bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The state of a civilization
Authors: Lin Yi , Forrest Bailey 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanism underlying many inexplicable phenomena observed in social organizations and human history by using the general systemic yoyo model.Design/methodology/approachSuch traditional tools as laboratory experiments, calculus‐based methods, quantitative reasoning of microeconomics, and set‐theoretical logic are collectively employed to present a brand new method for the study of many unsettled problems in the research of civilizations.FindingsAmong a whole series of open problems, novel explanations are provided for important questions like: how do civilizations or cultures form? Why did Western democracy not originate in Eastern Asian or other parts of the world? Why does each blown‐up that it bridges a transition between organizational expansion and contraction represents a weakest link in the evolution of a social entity? Why are there nation states within a civilization? Why is the Western civilization having multiple centers or core states, while the Sinic civilization has one core state and the Islamic civilization does not seem to have any core states? How can policy makers separate civilizations from each other?Originality/valueThis work presents how systems science in general and the systemic yoyo model in particular can bring forward tangible results in social science with solid scientific merits. Owing to the novelty of reasoning and sound conclusions derived on solid scientific foundations, it is expected that this work will produce such results that can be truly useful for policy makers at national and international levels.
Principles of assessment for project and research based learning
Authors: Hunaiti Ziad , Grimaldi Silvia , Goven Dharmendra , Mootanah Rajshree , Martin Louise 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide assessment guidelines which help to implement research‐based education in science and technology areas, which would benefit from the quality of this type of education within this subject area.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a reflection on, and analysis of, different aspects of assessment. From one side, it looks at assessment in general, in society at large.FindingsAssessment could be improved within this field in order to contribute to the learning process, rather than merely measure and categorise a student's performance after the fact. To do this the paper not only looks at different forms of assessment and different ways of conducting the assessment, but also argues that certain ways of teaching and of structuring a class and an assignment are more conducive to creating an atmosphere in which students will be wanting to receive feedback to improve their learning and performance rather than a mark as a prize or reward.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the outcomes from this study will be useful in establishing the link between research and education which has been a key success in many world‐class institutions, resulting in the graduation of emerging professionals who will conduct cutting‐edge research and run high‐technology enterprises across a host of disciplines.
Co‐creating leadership dispositional values and contexts survey
Authors: Wasonga Teresa A. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a survey for co‐creating leadership dispositional values and contexts by examining the self‐perceptions of school leaders, teachers, and staff on the practice of co‐creating leadership behaviors and conditions that facilitate the practice.Design/methodology/approachBased on qualitative data and a literature review, survey statements were developed to gather quantitative data for purposes of establishing an instrument for studying the practice of dispositional values and presence of contexts that facilitate co‐creating leadership in schools.FindingsThe instrument internal reliability scales covering the seven dispositions and three contexts were calculated using Cronbach's α scores. All scores were above the suggested level of 0.70. The coefficient α reliabilities for the subscales ranged between 0.73 and 0.86. The survey resulted in a two‐factor solution (dispositional values and contexts). Correlation coefficients amongst the subscales of dispositional values and contexts ranged between a moderate r=0.460 and a high r=0.815 (p<0.01).Originality/valueThis study led to the development and verification of a quantitative survey instrument that may be used to assess the practice of co‐creating leadership dispositional values and contexts in schools. Dispositional values consisted of seven factors (trust and trustworthiness, humility, active listening, resilience, patience, collaboration, and cultural anthropology). Contexts consisted of three factors (deep democracy, quality relations, and evolving power).
Designing Web 2.0 based constructivist‐oriented e‐learning units
Authors: Sing Chai Ching , Lit Woo Huay , Wang Qiyun 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to present how meaningful e‐learning units can be created by using an online tool called Meaningful E‐learning Units (MeLU). The paper also aims to describe how created e‐learning units can be shared by teachers and students.Design/methodology/approachThis tool can help to produce e‐learning units that consist of six components: introduction context/scenario, activities, rules and roles, assessment, and concluding activities. A sample of an e‐learning unit called “Creating Tessellations” was created by using the tool and is presented in this paper.FindingsIt is easy to create e‐learning units by using the MeLU tool as it provides a large number of templates for teachers to choose. The tool also allows multimedia elements to be added to or deleted from the unit. Also, this tool enables teachers to share their e‐learning units with others and to customize existing units for their use.Originality/valueThe proposed form of e‐learning lessons could help to advance the integration of ICT‐enabled constructivist learning in schools. The potential to further enhance MeLU's capacity and to further develop it to incorporate Web 3.0 technologies are also discussed.
Adaptable, personalised e‐learning incorporating learning styles
Authors: Peter Sophie E. , Bacon Elizabeth , Dastbaz Mohammad 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss how learning styles and theories are currently used within personalised adaptable e‐learning adaptive systems. This paper then aims to describe the e‐learning platform iLearn and how this platform is designed to incorporate learning styles as part of the personalisation offered by the system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses how learning styles and theories are currently being used within the area of adaptive e‐learning and describes current research within this area. This paper then gives an overview of the iLearn project and describes how iLearn is using the VARK learning style to enhance the platform's personalisation and adaptability for the learner. This research also describes the system's design and how the learning style is incorporated into the system design and semantic framework within the learner's profile.FindingsThe findings describe how the final implemented iLearn platform intends to address the issues found with the limited personalisation within common learning management systems and intends to provide the learner with a personalised learning experience.Originality/valueAdaptability and personalisation are large research areas, however, many limitations have been found during the current research. This research project, therefore adds value to this by proposing a system which will address the current personalisation limitations.
New perspectives on the causes of franchising conflict in Australia
Authors: Weaven Scott , Frazer Lorelle , Giddings Jeff 
Published: March 2010

PurposeAlthough Australian franchising sector regulation promotes system disclosure and provides for mandatory conflict mediation, there is some concern that inequities exist within the conflict management process. From 2006 to 2008 no less than four government inquiries into franchising took place in Australia in an attempt to resolve problems occurring in the sector. A major issue was that of the perceived imbalance of power in the franchisor‐franchisee relationship, which often results in conflict between the two parties. The purpose of this paper is to extend the conflict literature in dyadic exchange relationships through investigating the causes of conflict from the franchisor and franchisee perspectives.Design/methodology/approachExploratory research is undertaken to identify the major causes of franchising conflict. Face‐to‐face interviews are conducted with 24 franchising experts, such as lawyers and mediators, to draw upon their considerable experience in the sector.FindingsThe key findings suggest that a lack of due diligence is associated with the formation of unrealistic expectations which increases the potential for future relational conflict. Although franchising experience impacts upon operational approaches and conflict, the role played by third parties and market conditions both appear to exacerbate dissatisfaction in franchise systems.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is exploratory and therefore the findings are tentative. The preliminary conceptual models will be tested in a large quantitative survey of key franchising stakeholders in the near future.Originality/valueWith the Australian franchising sector presently under intense scrutiny by regulators this research is timely and important. It is expected that the findings will provide government and industry representatives with a more balanced understanding of the causes of franchising conflict so that preventative action may be taken.
Chinese food retailers' positioning strategies and the influence on their buying behaviour
Authors: Skallerud Kåre , Grønhaug Kjell 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate Chinese food retailers' positioning strategies. Specifically, retail segments and critical factors related to the nature of the food supplier relationships that may be influenced by the positioning strategies are investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe retail markets in Guangzou and Chengdu are investigated. Data are collected by means of observation and survey and then combined in the analyses. Observational research (i.e. expert assessments) is conducted in 152 retail outlets in order to assess their positioning strategies. The purchasing managers in the same retail outlets are personally interviewed by means of structured questionnaires.FindingsA three‐cluster solution for the positioning strategies is revealed: down‐market stores, middle‐range stores, and up‐market stores. The annual sales and the number of self‐service counters are highest among up‐market retailers. They are also typically joint ventures, supermarkets and department stores, and members of a retail chain. A broad range of brands and products and also marketing support from the suppliers are most important for the up‐market stores.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to two regional retail markets and should therefore be cross‐validated with other retail sectors and markets. Thumbnail sketches of the retailer segments enable food suppliers to make better and more informed decisions about how to position their product offer and marketing mix.Originality/valueAlthough positioning strategies are at the core of modern marketing, relatively little research has been conducted addressing how retailers in general and Chinese retailers specifically include their retail buying behaviour and structural characteristics in the positioning strategy. This study contributes to filling this gap in knowledge.
Another perspective on globalization
Authors: Das Dilip K. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeIn the background of the global economic and financial crisis, one hears and reads nothing but excoriation and denunciation of globalization. The purpose of this paper is to provide an honest and objective analysis of the contemporary global economic scenario, which reveals numerous challenges that globalization engendered in different countries, country groups as well as in the global economy. This paper asserts that globalization has a positive side as well. The trauma of the continuing crisis is vitiating the enormous constructive contribution made by economic and financial globalization in the contemporary period.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at: globalization as a welfare‐enhancing force; some front runners of globalization and particularly the ascent and economic integration of East Asia, China, India, the BRICS, etc. and latecomers to globalization.FindingsThe essential findings of this paper are that country groups like East Asia in the past and China and India at present have benefited immensely from economic and financial globalization. Rapid group in the sub‐group of economies referred to as the emerging‐market economies is made possible by economic and financial globalization. The ascent of these economic groups is changing the contours of the global economy. The newest achievement of economic and financial globalization is a favorable impact over the former non‐market economies and Africa. Both of these are regarded as challenging cases in the past.Originality/valueEconomic and financial globalization has remained a controversial issue. This paper takes a bold and original perspective in focusing on its favorable contributions at a time point when it is being deprecated for causing a great deal of upheaval in the global economy.
Identity regulation: towards employee control?
Authors: Nair Nisha 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the dynamics of employee identity regulation within organizations. It also aims to examine the notion of control and discusses the use of identity as a medium for its exercise.Design/methodology/approachThrough a review of the literature and a description of the complexities and nuances of the identity regulation process, the paper demonstrates the manner in which individual identity gets fused with organizational identity to strengthen employee identification with the organization. The compounding of this process in terms of individual differences and employee resistance is also discussed. Some propositions in this regard are advanced.FindingsEvident from the discussion is that regulation of employee identities can serve as a potent yet less obvious form of organizational control.Originality/valueWeaving together research in this area, the paper demonstrates the link between control and identity work. It also highlights the implications of identity regulation for employees and for organizations, and raises some questions in this regard.
The impact of strategic orientation on corporate social responsibility
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy 
Published: March 2010

PurposeUsing the strategic orientation concept of Miles and Snow, the purpose of this paper is to test if differences in levels of corporate social responsibility (CSR) exist between prospectors, defenders, analyzers, and reactors.Design/methodology/approachThe method included a purpose‐designed survey sent to CEOs. To explore differences in CSR and strategy types, one‐way ANOVA with contrast effect analysis was used.FindingsThe results suggest that differences in levels of CSR do exist between strategy types. Prospectors and defenders demonstrated higher levels of CSR than analyzers. As expected, reactors demonstrated the lowest levels of CSR.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper suggests that while institutions appear to be placing increasing demands on firms to demonstrate socially responsible behavior, not all firms demonstrate CSR equally. How firms approach competitive markets and the characteristics that shape how they adapt to the environment – or strategic orientation – appears to be a factor that explains differing levels of CSR.Practical implicationsFirms' strategic orientation might be important to the demonstration of CSR; therefore, understanding the internal dynamics and characteristics of different strategy types will afford managers a better understanding of strategies that are needed to more effectively engage in CSR.Originality/valueThe value of the paper rests in exploring, for the first time, if differences in CSR exist between the Miles and Snow strategy typology. The current study puts forth statistical evidence that differences do exist, thus building on a rich body of research aimed at understanding the impact of strategic orientation on organizational outcomes.
Support, trust, satisfaction, intent to leave and citizenship at organizational level
Authors: Paillé Pascal , Bourdeau Laurent , Galois Isabelle 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose to test a research model to gain a better understanding of the connection between perceived support, trust, satisfaction, intention to quit and citizenship at the organizational level.Design/methodology/approachA total of 355 white‐collar employees were recruited among alumni of a business school in France. Structural equation modeling was used to test the predicted relationships.FindingsExcept for the relation between perceived organizational support (POS) and intention to leave, study results showed strong support in favour of the different hypothetical relations in the research model.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are based on a single sample and a transversal research design. For these reasons, the data should be approached with caution.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the importance of considering trust over and above organizational efforts directed at supporting employees through a show of appreciation for their contribution and concern for their well‐being.Originality/valueThis paper provides data that lead to a better understanding of the relationship between POS, trust and satisfaction for the purpose of predicting outcomes such as intention to leave an organization and citizenship behaviour towards an organization.
Histopathological effects on epidural tissue of bolus or continuous infusions through an epidural catheter in ewes
Authors: Türe H. , Eti Z. , Göğüş F.Y. , Düzgün O. , Mutlu Z. , Karabağli P. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThis study was performed to evaluate the histopathological effects of epidural drug injection given either by intermittent bolus or continuous infusion through a catheter on epidural tissue. Fourteen ewes received intermittent bolus injections of morphine with bupivacaine, or a bolus of the same drugs followed by continuous infusion for 5 days. After 5 days, histopathological examination of the epidural space revealed mild to moderate inflammatory changes, and focal fibrosis surrounding the catheter in all ewes. The similarity of the inflammatory reaction in the control and drug treated groups seems to indicate that neither intermittent bolus or continuous infusion after a bolus dose caused histopathological changes in the epidural space beyond that caused by the catheter itself.
Teaching of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics in UK medical schools: current status in 2009
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Lelia , Haq Inam , Maxwell Simon , Llewelyn Martin 
Published: March 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Junior doctors feel poorly prepared by their training in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and commonly make prescribing errors.• Since 1993 the General Medical Council's guidance on undergraduate medical education ‘Tomorrow's Doctors’ has emphasized the integration of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics teaching within the medical curriculum.• With the publication of a new version of Tomorrow's Doctors in 2009, medical schools will be further revising their Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics teaching. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Although we know what the recommendations for undergraduate teaching of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics teaching are, there are no published data describing what is currently happening in UK medical schools.• This paper describes the course structures, volume and range of teaching and assessment of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics in the UK in 2009.• Our data provide a foundation for schools looking to revise the Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Teaching in the light of Tomorrow's Doctors 2009.AIMTo describe the current structure, delivery and assessment of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CPT) teaching in UK medical schools.METHODSAn online questionnaire was distributed to the person with overall responsibility for CPT teaching at all UK medical schools in June 2009.RESULTSThirty of the 32 UK medical schools responded. 60% of schools have a CPT course although in 72% this was an integrated vertical theme. At 70% of schools pharmacologists have overall responsibility for CPT teaching (clinical 67%, non‐clinical 33%); at 20% teaching is run by a non‐specialist clinician and at 7% by a pharmacist. Teaching is commonly delivered by NHS clinicians (87%) and clinical pharmacists (80%) using lectures (90%) but additionally 50% of schools use e‐Learning and 63% have a student formulary. CPT is assessed throughout the curriculum at many schools through written, practical examinations and course work. 90% of schools have specific CPT content in their written examinations. 90% of respondents believed that their students were ‘fairly’ to ‘well’ prepared for the foundation year but only 37% of schools gather data on the competence of their graduates.CONCLUSIONSCPT teaching in UK medical schools is very diverse. Most schools do not assess the performance of their graduates as prescribers and there is a lack of evidence that many of the teaching approaches employed are suitable for the development of prescribing skills. It is vital that developments in CPT teaching are driven by validated, real‐world assessments of the prescribing skills of medical students and newly qualified doctors.