bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vocational training for the unemployed: its impact on uncommonly served groups
Authors: Hebbar Leela 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of vocational training on unemployed workers not typically studied: women enrolled in engineering or computer programming training and high school dropouts.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from New Jersey's Individual Training Grant (ITG) program and a quasi‐experimental design, the study compares the ITG groups' re‐employment and wage recovery rates with a matched comparison group.FindingsThe article finds that women enrolled in the male‐dominated fields of engineering or computer programming experience re‐employment rates that are lower than or similar to those in the comparison group, but they experience higher wage recovery in 8th and 12th quarters after claiming unemployment insurance (UI). Hispanic high school dropouts experience both higher re‐employment and wage recovery rates than their comparison group, but the wage recovery advantage disappears when those enrolled in truck driving training are removed from the sample. Further, white and black high school dropouts experience no re‐employment or wage recovery advantage. For all participants, the study finds participants experience a higher re‐employment rate than the comparison group beginning in the fifth quarter and experience no wage recovery advantage.Research limitations/implicationsTo address the concern of selection bias, a difference‐in‐difference wage model controls for time‐variant differences in unobservables and an employment regression model controls for remaining differences in the matching variables.Practical implicationsThese results suggest that training improves re‐employment chances and that type of training matters with respect to wage recovery. In this sample, those enrolled in truck driving training, engineering, and computer programming tended to experience higher wage recovery than their comparison group.Originality/valueThis paper examines the impact of vocational training on unemployed workers not typically studied.
The market reaction to layoff announcements: a union‐nonunion comparison
Authors: Abraham Steven E. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the market reaction to layoff announcements of union and nonunion employees.Design/methodology/approachEvent study methodology was utilized to assess the effects of layoff announcements of union versus nonunion employees. The union status of the laid‐off employees was determined for 135 layoff announcements reported in the Wall Street Journal in 1993 and 1994 and shareholder returns between the two groups was compared.FindingsOver each event period tested, the market reaction was more negative when nonunion employees were downsized than when the announcement concerned unionized employees. Over the two days surrounding the announcement, the market reaction to the layoff announcement of unionized employees was actually positive, while the reaction was negative when nonunion employees were the subject of the announcement.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample included layoff announcements from 1993 and 1994 only. The market reaction to announcements in different years might be different.Originality/valueWhile many papers have examined the market reaction to layoff announcements, this is the first paper that compares the reaction to union versus nonunion employees.
ICT and older workers: no unwrinkled relationship
Authors: de Koning Jaap , Gelderblom Arie 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to find out to what extent older workers make use of ICT and to what extent this influences their job performance.Design/methodology/approachWorkers of various age groups are surveyed in two sectors: printing industry and wholesale trade. The use of (various types of) ICT is compared for a number of age groups, controlling the influence of other explanatory variables and correcting the fact that older users are a selective group. In the next step, the use of ICT is one of the factors explaining performance.FindingsThe results show that, compared with younger workers, older workers make less use of ICT in their job, use less complicated applications and have more difficulties in using ICT. This is to their disadvantage as the use of ICT and particularly the level of use appear to affect performance positively.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is concentrated on two specific sectors which are forerunners in the field of ICT. A generalization of the results is therefore most applicable to industries and jobs in which ICT plays an important role.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that company policies can be of help in dealing with the problem. However, the provision of formal training in ICT has no significant effect.Originality/valueContrary to what is often done in this type of study, the level on which ICT is used is taken into account. Moreover, direct indicators for performance are used instead of wages. Particularly for older workers wages may not reflect productivity.
Constructing factors related to worker retention
Authors: Huang Ing‐Chung , Lin Hao‐Chieh , Chuang Chih‐Hsun 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of individual‐based, firm‐based, and market factors on job retention, basing its hypotheses on human capital theory and signaling models.Design/methodology/approachBy collecting secondary data on 180 employees who left their jobs at one firm and interviewing human resource managers and those who left for other jobs, factors determining the decision to stay with a firm for a certain period were investigated. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to test hypothesized relationships.FindingsMarriage, gender, honored employee status, relative pay (both inter‐firm and intra‐firm wages), speed of promotion, and economic cycles had a significant impact on how long the employees retained their jobs, but education level and individual performance did not. Firm‐specific human capital, wages, and signaling effects were proved to affect job retention. Firm‐based factors had a significantly more pronounced impact on the ultimate decision than individual‐based factors.Research limitations/implicationsThis study examines worker mobility from the perspective of actual length of job retention, complementing existing streams of research based on intention to leave. Because a few unexamined psychological and sociological factors may confound the findings and because only examine one firm is examined, care should be used when generalizing the findings to other firms.Practical implicationsThe study provides evidence useful in the creation of human resource management practices aimed at retaining competent employees.Originality/valueThis study's research questions and methods are new to the line of turnover studies, making it a starting point for further lines of exploration.
Precarious migrant knowledge workers: new entrepreneurial identities in Naples, Italy
Authors: DeMaria Harney Nicholas 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine migrants working as inter‐cultural mediators at the interface of the formal and informal economies in southern Italy so as to question the conventional representation of knowledge workers.Design/methodology/approachEthnographic evidence collected between September 2004 and July 2005 is presented of the knowledge work of these precarious non‐European Union migrants in Naples, Italy.FindingsThis paper displays the need to consider alternative forms of knowledge work and knowledge worker that are central to the globalizing economy. Migration and difference and their resulting social realities are seen as central features of contemporary economic change. Depicting the creative, flexible, problem‐solving aspects of intercultural mediators who work with undocumented and documented migrants in the Naples area, this paper shows how these African migrant mediators make use of their full repertoire of formally trained knowledge and more centrally their social, tacit, experiential and embodied knowledge intimately linked with their Africanness and self‐awareness of their precarious migrant status to gain the trust of other Africans. In fact, their flexibility in the face of changing circumstances and their manipulation, reading and negotiation of cultural codes depending on circumstances reveals a flexible, enterprising style suited to the challenges of the knowledge economy.Research limitations/implicationsIt displays how current conceptualisations of the knowledge economy and knowledge worker in contemporary advanced economies need considerable revision to include other types of migrant normally excluded from discussions.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts to display the relationship between knowledge workers, immigrants and the informal economy.
Enterprising futures or dead‐end jobs? Women, self employment and social exclusion
Authors: Marlow Susan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeSince the late 1980s, much attention has been afforded to the notion of social exclusion and how governments might address this problem. One such solution has been the encouragement of self employment amongst those considered to be socially excluded with the aim of creating opportunity for individuals, generating new jobs and contributing to local economic regeneration. The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the relationship between entrepreneurship and social exclusion by considering the potential for benefit dependent lone mothers to enter self employment in order to escape disadvantage.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical paper which draws upon the concepts of gender, enterprise and social exclusion which are then linked through an analysis of the possibilities which self employment may offer benefit dependent lone mothers to undertake an economically viable activity.FindingsFrom the arguments explored here, it would appear that self employment is limited in terms of meeting the economic needs of these women, is unlikely to create new job opportunities or act as impetus to local regeneration and in fact, may encourage undeclared working for both the owners and employees in such enterprises.Originality/valueDraws upon a range of diverse arguments to offer an original contribution to the social policy and entrepreneurship debate.
Understanding the virtuality of virtual organizations
Authors: Shekhar Sandhya 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe virtual organization is emerging as a much‐researched phenomenon in the context of inter‐organizational relationships as well as intra‐organizational issues. However, the existing literature on the subject provides multifarious views of virtual organizations, making it difficult to compare findings in research and derive actionable inputs for practice. This paper proposes a multi‐dimensional model with nine possible variants that serves to accommodate and understand virtuality in its various forms, giving greater conceptual clarity on how virtuality can be measured and interpreted in an organizational context.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature shows that most discussions on virtuality have not made a clear delineation of its facets.FindingsThis paper first identifies the granularity and directionality of virtuality in order to understand virtuality in its different contexts. It then suggests that virtuality should be examined in terms of factors that influence it, the degree of virtuality, and the outcomes of virtuality.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the breadth of coverage required to present a model in an area that is as large and complex as virtual organizations, a detailed discussion of the operationalization of the constructs has not been possible.Originality/valueFrom a researcher's perspective, this model should aid a better understanding of virtuality whilst providing a framework within which existing and future contributions in this area can be studied. From a managerial perspective, this can be used by organizations to assess whether virtuality is indeed leveraged as a strategic tool or is largely a mere technological phenomenon.
The executive coaching trend: towards more flexible executives
Authors: Jones Renae A. , Rafferty Alannah E. , Griffin Mark A. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper proposes to investigate the influence of executive coaching on managerial flexibility in order to build a stronger theoretical and empirical basis for executive coaching research.Design/methodology/approachA repeated measures design was adopted. About 11 leaders participated in a leadership development program and received executive coaching over a three‐month period. Leaders were surveyed prior to coaching, during coaching, and post coaching.FindingsRepeated measures analysis revealed that self‐reported managerial flexibility increased throughout the duration of executive coaching.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory study provides initial support for the argument that executive coaching positively impacts on managerial flexibility. Several areas for future research are discussed including examining the influence of executive coaching on the dimensions of managerial flexibility.Originality/valueThis study provides a detailed overview of how to develop an executive coaching program and empirically tested the effects of executive coaching on executives' flexibility. A number of areas for future research were identified.
ABB robots form part of islands of automation to build body shells at Jaguar Cars
Authors: Mortimer John 
Published: September 2006

PurposeDescribes how Jaguar Cars in the UK is using robots to manufacture aluminium car bodies for its new XK sports car that is being built in the company's plant in Castle Bromwich, UK.Design/methodology/approachDescribes the major production line techniques that are used in the manufacture of the body‐in‐white structure. These include self‐piercing rivets (SPRs), self‐tapping screws, MIG welding and adhesives.FindingsThe use of SPRs and self‐tapping screws are proving essential in the joining of aluminium components manufactured as extrusions, castings and pressings.Research limitations/implicationsThe introduction of SPRs and self‐tapping screws, adhesive bonding and MIG welding of cosmetic aluminium skin panels is the result of considerable research work on the part of Jaguar engineers and the company's suppliers, as well as Warwick University. Three of these techniques require the services of robots with their integrated controls. This work is likely to continue in order to reduce cycle times and improve overall product performance, both to the benefit of manufacturer and end‐user – the customer. This paper provides a unique insight into the development of a facility with islands of automation to produce aluminium body shells.Practical implicationsIt is likely that arising out of development work into new techniques, processes and standards that will be used throughout the Ford organization, including other companies that form the Premier Automotive Group. Aston Martin, Land Rover and Volvo could all benefit from the technologies developed at Jaguar Cars.Originality/valueThis is the first time Jaguar Cars has used ABB robots in significant numbers to apply SPRs and self‐tapping screws to join aluminium components. ABB robots are also used for body shell inspection and MIG welding aluminum skin panels.
Fault‐tolerant teleoperation systems design
Authors: Dede Mehmet , Tosunoglu Sabri 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe objective of this study is to enhance the usage of teleoperation fields, such as in nuclear site decommissioning or nuclear waste disposal, by designing a stable, dependable and fault‐tolerant teleoperation system in the face of “extraordinary” conditions. These “extraordinary” conditions can be classified as variable time delays in communications lines, usage of different robotic systems, component failures and changes in the system parameters during task execution.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first gives a review of teleoperation systems developed earlier. Later, fault tolerance is proposed for use in teleoperation systems at the processor, actuator, sub‐system, and system levels. Position/force control algorithms are recommended to address stability issues when there is a loss in communications. Various other controls are also introduced to overcome the instability experienced when there is a time delay in the communications line.FindingsFinally, this work summarizes the teleoperation system architecture and controller design options in terms of a flowchart to help in the conceptual design of such systems.Originality/valueThe impact of these new designs and algorithms will be to expand the limits and boundaries of teleoperation and a widening of its utilization area. Enhanced operation of these systems will improve system reliability and even encourage their use in more critical and diverse applications.
Modernity and tradition in a global era
Authors: Pick David , Dayaram Kandy 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the re‐interpretation and justification of caste in India in the face of modernising influences and the efforts of legislators to disassemble its structures and traditions.Design/methodology/approachThe concepts of de‐traditionalisation and governmentality are deployed to illuminate the reconstruction of caste within the framework and imperatives of global industrial capitalism.FindingsCaste now has a different source of justification in that it serves the functions and needs of the “winners” of globalisation at the expense of the “losers”. In traditional caste‐based society each caste moved in separate social spheres. This is simply not possible in a modern capitalist state based on a web of social, economic, and political inter‐dependencies. This has the potential to cause social dislocation, threatening India's economic and social well‐being and development. This paper demonstrates that whilst caste is still prevalent in Indian society it can no longer appeal to tradition for legitimacy.Practical implicationsResource distribution and the creation of an inclusive environment is a critical policy issue. The challenge for social policy in India is tackling the entrenched inequality of the caste system in its emerging, contemporary form. Equal opportunities will remain imaginary, unless India takes adequate steps towards capacity building in disadvantaged social groups.Originality/valueDe‐traditionalisation and governmentality have so far only been applied to developed or Western nations. This paper uses these concepts to provide a critical account of an important social issue in developing nations.
Shades of grey in the informal economy
Authors: Jones Trevor , Ram Monder , Edwards Paul 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the influence of the national minimum wage (NMW) in the UK to small business owners operating in the informal economy.Design/methodology/approachUsing the clothing and restaurant sectors as a context, the responses of ethnic minority employers operating in the informal economy are examined in the light of market and regulatory change (notably, the NMW). Case studies are undertaken with 17 business owners and their workers. Given the sensitivity of the information required (reasons for non‐compliance; avoidance strategies; labour use), industry “insiders” were deployed to gain access.FindingsThe findings highlight considerable diversity in employer responses, despite the focus on two comparative narrow market sectors. This has implications for both neo‐liberal approaches to the informal economy, and the so‐called “marginalisation” thesis.Research limitations/implicationsProvides an insight into a neglected segment of the informal economy. Future studies should look at wider range of sectors and compare the experiences of different ethnic minority groups.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrates why extant policy initiatives designed to formalise informal work face major structural barriers. Further, the informal economy is much more widespread than policy discourse suggests, thus accentuating the challenge for policy‐makers.Originality/valueExtant literature on informal economy tends to be “race‐blind” and rarely linked to the sphere of employment relations. This paper helps to fill both of these gaps.
A safety net or ties that bind? Women, welfare and self‐employment
Authors: Marlow Susan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the challenges facing benefit‐dependent lone mothers who seek to engage with self‐employment.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach offers a detailed analysis of the experiences of three women considering the transition from benefit dependency to self‐employment.FindingsThe current welfare regime discourages lone mothers from entering formal self‐employment.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of cases is limited by the nature of the study involved. Future work would seek to expand upon this.Practical implicationsQuestions are raised regarding the efficacy of current welfare to work policies as, in this case, they would appear to impede enterprising behaviour and positively encourage informal working.Originality/valueThe paper engages in a novel fashion with the concepts of gender, welfare dependency and enterprise whilst developing a critique of current policy.
Harnessing the potential of the social economy? Time banks and UK public policy
Authors: Seyfang Gill 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to improve understanding of the UK policy context for the social economy and thereby increase policy effectiveness in promoting the sector.Design/methodology/approachFirst the term “social economy” is discussed and defined. Then the range of policy responses to the social economy is reviewed. The interface between the social economy and policy is examined in detail using a case study initiative: time banks, a type of community currency which uses time as money.FindingsUK government policy responds very positively to the social economy, viewing it as a potential provider of social cohesion, public service delivery, and sustainable development. However, the time bank case study reveals that existing social policy on work and employment is a barrier to realising the potential of the sector.Practical implicationsProposals to overcome these policy barriers are suggested: they share the approach of redefining “work” and valuing and rewarding unpaid community efforts in the social economy.Originality/valueThe social economy is attracting increasing policy attention, but there is little empirical research in this area. This paper presents a review of existing policy and examines the impacts of policy in the social economy.