bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organisational career management in the UK retail buying and merchandising community
Authors: Lewis Sarah , Arnold John 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to improve knowledge of how organisational career management (OCM) techniques are used within the UK retail buying and merchandising (B&M) community.Design/methodology/approachUsing quantitative research methods via an online survey of B&M managers across 30 UK‐based retailers, this study explores the extent of OCM technique usage, buyers and merchandisers' evaluations of such techniques and the barriers to using them.FindingsInternal job posting, performance appraisal for career development, induction, PDPs and competencies were the most commonly used. The most consistently favoured techniques were training/educational opportunities, career‐planning workshops, PDPs, induction and fast‐track programmes. In comparison to other studies, respondents perceived OCM techniques to be relatively unfair and identified the main barriers to their use as time/budget constraints, unsupportive management, poor technique development/implementation and poor employee attitude/ understanding.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides useful direction for retailers by recommending that they implement an OCM strategy that can be realistically carried out with the resources available, encourage a wider appreciation of OCM within the overall business strategy and attempt to determine the reasons for any perceived unfairness of OCM techniques within their organisation.Originality/valueThis study provides comprehensive information for use when considering OCM strategies. In particular it provides previously unavailable insight into OCM technique usage within the retail B&M community and is unique in its exploration of the perceived barriers to using such techniques in addition to measuring their usage and capturing perceptions surrounding their use.
Open education and systemic change
Authors: Marshall Stephen 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to consider the potential impact of new models of higher education, particularly those depending on open educational resources, using a systems thinking model to assess likely barriers and outcomes in a specific context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies a systems thinking approach to considering the impact of open education models on higher education within the specific context of New Zealand.FindingsThe paper suggests that while open resources may be of benefit to individual learners, the complex systems of accreditation of qualifications and funding of higher education mean that substantive reductions in the cost of higher education are unlikely.Social implicationsThe internet has seen significant disruption to a number of existing industries, and it seems likely that higher education will also be subject to significant change. Open education is suggested as providing a model for more equitable, cost‐effective and democratic access to higher education, this paper suggests that the real situation is more complex and requires a wider engagement with the qualification systems and institutional behaviors that maintain the existing status quo.Originality/valueThis paper provides a contrarian perspective on a popular idea that is receiving wide support currently, framed within a specific system of higher education that illustrates the complex nature of educational change.
The three horizons of educational change
Authors: Bishop Peter C. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to describe three potential disruptions that could close the current era of public and higher education and open potentially new eras.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs secondary research, scanning, and analysis.FindingsThe three potential disruptions for education are: the availability of almost unlimited information on the internet; open source education leading to the decoupling of learning from credentialing; and the ability to understand the learning process in general and that of every learner through the application of learning analytics on the data being generated by students learning online.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings are conjectures. They are scenarios of some relatively current and longer‐term futures; they are not formal predictions. But they might stimulate further reflection and research while the community monitors whether these scenarios will occur or not.Practical implicationsEducational institutions should monitor the developments of internet‐based pedagogies, open source education, and learning analytics in order to be prepared if any of these developments transform education in unexpected ways.Social implicationsSociety's approach to education was formed in the industrial era. It was designed to help students learn basic information and skills to be successful in relatively routine careers, such as manufacturing and service in the twentieth century. Machines are taking over that function today so that today's workers need to take more responsibility for their performance, be able to create new approaches to solve problems and work with others in a collaborative yet uncertain environment. These disruptions, should they occur, would provide the opportunity to build an education system that is appropriate for the twenty‐first century.Originality/valueVery little of this material is truly new since the data are taken from secondary sources and most readers will know something about these developments. The originality here is using the framework of the three horizons of development to order and prepare for radical change. These developments are also potential game‐changers that would create a new educational system, something that has not occurred in the developed world for over 100 years.
Book Review: Though nothing can bring back the hour
Authors: Abeles Tom P. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis viewpoint paper aims to give a brief exploration into the problems facing the humanities in getting scholarly work “published” in a world where academic publishers are reducing their number of books published annually.Design/methodology/approachThis is an extended review of the book, Planned Obsolescence, by Kathleen Fitzpatrick.FindingsThe humanities are changing as the electronic world opens new possibilities for both scholarly research and “publishing” in traditional and new forms. An obsessive concern with traditional publications for validating researchers is potentially limiting opportunities and increasing uncertainty in a world which is focused on science, technology and mathematics.Originality/valueThe humanities are poised on the edge of change. They can attempt to repeat the past, take a chance on the emerging alternatives or slip over the edge.
Book Review: The new rules of technology
Authors: Abeles Tom P. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis viewpoint aims to review the book Consumption Economics: The New Rules of Tech, by J.B. Wood, a volume supported by the technology service industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of the book, key messages and implications for the future.FindingsThe shift to the cloud will change the needs for enterprises to purchase and maintain expensive hardware/software changing the business model for companies that sell and service these systems. The book fails, though, to explore how the shift by their client, the users of these systems, will impact their relationship with their clients. Education is a good example.Practical implicationsFront end capital costs will be amortized over the long term by the ability of former owners to pay incrementally, micro transactions, MT, which may yield similar revenues but shift the burden of capital onto the providers/service companies affecting revenues, commissions, fees and working relationships.Originality/valueBusiness models will change, new partnerships and uses of information will emerge and knowledge will more easily flow across geo/political and enterprise boundaries.
From maximizing shareholder value to delighting the customer
Authors: Denning Stephen 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe paper was written with the intention of drawing attention to a fundamental dysfunction that is widespread in large organizations today – a myopic focus on maximizing shareholder value.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies the source of the dysfunction, the reasons why it has spread, and explains the corrective measures required, namely, a shift in goal from maximizing shareholder value to delighting the customer.FindingsThe dysfunction is widespread and dangerously counterproductive to long‐term business success.Research limitations/implicationsFurther quantification is needed, both of the business results over time of firms that have failed to make the shift and of those firms that have made the transition.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes transformation of business practices throughout the world – the adoption of radical management and goals that produce stakeholder value.Originality/valueThe findings and implications of the paper, which draw on recent work by writers such as Roger Martin, will be controversial to many business executives and academics.
How cloud computing maximizes growth opportunities for a firm challenging established rivals
Authors: Rader David 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explain how cloud computing – conducting business functions on shared, off‐premises computing systems – introduces strategic options and business‐control challenges for executives. For example, cloud computing offers ubiquitous access to applications for interacting with all parts of a firm's value chain and it connects an organization with the rich learning opportunities percolating in communities formed by the users of the service.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces a capabilities‐comparison‐matrix approach that executives can use to uncover, evaluate and rank opportunities for employing cloud computing to advance a challenger enterprise's growth strategy.FindingsFor a firm hoping to grow, but with fewer resources than its rivals, cloud computing offers the potential to do more with less, thus benefiting an agile, strategic adopter of its rapidly evolving technology and service.Practical implicationsUsing cloud‐based services, a challenger enterprise can identify, qualify, engage and manage a global network of capabilities to match the captive, in‐house activities of a bigger, better‐established competitor.Originality/valueThe practical question for adopting any new technology is, “What is the value of what can we do (with the technology) that we could not do before?” To clarify choices, a capabilities‐comparison matrix helps decision makers focus on which business activities should go into the “do” and “don't” classifications.
Ethnicity and accounting conservatism: Malaysian evidence
Authors: Mohamed Yunos Rahimah , Ismail Zubaidah , Smith Malcolm 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically test the association between two ethnic groups: Bumiputera directors and Chinese directors, on the incidence of accounting conservatism.Design/methodology/approachA panel data analysis of financial statement data was conducted for 300 Malaysian listed firms between 2001 and 2007.FindingsThe analysis shows that the ethnic groups influence the adoption of conservatism, but that the evidence is mixed, implying that there could be factors other than ethnicity which explained the directors’ behaviour.Practical implicationsThe results provide a useful input to the proponents of harmonisation in financial reporting, in that Malaysian financial reports do not appear to be influenced by the ethnicity of participating groups.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to measure empirically the impact of ethnicity on the incidence of accounting conservatism.
Chinese auditors’ views about independence and employer values
Authors: Han Fan Ying , Woodbine Gordon , Scully Glennda 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the results of a cross‐sectional survey of Chinese auditors that examines their views about independence and client relationship issues associated with the current Code of Professional Conduct. The paper also compares the findings with attitudes about the perceived ethical environment of their workplaces.Design/methodology/approachDuring late 2006, 578 useable questionnaires were obtained from members of the Chinese Institute of Public Accountants registered with four regional chapters. The empirical research was exploratory and involved the construction of a scale for measuring attitudes towards independence issues and a modified version of the Corporate Ethical Values scale.FindingsIt was found that auditors clearly identify with the importance of codes of practice and indicate that their views are significantly affected by observations about the ethical climates associated with their immediate workplaces. Codes of practice are seen to be relevant the greater the concern about the ethicality of their workplaces, although attitudes were tempered when client relationship matters are considered, suggesting that some degree of cultural tolerance of questionable activities is inevitable, and that tolerance increases with age.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to directly access Chinese practitioners in order to measure attitudes towards western‐based standards of practice in association with their workplace conditions. It is a sizable survey, providing useful insights into how practitioners are coping with the demands of their profession in China.
Morality and the prevention of corruption: action or intent – a new look at an old problem
Authors: Nardo Massimo N. , Francis Ronald D. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the established dilemma of action versus intent as explanations of the basis of ethical behaviour. In essence it aims to pose the question “If one had a choice between an executive who acted from cold calculated intent, and behaved ethically as it was profitable – compared to someone with excellent intent who consistently got it ethically wrong – who would you choose – the psychopathic ethicist or the well‐intentioned bumbler?”. The intended contribution of this paper is to add some further considerations to that debate.Design/methodology/approachThis paper notes the basic dilemma of moral choice, action or intent: it also adds to the debate by a consideration of several lesser points, including different meanings of “outcome” and the awareness that morals refer to an underpinning value choice. Its analytic path touches short‐term versus long‐term perspectives, commonsense, the theoretical debate, idealism and utilitarianism, equitability, morals and the law, morality and genes, unintended consequences and paradox of compliance.FindingsThe paper acknowledges that moral values are values that may be derived from wider elements, and that moral choices are such that they should be expressed in principles that transcend special times, place, or special pleading. There is an expressed need for consistency of approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe debate, still alive and well, needs to extend to include contemporary issues. The present writers are inclined to the view that a raised awareness of the issue, and its application to real life situations, is critical. The discussed issues would certainly benefit from further speculation.Practical implicationsMorals must operate in a real world, and that clearly implies desirable outcomes: good intent is recognised as powerful – but does not do as much to foster moral behaviour as does an orientation to outcome. It is such qualifications that need to be borne in mind when considering the complementary roles of moral decision making in any context, including that of business and of crime. It is hoped that directorial and managerial decisions will be invested with this understanding.Originality/valueThe major contributions that this paper seeks to make is that the distinction between intent and consequences may be a false dichotomy; that the notion of outcome has more than one meaning; and that so often our intentions have paradoxical outcomes.
An investigation of the financial criminal practices of the elite in developing countries
Authors: Julius Otusanya Olatunde 
Published: May 2012

PurposeContemporary literature has paid scholarly attention to financial criminal practice from a variety of competing perspectives. However, this paper seeks to encourage reflections on some questionable practices of the political and economic elite which increase their capital accumulation but harm citizens.Design/methodology/approachWithin a socio‐political framework, this study adopts the theories of the developmental state and globalisation in order to understand the relationship between social agency and society, and focuses on the institutional structures and the role of social actors.FindingsThe paper used publicly available documents to construct case studies to provide some evidence of the strategies and tactics used by political elite to facilitate their capital accumulations. Evidence is provided to show that large sums of government revenue have been undermined by the financial criminal practices of the Nigerian political and economic elite (both local and international), which have enriched a few, but impoverished most, Nigerians.Practical implicationsFinancial criminal practices have played a major role in causing serious damage to the economic and social landscape of Nigeria, which in turn, has undermined social welfare and also investment in the public services, thereby eroding the quality of life and producing a decline in average life expectancy. As a consequence of recurring corrupt practices by the political and economic elites in Nigeria, there is a need for reform in order to curb the practice which has had and continues to have, a serious effect on Nigeria and its future development.Originality/valueBroader accounts of the impact of financial criminal practices on development in developing countries are relatively scarce. Previous studies have tended to individualise the problem.
The consumption side of sustainable fashion supply chain
Authors: Chan Ting‐yan , Wong Christina W.Y. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between product‐ and store‐related attributes of eco‐fashion and fashion consumers’ eco‐fashion consumption decisions; and if such relationships are subject to the price premium level of eco‐fashion.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with consumers in Hong Kong: in total, 216 consumers participated in the survey. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to check the validity and reliability of the scales. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe findings showed that only store‐related attributes of eco‐fashion positively influence consumers’ eco‐fashion consumption decision, yet, such relationship can be weakened by the price premium level of eco‐fashion.Research limitations/implicationsFashion consumers’ response to product‐ and store‐related attributes of eco‐fashion is still important in predicting fashion consumers’ eco‐fashion consumption decision. Fashion consumer environmental attitudes can predict fashion consumers’ eco‐fashion consumption decision better than fashion consumers’ attitude towards eco‐fashion.Practical implicationsIt is not enough for fashion companies to manufacture fashion clothing in an ethical production system and develop and design fashion clothing with sustainable and recyclable materials. They must also improve store‐related attributes of eco‐fashion to better satisfy fashion consumer needs, and should be cautious in the direct and moderating effect of price premium level of eco‐fashion when determining the price premium level of eco‐fashion.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to research by advancing understanding on how consumers make ethical consumption decisions in purchasing fashion, and provides retailers with managerial insights into devising marketing plans to promote eco‐fashion consumption, which facilitate fashion companies’ development of a sustainable fashion supply chain. Limitations and directions for future research are also presented in the paper.
The impact of ethical fashion on consumer purchase behavior
Authors: Shen Bin , Wang Yulan , Lo Chris K.Y. , Shum Momoko 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between ethical fashion and consumer purchase behavior (their willingness to pay a premium for ethical fashion), with the focus on consumers’ concerns and beliefs about, and knowledge of, ethical fashion.Design/methodology/approachA self‐completion questionnaire was administered to 109 respondents. Factor analysis and other statistical analyses were applied to test hypotheses.FindingsThe findings suggest that consumer beliefs about ethical fashion, which are based on their perceptions of a company in terms of its reputation in the fashion industry, influence their support for what they perceive as socially and environmentally responsible businesses.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size, which is relatively small, is a limitation for this research. The data were collected in Hong Kong, limiting findings to that geographic region.Practical implicationsAn important implication is that consumer education is essential to mitigate the prevailing throwaway culture and raise consumer awareness of ethical issues facing the fashion industry. Thus, retailers should take initiatives to educate consumers so as to ensure the success of their newly‐launched ethical fashion products.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an approach to clearly understand the impacts of ethical fashion on consumer purchase behavior.
Knowledge sharing among green fashion communities online
Authors: Cervellon Marie‐Cécile , Wernerfelt Anne‐Sophie 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge content on green fashion and the expectations regarding the sustainable supply chain held by consumers and shared within online communities. In sustainable and eco‐sectors, the supply chain is of outmost concern for consumers, as most benefits derived from the eco‐purchase are linked to the green and ethical credentials of the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachA netnographic approach is used. Discussions on green fashion were collected in two green fashion forums over two periods (2007‐2008 and 2010‐2011) and were content analyzed.FindingsResults show a switch in knowledge content between the two periods, from a focus on sustainability to a focus on fashion. Also, there is an evolution in the nature of knowledge content, being initially subjective and becoming more objective and showing expertise during the last period studied. As the communities gain maturity, members are interested in sharing precise knowledge on a variety of aspects linked to the sustainable supply chain, including fabric, materials, manufacturing processes, transportation, distribution, and recycling or re‐use of fashion items. In addition, the role of the members evolves toward educating newcomers and sustaining the development of the green fashion sector.Originality valueThis research contributes to the field by offering an original perspective on the green fashion supply chain and consumer vision of the industry, through the point of view of major actors and online communities. It advocates for a consumer orientation in the building of sustainable fashion supply chains.