be applied to the process industry as well as to the service sector.Practical implicationsThis case study shows that VSM is a powerful tool for lean implementation and allows every industry to understand and continuously improve its understanding towards lean manufacturing.Originality/valueThis paper is a real case study showing VSM applications for lean implementation.
Exploring the importance of social responsibility disclosure for human resources
Authors: Castelo Branco Manuel , Lima Rodrigues Lúcia 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the social responsibility disclosure (SRD) on the internet by Portuguese companies which are engaged in processes of obtaining or enhancing a good social responsibility reputation and are confident of having a good social performance pertaining to the human resources area – the best companies to work for (BCWF).Design/methodology/approachA matched pair approach is used to address the empirical question of whether the SRD on the internet of the BCWF differs from that of a benchmark group of companies selected by matching industry and size. Using a resource‐based perspective (RBP) the hypothesis that the BCWF disclose more social responsibility information is analysed.FindingsResults suggest that BCWF do disclose more items of social responsibility information than control companies, which allows thinking that companies which want to have a good social responsibility reputation and think that their social performance relating to their employees is good, recognize the need to use SRD also to influence their perception of its reputation.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is small. There may be content analysis issues associated with subjectivity in the coding process and the use of a limited content analysis method.Originality/valueIt adds to the scarce research on SRD by Portuguese companies by providing new empirical data and extends prior research using RBPs.
Human resource policies, management accounting and organisational performance
Authors: Kouhy Reza , Vedd Rishma , Yoshikawa Takeo , Innes John 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between human resource (HR) policies, management accounting and organisational performance in Canada, Japan and the UK.Design/methodology/approachA cross case analysis of the observations emerging from each of six case studies (two in Canada, two in Japan and two in the UK) result in a set of 13 findings.FindingsThe seven main HR policies emerging from this study are the “job for life” (in one British and two Japanese cases), recruitment, training, performance‐related bonus scheme, teamwork, organisational culture and pensions. Important communication links between HR managers and management accountants are budgets, strategic plans, performance‐related bonus scheme and decision making. The “job for life” policy, employee recruitment decisions, viewing employees as assets (rather than costs), training, performance‐related bonus scheme, teamwork, organisational culture and a good pension scheme all had an impact on organisational performance.Research limitations/implicationsIt is very difficult to link specific HR policies with changes in organisational performance because of the number of other variables affecting organisational performance and the time lags involved.Originality/valueSeveral of the case studies are making real progress in establishing links between specific HR policies and changes in organisational performance by using benchmarking or employee opinion surveys or a combination of the results of both external benchmarking and employee opinion surveys over a number of years.