bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using concept maps to reveal conceptual typologies
Authors: Hay David B. , Kinchin Ian M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain and develop a classification of cognitive structures (or typologies of thought), previously designated as spoke, chain and network thinking by Kinchin et al.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows how concept mapping can be used to reveal these conceptual typologies and endeavours to place the concept‐mapping method in the broader context of learning styles and learning theory.FindingsThe findings suggest that spoke structures are indicative of a naïve epistemology, or of “learning‐readiness”; chain structures are indicators of “goal‐orientation” and networks are indicators of expertise. Furthermore, change that comprises simple elaboration of existing spokes or chains is likely to be the result of surface learning styles and the emergence of networks indicative of deep learning. The utility of these different cognitive approaches is discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited by the general lack of empirical testing, but the approach is presented as an important source of hypotheses for future research.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the research are considerable. First, concept mapping provides a framework for documenting and assessing understanding at “novice” and “expert” levels. Second, where definitive criteria can be developed from the learning styles literature, cognitive change in the course of learning can be evaluated to distinguish between deep versus surface or holist versus serialist approaches, for example.Originality/valueThe papers original and comprises a synthetic approach to the study of learning style and learning theory through the use of the concept‐mapping method. It has both practical and theoretical value because it suggests a new approach and is an important source of testable hypotheses.
The development of employer training in Australia
Authors: Smith Andrew 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the statistical evidence for the extent of employer training in Australia and analyse this information in the light of three major qualitative projects that have been undertaken into employer training since the mid‐1990s.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports an analysis of the major statistical databases on employer training in Australia and also draws evidence from three major projects that used a case study method in their qualitative phases.FindingsThe paper finds that assumptions about low levels of employer training expenditure in Australia are not supported by the available statistical data. The three qualitative projects examined also support the conclusion that Australian enterprises are increasing both the quality and quality of the training they provide to their employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe research projects reported in this paper were completed during the period 1994‐2004.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes that the research evidence supports an increasing quality and quantity of training in Australian enterprises. In recent years this increase in training activity has been partly driven by government policies aimed at making nationally recognised training more available to employers and employees.Originality/valueThe paper counters the prevailing assumptions about the quality and quality of training provided by Australian employers and shows that carefully framed government policy can have a major effect on the level of employer investment in training.
Exploring the behavioural patterns of entrepreneurial learning
Authors: Wing Yan Man Thomas 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically explore the behavioural patterns involved in entrepreneurial learning through a conceptualization of entrepreneurial learning as a “competency”.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews to 12 entrepreneurs were conducted with a focus on the critical incidents in which significant learning has occurred prior to and during the development of their businesses, based on a competency framework of entrepreneurial learning. The learning behaviours in which these entrepreneurs exhibited during the incidents were coded.FindingsThe findings suggested that there are six behavioural patterns of entrepreneurial learning, including: actively seeking learning opportunities; learning selectively and purposely; learning in depth; learning continuously; improving and reflecting upon experience; and successfully transferring prior experience into current practices.Research limitations/implicationsEntrepreneurial learning is more than acquiring experience, skills and knowledge or possessing attributes related to learning. Rather, a competent entrepreneur needs to demonstrate a set of behavioural patterns of effective learning. Moreover, these behavioural patterns are identifiable for the purpose of measurement.Practical implicationsThe education and training for the entrepreneur can be considered from a behavioural perspective, with an emphasis on behavioural modification of the entrepreneur's learning patterns rather than skill or knowledge acquisition only. Also, this should be grounded upon the provision of appropriate contexts that provide or simulate the experiences of which the entrepreneur will likely come across, so that the learning behaviours can be stimulated.Originality/valueStudying entrepreneurial learning under a competency framework allows us to explore the behavioural patterns and other factors involved in effective entrepreneurial learning with a closer connection to entrepreneurial success.
Entrepreneurship education in South Africa: a nationwide survey
Authors: Jesselyn Co Mary , Mitchell Bruce 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the state of development of entrepreneurship education, determine the importance of entrepreneurship in the South African higher education institutions (HEIs), and offer recommendations for improving preparations for the developing field.Design/methodology/approachAn e‐mail survey has been conducted on South African HEIs. The respondents were academic staff members who are involved in teaching and researching entrepreneurship.FindingsResults indicate that the entrepreneurship education in South Africa is in its developmental stage, although it is perceived as important in elevating the profile of any institution and there is increasing commitment from the institutions in academic, research and outreach offerings in entrepreneurship. The teaching and assessment methods follow traditional classroom delivery while research in entrepreneurship in South Africa is perceived as less rigorous than other management disciplines.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough all HEIs were requested to become respondents in this survey, some have decided not to participate. Also, some academics involved in entrepreneurship may have been excluded if they are not on the e‐mail list of the Academic Entrepreneurship Society (AcES) of South Africa.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest recommendations geared towards curriculum development, evaluation of teaching and assessment methodologies as well as the creation of partnerships with local communities for opportunities in internships and worksite visits.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted on entrepreneurship education in South Africa, based on a national study encompassing most HEIs in this country.
Graduate career‐making and business start‐up: a literature review
Authors: Nabi Ghulam , Holden Rick , Walmsley Andreas 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a selective review of literature on the career‐related decision‐making processes in terms of the transition from student to business start‐up, and the nature and influence of support and guidance.Design/methodology/approachPrimarily, a critical review of a range of recently published literature (1995‐2005) addressing the theoretical and practical aspects of the journey from student to start‐up. The literature is divided into sections: the graduate labour market: a state of flux; Conceptual and definitional issues; Career choice and decision‐making; and Start‐up training and support.FindingsThe paper finds that despite an increasing body of theoretical and empirical literature on career choice in general and on the career choice to start‐up a business in the form of intention models, there remains a lack of in‐depth research on the stories, circumstances, contexts and complexities of graduates on their journey from student to business start‐up. A transition from entrepreneurial intentions to actual start‐up is often assumed but under‐researched in terms of career development and decision making processes. The nexus between training, support, intent and actual career choice to start‐up a business remains under‐investigated.Research limitations/implicationsGiven that careers are made in a changing and complex context, simple relationships should not be expected. Hence, rather than focusing solely on certain aspects of the start‐up process, research is needed that takes a more holistic approach.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the need for research that does justice to the complexities of the decisions made in the process from student to start‐up and by implication public policy and practice in relation to formal intervention within this aspect of the graduate labour market.Originality/valueThe paper lays the basis for a more nuanced understanding of the journey from student to start‐up of value to both researchers and policy makers.
New technology: the potential impact of surveillance techniques in recruitment practices
Authors: Searle Rosalind H. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo outline changes in selection attraction, search and assessment processes and examine and compare, using a surveillance perspective, the privacy and equity issues for applicants, organisations and testers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by reviewing briefly the role of surveillance and identifying the key issues of privacy, control and purpose of data collection and dissemination in an HR context. Through reviewing recent publications (1998‐2004) contrasts are made between earlier and new processes in applicant attraction, search and assessment. The impact of these potential changes on privacy and equity is then examined for three stakeholders: applicants, organisations, and testers.FindingsIdentifies the potential for misuse of data through these systems and the possibility of the perpetuation of discrimination for traditional marginalised groups. Raises the increased power brought about through such processes for organisations through data assemblage and for testers via increased control of their tools.Research limitations/implicationsCalls for more critical work to examine the impact of new attraction, search and assessment practices on applicants to reveal whether the improved equity of access new technology affords is translated into increased equity of participation.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information about current processes and concerns they raise. Outlines future research agendas in these three areas.Originality/valueThis paper updates one's understanding of current practice and reveals genuine concerns about the potential applications of surveillance techniques within an HR context.
Implications of trust and distrust for organizations
Authors: Jason Huang Heh , Dastmalchian Ali 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the associations of societal trust and distrust with customer orientation. This paper also examines the impact of the above associations on organizational and HRM aspects of cautiousness, culture for change and job satisfaction in the banking industry.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this paper were collected from 812 bank employees in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the USA. Based on the suggestions in the literature this paper provides evidence to support the assertion that concepts of trust and distrust are not part of the same continuum.FindingsThe results show a positive association between trust and customer orientation, and provide support for the conceptual distinction between societal trust and distrust. In addition, the study shows that the presence of a culture for change in banks moderates the relationship between societal trust and customer orientation. The results also suggest the overall importance of exercising cautiousness in the banking industry.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of this research include collection of data from single sources (bank employees) and the cross‐sectional nature of the design. Implications of the results are: the distinction between trust and distrust and its implications for management of trust in organizations; the connection between trust, customer orientation and company performance; specific issues relating to banks – e.g. importance of culture of change, cautiousness and trust.Practical implicationsImpact of developing trust in banks is not just for the quality of the relationships among bank employees. It is also perceived by the bank's customers and will have positive implications for the performance of the bank. Also, minimizing or removing “distrust” before expecting a working environment characterized by trust can be achievable. Also, importance of creating a culture that is conducive to change is a key component of a developing and maintaining trust in organizations.Originality/valueThe evidence that shows the conceptual distinction between trust and distrust is a key finding. Also, cross national data on banks in which trust is shown to be connected to customer orientation and by implication to bank's performance in a unique finding.
Does pay‐for‐performance enhance perceived distributive justice for collectivistic employees?
Authors: Chang Eunmi , Hahn Juhee 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine the effect of pay‐for‐performance on distributive justice and the moderating effect of commitment performance appraisal in the case of Korean employees.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 28 companies and 656 employees. Moderated regression analyses were employed.FindingsFindings show that pay‐for‐performance enhances employees' perception of distributive justice only when there is a commitment performance appraisal practice. Additional analysis shows that the commitment performance appraisal practices of a company influence employee perceptions of such practices in a U‐shape fashion.Research limitations/implicationsSince, data were collected from 28 companies, the results may need to be modified before being generalized to/for Korean companies.Practical implicationsIt is notable that only when accompanied by commitment performance appraisal does pay‐for‐performance enhance employee perception of distributive justice. Managers in Korean companies should consider implementing commitment appraisal practices when they want to utilize pay‐for‐performance.Originality/valueThis paper notes the fundamental changes in the pay systems in Korean companies, and offers practical implications for managers starting out on a pay‐for‐performance system.
Safety climate in an automobile manufacturing plant
Authors: Clarke Sharon 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe study aims to examine the safety attitudes of workers, supervisors and managers in a UK‐based car manufacturing plant, and their relationship with unsafe behaviour and accidents.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire methodology is used to measure safety attitudes and perceptions. The data are analysed using factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression.FindingsThe factor structure of the safety climate at the plant comprised three factors: managers' concern for safety; workers' response to safety; conflict between production and safety, which correspond to those found in previous studies in the UK manufacturing sector. Whilst safety climate did not predict accident involvement at the plant, workers' response to safety and conflict between production and safety significantly predicted unsafe behaviour. Perceptions of the work environment had important effects as a significant predictor of both accidents and unsafe behaviour. However, job communication failed to predict either safety outcome. There was little difference in the strength of the safety climate perceived across hierarchical levels.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recommended that future research should examine the direct effects of organisational factors beyond the strictures of the “safety culture” framework.Practical implicationsSafety interventions need to focus on how individuals perceive their immediate work environment, as well as improving safety policy and procedures, as these perceptions have most direct influence on safety outcomes.Originality/valueThis paper offers new direction for researchers and advice for those designing safety interventions aimed at reducing accidents.
Self‐directed expatriation: family matters
Authors: Richardson Julia 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a theoretically grounded exploration of the family's role in the decision to expatriate independently.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative study drawing on data collected in interviews with 30 British faculty working in universities in Singapore, New Zealand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Data analysis was performed using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (NVivo).FindingsFamily played a strong role in the decision to expatriate independently, particularly spouse and children. Yet, extended family remaining in the home country were also implicated. Moreover, participants drew on previous family experiences and history to explain their decision. The concept of the “significant” other was useful in explaining these findings.Research limitations/implicationsAs an exploratory study the sample size was appropriate. However, a larger study might present further themes and/or allow generalization. Alternative family forms were not well represented but they were identified as deserving further attention.Practical implicationsGiven their centrality in the respective decision‐making process family should be taken into account when managing self‐directed expatriates. Moreover, rather than problematizing it as an encumbrance to be managed, families are allies who stand to gain as much from expatriation as the candidate to whom the position is offered.Originality/valueThe paper extents beyond the traditional corporate assignment model to consider self‐directed expatriate academics. It also answers call for more theoretically grounded studies of expatriation by drawing on interpretive interactionism. A further value is that it draws on contemporary career theory as a useful framework to recognise the embeddedness of the family in expatriation as a career decision.
Towards information fluency: applying a different model to an information literacy credit course
Authors: Sharkey Jennifer 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine information literacy, critical thinking, and computer literacy in higher education and discuss the application of the information fluency model, created by the Associated Colleges of the South, to the Purdue University Libraries one‐credit information literacy course, GS 175 Information Strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe case study has a two‐part focus. The first examines information literacy, critical thinking, and computer literacy in higher education through a review of the literature. The second part discusses the pilot GS 175 Information Strategies course, shows how the information fluency model was applied, and analyzes the overall success of the pilot.FindingsToday, employers and professors expect graduates and students to exhibit critical thinking, analysis, research, and technology skills at a fairly high level. Universities are responding with a more rapid integration and adoption of technology and creating a higher emphasis on information use and retrieval. Increasingly, student research projects are being displayed, presented, and contained in a variety of formats. Library instruction programs and courses need to evolve and adapt to these changes as shown through the successful modification of the GS 175 Information Strategies course.Practical implicationsThe article provides ideas and concepts for enhancing the critical thinking and technology components of an information literacy course or program as well as touches on what to avoid when modifying assignments and projects.Originality/valueThe application of the information fluency model is a fairly new model to the library profession. This case study shows one way information literacy credit courses can be modified to accommodate the changing educational landscape and the expectations of Generation Y. It can be used by instruction librarians and their faculty partners to explore alternatives to their current instructional programs.
Do libraries matter?
Authors: Barbara Watstein Sarah , Mitchell Eleanor 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis editorial considers the question “do libraries matter?” from a variety of perspectives and angles.Design/methodology/approachFour recent documents are examined – Chad and Miller's, 2005 white paper, “Do libraries matter? The rise of Library 2.0.” from Talis; the Bibliographic Services Task Force (BSTF) final report (December 2005) from the University of California, Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California; OCLC's 2005, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources; and the Horizon Report, 2006, a collaboration between The New Media Consortium and the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, an EDUCAUSE program.FindingsSeveral themes surface again and again in the documents examined. These include: the increasing impact of emerging technologies on our users and on our libraries; changing attitudes toward technology and communication; and changing interests, behaviors, habits and expectations of our modern users. The article concludes that while libraries and information professionals are relevant in today's society, the challenge to remain as relevant as other information providers is indeed formidable, and remaining relevant demands change.Practical implicationsInforms and stimulates discussion about the information landscape and our place and position in it.Originality/valueReinforces the widely‐held belief that libraries matter, and that libraries, as well as information professionals remain relevant in today's world. Challenges the reader to think about significant issues and trends impacting libraries today.
Creating a composite of user behavior to inform decisions about new and existing library services
Authors: Bejune Matthew , Kinkus Jane 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper presents a method of data collection and analysis to inform decisions about when to offer human‐mediated library services.Design/methodology approachThe methodology was synthesized from several examples in the literature of metrics collection and evaluationFindingsAnalysis of several sets of data collected from various online resources and services revealed clear patterns of online activity within Purdue University Libraries, which informed a recommendation for expansion of chat reference service hours and then a second expansion of hours based on the results of the first expansion.Research limitations/implicationThe results of this study offer validation for the usefulness of the methodology presented, but further applications of the methodology with other human‐mediated services need to be undertaken.Practical implicationsThe basic methodology can easily be tailored to the specific needs of an institution.Originality/valueSupports with empirical evidence the techniques recommended by others for collecting and analyzing data pertaining to in‐person and online use of library resources and services.