bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to the executive suite: evidence from Ireland
Authors: Cross Christine 
Published: February 2010

PurposeWhile the question regarding the low numbers of senior female managers has been posed for decades, it is of particular significance in the Irish context, as a result of the emergence of the Celtic Tiger and the associated rise in female labour force participation. This paper aims to investigate the impact of both individual and organisational barriers on female managerial career progression in Ireland, in an effort to increase understanding of why there are still so few senior female managers. The focus in this study is women in middle level management positions, as it is individuals at this organisational rank who are the natural successors to the executive suite.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 30 female managers, from across a wide range of industry sectors in Ireland.FindingsThe results highlight that the collision of managerial career stage with family life demands is resulting in many female managers feeling pressurized into remaining at middle management level, rather than seeking promotion. One of the most interesting issues to emerge is the importance afforded by the respondents to “visibility” as a career strategy.Originality/valueThe research findings contribute to both the limited research on the Irish context, and to the wider extant literature on the glass ceiling, particularly on the experiences and perceptions of those at middle management level.
Construct validation of a Theory X/Y behavior scale
Authors: Kopelman Richard E. , Prottas David J. , Falk David W. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the historical importance and current relevance of Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Y, and to suggest that the paucity of related empirical research is, in part, attributable to the lack of validated measures. The present research seeks to describe the development and construct validation of a measure pertinent to Theory X/Y behaviors.Design/methodology/approachSurveys completed by 512 working adults provide the present data. A total of 26 initial Theory X/Y behavior items are reduced to 13 through factor analysis. Convergent and discriminant validities are examined through correlational and regression analyses with measures of proximal, distal, and unrelated constructs. Test re‐test reliability is assessed using longitudinal panel data from a subset of respondents.FindingsThe results provide evidence of the construct validity of the new measure.Research limitations/implicationsRespondents are relatively young and drawn from one region of the USA. Future research should collect multi‐source and multi‐level data.Practical implicationsThe 13‐item scale may be useful as a diagnostic tool for individual and organizational development.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first research endeavor that focuses on construct‐validating a measure of managerial X/Y behaviors, as distinct from attitudes. The scale can be used in substantive research, including a more robust test of McGregor's theorizing.
Brain‐computer interfaces: control by thought
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a technical insight into recent developments in brain‐computer interface (BCI) technology and its applications.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an introduction to BCI, this paper considers the different means of detecting brain waves and then discusses a number of BCI development programmes and applications.FindingsInvasive, partially invasive and non‐invasive BCI techniques are the topic of extensive study and aim to allow the control of external devices by human thought. Invasive BCIs are being applied to patients suffering paralysis and requiring cranial surgery and aim to restore movement or impart other functions such as the operation of robotic arms or communication. Wireless invasive microelectrode arrays are under development. Of the non‐invasive techniques, electroencephalography is attracting the greatest interest and is being applied to a range of military and healthcare uses.Originality/valueThis paper provides an introduction to BCI technology and a review of recent research and a number of key applications.
High‐level programming and control for industrial robotics: using a hand‐held accelerometer‐based input device for gesture and posture recognition
Authors: Neto Pedro , Norberto Pires J. , Paulo Moreira A. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeMost industrial robots are still programmed using the typical teaching process, through the use of the robot teach pendant. This is a tedious and time‐consuming task that requires some technical expertise, and hence new approaches to robot programming are required. The purpose of this paper is to present a robotic system that allows users to instruct and program a robot with a high‐level of abstraction from the robot language.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents in detail a robotic system that allows users, especially non‐expert programmers, to instruct and program a robot just showing it what it should do, in an intuitive way. This is done using the two most natural human interfaces (gestures and speech), a force control system and several code generation techniques. Special attention will be given to the recognition of gestures, where the data extracted from a motion sensor (three‐axis accelerometer) embedded in the Wii remote controller was used to capture human hand behaviours. Gestures (dynamic hand positions) as well as manual postures (static hand positions) are recognized using a statistical approach and artificial neural networks.FindingsIt is shown that the robotic system presented is suitable to enable users without programming expertise to rapidly create robot programs. The experimental tests showed that the developed system can be customized for different users and robotic platforms.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed system is tested on two different robotic platforms. Since the options adopted are mainly based on standards, it can be implemented with other robot controllers without significant changes. Future work will focus on improving the recognition rate of gestures and continuous gesture recognition.Practical implicationsThe key contribution of this paper is that it offers a practical method to program robots by means of gestures and speech, improving work efficiency and saving time.Originality/valueThis paper presents an alternative to the typical robot teaching process, extending the concept of human‐robot interaction and co‐worker scenario. Since most companies do not have engineering resources to make changes or add new functionalities to their robotic manufacturing systems, this system constitutes a major advantage for small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises.
Multichannel audio biofeedback for dynamical coupling between prosthetic hands and their users
Authors: González José , Yu Wenwei , Hernandez Arieta Alejandro 
Published: February 2010

PurposeIt is widely agreed that amputees have to rely on visual input to monitor and control the position of the prosthesis while reaching and grasping because of the lack of proprioceptive feedback. Therefore, visual information has been a prerequisite for prosthetic hand biofeedback studies. This is why, the underlying characteristics of other artificial feedback methods used to this day, such as auditive, electro‐tactile, or vibro‐tactile feedback, has not been clearly explored. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether it is possible to use audio feedback alone to convey more than one independent variable (multichannel) simultaneously, without relying on the vision, to improve the learning of a new perceptions, in this case, to learn and understand the artificial proprioception of a prosthetic hand while reaching.Design/methodology/approachExperiments are conducted to determine whether the audio signals could be used as a multi‐variable dynamical sensory substitution in reaching movements without relying on the visual input. Two different groups are tested, the first one uses only audio information and the second one uses only visual information to convey computer‐simulated trajectories of two fingers.FindingsThe results show that it is possible to use auditive feedback to convey artificial proprioceptive information instead of vision as a guide, thus assist users by internalizing new perceptions.Originality/valueThis way, the strong and weak points of auditive feedback can be observed and can be used to improve future feedback systems or schemes, which can integrate different feedback methods to provide more information to the user.
Improving wheelchair‐driving using a sensor system to control wheelchair‐veer and variable‐switches as an alternative to digital‐switches or joysticks
Authors: Sanders David A. , Langner Martin , Tewkesbury Giles E. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present powered‐wheelchair transducers and systems that provide more control, reduced veer on slopes, and improved energy conservation, while reducing effort. They are especially significant for people with movement disorders who lack sufficient hand‐grasp and release ability or sufficient targeting skill to use joysticks.Design/methodology/approachLaboratory test rigs are created to test proportional switches and teach potential users. Then, trials are conducted with a rolling road and in real situations. Caster angle‐measurement is selected to provide feedback to minimize drift away from a chosen course and an electronic solution was created to match driver control to caster‐steering‐position. A case study is described as an example.FindingsResults and advantages are presented from changing from using a set of digital‐switches to a set of new variable‐switches and then adding a sensor system to prevent veer on slopes. Systems have been tested for nearly two years and shown to assist powered‐wheelchair‐users with poor targeting skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe research used wheelchairs with caster‐wheels but the systems could easily be used on other wheelchairs.Practical implicationsSimple input‐devices are presented that isolate gross motor function and are tolerant to involuntary movements (proportional‐switches). A sensor system is presented that assists users in steering across sloping or uneven ground.Originality/valueProportional‐switches and sensors are shown to reduce veer and provide more control over turn and forward speed and turn radius while reducing frustration and improving energy conservation. The simple and affordable systems could be created and attached to many standard powered‐wheelchairs in many organisations.
Development of an autonomous in‐pipe robot for offshore pipeline maintenance
Authors: Wang Zhongwei , Cao Qixin , Luan Nan , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a novel autonomous in‐pipe robot to perform the preventive point reparation for long‐distance offshore oil pipelines.Design/methodology/approachThe autonomous in‐pipe robot performs online ultrasonic inspection for pipe wall thickness, and the original inspection data are stored in large capacity hard disk. Through the offline data analysis by the data analysts and the software tool, the pipeline health status is known. If server defects lie there, the in‐pipe robot is introduced into the pipeline once more to indicate the defect's location to the maintenance ship.FindingsThe laboratory tests and the field tests prove the feasibility and validity of the developed autonomous in‐pipe robot. Furthermore, the application of intelligent control techniques ensures the mission completion by the autonomous in‐pipe robot, which worked in the awful pipeline environment.Practical implicationsThe developed autonomous in‐pipe robot helps eliminate lost production costs and pipeline downtime caused by leakages and guarantees the safe run of offshore oil pipelines.Originality/valueFor the application of the autonomous in‐pipe robot, there are no special requirements for maintained pipelines themselves, so it is applicable to the point reparation for most long‐distance welded offshore pipelines.
An industrial robot for thin‐type space solar cells bonding
Authors: Li Peibo , Fu Z. , Zhao Yanzheng 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a serial produced industrial robot for thin‐type space solar cells (SSC), which is applied to perform the bonding process of SSC.Design/methodology/approachAn optimized process of adhesive coating and bonding for SSC is designed, based on an analysis of hydromechanics model. In order to perform the process, a novel robot is developed, which mainly consists of a three‐axis Cartesian coordinates' motion platform, coating‐and‐bonding device, solar cell and glass cover orientation plate, control system, pneumatic system, constant temperature module, and industrial personal computer software. The coating and bonding operation is based on the three‐axis Cartesian coordinates' motion and the help of pneumatic system.FindingsCompared with the experimental prototype and handwork, the robot is more effective and reliable for the bonding process of the thin‐type solar cells.Originality/valueThe robot is very useful to realize automatic production of SSC.
Re‐thinkingtanawwo(diversity) andmusawat(equality) in the Middle East
Authors: Syed Jawad , Burke Ronald J. , Pinar Acar F. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an editorial introduction to the special issue on “Diversity management in the Middle East”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the state of extant research on diversity and equal opportunity in the Middle East. It also offers an overview of the papers included in the special issue and the unique contribution they make to this field of knowledge.FindingsFindings vary from one paper to the other; however, overall, the papers in the special issue bring to fore alternative types of national and corporate institutions, theoretical ideas, activities and challenges involved in diversity and equality management in the Middle East.Research limitations/implicationsThe papers offer some fresh insights in terms of theorizing and enacting diversity and equal opportunity in departure from the dominant Anglo‐centric theorizations in this field.Practical implicationsPolicy makers as well as business managers may take into account various findings and recommendations offered in the papers in formulating context‐specific policies and practices of diversity management in the Middle East.Originality/valueThere are not many researchers interested in this field in the Middle East. Thus there are relatively few high quality research papers being produced. Those that are published appear in a wide variety of journals never achieving a critical mass. And the central role of national culture and values is rarely examined. The current (special) issue ofEquality, Diversity and Inclusionaddresses these gaps.
An historical perspective on Islamic modesty and its implications for female employment
Authors: Syed Jawad 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer an historical perspective on Islamic modesty and discuss its implications for female employment in Muslim majority countries (MMCs).Design/methodology/approachFirst the paper explores the textual roots of modesty as enshrined in the Quran and the hadith and the historical and socio‐cultural contexts within which the concept was introduced and subsequently transformed. It then discusses implications of Islamic modesty for female employment in MMCs.FindingsThe paper argues that the originally protective provisions for women in the principal sources of Islam were gradually transformed in the subsequent periods into strict patriarchal institutions of female seclusion and gender segregation. This shift was incorporated into Islam by way of the exegesis of the Quran and other religious narratives, resulting in an extremely restrictive concept of female modesty.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper argues that in its current form the concept of Islamic modesty poses significant social, physical and emotional challenges for working women; unless these challenges are understood and addressed in their historical and socio‐cultural contexts, it will remain difficult to achieve gender equality at work in MMCs.Practical implicationsThe orthodox (patriarchal) perspective on modesty does not grant women a role in a nation's economy, resulting in an inefficient utilisation of human resources. A possible way forward is to engage in critical reinterpretation of religion to reform gender relations in MMCs, including with respect to gender equality at work.Originality/valueThere has been relatively little research on Islam and gender equality in the context of employment. The usual radical feminist position is to view Islam and gender discrimination as intertwined, a union which would invariably result in female disadvantage in the workplace. This article contributes to this debate by offering an historical, socio‐cultural perspective on Islamic female modesty and considering its implications for female employment.
The challenge of moving beyond rhetoric
Authors: Jamali Dima , Abdallah Hanin , Hmaidan Soha 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the understanding and practice of diversity management in a Middle Eastern context, based on interviews with two sets of stakeholders (Lebanese women managers and HR managers) directly concerned and involved with diversity management efforts in the Lebanese context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an integrative multi‐level research design and an interpretive research methodology, capitalizing on in‐depth interviews with eight HR managers and 18 women managers to explore their perceptions and interpretations of diversity management in the Lebanese context.FindingsThe findings presented in this paper clearly illustrate the relevance of micro, meso, and macro level factors in diversity management research and the need to accord attention to cultural differences and peculiarities of national contexts.Originality/valueThe paper offers a critical perspective on diversity management in an unusual context. It makes unequivocally clear that the goals for alleviating specific sources of discrimination need to be locally articulated/defined. Furthermore, the paper questions thelaissez fairemanagement approach to diversity and warns against a tendency to ignore serious gender related issues at work as more women enter the workforce in the Middle East.
Gender differences in entrepreneurship
Authors: Malach Pines Ayala , Lerner Miri , Schwartz Dafna 
Published: February 2010

PurposeIn 2008, the world had undergone a global economic crisis. Since women always face greater difficulties in obtaining capital than men, the economic crisis had a greater effect on them. The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of the global crisis for women's entrepreneurship, from the perspective of equality, diversity and inclusion.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews studies on gender differences in entrepreneurship, focusing on 2007 and 2008 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) studies that examined the rates of entrepreneurship in 43 countries.FindingsThe data show that in all 43 countries, the rates of women's entrepreneurship are lower than men's. Furthermore, the percent of women entrepreneurs is higher in countries where the general income per capita is small and where women have no other option for making a living.Research limitations/implicationsThis surprising finding has been explained as a result of the difference between “necessity” and “opportunity” entrepreneurship, with necessity entrepreneurship found to be more prevalent among women in poor countries, thus pointing to the role played by inequality and exclusion in women's entrepreneurial inferiority.Practical implicationsFrom the perspective of diversity, equality and inclusion, entrepreneurship can be viewed as a means for inclusion of women and other marginalized groups in countries, especially low‐income countries, in which they suffer from lack of equal opportunities and social exclusion.Originality/valueThe paper usefully shows how, especially in times of a global crisis, the role played by inequality and exclusion in women's entrepreneurial inferiority has important implications; such as the need to create special funds for women and the importance of establishing social and business networks for women entrepreneurs.
Start making sense
Authors: Golembiewski Jan A. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to look into the significance of architectural design in psychiatric care facilities. There is a strong correlation between perceptual dysfunction and psychiatric illness, and also between the patient and his environment. As such, even minor design choices can be of great consequence in a psychiatric facility. It is of critical importance, therefore, that a psychiatric milieu is sympathetic and does not exacerbate the psychosis.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses the architectural elements that may influence mental health, using an architectural extrapolation of Antonovsky's salutogenic theory, which states that better health results from a state of mind which has a fortified sense of coherence. According to the theory, a sense of coherence is fostered by a patient's ability to comprehend the environment (comprehensibility), to be effective in his actions (manageability) and to find meaning (meaningfullness).FindingsSalutogenic theory can be extrapolated in an architectural context to inform design choices when designing for a stress‐sensitive client base.Research limitations/implicationsIn the paper an architectural extrapolation of salutogenic theory is presented as a practical method for making design decisions (in praxis) when evidence is not available. As demonstrated, the results appear to reflect what evidence is available, but real evidence is always desirable over rationalist speculation. The method suggested here cannot prove the efficacy or appropriateness of design decisions and is not intended to do so.Practical implicationsThe design of mental health facilities has long been dominated by unsubstantiated policy and normative opinions that do not always serve the client population. This method establishes a practical theoretical model for generating architectural design guidelines for mental health facilities.Originality/valueThe paper will prove to be helpful in several ways. First, salutogenic theory is a useful framework for improving health outcomes, but in the past the theory has never been applied in a methodological way. Second, there have been few insights into how the architecture itself can improve the functionality of a mental health facility other than improve the secondary functions of hospital services.