bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing Connectivity: a PKM path for higher education workplace learners
Authors: Garcia Blanca C. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeAdopting a personal knowledge management (PKM) scope, this paper aims to report the resulting experience of a four‐year qualitative research project on the dynamics of social skills development strategies in knowledge‐intensive, e‐learning workplace environments.Design/methodology/approachBy adopting a grounded encased study approach, the research explored how practitioners develop strategies for adapting to emerging e‐learning spaces while developing networking skills. The encased study stemmed from research completed at the University of Manchester. The study aimed to gain perspectives and make sense of social skills development (communication, networking and collaboration skills) in the particular setting of knowledge facilitation within virtual environments in three universities of the Manchester city region.FindingsThe personal lifelong learning journey that educational and academic staff undertake in order to become skilled knowledge facilitators online is perceived and represented as a full learning cycle of multiple dimensions. Also, by identifying specific roles of knowledge facilitators according to context, the existing institutional social systems and city networks of learning were made evident in the practitioners' learning scope within their own institutions and beyond.Originality/valueThe paper uses a multiple‐layer, third‐generation knowledge management framework to explore the different emerging roles of knowledge workers in knowledge‐intensive communities online, and how they facilitate multiple tacit knowledge conversion into explicit scholarly knowledge.
Intellectual capital under the temporal lens
Authors: Giuliani Marco 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of intellectual capital (IC) by adopting a temporal lens and emphasizing the role time plays in IC analysis.Design/methodology/approachAn action research case study (Alpha) related to a joint venture development process is conducted.FindingsIC is a complex and dynamic system which can be observed from several different perspectives, not only according to the point of view adopted by the observer, but also according to the moment in which IC is being observed. Thus, the time factor must also be considered in the whole IC issue.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are related to the particular research methodology adopted (action research). The main implication of this paper is that the temporal context and the time dimension have to be considered as variables in IC analysis. How to explicitly consider time in the IC question represents future research opportunities.Originality/valueFirst, the paper applies, in the accounting field, a research lens that is mainly used in organizational studies. Second, it stresses the role played by time in IC, a factor that authors tend to underestimate in their studies.
Intellectual capital dynamics in universities: a reporting model
Authors: Paloma Sánchez M. , Elena Susana , Castrillo Rocío 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the increasing attention to universities and research organizations at political level and the growing implementation in these institutions of intellectual capital (IC) management and reporting mechanisms, traditionally used by private companies. The objective of the paper is twofold. On one hand, to present an IC report specially designed for universities, suggesting a battery of indicators for resources related to research activity, and, on the other hand, to move one step forward and discuss current challenges in relation to establishing standards for universities to manage and report on their IC and the difficulties in capturing the process dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews recent literature both on conceptual issues and experiences in relation to IC. The Austrian IC report, the observatory of European university exercise and some recent experiences of the Madrid regional government concerning Madrid universities are analysed. Both theory and practice contribute to the development of an IC reporting and management model for universities.FindingsA model for reporting and managing IC resources in universities and research organisations is suggested. IC dynamics are discussed and current shortcomings of IC analysis presented. The latter points may define the research agenda in the field.Originality/valueAvailable experiences are used to discuss possibilities and difficulties in showing the dynamics of higher education institutions by means of an IC report.
Editorial: New directions in leadership
Authors: Newton Sidney 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the study of leadership and examine potential new directions specific to innovation research in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachAn editorial review of current literature and reflective critique of leadership research specific to the construction industry.FindingsTwo key barriers are identified: a general focus on individual leadership qualities, rather than leadership as an activity; the problems with qualitative research methodologies in general, and grounded theory specifically.Originality/valueThe intention is to promote a more grounded theoretical approach to the study of leadership in order to encourage research publications in journals such as Construction Innovation.
Innovation and small residential builders: an Australian study
Authors: Thorpe David , Ryan Neal , Charles Michael B. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThrough investigating the innovation‐adoption process in smaller construction industry firms, this paper aims to ascertain the drivers of innovation in Australian small residential building firms, and determine how such firms develop or adopt innovations. The research thus provides a more thoroughly nuanced understanding of the innovation‐adoption process within these firms.Design/methodology/approachThe research described in this paper was conducted among small residential housing contractors in South‐East Queensland, Australia. This was undertaken by means of a semi‐structured interview process, based on a questionnaire requesting information from owners or managers.FindingsInnovation in this sector is driven by general business concerns pertaining to maintaining overall competitiveness rather than specific client needs. The same firms also utilize supply‐chain relationships and broader industry associations as sources of external knowledge. Despite this, better pathways to transfer externally generated knowledge require implementation, especially as a means to ensure continued sector growth and deliver public goods such as enhanced worker health and environmental sustainability.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the current communication and informational disjuncture between research institutions and practitioners. As a result, workable suggestions for enhanced and meaningful interaction among firms, peak bodies and key research institutions are advanced.Originality/valueThe study complements previous research on innovation development and adoption. Given that there is little previous research on the innovation‐adoption process in the residential building sector, the paper provides an important counterpoint to studies that generally focus on much larger construction firms.
An overview of previous studies in stakeholder management and its implications for the construction industry
Authors: Yang Jing , Shen Qiping , Ho Manfong 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of previous studies in the field of stakeholder management, and propose implications for the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThree major databases are searched: ABI, EI CompendexWeb, and ISI web of knowledge. Papers are searched on topic by using the keywords of “stakeholder management”, “management of stakeholders” and “management of stakeholder”. A brief review of the abstracts and conclusions of these papers is conducted to filter out the irrelevant and/or duplicate papers. After filtering, 159 articles with content relevant to stakeholder management are selected for analysis.FindingsAn overview of previous studies reveals that research interest in stakeholder management has turned to the descriptive approach. Through a critical review of stakeholder management process, three main problems of previous studies are identified: very few methods and tools are available to identify all stakeholders and their interests; limited studies involve the change management about the stakeholders' influence and relationship; and few studies are capable of reflecting the influence of the entire relationship network in practice.Research limitations/implicationsTwo implications for the construction industry are suggested: establish a practical framework for managing stakeholders; and apply social network theory (SNT) in developing a stakeholder relationship model.Originality/valueThe overview and implications lead to new knowledge and an improved understanding of the management of multiple stakeholders in construction projects. The perspective of SNT avoids the deficiency of Freeman's dyadic ties model, and the project managers can make decisions in response to the stakeholder behaviours according to the entire relationship.
Determinants of patient satisfaction survey in a gastrointestinal endoscopy service
Authors: Scotto Francesco , De Ceglie Antonella , Guerra Vito , Misciagna Giovanni , Pellecchia Antonio 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe principal aim of this study is to assess the determinants of patient satisfaction in a gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy service.Design/methodology/approachA standardised questionnaire is the tool used to measure the perception of patient satisfaction. Questions were grouped by topic into the following sections: service choice, access, approach to the service, endoscopic procedures, staff caring, endoscopy facilities, histological biopsies, ticket payment, communication and information, therapeutical advice and demographic information. The answer format for subjective questions was generated using a Likert‐type scale. The patient satisfaction outcome was obtained from questions about the utility of endoscopy and the willingness to come back to the service again. The determinants of satisfaction identification were evaluated using a multiple logistic regression.FindingsThe questionnaire was administered by the same interviewer to 200 consecutive patients of the Endoscopy Service of the National Cancer Institute in Bari (93 males and 107 females). The variables associated with satisfaction in the most parsimonious logistic model were: hospital cleanliness, comfortable endoscopy area, adequate explanation of endoscopic diagnosis, training and caring of medical staff.Originality/valueIn the survey patient satisfaction with the GI Endoscopy Service is associated with both good structure quality and physician‐patient communication.
Executive development: planning for “key experiences”
Authors: Haskins Mark E. , Shaffer George R. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper presents the case for, and several templates for, the planning and monitoring of the key experiences status of a cadre of high‐potential managers seeking to become executive‐ready.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is the result of numerous years of advising executive education corporate clients on the importance of key experiences to complete and complement a future executive's development.FindingsOffers seven key experiences as examples of what a company might develop for its executive‐oriented, key experiences portfolio.Practical implicationsThe field‐inspired tools presented here, are immediately and broadly applicable to those charged with the development of a pipeline of executive‐ready talent.Originality/valueIn a concise and comprehensive manner, readers are provided a framework for conceptualizing, planning, and establishing a key experiences portfolio for its high‐potential executives. It is also shown how such an inventory can be linked to a company's competency model and to an articulated set of personal learning objectives.
Immigrant workers' induction training in Finland: case Petmo project
Authors: Mohamed Abdirizak , Leponiemi Jussi 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe organizations' shareholder value maximization is one of the oldest beliefs in business economics. An organization is seen as a compromise between various goals and targets set by stakeholders, including the workforce. Induction training for newcomers is a part of a comprehensive selection of training and development functions in organizations. Those actions are seen as having a role in the socialization functions in organizations. In other words, it offers opportunities for the newcomers to create unofficial networks inside the work community. The purpose of this study is to investigate the induction training practices in use in organizations with an ethnic minority workforce as well as the development of induction training and methods used in diverse workplaces.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the findings of investigations regarding ethnic minority group members' induction training practices in Finland as a part of Perehdyttämällä monimuotoiseen työyhteisöön – Petmo (initiation training of multicultural working place)‐project.FindingsThe study found that internationalisation and diversity are clearly beneficial for the company/community, but they also require resources and investments both in recruitment, induction training and work familiarization as well as in comprehensive human resource development; the great challenge seems to be the lack of resources and time during the induction process – what is needed is more evaluation, information (feedback and assessment systems), innovations and training for the induction trainers (communications); the induction training should be the same for everyone. However, in different tasks flexibility may be required, e.g. in the order the issues are presented – for one person the concrete work and the feelings associated with it, knowing the working community and developing the skills are better foundations for general integration and commitment, the other person may approach issues more naturally through a theoretical framework.Originality/valueThe paper uses the research material because it captures successfully the typical situation in Finnish organizations. These insights may act as a basis for developmental actions.
Hindu philosophy: bridging corporate governance and CSR
Authors: Sharma Manoj K. , Agarwal Punam , Ketola Tarja 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight how fast the divide between the good corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is declining. The concepts covered under CG and the areas covered under CSR are no longer distinctive. Both the philosophies advocate doing good and disclosing the good done.Design/methodology/approachThe study does a brief survey of Indian mythology to make its point clear that Indian philosophy is positive and it inculcates positive values in Indians, which influence their socially responsible behaviour. The study further analyses the annual reports of 50 Indian private corporate houses to show the extent of CG and CSR undertaken by them. The information is shown in the tabular form or in statement form, both are included for the purpose of the study.FindingsIn India, the CG practices are mandatory as per the clause 49 of the listing agreement of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for all the companies listed on recognized stock exchanges of India. However; there are two parts of disclosure – mandatory and non‐mandatory. In so far as mandatory requirements are concerned, 100 per cent compliance exists. But with regard to non‐mandatory requirements the results are quite disheartening. Similarly, when the study analyzed the annual reports to examine the extent of corporate responsibility disclosure the results are equally discouraging for reasons discuss below in the introduction part of the paper.Originality/valueThe study has revealed certain awakening facts, which will serve as a useful guide for policy formulation in relation to Indian corporate sector.
Corporate social responsibility in culture and art
Authors: Bulut Diren , Bulut Yumrukaya Ceren 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand and distinguish the mainstream of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in culture and art in Turkey. It aims to examine all parties related to CSR in culture and art (corporations, artists, art institutes and art communities) and their expectations of CSR. It is also aimed to understand the relationship between government and art institutions, communities and organizations.Design/methodology/approachTo be able to understand the general tendency, applications and problems of CSR in culture and arts, 17 in‐depth interviews were implemented with corporations, art institutes, communities and individual artists from different art fields. All interviews were digitally audio taped. All digital recordings were encoded and analyzed after the interviews and findings were grouped under four general topics.FindingsGeneral environment, comments and problems are defined in situation analyses. Government relations and corporation relations are separately evaluated. Future prospects, expectations and projects are included in the last headline. Government and corporations are the main supporters for art and art organizations but there is a very serious risk for art organizations to lose their corporate funds to environmental and educational CSR projects and sport sponsorships.Originality/valueThis study shows the gap of needed and existing funding and support in culture and art field in Turkey. There is a great potential in upcoming period for cultural investment in Turkey, which may produce both social welfare and corporate image increase. Turkish culture and art environment should be monitored for European Capital of Culture in 2010 organization.
An exploratory study of alignment ERP implementation and organizational development activities in a newly established firm
Authors: Chen Jau‐Rong 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe importance of alignment of enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation for organizational strategies has been widely recognized. However, ERP implementation in the context of new ventures has not yet been convincingly demonstrated. Furthermore, how to align ERP implementation with organizational development in new ventures deserves further examination as new ventures are in the emergency or early growth stage and thus have distinct concerns in adopting ERP. Against this background, the main purpose of this paper is to explore how ERP implementation can facilitate the organization development of new ventures.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an in‐depth case study method for gathering and analyzing data. The case research strategy allows the exploration of unforeseen phenomena and offers insights into the inter‐dependencies among the factors captured in the study. It is believed that case study research will be most appropriate in gaining in‐depth knowledge of the practices of ERP implementation in new venture development.FindingsDrawing on an in‐depth case study from a Taiwanese IC design house, this study shows that, to leverage the value of ERP system, the implementation should consider the firm's growth stages, the unique industrial characteristics, the influences from the business group, and the alignment of the internal control and audit function, corporate governance, and information technology governance.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study contribute to the literature on ERP implementation and organization development in new ventures. The implications and future research directions are also discussed.Originality/valueThis single case study has provided valuable insights into the practice of ERP implementation. Furthermore, data analysis of this study provides a set of vocabularies that researchers and practitioners could employ in similar organizational processes as in new ventures. Accordingly, future ERP implementation processes can be compared and benchmarked.
Why moral failures precede financial crises
Authors: Weitzner David , Darroch James 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the linkages between greed and governance failures in both financial institutions and financial markets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper described how innovation changed the US financial system through an analysis of recent events, and employs the philosophic concepts of hubris and greed to explain certain developments.FindingsThe development of the shadow banking system and opaque products was motivated in part by greed. These developments made governance at both the institutional and market levels extremely difficult, if not impossible. In part the findings are limited by the current opacity of the markets and the dynamics of events.Practical implicationsThe implication of the research is to reinforce the need for transparency if the risk of innovation in the financial system is to be both identified and managed. The creation of central clearing houses and/or exchanges for new products is clearly indicated.Originality/valueUnderstanding the linkages between greed, hubris and governance in the development of opaque products provides insights of value to those trying to understand the current crisis – from academics to practitioners.
Financial crisis, activist states and (missed) opportunities
Authors: Caprotti Federico 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis article seeks to discuss three key issues raised by the recent financial crisis: the rise of “activist states”; a new focus on the geopolitical effects of finance; and possible future social implications of the rapid response to crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an analytical overview of three of the implications of the current crisis, and introduces the idea of the “activist state” in financial markets.FindingsThe article focuses on three issues raised in connection with the recent crisis: the rapid rise of “activist states” as a result of impaired liquidity; the bringing to light of long‐neglected geopolitical spaces of finance; and the opportunities for improved social aims communication and lobbying which result from future analyses of responses to the crisis.Originality/valueThe article's focus is on the interface between finance and politics. The article introduces the idea of a financial “activist state” as a public entity which behaves like an activist shareholder in the market. The article also suggests that the political and banking reaction to the current crisis can be seen in terms of opportunities to improve communication of social, political and policy aims in the future.