bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rebirth of St Pancras: matching service to facilities
Authors: Muir Peter 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to describe how London & Continental Railways resolved recruitment and training of customer‐service officers (CSOs) for the redeveloped St Pancras and new Ebbsfleet international stations within the latest phase of implementing high‐speed rail links between the UK and continental Europe.Design/methodology/approachThe paper details the role of consultant Echelon Learning in creating and implementing an innovative four‐stage process to deliver a service to complement the rebranding of St Pancras as a quality leisure and retail destination.FindingsThe paper confirms the appropriateness‐to‐task of the process in both recruitment and induction of CSOs and reveals ongoing commitment to the same.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how staff induction and training have played an important part in the development of the St Pancras International brand.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how London & Continental Railways was able quickly to identify and develop the best candidates from a large number of applicants.
Rapid e‐learning transforms training delivery at Everyday Financial Solutions
Authors: Alcock Mike 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to reveal how rapid e‐learning technologies are allowing organizations to introduce e‐learning into situations where inflexibility and cost would have previously precluded their use.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a case study of Everyday Financial Solutions (EFS) which, together with Atlantic Link Ltd, won a UK National Training Award based on its experience in implementing e‐learning using rapid e‐learning authoring tools.FindingsThe case study reveals that induction training is now e‐learning based as is Financial Services Authority compliance training. EFS invested around £60,000 in products and induction training, but in two years since 2005 it is estimated that the reduction in design and delivery durations has saved £127,000. In addition, the need to create training environments has been removed and EFS training has saved more than £500,000 in IT effort.Practical implicationsThe paper describes how the success of the training is being shown throughout the business in improved staff retention and development.Originality/valueThe paper argues that the flexibility of self‐authored e‐learning means that EFS has a considerable competitive advantage when bidding for third‐party work.
Transformational leadership takes Majan to the top of the class
Authors: Albulushi Ahmed , Hussain Sadiq 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to detail the human resource management practices that have helped Majan College, Oman, to win a string of prizes for total quality management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the characteristics of four main leadership styles – transformational, authoritarian, participative and delegative – and describes the benefits the college has gained by, in the main, practicing transformational leadership.FindingsThe paper shows that, when transformational leadership is practiced, team members believe that their leaders care about them as people, rather than as a means to an end; leaders pay close attention to team members' need for achievement and personal growth, creating an environment in which team members feel that they are pursuing meaningful goals; and leaders gain credibility and respect by “walking the talk”.Practical implicationsThe paper provides useful information on the advantages and disadvantages of various leadership styles, when practiced in an academic environment.Originality/valueThe paper reveals that other leadership styles also have their part to play. In particular, authoritarian leadership can help when there is an urgent need to: ensure tasks are completed on time and within the financial budget; meet accreditation and quality requirements; and meet student needs.
360‐degree appraisals are now a classic
Authors: Newbold Colin 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine why 360‐degree feedback, which fell out of favor for a while, is now back in vogue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper puts forward some of the weaknesses of 360‐degree feedback as it used to be practiced, and defines a five‐step process to ensuring most effective use of the tool.FindingsThe paper highlights the importance of defining the purpose of 360‐degree feedback, preparing the ground, and agreeing how the survey will be run and the results delivered.Practical implicationsThe paper contends that the feedback collected is both fair and constructive.Originality/valueThe paper provides a five‐step process to implementing 360‐degree feedback properly.
Interview with Matthew Brearley
Authors: Brown Rachel 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present the views ofMatthew Brearley UK HR Director at Vodaphone.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an interview with Matthew Brearley who has a wealth of commercial experience in driving business performance through coherent and innovative people strategies.FindingsThe paper finds new insights into the methods of people management at Vodaphone.Originality/valueThe paper provides an insightful interview with Matthew Brearley.
Information privacy compliance in the healthcare industry
Authors: Johnston Allen C. , Warkentin Merrill 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is US legislation aimed at protecting patient information privacy, but it imposes a significant burden on healthcare employees, especially since the privacy provisions are still evolving and healthcare organizations are still struggling to meet compliance criteria. This study seeks to illuminate characteristics of both the environment (organization) and the individual (healthcare professional) and their relevant influence on compliance intentions by leveraging theories from the domains of social psychology, management, and information systems.Design/methodology/approachA study of 208 healthcare professionals located at healthcare facilities throughout the USA were surveyed as to their perceptions regarding HIPAA compliance and the underlying organizational and individual factors that influence said compliance.FindingsThe findings indicate that perceptions of organizational support and self‐efficacy (SE) leading to HIPAA compliance vary based on organizational and occupational characteristics. Furthermore, these perceptions of organizational support and SE explain some of the differences in their intent to comply with this legislation.Research limitations/implicationsFor healthcare managers, the findings of this research may serve to validate HIPAA compliance initiatives. Through increased attention and resources dedicated to providing a supportive environment for HIPAA compliance, healthcare managers can increase the likelihood of compliance success by improving employee SE.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first empirical study to account for environmental factors and their influence on individual intentions to comply with HIPAA.
Managing electronic information: an ethics perspective
Authors: Desai Mayur S. , von der Embse Thomas J. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper addresses the contemporary and very important area of electronic information (EI) management – the ethical dimension and implications. Specifically, this paper aims to analyze EI activities and management practices, the ethical dilemmas and implications; to relate effectiveness in EI ethics activities in the context of organizational ethics policy and practice, and to suggest a framework for handling ethical dilemmas in managing the major EI activities.Design/methodology/approachA survey of mid‐ and first‐level managers in six industries was conducted. Subjects were asked to describe organization practices in 11 areas of ethics policy application. Respondent firms were compared according to high and low numbers of ethical safeguards: an ethics code, a credo or values statement, written ethics policies – general and specific, ethics training and development, ready access to ethics guidelines at all levels, and a cohesive, supportive ethical culture.FindingsEI ethics need to be addressed in the context of the organization's policies and practices. This extends to specific EI activities as well, where the ramifications of misbehavior – or upright behavior – are magnified.Practical implicationsThe organization that invests in ethics safeguards provides the needed supports and reaps substantial returns in employee morale, performance and ultimately, the bottom line – profits. In this area of EI management, the atmosphere of trust that results lightens the burden for all involved.Originality/valueThis research has a value that is relevant to the current issues related to the privacy and security of information.
Real time business intelligence in supply chain analytics
Authors: Sahay B.S. , Ranjan Jayanthi 
Published: April 2008

PurposeRapid innovation and globalization have generated tremendous opportunities and choices in the marketplace for firms and customers. Competitive pressures have led to sourcing and manufacturing on a global scale resulting in a significant increase in products. The paper tries to identify the need for real time business intelligence (BI) in supply chain analytics.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides argument and analysis of the advantages and hurdles in BI.FindingsThe paper focuses on the necessity to revisit the traditional BI concept that integrates and consolidates information in an organization in order to support firms that are service oriented and seeking customer loyalty and retention. Enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of supply chain analytics using a BI approach is a critical component in a company's ability to achieve its competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis paper furthers understanding of the issues surrounding the use of BI systems in supply chains.
Reaching escape velocity
Authors: Bellone Jason , de Basquiat Segolene , Rodriguez Juan 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate and offer an open source toolkit with the intent that making technology available to the community may serve to support organizations planning an information security management system implementation.Design/methodology/approachA case study is presented which highlights the authors' approach to building capability and subsequently overcoming inertial forces which would otherwise have impeded the organization's compliance initiative.FindingsThe case study proposes a novel approach to managing an ISMS implementation through the use of a custom developed toolkit, which based on the experience of the authors enabled the subject organization to achieve ISO 27001 certification.Practical implicationsThe adoption of the approach and tradecraft presented in the paper may enable similar organizations in building capacity to better manage information security programs.Originality/valueInsomuch as the recently revised ISO 27001 Information Security Code of Practice is well documented, comprehensive, methodological and widely supported, it is evident from the relatively low volume of certifications (a list of current certification registrations may be found at the ISMS International User Group Certificate Register – www.iso27001certificates.com), that many compliance initiatives are challenged in realizing full success. Based on the experiences presented in this paper, the authors believe these challenges must be overcome with appropriate capability building necessary to achieve a successful implementation.
A practical application of CMM to medical security capability
Authors: Williams Patricia 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe manner in which information is used and communicated in the medical environment has been revolutionized by the introduction of electronic storage, manipulation and communication of information. This change has brought with it many challenges in information security. This research seeks to propose a practical application, the capability maturity model (CMM), to meet the needs of medical information security practice.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds on previous work by the author using the Tactical Information Governance for Security model developed for the medical setting. An essential element of this model is the ability to assess current capability of a practice to meet the needs of security and to identify how improvements can be made. Existing CMM models are reviewed to inform construction of an operational framework for capability assessment.FindingsAn operational capability framework for assessing security capability in medical practice, based on CMM principles, is presented. An example of the use of this framework is modelled using backup to provide proof of concept.Practical implicationsIn an environment that is reliant on doctors and non‐technical staff to implement security, an operational framework to improve practice though capability evaluation is needed. The framework presents activities in simple, non‐technical terms and separates these activities into discrete sections resulting in improvement that can be easily managed and implemented.Originality/valueThe operational framework developed demonstrates how practical security practice improvement can be achieved in a medical environment, whilst meeting strategic objectives, best practice and external validation. This paper develops this process through exploration and application of existing CMMs.
A partial equilibrium view on security and privacy
Authors: Katos Vasilios , Patel Ahmed 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a tool to help policy makers understand the dynamic relationships between security and privacy on a strategic (macro) level.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is ported from the discipline of Macroeconomics, and applied to the information security and privacy domain. The methodology adopted is the so‐called “cross methodology” which claims ownership of the well‐known supply/demand market equilibrium exercise.FindingsEarly evaluation reveals that this is a potentially very effective tool in understanding societal behaviour and position towards information security and privacy and therefore makes this a suitable tool for investigating and exploring scenarios that can assist in policy making.Originality/valueUp to date, research on the economics of security and privacy has been primarily focusing on a micro level. The main contribution of this paper is a methodology for investigating privacy and security on a macro level. We believe that our approach in undertaking this research is new and looking at the issues and relationships between security and privacy at a macro level, gives a better understanding of the problems at hand and how to resolve them.Practical implicationsThe proposed tool may increase the efficiency of policy making and planning as it enables the policy makers on a governmental and strategic level to run scenarios in order to investigate the effect of their decisions (for example, an introduction of a stricter law relating to computer misuse) to the delicate balance of security and privacy.
Assessing change: can organizational learning “work” for schools?
Authors: Austin Manila S. , Harkins Debra A. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure the effectiveness and practical utility of an organizational learning intervention for an organization that was not progressive, was not specifically chartered as a learning organization, and was situated in an urban, culturally diverse, and under‐privileged community.Design/methodology/approachIn this empirical case study, employees were surveyed pre‐ and post‐intervention on measures of organizational learning, school climate and morale. Archival data on turnover rates were also collected for the years bracketing the intervention (2003‐2005).FindingsAnalyses show the center reduced turnover and improved in organizational learning, morale, and to a lesser degree, organizational climate. Analyses demonstrate relationships between change in organizational climate dimensions (e.g. supportive leadership, appraisal and recognition, goal congruence) and change toward organizational learning.Originality/valueThis research suggests that organizational learning – and the post‐bureaucratic practices that characterize it – can be useful even in the most challenging of settings. Unlike previous research, this study specifically addresses organizational learning's utility for under‐privileged populations; it also examines how the more traditional measure of organizational climate is related to post‐industrial notions of learning and business performance. It should be of value to academics and practitioners wishing to apply organizational learning to less‐advantaged and change‐averse organizations.
From situated practice to informed theory
Authors: Ford Randal 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine organizational practice to investigate what insights could be gained to support and extend existing theory.Design/methodology/approachAdopts a clinical approach, e.g. not a priori or an academic one where data are mangled to fit a theoretical stance.FindingsData analysis reveals four interconnected learning cycles and the enabling structures put in place to facilitate them. The practice‐based themes support many organization learning theories; in addition, the findings augment the systems perspective.Research limitations/implicationsChallenges traditional logical‐deductive (theory driven) stances. Findings do not pretend to be generalizable or definitive, but more evocative.Practical implicationsThe paper discusses practical implications in how firms might implement enabling structures for organizational learning; and what accompanying changes in management practices and leadership would be required in implementing these facilitative structures.Originality/valueThis paper provides value to all organizations, in that it outlined how personnel at all organization levels can think, plan, innovate, process information and coordinate in working together. In adopting the perspective of praxis within an unconventional organizational context, the empirical findings support and reinforce some theories of organizational learning, extend or refute others and add new insights.
A framework for promoting learning in IS design and implementation
Authors: Small Adrian , Sice Petia , Venus Tony 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to set out an argument for a way to design, implement and manage IS with an emphasis on first, the learning that can be created through undertaking the approach, and second, the learning that may be created through using the IS that was implemented. The paper proposes joining two areas of research namely, technology management with soft systems methodology (SSM). The framework was developed through undertaking a customer concern management project within a manufacturing organisation.Design/methodology/approachReviewing the literature on information systems management, the learning organisation, and systems theory a proposed synergy is found. The outcome of this synergy allows a number of methodologies to be identified that are argued as suitable for IS design. From these information system development (ISD) methodologies, SSM is expanded to incorporate the principles of the learning organisation and systems theory. The expanded SSM framework is applied in practice through a process of participatory action research.FindingsThe outcome of the practical work argues for a complete framework that joins the areas of research (SSM and technology management) and emphasises other thinking from the areas of systems theory and the “learning organisation”.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper concludes with a discussion on the advantages of joining soft systems with technology management but also the limitations created. Such limitations have been identified as moving from the soft, tacit issues of the design phases to the harder more structured aspects of technology implementation and management. A change in philosophy may restrict other issues from being explored. This issue needs to be focussed on in future research.Practical implicationsA framework has been developed that draws on the work of soft systems methodology (SSM) and a technology management process framework (TMPF) used in the area of technology management. By expanding the SSM model and joining it with the TMPF an attempt to give individuals and teams a practical tool to help design, implement, and manage IS with an emphasis on learning the framework promotes.Originality/valueThe framework provides advantages for academics, consultants and other practitioners and gives a central focus on what issues need to be accomplished more explicitly in order to undertake an ISD project.
Knowledge transfer among projects using a learn‐forget model
Authors: Tukel Oya I. , Rom Walter O. , Kremic Tibor 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of learning in a project‐driven organization and demonstrate analytically how the learning, which takes place during the execution of successive projects, and the forgetting that takes place during the dormant time between the project executions, can impact performance and productivity in the future.Design/methodology/approachA learn‐forget model was developed using the learning curve concept prevalent in many manufacturing processes. The model assumes that learning occurs while project tasks are being performed and forgetting takes place during dormant times between the successive implementations. The log‐linear model was adapted, with both learning and forgetting rates being a function of the doubling or tripling of output. Forgetting is inhibited through the use of knowledge transfer tools such as use of close‐out documents or content management platforms. The model is applied to a simulated project environment where a number of projects are executed sequentially, and the results are evaluated using the reduction in total duration and return on investment.FindingsComputational results demonstrate that the learning and forgetting rates and level of project close‐out effort impact project performance, in the form of reduction in duration, much more significantly compared to the impact of the length of dormant times between the project initiations. Furthermore, even in a slow learning environment, using close‐out reports as a knowledge transfer tool, managers can achieve more than a 40 percent reduction in duration after several successive implementations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the theoretical development is applicable to a general organizational setting, the empirical testing of the model is done in project‐driven organizations where projects are implemented on an ongoing basis.Practical implicationsManagers can significantly benefit from the findings of this study. It is shown that the accumulated learning which represents knowledge generated during the implementation of a project, if transferred successfully, improves productivity and enables faster implementation. In a project‐driven organization an almost 80 percent reduction in total duration is achievable with the use of close‐out documents. This result promotes the importance of the learning process and managers should enable their team members to learn as much as they can while implementing a task and to document it methodically.Originality/valueThis study constitutes an initial effort to illustrate quantitatively how the level of learning and forgetting impact performance in a project‐driven organization. This study is also original in that it methodically demonstrates the importance of spending time during the phase‐out, documenting the project artifacts, that enables knowledge transfer, and thus improves performance.