bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking a leadership model for the green economy
Authors: Green Daryl D. , McCann Jack 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine benchmarking leadership theories in order to build a new leadership model for the green economy.Design/methodology/approachThe collection and critical analysis of secondary data from relevant publications were used to evaluate the feasibility of a new leadership model in the green economy. Analysis of organizational and leadership theories has been utilized in order to benchmark future successful efforts.FindingsThe paper found five key issues: there is little research in how the green economy will impact contemporary organizations' strategy, structure, and culture; new theories may need to be developed to assist organizations in developing the right kind of leadership for the green economy; the creation of green jobs may infuse organizations with more emphasis on values and leadership competency; the over dependence on technology to create jobs and sustain society's quality of life carries unintended consequences; and agrarian leadership may offer organizations a better ability to lead workers in the green economy.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper examines benchmarking applications that are exclusively relevant in both private and public organizations.Practical implicationsThere are several implications for researchers and practitioners related to improving the personal and organizational success of leaders guiding their followers in a green economy. Many countries hope that the green economy will be able to improve their financial situation. Yet, organizations are struggling with the issues of ethical behavior by managers and how to motivate their employees toward greater performance. A new leadership based on agrarian values may be a positive step in addressing these matters.Originality/valueThe paper is significant because it presents a theoretical framework for interpreting how agrarian values can work building the quality of life when applied in a green economy.
An exploratory study of outsourcing 3PL services: an Australian perspective
Authors: Rahman Shams 
Published: June 2011

PurposeOver the last two decades, a large number of studies have been conducted in the field of outsourcing third‐party logistics (3PL) services and the field is growing. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which 3PL services are outsourced by Australian firms. Specifically, it investigates the motivation for outsourcing, the average length of 3PL contracts, types of logistics services used and the impact of the use of outsourcing logistics services on customer satisfaction, logistics costs and employee morale of the user companies.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a questionnaire survey conducted in Australia. The sample was drawn from companies listed in Dun & Bradstreet's 500 largest Australian firms. Banks and other financial firms, insurance companies and real estate companies were excluded from the list of firms and a total of 210 firms were identified for this study. Data were collected against a number of items pertaining to the extent of 3PL use and its impact on performance.FindingsThe results revealed that the most frequently used logistics functions are warehouse management, order fulfillment and fleet management. The top three factors that motivated the firms to outsource are cost reduction, reduction in capital investment, and enhanced operational flexibility. The level of satisfaction with 3PL service providers is high at 86 percent and is reflected in the indication to continue their use in the future. However, employee morale has been adversely affected in 50 percent of 3PL users.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the current 3PL practices and the trends in 3PL services for achieving improved business results.
Core process management practices, quality tools and quality improvement in ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies
Authors: Psomas Evangelos L. , Fotopoulos Christos V. , Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios P. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine, first, the level to which ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies adopt process management and improve quality, second, the latent factors of process management and quality improvement, and finally, the relationships between the latent factors extracted.Design/methodology/approachA research project was carried out in 196 ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies operating in Greece. A structured questionnaire was designed and pilot tested and then addressed to management representatives of the companies. Descriptive statistics were used in order to determine the level of process management adoption and the level of quality improvement. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were also applied to extract the latent factors of process management and quality improvement and to assess their reliability and validity. The relationships between the latent factors were determined through structural equation modelling.FindingsTwo latent factors were extracted with respect to process management (the core process management practices and the supporting quality tools) and one latent factor with respect to quality improvement. The findings revealed that the ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies implement to a high degree of the core process management practices, in contrast to the supporting quality tools. Notwithstanding, significant quality improvement is achieved. According to the structural model, the core process management practices have a strong, positive and direct effect on quality improvement. The supporting quality tools have an indirect effect on quality improvement through their significant correlation with the core process management practices.Originality/valueThis paper describes a reliable and valid model that analyzes process management in two latent factors (the core process management practices and the supporting quality tools). The model also depicts the effects of these latent factors on quality improvement of ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies.
Round‐trip iterative business process modelling between BPA and BPMS tools
Authors: Cheung Melissa , Hidders Jan 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present how iterative round‐trip modelling between two different business process modelling tools can be enabled on a conceptual level. Iterative round‐trip modelling addresses model transformations between high‐level business and executable process models, and how to maintain these transformations in change time. Currently, the development of these process models is supported by different tools. To the authors' best knowledge, no coherent collaborative tool environment exists that supports iterative round‐trip modelling.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is primarily based on a literature review of state‐of‐the‐art business to IT transformations regarding business process modelling. The architecture of integrated information systems (ARIS) and Cordys tools are used as an example case in this research. ARIS is a business process analysis (BPA) tool suited for analyzing and designing business processes, while the execution and monitoring of these processes is allowed by Cordys, a business process management suite (BPMS). The theory is used for transforming between ARIS event‐driven process chains from the business perspective and business process modelling notation in Cordys from the IT perspective.FindingsA conceptual framework is proposed to couple a BPA and BPMS tool for round‐trip business process modelling. The framework utilizes concepts from the model‐driven architecture for structurally addressing interoperability and model transformations. Ensuring iterative development with two tools requires traceability of model transformations.Practical implicationsIn many organizations, BPA and BPMS tools are used for business process modelling. These are in practice often two different worlds, while they concern around the same business processes. Maintaining multiple versions of the same process models across two tools is a considerable task, as they often are subject to design changes. Interoperability between a BPA and BPMS tool will minimize redundant activities, and reduce business to IT deployment time.Originality/valueThis research provides a theoretical base for coupling a BPA and BPMS tool regarding iterative round‐trip modelling. It provides an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art literature of business process modelling transformations, and what is necessary for maintaining interoperability between tools. The findings indicate what is expected in tool support for iterative development in business process modelling from analysis and design to execution.
IT infrastructure refresh planning for enterprises: a business process perspective
Authors: Daim Tugrul U. , Letts Matthew , Krampits Mark , Khamis Rabah , Dash Pranabesh , Monalisa Mitali , Justice Jay 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to research literature to describe the business processes used when planning IT infrastructure refreshes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and pairwise comparisons to model and quantify the decision process for IT infrastructure refreshes.FindingsThe research found that most companies keep their refresh processes private and very little academic research is available on this topic. While supportability, manageability, compatibility, cost, and scalability are important factors to large organizations, performance and availability of the systems are important for smaller organizations.Originality/valueAHP was not ever used to evaluate the refresh planning. The paper demonstrates that it would be a very useful tool.
Using virtual worlds for collaborative business process modeling
Authors: Brown Ross , Recker Jan , West Stephen 
Published: June 2011

PurposeProcess modeling is a complex organizational task that requires many iterations and communication between the business analysts and the domain specialists. The challenge of process modeling is exacerbated, when the process of modeling has to be performed in a cross‐organizational, distributed environment. This paper aims to suggest a three‐dimensional (3D) environment for collaborative process modeling, using virtual world technology.Design/methodology/approachThe paper suggests a new collaborative process modeling approach based on virtual world technology. It describes the design of an innovative prototype collaborative process modeling approach, implemented as a 3D Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) modeling environment in Second Life. We use a case study to evaluate the suggested approach.FindingsBased on a case study application, the paper shows that our approach increases user empowerment and adds significantly to the collaboration and consensual development of process models even when the relevant stakeholders are geographically dispersed.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents design work and a case study. More research is needed to more thoroughly evaluate the presented approach in a variety of real‐life process modeling settings.Practical implicationsThe research outcomes as design artifacts are directly available and applicable by business process management professionals and can be used by business, system and process analysts in real‐world practice.Originality/valueThis research is the first reported attempt to develop a process modeling approach on the basis of virtual world technology. It describes a novel and innovative 3D BPMN modeling environment in Second Life.
Leading beyond borders: insights and case studies from IBM's Global Chief Human Resource Officer study
Authors: Britt Andi , Kreyer Nina 
Published: June 2011

PurposeAs organizations operate in an increasingly borderless world where work is performed across various cultures, geographies and time zones, modern strategies and approaches for effective, global leadership are a necessity. The aim of this paper is to explore how leaders can successfully address the challenges of global leadership in order to improve business performance and take advantage of new business opportunities.Design/methodology/approachIBM's recently published Global Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) study – to which more than 700 HR executives and workforce strategists across 61 countries contributed – reveals that organizations continue to struggle to resolve a number of critical leadership challenges.FindingsThe authors explore the key levers that leaders need to apply in order to maximize workforce performance and capitalize on collective intelligence. Analysis of our study shows that many organizations will need to work very differently from how they operate today, engaging much more seamlessly across a wide range of geographic, functional, and generational boundaries.Originality/valueThe following article summarizes the findings from IBM's recent CHRO study, highlights its implications for modern leadership and presents selected case studies to illustrate how the theory can be put into practice.
The “zero‐CO” domestic fireplace: a catalytic solution to reduce pollutants
Authors: Ozil F. , Tschamber V. , Haas F. , Trouvé G. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeBecause domestic heating appliances have the advantage of reducing emissions of greenhouse gas, their use is greatly increased and is largely recommended by European governments. However, some recent studies revealed that residential wood stoves and inserts are the source of many chemicals in the form of gases (CO2, CO, SO2, NOx), volatile organic compounds (alkane, alkenes, benzene, etc. …) and tars (mainly constituting poly‐aromatic hydrocarbons). The most important of them in terms of the emission factor and impact on environment and human health are carbon monoxide and fine particles. The aim of this study is to test the activity of a Pd‐based catalyst on the reduction of gas and particles during wood combustion in a domestic fireplace.Design/methodology/approachA catalytic system, placed at the exit of the fireplace, was developed to reduce pollutants. Pollutant characterization of a domestic fireplace from FONDIS SA, according to two paces of functioning (nominal and low‐charge), was performed with and without the presence of the catalyst. Fine and ultrafine particle distributions were characterized using an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor.FindingsThe presence of a catalyst drastically decreases the emission factors of CO. Though performing efficiently with respect to the total suspended particles emission factor, it does not significantly affect the emission factors of aerosols. Nevertheless, in the presence of the catalyst, air supply conditions slightly modify size distributions of PM0.1 to PM10.Practical implicationsA purification assembly, having catalysts for gases and combustion fumes from solid fuel heating apparatus, was patented and fireplaces are now commercially available from FONDIS SA.Originality/valueThis work was an adaptation of the catalytic system present in the automotive Diesel exhaust engines. It was not necessary to consult previous laboratory experiments in order to perform its activity because it was directly tested at the duct fireplace.
Investigating the determinants of recycling behaviour in Malta
Authors: Bezzina Frank H. , Dimech Stephen 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore different factors of recycling behaviour with evidence from Malta in order to determine which of these factors emerge as significant predictors of the recycling participation of Maltese residents.Design/methodology/approachFor this study, the recycling behaviour of 400 Maltese residents selected at random from the e‐Electoral Register for general elections and local councils was investigated. A behavioural framework was adopted and the questionnaire used incorporates elements from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the Model of Altruistic Behaviour (MAB) as well as other determinants of recycling behaviour (e.g. inconveniences and demographic variables). The participants had the option of answering the questionnaire by telephone or via an online survey which was e‐mailed directly to the participants.FindingsThe study shows that nine factors – “personal recycling attitudes, norms and skills”, “satisfaction with service provided”, “inconveniences”, “awareness of consequences”, “knowledge of issues”, “social recycling attitudes and norms”, “motivating factors”, “intentions to act” and “scheme preference” – account for 68.5 per cent of the variability in the recycling behaviour of Maltese residents. Additionally, the first three factors highlighted above emerged as significant predictors of recycling participation and together accounted for 48.5 per cent of the variability in recycling participation. In the light of the findings, the issue of adopting a corporate communications programme emerges as a possible strategy aimed at putting mandatory EU recycling targets for Malta back on track.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence from Malta that the incorporation of elements from the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the Model of Altruistic Behaviour as well as other additional variables (e.g. situational factors and demographic factors) makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the recycling behaviour and the recycling participation of Maltese residents.
Motives, difficulties and benefits in implementing the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
Authors: Psomas Evangelos L. , Fotopoulos Christos V. , Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios P. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the motives for implementing the ISO 14001 standard, the difficulties in meeting the standard's requirements and the benefits derived, and to determine the most significant latent constructs (unobserved variables) of these.Design/methodology/approachA research project was carried out in 53 ISO 14001‐certified Greek companies. Exploratory Factor Analyses were applied in order to refine the latent constructs of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits.FindingsObtaining a competitive advantage, the social requirement and the environmentally‐friendly policy were the extracted latent constructs of the ISO 14001 motives. The decision of the companies to be ISO 14001‐certified was mostly influenced by internal motives. The ISO 14001 requirements and the determination of environmental performance issues were the extracted latent constructs of the difficulties faced during the implementation of the standard. However, according to the findings, the level of these difficulties was not high. The improvement of a company's position in the market, the transition from conventional to sustainable practices, the improved relationship with society due to better environmental performance and the improvement of waste processing were the extracted latent constructs of the benefits derived. Even though they were not extremely high, the internal were more significant than the external benefits.Research limitations/implicationsThe subjective character of the data collected, the small size of the sample of the participating companies and their diversity with respect to their sector and size, are the main limitations of the present study. Future studies can use these limitations as suggestions for further research.Practical implicationsThe latent constructs extracted through the analysis of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits may encourage non‐certified companies to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) according to ISO 14001. The ISO 14001 certified companies can focus on specific factors in order to strengthen their motivation, avoid difficulties, maximise benefits and consequently to improve their environmental management and performance.Originality/valueThis paper describes the underlying structure of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits and determines the respective latent constructs.
Evaluation and applicability of water quality and nutrients removal by coastal wetlands receiving treated municipal wastewater and its application
Authors: Hu Chih‐Yang , Jin Guang , Englande A.J. 
Published: June 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the water quality of the wetland that received treated municipal wastewater for 40 years and its application for nutrients removal and wetland restoration.Design/methodology/approachTo assess the water quality impact of the study, wetland sampling sites were selected to represent the receiving wetland, wetland background, effluent discharge point, and the adjacent canals. Water samples were taken in different seasons of the year and analyzed for water quality parameters including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, chloride, total organic carbon, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, TKN and phosphorus. USEPA‐approved standard methods were followed and Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures were compiled. Analysis of variance and Student Newman‐Keuls Post‐Hoc analysis were performed on the sampling results to evaluate the water quality differences among the sampling sites.FindingsNo water quality degradation was detected in the wetland study after receiving treated municipal wastewater for 40 years. Dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature were not different from the background level. Total organic carbon and nutrients levels reduced significantly in the receiving wetland, indicating effective waste assimilation. Salinity in the immediate receiving area was reduced substantially, which offers potential application to buffer saltwater intrusion and wetland restoration.Practical implicationsThe practice in this study offers potential implications in wastewater nutrients removal, wetland restoration, minimizing saltwater intrusion in coastal wetland.Originality/valueThis study investigated the water quality impact in wetland after receiving municipal effluent for 40 years. Results provide evidence of effective assimilation in wetlands and offer potential applications in coastal wetland restoration.
A critical contribution to theoretical foundations of privacy studies
Authors: Allmer Thomas 
Published: June 2011

PurposeAlthough there is much public talk about privacy, it seems that there is no definite answer; rather, ambiguous concepts of what privacy is and what indeed privacy in peril is. The overall aim of this paper is to clarify how privacy is defined in the academic literature, what the different concepts of privacy have in common, what distinguish them from one another, and what advantages and disadvantages such definitions have in order to clarify if there is a gap in the existing literature.Design/methodology/approachThis contribution constructs theoretically founded typologies in order to systemize the existing literature of privacy studies and to analyse examples of privacy (threats). Therefore, it mainly is a theoretical approach combined with illustrative examples.FindingsThis paper contains a systematic discussion of the state of the art of privacy studies by establishing a typology of existing privacy definitions and discussing commonalties and differences. In this paper, it is argued that the existing literature is insufficient for studying privacy. Therefore, a critical contribution to privacy studies is needed.Originality/valueA critical contribution to privacy studies avoids pitfalls of the existing literature and strives for the development of theoretical and empirical research methods in order to focus on privacy in the context of domination, asymmetrical power relations, resource control, social struggles, and exploitation.