bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing future business and civic leaders: the Emerging Leaders Program
Authors: Quaglieri Philip L. , Penney Sherry H. , Waldner Jennifer 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) at the College of Management at U Mass, Boston is an executive leadership development program for mid‐career professionals (average age 35) in the Greater Boston Area. The program was founded because of the belief that the future leadership of our urban areas cannot be left to chance. The founders believed that if we are to have inclusive and collaborative leaders in the future, we must find those potential leaders now and provide them with leadership training and development. This paper investigates this subject.Design/methodology/approachThe model is one that could be replicated in any major urban area. Participants are nominated by their organizations, who select them based on their leadership potential. There are usually 40‐45 participants per year for the ten‐month program: one week in January and one day a month through September. The program is built around three areas: meeting and learning from current leaders, skill development, teamwork and collaboration.FindingsThe paper finds that extensive evaluations are done with frequent surveys to participants. The Leadership Practices Inventory is administered at the beginning and end of the program. ELP participants include 46 percent persons of colour and over half are women: the program meets its goals of being inclusive.Originality/valueThe surveys indicate that a hands‐on approach to leadership (rather than a more structured classroom approach) is quite effective for young professionals and that they cite development, enhanced networking across sectors, and an increased appreciation for diversity as most positive benefits.
An assessment of hygienic conditions in nursery schools' kitchens
Authors: Yabanci Nurcan , Sanlier Nevin 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThis study aims to determine the hygienic conditions of nursery schools' kitchens in Ankara, the capital of Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe research sampling was obtained from 87 nursery schools. The research data were collected through a questionnaire and face‐to‐face interviews and observations. The questionnaire contained 59 questions and total of 100 points, the nursery schools' kitchens being graded as follows: 56‐100 points good, 41‐55 points acceptable, 40 points and below bad. The data were analyzed with SPSS 10.0 for Windows. Mean, standard deviations of all scores and percentages of responses in each category were calculated and presented in tabular form.FindingsA statistical analysis of the scores shows that 0.3 per cent of the kitchens investigated were rated as good and put in this category, 57 of them (65.5 per cent) were found to be acceptable and the rest (24.1 per cent) were rated as bad. The nursery schools' kitchens were given the lowest score in staff training, while the highest score was given in dishwashing hygiene.Practical implicationsThe hygiene of the food served in nursery schools is of great importance in terms of children's health. It is therefore essential to increase the number of studies carried out regarding the food served in nursery school kitchens and regarding hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) issues, and to concentrate on the education of the kitchen staff.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on hygiene issues in nursery school kitchens in Turkey.
How does IIP deliver the lifelong learning agenda to SMEs?
Authors: Smith Alison J. , Collins Lorna A. 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the Investors in People (IIP) initiative in relation to SMEs and to consider the value of IIP in helping to inculcate a learning culture within this sector.Design/methodology/approachA case study investigating the work of a Business Link (BL) in relation to IIP and SMEs highlights the conflicts advisers face in delivering the government agenda and in fulfilling the education and training needs of SMEs. The case identifies the particular challenges that the advisers face in trying to deliver a consultancy service to SMEs which is valuable to them and which also satisfies the government's requirement for commitment to and recognition of attainment of IIP. The research involved in‐depth interviews with IIP advisers at a Business Link which sought to understand the nature of their work, the methods they use and what they saw as the issues and challenges in meeting customer needs. The key issues regarding IIP generally, and in relation to SMEs, are elicited from the literature.FindingsThe research confirms previous studies detailing the difficulties in matching IIP requirements with the individual requirements of SMEs. It also highlights the fact that Business Links need to “play the system” in order to reach the government‐set targets. IIP advisers are caught in the undesirable position of trying to deliver a useful consultancy service (which may not lead to IIP recognition) to the firm and the need to achieve specified commitment and recognition rates.Research limitations/implicationsWhile it is recognised that a single case has its limitations in terms of universal applicability, this example provides an aspect of IIP that has not previously been explored. The views of those charged with implementing government initiatives are rarely sought, although considerable research has been undertaken with the firms themselves.Originality/valueThis paper suggests that a more market‐led approach to education and training within the SME community might bring a more positive reaction to learning opportunities and a more appropriate targeting of government funds.
Entrepreneurship education
Authors: Hynes Briga , Richardson Ita 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe focus of this paper is to highlight the synergies and mutual benefits associated with a range of entrepreneurship education initiatives for a combination of internal and external stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a description of four entrepreneurship education initiatives in operation at the University of Limerick, Ireland. Detail on the objectives of the initiatives, the content, delivery, assessment and benefits of these initiatives is provided.FindingsEntrepreneurship and enterprising activity are widely regarded as instrumental for economic growth, for balanced regional development and for the creation of jobs. Educational institutions need to ensure that graduates are capable of acting in an enterprising manner in the workplace either as an entrepreneur or as an intrapreneur in paid employment. This double objective can materialise through the provision of entrepreneurship education, within either a business or a technical course. Additionally, these same programmes can also be an effective mechanism for the provision of targeted training programmes for skills enhancement in the owner/manager and the creation and facilitation of linkages and working relationships with the small business community. Involvement in technology transfer and industry‐based research activities also provides benefits to the small firm.Practical implicationsThe paper presents challenges for educators and educational institutions on how they perceive and address the needs of their stakeholders by extending the traditional paradigm of what constitutes the role of an educational institution. The need to engage with external stakeholders in programme design and delivery requires commitment by educational institutions and requires educators to change their knowledge and teaching perspective. The findings have implications on how entrepreneurship education initiatives are designed, delivered and assessed to meet the needs of different stakeholders.Originality/valueThis paper and its conclusions add to the debate on the importance of linking educational institutions and industry, especially the small firm sector, by suggesting a number of methods of collaboration which mutually benefit a number of stakeholders.
Air‐tightness in the recent Part L of the Building Regulations
Authors: Baiche Bousmaha , Kendrick Chris , Ogden Ray 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is based on recent research at Oxford Brookes University which explored how metal building envelopes can provide high levels of air‐tightness.Design/methodology/approachAn intensive research programme tested many of the foremost cladding systems used in the UK. Over 500 individual tests have produced reliable data on the performance of different joint types. This paper summarises that data and identifies key design issues and solutions.FindingsThe research has demonstrated that metal building envelopes can provide very high levels of air‐tightness providing that they are properly engineered and assembled. It also presents compelling evidence, based on whole building thermal dynamic simulations using the test data, that further increases in air‐tightness are achievable; far more energy can be saved by doing this than by increasing thermal insulation even further.Research limitations/implicationsThe testing programme concentrated on steel cladding systems, both built‐up and composite panels, with technical assessment of different joints assemblies using a dedicated purpose‐built air‐tightness test rig.Practical implicationsAs this research and other studies have shown that far more energy can be saved by achieving high levels of air‐tightness than by increasing thermal insulation even further, it suggests that a major change in regulatory strategy is now due.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the originality of the testing programme and method. Although BSRIA has been testing whole completed buildings for air‐tightness using large mobile fan units pressurising the building to 50 Pa, it is the first time that a variety of cladding systems have been tested for air‐tightness on a large scale and in a laboratory environment; BRE carried out air‐tightness testing on few steel cladding systems on a smaller scale.
Energy conservation and building design: the environmental legislation push and pull factors
Authors: Adeyeye Kemi , Osmani Mohamed , Brown Claire 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is threefold; to investigate the potential impact of energy conservation policies and legislation on building design; examine energy conservation practices in the building industry; and identify associated barriers to an integrated low energy architectural design process.Design/methodology/approachA survey of UK architectural design practices was conducted to assess the impact of current energy conservation policies and legislation on current building design, and ascertain architects' views on the associated barriers and incentives to implementing and sustaining energy conservation strategies in their projects.FindingsResults reveal that building design is affected by existing legislation but often not by policies. Additionally, there is a lack of incentives for the building industry to adopt and implement low energy design strategies that are outlined in existing policies and guidance. Furthermore, results identify a need for increased awareness of the available energy saving technologies.Research limitations/implicationsArchitects are the first point of contact for driving more energy efficient design and conservation strategies. Therefore, this study was confined to a cross section of their opinions of energy conservation within the UK building industry.Practical implicationsThe study is useful for those interested in the current levels of implementation of low energy design strategies and the recommendations for the future of the energy conservation and building design in the UK.Originality/valueThe study of energy conservation and building design provides insights into current environmental design practices; and identifies problems for the implementation of effective and integrated low energy building design process. The content should be of interest to architects, as it highlights the current level of implementation of energy conservation measures in building design.
Strength development of plain concrete compared to concrete with a non‐chloride accelerating admixture
Authors: Richardson Alan 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the investigation into early strength gain of concrete will allow the contractor to speed up the construction process using in situ concrete, which will affect subsequent time and cost savings. If a medium dose of accelerator was found to be effective, the cost/benefit would be substantial as well as being low risk with regard to additive additions in concrete.Design/methodology/approachComparative examination of plain concrete, and concrete with a non‐chloride accelerator additive was carried out, using the compressive strength to establish strength gain at various time intervals between one and 28 days. The additive dose was less than half of the maximum recommended to avoid the strength loss problems associated with the use of accelerating admixtures due to possible overheating.FindingsThe findings showed a significant increase in strength using an accelerating admixture in the early life of the concrete, which may allow a contactor to strike the formwork earlier, due to the use of an admixture, thus speeding up the construction process to produce time/cost savings.Originality/valueThe research will assist the designer, contractor and health and safety co‐ordinator to strike formwork at the earliest date with greater certainty and therefore reduced risk. By using an accelerator, rather than increasing the cement content to achieve early life strength, this paper displays another way to produce sustainable buildings with a lower carbon footprint. Early life strength provides better freeze/thaw protection and a greater resistance to impact damage and therefore a potential higher quality with lower defects.
Corporate social responsibility: market regulation and the evidence
Authors: van Dijken Francisca 
Published: November 2007

PurposeMuch has been written about the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the need to assure its importance through formal regulation and reporting requirements. Little reflection has taken place on the role of the market in achieving effective regulation and behaviour changes in this area through an analysis of stock values. This study seeks to fill that gap by presenting an analysis of CSR influences on stock values facilitated by the regulatory methods of the stock markets.Design/methodology/approachThe 90 shares of the US Dow Jones Sustainability Index were chosen as the sample of firms with “value‐generating CSR”. The performance of these individual shares was analysed by comparing their return with the relevant indexes, with the respective industry and on a risk‐adjusted basis, for the six years and the ten years ended 30 June 2006. Several tests were carried out to see whether or not the sample contained a value/growth/core/large cap bias.FindingsThe results were impressive: stocks from companies with “value‐driven CSR” clearly outperformed the market and their peers over extensive periods of time, with reasonably low risk.Research limitations/implicationsThere are several limitations of this type of analysis ranging from those inherent in the Capital Asset Pricing Model, to the fact that other cultures might define corporate responsibility differently.Originality/valueThe CSR2 model introduced suggests how CSR can generate value reflected in the stock market. If so, the markets can prove to be an effective tool in regulating externalities related to pollution or global warming.
The effects of corporate brand attributes on attitudinal and behavioural consumer loyalty
Authors: Anatolevena Anisimova Tatiana 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of the corporate brand on attitudinal and behavioural consumer loyalty. This paper empirically demonstrates a significant relationship between consumer‐perceived corporate brand and consumer attitudinal and behavioural loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a sample of 285 consumers of an automobile manufacturer in Australia. Cronbach alpha and Structural Equation Modelling were used to establish psychometric properties of the corporate brand constructs.FindingsThis paper establishes two groups of corporate brand attributes: corporate and marketing‐level. Corporate‐level dimensions include corporate activities, corporate associations, organizational values, and corporate personality. Marketing‐level dimensions comprise functional, emotional and symbolic brand benefits. The results reveal that corporate values, corporate brand personality and functional consumer benefits are the most critical and consistent predictors of both attitudinal and behavioural loyalty.Practical implicationsThrough the comprehensive measurement of the corporate brand impact on both attitudinal and behavioural loyalty, this paper offers insights for designing corporate branding strategies and generating consumer loyalty.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical validation of the relationship between consumer corporate brand perceptions and consumer loyalty and demonstrates that the influence of each particular corporate brand attribute may be different.
A literature review exploring values alignment as a proactive approach to conflict management
Authors: Lynn Fitzpatrick Rona 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe research aim has two purposes: to clarify the concepts of values, collaboration and conflict and their relationship with one another within organizations; and to provide data that supported or disconfirm values alignment as a proactive approach to conflict management.Design/methodology/approachAn interdisciplinary review of literature was undertaken, as current literature on the topic of values as it relates to conflict was very limited in scope. The key concepts investigated were the connection between values (including alignment and congruence) and decision making, behavior, collaboration, strategy, prioritization and conflict within an organization. Research was guided using constructionism, chaos and complexity theories within a framework of Chaordic systems thinking.FindingsThe paper provides documentation that previous values research practices have been fragmented and have had limited practical applications. Support is provided indicating that values alignment fosters collaboration and could be a proactive approach to conflict management.Research implications/limitationsNo long‐term studies were found on the topic of inquiry, although some documentation on business performance is starting to appear. Further research using values alignment as an organizational process would be beneficial. Practical implications – The framework presented appears to have a pragmatic application that would benefit organizational development and effectiveness. Originality/value – This paper expands previous studies by examining values research across domains and suggesting a different research approach. A model is discussed that provides meaningful linkage between business strategy and organizational values.
Public relations professional practice and the institutionalisation of CSR
Authors: Bartlett Jennifer , Tywoniak Stephane , Hatcher Caroline 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to present the findings of a longitudinal case study into the professionalisation of public relations practices and the institutionalisation of corporate social responsibility as a legitimate social and business arrangement. In doing so, there are implications for the dynamic relationship between practices and the professionalisation of public relations.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative longitudinal study is used to examine the social construction of social responsibility in the Australian banking industry from 1999‐2004 across two levels of analysis – societal expectations as institution, and practices of banking and public relations as action.FindingsThe study shows that the case organisations shifted their public relations and communication practices during the period of the study. In response to the demands of publics, there was a central shift from a one‐way perspective where organisations sought to influence and persuade publics of the appropriateness of their actions towards a two‐way perspective where organisations needed to consult, negotiate and engage with publics. In doing so, this study suggests that there was a shift in the profession of how public relations was practiced, but also highlighted the changes to institutional arrangements about the legitimacy of social responsibilities of large organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses an interpretive perspective to understand the role and impact of public relations practice on societal change.Practical implicationsThis research examines the role of public relations practice in achieving longer term changes for organisations and society. This contributes a first step towards developing a theoretical understanding of the contribution of public relations practice to organisational success and therefore evaluation.Originality/valueThis paper makes two central contributions. Firstly, institutional theory and the social construction of societal and business standards of legitimacy are used in a public relations context. Secondly, this paper shows the effects of the micro‐level of analysis of public relations practices on the macro‐level of the profession.
The negative communication dynamic
Authors: Timothy Coombs W. , Holladay Sherry J. 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to present a study designed to test if anger is a mediator in the relationship between crisis responsibility and negative word‐of‐mouth and crisis responsibility and purchase intention. Emphasizes the relationship between anger, crisis responsibility, and intended negative word‐of‐mouth, what we call the negative communication dynamic. Researchers have just begun to explore the role of affect in crisis communication by linking it to behavioral intentions and proving that crisis affect is largely a function of crisis responsibility (perceived organizational responsibility for the crisis).Design/methodology/approachAn experimental design is used to test for the mediator relationship. The design reflects the study's theoretical link to Attribution Theory.FindingsThe results support that anger is a moderator in the relationship between crisis responsibility and intended negative word‐of‐mouth and between crisis responsibility and purchase intention.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine how crisis response strategies can be used to lessen anger and to reduce the likelihood of the negative communication dynamic.Practical implicationsCrisis managers can use the cues for estimating crisis responsibility to determine anger because of the strong correlation between the two variables. Crisis managers should engage in words and actions designed to reduce the anger and reduce the likelihood of the negative communication dynamic.Originality/valueThis paper provides novel insight into the role and value of anger in crisis communication.