bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using historic mutinies to understand defiance in modern organizations
Authors: Coye Ray W. , Murphy Patrick J. , Spencer Patricia E. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeGuided by voice and leadership theory, this paper aims to articulate the underpinnings of upward defiance (competence deficiency; ignorance of concerns; structural gaps between echelons) and to describe the managerial actions that help depose those underpinnings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes 30 historic narrative accounts of actual mutinies. The journalistic accounts from bygone eras provide unparalleled insight into the basic dynamics of mutiny and provide novel insights into organizational defiance.FindingsThe principal findings show that the underpinnings of mutiny in organizations derive from three foundations: disconnections between authority echelons, modes of addressing member disgruntlement, and the need for management to develop continuous competencies.Originality/valueThe paper goes beyond reports of mutinies in the popular press and lore by applying the findings to modern organizations.
Successful return to work: the role of fairness and workplace‐based strategies
Authors: Gail Hepburn C. , Franche Renée‐Louise , Francis Lori 
Published: March 2010

PurposeConsistent with previous research, the purpose of this paper is to propose that the presence of workplace‐based return‐to‐work strategies would reduce the duration of work disability. Moving beyond existing research, the paper further seeks to propose that these strategies would also enhance mental health and affective commitment among injured workers. In addition, the paper aims to introduce interactional justice – injured workers' perceptions of the interpersonal and informational fairness of the person most responsible for their return‐to‐work process – to the return‐to‐work context, and to hypothesize that these factors would also contribute to the explanation of these outcomes.Design/methodology/approachWithin five weeks of their injury, telephone interviews were conducted with 166 workers from the province of Ontario, Canada, who had experienced musculoskeletal lost‐time workplace injuries.FindingsMultiple regression analyses indicate that certain workplace‐based strategies were associated with days on compensation, self‐reported days absent, and depressive symptoms, but not affective commitment. Further, as hypothesized, interactional justice accounted for additional variance explained in self‐reported days absent, depressive symptoms, and affective commitment. Interactional justice did not explain additional variance in days on compensation.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications for employers engaged in return‐to‐work practices and researchers studying return to work. Both should address not only the workplace‐based strategies used, but also the way in which these strategies are implemented.Originality/valueThe paper replicates previous empirical work on return‐to‐work interventions and demonstrates the importance of the presence of workplace‐based strategies in explaining the duration of work disability.
A case study identifying disease risk factor prevalence in government office workers in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Sealey Rebecca M. , Sinclair Wade H. , Pollock Paige , Wright Anne‐Marie 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify health and physical activity status and prevalence of chronic diseases risk factors in a sample of Government office employees.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative assessment of various health and physical activity measures including blood pressure, BMI, waist‐to‐hip ratio, cholesterol, blood glucose and physical activity in adult male (n=66; age=42 ±9 years) and female (n=262; age=40 ±10 years) Government office employees located in metropolitan, rural and remote areas of central and northern Queensland.FindingsIt was found that 54 per cent of females and 77 per cent of males were classified as overweight or obese, while 38 per cent of all participants did not participate in sufficient weekly physical activity. Metropolitan females reported significantly higher blood glucose levels and diastolic blood pressure but significantly lower waist‐to‐hip ratio than rural and remote females.Research limitations/implicationsThere was uneven sampling across geographical locations, however the sample size of each group was largely indicative of the workforce in each location.Practical implicationsThere is a large prevalence of chronic disease risk factors in male and female Government office employees working throughout metropolitan, rural and remote areas of central and northern Queensland. Workplace personnel should work to improve the health and physical activity status of employees, as this may have positive effects on workplace participation and productivity.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors in Government office workers undertaking similar work duties across a variety of geographical locations, and provides suggestions for workplace interventions.
Teachers' wellbeing and perceptions of leadership practices
Authors: Konu Anne , Viitanen Elina , Lintonen Tomi 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare teachers' wellbeing in different types of schools (elementary, lower secondary and unified school) and to analyze how gender, type of employment, working hours and time served as a teacher affected teachers' wellbeing and perceptions of questions concerning leadership practices and work organization in school.Design/methodology/approachThe holistic school wellbeing evaluation tool was used to study the wellbeing of 1,294 Finnish teachers. The questions covered four categories of wellbeing: school conditions, social relationships, means for self‐fulfillment and health status. Quantitative methodology was used for analysis.FindingsThe general picture was that teachers' wellbeing was highest in elementary schools and lowest in lower secondary schools. The wellbeing of a male teacher, a teacher who had fixed‐term employment and a teacher who worked part‐time was higher than that of a female teacher, a permanent teacher and a full‐time teacher. Single questions concerning work organization and leadership practices followed mainly the same lines. Teachers in unified schools had the lowest ratings when questions relating to obtaining help from the principal, or the possibility of receiving further education and equal treatment were asked.Practical implicationsMore attention needs to be paid to permanent teachers employed over a long time with regards to enhancing their wellbeing. In the unifying process of schools, equal treatment, obtaining the principal's help for the teachers and the likelihood of updating education are especially important aspects.Originality/valueThe paper presents a theory‐based evaluation of teachers' wellbeing as well as focal points for school development both from the wellbeing and administrative points of view.
Integrating the customer as part of systems integration
Authors: Liinamaa Johanna , Gustafsson Magnus 
Published: March 2010

PurposeIt has been argued that systems integration plays a central role when a company supplies complex technical and engineering intensive industrial projects. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of customer integration as part of systems integration in industrial project business.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops the understanding of systems integration based on an empirical study, in two phases, of a global company providing large and complex solutions including demanding strategic and operational efforts, within the power and marine sectors. The paper analyzes the technical and social dimensions and describes how to systematically manage them.FindingsThe social dimension of integration can be achieved by making a direct change in policy towards the six supplier capabilities or integration mechanisms found critical: showing interest in the customer's needs and business requirements; promptly responding to and solving customer needs; having knowledge concerning the latest technical development; having the ability to listen to the customer and to reflect on what has been said; taking responsibility for the delivered installation after handing it over and having logistics competence to guarantee availability of parts.Practical implicationsThe benefits of understanding and managing the social dimension, in terms of customer integration, of systems integration properly have a considerable financial impact on the project company's business.Originality/valueAddressing the social dimension of systems integration is beneficial to a project company's business because the company can decrease its level of risk and uncertainty, and at the same time develop market opportunities by increasing the value of the offerings.
Community‐based protest against construction projects
Authors: Teo M.M.M. , Loosemore M. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the social forces that shape perceptions of risk and sustain community‐based protest against controversial construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a thematic story‐telling approach which draws on ethnographic method and theories relating to social contagion, group dynamics and collective action.FindingsThe paper shows how collective action against projects is maintained by a high degree of interconnectivity and relational multiplexity between participating individuals and groups. Other determinants of movement continuity include the protective role of hidden social networks, overlapping protest group memberships, the plurality of protest issues faced and the quality and nature of social ties, experiences and emotions that link activists in collective action over the protest movement's lifetime.Research limitations/implicationsThis research extends existing research in protest mobalisation in the social and political domain into the area of protest continuity against controversial projects.Practical implicationsMismanaged community concerns about controversial projects can escalate into long‐term and sometimes acrimonious protest stand‐offs that have negative implications for the community, firms involved and for industries as a whole. The findings of this paper can help project managers avoid this.Originality/valueThis paper will be of value to project managers involved in managing community perceptions of risk on controversial projects within or outside the construction industry. It explains for the first time how perceptions of risk about major projects are shaped in communities and provides recommendations about how best to communicate with communities to prevent conflict.
Evaluating and prioritizing projects – setting targets
Authors: Henriksen Bjørnar , Christian Røstad Carl 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology aiming to improve the process of prioritizing among projects, focusing on the strategic impacts. The methodology is expected to have a particular relevance for companies operating in a distributed organizational environment.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology has been developed within the PROMISE project, where ten applications and eight corresponding companies (application owners) represent the cases where the methodology has been developed and tested.FindingsThe paper has documented a need for a methodology that links projects and initiatives to overall the overall company strategies. Through the PROMISE project such a method business effect evaluation methodology (BEEM) is developed. The structure of the method and the process of using it are described.Originality/valueThis paper presents a methodology, BEEM, proven relevant in different contexts when projects and units need to be evaluated, compared, prioritized and coordinated according to strategies and key business drivers. BEEM is also a methodology that could guide projects and units in a distributed organizational environment according to overall strategies. Thus, the methodology might also be used by projects and units to improve the strategic position and/or business development.
Implementing inventory transparency to temporary storage locations
Authors: Kärkkäinen Mikko , Ala‐Risku Timo , Främling Kary , Collin Jari , Holmström Jan 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a tracking based inventory management system in temporary storage locations of a project delivery chain. To describe the use of tracking based inventory information for improved logistics control in equipment delivery and installation.Design/methodology/approachA solution design experiment was carried out in 16 temporary storage locations with one original equipment manufacturer and four installation partners.FindingsIt is feasible to implement tracking based inventory management in temporary storage locations. The challenge is to ensure that installation partners adopt the system. The benefit is improved logistics control of equipment delivery and installation for the original equipment manufacturer.Research limitations/implicationsTracking information is more useful than conventional stock keeping in project delivery. By monitoring the dwell time of delivery items it is possible to identify and resolve problems in project execution.Practical implicationsInventory management in temporary storage locations help project management, project logistics, and central logistics organizations carry out their work more effectively. Implementation can be based on tracking.Originality/valueThe paper's value lies in empirical tests and evaluation of tracking based inventory management in temporary storage locations.
Using multimedia to effectively engage stakeholders in risk management
Authors: Loosemore Martin 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to discuss how multimedia technology can be used to effectively engage stakeholders in the management of risk in projects and in business.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on research in stakeholder management and multimedia this paper presents a case study of how multimedia technology was used to help a government health department develop a risk management strategy to respond to climate change risk to its infrastructure.FindingsMultimedia is a highly effective, engaging, and innovative way to capture and harness stakeholders' collective knowledge in managing risks and opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has revealed the practical advantages of using multimedia to engage stakeholders in the risk management process. Future research needs to explore the pedagogical advantages of multimedia in helping organisations develop a risk management culture.Practical implicationsIn the increasingly emotional and regulated business environment, effective risk management has become a basic necessity for every organisation, as has the ability to communicate effectively with external stakeholders about risk. The potential costs of poor communication with stakeholders during this process are enormous but the potential benefits of effective consultation are even greater.Originality/valueThis paper will be of value to managers involved in managing risk and opportunity. It demonstrates a new consultative approach to managing risk and opportunity which uses cutting‐edge multimedia technology which complies with current international guidelines, laws and regulations.
Collaborative and cross‐company project management within the automotive industry using the Balanced Scorecard
Authors: Niebecker Klaus , Eager David , Moulton Bruce 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to summarize the scope, methodology, and main findings of a doctoral thesis about cross‐company project management in the automotive industry. The concept of the collaborative project scorecard (CPS) is described and the results of its application to a project are summarized and discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe project adopted an action research approach which included a series of interviews, surveys, workshops, and a case study where the developed project management concept was tested and evaluated in a real project setting.FindingsThe concept of the CPS supports the alignment of project goals with business strategies, improves transparency in networked project organizations with respect to roles, responsibilities, goal achievement, stakeholder identification, and performance assessment. Project goals is not only based on and measured by hard facts but also on soft facts such as trust and employee satisfaction. The balanced choice of common strategic project goals improves the achievement of long‐term strategies in a project partnership.Practical implicationsDifficulties in defining appropriate indicators are identified, and resistance to change can need to be overcome so that every project member has a clear understanding of the concept's benefits. Legal issues (contract) may need to be discussed when the concept is used by a cross‐corporate project team. The method helps the delivery of performance to become more clearly measurable.Originality/valueThe project gives insight into a new cross‐company project management concept that was tested and evaluated in the automotive industry. Furthermore, an information technology (IT) solution is developed and implemented, and advantages and disadvantages of the concept and its IT solution are analysed and recommendation on its application given. The project demonstrates how the Balanced Scorecard can successfully be applied to networked project environments.
Evidence of a mechanism of neural adaptation in the closed loop control of directions
Authors: Olson Byron , Si Jennie 
Published: March 2010

PurposeUsing cortical neurons of animals to control external devices allows experimenters a unique opportunity to study the capability of the brain to utilize a new actuator. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ability of unrestrained rats to control a directional task using motor cortical signals.Design/methodology/approachIn freely moving rats, signals recorded from the motor cortex of the brain enabled the use of a closed loop brain machine interface (BMI) system to replace paddle pressing for a directional task. In this system, ring rates from several (two to ten) motor cortical neurons at several consecutive time points were used as input to a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The decision‐function value obtained from the SVM was then used to determine which relay should be activated to produce paddle‐pressing signals in the task. All five animals tested were able to use this interface immediately and significant changes in neural activity arise in a single, 45‐min, experimental session. Neural data from three of the subjects were examined for changes from the calibration phase (data used to build the SVM model) to the late cortically controlled phase.FindingsDetailed analysis shows that neural activity changes significantly from the calibration phase to the cortically controlled phase, furthermore, the decision‐function values arising from these neural signals change to support better performance. By examining which neurons and times are selected by the SVM to have significant impact on the decision‐function value as well as which of these elements change significantly, a mechanism of adaptation begins to emerge in which the SVM properly assigns high importance to dimensions that easily predict the desired output, however, under closed‐loop control, the animal selects a small number of neurons (at most or all times) and chooses to make the firing rates more distinguishable. Video taken of one of the subjects further suggests the nature of the behavioral correlates of these changes.Practical implicationsIn the design of practical BMI devices for human patients, one effective strategy might involve creating mappings from multi‐neuron ensembles using state‐of‐the‐art machine learning techniques, but expect that the patients who use the devices will adapt to the devices using single neuron modulation changes.Originality/valueIn the design of practical BMI devices for human patients, one effective strategy might involve creating mappings from multi‐neuron ensembles using state‐of‐the‐art machine learning techniques, but expect that the patients who use the devices will adapt to the devices using single neuron modulation changes. The proposed decentralization approach is interesting for the design of optimization algorithms that can run on computing systems that use principles of self‐organization and have no central control.
A proposed solution for the load balancing problem on heterogeneous clusters based on a delayed neural network
Authors: Marcos Meirelles da Silva João , Kaszkurewicz Eugenius 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the load balancing (LB) problem in clusters of heterogeneous processors using delayed artificial neural networks theory, optimal control theory, and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).Design/methodology/approachStarting with a mathematical model that includes delays and processors with different processing velocities, this model is transformed into a special case of a neural network model known as delayed cellular neural network (DCNN) model. A new energy function is proposed to this delayed neural network special case, assuring convergence conditions through the use of LMIs. Some performance criteria subject to stability conditions to the non‐linear model version are analyzed, and a new LB controller systematic method of synthesis is proposed, using two coupled LMIs – one guaranteeing global convergence and the other guaranteeing performance in a linear region of operation. Simulations and experiments proves the efficiency of this approach, reducing LB time with a viable computational cost for clusters with high number of processors.FindingsA new approach for the LB problem was proposed based on an special case of a delayed neural network model. Performance criterium can also be imposed over it using a quadratic cost function, giving a possibility to extend the idea to other classes of delayed neural network.Originality/valueThe novelty associated with this paper is the introduction of an approach which the LB problem on an heterogeneous cluster of local processors can be modeled as a delayed neural network and the performance of the LB algorithm can be imposed, at least locally, by a quadratic cost function. Also, the delayed neural network can also be seen as a Persidskii system with delay.