bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationships between team learning activities and team performance
Authors: van Woerkom Marianne , Croon Marcel 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how different team learning activities relate to different types of team performance as rated by team members and managers.Design/methodology/approachThe 624 respondents, working in 88 teams in seven different organizations indicate their perceptions of team learning and their performance ratings of the team. Moreover, managers in the organization are asked to evaluate the team performance.FindingsTeam member ratings of effectiveness are positively related to the boundedness and stability of the team and information processing and negatively related to information acquisition. Manager ratings of effectiveness are positively related to boundedness and stability, information processing and information storage and retrieval. Team member ratings of efficiency are positively related to information processing and negatively related to information acquisition. Manager ratings of efficiency are positively related to boundedness and stability and information storage and retrieval. Team member ratings of innovativeness are positively related to information processing, while no predictors are found for manager ratings of innovativeness.Research limitations/implicationsSince the data are cross‐sectional, the authors cannot draw conclusion about the causality between the variables. Longitudinal designs that study the sequence of team learning and team performance are called for. Furthermore, future studies might include more objective performance measures.Practical implicationsAs team learning proved to have predictive value for diverse team performance indicators, rated by team members and managers, team should carefully organise their learning process in order to enhance their performance.Originality/valueAlthough some studies have proven the significance of team learning for team performance, none have investigated which team learning activities are related to which types of performance ratings.
Sole agency vs multi‐agency: an investigation of agency practice across England and Wales
Authors: Ke Qiulin , Jayne Michael , Isaac David 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different agency practice on agency fees, business efficiency, and housing market liquidity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper studies the effect of sole and multiple agency practices on estate agent efficiency, housing market liquidity, and commission fee levels. The analysis uses the survey data from 2000 to 2006 to investigate the different agency practices across England and Wales and their effect on estate agency business efficiency, housing market liquidity, selling price, and fee levels.FindingsThe empirical analysis confirms that agency practice has a locality bias, that is, some regions are more likely to adopt sole agency practice than other regions. The estate agents with a sole agency practice charge a lower agency fee, help clients to achieve better selling price and are more efficient; whereas multiple agency practice facilitates liquidity in the housing market, but experiences higher fall‐through rate.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on estate agent rather than consumers due to the limitation of the data based on a research project concerning transaction costs designed prior to this analysis.Originality/valueThere is little other research that investigates the residential estate agency practice and its impact on housing market in the past three decades in England and Wales. The findings are a useful guide for practitioners to better understand the issues associated with different agency practices and should enhance business efficiency and performance.
Statutory zoning and the environment
Authors: Lai L.W.C. , Lam G.C. , Chau K.W. , Hung C.W.Y. , Wong S.K. , Li R.Y.M. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a hypothesis for evaluating the potential contribution of planning conditions to protect the environment by reducing environmental complaints (ECs) in an institutional context of growing communicative planning and interpret the results of an empirical study using two received hypotheses in terms of sustainable development in the light of the actual participation of the public in influencing the formulation of planning conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesis is tested using Environmental Protection Department EC and Planning Department zoning data. In addition, field observation of the conduct the Town Planning Board in their open sessions is made over a period of 27 months.FindingsThe hypothesis about the frequency of planning permissions and the incidence of ECs using the “received” model of Lai is refuted. The results for testing Lai's model on the relationship between Comprehensive Development Area zoning and ECs are indecisive. Though a negative correlation between zoning and complaints is established, the strength of such correlation is insignificant for each of the specified periods.Research limitations/implicationsThe promise of communicative theorists about empowering the public in planning has yet to be fulfilled in terms of contribution to the shaping of planning conditions. Official suppression of addresses of locations of the occurrence of ECs does not allow the ideal hypothesis to be tested.Practical implicationsSubject to further and better qualitative research, the limitations of the new public participation law in planning for shaping planning conditions are revealed by an examination of observed facts about the time spent by the Town Planning Board in decision making and the nature of the planning conditions imposed in response to public comments.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates an approach to evaluate the direct means of measuring the relationship between externalities and zoning with a view to interpret the contribution of planning conditions to sustainable development.
Implementing land reform policies in Eastern African countries: the case study of Kenya
Authors: Nzioki Nicky , Kariuki Catherine , Murigu Jennifer 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper was written after the drafting of the National Land Policy was completed. The purpose of the paper is to give suggestions on the implementation of the policy. The National Land Policy reform process began in 2002 and is made up of several thematic areas. Under each category, identification of the major constraints is outlined in the paper together with possible gaps in the existing framework and a way forward is suggested to overcome them. One of the underlying gaps in all the thematic areas is the lack of adequate and competent capacity to undertake the necessary reforms to achieve the envisaged tangible changes in the land reform process in the country.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes a comprehensive outline of the training needs and capacity building in land management required at both tertiary and university levels. It includes continuing professional development and practice of various cadres of personnel in both the public and private sector. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to undertake measures to align the various basic training, specialisations and skill‐enhancement curricula and syllabi in land management and administration disciplines at both the tertiary and university level.FindingsThe paper is developed from review of literature as part of research methodology and there are no empirical findings presented in the contents. The paper identifies that there is lack of adequate and competent capacity to undertake the necessary reforms is suggested by the National Land Policy. The paper highlights the measures that can be undertaken to align the various basic training applications to be able to implement the policy.Originality/valueThe paper is a source of information for the working group charged with creating institutions and preparing a training syllabi for those who are employed by the new institutions.
Antecedents and consequences of buyer‐seller relationship quality in the financial services industry
Authors: Rajaobelina Lova , Bergeron Jasmin 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a model that investigates the antecedents and the consequences of buyer‐seller relationship quality in the financial services.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a survey of more than 400 dyads (414 financial advisors and 772 clients in Canada) and were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe results notably show that, for both financial advisors and clients, customer orientation has an impact on buyer‐seller relationship quality, whereas buyer‐seller similarity does not. The link between relationship quality and both consequences (purchase intention and word‐of‐mouth) is significant for the two samples.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations and research directions refer to the measure of word‐of‐mouth construct, which is only weakly reliable, and the need to consider a multilevel approach.Practical implicationsThe study can be helpful for financial advisors to build effective strategies for enhancing their relationships with clients.Originality/valueThe study is one of the few to consider both perceptions (financial advisors and clients) in order to analyze buyer‐seller relationship quality in the financial services sector.
Key motivations for bank patronage in Ghana
Authors: Hinson Robert , Owusu‐Frimpong Nana , Dasah Julius 
Published: July 2009

PurposeBanking in Ghana is now an intensely competitive proposition. In a competitive environment, it becomes imperative not just to attract customers, but also to design strategies aimed at maintaining these customers. Drawing on data from over 2,000 retail bank customers in Ghana, this study aims at understanding the key motivations for maintaining accounts with banks in respect of Ghanaian bank customers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from customers of 22 retail banks in Ghana. A two‐stage sampling technique was adopted in obtaining the sample. First, for each of the banks, two branches were randomly selected from the list of all functionally operating branches. In the second stage, customers of the selected branches were randomly intercepted in the banking halls and the survey instrument administered to them. A total of 2,000 respondents were attracted. Logistic regression modelling was employed in analysing the data.FindingsOverall bank customers view proximity/accessibility as the most important factor in the opening and maintenance of accounts with banks in Ghana. Recommendations by friends appear to be the least important factor in Ghanaian bank consumers' decision to open and maintain a bank account in Ghana. The findings were strange to the extent that word‐of‐mouth marketing has been lauded as one of the most potent marketing communications tools in services marketing but the empirical findings from the study did not support this.Practical implicationsTo the extent that proximity is a key factor in the opening and maintenance of bank relationships in Ghana, distribution management must be given a more strategic imperative in bank management in Ghana. Bank branches must be sited in catchment areas with the highest propensity to attract and maintain an existing profitable bank clientele.Originality/valueThe study is one of the few on bank marketing in Ghana that draws on a large bank consumer data set and utilizes robust statistical analysis to reach its conclusions.
Debit cards and fraud
Authors: Worthington Steve 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the prevention of complacency regarding payment card fraud, particularly the debit card.Design/methodology/approachBased on research already carried out on payment card fraud in France, Spain and the UK, the paper extends the analysis of fraud to the payment with respect to cards in use in Australia.FindingsIt was found that payment card fraud, particularly on MasterCard and Visa branded debit cards, is often hidden amongst the statistics for overall payment card fraud and yet, with the enhanced functionality of such cards, re: online and international transactions, added to the increasing sophistication of the card fraudsters, there is a present and ever increasing risk of debit card fraud.Originality/valueWhilst payment card fraud is often dealt with under credit cards, there has been no prior work on debit card fraud.
Knowledge sharing in higher education institutions
Authors: Sadiq Sohail M. , Daud Salina 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the factors and barriers that contribute to successful knowledge sharing among the university teaching staff.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive review of literature, measures of knowledge sharing are identified. These include such factors as nature of knowledge, working culture, staff attitudes, motivation to share and opportunities to share. A model is developed for the study and hypotheses are formulated. Primary data were collected through a survey from a sample of teaching staff from both public and private universities in Malaysia.FindingsBased on empirical research, the study shows some contrasting findings. As for the sample drawn from teaching staff belonging to public universities, there is a significant relationship between knowledge sharing and the independent factors mentioned earlier. Results from the sample from staff teaching in private universities do not show such relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size itself and the generalisation of results to teaching staff from higher education institutions in Malaysia constitute a major limitation.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study provide useful insights to management of higher education institutions in providing facilities to enhance knowledge sharing among teaching staff.Originality/valueThe study makes a valuable contribution, given that there is a dearth of empirical studies of this nature focusing on the South East Asian region.
Knowledge sharing in a trade show
Authors: Reychav Iris 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe aim of this study is to present and examine an innovative model of knowledge sharing and knowledge acquisition that enables learning in trade shows.Design/methodology/approachA social exchange perspective was adopted to examine the inter‐firm relationships between customers and suppliers. These participants are looking for ways to increase respective adaptations. Data were collected from 654 respondents, half of whom were customers and half suppliers from five technology trade shows.FindingsA major finding is that knowledge sharing plays a significant role in trade shows, despite the hasty, flowing and highly dynamic nature of these events. It is the core process which fosters learning of both customers and suppliersResearch limitations/implicationsThe study is a first analysis into the knowledge‐sharing aspects of trade shows, and it is limited in the sense that learning, which is a prolonged process, should be investigated in more depth over time. Immediate implications could be the formation of an enhanced attitude of sharing specific and adaptation‐oriented information within the participants.Originality/valueAlthough trade shows are routinely utilized, the mechanisms of knowledge sharing and the resulting learning that occur within the trade shows were not methodologically explored. The paper is trying to look at trade shows in a fresh way and to view them as an important source for creating learning and continuous processes with external sources, both suppliers and customers.
Practical application of a knowledge development life cycle
Authors: Patrick Pigott J. , Gammack John , Pigott Diarmuid , Hobbs Val 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to describe the practical application of a reflective knowledge development lifecycle (KDLC) designed to be used by organisations reviewing their KM processes and capability. The KDLC had emerged from practical experience but had not been more widely validated. The present study seeks to provide a unique opportunity to test theory comprehensively against an exemplary case where both organisation and investigator were suited to the work.Design/methodology/approachA case study research strategy was used. Applying the theory in a practical setting, an environmental scientist used the model and associated knowledge representation and visualisation tools to find gaps in processes and design in the implementation of an organisation‐wide research framework.FindingsDeveloping the knowledge repository highlighted inherent complexity among people, resources, research activities, operational tasks and communication outcomes. The study helped validate the KDLC's utility in ensuring alignment of organisational processes and strategy; demonstrating its useful application in a practical setting.Research limitations/implicationsA replication across several organisations would help to refine the model beyond this critical test in a single organisation, while suggesting further practical recommendations.Originality/valueThe results of the study suggest that the KDLC is of value to practitioners in providing a check‐list approach for knowledge auditing, to theorists developing organisational KM models and those using test‐case strategies. The outcomes will particularly interest information and environmental professionals involved in establishing adaptive management projects.
Towards a consensus knowledge management success definition
Authors: Jennex Murray E. , Smolnik Stefan , Croasdell David T. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a definition of KMS success.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a consensus‐building approach to derive the definition. An expert panel was used to generate a list of possible KM success definitions. A survey was used to identify a likely definition from this list. A second survey was used to further refine the proposed KM success definition. Finally, analysis of the survey comments was used to finalize the proposed definition.FindingsKM success is a multidimensional concept. It is defined by capturing the right knowledge, getting the right knowledge to the right user, and using this knowledge to improve organizational and/or individual performance. KM success is measured by means of the dimensions: impact on business processes, impact on strategy, leadership, and knowledge content.Research limitations/implicationsAn additional survey should be performed that tests the constructs of the proposed KM success definition. Additionally, future research should focus on identifying a set of measures that can be used to measure KM success and determining whether KM and KM System (KMS), success are the same or different constructs.Practical implicationsThe proposed definition of KM success provides practitioners with four dimensions that can be used to construct organization‐specific measures for indicating when their KM initiative is successful.Originality/valueThis is important, as the literature, while providing much support for identifying KM critical success factors, does not provide a definition of when KM can be considered successful. Knowing when a KM initiative is successful is important for organizations and practitioners.
Halogen‐free materials with improved thermal and electrical properties
Authors: Bedner David , He Michael 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a latest update on halogen‐free base materials that are lead‐free compatible and have enhanced electrical properties.Design/methodology/approachNumerous halogen‐free flame retardants are screened in laboratory conditions for a wide arrange of properties. Once suitable candidates are found, they are compounded and processed into copper‐clad laminates and a wide variety of properties are tested.FindingsSeveral formulations are found that are lead‐free compatible and that has enhanced electrical properties. Surprisingly, some thermal properties are found to be superior to traditionally halogenated laminates.Research limitations/implicationsThe research here only presents the halogen‐free properties of a bare, unpopulated printed wiring board with no build up of inner layers and devoid of solder mask. Further work needs to be done on full circuit assemblies to properly evaluate the impact of removing halogens from interconnecting packages.Originality/valueThe paper details the material property differences between various halogen‐free materials as compared to halogenated materials. A method to model composite properties is also discussed.
EnFACE: a maskless process for circuit fabrication
Authors: Roy Sudipta 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present an update and the latest results from work on a project which could be useful for maskless printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachCopper is plated and etched using a novel electrochemical technique, electrochemical patterning by flow and chemistry, using a masked tool and fully exposed substrate. The micro patterns on the tool are replicated on the substrate via optimum design of the apparatus, choice of electrolyte chemistry and fluid flow.FindingsLinear and square shapes ranging from 5 to 200 μm are transferred using the technique by electrochemical plating and etching. Up to 25 substrates could be processed using a single tool, which indicates that photolithography requirements can be greatly minimised.Research limitations/implicationsThe copper lines are transferred to relatively small substrates. The process needs to be scaled up to accommodate larger substrates in order to fully exploit its potential for PCBs.Originality/valueThe paper presents a fundamentally different approach to transfer micron scale pattern using a maskless technology. The platform technology involves using a mask to pattern each substrate; this work shows that micron scale patterns can be transferred without masking by optimising electrochemical reactor technology.
The processing time optimization of printed circuit board
Authors: Ancău Mircea 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the optimization of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing by improving drilling process productivity.Design/methodology/approachTwo different ways are explored to increase the productivity of the PCB drilling operation. The first way involves the minimization of the cutting‐tool path length. The second way to achieve the objective explores the efficiency of processing stacked PCBs.FindingsTo reduce the tool path length between the holes of a PCB, a heuristic hybrid algorithm to solve the traveling salesman problem (TSP) is briefly described. Also, a mathematical model to calculate the total processing time is proposed. Based on this model, the paper shows the optimal number of stacked PCBs that can be profitably processed, while high processing productivity does not always mean high number of stacked PCBs.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not treat the optimization of the drilling process parameters, even if reduction of the drilling time using optimized cutting parameters also represents an efficient method for improving the productivity.Originality/valueThe paper shows the influence of the algorithm performance for solving the TSP on the processing time minimization, by decreasing the component of drill movement time along the drill path between holes. Additionally, the conditions in which stacking a specific number of PCBs is advantageous are also investigated. Furthermore, the paper shows how to determine the optimum number of stacked PCBs.