bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing coaching culture: are your managers motivated coaches? (Part 1)
Authors: McComb Christiaan 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to assist organizational development (OD) managers in the design and implementation of a coaching culture in their organization.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual/discussion paper, which draws on real world examples and is supported by the coaching literature.FindingsOD managers must consider a range of factors when designing and implementing a coaching culture including: the motivation of a leader to coach; the health of internal coaching relationships; and role modeling.Originality/valueThere is little in the coaching literature that explores or provides practical insight into the design and implementation of coaching cultures. In particular, this paper provides insight into the motivational dimensions of establishing a coaching culture, and provides practical examples of how it applies in practice.
Obsolescence in subject description
Authors: Buckland Michael K. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to explain the character and causes of obsolescence in assigned subject descriptors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a conceptual analysis with examples and reference to existing literature.FindingsSubject description comes in two forms: assigning the name or code of a subject to a document and assigning a document to a named subject category. Each method associates a document with the name of a subject. This naming activity is the site of tensions between the procedural need of information systems for stable records and the inherent multiplicity and instability of linguistic expressions. As languages change, previously assigned subject descriptions become obsolescent. The issues, tensions, and compromises involved are introduced.Originality/valueDrawing on the work of Robert Fairthorne and others, an explanation of the unavoidable obsolescence of assigned subject headings is presented. The discussion relates to libraries, but the same issues arise in any context in which subject description is expected to remain useful for an extended period of time.
Collecting and compiling: the activity of seeking pictures in primary school
Authors: Lundh Anna , Alexandersson Mikael 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe aim of this study is to further understanding of the situated activity of seeking pictures. It relates to an ongoing discussion on how multimodal information literacies are enacted in different social practices.Design/methodology/approachIn order to understand the characteristics of the communication and interactions in the activity of seeking pictures, video recordings from an ethnographic study of primary school children working with problem‐centred assignments have been analysed.FindingsThe analysis reveals how the activity of seeking pictures is shaped by the assumption that pictures are different from facts and information; pictures are seen primarily as having decorative functions. The activity is also characterised by playful, yet efficient cooperation between the children; they make the activity meaningful by transforming it into a play and game activity where pictures become important as physical objects, but not as a semiotic means of learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the activity of seeking pictures in a specific primary school; however, it shows how modes other than textual modes can be included in the study of information activities.Practical implicationsThe study reveals the need for developing methods for enhancing children's possibilities to critically examine and learn from visual material, such as pictures.Originality/valueResearch on information seeking and information literacies rarely focus on multimodal aspects of information activities or the seeking of pictures outside special collections, despite the increased significance of visual material in the contemporary media landscape. This paper shows how studies of multimodal information activities can be designed.
Investigation of the tribological properties of Cu‐based porous bearings
Authors: Fatih Tunay Recai , Kurbanoğlu Cahit 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate, by experimental investigation, the wear and friction performances of porous bearings under different operating conditions.Design/methodology/approachTwo different compositions of self‐lubricating bearings were chosen: 90 percent Cu+10 percent Sn and 90 percent Cu+9 percent Sn+1 percent C. The bearings were produced with their final densities of 80 and 85 percent, and pressed at room temperature and high temperature.FindingsThe wear and friction properties of the sample bearings were determined at different running conditions such as temperature, applied load, and sliding speed. The variations of the weight loss with the sliding distance for different test conditions were presented. The results show that the weight loss and friction coefficient increase with the increasing sliding speed, density and temperature.Originality/valueThe wear and friction properties of the sample bearings were determined at different running conditions such as temperature, applied load, and sliding speed.
Values v. traits‐based approaches to leadership: insights from an analysis of theAeneid
Authors: Ahn Mark J. , Ettner Larry W. , Loupin Amanda 
Published: February 2012

PurposeUsing a values‐based leadership perspective, the paper aims to explore theAeneid, Virgil's foundation epic of the Latin canon. Specifically, it aims to analyse theAeneidin order to juxtapose the resonant leadership elements of vision, culture and values – and their corresponding equivalent Roman themes offatum,pietas, andvirtus.Design/methodology/approachUsing a thematic analysis approach, theAeneidwas coded for key leadership themes; and a mixed‐method research framework was employed to juxtapose the leadership lessons identified to the demands of modern leadership.FindingsThe paper finds resonating elements of a compelling vision and strong culture – and coded the following eight values: integrity, good judgment, leadership by example, decision making, trust, justice/fairness, humility, and sense of urgency – in theAeneid. Whether viewed qualitatively or quantitatively – or across sectors (i.e. for profit, non profit, government) – the findings of this study affirm the explicit relevance of theAeneidto the demands of modern leadership. Moreover, integrity was found to be a superordinate value – without which the remaining values have far less significance.Originality/valueThis research highlights a leadership paradox – while managerial traits are an important consideration for the prevailing operational context in the short term, a values‐based approach to hiring, promoting and retaining leaders may be superior in achieving organizational sustainability and performance over the long term. This study illustrates the practical contemporary relevance of theAeneidspecifically, and illustrates a humanities laden and values‐based approach to reflecting on leadership effectiveness generally.
When temporary employees are perceived as threatening: antecedents and consequences
Authors: von Hippel Courtney , Kalokerinos Elise K. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the causes and consequences of permanent employees' perceptions that temporary employees are a threat to their job security.Design/methodology/approachThe underlying theme of the current research is that an important reason why temporary employees can disrupt the work environment is that permanent workers can perceive them as threatening. A survey of permanent (n=99) and temporary employees (n=62) was used to test hypotheses. Multiple sources were used to assess permanent employees' treatment of their temporary co‐workers.FindingsPermanent employees felt more threatened when they perceived the layoff policy and motives for using temporary workers as inappropriate, and when the position of temporary employees was equal to or above their own rank. The relationship between these feelings of threat and their behavior toward the temporary employees was moderated by temporary employee type. Specifically, permanent employees who did not feel threatened treated involuntary temporary employees better, but permanent employees who felt threatened treated voluntary temporary employees better.Research limitations/implicationsThe sampling procedure limits the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThis paper helps illuminate the dynamics between temporary and permanent workers to enable organizations to decide when temporary employees will be helpful and when they will be harmful. The results provide specific recommendations for when different types of temporary employees should be used.Originality/valueThis paper applies psychological and organizational theories to the workplace to uncover when blended workforces are likely to be problematic.
Migrant strategies, informal economies and ontological security: Ukrainians in Naples, Italy
Authors: DeMaria Harney Nicholas 
Published: February 2012

PurposeNaples, Italy in the last decade has become a destination for Ukrainian migrants escaping the economic uncertainty of their homeland. A sign of the city's importance in the diaspora is that the Ukrainian government in 2008 opened a local consulate. Estimates are that nearly a million Ukrainians have used Italy as a point of labour transit, even if only a fifth of those are formally registered. The purpose of this paper is to examine the strategies with which Ukrainian migrants in Naples, Italy attempt to create ontological security in the context of informal economies and the uncertainties of the migratory process.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on 18 months of ethnographic close observation and participation in migrant networks in Naples between 2004 and 2008.FindingsThe research reveals the strategies used by Ukrainian migrants to arrange and maintain transnational connections, seek work, and develop a sense of belonging through place‐making and institutional development in the face of the significant barriers to inclusion and socio‐economic stability in Neapolitan society.Practical implicationsThe evidence suggests that policymakers concerned with social cohesion and integration might wish to consider informal economic activities not simply as a “problem” to resolve but a key feature of contemporary capitalism that may create the conditions to address their concerns. Therefore, a more nuanced understanding of how migrants create their lives through these activities would be useful.Originality/valueThis ethnographic material suggests that greater attention should be paid to the creative capacities of migrants to create a sense of security through informal activities. Migrants make extensive use of social networks and knowledge distribution to form the basis of decisions about economic behaviour, emplacement and ontological security.
Social capital, status and income attainment in the workplace
Authors: Behtoui Alireza , Neergaard Anders 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of social capital in the workplace. To be more precise, to ask whether access to social capital is associated with differences in the wages and status of employees within the organization.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used data from a case study of the status attainment of employees in a Swedish industrial firm.FindingsResults demonstrate that: the socioeconomic background, gender and “migrant backgrounds” of employees have an impact on their access to resource‐rich networks; and there is a positive association between access to social capital and position in the organization, even after controlling for employees' education and labor market experience.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study approach of the paper has its own characteristic limitations. At the same time the cross‐sectional data open up the possibility of reverse causality. The analysis includes only individuals who were still working, while we know from the fieldwork that some former employees have taken early retirement or disability pensions due to occupational injury.Originality/valueThe focus of the paper is on the process of status attainment of subordinate groups (individuals from lower socioeconomic groups, individuals with stigmatized migrant backgrounds, and women), which is an under‐researched issue in organizational studies. Therefore, the authors ask whether the subordinate status of employees has an impact on their access to social capital in the place of work.
Paradigm lost, paradigm rediscovered?
Authors: Buzek Jerzy , Surdej Aleksander 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities for the rise of solidarity‐oriented economic systems in an era of service‐oriented economies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at institutional underpinnings of modern economies, examining the ways in which public policies and social collaborations may contribute to fairer but not less efficient economic outcomes.FindingsThe paper shows the limits of economic analysis focused only on financial variables and tries to uncover solidaristic foundations of efficient and sustainable economies.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper opens the discussion about design of public policies and social institutions to foster social inclusion via economic activities.Originality/valueThe paper tries to bridge social policy thinking with market‐oriented economic analysis.
Variations in the development of psychological therapy in three European Union countries
Authors: Pilgrim David , Champion Francoise , Hutschemaekers Giel , Garnoussi Nadia , van Dijk Fiona 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences in the development of psychological therapies in three European Union countries (the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France) in the context of national policies about health services and public mental health.Design/methodology/approachThree case studies are utilised for this purpose as historical descriptions. The latter are then discussed in the light of traditional approaches to the sociology of the professions.FindingsWhilst some similarities are identified across the three countries (for example the recent convergence of policy interest in “evidence‐based practice”) it is also clear that the particular national cultures have shaped developments and their different forms of healthcare organisation have been reflected in national legislative and regulatory arrangements.Research limitations/implicationsThese case studies draw attention to the need to explore national variations in policy formation about the same matter (in this case the professionalization of psychological therapies) and to extend discussions within the sociology of the professions to ones of healthcare organizational contexts. In addition, the contested nature of applied psychology may require special attention relative to other forms of health work practice.Originality/valueThis paper provides a particular form of understanding about psychological practices within modern healthcare and public health policies, in the light of the peculiar and contextualised aspects of the case studies provided.
Change communication: the impact on satisfaction with alternative workplace strategies
Authors: Bull Melanie , Brown Tim 
Published: February 2012

PurposeCommunication is fundamental to the facilities management (FM) role within organisations; especially when the FM department is implementing changes to the workplace. This paper aims to present an evaluation of an instance.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered online questionnaire was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The research focused on responses to satisfaction with the communication methods rather than reviewing the merits of alternative workplace strategies.FindingsFindings included the impact of communication on staff satisfaction levels, the need to provide timely and relevant information and communication via a range of mediums and the need to ensure there was opportunity to participate in meaningful feedback. The key findings are substantiated with existing internal communication and change literature.Originality/valueThe research highlights the practical importance of the need to improve communication within the FM industry and especially in change circumstances.
A novel joint diagonalization approach for linear stochastic systems and reliability analysis
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Chenfeng , Feng Jianwen , Cen Song , Owen D.R.J. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel gradient‐based iterative algorithm for the joint diagonalization of a set of real symmetric matrices. The approximate joint diagonalization of a set of matrices is an important tool for solving stochastic linear equations. As an application, reliability analysis of structures by using the stochastic finite element analysis based on the joint diagonalization approach is also introduced in this paper, and it provides useful references to practical engineers.Design/methodology/approachBy starting with a least squares (LS) criterion, the authors obtain a classical nonlinear cost‐function and transfer the joint diagonalization problem into a least squares like minimization problem. A gradient method for minimizing such a cost function is derived and tested against other techniques in engineering applications.FindingsA novel approach is presented for joint diagonalization for a set of real symmetric matrices. The new algorithm works on the numerical gradient base, and solves the problem with iterations. Demonstrated by examples, the new algorithm shows the merits of simplicity, effectiveness, and computational efficiency.Originality/valueA novel algorithm for joint diagonalization of real symmetric matrices is presented in this paper. The new algorithm is based on the least squares criterion, and it iteratively searches for the optimal transformation matrix based on the gradient of the cost function, which can be computed in a closed form. Numerical examples show that the new algorithm is efficient and robust. The new algorithm is applied in conjunction with stochastic finite element methods, and very promising results are observed which match very well with the Monte Carlo method, but with higher computational efficiency. The new method is also tested in the context of structural reliability analysis. The reliability index obtained with the joint diagonalization approach is compared with the conventional Hasofer Lind algorithm, and again good agreement is achieved.
A nonlinear frequency analysis based approach for power cable insulation fault detection
Authors: Chen Min‐You , Zhai Jin‐qian , Lang Z.Q. , Sun Feng , Hu Gang 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe present study is concerned with the application of a nonlinear frequency analysis approach to the detection and location of water tree degradation of power cable XLPE insulation without turning off electric power.Design/methodology/approachThe use of power cable system responses to power line carrier signals are proposed to conduct the required signal analysis for damage location purpose. This technique is based on the fact that the water tree degradation in power cables can make the system behave nonlinearly. Consequently, the location of water tree degradation can be determined by detecting the position of nonlinear components in power cable systems.FindingsA novel method has been proposed for locating water tree degradation in power cable systems; numerical simulation studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the new technique.Originality/valueThe proposed technique has the potential to be applied in practice to more effectively resolve the power cable damage location problem.
Shape optimization approach based on the extended finite element method
Authors: Topa Vasile , Purcar Marius , Munteanu Calin , Grindei Laura , Pacurar Claudia , Garvasiuc Ovidiu 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis paper proposes to extend the combination of Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and Level Set Method (LSM) from structural mechanics to electromagnetics. Based on this approach, the actual stage of the research work, dedicated to the investigation, development, implementation and validation of a shape optimization methodology, particularly tailored for 2D electric structures is described.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed numerical approach is based on the efficiency of the XFEM and the flexibility of the LSM, to handle moving material interfaces without remeshing the whole studied domain at each optimization step.FindingsThis approach eliminates the conventional use of discrete finite elements and provides efficient, stable, accurate and faster computation schemes in comparison with other methods.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to shape optimization of two‐dimensional electric structures, however, the work can be extended to 3D ones too.Practical implicationsThe implementation of the proposed numerical approach for the shape optimization of a planar resistor is hereby described.Originality/valueThe main value of the proposed approach is a powerful and robust numerical shape optimization algorithm that demonstrates outstanding suppleness of handling topological changes, fidelity of boundary representation and a high degree of automation in comparison with other methods.
Bio‐inspired optimization algorithms for parameter determination of three‐phase induction motor
Authors: Sakthivel V.P. , Subramanian S. 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThe aim of this research paper is to examine the bio‐inspired optimization algorithms, namely, genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and bacterial foraging optimization (BFO) algorithm with adaptive chemotactic step for determining the steady‐state equivalent circuit parameters of the three‐phase induction motor using a set of manufacturer data.Design/methodology/approachThe induction motor parameter determination issue is devised as a nonlinear constrained optimization problem. The nonlinear equations of various quantities (torque, current and power factor) are derived in terms of equivalent circuit parameters from a single and a double‐cage model, and then, equates to the corresponding manufacturer data. These equations are solved by the bio‐inspired algorithms. Using the squared error between the determined and the manufacturer data as the objective function, the parameter determination problem is transferred into an optimization process where the model parameters are determined that minimize the defined objective function. The objective function is iteratively minimized using GA, PSO and BFO techniques. In order to balance the exploration and exploitation searches of the BFO algorithm, an adaptive chemotactic step is utilized.FindingsComparisons of the results of GA, PSO, BFO and IEEE Std. 112‐F (using no‐load, locked‐rotor and stator resistance tests) methods for two sample motors are presented. Results show the superiority of the bio‐inspired optimization algorithms over the classical one. Besides, BFO‐based parameter determination method is observed to obtain better quality solutions quickly than GA and PSO methods.Practical implicationsThe parameters obtained by the proposed approaches can be used in analyzing the stalling and/or reacceleration process of a loaded motor following a fault or during voltage sag condition as well as in system‐level studies.Originality/valueThe most significant contribution of the research is the potential to determine the equivalent circuit parameters of induction motor only from its manufacturer data without conducting any lab tests on the motor. The bio‐inspired optimization based parameter determination approaches are faster and less intrusive than the IEEE Std. 112‐F method.