bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal analysis of citizens' attitudes about police
Authors: Gau Jacinta M. 
Published: May 2010

PurposePrior research has established the importance of citizens' perceptions of procedural justice in determining their assessments of and satisfaction with police. The present study seeks to contribute to this literature in three ways. First, it aims to test for a link between perceived procedural justice and performance‐based assessments of police officers' ability to control serious crime. Second, it aims to test this link using longitudinal data and controls for existing attitudes to ensure directional validity of the results. Finally, it aims to advance the literature by extending the study of personal experiences and process‐based judgments to non‐urban areas.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered using a panel design consisting of two surveys administered three years apart. The data are analyzed using ordinary least squares regression.FindingsThe results support the hypothesis that citizens' perceived procedural justice during their personal contact with officers significantly predicts their evaluations of the ability of police to keep their communities safe from serious violence. The fact that the data are longitudinal and that existing attitudes about effectiveness were controlled for offers support for the contention that the quality of citizens' personal contact with officers can influence their judgments about police effectiveness.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications for procedural justice in policing and for community‐based policing strategies. It would appear that officers' respectfulness toward citizens during personal contacts can enhance their outcome‐based efficacy in citizens' eyes. Police officers' interpersonal interactions with citizens can foster trust and make citizens feel that the police can keep them safe.Originality/valueThe study is one of few that employ longitudinal data to test the experience‐attitude relationship. The results indicate that the relationship often found in cross‐sectional data also holds over time. In addition, the data come from a relatively rural area of the country, and the findings show that the link between personal contact with and attitudes about police – a link previously demonstrated primarily among urban samples of respondents – applies to non‐urban areas as well.
Police suicide: a national comparison with fire‐fighter and military personnel
Authors: Violanti John M. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe objectives of this paper are to examine national police suicide rates, to compare police suicides with fire‐fighters and military personnel, and to examine suicide in women and minority officers.Design/methodology/approachThe National Occupational Mortality Surveillance (NOMS) (1984‐1998) was used as a data source. Descriptive statistics and proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated.FindingsOverall, the police suicide rate was four times that of fire‐fighters. Minority officers had 4.5 times and policewomen 12 times the number of suicides than did fire‐fighters. Police suicides outnumbered homicides by 2.36 times. Police had significantly higher than expected PMRs for suicide.Research limitations/implicationsNOMS data are presently available up to 1998, and data in the study are descriptive only. Although suggestive of risk, statistically significantly elevated PMRs cannot be interpreted directly as indicating a causal relationship between police work and suicide. Confounders are not recorded in NOMS and may lend considerable weight to suicide.Practical implicationsThe paper reflects the need to look deeper into police suicides and their root causes. Police organizations are advised to initiate suicide awareness training and psychological assistance to officers.Originality/valueThe paper is among the first nationally to compare suicide among similar hazardous occupations, suggesting the need for prevention.
What do police officers value in the classroom?
Authors: Oliva Janet R. , Compton Michael T. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis qualitative study seeks to gather rich, narrative data from police officers on the social environment of law enforcement classrooms and the classroom experiences valued most by law enforcement officers.Design/methodology/approachThe study used interview data from a focus group, as well as individual interviews.FindingsData revealed one predominant theme, students' preference for adult education practices, and four distinct subthemes: engagement, practicality, affiliation, and efficiency. That is, officers valued courses that were interesting and engaging, were applicable to their everyday duties and responsibilities, provided opportunities for social interaction, and were presented efficiently. These subthemes or classroom preferences support the primary study finding that the students preferred adult education practices in their classrooms. The interviews revealed, however, that actual law enforcement classrooms do not always accommodate these preferences or foster the preferred classroom environment.Practical implicationsSuch findings, which should be supplemented with additional qualitative studies as well as quantitative surveys, may be informative for classroom design and instructional planning in the law enforcement setting.Originality/valueThere is a dearth of research on officers' opinions about adult education in the law enforcement arena.
Measuring organizational performance and organizational excellence of SMEs – Part 1: a conceptual framework
Authors: Antony Job P. , Bhattacharyya Sanghamitra 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for measuring organizational performance and organizational excellence, which could be used by small and medium enterprises.Design/methodology/approachAltogether, seven variables are proposed in the overall and work unit level for measuring organizational performance and organizational excellence. The proposed model for evaluating organizational performance and organizational excellence was taken through a round of pre‐testing using relevant statistical analyses, in order to validate the hypothesized relationships.FindingsExcellence is redefined as the ability or capacity of one performance variable to affect or influence the other performance variables in an organization. Total correlation is suggested for measuring different excellences and equations are suggested for calculating overall organizational performance and overall organizational excellence.Practical implicationsThe model developed for measuring performance and excellence can be used by small and medium enterprises to evaluate their performance and excellence periodically.Originality/valueThe definition and model developed for measuring excellence can contribute significantly to existing literature on excellence measurement. Further research can help in adding more variables to this measure to make the model a holistic one.
Compliance of RICS code of practice for commercial service charges
Authors: Nazali Mohd Noor Mohd , Pitt Michael , Hunter George , Tucker Matthew 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe RICS code of practice “Service Charges in Commercial Property” was introduced in 2007 with the intention to promote best practice guidelines in the provision and management of commercial service charges. The paper seeks to review the compliance of the code after two years from its inception.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs comprehensive literature reviews and documental analysis through a number of publications retrieved from electronic databases, reports, journals, books, and other relevant secondary information. A critical review of the materials gathered is carried out in understanding the key recommendations as set within the RICS code against the current practice.FindingsHuge gaps are identified between the RICS against existing practice involving several key headings such as transparency, value for money, communication, and responsiveness.Research limitations/implicationsSince the code was only introduced in 2006, limited sources of data available prevents comprehensive results, underlining further discussions on the effectiveness of the code in resolving the critical commercial service charges aspects within the real estate industry.Practical implicationsWhile the paper intends to raise awareness among the commercial properties stakeholders, recommendations that are made in the paper can be utilised to minimise the gap that exists between the guidelines and the actual implementation by harnessing concerted efforts among the stakeholders in commercial property industry.Originality/valueThis paper provides an in‐depth snapshot of the RICS code of practice to commercial service charges and the progress that has been made towards the application of the guidelines since it was introduced in 2006.
Cost performance of simple priority rule combinations
Authors: Barman Samir , Lisboa Joao V. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeSeveral prior studies have investigated the strategy of concurrently deploying different priority rules at different processing stages of a manufacturing system. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the advantage of using such a strategy over that of using priority rules in their pure forms.Design/methodology/approachThree priority rules were combined in all possible ways in a simulated, three‐stage, flow‐dominated manufacturing system. The performances of these combinations, along with three other simple priority rules in their pure forms, were compared using both mean and variability in waiting, earliness, tardiness, and total costs under two shop load levels and several tardiness to earliness cost ratios.FindingsThe results indicate that the combinations between SIX and shortest processing time (SPT) rules perform well in reducing both mean and variability of waiting cost but do poorly on tardiness cost. On the other hand, the due date rule in its pure form or in conjunction with SIX or SPT is effective in reducing both mean and variability of both earliness and tardiness costs. While tardiness cost appears to dominate the total cost data, the shop load level registered little impact on the performance of the combination schemes.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the paper have useful practical implications for textile and ceramic industries. However, the conclusions are limited to the cost structure used, although a wide range of cost ratios is included.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into whether throughput and due date‐related costs can be reduced by using a job sequencing strategy that simultaneously deploys different priority rules at different processing stages of a manufacturing environment.
An absorptive capacity interpretation of Six Sigma
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Hazlett Shirley‐Ann 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe Six Sigma approach to business improvement has emerged as a phenomenon in both the practitioner and academic literature with potential for achieving increased competitiveness and contributing. However, there is a lack of critical reviews covering both theory and practice. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature of Six Sigma using a consistent theoretical perspective, namely absorptive capacity.Design/methodology/approachThe literature from peer‐reviewed journals has been critically reviewed using the absorptive capacity framework and dimensions of acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation.FindingsThere is evidence of emerging theoretical underpinning in relation to Six Sigma borrowing from an eclectic range of organisational theories. However, this theoretical development lags behind practice in the area. The development of Six Sigma in practice is expanding mainly through more rigorous studies and applications in service‐based environments (profit and not for profit). The absorptive capacity framework is found to be a useful overarching framework within which to situate existing theoretical and practice studies.Research limitations/implicationsAgendas for further research from the critical review, in relation to both theory and practice, have been established in relation to each dimension of the absorptive capacity framework.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that Six Sigma is both a strategic and operational issue and that focussing solely on define, measure, analyse, improve control‐based projects can limit the strategic effectiveness of the approach within organisations.Originality/valueDespite the increasing volume of Six Sigma literature and organisational applications, there is a paucity of critical reviews which cover both theory and practice and which suggest research agendas derived from such reviews.
Green and fair trade of indigenous palm candy
Authors: Praseeda Sanu V. , Anand Kumar T.S. , Newport Jeyanth K. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to disseminate the success of enterprise development activities initiated by a voluntary organization working in Kanyakumari District of India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper was prepared in discussion with rural artisans and staff of voluntary organization.FindingsIt was found that the indigenous palm candy production gave better livelihood for the Nadar community whose prime occupation is harvesting of palm products. Even though the community was in the lowest ebb of the society, proper enterprise capacity building, value addition to palm product like palm candy, marketing and access to credit have paved way for the development of the community. The institutions promoted by Palmyrah Workers Development Society catered to the enterprise intervention of the community thereby increasing the income level of the families. Even though globalization is a threat for rural artisan products, the concept of green and fair trade is providing avenues for rural enterprise.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was restricted within a particular community and within a given geographical area.Practical implicationsEven though palm candy is having good market at international market, quality control and eco‐certification is a problem at field level.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates how a backward community has developed enterprise skills and achieved better livelihood options.
The UK Companies Act of 2006 and the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002
Authors: Paulo S. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate whether economic value added (EVA®) is a superior financial performance metric and creates market value added (MVA), as claimed by Stern Stewart and Company, and therefore is consistent with the purpose and intent of the UK Companies Act of 2006 and the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002. If these claims can be sustained, then it could be argued that this valuation metric should form part of the Business Review, Section 417 of the UK Companies Act of 2006, and furthermore it could be an appropriate approach to the attainment of the corporate objective of the UK Companies Act of 2006, Section 172(1).Design/methodology/approachA survey was undertaken of journal articles published in mainstream academic journals from 1997 to 2008 that investigated the claims of Stern Stewart and Company that EVA® was a superior financial performance metric vis‐à‐vis other well‐established accounting and financial metrics. As the empirical evidence in support of these claims was not compelling, the epistemology and methodology of EVA® were examined, and were found to be deficient.FindingsThere is insufficient supportive evidence to validate the claims of EVA®; furthermore, from the perspective of epistemology and sound research methodology it is not possible to make a robust case for the unqualified use of EVA® in jurisdictions where the UK Companies Act of 2006 and the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 apply. Directors who make unqualified use of this financial performance metric place themselves at unnecessary risk.Originality/valueThere is no evidence from the scrutiny of publicly available secondary sources to indicate that the implications of the UK Companies Act of 2006 and the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, for the use of the financial performance valuation metric, EVA®, has been previously undertaken or published.
Narrative reporting: the UK experience
Authors: Yeoh Peter 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the quality of narrative reporting of listed UK companies particularly in terms of transparency under guidance from the operating and financial review (OFR).Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is to rely on secondary data analysis with complementation from a limited case study of three listed UK companies.FindingsThe analysis finds that narrative reporting in the UK is generally transparent other than some weaknesses in some reporting areas and some limited evidence of creative reporting.Research limitations/implicationsFurther investigation could be made on a larger sample of cases. Also, a comparative case analysis could be conducted between narrative reporting made before the current global financial crisis and shortly after the said crisis.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the general usefulness, relevance, and limitations of narrative reporting not only for corporate decision makers but also general investors, suppliers, employees, the state, and various connected community stakeholder groups.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the enhanced understanding of narrative reporting practices for listed companies in the UK.
Financial distress resolution in China – two case studies
Authors: Kam Amy , Citron David , Muradoglu Gulnur 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine two contrasting financially distressed companies in China and their restructuring strategies. Chinese firms are selected as providing a context where bankruptcy law is in its infancy and where the state is still heavily involved as a shareholder. As a result, the process of distressed company restructuring is likely to differ markedly from that observed in developed economies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a case study methodology to explore on an in‐depth basis the features of the distress resolution process in the Chinese institutional context and to investigate how it differs from the process in more developed economies. The paper analyses the firms' accounting‐based performance to understand the nature of their difficulties. It then examines the complex restructuring procedures initiated and uses an event study approach to evaluate the stock market's reaction to these strategies.FindingsThe distinguishing features of the Chinese restructuring process are as follows. First, the assets of distressed firms are sometimes transferred without payment being made in return. Second, social considerations play a role, in particular the state's need to maintain employment levels or ensure the funding of redundancy payments. Finally, firms can remain in severe financial distress for extended periods of time; possible reasons for this are explored in the paper.Originality/valueThe existing distress literature focuses on developed economies such as the USA and the UK. The paper provides an in‐depth understanding of the special features of the Chinese situation, including the role of government and other more commercially driven shareholders; the subsequent importance of social policy issues; the protracted and complex nature of the restructurings; and the frequent use of mergers, share transfers, asset swaps and asset sales.
Analysis of UMPPs framework
Authors: Shukla Umesh Kumar 
Published: May 2010

PurposeTo achieve the mission of “Affordable Power to All” by 2012, the development of Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPPs) has been identified as a major thrust area by the Government of India. The purpose of this paper is to study and analyse the UMPPs framework with reference to bringing in competition and efficiency gains.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses the UMPPs framework in the context of increasing the availability of electricity at reasonable and competitive prices in India. The tariff/bid evaluation model is used for tariff analysis.FindingsThe paper reveals that risk sharing between government and project developer, adoption of innovative methods for risk mitigation and technological improvements are the main reasons for the lower tariffs of UMPPs. The paper finds that even after appreciation of US$ and an increase in inflation rate, the power tariff of UMPPs would be affordable, but India's increasing power requirements cannot be met by UMPPs alone and capacity addition through other mechanisms would also be needed.Practical implicationsThe paper recognises the need to extend UMPP mechanisms in the generation of electricity from other sources such as hydro, gas and wind, and emphasises the need to reduce transmission and distribution losses and improve efficiency in India's power sector.Originality/valueThe paper presents an assessment of UMPPs framework and identifies how project financing mechanisms and risk sharing between project developer and government can help in reducing the tariff of public utilities.
Stimulation with type I collagen induces changes in gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Authors: Atamas S P , Luzina I G , Ingels J , Choi J , Wong W K , Furst D E , Clements P J ,   Investigators of the Oral Collagen Trial in Scleroderma, Postlethwaite A E 
Published: May 2010

SummaryAn autoantigenic role for collagen type I (CI) has been suggested previously in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Whether CI is indeed capable of affecting the immune system in dcSSc is not known. Patients with early (3 years or less) or late (&gt;3 years) dcSSc and healthy controls donated blood. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured with or without CI, and expression of genes known for their involvement in autoimmune and inflammatory processes was assessed using cDNA arrays; results were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for selected genes. Patients with early and late dcSSc were similarly different from healthy controls in basal gene expression. When cultured with CI, PBMC from patients with early dcSSc differed from healthy controls in expression of 34 genes, whereas PBMC from patients with late dcSSc differed from healthy controls in expression of only 29 genes. Direct comparisons of matched PBMC samples cultured with and without CI revealed differences in expression of eight genes in healthy controls, of five genes in patients with early dcSSc, and no differences in patients with late dcSSc. Thus, PBMC from patients with dcSSc respond differently than do PBMC from healthy controls when cultured with CI. Exposure to CI in culture of PBMC from patients in the early stage of dcSSc in contrast to PBMC from patients with late-stage dcSSc evokes a greater degree of activation of immune-related genes, suggesting that CI is more dominant as an autoantigen in early versus late dcSSc.