bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The informal learning of new teachers in school
Authors: McNally Jim , Blake Allan , Reid Ashley 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present what the study of the experiences of beginning teachers and their informal learning says about the process of learning to teach, and to discuss the main emerging themes in relation to a wider literature.Design/methodology/approachThe design of the paper is essentially ethnographic and building of grounded theory, based on an accumulation of data derived from interviews with beginning teachers and connecting to extant theory.FindingsThe findings are that a focus on the informal learning of beginners in teaching leads to the notion of learning as becoming that is predominantly emotional and relational in nature with the emergence of teacher identity.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited in its exploration of the cognitive dimension of professional learning, a dimension which may be elicited using a more tightly focused and structured method.Practical implicationsThe implications are that learning to teach is not determined by a professional standard and that a revised standard would need to take account of these findings.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the pursuit of informal learning as a research area in teaching to reveal a greater complexity of learning in that specific professional context; and showing how the understanding of learning to teach can be enriched through a wider appreciation of the school as workplace, workplace learning and connections to a wider philosophical literature.
Informal learning of social workers: a method of narrative inquiry
Authors: Gola Giancarlo 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate social workers' processes of informal learning, through their narration of their professional experience, in order to understand how social workers learn. Informal learning is any individual practice or activity that is able to produce continuous learning; it is often non‐intentional and non‐structured learning.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed qualitative research methods, according to specific epistemologies such as Grounded Theory, and Inquiry into Narrative. The tool used for data collection has been the narrative interview. The scientific software ATLAS.ti has facilitated the analysis of the contents and the narrative structure.FindingsThe data classified throughout the analysis allow for observing and explaining possible interpretations of informal learning of the social workers. The informal learning process, depending on the level of intentionality, can be random and often appears as a learning process leading to change and improvement, resulting from reflection and awareness.Originality/valueThe paper offers a methodological contribution for narrative data collection and analysis, through elaborating a network of all elements examined within each interview and defining some characteristics and meaning of informal learning in the workplace.
Workplace learning: the roles of knowledge accessibility and management
Authors: Li Jessica , Brake Gary , Champion Angeline , Fuller Tony , Gabel Sandy , Hatcher‐Busch Lori 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how knowledge management systems have been used by the studied organizations to improve knowledge accessibility and knowledge sharing in order to increase workplace learning.Design/methodology/approachThe study relies on a qualitative multisite case study method. Data were obtained from five organizations at a southern state in the USA. Multiple interviews, onsite observation, and documentation analyses were conducted at each studied organization. Data analysis used open coding and thematic analysis. Results were triangulated based on multiple data sources.FindingsThe findings revealed that the learning environment of an organization is important for workplace learning. All studied organizations share a need for a conversion of tacit to explicit knowledge in order to facilitate effective informal learning in the workplace. This research concludes that engineering the learning environment through effective knowledge management should be a cohesive effort of the entire organization and demands congruent support from all levels of the organization.Originality/valueThe study expands the understanding of issues related to workplace learning through knowledge accessibility in both business and academic settings. To improve workplace learning, one should not just stipulate technology interventions; other factors, such as the organization's design, work design, and the culture/vision of the organization, all play important roles in the creation of a learning organization that will induce informal learning in the workplace.
Family‐member and non‐family‐member managers in family businesses
Authors: Sonfield Matthew C. , Lussier Robert N. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate, in a multi‐country context, the inclusion of family‐member managers and non‐family‐member managers in family businesses, and the relationship of this variable to certain management activities, styles and characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThis four‐country study involved survey research and correlational testing of nine hypotheses. The four countries, Croatia, France, India and the USA, provided a mixture of entrepreneurial contexts. Given limited prior research in this area, this study is exploratory and broadly focused.FindingsThere was limited support for the relationship between the percentage of non‐family‐member managers and the nine management activities, styles and characteristics studied, both between and within countries. The strongest support was for the positive relationship between the percentage of non‐family managers and the use of sophisticated financial management methods.Research limitations/implicationsInherent in the choice of countries are some variations among the four country samples. Future research can build on these findings with more focused studies in areas that seem worthy of further analysis.Practical implicationsThis study, along with further research, should allow family business owner/managers to better understand the possible impacts of bringing non‐family managers into their firms. Family businesses may not need to be concerned that their firms will lose their “familiness” if they hire non‐family managers.Originality/valueThis study begins to fill a gap in the family business literature identified by prior researchers and, as noted above, creates a base for future research and for possible practical implications for family firm practitioners.
Adoption of internet in Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Shah Alam Syed 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate empirically the decision of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt the internet in their businesses.Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey of 465 sampled SMEs from Klan valley area in Malaysia, this study tests seven hypotheses about the factors that influence internet adoption.FindingsThe findings show that manager's characteristics, perceived benefits, organisational culture, technological competency and cost of adoption have significant relationships with internet adoption. The results of the study of highly educated managers of SMEs also revealed a non‐significant relationship between language, growth of web and internet adoption.Originality/valueThe study provides more understanding of managers' perceptions about internet adoption in their businesses. Those interested in promoting the web may find these results helpful in guiding their efforts.
Women‐owned small and medium enterprises in England
Authors: Azam Roomi Muhammad , Harrison Pegram , Beaumont‐Kerridge John 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women entrepreneurs during the growth process.Design/methodology/approachThe approach analysed the main growth factors and their influence on the adoption of different growth strategies. An online questionnaire was designed using Snap survey software™, with results exported to SPSS™ for analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a variety of scaled, open‐ended, rank order, dichotomous, multiple choice and open questions.FindingsThe research indicates that most do not opt to develop growth‐oriented businesses, choosing instead small, non‐scalable, locally focused businesses providing services or operating in low‐tech industries. Women who are growth‐oriented appear to be inhibited due to a lack of access to, and control over such resources as, capital, business premises, information and technology, production inputs, appropriate childcare, qualifications, experience, training facilities and appropriate assistance from business development agencies. Non‐effective accumulation and use of social capital hinders access to appropriate decision‐making circles, and limits the probability of accessing critical management and financing resources, especially through the venture capital industry.Practical implicationsThis research has implications for government or other business development agencies seeking to understand the growth patterns and problems of women‐owned enterprises in the East of England.Originality/valueThere are few British studies that have focussed on growth oriented women‐owned businesses. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by attempting to understand the nature and activities of such business, by analysing the main growth factors and their influence on different growth strategies.
UK small owner‐managed businesses: accounting and financial reporting needs
Authors: Sian S. , Roberts C. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeIn recent years there has been a growing interest in the provision of financial information by small business entities. In the UK, regulation has taken the form of the Financial Reporting Standard for Small Enterprises (FRSSE) and internationally UNCTAD has issued its own reporting guidelines for small enterprises ahead of the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB's) standard on the subject. Despite this international interest, academic research investigating the accounting and financial reporting needs of small enterprises remains relatively scarce. This UK‐based study aims to assess the potential demand for and usefulness of reporting guidelines specifically designed for small owner‐managed enterprises (SoMEs).Design/methodology/approachUsing postal questionnaires, data were gathered from accountants providing services to SoMEs and the owners of such enterprises.FindingsIt was found that most SoMEs produce accounting records, often based on computerised packages. However, financial awareness varies significantly and there is evidence that most small enterprise owners rely on their accountants to prepare their financial statements and are often left bewildered by the complexity of the information provided. With UK and the future IASB standards being designed to meet the needs of the largest small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), there does appear to be a relatively high level of agreement that specific guidance for much smaller entities would be desirable. However, many of the accountants felt that some aspects of existing regulations, such as the UNCTAD level 3 guidelines, were too complex, indicating that regulators need to carefully consider the contents of regulations for the smallest entities.Origniality/valueThe findings of this study have implications for regulators who are now considering the possibility of developing guidance for the smallest business entities.
Financing preferences of micro and small enterprise owners in Tigray: does POH hold?
Authors: Haileselasie Gebru Gebregziabher 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the determinants of financing preferences of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) owners in Tigray regional state of Ethiopia in light of the Pecking Order Hypothesis (POH).Design/methodology/approachStructured questionnaires were used to collect data from 120 MSEs in six zonal towns of Tigray regional state. Logistic regression model was used to empirically test the literature‐driven hypotheses.FindingsKey findings include that POH holds true for MSE owners in Tigray regional state as the educational level of owners decreases and there is less intrusion in the form of ownership. On the other hand, MSE owners with a higher degree of entrepreneurial skills are found to conform with the predictions of POH. Furthermore, factors such as ownership type, acquisition type, level of education of the owner/s and reason for business startups are found to be major determinants of MSE owners' financing preferences.Research limitations/implicationsThere are of course elements that could determine MSE owners' financing preferences that require better understanding before a reliable prescriptive position on SME financing can be reached. At the same time, in this paper, data were collected from one regional state of Ethiopia that limits the generalization power of the conclusions reached. A need for more in‐depth qualitative investigation is further pointed out.Originality/valueThe research shows significance of ownership structure, entrepreneurability and MSE owners' education level in financing decisions of MSEs. The paper empirically tests POH in MSEs in Tigray regional state of Ethiopia.
Entrepreneurship education in the UK
Authors: Matlay Harry 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to explore stakeholder involvement in, and expectation of, entrepreneurship education in UK higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachLongitudinal telephone surveys were conducted annually over an eight‐year period (2000 to 2007) to document and analyse 336 respondents' involvement in, and expectation of, entrepreneurship education in UK HEIs.FindingsThe results indicate that stakeholder involvement in entrepreneurship education is explicit, widespread and linked to ongoing educational developments that have radically transformed management structures and accountability at all levels of the UK educational system. Stakeholders' expectations are equally complex and varied, reflecting a heterogeneous range of individual, group and community needs.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable insights into entrepreneurship education for students, university staff, policy makers and other stakeholders. Government could use the results of this research study to ensure that relevant policies and initiatives reach the targeted sector in a focused and cost‐efficient manner.Originality/valueThis study provides an original and empirically rigorous insight into stakeholder involvement in, and expectation of, entrepreneurship education in UK HEIs. It provides valuable longitudinal data for a wide range of stakeholders involved in entrepreneurship education in the UK.
Sense‐making by clinical and non‐clinical executive directors within new governance arrangements
Authors: Storey John , Holti Richard 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the various ways in which clinical executive directors and non‐clinical executive directors are interpreting and responding to the extensive reforms and restructuring in the UK health service.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws upon detailed research in two very large teaching hospital organizations in order to understand how actors crucial to the delivery of this vision are responding. Schedule‐structured interviews with executive directors were conducted, recorded, transcribed and coded.FindingsThe clinical and non‐clinical directors of these organizations engaged in a process of active sense‐making are found, which is leading to significant changes to the service and also changes to identity. The clinical directors are revealing a willingness to assume accountability for devolved profit centres in their service lines. The non‐clinical directors are supportive of this idea in broad terms but are cautious about releasing “too much” central control.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on just two case studies and the analyses are made through the perspectives of the executive teams in each case.Practical implicationsChanges to healthcare environments of this kind are occurring in many countries, but such is the extent and intensity of these changes in the UK that the government's aspiration is high – it sees this set of reforms leading to a peerless world class health service. The way in which the actors make sense of and navigate their way through the cross cutting principles and the layered reforms is a critical issue.Originality/valueThere have been few systematic studies of the practical reality involved in the enactment of profit centre and service line management initiatives in acute hospital settings and the ways these are understood and negotiated at executive team level.
Determinants of out‐of‐pocket expenditures on prescribed medications in Tajikistan
Authors: Habibov Nazim 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to quantify the impact of socio‐economic characteristics on out‐of pocket expenditures for prescribed medications in Tajikistan and provide recommendations for healthcare sector reform. The research question in this paper is: what household, personal, economic, and health factors help explain expenditures on medications? From a theoretical perspective, this paper contributes to the on‐going discussion of out‐of‐pocket expenditures in Tajikistan. From a practical perspective, in line with this recent development in the Tajikistan healthcare sector, it helps to develop evidence‐based decision‐making by answering practical questions: what factors affect pattern of out‐of‐pocket expenditures for prescribed medication? Which groups of the population should be granted a discount or fee‐waiver when buying them?Design/methodology/approachBased on micro‐file data from the most recent cross‐sectional nationally‐representative survey of Tajik households, this paper develops and tests a multivariate model of identifying determinants of out‐of‐pocket expenditures on prescribed medications in Tajikistan.FindingsThe paper finds that economic status, chronic illness, disability, number of small children, short supply of necessary drugs, and cardiac and acute illnesses are the strongest determinants of spending for prescribed medications in the country.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that to ensure accessibility to and affordability of prescribed medications, discounts or fee‐waivers should be granted to specific categories of households, those in poverty, with chronically ill members and with small children. These discounts or fee‐waivers should cover prescribed medications for children, long‐standing illness as well as for cardiac and acute infectious diseases. Administrative and economic measures should be taken to reduce the extra costs incurred due to the shortage of prescribed medications. Hence, these findings can be used in developing and designing reforms in the Tajikistan healthcare sector.
Knowledge sources affecting decision‐making among social and health care managers
Authors: Simonen Outi , Viitanen Elina , Lehto Juhani , Koivisto Anna‐Maija 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how managers in social and health care evaluate the knowledge sources affecting their decision‐making, and how the evaluations were associated with the managers' professional background, activity sector, gender, age and management experience.Design/methodology/approachThe study data are gathered from a questionnaire survey to the middle‐line doctor, nurse and social managers (n=404) within the responsibility area of a Finnish university hospital. Assessed the proportions of individual knowledge sources in the complete data set and their associations with the subjects' background data. In addition, grouping of individual knowledge sources variables are made using factor analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that social and health care managers attempt to utilize diverse knowledge sources. Overall, professional experience and education, organization budget, and action plans of one's own unit are estimated as knowledge sources with the greatest impact. Manager's professional background and activity sector are associated with the kind of knowledge affecting their decision‐making. Some differences are noted between genders, but differences with respect to age or management experience are non‐significant.Research limitations/implicationsSocial and health care organizations represent expert organizations where decision‐making is steered by professions and management tasks.Originality/valueThis paper suggests that the future decision‐makers will be required to identify versatile knowledge areas across cultural barriers, and to be capable of making comprehensive decisions affecting the entire organization.
Stereotypical images between physicians and managers in hospitals
Authors: Klopper‐Kes A.H.J. , Meerdink N. , van Harten W.H. , Wilderom C.P.M. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply the image theory to the hospital context in order to add a perspective into the known complex relationship between physicians and hospital managers. This insight can enrich current intervention schemes used in health care to facilitate organisational change.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the image theory of Alexander et al. on the known complex intergroup context of physicians and hospital managers is applied. The theory is operationalised in relative status, power, and goal incompatibility.FindingsThe data show the three variables are highly relevant and representative. Hospital managers see physicians as higher in professional status and power, and having different goals. Physicians see hospital managers to have higher power, lower status, and different goals. The study validates the applicability of the image theory in the Dutch hospital context. This results in a questionnaire suitable for performing a quick scan on the strength and direction of intergroup stereotyping within hospital organisations.Originality/valueData from the questionnaire give the opportunity to have insight in the way physicians and hospital managers perceive each other. This insight helps to focus attention on bottlenecks and possibilities in enhancing the co‐operation between physicians and hospital managers. Research on the relationship between physicians and hospital managers is scarce and mostly of a qualitative nature. This paper is executed in both qualitative and quantitative way, which enables us to empirically and statistically validate the data. The resulting questionnaire is applicable on an organisational intergroup level, while the focus in the extant literature is mostly on the interpersonal or intragroup level.