bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teacher attitudes about classroom conditions
Authors: Earthman Glen I. , Lemasters Linda K. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis research was designed to investigate the possible relationship between the attitudes, teachers have about the condition of their classrooms when the classrooms were independently assessed. Previous research reported teachers in unsatisfactory classrooms felt frustrated and neglected to such an extent that they sometimes reported they were willing to leave the teaching profession. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachEleven high schools in which the principals state the buildings are in unsatisfactory condition are identified and matched with 11 schools assessed as being in satisfactory condition. The My Classroom Appraisal Protocol© (MCAP) is used to gather impressions and attitudes of teachers. The MCAP is entered into the internet, and teachers in the selected schools are asked to voluntarily complete the instrument and submit it electronically.FindingsThe differences between the responses of teachers in satisfactory buildings are significantly different than those of teachers in unsatisfactory buildings at the p<0.05 level of confidence. Similar results are obtained on the attitudinal scale of the MCAP, again at the p<0.05 level.Research limitations/implicationsThe size of the population is small, which limits applicability.Practical implicationsThese findings clearly indicate the physical environment influences attitudes of teachers, which in turn affects their productivity. Such effects could cause morale problems in the teaching staff.Originality/valueThe findings indicate the condition of the classroom can cause morale problems with teachers. School authorities need to recognize the importance physical conditions have upon teachers so that negative feelings and attitudes do not pervade the faculty. Such feelings eventually may influence the achievement of students.
IT occupational culture: the cultural fit and commitment of new information technologists
Authors: Guzman Indira R. , Stanton Jeffrey M. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeAs the shortage in the information technology (IT) workforce continues, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the cultural dimensions of IT occupations that attract or drive away potential IT professionals. In the present study, the authors take an occupational culture approach to study the cultural fit of newcomers to IT occupations and to understand how young people perceive the culture embedded in this occupational community as they become part of it.Design/methodology/approachThe authors take a sequential mixed methodology approach composed of two phases, one qualitative and the other quantitative. In the first phase of the study, nine focus groups and 27 interviews with college students were conducted to learn about the challenges and barriers that they personally experienced while becoming part of the IT occupational community. The second phase used results from the first qualitative phase to design a survey instrument that was administered to 215 IT college students who were currently or had recently been involved in IT work experience to evaluate their cultural fit to the IT occupational culture (ITOC) and its influence on their occupational commitment.FindingsThe results suggest that women, ethnic minorities and those with less work experience encountered greater difficulty fitting into different dimensions of ITOC. The results also showed that cultural fit is a good predictor of occupational commitment and affective commitment in particular.Practical implicationsAn initial survey instrument was developed to measure cultural fit to ITOC. This instrument can be further modified and adapted to be used in the hiring process by HR departments to measure cultural fit to organizational subcultures, such as the one in the IT occupational group.Originality/valueThis paper constitutes an important contribution to the rigor and development of the theory and research of human resources in information technologies.
An international comparison of empirical generalized double diamond model approaches to Taiwan and Korea
Authors: Liu Day‐Yang , Hsu Hsin‐Fang 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the competitiveness of the economies of Taiwan and Korea.Design/methodology/approachThe comparison between Taiwan and Korea is based on the average value of the data over five years (2000‐2004). It applies a generalized double diamond model approach to analyse the overall competitiveness of these two small open economies.FindingsTaiwan surpasses Korea in all decisive factors with the exception of the demand condition in the domestic diamond in the years 2000‐2004, which is due to Korea's population being more than double Taiwan's. As to the international diamond, Taiwan enjoys comparatively high competitiveness, and its international diamond is better than Korea's in all four parts.Research limitations/implicationsThe data sources include: Indicators of Science and Technology, Taiwan, 2004 and 2005, Korean National Statistical Office and related statistical data obtained from various government agencies, including data on factor, demand, firms strategy, structure, and rivalry covering the period from 2000 to 2004, whereas related and supporting industries only covered the years 2000‐2003.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to apply a generalized double diamond model approach to analyse and to compare the competitiveness of the economies of both Taiwan and Korea. Its empirical evidences and policy implications is of interest to academicians, government officials, and business managers.
Getting partners to take action: influences on joint action in interfirm relationships
Authors: Mukherji Ananda , Francis John D. , Mukherji Jyotsna 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the nature of joint action between firms, and to examine how interfirm linkages impact the development of information systems that impact joint action. The research also examines how economic dependence impacts joint action or joint activities between firms. While the importance of interfirm relations has been widely acknowledged, the relationships between buyers and suppliers can vary widely on the amount of joint action they undertake with each other.Design/methodology/approachUsing structural equation modeling, the authors test a model of influences on joint action that incorporates elements of social norms that develop between partners, their economic dependence on each other, and a coordination mechanism of shared information systems.FindingsThe findings indicate that joint action is influenced indirectly by some elements of social exchange, and instead is directly impacted by economic dependence and information systems. Social norms, specifically commitment, do impact the development of shared information systems.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a single industry study of automotive parts and accessories firms. Care should be taken in generalizing these findings to firms in similar settings – relatively small suppliers to larger assemblers or manufacturers.Originality/valueThe value of this research is to help understand the elements of interfirm relations, their impact on information systems, the overall impact of these on joint action or joint activities between firms, and the role of economic dependence.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti‐6Al‐4V produced by electron beam melting of pre‐alloyed powders
Authors: Facchini Luca , Magalini Emanuele , Robotti Pierfrancesco , Molinari Alberto 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the microstructural and mechanical characterization of a biomedical Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy produced by electron beam melting, and the study of the stability of the as‐built microstructure upon heat treatment.Design/methodology/approachTi‐6Al‐4V alloy produced by electron beam melting has been mechanically characterized through tensile and fatigue testing. Its microstructure has been investigated by optical observation after etching and by X‐ray diffractometry analysis. The stability of the microstructure of the as‐built material has been deepened carrying out suitable heat treatments, after an analysis by dilatometry test.FindingsThe microstructure of a Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy produced by electron beam melting has a very fine and acicular morphology, because of the intrinsically high‐solidification rate of the process. This microstructure is very stable, and the traditional thermal treatments cannot modify it; the microstructure changes significantly only when an amount of strain is introduced in the material. However, the mechanical properties of the alloy produced by electron beam melting are good.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence of the microstructural stability of the material produced by electron beam melting. Even if the microstructure of the as‐built material is not recommended by the specific ISO standard, the related mechanical properties are fully satisfactory. This is a significant indication from the point of view of the production of Ti‐6Al‐4V orthopaedic and dental prostheses by electron beam melting.
Small enterprise relations with banks and accountants
Authors: Perry Martin , Coetzer Alan 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThrough the dual analysis of small business‐owner relations with their banks and accountants, this paper aims to address conflicting interpretations of how small business owners may optimise their banking relationships.Design/methodology/approachSite visits were made to 49 small firms which had been recruited from a random sample of 500 New Zealand firms that employed up to 50 full‐time equivalent staff. An interview was then carried out with the owner‐manager of the firm.FindingsThe study identifies four bank relationship types: serial switching, independence, relationship chasing, and switched off. Consistent with previous research, dissatisfaction with existing relations is frequent but switching is infrequent. Rather than switch bank, the predominant reaction is to reduce the use of bank services. The disadvantage this creates is offset by the development of a closer relationship with business's accountant.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited in their ability to be generalised due to the research methodology and research context. However, the conclusions will be of interest to researchers and managers in banks and accountancy firms.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a gap in the knowledge base surrounding enterprise‐bank relationships. Whereas most previous research has focused on the small enterprise‐bank relationship, the present study includes the relationship between small enterprises and accountants based on the assumption that they can offer similar advice and support.
How do not‐for‐profit SMEs attempt to develop a strong brand in an increasingly saturated market?
Authors: Khan Hina , Ede Donna 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe motivation behind this research is to remedy a gap in the literature on the role of branding within small to medium‐sized not‐for‐profit organisations that are not part of the charity or voluntary sector.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the role precisely, a qualitative study based on in‐depth interviews with not‐for‐profit small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) was undertaken. The study identifies how these organisations develop their brands and the role that branding plays within such organisations. Two new models are presented to visually demonstrate the processes – a brand development matrix as a guide to the brand development decision process, and a focal model for the role of branding within not‐for‐profit SMEs.FindingsSignificantly, the study finds that employees play an important role as “ambassadors” of the brand. Forging links and working in partnerships were found to be exceptionally valuable in helping the organisations establish “a name” as well as raising awareness. Consequently, associations linked to the brand come from interactions that customers and other stakeholders have had with employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was qualitative and, therefore, more subjective in nature.Practical implicationsThis study sought to explore how not‐for‐profit SMEs develop their brands to begin to remedy a gap in the current literature. The objectives of the study that the researchers set out to achieve have been aided by the development of two new models. The findings show evidence of similarities between the more conventional models of branding, whilst also revealing new findings not currently in the literature.Originality/valueThe horizon for not‐for‐profit organisations is changing. This has put increasing pressure on such organisations to establish “a name” for themselves. Although a considerable amount has been published on the role of branding in large commercial organisations, the researchers believe this is the first study to explicitly explore the role of branding to not‐for‐profit SMEs (not part of the charity/voluntary sector).
Economic rehabilitation programme and the existence of implicit deposit insurance in North Cyprus
Authors: Günsel Nil 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of implicit deposit insurance in North Cyprus Banking Sector during the period 1984‐2002.Design/methodology/approachA multivariate logit model is an empirical methodology that identifies the probability of bank failure. The model links the probability of banking problems to a set of bank‐specific factors, macro‐environment and structural weaknesses that may have exacerbated the internal troubles of the financial institutions.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that in addition to the microeconomic variables, high credit expansion to private sector, implicit deposit insurance, existence of economic rehabilitation programmed, financial liberalization, weak regulation and supervision played an important role in the escalation of the 2000‐2002 banking distress in North Cyprus.Research limitations/implicationsFor further research, this paper may extend the time period and include other macroeconomic variables such as inflation, exchange pressure that may have a direct effect on bank failure in North Cyprus.Practical implicationsThis paper presents a practical application of the deposit insurance policy as a main determinant of bank failure, which would help bank examiners, investors and regulators in their decisions to alert management in time, to prevent bank failure. The ability for early detection of any structural or financial weaknesses in the country will help to minimize financial costs of the island that brought about by financial instability.Originality/valueOverall, the empirical results that are obtained by logit model analysis are quite robust. The logit regression results reveal that the predicted values, i.e. the potential risk levels for Mediterranean Bank was very high in this analysis. Towards 2005 Mediterranean Bank had to close, which prove that the model is robust.
Investigating EAI adoption in the local government authorities
Authors: Mustafa Kamal Muhammad , Themistocleous Marinos 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and validate the adoption lifecycle phases and perform the mapping of factors influencing the decision making process for enterprise application integration (EAI) adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases in two local government authorities (LGAs).Design/methodology/approachA case study based research approach using interviews with the decision makers is utilised to investigate the less acknowledged phenomena like EAI adoption. This approach assists in examining the phenomenon in its natural setting, examining the in‐depth complexities and processes, and providing considerable flexibility during interviews and observations.FindingsAccording to the empirical findings, the factors influencing EAI adoption and the adoption lifecycle phases are appropriate for studying the research context. The analysis and study of the factors and adoption lifecycle phases is made carefully and specifically to fit and be compatible within the context of LGAs. As a result, it is apparent from the empirical findings that most of the factors influence the decision making process for EAI adoption on each phase of the adoption lifecycle in the case organisations with exception to few factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe combination of theoretical discussions, analysis of the literature and empirical research presented in this paper illustrates the start of research on EAI adoption in LGAs. However, the theoretical and empirical data collected are confined to the limited context of two LGAs within the region of England. The structure of LGAs varies in different parts of the UK. In the light of the reflections and the research limitations of this paper it is recommended that further work could usefully be pursed to validate the adoption lifecycle phases and perform the mapping of the factors at each phase of the adoption lifecycle in the context of other types of LGAs, different cities and countries.Originality/valueFrom a conceptual and empirical point of view, none of the existing EAI adoption studies investigated the mapping of the factors influencing EAI adoption on the adoption lifecycle phases. In doing so, the authors consider this as a literature void and report that it is important to understand and manage the EAI adoption process in LGAs. The mapping of factors process is substantial as it may enhance the analysis of EAI adoption process in LGAs and further facilitate the decision makers in realising the importance of EAI adoption factors.
Social enterprise and public sector voices on procurement
Authors: Muñoz Sarah‐Anne 
Published: May 2009

PurposeResearch on social enterprise and social entrepreneurship has sought to examine the role that can be played by selling to the public sector in the generation of social enterprises' traded income. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the perceived barriers to engaging in a procurement relationship from the point of view of social enterprise practitioners and public sector procurement professionals.Design/methodology/approachThis paper stems from focus group work carried out during 2007 with social enterprise practitioners and public sector procurement professionals.FindingsThe analysis of these “voices” demonstrates the progress that has been made in various parts of the UK towards a procurement relationship between the public sector and the social enterprise sector that is more mutually beneficial. However, it also permits reflection on the barriers and challenges that still remain for social enterprises that wish to sell to the public sector.Originality/valueThis paper, therefore, highlights the key areas of support that are needed by both sides in order to create a more productive two‐way relationship. In turn, this allows the paper to reflect on how future research into this topic can support action “on the ground”.
Mapping social enterprises: past approaches, challenges and future directions
Authors: Lyon Fergus , Sepulveda Leandro 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how mapping of social enterprises has been carried out in the past, and the challenges being faced by current studies. It pays particular attention to the definitions used and how these definitions are operationalized. The challenges and future opportunities are examined, and recommendations are made for policy makers commissioning studies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a range of different approaches, namely literature reviews, interviews with key informants, focus group type discussions with social enterprise support providers and researchers in different UK regions (in 2004), and focus group type discussions with policy makers in 2008.FindingsThere has been a variety of approaches with different definitions and politically‐driven interpretations of definitions, which limits the ability to compare results. A particular challenge has been in interpreting what is meant by “trading income” or “social” aims. This presents interesting political dilemmas with many studies avoiding clarity in order to be inclusive thereby reducing the rigour of their data collection and analysis.Practical implicationsResearch at a national and regional scale is being carried out to identify the scale of the sector so public sector support resources can be justified, support can be targeted, and public sector spending can be evaluated. These approaches will need to be explicit about how they are carrying out the research, recognise the political nature of definitions and to address the challenges identified.Originality/valueThis paper will be used by researchers examining the impact and extent of social enterprises and policy makers commissioning such studies.
Evaluating the effects of blacklisting on residential property prices in Hong Kong
Authors: Yau Yung 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine whether public knowledge of poor conditions of multi‐storey residential buildings affected the sale prices of these properties based on an analysis of panel data in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachPrevious studies suggested that physical conditions of residential properties, particularly those concerning communal areas and services, might not be fully priced by the market because of the problem of information asymmetry. Therefore, it was envisaged that additional information pumped into the housing market could alter the price gradient between high‐quality and low‐quality properties. In November 2000, the Hong Kong Government publicly announced a list of poorly‐performing buildings, and this study aims to examine whether the blacklisting exercise brought about negative impacts on the sale prices of the affected properties. Hedonic price analysis was conducted on a set of panel data which consists of property transactions in both blacklisted and non‐blacklisted buildings.FindingsThe analysis results showed that properties in blacklisted buildings were not transacted at a discount, compared with those in non‐blacklisted buildings before the blacklisting exercise. Also, the release of public information on the blacklist did not create a relative diminution of the property prices of the blacklisted buildings.Research limitations/implicationsThin property transactions in derelict buildings limited the number of observations for running the regression analysis.Practical implicationsThe piecemeal blacklisting exercise could not create price differential in the housing market, and thus it was not possible for the Hong Kong Government to lure homeowners to invest in their properties by market forces. The government should consider the implementation of a territory‐wide building classification scheme or other alternatives to solve the problems of building disrepair.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to empirically investigate the value diminution effects of the government's blacklisting against dilapidation buildings.