bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indigenous children of India: enrolment, gender parity and drop‐out in school education
Authors: Joshi K.M. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the status of access to school amongst the indigenous children of India. It looks at the enrolment, gender parity and drop‐out at different levels of school education as well as gender‐wise.Design/methodology/approachSociological factors and the economics of education discourses on the significance of education and reasons for impedimentsto accessare reviewed. The paper uses SES data for the year 2006‐2007 published by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development in the year 2008.FindingsThe indigenous children still remain the most deprived group in terms of access to school education and drop‐outs. The girls are the most affected stakeholders. The enrolment and gross enrolment have increased in the last three decades, but it is still very low at the higher levels of schooling. Similarly, the gender gap amongst the indigenous children increases at the higher levels of schooling. The high poverty and opportunity cost of attending schools are the major reasons for low participation.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the macro‐level strategies of government reflect an overall increase in enrolment and fall in drop‐out, research is needed to study grass root/micro‐level strategies adopted by NGOs for individual indigenous communities at different locations and their effectiveness.Originality/valueThe effective and equal access to and within indigenous children is an important tool for their socio‐economic development. The paper provides both an aggregated and a disaggregated picture by both gender and state.
The effect of quality management on mass customization capability
Authors: Murat Kristal Mehmet , Huang Xiaowen , Schroeder Roger G. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of quality management (QM) in the development of mass customization (MC) capability. QM is modeled as a second‐order construct reflected by six QM practices (small group problem solving, top management leadership for quality, information and feedback, process management, customer focus, and supplier involvement). The paper proposes that these six practices reflect the core principles of QM, and in turn QM contributes to the development of MC capability.Design/methodology/approachUsing the survey data collected from 167 manufacturing plants in three industries and eight countries, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results provide empirical evidence supporting the proposed relationships between QM and MC capability.Research limitations/implicationsThe dataset for this paper is cross‐sectional. Future studies should consider a longitudinal setting that would provide a deeper understanding of causal relationships. Second, an existing database was used, thereby limiting the choices of variables analyzed.Practical implicationsThe findings of empirical support for the positive impact of QM practices on MC capability provide guidance for managers in the allocation of resources for QM efforts in their pursuit of MC capability.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to shed light on the effects of QM on MC capability. The paper presents an explanation on how QM helps to develop MC capability and also finds empirical evidence supporting such a relationship.
Human factors: spanning the gap between OM and HRM
Authors: Patrick Neumann W. , Dul Jan 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the claim that the application of human factors (HF) knowledge can improve both human well‐being and operations system (OS) performance.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review was conducted using a general and two specialist databases to identify empirical studies addressing both human and OS effects in examining manufacturing OS design aspects.FindingsA total of 45 empirical studies were found, addressing both the human and system effects of OS (re)design. Of those studies providing clear directional effects, 95 percent showed a convergence between human effects and system effects (+, + or −,−), 5 percent showed a divergence of human and system effects (+,− or −,+). System effects included quality, productivity, implementation performance of new technologies, and also more “intangible” effects in terms of improved communication and co‐operation. Human effects included employee health, attitudes, physical workload, and “quality of working life”.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should attend to both human and system outcomes in trying to determine optimal configurations for OSs as this appears to be a complex relationship with potential long‐term impact on operational performance.Practical implicationsThe application of HF in OS design can support improvement in both employee well‐being and system performance in a number of manufacturing domains.Originality/valueThe paper outlines and documents a research and practice gap between the fields of HF and operations management research that has not been previously discussed in the management literature. This gap may be inhibiting the design of OSs with superior long‐term performance.
How do companies achieve mix flexibility?
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne , Platts Ken 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address a research gap relating to the understanding of how one type of manufacturing flexibility – mix flexibility – is achieved during day‐to‐day operations.Design/methodology/approachConstructs from coordination theory are used in order to understand the way in which physical manufacturing resources are coordinated during daily operations to produce a company's product mix. A multiple case study methodology is used to investigate the applicability of these constructs in the flour milling industry. Subsequently, a conceptual framework is proposed which captures the coordination mechanisms used in the achievement of mix flexibility.FindingsThe paper finds that mix flexibility requirements influence how a company achieves mix flexibility. Further, the findings indicate that, at an operational level, mix flexibility is achieved via the use of coordination mechanisms to manage specific dependencies relating to mix flexibility requirements.Research limitations/implicationsMix flexibility achievement was studied in a single industry. Future research can test the applicability of the conceptual framework in other manufacturing settings.Originality/valueAn empirical contribution to the study of manufacturing flexibility achievement has been made, where the application of constructs from coordination theory presents a novel approach to the study of manufacturing flexibility achievement.
The role of public sector asset managers in responding to climate change
Authors: Warren Clive M.J. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets, and therefore the delivery of public services, in the face of extreme weather events. Public sector asset managers need to mitigate and prepare for future events. However, current practice, as illustrated by the literature, shows that little risk assessment is currently undertaken.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a literature review of current climate data and best practice asset management. An extensive survey of public sector asset managers working at senior levels in their organisation was designed and distributed to gather data on the current levels of disaster and business continuity planning. The survey design sought to establish the level of risk assessment across the organisations and the integration of property management into the disaster planning process.FindingsThis paper describes the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets in the face of extreme weather events. It reveals that a significant number of public sector authorities are not preparing integrated disaster management plans nor business continuity plans. There is a need for further research into the impact on assets and the role of the public sector real estate manager in assessing the risks and developing strategies to prepare the organisation and to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and severe weather events.Originality/valueThis research highlights the potential for climate change to threaten property assets and particularly to compromise the delivery of public services in the event of extreme weather events. The paper highlights the need for integrated risk assessment and disaster planning, which incorporates enabling property assets. Public sector asset managers have a vital role to play in undertaking risk assessment and preparing disaster plans. This role is becoming increasingly important as climate change is predicted to have a significant effect on the frequency of extreme weather events and the occurrence of natural disasters.
Internet business strategies by property companies in Asia
Authors: Najib Razali Muhammad , Manaf Zaharah , Mohd Yassin Azlina 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study of the top listed property companies in Asia based on capital market value on internet business strategy, and to examine the relationship between top companies and the internet business strategy index.Design/methodology/approachData for the research were collected from the top 30 property companies in Asia through their web sites. The services and information offered in these web sites are discussed and used to describe the growth of internet usage in the real estate business.FindingsFrom the findings, most companies in Asia realised the importance of the internet as a marketing tool. This has been proved from the good average score of the internet business strategy attributes. The results indicated that top property companies in Asia implemented good internet business strategy.Research limitationsThe research is based on a study from the top 30 companies in Asia based on market capital values as at 30 June 2009. Only three countries were selected in this study: Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.Originality/valueThis paper examines the practice of property companies in Asia of using the internet as a marketing tool in property business in order to enhance the marketing strategy in this borderless world. The findings provided some insight and guidelines for the industry as well as academics on the use of information and communication technology in the property business.
The development of document supply services in China
Authors: Jia Ping 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the background to Chinese libraries and the general development and new trends in document supply in China.Design/methodology/approachThe service operation, copyright protection and management mechanisms of document supply in China are described. New challenges to it and the responses are also identified.FindingsThe role of document supply in China is recognized as important and is developing rapidly as economic constraints on purchasing increase.Originality/valueThe paper will be of interest to all document supply librarians interested in developments in China.
Lowering the barriers from Discovery to Delivery: a JISC funded EDINA and Mimas project
Authors: Guy Fred , Elizabeth Palmer Joy 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the context and the progress with the UK Discovery to Delivery project.Design/methodology/approachHaving set the scene for Discovery to Delivery, the paper describes how the project work was divided into four separate but interlinked strands. The methodologies for each strand are described and the outcomes are critically assessed.FindingsThe project was successful in demonstrating that services created separately by different organisations could be enhanced to provide a seamless approach from discovery to delivery for users. It had been planned to develop a link to local document supply services, but investigation revealed that further investigation would be required before such a service could usefully be supplied.Originality/valueThe project is an example of inter‐working between the national data centres with services that have already been established.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 71
Authors: McGrath Mike 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis review aims to provide a summary of the most recent articles published on document supply and related matters.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.FindingsAt the time of writing the cuts due to hit libraries have not yet taken place but reports and articles all indicate cuts of 5‐10 per cent – although that seems optimistic. Open Access continues to grow, with the US FRPAA receiving cross‐party support. If passed it will have a transformative effect on OA. Document supply as such gets plenty of coverage including the Espresso Book machine, and there is much debate on pay per view and in particular DeepDyve.Originality/valueThe paper is the only regular review of the document supply literature and related areas. It will be of particular value to document supply librarians.
Establishing an information network among Islamic Sciences Centers in Iran: a feasibility study
Authors: Abazari Zahra , Isfandyari‐Moghaddam Alireza 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThis study aims to evaluates the existing and potential facilities in Iranian Islamic Sciences Centers (ISCs), including information resources, budget, human resources and facilities. It identifies the views of Center managers in order to find grounds for cooperation and collaboration and to develop communication and information exchanges between the Centers.Design/methodology/approachThe population of this research includes all 123 ISCs in Iran. Questionnaires were distributed in a three‐month interval (August to October, 2008). The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 16).FindingsThe findings show that ISCs support the establishment of a network and would join it; however, lack of professionals in the informatics and network development, lack of in‐service training facilities, lack of financial and facilities, lack of access to the resources of other centers and the absence of fast exchange of information are among the problems that need much attention.Practical implicationsTo establish the network, three issues should be considered, i.e. human resources, budget, and facilities of the centers.Originality/valueThe paper can serve as a driver to improve the efficiency in ISCs through establishing an information network to serve them.
Satisfaction with work‐family balance among German office workers
Authors: Beham Barbara , Drobnič Sonja 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the relationships between various work demands and resources and satisfaction with work‐family balance in a sample of German office workers. Work‐to‐family conflict is expected to mediate several relationships between dependent and independent variables.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 716 office workers from two service sector organizations in Germany participated in a comprehensive online survey. Hierarchical multivariate regressions were used to test the predicted relationships.FindingsPerceived high organizational time expectations, psychological job demands and job insecurity were found to be negatively related to employees' satisfaction with work‐family balance. Work‐to‐family conflict partially mediated those relationships. Social support at work and job control revealed positive relationships with satisfaction with work‐family balance, but contrary to predictions this association persisted after controlling for work‐to‐family conflict.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used a cross‐sectional design and employees' self reports which may be problematic in drawing causal conclusions.Originality/valueThe majority of studies in work‐family research look at either work‐family conflict, or more recently, at work‐family facilitation/enrichment, but little research has been conducted on employees' overall assessment of satisfaction with work‐family balance. By investigating relationships between various work demands and resources and the mediating role of work‐to‐family conflict in a sample of German office workers, the study extends previous research and contributes to the work‐family literature by clarifying the relationship between work‐to‐family conflict and satisfaction with work‐family balance.
Local e‐government impact in China, New Zealand, Oman, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Deakins Eric , Dillon Stuart , Al Namani Hamed , Zhang Chao (Kevin) 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a picture of (local) e‐government impact and development philosophy in China, New Zealand, Oman, and the UK.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was used to collect data from policymakers in 114 civil service organisations in four countries during 2007.FindingsPolicymakers in every country report only low‐medium levels of agreement that their e‐government initiatives had yielded significant benefits for organisations and citizens alike over a broad range of performance measures concerning service quality, citizen satisfaction, productivity, and management effectiveness. In interactions with stakeholders that are both directive and maintain control over citizens, policymakers also favour the provision of online services that offer ever increasing amounts of information, rather than collaborative service channels that engage citizens in local decision making.Research limitations/implicationsLess than a 100‐percent response rate gives an incomplete snapshot of the e‐government scene in the four countries studied. Also, a lack of understanding of some key e‐government issues plus cultural response bias may have led to erroneous/biased responses.Practical implicationsIn an era in which public sector organisations worldwide are under pressure to demonstrate success in service delivery and organisational performance, policymakers do not perceive online services as an opportunity to reduce the costs of physical infrastructure or to improve democracy via shared decision‐making. Thus, further erosions of trust and participation in democracy may continue unless citizens are given similar choices in the democratic system to those they have in their everyday lives.Originality/valueThe paper is undertaken at the local level of government and in a diverse range of countries where the political, social, economic, and cultural environments can differ markedly. It evaluates the significance of key e‐government issues in Western, Arabic, and Eastern contexts, enabling international comparisons to be made across these cultural settings. Impacts of the e‐government initiatives on organisations and citizens are presented and compared; and policymaker attitudes to new technology having the potential to enhance the democratic process are presented.
Is higher education in the UK becoming more competitive?
Authors: Adcroft Andy , Teckman Jon , Willis Robert 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the extent to which recent changes in the UK's higher education sector are likely to increase the level of competition and change the behaviour of UK higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a conceptual framework developed to understand competitive conditions and behaviours in order to provide an analytical device to guide the narrative of the paper. The paper draws on a number of national and international sources.FindingsIt is likely that competition between UK higher education institutions will intensify in the future especially in light of the introduction of student tuition fees and this will lead to further changes in behaviour.Originality/valueThe paper offers an original approach and conceptual basis to make a contribution to a growing debate about the future of the UK higher education sector.
Changing perspective of capabilities in the dynamic supply chain era
Authors: Clifford Defee C. , Fugate Brian S. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeA review of the literature reveals that previous research on capabilities has been limited to static capabilities and have largely been firm‐centric, which neglect today's evolving supply chain environment. To address this shortcoming, this paper aims to explore dynamic supply chain capabilities (DSCCS) as a path to achieving sustainable competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachLogistics and supply chain literature is reviewed to provide a foundation for introducing a model of DSCCS driving competitive advantage. Propositions for future research are presented based upon the theoretical model.FindingsThe need to continuously renew boundary spanning supply chain capabilities may be facilitated by the presence of a supply chain orientation and a learning orientation found across the multiple partners.Research limitations/implicationsSupply chain organizations exist in a continually evolving environment with the best‐performing firms often being characterized as agile and continually improving. The dynamic capabilities perspective provides a theoretical foundation that may be used to better understand and predict the success of supply chain firms. The work presented here is conceptual and empirical examination of the propositions should occur before any broad generalization can be drawn.Practical implicationsLong‐term organizational success may be facilitated by continuous renewal and creation of new static capabilities through the use of DSCCS.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that dynamic capabilities may be extended beyond the traditional single‐firm view to exist across the relationships developed by multiple organizations in a supply chain.
Technology acceptance and satisfaction with logistics services
Authors: Bienstock Carol C. , Royne Marla B. 
Published: August 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use the technology acceptance model (TAM) from the information technology (IT) literature to investigate the relationships among technology use and acceptance, and perceptions of quality and satisfaction with logistics services among industrial customers.Design/methodology/approachTo test the proposed model, an online survey was prepared using WebSurveyor and an introductory e‐mail with a link to the survey was sent to a sample of members of two professional organizations of industrial purchasing managers.FindingsThe findings indicate that both logistics service quality (LSQ) perceptions and satisfaction levels are significantly related to future purchase intentions. In addition, LSQ perceptions mediate the relationship between the two TAM constructs and customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThis paper provides additional insight on technology acceptance in the context of logistics and supply chain management. IT is a common thread throughout logistics and supply chain management, from electronic data interchange, through collaborative forecasting and replenishment and vendor‐managed inventory processes. Consequently, extending research on technology acceptance and use into the context of logistics and supply chain management is an important step, both in terms of theory development and managerial relevance for both the information systems and supply chain management disciplines.