bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Into the depths of the I‐E‐I framework: using the internet to create value in supply‐chain relationships
Authors: Foster Tim 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide a better understanding of how industrial (B2B) organizations use their web sites as a marketing communication tool to create value through their supply (value) chain relationships.Design/methodology/approachA review of previous studies on B2B web sites results in the development of the “I‐E‐I (internet‐extranet‐intranet) framework”, with three research questions focusing on how each of the three levels of the I‐E‐I framework can be described. Via these research questions the framework is tested empirically over a ten‐month period in an industrial (B2B) web site setting. A qualitative, case study approach is used utilizing multiple sources of evidence.FindingsIt was found that in order to make online (communication) efforts more effective throughout the value chain, an inside‐out communication strategy is needed by the organization. Each level seems to have primary versus secondary stakeholders in terms of the access to and interaction with the web site level in which they are interacting. Overall, it was found that the deeper one went into the I‐E‐I framework, the more value that was created and that such value was both provided to and received from both the organization and the stakeholder.Originality/valueThe I‐E‐I framework developed in this study introduces a framework that can be tested empirically, discussed and debated in other settings and provide a springboard for more in‐depth studies on value creation in B2B web sites for both scholars and practitioners.
An exploration of warehouse automation implementations: cost, service and flexibility issues
Authors: Baker Peter , Halim Zaheed 
Published: March 2007

PurposeAutomated warehouse equipment is often regarded as being inflexible, and yet its use continues to rise even though markets are becoming increasingly volatile. The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons for, and nature of, warehouse automation implementations in order to further this understanding.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on semi‐structured interviews with some of the key stakeholders in automation projects. This is followed by a survey questionnaire to widen the findings.FindingsThe research indicates that the main reason for automation is to accommodate growth, with cost reduction and service improvement also being important. The implementation process tends to be complex and lengthy, although most projects are controlled within the planned budget and timescale. There is, however, a real risk of disruption and service level failings during the operational start‐up of these projects, as well as some concerns about ongoing flexibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide a useful insight into these areas but further research is required to explore the key characteristics of successful implementations and to understand how warehouse automation can be designed to provide responsiveness to rapidly changing market conditions.Practical implicationsThe findings have important implications as regards the need to incorporate scenario planning into the design process and to plan for the management of the ongoing operation.Originality/valueThere has been relatively little previous research into this important area, which involves a substantial proportion of the capital budget of many supply chains. The above findings are of value to academics and practitioners.
Supply chain partnering: a temporal multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Knoppen Desirée , Christiaanse Ellen 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to develop a multidisciplinary approach towards supply chain partnering to increase sensitivity for providing more powerful explanations of this complex, dynamic and sometimes paradoxical phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology employed is conceptual theory development, grounded upon transaction cost economics, organizational design, and organization behaviour theory.FindingsThe main concerns of partnering are appropriation, coordination and adaptation. The relative importance of each concern varies depending on the partnership's stage of development. The paper argues that the different bodies of literature each emphasize a different concern. Consequently, the multidisciplinary approach developed has a temporal nature and the three mentioned bodies of literature fit in different stages with associated concerns.Research limitations/implicationsPropositions for empirical testing are developed, regarding, for example, the impact of adaptation on the risk of appropriation.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the interrelation between the different concerns can increase the success of a partnership.Originality/valueThe temporal approach contributes by drawing a full picture of supply chain partnering, which is not obtained by viewing each one of its constituting bodies of literature in isolation.
Staffing practices in the private sector in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present and discuss the findings of a study of staffing practices in the Sri Lankan private sector with particular reference to junior level managerial jobs. The scope of staffing practices consisted of six major areas, namely the usage of information from job analysis in staffing, the sources of labour, selection criteria and selection methods in use, the validation of staffing practices and the involvement of HR managers and line managers in staffing.Design/methodology/approachSixty‐two companies were selected based on a stratified random sample method from two major types of companies – those listed on the stock exchange and those not listed. A self‐administered questionnaire was chosen as the main mode for data collection. For the study, a combination of quantitative and qualitative inquiries was adopted.FindingsSri Lankan companies placed higher weighting on the external labour market in recruitment and the use of objective criteria in selection. The common ground for the companies is the heavy role that interviews, written examinations, psychometric tests and assessment centres play as selection methods.Originality/valueThe credibility of management concepts is partly determined by their diffusion across the world. Also, such credibility will be enhanced if the concepts are viewed to be applicable in different country contexts. However, staffing practices remain dubious due to the lack of empirical studies in the context of Asian developing countries. Specifically, no such studies have been conducted in the context of Sri Lanka.
Gender‐related differences in the occupational aspirations and career‐style preferences of accounting students
Authors: Danziger Nira , Eden Yoram 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether gendered differences in occupational aspirations still appear when considering students with similar abilities who study competitively in the same achievement‐oriented educational setting.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses stipulated an interaction between gender and year of study on students' career aspirations and on career‐style preferences. An interactive expression was constructed, multiplying gender by year of study (i.e. a female student in her freshman year, a female student in her senior year, and so on). A sequence of logistic regressions was used to test the hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested by cross‐sectional analysis of the data, using 802 valid questionnaires collected from a sample of 1,000 Israeli accounting students from the accounting programs at three institutions of higher learning.FindingsIt was hypothesized that differences between the sexes in occupational aspirations and career style preferences would evolve and increase with years of study and especially as students approached the end of the academic track. In other words, it was expected that an interaction between gender and year of study would affect students' occupational aspirations and career‐style preferences. The findings supported the hypothesis. In their freshmen year, the sexes shared a similar pattern of aspirations and goals. However, during their later academic years, females reduced their occupational aspirations and revealed a stronger preference for a convenient balance between work and other facets of life. Logistic regressions demonstrated the statistically significant effect of the interaction between gender and academic year on student occupational aspirations and career‐style preferences.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates the decrease in female students’ occupational aspirations during the educational period, and that encouraging young women to obtain male‐type professional education might be insufficient in order to eliminate inequality between the sexes.
Generational preferences for work environment fit: effects on employee outcomes
Authors: Westerman James W. , Yamamura Jeanne H. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe examination of generational differences is an important area of inquiry for management research. Firms must recognize the influence of the values and work preferences of the next generation on organizational outcomes in order both to retain staff and to groom future leaders. It is proposed to examine the theory that firms' lack of success at employee retention may be impacted by the extent to which they understand and address generational differences in values, goals, and preferences.Design/methodology/approachThis study used survey methodology to examine generational and gender differences amongst the work environment preferences of 234 accountants in accounting firms.FindingsThe results indicated the importance of goal orientation and system work environment fit for younger generation workers on satisfaction and intention to remain; and relationship fit on the satisfaction of Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers also experienced higher levels of overall satisfaction than younger generation employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is limited to accountants in the USA.Originality/valueGenerational differences significantly impact employee attitudes and outcomes in the workplace. If firms are unable to modify their cultures and work environments to adequately meet the needs of their younger generation employees, they will continue to experience high levels of dissatisfaction and turnover.
Effects of dialogue groups on physicians' work environment
Authors: Bergman David , Arnetz Bengt , Wahlström Rolf , Sandahl Christer 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate whether dialogue groups for physicians can improve their psychosocial work environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study assessed the impact of eight dialogue groups, which involved 60 physicians at a children's clinic in one of the main hospitals in Stockholm. Psychosocial work environment measures were collected through a validated instrument sent to all physicians (n=68) in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Follow‐up data were collected after the termination of the groups.FindingsThe overall score of organizational and staff wellbeing, as assessed by the physicians at the clinic, deteriorated from 1999 until 2003 and then improved 2004. This shift in the trend coincided with the intervention. No other factors which might explain this shift could be identified.Research limitations/implicationsIn a naturalistic study of this kind it is not possible to prove any causal relationships. A controlled survey of management programmes concerning the work environment among physicians would be of interest for further research.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that dialogue groups may be one way to improve the psychosocial work environment for physicians.Originality/valueThere is a lack of intervention studies regarding the efficacy of management programmes directed toward physicians, concerning the effects on professional and personal wellbeing. This is the first time dialogue groups have been studied within a health care setting.
Cancelled elective operations: an observational study from a district general hospital
Authors: Sanjay P. , Dodds A. , Miller E. , Arumugam P.J. , Woodward A. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeCancelled operations are a major drain on health resources: 8 per cent of scheduled elective operations are cancelled nationally, within 24 hours of surgery. The aim of this study is to define the extent of this problem in one Trust, and suggest strategies to reduce the cancellation rate.Design/methodology/approachA prospective survey was conducted over a 12‐month period to identify cancelled day case and in‐patient elective operations. A dedicated nurse practitioner was employed for this purpose, ensuring that the reasons for cancellation and the timing in relation to surgery were identified. The reasons for cancellation were grouped into patient‐related reasons, hospital clinical reasons and hospital non‐clinical reasons.FindingsIn total, 13,455 operations were undertaken during the research period and 1,916 (14 per cent) cancellations were recorded, of which 615 were day cases and 1,301 in‐patients: 45 per cent (n=867) of cancellations were within 24 hours of surgery; 51 per cent of cancellations were due to patient‐related reasons; 34 per cent were cancelled for non‐clinical reasons; and 15 per cent for clinical reasons. The common reasons for cancellation were inconvenient appointment (18.5 per cent), list over‐running (16 per cent), the patients thought that they were unfit for surgery (12.2 per cent) and emergencies and trauma (9.4 per cent).Practical implicationsThis study demonstrates that 14 per cent of elective operations are cancelled, nearly half of which are within 24 hours of surgery. The cancellation rates could be significantly improved by directing resources to address patient‐related causes and hospital non‐clinical causes.Originality/valueThis paper is of value in that it is demonstrated that most cancellations of elective operations are due to patient‐related causes and several changes are suggested to try and limit the impact of these cancellations on elective operating lists.
Hostility in coronary artery disease patients and health care workers in Slovakia
Authors: Selko Dusan , Bacharova Ljuba , Rusnakova Viera , Katina Stanislav , Liska Branislav 
Published: March 2007

PurposeIncreased levels of hostility are associated with the increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), and with poorer outcomes in CAD patients. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the level of hostility in CAD patients and in health care (HC) workers, as potential groups for intervention programmes.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative cross‐sectional study was undertaken. Hostility questionnaires were distributed in a non‐randomized fashion in a group of 236 CAD patients (187 men, 49 women), aged from 33 to 69 years (average 52 years) and 181 health care workers (52 men, 129 women), aged from 19 to 65 (average 31 years). The results of the survey were discussed in a focused group.FindingsThe results showed that the high level of hostility in both CAD patients and HC workers exceeded the risk value of 10 in 89 per cent of CAD patients and 95 per cent of HC workers. No difference was found in the hostility scores between CAD patients and HC workers. There was a tendency to higher scores of hostility or of its subcategories (cynicism, anger, aggression) in physicians and nurses of the invasive cardiology or the intensive care units.Originality/valueThis paper is of value by showing how increased level of hostility was the issue in both patients and HC workers, with potential consequences of health risk for individuals, as well as deteriorated interpersonal relations and a conflict‐generated corporate culture for organizations. Differently tailored programmes for hostility management for particular target groups may help to prevent negative developments.
Hedge fund side letters: guidance for UK managers
Authors: Astleford Peter D. , Frase Richard , Hougie Andrew , Martin Stuart 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the Guidance Note on disclosure of hedge fund side letters issued by the UK's Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) in September 2006.Design/methodology/approachExplains the meaning of “material” and “non‐material” and recommends immediate actions and ongoing disclosure policies for funds and fund managers.FindingsGenerally, it is more appropriate for disclosure to come from the fund than the fund manager. The manager has a degree of discretion as to what constitutes a “material” term. The new FSA approach does not prohibit the use of side letters.Originality/valueAn interpretation of the Guidance that will help fund managers fine‐tune their policies on use of side letters and disclosure of terms in those letters.
Insider trading
Authors: Burke Timothy P. , Jarkowski Hope M. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to remind investment firms of the importance of policies, procedures, and supervisory controls to detect the misuse of material, non‐public information.Design/methodology/approachSummarizes a recent increase in regulatory concern over insider trading and suggests that firms review their “information wall” procedures.FindingsAt a minimum, a firm's information wall procedures should include the following elements: surveillance of employee trading; supervision of interdepartmental communications, including “walling off” procedures and procedures for “wall crossings”; a review of proprietary training when the firm is in possession of material, non‐public information; employee training and education, and documentation.Originality/valueReviews the key elements of an investment firm's insider trading policies.
Share‐class suitability: taking the guesswork out of mutual fund remediation
Authors: Dhandapani Bhaskar 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a practitioner's view on the key areas broker‐dealers need to evaluate while undergoing a mutual fund remediation exercise.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on the experiences of the author while working with various broker dealers in this area.FindingsThe takeaways are categorized in four sections. These are: assessing data availability and quality; defining remediation process and selecting associated algorithms; analyzing key business rules, and creating and managing an automated rules‐based engine. Each section details issues that need to be considered and analyzed, options available and the impact of such options.Practical implicationsTackling the areas identified in the article can help firms in streamlining the process, making it predictable, consistent, transparent and auditable. It also helps in reducing the recurrence of these issues and provides a clear basis for other remediation exercises like NAV Transfers, breakpoint accuracy and market timing.Originality/valueWhile there are several publications that explain the underlying problem, there is limited literature that details the issues and road‐blocks confronting organizations that need to undertake such an initiative. The paper addresses this gap and gives compliance professionals a checklist to ensure a smooth remediation process.
System dynamics modelling of firm value
Authors: Azeem Qureshi Muhammad 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess how investment, financing and dividend policies may affect firm value.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a system dynamics‐based model by using “financial management approach,” “capital structure approach,” “resource‐based approach,” and “sustainable growth approach” to identify investment, financing and dividend policies that may help maximize the firm value.FindingsAdequate investment in productive assets is the first step to achieve value maximization objective. Low debt capital structure plays a dominant role to maximize the firm value, contrary to the suggestions generally found in corporate finance literature. Rather insignificant role of firm's short‐term financing policy is observed. A consistently stable dividend policy is also a prerequisite of firm value maximization.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study include: the competitors' actions are not modeled; human resources and other intangible resources are not modeled; instead of market debt, debt is assumed to be bank debt. Future studies may bring in the competitors' actions, intangible assets including human resources, and may also consider to model debt as market debt.Practical implicationsThe firms operating in favorable product market conditions should keep their operating and financial risks low which will also maximize their firm value. On the other hand, the firms facing unfavorable product market conditions have to make a trade‐off to minimize operating risk vs financial risk.Originality/valueUsually the studies test one policy in isolation. However, this may probably be the first study that simultaneously tests various combinations of investment, financing and dividend policies that may help maximize the firm value.
Generic tool for measuring the reliability of product development processes
Authors: Rashid Mustafa M. , Ismail Hossam 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a generic method and tool for assessing the reliability and robustness of the product development process.Design/methodology/approachBy extending the integrated definition for function modelling (IDEF0)‐based modelling approach, the paper demonstrates how to calculate the effectiveness of the process and the quality of the process output based on the quality of inputs, the controls and the tools used within the process. To illustrate and validate the proposed approach, it is applied to a case study of a product development process incorporating incomplete, fuzzy and uncertain inputs and resources.FindingsDemonstrates the effectiveness of the tool in providing a quantified assessment of the process as well as its ability to identify those critical areas which will yield a significant improvement in the outcome of the product development process.Originality/valueThe technique is a valuable tool to assess the robustness and sensitivity of the process to changes in the quality of inputs, controls and tools, and can be integrated into businesses processes and management systems, and used as a tool to support continuous business and manufacturing decisions at any point of time.