bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental educational networking on open research issues
Authors: Vezzoli Carlo , Sciama Dalia 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the hypothesis that it is fruitful to study new areas within research for sustainability, through experimental education courses, that are based on international and multilateral (transcultural) learning processes.Design/methodology/approachThis way of introducing education into open research issues is presented throughout the experiences and the results of the DECOS campus network (Design in Emerging COntexts for Sustainability). This is an informal expert network on higher design education which involves university campuses from emerging and industrialized countries. The learning process established among those universities has been yearly assessed by the didactic observatory of the Politecnico di Milano University, considering also the feedbacks of the various involved professors.FindingsThe paper presents both the opportunities of such learning processes and the results actually achieved (designed) by the students, i.e. the students' sustainable system concepts.Practical implicationsThe described experience encourages its continuing and its further implementation and dissemination.Originality/valueThe originality this experience is due to the combination of both experimental education and open‐front research issues and design for sustainability with transcultural learning processes.
Do we really want all learning to be experiential? The hot stove effect
Authors: Cunningham Ian 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo expose the errors of assuming that all experiential learning is good and to challenge naïve use of Kolb's learning cycle. The article also provides advice to organizations on how to develop people where they are not taking action on real needs.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on work done in a variety of organizations around how people actually learn.FindingsPeople often need to overcome the errors of experiential learning.Practical implicationsThe article has real practical implications for leaders/managers and learning and development professionals as it shows how to overcome the limiting effects of experiential learning. It offers a practical approach to developing people in organizations.Originality/valueThe article will be of value to managers and learning specialists as it raises important issues about how to promote effective learning in organizations.
CHANGE: a concept of organizational learning and change
Authors: Marques Joan 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis article presents a new concept of organizational learning and subsequent organizational change, called CHANGE.Design/methodology/approachThis concept was developed as a result of workshops executed for Los Angeles based business leaders; employees in for‐profit as well as non‐profit organizations, and three in‐depth interviews with business leaders. The presented concept reviews and elaborates on six steps toward change, resulting from a practice of continuous surveying and consequential questioning of existing rules and processes. The article also presents a simple figure to explain this process.FindingsEach letter of the word CHANGE represents a step in a continuously applicable process. These steps are: checking; harvesting; advising; navigating; granting; and executing.Originality/valueOne thing that became very clear throughout the workshops and the interviews used for data collection toward this paper is, that CHANGE will work in for‐profit, non‐profit, small, medium sized, and large corporations if implemented with the right constituents and on a continuous basis.
The relationship between implied volatility and autocorrelation
Authors: Faff Robert W. , McKenzie Michael D. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper empirically assesses the determinants of conditional stock index autocorrelation with particular emphasis on the impact of return volatility that are theoretically linked through the behaviour of feedback traders.Design/methodology/approachThe S&P 100, 500 and the NASDAQ 100 index are considered and volatility in each series is captured using option‐implied estimates taken from the Chicago Board Options Exchange. A seemingly unrelated regression approach is used in which trading volume and volatility are simultaneously modelled.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that low or even negative return autocorrelations are more likely in situations where: return volatility is high; price falls by a large amount; traded stock volumes are high; and the economy is in a recessionary phase.Research limitations/implicationsThe results confirm that previous related work showing a link between autocorrelation and volatility is not induced by a mechanical relation.Practical implicationsUsage of endogenously determined volatility measures in this area of the literature is justified.Originality/valueThis study provides a robustness test of the autocorrelation/volatility relation, as well as a further exploration of the utility inherent in option‐implied volatility.
Molecular, structural firm adaptations to environments: empirical Tao of the CEO
Authors: Foo Check‐Teck , McKiernan Peter 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate CEOs as leaders in manufacturing organizations. The focus is on the roles of CEOs in organizational adaptations to changing and continuously evolving external environments.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is grounded on a conceptual theory of molecular structuring inside organizations. The authors then investigate CEOs' leadership roles. For this purpose a long established Singapore perceptual database of corporate productivity practices is utilized. Two contrasting samples (N=65) of high and low adaptability manufacturing firms are obtained. Statistical technique of Pearson product correlation yields intriguing, contrasting patterns of findings. On the basis of these results, we then discuss the roles of CEOs in highly adaptive versus lowly adaptive manufacturing firms.FindingsThe results are seen through the lenses of molecular structuring of organizations suggest a sharp contrast in the nature of the roles of CEOs. In organizations that are highly adaptive, there is much closer interactions. In the lowly adaptive, CEOs seem uninvolved, staying aloof from core operations of their firms.Research limitations/implicationsSince, the contrasting samples are from within the manufacturing sector, these insights are particularly relevant to China as a global manufacturing centre.Originality/valueThis is the first paper of its kind to empirically validate the prescriptions of Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese sage and author of the 2,500 years oldTao Te Ching.
Strategic adaptations to environments inside China
Authors: Kang Jian , Cheah Charles Y.J. , Chew David A.S. , Liu Guozhi 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine a series of environmental factors and industrial conditions governing the construction industry in China. The outcome of this part of the analysis sheds light on the development of appropriate competitive strategies and important resources and competencies (IRCs) to establish long‐term competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approachThe overarching conceptual framework consists of both external and internal analyses. Since, the scope of work is very broad, the materials presented in this paper is limited to external analysis of environmental factors. The study is primarily derived from a literature review and synthesis of data gathered from various public sources. Certain parts of the analysis utilize frameworks developed by other researchers and selective statistical methods.FindingsSome environmental factors, such as government intervention and legal and regulatory systems require the development of Guanxi (relationships) to cope with. Other factors including market structure, project procurement systems, horizontal market segments related to construction, regional characteristics and upstream and downstream functions within the construction value chain are suggestive of five potential types of competitive strategies: cost leadership, differentiation, market/product diversification, geographical diversification, and vertical/functional integration.Research limitations/implicationsThe research study as a whole is targeted at large construction firms in China that belong to the First class qualification category. Therefore, the proposed competitive strategies and IRCs may not be applicable to small and medium construction enterprises.Originality/valueApplication of strategic management theories and empirical findings related to the Chinese construction industry is lacking. This research fills this gap and builds a foundation for future studies related to this industry.
Constructions of entrepreneurship: a discourse analysis of academic publications
Authors: Berglund Karin , Johansson Anders W. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to investigate opposing versions of entrepreneurship and to introduce a metaphor to stimulate a dialogue about the diversity and complexity of enterprising communities.Design/methodology/approachA discourse framework is developed in order to describe dominating – and even new and challenging – versions of entrepreneurship. The discourse analysis is presented in three steps: the introductory text to a handbook of entrepreneurship is deconstructed to expose some basic assumptions of entrepreneurship; drawing on several research articles, some dominating versions of entrepreneurship are analysed; drawing on research articles which have recently been published in two special issues in entrepreneurship journals, alternative versions of entrepreneurship are analysed.FindingsThis paper compares three dominating and three alternative versions of entrepreneurship. All the versions are related to the idea of entrepreneurship as a story of creation for our times, where it is implied that entrepreneurship appears to be something inherently good for society and for people. The versions share a common denominator but are also distinguished by different ontological and epistemological assumptions that make a dialogue between the versions problematic.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this research paper have obvious limitations because of the methodology employed and due to the limited number of texts analysed.Originality/valueThe concept of a discursive web to analyse the world of entrepreneurship is introduced.
The transition to hydrogen‐based energy: combining technology and risk assessments and lay perspectives
Authors: Ricci Miriam , Newsholme Gordon , Bellaby Paul , Flynn Rob 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe paper attempts to highlight and discuss the limitations of the current discourse around the role of hydrogen‐based energy in a more sustainable future.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws upon preliminary findings from qualitative fieldwork in three case studies. Focus groups were conducted with members of the public in three different areas of the UK where hydrogen projects are being planned and/or developed. Findings are connected to evidence gathered in other similar studies addressing the relationship between publics and new technologies.FindingsIn the case of hydrogen energy and its role in a future economy, questions about safety were present but did not dominate the debate. Participants in our focus groups were not only concerned about the technical and economic aspects of hydrogen technologies, but they also wanted to understand what hydrogen as an energy carrier and fuel would mean for them and in their daily lives; whether it would deliver the promise of realising a better future, for the global environment and the people; and whether it would disrupt people's lifestyles and require a significant change in collective and individual behaviour. Moreover, a frequent issue raised by many people was their ambivalence about what, and whom, to trust in the provision of information about hydrogen.Originality/valueThis research on public attitudes to a future hydrogen economy provides empirical insights about the socio‐cultural contexts in which lay understandings of new, unfamiliar technologies and technological systems are developed, and what issues are raised by members of the general public when an informed debate is encouraged. The research attempts to contribute to the wider debate about public engagement in technological change.
Knowledge management of foreign subsidiaries of international oil and gas contracting companies
Authors: Abdul‐Aziz Abdul‐Rashid , Zoo Lee Kim 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo present the findings of a study which examined the application of knowledge management of subsidiaries of foreign oil and gas contracting companies in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe subsidiaries were examined on how engineering and project management knowledge was created, captured, stored, shared and protected. These processes were traced by looking at the organisational facets of culture and structure, human resource management, information and communication technology and parental control. Five companies formed the sample population. The multi‐case study approach was adopted to take into account the likely variability of the sample population. Data were collected and triangulated using postal questionnaires, face‐to‐face interviews and secondary sources.FindingsFour subsidiaries were found to manage knowledge, albeit in varying ways. The fifth subsidiary was subjected to strong control by the parent to the extent that it had minimal knowledge base which thus obviated the need for knowledge management.Research limitations/implicationsThe one respondent‐per‐subsidiary approach may have led to possible response bias, although triangulation of data served to minimise the effect.Practical implicationsThe subsidiaries of oil and gas contracting companies in Malaysia which have yet to manage their knowledge asset holistically should take note of their rivals which have been re‐defining competitiveness in this manner and should, therefore, react similarly.Originality/valueThis study highlights the strong influence the parent companies of oil and gas contracting companies have over the degree to which knowledge is dispersed to their subsidiaries and the manner in which the latter are permitted to manage their knowledge asset.
Emotional abuse and neglect: a time for reappraisal
Authors: Stevenson Olive 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper explores, from a UK perspective, issues surrounding policy and practice in cases of neglect, which inevitably involves emotional abuse. It does not address cases of emotional abuse in which neglect does not occur. The paper argues that there is a sufficient body of knowledge on the necessary conditions for healthy child development and factors associated with psychological/ emotional disorders in childhood for social workers to be more proactive in work with such cases. There is, however, a need for this evidence to be assembled and organized in ways which will be useful to social workers. Nonetheless, intervention in such cases is unlikely to become more effective unless some of the reasons for the‘neglect of neglecf are better understood and addressed. In the second part of the paper, a range of factors influencing such work is considered, related to the professional, organizational and legal context within which social workers in the UK operate.The paper draws on an ESRC funded project, which ended in 1995, of social workers’ judgements in cases of child sexual abuse and neglect
Parental competence and parents with learning difficulties
Authors: Booth Tim , Booth Wendy 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTParental adequacy is widely seen as a function of individual parenting skills. This assumption renders parents with learning difficulties vulnerable to discriminatory treatment in child protection work. A presumption of incompetence leads practitioners to focus on the parents’ deficits and intensifies concerns about the welfare of the children. Using case material from a recent study, the authors argue for a wider conception of good‐enough parenting that takes into account the external pressures that impact on family functioning.
Recent developments in ‘children's rights’: liberation for whom?
Authors: Lorraine M. , Harding Fox 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTThis article reviews some developments in‘children's rights’ in the 1980s and 1990s. It explores the notion of‘children's rights’ itself and considers how far an emphasis on children's rights is reflected in different areas of recent government policy relating to children in four different respects. First, the significance of the Children Act 1989 for children's rights is examined. Secondly, there are a number of other areas of policy which may be seen to reinforce childrens's rights. These include changes in the treatment of child witnesses and the gradual prohibition of physical punishment. Thirdly, the Child Support Act 1991 is considered ‐ here, in contrast to other policies, children's rights barely figure at all. Fourthly, the article notes how government policies have tended to exacerbate child poverty, which is also in conflict with children's rights. The article then discusses the ambiguous direction of government policy in relation to children's rights. Two different themes are identified: first, greater autonomy for the child plus protection of child welfare; and secondly, liberation for the state from responsibility for children.
Does the addition of sublingual gland excision to submandibular duct relocation give better overall results in drooling control?
Authors: Glynn F. , O′Dwyer T.P. 
Published: April 2007

Summary:  Submandibular duct relocation plus or minus excision of the sublingual glands are relatively simple procedures with low morbidity. Between 1981 and 2005, 71 submandibular duct relocation and 29 submandibular duct relocation plus excision of the sublingual glands procedures were conducted.Objectives:  To compare both procedures including operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, drooling scores and parental satisfaction.Study design:  Prospective study.Setting:  Paediatric tertiary referral centre.Participants:  Patients referred with excessive drooling after failure of conservative methods. Exclusion criteria: patients with recurrent aspiration pneumonias or dental caries. Two patients were lost to follow up and excluded from the study.Results:  Operative time and length of hospital stay were increased in the submandibular duct relocation plus sublingual gland excision group. Drooling scores and parental satisfaction results were excellent, 93% of parents in the submandibular duct relocation group and 89% of parents in the duct relocation plus sublingual glands excision were satisfied and would recommend the procedure. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.643) in drooling scores between the two procedures. Postoperative morbidity was higher with the addition of sublingual gland excision, with postoperative haemorrhage occurring in 13.7% and 36% of parents expressing concern over postoperative pain, compared with 3% postoperative haemorrhage rate with submandibular duct relocation and only 12% of parents expressing the same concerns.Conclusion:  We conclude that both procedures are effective in drooling control, but the addition of sublingual gland excision increases morbidity and we are no longer excising these glands with submandibular duct relocation.
Substitution of top predators: effects of pike invasion in a subarctic lake
Authors: BYSTRÖM PÄR , KARLSSON JAN , NILSSON PER , VAN KOOTEN TOBIAS , ASK JENNY , OLOFSSON FRANS 
Published: March 2007

Summary1. Invasions of top predators may have strong cascading effects in ecosystems affecting both prey species abundance and lower trophic levels. A recently discussed factor that may enhance species invasion is climate change and in this context, we studied the effects of an invasion of northern pike into a subarctic lake ecosystem formerly inhabited by the native top predator Arctic char and its prey fish, ninespined stickleback.2. Our study demonstrated a strong change in fish community composition from a system with Arctic char as top predator and high densities of sticklebacks to a system with northern pike as top predator and very low densities of sticklebacks. A combination of both predation and competition from pike is the likely cause of the extinction of char.3. The change in top predator species also cascaded down to primary consumers as both zooplankton and predator‐sensitive macroinvertebrates increased in abundance.4. Although the pike invasion coincided with increasing summer temperatures in the study area we have no conclusive evidence that the temperature increase is the causal mechanism behind the pike invasion. But still, our study provides possible effects of future pike invasions in mountain lakes related to climate change. We suggest that future pike invasions will have strong effects in lake ecosystems, both by replacing native top consumers and through cascading effects on lower trophic levels.
Bacteria–algae association in batch cultures of phytoplankton from a tropical reservoir: the significance of algal carbohydrates
Authors: GIROLDO DANILO , ORTOLANO PEDRO I. C. , VIEIRA ARMANDO A. H. 
Published: April 2007

Summary 1. The dissolved organic matter, especially carbohydrates, released by phytoplanktonic organisms may be ecologically important, through its influence on carbon cycling and microbial diversity. Here axenic cultures of three phytoplanktonic species, Cryptomonas tetrapyrenoidosa (Cryptophyceae), Staurastrum orbiculare (Zygnematophyceae) and Thalassiosira duostra (Bacillariophyceae), were inoculated with a microbial community from the same habitat in which the algae had been isolated (a tropical reservoir). Replicate cultures were not inoculated.2. In both axenic and co‐inoculated cultures, phytoplanktonic density and extracellular carbohydrate production were monitored microscopically and by high performance liquid chromatography with a pulse amperometric detector, respectively. Bacterial population density was also monitored by epifluorescence microscope in the microbial co‐inoculated cultures.3. Both bacterial and phytoplanktonic densities increased for 11 days in all cases. The use of extracellular carbohydrates by bacteria was also showed for all phytoplanktonic species. Of the three species of phytoplankton, only T. duostra had a faster population growth in the presence of bacteria, and reached a higher biomass than in axenic culture.
Cytotoxicity analysis of EDTA and citric acid applied on murine resident macrophages culture
Authors: Amaral K. F. , Rogero M. M. , Fock R. A. , Borelli P. , Gavini G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim  To assess the ex vivo cytotoxicity of EDTA and citric acid solutions on macrophages.Methodology  The cytotoxicity of 17% EDTA and 15% citric acid was evaluated on murine macrophage cultures using MTT‐Tetrazolium method [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide]. A total of 5 × 105 cells were plated in medium culture with 17% EDTA or 15% citric acid. Fresh medium was used as a control. Toxicity values were analysed statistically by anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05) at short (0, 6, 12, 24 h) and medium periods (1, 3, 5, 7 days), using ELISA absorbance.Results  On the short term, both EDTA (0.253 nm) and citric acid (0.260 nm) exhibited cytotoxic effects on macrophage cultures (P < 0.05). On the medium term, statistical differences were observed (P < 0.05) between the groups. EDTA (0.158 nm) and citric acid (0.219 nm) were cytotoxic when compared with the control group; EDTA‐reduced macrophage viability significantly more than citric acid (P < 0.05).Conclusions  Both EDTA and citric acid had effects on macrophages cells ex vivo, but citric acid was less toxic in periods from 1 to 7 days of use.