bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leadership styles and behaviour profiles of managers
Authors: Oshagbemi Titus , Ocholi Samuel A. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeA variety of organisational leaders, workers, managers and academics had previously been classified on the basis of characteristics of their jobs including how they spent their time. This study investigated the extent to which managers from various UK industries could be meaningfully grouped on the basis of the leadership styles and behaviour patterns which they exhibited in the performance of their jobs.Design/methodology/approachNames of the potential respondents were randomly obtained from leaders and managers working in the UK key British enterprises. This comprised a variety of organisations and industries, namely: manufacturing, financial services, utilities, IT\telecommunications, public sector and others. A total number of 409 managers completed and returned usable questionnaires giving a response rate of 28.4 per cent. A cluster analysis methodology was used to group the respondents into three distinct units.FindingsThe managers were grouped into three categories: practical leaders (group 1), unity leaders (group 2) and uncaring leaders (group 3). Attention then focused on the distinctive styles and behaviour of the practical, unity and uncaring leaders who formed 12, 69 and 19 per cent of the managers, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe naming of the groups should not be allowed to give the impression that there was complete uniformity within each category. Furthermore, absolute statements about the effectiveness of the groups cannot be made with certainty; effectiveness of each group is relative.Originality/valueOrganisations can examine their managers and determine to which group they belong. For example, it was found in this study that practical and unity leaders formed 81 per cent of the managers in UK organisations. Since the major characteristics of the styles and behaviour profiles of uncaring leaders (19 per cent) were also identified, attention by organisational leaders should focus on suggestions aimed at making these managers more effective in the performance of their jobs.
Potential expats in Singaporean organizations
Authors: Zhu Weichun , Luthans Fred , Chew Irene K.H. , Li Cuifang 
Published: September 2006

PurposeWith globalization and accompanying expatriation becoming a reality for developed countries, including those that have recently arrived in Southeast Asia, this study explored the effects of family and personal characteristics on Singaporeans’ willingness to accept an expat assignment.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a random sample of 191 managers and engineers across a number of organizations in Singapore.FindingsThe results indicated that the perception of a negative influence on family members has a negative impact on Singapore engineers and managers intention to accept an international assignment. Further, both need for achievement and perseverance personal characteristics had a positive impact on intention for an international assignment.Originality/valueThe study findings suggest how international human resource manager can provide help to expatriates and their family in dealing with family issues related to expatriation.
The relationship between personality and transformational leadership
Authors: Hautala Tiina M. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose was to find if the relationship between personality and transformational leadership exists, when the appraisals are from leaders themselves and from their subordinates.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken was quantitative analyses of 439 leaders and 380 subordinates.FindingsResults indicated that the relationship between personality and transformational leadership exists. Subordinates' and leaders' ratings did not converge. According to leaders' self‐ratings, the extraverted, intuitive and perceiving preferences favour transformational leadership. On the contrary, subordinates' ratings indicated that leaders with sensing preference are associated with transformational leadership.Research limitations/implicationsEven if sample size is relatively extensive, it represents mainly middle‐level leaders. More data would be needed to gain the overall picture of this topic in all leadership levels.Practical implicationsResults of this study can be used in training and development, when trying to enhance mutual understanding. Also when leaders are appraising themselves they can have more realistic picture when knowing their tendencies due to the personality.Originality/valueThe results provides further information of this field, where the earlier results have been somehow contradictory. Paper shows how different personalities tend to over‐ or underestimate themselves when comparing to subordinates ratings.
Ready, set, go: examining student readiness to use ERP technology
Authors: Shivers‐Blackwell Sheryl L. , Charles Atira C. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo examine student readiness for change and behavioral intentions regarding the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system (ERP). The study also integrates literature on technology acceptance, readiness for change, and change implementation to test an adapted version of the technology acceptance model (TAM).Design/methodology/approachData were analyzed using SPSS 10.0 and AMOS 4.0.FindingsGender and perceived ERP benefits are related to students' readiness for change, and readiness for change is a significant predictor of students' attitude toward usage of the ERP system. Additionally, computer self‐efficacy is related to attitude toward usage and one's intent to use the ERP system.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, is the use of self‐report data, external validation would have been preferred. Second, the potential for common method bias is a concern. Finally, it was not possible to sample a majority of the more than 12,000 students enrolled. Of the students in the sample 92 percent were business majors.Practical implicationsOrganizational investments in technology must take into account more than the financial cost; they must be sensitive to user characteristics. Subsequently, the leadership of an organization should address and strategically plan for individual differences like an individual's readiness for change when implementing a new technology.Originality/valueThe TAM model remains stable using college students and with the addition of individual difference factors, such as the readiness for change.
On the centrality of strategic human resource management for healthcare quality results and competitive advantage
Authors: Gowen Charles R. , McFadden Kathleen L. , Tallon William J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeHealthcare organizations have addressed current error issues by adopting quality programs, which usually include strategic human resource management (HRM). However, little research has focused on the determinants of successful quality programs at healthcare organizations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the centrality of strategic HRM for addressing healthcare errors, error reduction barriers, quality management processes and practices, quality program results, and competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this study involves the analysis of questionnaire data from the quality and/or risk directors of 587 US hospitals by factor analysis and regression analysis.FindingsThe findings focus on highly statistically significant relationships of strategic HRM with antecedent healthcare error sources, error reduction barriers, and quality management processes and practices, as well as the strategic HRM consequences of perceived quality program results and sustainable competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of perceptual data and common method variance are checked. Future research could investigate international effects.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that hospital errors can be successfully addressed with effective strategic HRM, quality management processes, and quality management practices.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this paper is the centrality of strategic HRM as a determinant of successful quality programs at healthcare organizations.
Compliance with building regulations in England and Wales
Authors: Baiche Bousmaha , Walliman Nicholas , Ogden Raymond 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper is based on a research project sponsored by the DTI, with contributions from construction industry partners. The principal objective of the research was to generate data (based on a sample of new‐build housing schemes) about the levels of compliance with Building Regulations and standards typically achieved in England and Wales.Design /methodology/approachThe field research consisted of a triangulation of three research methods. A series of observations of 11 speculative housing projects (in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire) during construction. A questionnaire survey of occupants of recently completed speculatively built houses. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed in eight housing developments completed 9‐15 months previously. Semi‐structured interviews with six building control inspectors, both local authority and approved inspectors.FindingsThe general conclusions are that levels of compliance were not always sufficient, though there was no evidence of systematic and purposeful non‐compliance with building regulations. Faults were largely due to lack of skills and knowledge of the required standards on the part of the operatives, and shortcomings in site management and toleration of sub‐standard workmanship.Research limitations/implicationsThe surveys were limited to projects by national or regional scale housing developers on mainly medium‐large size house developments that included semi‐detached, detached and townhouses.Practical implicationsThe recommendations point to the need for more initial and continuing training of tradesmen, both in trade skills and knowledge of the provisions of building regulations, and more rigorous site management procedures adopted, particularly when pressure for completion is at its greatest.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is linked to the originality of the research; prior to it, reliable evidence of the scale and extent of non‐compliance with Building Regulations in the UK was not recorded in any publicly available source.
Crack control in screed using A142 steel fabric or mixed structural polypropylene fibres with regard to toughness and residual strength
Authors: Richardson A.E. , Fallow C. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo evaluate manufacturers' claims that structural polypropylene fibres provide satisfactory crack control reinforcement and compare the findings against steel fabric used as crack control in screeds where tensile forces are likely to occur.Design/methodology/approachThe procedure used to provide load, deflection data, toughness indices and residual strength factors was compliant with ASTM C1018‐97 and in part ASTM C78‐02 to define first crack toughness and first crack strength.FindingsA142 steel fabric reinforcement as used in screeds was more effective in producing toughness and residual strength when directly compared with the performance of structural polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete. Where polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete did have an advantage over the steel reinforced concrete was when I20 was exceeded and the deflection and crack width was excessive. Steel fabric tended to fail and/or the screed material failed either prior to or in excess of I20, whereas the fibre reinforced concrete held together albeit at a very much reduced load transfer when compared with steel fabric.Practical implicationsIf the forces to be encountered through expansion or contraction are small, then, due to the small distances between the fibres redistributing the stress and minimising the cracks within the concrete matrix, polypropylene fibres may be suitable for crack control when directly compared with A142 fabric reinforcement. The use of fibres has benefits to the floor screed companies, using screed‐laying machines as the process avoids laying steel on which the screed machine will have to operate.Originality/valueThere is a general lack of research coverage examining crack control in screed floor finishing materials.
Failure of a control strategy for a hybrid air‐conditioning and wind catchers/towers system at Bluewater shopping malls in Kent, UK
Authors: Elmualim Abbas Ali 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo evaluate the control strategy for a hybrid natural ventilation wind catchers and air‐conditioning system and to assess the contribution of wind catchers to indoor air environments and energy savings if any.Design/methodology/approachMost of the modeling techniques for assessing wind catchers performance are theoretical. Post‐occupancy evaluation studies of buildings will provide an insight into the operation of these building components and help to inform facilities managers. A case study for POE was presented in this paper.FindingsThe monitoring of the summer and winter month operations showed that the indoor air quality parameters were kept within the design target range. The design control strategy failed to record data regarding the operation, opening time and position of wind catchers system. Though the implemented control strategy was working effectively in monitoring the operation of mechanical ventilation systems, i.e. AHU, did not integrate the wind catchers with the mechanical ventilation system.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to short‐falls in the control strategy implemented in this project, it was found difficult to quantify and verify the contribution of the wind catchers to the internal conditions and, hence, energy savings.Practical implicationsControlling the operation of the wind catchers via the AHU will lead to isolation of the wind catchers in the event of malfunctioning of the AHU. Wind catchers will contribute to the ventilation of space, particularly in the summer months.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates the value of POE as indispensable tool for FM professionals. It further provides insight into the application of natural ventilation systems in building for healthier indoor environments at lower energy cost. The design of the control strategy for natural ventilation and air‐conditioning should be considered at the design stage involving the FM personnel.
Air diffusion performance index of high sidewall line diffuser in a room with perimeter heating load
Authors: Kang Seok‐Youn , Lee Seung‐Chul , Yoo Hoseon , Lee Jae‐Heon 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the perimeter heating load about the air diffusion performance index (ADPI) and propose a selection guide for proper line diffuser when perimeter heating load exists.Design/methodology/approachA high sidewall line diffuser was installed into a test room following the ISO standard 5219. The velocity and temperature distributions and the ADPI values are obtained numerically with 12 cases when the air flow rates are 425, 730 and 950 CMH and the heating loads are 0, 25, 50 and 75 percent of the total heating load, 2,143 W.FindingsThe ADPI decreases according to the increases of the flow rate on every heat load ratio of the present study except 0.75 with the line diffuser installed at the high sidewall. And we produced ADPI curves when the sidewall heating load exists or not in the same air flow rate and supply conditions. From that, it is possible to assume that the throw length guarantees more than 80 percent of ADPI with heating load on the wall.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work by the authors is focusing on making of database of various other diffusers which are generally used in the field.Originality/valueThis paper provides a modified selection guide for proper sidewall line diffusers to field engineers when perimeter heating load exists on the walls.
The risk management for indoor air pollution caused by formaldehyde in housing
Authors: Azuma K. , Uchiyama I. , Ikeda K. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeIn order to clarify the determining features of approaches adopted in policies for regulating indoor air pollution, this paper analyzes case studies of the approaches taken, in four countries, to risk management of indoor air pollution caused by formaldehyde in housing.Design/methodology/approachWe pursued case studies to provide historical perspectives on early warnings and actions taken in relation to suspected health hazards from exposure to formaldehyde, in Germany, the USA, Canada and Japan. Many investigations of indoor air pollution caused by formaldehyde in housing have been conducted, and regulations established, in these countries. We reviewed the vast quantity of literature and documents relating to governmental and/or industrial actions and of research on indoor air quality produced in the past 40 years, and compared the approaches adopted.FindingsThe study identified the differing character of the approaches adopted in policies for the regulation of indoor air pollution, in order to clarify the range of actions that may be taken in response to reported risk from indoor air pollutants and describe possible risk management models for indoor air pollution.Practical implicationsUnderstanding of the nature of approaches already adopted will help to preserve good indoor air quality and minimize health hazards due to indoor air pollution.Originality/valueThis paper identifies a range of actions that have been taken in response to suspected risk from indoor air pollutants, through the analysis of its case studies.
Developments of the emission classification of building materials
Authors: Sariola Laura , Kukkonen Esko 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo reach building owners, architects, designers, builders and manufacturers of materials and building components in order to achieve good indoor air quality (IAQ).Design/methodology/approachThe emission classification of building materials is a part of the Classification of Indoor Climate 2000, which is intended to be used in the design and construction of healthier and more comfortable buildings and their mechanical systems in Finland.FindingsManufacturers have developed new products with lower emissions by using advanced consistency of materials and improved technology in production and production control. Over the years they have improved the quality of their products so that measured harmful emissions have lowered drastically. Similar development has also been seen in the measured sensory emissions of classified materials and products. In January 2006, there were over 900 classified products.Research limitations/implicationsIt is necessary to expand the emission classification of building materials because of the IAQ problems that have arisen related to emissions in the last few years. The methodology is intended for national use, but it is possible to implement the system in other countries.Practical implicationsThe emission classification of building materials includes target values for odours and emissions of the materials and recommended maximum surface areas of the materials based on their emissions.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information/resources need. It is thought‐provoking and offers insights for the future planning and developing of classification systems.
A critical investigation of the briefing process in Hong Kong's construction industry
Authors: Shen Geoffrey Q.P. , Chung Jacky K.H. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate briefing in the construction industry in Hong Kong. Specifically, it sets out to discover the current practices on briefing in the industry and the limitations of these practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study consists of a literature review and a pilot study, structured focus group interviews and semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe study has revealed that current practices, although have been in operation for a long time, have a number of limitations such as lacking in a comprehensive framework; lacking in identification of client requirements; lacking in contributions from clients; lacking in involvement of stakeholders; and inadequate time spent on the briefing. It is concluded that these limitations must be properly addressed by the industry in order to improve the briefing and to avoid subsequent problems in the design and construction phases, and that more resources should be allocated.Originality/valueSo far, little work has been undertaken to study the practice of briefing in sufficient depth in the construction industry in Hong Kong. This paper improves our comprehension of the nature of client requirements and provides valuable insights into the details of briefing in the public and private sectors of the local industry.
Developing a conceptual model for the assessment of intelligence in buildings
Authors: Fathian Mohammad , Akhavan Peyman 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo date, assessment models for intelligent buildings have not been systematically investigated. Most of the existing studies have derived their findings from information technology (IT) perspectives and have not considered all factors including the architecture of the building and the necessities of IT as part of an integrated approach. This paper aims to bridge this gap.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of recent literature, this paper identifies the principal factors of intelligent buildings, discusses various perspectives from the point of both architecture and IT, and provides a general model for assessment. This model has been applied in relation to a case study and the results have been analyzed by surveys.FindingsThe overall results from the case study were appropriate, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed model. The conceptual model presents a roadmap for the assessment of intelligence in buildings. The research reported in this paper was carried out as a pilot study to determine an assessment system for intelligent buildings.Practical implicationsThe elements of the proposed model provide a list of attributes for the intelligent buildings. This helps to ensure that the essential issues and factors are covered during the design and implementation phase in the construction industry. For academics, it provides a common language for them to discuss and study the factors crucial for the assessment of intelligence levels in buildings.Originality/valueThis study provides an integrated perspective of critical issues for intelligence assessment in the construction industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that help the designers and constructors in one hand and the project managers on the other hand to construct the intelligent buildings in an effective way.