bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IT‐based knowledge management to support organizational learning
Authors: Gasson Susan , Shelfer Katherine M. 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how to reconcile the contradiction between two paradigms employed in analyzing IT‐related change requirements: knowledge‐as‐thing versus knowledge‐as‐process.Design/methodology/approachThese tensions are explored in the high‐risk decision‐making environment of an Immigration and Naturalization Service agency. The study combines competitive intelligence risk‐analysis methods with an ethnographic analysis of knowledge‐flows, to determine how the roles of human decision‐makers may be supported effectively by ICT‐based knowledge support.FindingsThe findings demonstrate how high‐risk decision‐making may be analyzed as a integrated hybrid human/ICT intelligence system. The study exposes detailed mechanisms by which knowledge of different forms is transferred, exposing failures in training, interpersonal communications, ICT system support, and reward structures. Four roles for ICT support are identified, to supplement human intelligence effectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on an investigation across knowledgeable experts in various geographical locations, functional contexts, and organizational roles in a single government agency. Future research could seek to explore whether our distinctions between knowledge types and ICT‐roles are transferable across different organizations.Practical implicationsFour stages of analysis for a hybrid intelligence framework are suggested: risk‐category identification; the application of risk‐categories to decision‐cases; testing and adapting categorizations against global conditions; and transfer of locally‐meaningful categorizations of risk across communities of practice.Originality/valueThe contributions of this paper are: to provide a taxonomy for the analysis of organizational knowledge‐flows; and to suggest a framework for the analysis of roles for human vs. ICT knowledge management in distributed, high‐risk decision‐making environments.
Learning in a service context: going backstage
Authors: Wägar Karolina 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purposes of this paper are: to explore the nature of indirect social learning that takes place “backstage” among frontline contact persons; and the link between backstage learning and front‐stage performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a conceptual framework that is then applied in an empirical study using ethnographic research techniques (participant observation, informal conversations, and interviews) among car salespersons and car‐service advisors.FindingsThe study finds that backstage learning has a significant qualitative influence on the front‐stage behaviour of personnel in a service context. Moreover, a key finding of the study is that backstage learning is not always of a constructive kind; indeed, backstage learning can be non‐constructive by engendering thinking and behaviour that has an adverse effect on service culture and service quality.Practical implicationsThe study shows that interactions among frontline contact persons should be encouraged through informal gatherings where social bonds among individuals can be formed. However, managers also need to be aware of the potential for adverse effects from a non‐constructive social‐learning process.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the service‐management literature by developing a social perspective on learning within service management. Moreover, the paper develops the “drama metaphor” in service performances in terms of backstage activities and processes.
An overview on disasters
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide graduate students, researchers, and government and independent agencies with an overview of disasters.Design/methodology/approachDisasters have been the subject of research and a source of concern to academicians and government and independent agencies. In this paper disaster types are collected from several sources such as technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. Disaster types, definitions, hazards and mitigations are reviewed. Disasters are classified into natural disasters, man‐made disasters, and hybrid disasters. Man‐made disasters are classified into technological disasters, transportation accidents, public places failure, and production failure. Natural and/or man‐made disasters sometimes lead to subsequent disasters.FindingsDisasters are classified into three types: natural, man‐made, and hybrid disasters. It is believed that the three disaster types cover all disastrous events. Disasters have different characteristics and impacts; however, disasters have a common element, which is their severity. Natural disasters are those disasters that result from natural forces. Man‐made disasters are those disasters that result from human decisions. Hybrid disasters are those disasters that result from both natural and man‐made causes. Subsequent disasters are those disasters that result from natural and/or man‐made disasters. Epidemics could be a disaster or a subsequent disaster.Originality/valueThis paper presents the types, definition, hazards, and mitigation of disasters. Disasters are arranged into disaster types, sub‐disasters, and disastrous events in the form of a disaster tree. An algorithm can be written utilizing this disaster tree. The algorithm can be used for training purposes to prevent or reduce disasters.
Disaster types
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, and government and independent agencies with an overview of disaster types.Design/methodology/approachDisaster types have been the subject of research by and concern to academicians and to government and independent agencies. The paper summarizes the views of researchers and agencies. Disaster types are collected from several sources such as technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. Disaster definitions, criteria and types are reviewed. Disasters are classified into natural disasters, man‐made disasters, and hybrid disasters. Man‐made disasters are classified into technological disasters, transportation accidents, public places failure, and production failure. The paper presents a comparison between the main types of disasters.FindingsDisasters are classified into three types: naturals, man‐mades, and hybrid disasters. It is believed that the three disaster types cover all disastrous events. No definition of disaster is universally accepted. Several criteria are proposed to define disasters. Understanding of disaster definitions, criteria, and types aids researchers and agencies in the proper classification, good recording, and better analysis of disasters. Disasters have different characteristics and impact; however, disasters have a common element, which is their severity.Originality/valueThis paper presents a definition of and criteria for disasters. The paper also presents an overview of disaster types. The paper presents a comparison between the main types of disasters, and combines various disaster terms into one record.
An overview on BLEVE
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers and government and independent agencies with an overview on BLEVE (i.e. boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion).Design/methodology/approachBLEVE has been studied by researchers, academicians, company specialists, and government and independent agencies. BLEVE incidents are collected from several sources such as technical and general articles, internet web sites and internal reports. BLEVE definitions, history, theory, types, hazards, and models are reviewed. BLEVE incidents are arranged and classified into fires, overfilling, explosions, overheating, runaways, overpressure, collisions, corrosion, and damage (derailment).FindingsBLEVE types are classified into cold BLEVEs, hot BLEVEs, and BLEVEs. The major consequences of a BLEVE are thermal radiation from the resultant fireball and the fragments produced when the vessel fails. Several approaches are developed to describe BLEVE theory. BLEVE incidents are classified into explosions, damage (derailment), overfilling, fires, collisions, runaways, overpressure, overheating, and corrosion. The world has witnessed 74 BLEVE incidents in the period 1926‐1986. BLEVE incidents resulted in 1,427 fatalities and 635 injuries. The materials involved in BLEVE were flammable and non‐flammable. The highest frequencies of BLEVE incidents were due to explosions and damage to tanks. Explosion and damage BLEVE incidents resulted in high injuries. Overfilling and fire BLEVE incidents resulted in high fatalities.Originality/valueThis paper presents an overview of BLEVE definitions, history, incidents, types, theory, hazards and models. BLEVE incidents are classified. This paper combines scattered BLEVE incidents into one record.
Balanced scorecard for natural disaster management projects
Authors: Lin Moe Tun , Gehbauer Fritz , Senitz Stefan , Mueller Marc 
Published: November 2007

PurposeWith the recognition of the necessity for effectively and successfully managing natural disaster projects for saving human lives and preventing and minimizing the impacts of disasters on socio‐economic developmental progress, this paper seeks to propose a balanced scorecard (BSC) approach in order to maximize the possibilities of desired outcomes from projects.Design/methodology/approachThe BSC approach, which has been widely accepted and used in business organizations, can be adapted for natural disaster management projects. An application of this BSC approach to disaster management projects is discussed with a real flood disaster management project.FindingsIn the BSC approach, performance measures should be established in four areas: donors' perspective; the target beneficiaries' perspective; the internal process perspective; and the learning and innovation perspectives. Measures for four areas in each of the five generic phases of managing natural disasters (i.e. preparedness, early warning, emergency relief, rehabilitation and recovery) allow project managers to identify problem areas and areas for further improvements. Ensuring success in one phase will lead to success in the subsequent phase because success in one phase will be the input for the following phase.Research limitations/implicationsIn general, this study demonstrates an application of the balanced scorecard approach to natural disaster management projects and, in particular, to a real flood disaster management in Hat Yai Municipality, Southern Thailand. Future research might focus on other types of natural disaster.Practical implicationsUsing the balanced scorecard, project managers can understand problem areas as well as areas for improvement in current projects, which would enhance their abilities to take corrective actions that ensure and maximize the possibilities of successful outcomes from implemented projects.Originality/valueThis paper proposes the BSC approach for successfully managing natural disaster projects. This management approach can be applied to various natural disaster management projects.
Conflict resolution in Chinese family purchase decisions
Authors: Chuoyan Dong Maggie , Yiyan Li Stella 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of Chinese women's changing roles (traditional and modern) and perceived marital happiness on their adoption of different conflict resolution strategies in family purchase decision making (FPDM). It also explores how the relationships vary for women whose marriages have short and long durations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is framed by and builds on literature on conflict resolution strategies and female role orientation (FRO) in FPDM. Data for this study come from a survey with 735 married Chinese women.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that traditional and modern FRO have differential effects on the adoption of conflict resolution strategies, and the relationships are significantly moderated by marriage duration.Research limitations/implicationsIt sheds light on the changing female roles and marital happiness on conflict resolution in FPDM in China, a society with a centuries‐old traditional culture as well as rapid developments in societal and economic modernization. Future research should investigate more conflict resolution strategies and from both husbands' and wives' perspectives.Practical implicationsThe paper notes the importance of understanding the family structure of a target market. Product designs, advertising, promotions, and even salespeople should be more attentive to the family member who has greater power in FPDM.Originality/valueThe paper shows that traditional and modern FRO have compatible rather than opposite impacts on the adoption of passive and active conflict resolution strategies in FPDM, and the influences change along with increasing marriage duration and it is of value to international marketers.
It could be worse
Authors: Rispens Sonja , Greer Lindred L. , Jehn Karen A. 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce and test a model of group processes (e.g. conflict), emergent states (e.g. trust), and group context (e.g. connectedness) to better understand the mechanisms that underlie the traditionally negative effects of conflict.Design/methodology/approachA total of 27 workgroups of a Dutch telecommunications company participated in a survey. To assess trust as a mediator between conflict and performance bootstrapping analysis was used. In addition, the moderating role of the three connectedness types was investigated with hierarchical regressions.FindingsThe results suggest that trust partially mediates the effect of task conflict and fully mediates the effect of relationship conflict on performance. Furthermore, trust is less affected by task conflict when group members are highly cognitively connected and less affected by relationship conflict when group members are highly task connected.Research limitations/implicationsThis research implies that task and cognitive connectedness decrease the negative effect of conflict on trust, and hence, performance. Shortcomings include discussing the causality between conflict and trust, and the possibility of different perceptions among group members regarding group phenomena.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that managers can help to provide circumstances in which conflict is not necessarily destructive for intragroup trust and performance.Originality/valueProvides one of the first empirical examinations of the mediating role of trust in the relationship between task and relationship conflict and perceived group performance. Additionally, examines if connectedness (the level of active involvement of group members with each other) buffers the negative effects of conflict on trust.
Legitimation strategies in Australian mining extended performance reporting
Authors: Yongvanich Kittiya , Guthrie James 
Published: November 2007

PurposeIt has long been recognised that social institutions, including business organisations, must obtain social approval for their continued operations. Recently, economic performance and social and environmental (SE) performance have become increasingly important issues of interest to stakeholders, including shareholders. It is expected that companies will increasingly report SE and economic performance as a response to public pressure in securing their right to operate within society. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the extended performance‐reporting framework to capture reporting in the Australian mining industry. Based on legitimacy theory, it then examines, ex post, whether the sample companies may have adopted all four of Lindblom's strategies in their voluntary extended performance reporting within their annual reports. It also assesses the extent to which each of these four strategies may have been adopted. In addition to what was reported, this study analyses what was not reported, or the absence of disclosure, which has been ignored in prior research.FindingsThe analysis shows that the sample companies may have adopted all four of Lindblom's strategies in their voluntary disclosure within their annual reports.Originality/valueThe paper explores the various strategies adopted by companies when reporting SE performance.
Is there an association between intellectual capital disclosure, underpricing and long‐run performance?
Authors: Mitchell van der Zahn J‐L.W. , Singh Inderpal , Heniro Joshua 
Published: November 2007

PurposeExcessive initial trading day returns (termed underpricing (UP)) and poor long‐run performance (LRP) are two well‐documented anomalies associated with initial public offerings (IPOs).The primary objective of this study is to empirically test the association between the extent of intellectual capital (IC) disclosure in the prospectus of an unseasoned IPO and: UP and LRP.Design/methodology/approachEx ante uncertainty surrounding IC – recognized as the pivotal resource underlying a firm's future value creation and sustainable competitive advantage in the “new economic” era – is likely to be high. Unseasoned IPOs world‐wide are increasing with many IPOs heavily IC‐reliant. Given ex ante uncertainty surrounding IC, there is an escalating need to understand how disclosure of information related to IC can reduce an IPO's cost of capital (i.e. UP) and provide an indication of LRP. The analysis is based on a sample of 228 Singapore IPOs listing during the period 1997‐2003. IC disclosure (ICDisc) in IPO prospectuses is measured using an 81‐item researcher constructed disclosure index.FindingsEmpirical findings indicate, contrary to expectations, a positive (negative) ICDisc‐UP (ICDisc‐LRP) association.Practical implicationsIt is the opinion that regulators, scholars and practitioners alike need to pay attention to developing a responsible model for reporting IC information so as to prevent a potentially unhealthy speculative environment driven by over‐optimism.Originality/valueThe study is the first to simultaneously investigate the linkage between ICDisc and UP and: LRP.
Consumption and macroeconomic policies
Authors: Kandil Magda , Aghdas Mirzaie Ida 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to examine asymmetry in the cyclical behavior of private consumption in a sample of nine developing countries in the Middle East.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical model includes three policy variables: government spending, the money supply, and the exchange rate. Anticipated movements in these variables are likely to vary with agents' forecasts of macroeconomic fundamentals and, therefore, determine planned consumption. Unanticipated policy changes, in contrast, determine cyclical consumption.FindingsThe results indicate that fluctuations in private consumption are mostly cyclical. The stabilizing function of policy shocks varies across countries and appears to be asymmetric within countries.Originality/valueAsymmetry necessitates a thorough evaluation of the positive and negative effects attributed to changes in policy variables and the necessary reforms to relax binding constraints.
Long‐run growth and productivity changes in Uruguay
Authors: Casacuberta Carlos , Gandelman Nestor , Soto Raimundo 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe economic performance of Uruguay in the last 50 years has been disappointing. Annual growth in labor productivity has been lower than the rest of the Latin American economies and well below that East Asian and OECD countries. Out of the 0.9 percent of annual growth in productivity, total factor productivity (TFP) accounts for around 45 percent, which confirms the key role TFP plays in economic growth. The paper aims to discuss the issues.Design/methodology/approachThe authors decompose the change in productivity into four sources: an utilization effect, a reallocation effect, a markup effect, and effect of technical change.FindingsIn the 1985‐1994 period, there is an appreciable increase in productivity levels. On the other hand, the 1995‐1999 period productivity increased by a mere 0.8 percent per year. The high increase in productivity between 1985 and 1994 is explained by the relatively high and sustained technical change of Uruguayan firms as well as the relocation of inputs between and within industries. The process of relocation seems to lose momentum – or may have been completed – in the late 1990s.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper uses data only from the manufacturing sector. It would be desirable to include all other sectors of activity.Practical implicationsA study of the contribution to growth of different determinants suggests two important conclusions. First, that government policies are at the base of growth instability. Second, that reforms have been the source of higher than predicted growth in the 1970s and 1990s, pointing to the need of deepening such reforms.Originality/valueThis paper decomposes the productivity change in four main sources and performs a contrafactual exercise of the impact of several policies on output growth. Therefore, researchers interested in development issues, policy makers and international multilateral organizations are likely to find it useful.
Social development in the Tibet Autonomous Region
Authors: Hasmath Reza , Hsu Jennifer 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to historically examine social development outcomes in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in respect to poverty eradication, education and employment, health care and social integration. Moreover, it will aims to offer tangible advice for improving future social development work in TAR.Design/methodology/approachThe main theoretical approach is a literature and policy review of social development in TAR from 1951 to present.FindingsSeemingly, Tibet's social development strategy has been achieved through a strong top‐down approach. However, the road ahead for TAR once basic needs are satisfactorily met, is a move towards a participatory approach, whereby Tibetans can directly contribute and have a stake in their own futures.Originality/valueThis paper will be of interest to those who want a definitive account of recent historical social development strategies and outcomes in TAR; and subsequently, the future possibilities and challenges for development in the region.