bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceived barriers towards the use of e‐trade processes by Korean SMEs
Authors: Oh Ka‐Young , Anderson Alistair R. , Cruickshank Doug 
Published: February 2012

PurposeE‐trade (or electronic trading) appears to offer increased efficiency in business processes, but only a limited number of small firms in Korea have adopted the new processes. The purpose of this paper is to try to establish the obstacles and the perceived barriers to the continuing use of e‐trade technologies by small Korean firms.Design/methodology/approachThe literature was employed to develop a theoretical model that includes perceived risk and the environment. The model was operationalised in a questionnaire completed by 164 respondents. LISREL validated the instrument and the model. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe authors found that information risk and business risk negatively affect adoption and use. The authors also tested the relationship between the environment of the organisation and adoption of e‐trade. The results show that the maturity of information technology and the innovation characteristics of the firm have positive influences on the adoption of e‐trade.Research limitations/implicationsThis study uses data from existing users, so the findings extend the existing literature about decisions to adopt and use new processes. The data are, however, limited to the Korean context.Practical implicationsThe study demonstrates the negative influence of perceptions about risk associated with innovative processes. Thus, this awareness and understanding of how barriers are perceived should help to increase the diffusion of e‐trade systems. The authors' findings indicate what has to be done for developing and extending the use of e‐trade.Originality/valueThe study is novel and contributes to the understanding of the adoption and use of new processes.
A business process modeling‐based approach to investigate complex processes
Authors: Abu Rub Faisal A. , Issa Ayman A. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a new approach to investigate complex processes, such as software development processes, using business process modeling.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an investigation into the use of role activity diagramming (RAD) to model complex processes in the software industry sector, with reference to the process of TestWarehouse as a case study.FindingsSystematic extension and quantitative analysis to RAD models led to the discovery of process bottlenecks, identification of cross functional boundary problems, and focused discussion about automation of processes.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work is required to validate and evaluate the proposed approach using several cases with different application domains and thus generalize the adopted approach.Practical implicationsA new approach has been used successfully to understand and analyze business processes. The tools and techniques that are used to perform the approach are not complicated and do not need much specialist expertise, so the approach is not only oriented toward specialists but also toward organizations' managers and staff.Originality/valueNew techniques have been developed by using process modelling to deepen the understanding and analyzing of complex organizational processes. This research implements a practical investigation which uses a case study to validate the new techniques.
Google Scholar Author Citation Tracker: is it too little, too late?
Authors: Jacsó Péter 
Published: February 2012

PurposeSeven years after the release of Google Scholar in 2004, it was enhanced by a new module, the Google Scholar Author Citation Tracker (GSACT), currently a small subset of the complete Google Scholar (GS) database. The aim of this paper is to focus on this enhancement.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the Google Scholar Author Citation Tracker, its features, potential benefits and problems.FindingsGSACT allows registered users to create and edit their scientific profiles and some bibliometric indicators, such as the h‐index, total citation counts, and the i10 index. These metrics are provided for the entire academic career of authors and for the most recent five‐year period. The new module also offers some long overdue essential options, such as sorting result lists of the documents by their publication year, title, and the citations receivedOriginality/valueThe paper shows that, at present, GSACT may be too little, too late. However, with an extension of the current clean‐up project it could possibly become a really scholarly resource in the long run.
Pollution profiling and particle size distribution within permeable paving units – with and without a geotextile
Authors: Mullaney Jennifer , Rikalainen Päivi , Jefferies Chris 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the sediment and pollution profiling and particle size distribution with depth within permeable paving structures, both with and without a geotextile.Design/methodology/approachTest rigs set up in an earlier pilot study were used for four separate but linked studies. Street dust was applied to rigs C and D to determine the retention of sediments. Heavy metals together with street dust were applied to rig A and B (previously control rigs) to determine the effect of sediment on the pollution removal capabilities of the test rigs. Following the application of sediment, rigs A and B were carefully taken apart to determine pollution profiles and particle size distributions.FindingsThe findings reveal that sediment does have an effect on the metal removal capabilities of permeable paving systems, but there was minimal difference between the rigs with a geotextile and without. Pollution profiling within the test rigs identified that the greatest concentration of metals was in the surface sediment and that both rigs removed similar percentages but the concentrations of metals were distributed differently. It was also found that after between 10 and 15 years of sediment application paving rigs began to “block” causing reduced infiltration rates. Unfortunately it is difficult to explain the variations of particle size distributions found with depth in the paving structure. It had been expected to find progressively higher proportions of finer material with depth. However, the reverse was true, with a higher proportion of fines in the sediment applied to the surface and a progressive increase in the proportion of coarse material with depthPractical implicationsThe conclusions confirm the effects of sediment within a permeable paving structure and indicate the loading at which the infiltration rates become affected. These results may help to determine a maintenance programme, however this would require further research.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comparative study on pollution and sediment profiling within a permeable paving structure both with and without the inclusion of an upper geotextile. It provides valuable insight into the amount of sediment on paving before it becomes blocked. The methodology and results reported in this research could be used for further studies to provide more evidence as to whether the inclusion of an upper geotextile is beneficial.
Assessing methods of PM10 and NOx emission for EIA of roads
Authors: Lieplapa Liga , Blumberga Dagnija 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe quantitative assessment of environmental effects should be carried out using the indicators that ensure the best objectivity and efficiency of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. The aim of this paper is to clarify the effectiveness of the methods used for prognoses of air pollution from roads. The benchmark method proposed in this paper is based on theoretical knowledge and on analysis of data collected from EIA reports.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes a literature review and developing of the benchmark method. This research was based on data dispersion analysis, determination of benchmarks, usage of regression method, as well as confrontation of different methods of determination of air emission concentration used in EIA.FindingsThe simplified model has been designed for determination of concentration of dust emission in the air from motor roads, the building or reconstruction of which is planned. The results indicate that the benchmark method for determination of air pollution with particulate matter PM10 has been elaborated, which can be used for environmental impact evaluation in motor road construction. The method has been elaborated relying on measurement data of existing motor roads and displays a high level of probability of credibility.Practical implicationsThe method is simpler and less time‐consuming than the currently used calculation model. It produces a more precise result than the calculation model. It is outstanding and important since the further development of motor road projects can undoubtedly be judged by the results of EIA.Originality/valueThe results of this research provide a rational and comparative approach for finding the methods of determination of the air emission concentration used in EIA in producing the credible outcome. The results reported in the research show existing problems with calculation of emissions from roads. The proposed benchmark method is simple, easy to use and credible.
Observations on groundwater‐surface water interactions at River Vantaa, Finland
Authors: Korkka‐Niemi Kirsti , Kivimäki Anna‐Liisa , Nygård Maria 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of groundwater‐surface water interaction when studying, modeling and assessing climate change impacts on river water management.Design/methodology/approachThe investigations were focused on River Vantaa and its tributaries in southern Finland. The main methods used involved aerial infrared photography, thermal profiling of river sediments, water quality measurements, isotopic composition of oxygen and hydrogen δ18O, δ2H and river water temperature measurements. The authors present the first results of the field measurements targeted to identify the groundwater recharge and discharge zones within the river system.FindingsGroundwater discharge zones were found to have a significant impact on water quality and volume in River Vantaa and its tributaries. In the drainage basin, the aerial infrared photography seemed to be a feasible and cost‐effective method to identify areas of groundwater discharge across the entire river basin. Around 350 groundwater/surface water interaction sites along the 220 km river system could be identified.Practical implicationsThe interaction sites identified during the season of low flow rate should be considered as potential risk areas because during flood periods groundwater quality might be at risk due to bank infiltration. This should be considered in river basin management within predicted changing climatic conditions.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt in Finland to map systematically groundwater and river water interactions. The focus of the paper is relevant, because according to the existing climate scenarios, flooding of the main rivers in Finland will be more frequent in future, increasing the probability of groundwater‐surface water interaction.
On the road to performance governance in the public domain?
Authors: Halligan John , Sarrico Cláudia S. , Lee Rhodes Mary 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis article seeks to assess how performance management in the public domain has evolved over the last several years both in terms of theory and practice in selected countries. The paper also aims to act as the editorial for the special issue of the journal.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on Bouckaert and Halligan as a framework for analysing performance management in the public sector, this paper reviews findings from their work (on the evolution of cases from six countries), a recent survey of seven countries from four continents, and three additional case studies at the micro, meso and macro levels of analysis.FindingsThe article finds that the evidence for progress towards a “performance governance” regime in the public domain is mixed, with little progress in countries outside the Anglo‐American or Nordic examples studied by Bouckaert and Halligan. Several reasons for this are suggested from the recent survey (in this issue), including the impact of public sector values and the role of elites. However, case studies of particular sectors in countries with limited progress on performance management in general (Portugal and Ireland) suggest that significant inroads can nevertheless be made along the trajectory proposed by Bouckaert and Halligan at micro and meso levels.Originality/valueThe paper draws together evidence from various examples of performance management in the public domain to critically assess and extend existing theory and to suggest alternative trajectories on the road to performance governance.
School performance management practices and school achievement
Authors: Sarrico Cláudia S. , Rosa Maria J. , Manatos Maria J. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe literature is very rich in its discussion on how to measure school performance, but there are still a number of gaps to investigate in relation to the determinants of that performance, especially at the level of school performance management practices. The purpose of the paper is to understand better performance management practices in schools and how they may relate to school achievement.Design/methodology/approachFrequently, the performance of schools is evaluated using solely output measures: especially exam classifications, but also progression rates, completion rates and wastage rates. Previously, a value‐added approach was used to quantitatively evaluate Portuguese secondary schools beyond output results. From the results of this exercise, a sample of schools with different levels of observed performance was chosen. In‐depth case studies of the sample of schools were undertaken to gather an understanding of their performance management practices, taking Bouckaert and Halligan's framework of analysis.FindingsSelf‐evaluation and performance management are not well developed in schools. Most schools monitor exam results, progression and completion rates. However, they do not seem to do it in a formal and systematic way, and find it difficult to understand the reasons for the results obtained. Incorporation of performance measures into performance management is incipient, and most acknowledge the difficulty of going from measurement of results to improvement actions. Few can demonstrate that improvement actions have resulted from self‐evaluation and very few evaluate improvement actions' results. There seems to be an agreement that the external evaluation of schools has prompted the development of self‐evaluation.Originality/valueThis is a study at the meso level of analysis of public sector performance, that of state education. The study contributes to a better understanding of performance management in Portuguese secondary schools. More generally, it investigates the usefulness of the Bouckaert and Halligan framework to assess progress in performance management and whether that will lead to progress in performance itself.
Performance management challenges in hybrid NPO/public sector settings: an Irish case
Authors: Conaty Frank J. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper explores the characteristics and organisational attributes of hybrid non‐profit organisation (NPO)/public sector settings to identify the particular challenges presented for performance management and to further explore the extent to which such characteristics and attributes might impinge on a move to “performance governance” as a performance framework ideal type.Design/methodology/approachA preliminary case study of an Irish NPO/public sector hybrid organisation was used to ground a review of NPO and public sector performance management concepts and theoretical developments. The review focused on the implications of organisational characteristics/attributes of the hybrid case study organisation for performance management.FindingsFive organisational characteristics/attributes are identified as central to the understanding of the challenges for performance management in such settings: inter‐stakeholder relationships; tensions across priority objectives; culture and institutional clashes; power distribution; and interdependent stress. Further, it is suggested that while the adoption of collaborative public sector models suggests a move toward performance governance, the performance challenges identified in the hybrid setting give rise to particular barriers to any substantive movement in that direction.Originality/valuePerformance of NPO/public sector hybrid organisations has only relatively recently attracted the attention of researchers. The paper contributes to this emerging area by identifying certain organisational characteristics/attributes particular to such hybrids that are critical to understanding the challenges for performance management in such settings.
Identification of significant factors influencing housing cost in Yemen
Authors: Alaghbari Wa'el , Salim Azizah , Dola Kamariah , Abdullah Abang Ali Abang 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe cost of housing is very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which has caused a shortage of housing supply, especially for the low‐income group. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that are significantly influencing housing cost in Yemen.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed 60 professionals in housing in Yemen, to identify factors influencing housing cost that are related to land, materials used, construction methods used, finishing works, and other factors/related issues. The questionnaire survey instrument consisted of 32 factors, which were grouped into these five categories. The level of importance was measured and the relative importance of weightage was ranked for all five categories.FindingsThis study found that cost of project land, cost of cement and steel for reinforced concrete are the most significant factors influencing housing cost in Yemen.Originality/valueBased on the analysis of the ranking and intensity of housing cost factors, this paper further suggests possible improvements for decreasing the housing cost in Yemen. These recommendations are hoped to increase more regulated housing development and housing policy.
Foreclosure, quality and spillover in residential markets
Authors: Rutherford Ronald C. , Chen Jun 
Published: February 2012

PurposePrior research indicates a discount for foreclosures sold through the multiple listing service (MLS). The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the effect of foreclosure on house value is consistent over submarkets based on property size in the US single family home market. The paper also tests whether the spillover effect of a nearby foreclosure on the specific property value varies across submarkets.Design/methodology/approachThe full sample is split into four quartiles based on the square feet of all observations. The hedonic pricing models are estimated across full sample and three subsamples, in order to examine the effect of foreclosure on selling price. The number of neighborhood foreclosures within each combination of radii and timing intervals is used to investigate the spillover effect of a nearby foreclosure on the specific property value.FindingsIt is found that the quartile with smaller houses have the largest discount associated with a foreclosure of approximately 24 percent, while the medium and larger houses have a discount of approximately 19 percent. The results are robust after including a proxy for property quality. Second, the spillover effects of nearby foreclosures are lowest for small properties and highest for large properties. Adding additional controls for housing quality reduces the observed spillover effect.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings on foreclosure discount are consistent with Pennington‐Cross's argument, that the foreclosures in the smaller properties have lower appreciation than the larger ones. The paper's results about spillover effects also support the previous research, implying a greater stigma for foreclosed houses in neighborhoods with larger, more expensive houses.Originality/valueThe paper provides potential explanation for foreclosure discount and spillover effects of nearby foreclosure in the US single family residential markets.
Integrating the Balanced Scorecard with Six Sigma
Authors: Heavey Colm , Murphy Eamonn 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide new insights in understanding the value of integrating the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) with Six Sigma.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a comprehensive literature review of the BSC and Six Sigma. The literature review provides the basis for a new integration framework that is grounded on the Plan‐Do‐Check‐Act cycle.FindingsThe literature review for both Six Sigma and the BSC crystallise how a fusion can add further value in comparison to a standalone implementation of either the BSC or Six Sigma. This new integration framework is identified through first, leveraging the strengths of both the BSC and Six Sigma and second, by incorporating the key themes of the literature review.Practical implicationsThis paper provides practitioners with a greater understanding of the value of integrating Six Sigma with the BSC. Also, the study provides a framework that can serve as a basis for the integration of Six Sigma with the BSC.Originality/valueLittle research has been carried out on the integration of the BSC with Six Sigma. This paper takes a novel approach for the integration framework by identifying the integration leverage points through the strengths and weaknesses of both the BSC and Six Sigma. The key contribution of this paper is that it provides new insights in understanding how the BSC can be integrated with Six Sigma. In addition, the paper provides direction for future research that will address weaknesses in the way organisations execute integration of the BSC with Six Sigma today.
Knowledge sharing in academic R&D collaborations: does culture matter?
Authors: Kanzler Steffen , Niedergassel Benjamin , Leker Jens 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate knowledge sharing of Chinese and German scientists collaborating in a cross‐cultural nanotechnology R&D project. Particularly, the authors analyze cultural differences that might indirectly influence the scientists' intention to share knowledge.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data were gathered from professors and PhDs working in academic Chinese‐German nanotechnology collaboration regarding influencing factors of their intention to share knowledge like subjective norms, anticipated extrinsic rewards and image. Moderated regression analysis was used to identify how nationality influences the relationships between independent variables and the intention to share knowledge.FindingsThe findings show that the analyzed variables generally constitute important influencing factors of the intention to share knowledge. However, moderation analysis suggests that the proposed differences between the Eastern and Western cultures do not significantly affect influencing factors of the intention to share knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of this study is on an academic environment, limiting the generalizability of the results. It promises to be a worthwhile endeavor to investigate possible influencing factors and effects of organizational culture in cross‐cultural collaboration projects more thoroughly in the future, further deepening our understanding of knowledge sharing in collaborative R&D projects.Practical implicationsCultural differences between Chinese and German researchers might have diminished over the past decades. Both in China and Germany, academic scientists can be expected to largely share the same values, beliefs, assumptions and expectations with regard to their work.Originality/valueThe study at hand is the first analysis of an academic Chinese‐German nanotechnology collaboration.