bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pivoted‐pad journal bearings lubrication design
Authors: Saruhan Hamit 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to utilize an evolutionary algorithm as an optimization technique to solve design optimization of a pivoted‐pad journal bearing performance characteristics considering objective functions which are contradictory to each other. These functions include fluid film thickness, film temperature, and power loss along with design variables vector, which consists of pad axial length to journal diameter ratio, pad arc length, bearing radial clearance, pad offset factor, and pad preload factor.Design/methodology/approachIn order to improve performance characteristics of the pivoted‐pad journal bearing, the genetic algorithm (GA) was employed and the modeling of the bearing was represented with the finite element method. Also, a numerical method, global criterion, was conducted to validate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed method.FindingsThis paper utilizes the GA to solve multi‐objective optimization of the pivoted‐pad journal bearing performance governed by design variables such as pad axial length to journal diameter ratio, pad arc length, bearing radial clearance, pad offset factor, and pad preload factor for a range of rotational speed. The global criterion method (GCM) proves that the proposed method is very efficient and useful for the optimal design of the pivoted‐pad journal bearings. An acceptable results agreement between the GA and the GCM has been obtained. The GA is well suited to find the optimum solutions with a high probability since it starts with an initial set of solutions rather than a single solution. The GA explores different areas of search space in parallel and, it is good at exploitation.Originality/valueWith the help of the proposed method, it will be possible to have an idea about bearing geometric parameters on a more rational basis, and to better predict the dynamic performance of rotor systems supported on the pivoted‐pad journal bearings.
Organisational politics: reconciling leadership's rational‐emotional paradox
Authors: Sheard G. , Kakabadse A.P. , Kakabadse N.K. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeEffective leadership action requires managers to harness power that is intrinsically political. This paper aims to study and characterise the political nature of a manager's behaviour when taking leadership action.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach is qualitative and examines three organisations over a three‐year period when these entities experienced a major product failure. The paper analyses the actual managerial behaviour of managers and provides insight into the factors that most strongly influence the effectiveness of managers when taking leadership action.FindingsPolitical behaviour when taking leadership action can be conceptualised in terms of rationality and emotionality. In so doing, it can be clarified how behaviour must be modified to ensure that leadership action is consistently effective.Research limitations/implicationsA case study of three multinational engineering companies engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of turbomachinery provides the platform for the research. The concepts presented in the paper will require validating in other organisations of different demographic profiles.Practical implicationsThe concepts presented and the implications discussed provide insight into the political nature of managerial behaviour when taking leadership action. The paper highlights the practical steps individual managers can embrace to ensure that their behaviour is appropriate to context, even under the most traumatic situations. Thus, the paper provides managers with a model that facilitates effective leadership action.Originality/valueThis paper provides insight into how managers behaved in circumstances that mattered to them. Through immersion in events at the time they took place, the authors captured situations in which managers were under real pressure and, in so doing, avoided the bias inherent when interviewing a manager about past events. As such, the paper concludes that the political behaviour in which managers engage when taking leadership action is rooted in the reality of the adversity that the most capable managers have both experienced and overcome. This detailed study reports behaviour in a situation where managers' business and future prospects were in jeopardy. This paper identifies why some managers were able to use the experience positively, helping them to adopt politically intrinsic behaviour to facilitate effective leadership action.
Responding to minority ethnic groups' language support needs in Britain
Authors: Aspinall Peter J. , Hashem Ferhana 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to answer the question: in the British state's relationship with its diverse minority ethnic communities, how have politics framed administrative allocation of language support services? The dynamics of policy development are investigated, a tangible effect of the shift from unofficial pragmatic multiculturalism towards community cohesion/“Britishness” having been a government focus on English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) rather than translation/interpreting. This change has revealed a tension between the demands of identity and equality for minority ethnic people: respect for cultural identity requires provision of translation/interpreting while creating (political) equality between majority and minority communities entails the latter having access to the political language so placing an emphasis on ESOL.Design/methodology/approachAn evidence synthesis is undertaken of policy documents relating to the British state's provision of language support services and data on the skill levels in English from government surveys.FindingsThe relative contribution of financial constraints and new policy/ideological positions to changes in the direction of policy and provision is assessed. With respect to the “new approach to ESOL”, this process of discretionary allocation that privileges policies of integration and community cohesion rather than language need itself is viewed against the inadequacies of the data currently available on levels of English language proficiency in providing the basis for making policy decisions and allocating resources.Originality/valueThe level of English language skills amongst Britain's minority ethnic groups and of government policy to address skill deficits has been substantially neglected. The paper provides a policy focus ahead of the release of the 2011 Census findings on language questions.
Resource sharing among ARL libraries in the US: 35 years of growth
Authors: Mak Collette 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the factors that have led the USA to be one of the few countries in the world that has seen interlending and document supply continue to increase.Design/methodology/approachThe factors are identified, reviewed and assessed.FindingsIt was found that the effectiveness of resource sharing facilitated by intra‐ and inter‐state cooperatives using OCLC as a framework is a major factor, others being the improvement in discovery tools, requesting processes and the more recent improvements in the delivery process. Finally, the widespread subsidizing of access and delivery enables cheap or even free use of document supply.Originality/valueThis paper is the only study so far that addresses the current puzzle of US “exceptionalism” for interlending and document supply.
Supporting informal learning by traders in investment banks
Authors: Chivers Geoffrey 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe main aims of this paper are to determine the extent to which experienced traders in investment banks based in London are learning by informal methods, which methods are to the fore, and whether HRD staff are providing support for informal learning. It also seeks to find evidence that such investment banks were attempting to become learning organisations.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical research was conducted involving in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with experienced traders, line managers of traders, and HRD professionals involved in the training of traders in London based investment banks.FindingsMost of the ongoing learning conducted by traders was informal, and on‐the‐job in nature. This informal learning was ad hoc, poorly recorded, and limited in scope. Support of line managers to learning by their subordinate traders was patchy, with little accountability. HRD professionals were almost entirely concerned with organising formal training courses, and had little knowledge of, or involvement with, informal learning by traders. There was very little evidence of investment banks striving to become learning organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research study was limited to those investment banks willing to take part in the study, and by the banks selecting those to be interviewed.Practical implicationsInvestment banks have become a powerful component of the UK economy, and the ways in which their traders learn, or could learn, effectively in terms of competence improvement is key to the performance of these banks.Originality/valueInformal learning by traders in investment banks in the UK has been little researched to date. This paper addresses this inadequacy.
Empowering at‐risk students through appreciative inquiry
Authors: San Martin Teresa L. , Calabrese Raymond L. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify how at‐risk high school students in an alternative school describe how they best learn and to extrapolate their preferred learning practices to improve teacher pedagogical practices.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a qualitative case study design to facilitate the first two stages of an appreciative inquiry (AI) 4‐D cycle – discovery and dream. Eight alternative high school students, four males and four females, were purposively selected as participants. Data collection methods included: group discussions, semi‐structured paired interviews, and participant generated documents and visual presentation for district administrators and teachers. Data were analyzed using content analysis, open coding, axial coding, text analysis software, and pattern matching.FindingsThe study produced four salient findings: relevant experiences were important for learning; a cooperative and respectful learning environment is a core value; learning should be enjoyable; and, the concept of family became an important metaphor for the learning environment.Originality/valueThe findings from this study suggest that further research with AI in educational settings may have important implications to inspire educators to think in new ways about learning.
Power principles for educational leaders: research into practice
Authors: Hoy Wayne K. , Tarter C. John 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe aim of this article is to examine the empirical literature on irrationality and identify a set of concepts to help administrators cope with irrationality in decision making.Design/methodology/approachThis analysis is a synthesis of the selected research literature on irrationality.FindingsA set of seven concepts and propositions was indentified that are critical in understanding the influence on irrationality on decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThe propositions proposed are ways to deal constructively with irrational behavior in decision making, but it is only a beginning.Practical implicationsThe concepts, propositions, and their application to practice are not well‐known in educational administration and are useful tools for educational leaders.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the power of seven concepts: perception; simplification; decisiveness; deadlines; norms; ownership; and emotional expectation.
Male educational leadership in Greek primary schools
Authors: Brinia Vassiliki 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper can be summarized in the following research questions: How do male school leaders perceive the role of an educational leader and educational leadership in general? What are some of the male school leaders' leadership styles and features? What distinctive factors influence and hinder the leadership process for men in Greek primary schools? Are there any perceived gender differences in educational leadership? What are the attitudes and the level of motivation that male school leaders have towards promotion?Design/ methodology/ approachThe study utilizes a qualitative approach to explore the views and perceptions of Greek male school leaders in a profound manner. The main research tool is in‐depth semi‐ structured interviews that are employed to a final sample of 20 respondents.FindingsThe results are represented in a systemic model, which outlines the various influencing and resulting notions. For instance, a wide range of influencing factors are revealed alongside a series of leadership styles and behaviors that are displayed by male school leaders in Greece. Moreover, the research paper offers a concise sum of concepts that are deemed to portray leadership effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research may be undertaken in the specific or other sectors, in order to determine or test the various concepts that have arisen. The findings also offer useful recommendations for male school leaders and related stakeholders to understand the educational leadership process in a better way.Originality valueAs there is a lack of relevant empirical work both in the fields of educational leadership of males and educational leadership in Greece, this project aids in understanding important issues and reveals additional factors that are exceedingly relevant to educational leadership of males in Greece.
Alcohol‐specific parenting within a cluster‐randomized effectiveness trial of a Swedish primary prevention program
Authors: Strandberg Anna K. , Bodin Maria C. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeWithin the framework of an ongoing cluster‐randomized effectiveness trial of a parental prevention program, the aim of the present study is to investigate attitudes towards under‐age drinking and use of program components, i.e. alcohol‐specific parenting behaviors, in parents who did and did not take part in the programme.Design/methodology/approachNon‐parametric tests were used to analyze cross‐sectional data from 1,239 14‐year‐olds and their parents, collected at a 12‐month follow‐up.FindingsStrict attitudes and alcohol‐specific rule‐setting were more frequently reported among parents in the experimental group than among parents in the control group (89.2 v. 81.7 percent, p < 0.001, respectively 92.8 v. 88.5 percent, p < 0.01). Parental reports were supported by that significantly fewer youths in the experimental group reported being served alcohol at home (36.6 v. 44.7 percent, p < 0.01).Research limitations/implicationsMost of the measures were not included at the baseline measurement. However, the validity of the results is increased by the finding that parent and youth reports converge.Originality/valueThe results substantiate a previous study finding on maintained attitudinal restrictivity and extend one's knowledge on parents' use of programme components (e.g. having and communicating alcohol‐specific rules). The present study tentatively suggests that two brief presentations to parents might result in changes in alcohol‐specific parenting.
Teamwork on the line can pay off down the line
Authors: Lantz Annika 
Published: February 2011

PurposeEmployees' work in innovation processes generates ideas, but more often it serves to create conditions so that new products or services can be effectively produced or delivered. Self‐organizational activities involve proactively handling new possibilities, unexpected situations, problems or tasks. The aim of this paper is to provide support for a previously proposed model of the determinants of self‐organizational activities in work groups.Design/methodology/approachThree studies were conducted in organizations where self‐organizational activities are welcomed, and in a nuclear plant where such can endanger safety. The results are based on work analysis (two studies) and questionnaires (all studies) administered to, in total, 104 work groups. The model was tested using LISREL.FindingsThe model received substantial support. Dimensions of job design, group processes and group initiative are interrelated and connected to self‐organizational activities. Job design captured by work analysis gives a better model fit and has a larger effect on self‐organizational activities than self‐assessed autonomy.Research limitations/implicationsFive different studies with a relatively small number of groups is not a large sample, but the data could be merged.Practical implicationsTeamwork can benefit the innovation process and give a return on the investment that it takes, providing that groups have a complex task, considerable freedom, and group processes that are characterized by reflectivity. A good argument for investing in teamwork is that it can promote self‐organization. Employees learn to think outside the box and participate in processes that are important for innovation. Work analysis can give input as to how work conditions might be altered to enhance innovation processes. Job design has an effect on group processes that are crucial for learning the competence to handle change.Social implicationsDetailed work analysis is worthwhile as it provides data regardless of how work conditions are perceived, and gives a solid base for proposing how the work should be designed if it is to support self‐organization. Further, group processes that enhance group initiative and self‐organizational activities are identified.Originality/valueThe study gives further evidence that teamwork can benefit the innovation process and give a return on the investment that it takes, providing that groups have a complex work task, considerable freedom, and group processes that are characterized by reflexivity.
Business‐community partnerships: understanding the nature of partnership
Authors: Lee Louise 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a New Zealand perspective on how business and community organisations engage to develop mutually beneficial partnerships to tackle pressing social issues. Specifically, the paper seeks to examine the collaboration motivations for business and community partners involved in seven business‐community partnerships in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises data from in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with key business and community managers involved in seven partnerships in New Zealand. The transcripts of the interviews were analysed using elements of content and narrative analysis. Findings to be presented in this paper include: explaining what “partnership” is; understanding a business case; and community organisations' motivations for engaging in partnerships with business.FindingsThis research finds that, while partnerships involving business and community organisations may ideally be associated with shared societal concerns, in this study there was a very strong focus on individual community organisation goals and a dominance of business priorities. This was not balanced by an interest in the broader meta‐goals of the partnership.Originality/valueThis paper draws attention to diverse and often competing motivations that characterise business‐community partnerships. The research demonstrates that, while partnerships are often discussed in the context of societal benefits, individual organisations frequently form partnerships primarily for their own instrumental self‐interests. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate understanding of the practical challenges to developing business‐community partnerships, given differences among the partners in goal orientations and expectations.
The use of financial information by private equity funds in evaluating new investments
Authors: Smolarski Jan , Wilner Neil , Yang Weifang 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of financial information and valuation methods among private equity funds in Europe and India. The authors analyze differences in the choice of valuation methods and how the use of financial information differs among funds in the UK, Pan Europe and India.Design/methodology/approachA survey approach was utilized in collecting proprietary data from European and Indian private equity funds. The data were classified according to fund type, country grouping, size, risk profile, labor cost and industry structure and analyzed using MANOVA and ANOVA.FindingsThe results show that the use of valuation models is relatively homogeneous across countries and that the use of financial information appears to be driven to a large extent by fund type and fund focus. The use of audited financial statements appears to increase as firms mature. Significant differences were found in standard financial adjustments between the two fund types and between the country groupings. Results based on labor cost are weakly significant whereas industry structure does not appear to have an impact on how fund managers evaluate investments.Research limitations/implicationsThe results indicate that fund managers adapt their decision‐making behavior according to investment type and risk. The authors argue that understanding asymmetrical and structural issues may potentially improve investment decision‐making processes. The main conclusion for researchers is that buy‐out and venture capital funds should not be combined as one asset class. Since a survey approach was used, the study is subject to the belief that fund managers do not internalize decisions well, which could reduce the effectiveness of the research design.Originality/valueThere are few studies in the areas covered by this paper due to the proprietary nature of the private equity industry. The results are important because they help in understanding how fund managers use decision aids such as financial statements and valuation techniques. A better understanding of current practices will help fund managers and fund sponsors in devising improved decision aids and processes, which ultimately may lead to fewer non‐performing investments. This is especially important in private equity since investment decisions are often irreversible and binary.
Impact of macroeconomic indicators on Indian capital markets
Authors: Pal Karam , Mittal Ruhee 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the long‐run relationship between the Indian capital markets and key macroeconomic variables such as interest rates, inflation rate, exchange rates and gross domestic savings (GDS) of Indian economy.Design/methodology/approachQuarterly time series data spanning the period from January 1995 to December 2008 has been used. The unit root test, the co‐integration test and error correction mechanism (ECM) have been applied to derive the long run and short‐term statistical dynamics.FindingsThe findings of the study establish that there is co‐integration between macroeconomic variables and Indian stock indices which is indicative of a long‐run relationship. The ECM shows that the rate of inflation has a significant impact on both the BSE Sensex and the S&P CNX Nifty. Interest rates on the other hand, have a significant impact on S&P CNX Nifty only. However, in case of foreign exchange rate, significant impact is seen only on BSE Sensex. The changing GDS is observed as insignificantly associated with both the BSE Sensex and the S&P CNX Nifty. The paper, on the whole, conclusively establishes that the capital markets indices are dependent on macroeconomic variables even though the same may not be statistically significant in all the cases.Originality/valueThis study emphasises on the impact of macroeconomic variables on the stock market performance of a developing economy, whose performance is measured by these variables.